Abstract: A paddle urging system for use in a stacking bin having a constant force spring to provide an urging force to a paddle for supporting a stack of mailpieces. As mailpieces are accumulated into the stack, they push the stack against the paddle. A brake/clutch system is used to provide an additional drag to the paddle to resist against this movement of the paddle. The brake/clutch system is adjustable so that heavy mailpieces are supported more effectively, whereas lightweight mailpieces encounter less resistant force when they are accumulated into the stack.

Abstract: A web trim collection system having an air pressure system to move web trim. A divert bin operable in a first position to allow the web trim to be deposited in a collection bin. The divert bin is also operable in a second position to intercept the web trim, so as to allow the collection bin to be removed from the collection system while the collection system continues to collect trim.

Abstract: A print signal generation system for generating print bit map data corresponding to a desired image where the print bit map data is utilized by a digital printing device to print the desired image. The system includes region parameter data, a first data generation system and a second data generation system in operative communication with the first data generation system. The region parameter data includes region data defining a partitioning of the desired image into a plurality of regions and expansion data. The first data generation system generates transaction data associated with the desired image and using the transaction data in combination with the region parameter data to generate print instruction data. The second data generation system receives the print instruction data from the first data generation system and expands the print instruction data based upon the region parameter data to generate the print bit map data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing burden in retrieving sheets of material from the bottom of a substantially vertical stack of sheets in a sheet feeder. The apparatus comprises a first convex surface at the bottom half of the stack protruding into one side of the stack for pushing the sheets toward the other side, and a second convex surface on the second side below the first convex surface for pushing the sheets toward the first side. The first and second convex surfaces each provide a counteracting force resisting the downward movement of the stack, and these countering forces have upward vertical components partially countering the downward vertical force due to the weight of the stack.

Abstract: A flat article hopper having a plurality of bottom rods to form a supporting surface for supporting a stack of flat articles and a paddle to push the flat articles towards a flat article feeder at the downstream end. A scrub wheel is rotatably mounted on a fixed, rotation axis on the paddle and is in contact with one of the bottom rods. The rotation axis of the scrub wheel is oriented at an angle relative to the rotation axis of the contacting rod, so that when the contacting rod rotates, it causes the scrub wheel to rotate, thereby producing a force on the paddle urging the paddle to move towards the downstream end. Preferably, the flat article hopper has a side rod on one side of the envelope stack, and the supporting surface is tilted from the horizontal surface, so that the flat articles are moved towards the side rod by gravity in order to register against the side rod. Preferably, the side rod also rotates in order to reduce the friction between the flat article stack and the side rod.

Abstract: A separator includes a housing, a feeder mounted in the housing for feeding documents along a feed path and a retard mechanism mounted in the housing along the feed path and opposite to the feeder. The retard mechanism includes a body and a pad attached to the body. The body is mounted at first and second pivot points such that the body and pad can rotate around the first and second pivot points.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating an amount of time required to complete a mail processing job. A control module receives and maintains real time data of quantity of mailpieces and time to sort the quantity of mailpieces during a first sort. A progress module processes the data to determine an estimated time to complete one or more second sorts of the mailpieces. Depending upon the estimated time of completion of the one or more sorts, the progress module advises an operator on whether to change the job schedule.

Abstract: A system for facilitating communication between customer equipment modules and a third party equipment module through use of the data transfer module is described. The data transfer module includes a communication port for communicating with the third party equipment module, as well as ports and a connector for communicating with customer equipment modules. The data transfer module is portable and allows for the transfer of information to and from itself and any customer equipment module while disconnected from the third party equipment module and, likewise, information can be transferred between the data transfer module and the third party equipment module while disconnected from the customer equipment modules. This portability and ability to transfer information to the customer equipment modules without simultaneous communication to the third party equipment module facilitates use of the system when customer equipment modules are not easily accessible to external communication sources.

Abstract: Feeder systems are mechanical systems that feed individual sheets of paper to other mechanical devices. Feeder systems need to be able to handle a variety of types of paper with different weights and finishes. Glossy paper has proven difficult to feed because of anti-offset agents used in the printing process. The agents contaminate the rollers in the feeder system causing misfeeds and jams. The present invention is a cleaning apparatus that can be used in conjunction with the feeder system to keep the feeder system free from malfunctions during the processing of glossy paper. The cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning head mounted on a supporting arm. Various types of abrasive cleaning heads can be employed in the cleaning apparatus such as metal blades, meshes and brushes. The cleaning heads keep the rollers operational while minimizing deterioration of the roller.

Abstract: The invention is a method of establishing, and a structure for, a print stream job ticket. The method begins with receiving a unique job message identifier from a server client, where the identifier is representative of a particular print processing job. Once the identifier is received, the method locates a job ticket template database then attempts to match the received identifier with a template located in the database. The matching step is accomplished by plotting each element of the identifier to determine a set of elements to be mapped against a corresponding template. The identifier is then mapped against each one of the templates to determine a match based upon a set of matching rules. If a match exists, the matched template is selected to establish a new job ticket.

Abstract: An apparatus for issuing money orders and similar instruments and for securing payment therefor is provided as a subsystem of an existing kiosk of a type including, but not limited to postal kiosks, informational kiosks, Automated Teller Machines (ATM), Point of Sale terminals (POS), vending machines and the like, or any combination thereof. Payment is secured by drawing funds directly from a customer's bank account; by drawing funds from a smart card, or by accepting currency through a bill acceptor. The apparatus further includes facilities for redeeming money orders and dispensing cash amounts corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A system, device and method for recording information to be included on a substrate in both human and machine readable forms. The system includes a programmable stamp which can be affixed to the substrate, and a data recording and input device is provided for use with the system. The data recording and input device includes a pen; an accelerometer system generating signals representative of the movement of the pen; a memory; a wireless communications system; and a processor responsive to the accelerometer signals and communicating with the memory and the wireless communications system. In a first mode the processor is programmed to process the accelerometer signals to recognize data written with the pen and store the recognized data in the memory. In a second mode the processor is programmed to control the wireless communications system to transmit the stored data to the programmable stamp.

Abstract: A system that supplies permanent and human and machine readable evidence that a approved printer was used to print the indicia affixed to a mail piece. The system will first capture the postal customer's or mailers printer type and configuration setting information, paper, ink, or toner combination and then use the foregoing information to enable printing of the Information-Based Indicia, if the active printer going to print the indicia is found on a stored (local or remote) “Information-Based Indicia Approved Printer's List”. Then the system will add this same printer information to the USPS defined Information-Based Indicia print field format so as to provide evidence that an approved printer was used. The foregoing printer information may be printed in a coded form on the Information-Based Indicia to automate the sortation of indicium that can not be read.

Abstract: A router utility and corresponding method for routing a load of one or more shipments of parcels, for use in a system for managing shipping parcels that includes a shipping database and a planning engine that provides load information for the load indicating a load identifier. The router utility includes: an input module for providing the load identifier included in the load information, and an analyzer for providing a carrier and service list.

Abstract: A method and system for determining if envelopes are properly exiting a mailing machine, and if not, halting operation of the mailing machine before a jam occurs inside the mailing machine is provided. A guide member is placed at the output of the mailing machine. The guide member includes a conductive fiber brush that mates with a corresponding conductive brush to complete a conductive circuit that is monitored by a controller in the mailing machine. An envelope exiting the mailing machine will pass between the conductors, thereby opening the conductive circuit. The controller, by monitoring the status of the circuit, determines if an envelope has properly exited the mailing machine. If an envelope has not properly exited the mailing machine, the controller will halt operation of the mailing machine, thereby preventing a jam from occurring in the mailing machine.

Abstract: A method and system for determining if a mail piece contains a loose particulate matter is disclosed. The mass of each mail piece is determined twice utilizing a vibrating tray scale. During one determination, the mass of everything contained within the mail piece, including any type of loose particulate matter, is included. During the other determination, the mass of any loose particulate matter contained within the mail piece is not included. If the mail piece contains any type of loose particulate matter, there will be a difference in the masses of the mail piece as determined by the vibrating tray scale, indicating the mail piece may contain a lose particulate matter. The mail piece can then be diverted from the normal processing path for further inspection, thereby preventing cross-contamination of other mail pieces and processing equipment.

Abstract: A system includes a device for generating a message; structure for selecting one of a plurality of different private keys stored within the system, each of the plurality of different private keys,providing a different level of security when used in the generation of an SMPKC for the message; apparatus for associating each of a plurality of different service charges with a corresponding one of the plurality of different private keys; a device for generating an SMPKC for the message using the selected one of the plurality of different private keys; and structure for accounting for a one of the plurality of different service charges that corresponds to the selected one of the plurality of different private keys.

Abstract: A method of remotely accessing a postage security account at a data center from a remote user device begins with a remote user assigning a password to the user's postage security account at a data center. A cryptographic key corresponding to the user's postage security account is provided to the remote user device and is stored at the data center. The password and the cryptographic key are combined at the remote user device and the data center respectively to obtain a user authentication key. An authentication algorithm is performed using the user authentication key to obtain a remote access message. The remote access message is sent to the data center to initiate request for access to the postage security account by the remote user device. The remote user device is authenticated for accessing the postage security account when the data center verifies the remote access message.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring print quality produced by a digital printing mechanism in real-time. Print quality is measured by: generating a background reflectance signal representative of the reflectance of a substrate; scanning the image to generate a post-print reflectance signal; comparing the reflectance signal with the post-print reflectance signal; and, if the post-print reflectance signal is greater than a predetermined fraction of said reflectance signal, generating an output signal indicative of poor quality. In one embodiment of the invention, the output signal is also generated if the post-print reflectance signal is less than a predetermined minimum value.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an envelope processing system system in which a supply of envelopes is placed for moistening and sealing. The moistening and sealing apparatus is designed to receive all types of intermixed mail envelopes with various shaped flaps. The envelopes may be loaded into the supply station in different configurations including intermixed with closed sealed flaps, unsealed open flaps, or closed unsealed flaps. The system is designed.to receive such envelopes, process them so that the flaps are automatically closed prior to moistening if they are not closed. The flaps of the envelopes are then moistened indirectly using capillary action of a sealing agent, and sealed with a sealing apparatus.