Abstract: A process of tracking mail during postal handling includes an initial step of sorting an incoming stream of mail on an automated sorting machine to a series of pockets based on a sort scheme. During sorting, RFID-tagged, machine-sortable markers are introduced into the incoming mail stream at intervals and the RFID-tagged markers are sorted with the mail into pockets of the sorter. Mail and markers are swept from the pockets into trays, and the markers are introduced such that at least one marker is swept to each of a set of trays containing the sorted mail. The trays containing the mail and markers are then transported away from the automated sorting machine. During a postal operation subsequent to the initial sorting, one or more of the RFID-tagged markers are scanned to identify mail from the initial sorting.

Abstract: An electronic module. The electronic module includes a bus bar system and a power plug connector connected to the bus bar system. The power plug connector is configured to receive a portion of a system bus.

Abstract: A method. The method includes determining that a failure has occurred in a power cell of a multi-cell power supply. The method also includes moving a part of a first contact which is connected to first and second output terminals of the power cell from a first position to a second position, moving a part of a second contact which is connected to a first input terminal of the power cell from a third position to a fourth position, and moving a part of a third contact which is connected to a second input terminal of the power cell from a fifth position to a sixth position.

Abstract: A pickoff system for removal of mail pieces one at a time from the end of a stack includes a pickoff belt mechanism positioned to frictionally engage an outer surface of a mail piece at the end of the stack and transport it transversely to a thickness direction of the stack, which mechanism includes one or more belts mounted on rollers and driven by a drive motor. A sensor is positioned to determine mail piece movement speed as it is being transported by the pickoff belt mechanism, and a measurement device determines belt movement speed during operation of the pickoff belt mechanism. A system is provided for reducing or stopping slipping of the mail piece relative to the belt during transport by the belt pickoff mechanism. A controller is connected to the sensor and the belt movement speed measurement device.

Abstract: A pickoff system for removal of mail pieces one at a time from the end of a stack includes a pickoff belt mechanism, a sensor positioned to determine mail piece movement speed, and a measurement device determines belt movement speed during operation of the pickoff belt mechanism. A vacuum system includes a vacuum pump and a vacuum manifold positioned to apply suction to the mail piece in a direction that tends to hold the mail piece against the belt of the pickoff belt mechanism. A controller is configured to compare the belt movement speed and the mail piece movement speed during operation, and when mail piece movement speed is slower than belt movement speed, indicating slipping of the mail piece relative to the belt of the pickoff belt mechanism, the controller temporarily increases suction force applied to a mail piece being transported by the pickoff belt mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing mail for delivery by first sorting mail to carrier delivery order to create a series of batches of mail for delivery to respective recipients, then packaging the batches of mail in mail holders. Application of computer-implemented alert trigger criteria are used to determine whether a condition exists indicating an enhanced probability that one or more mail pieces in each batch is not correctly addressed such that it should not be delivered to that recipient. An alert mark is then printed on the mail holder for a batch containing one or more mail pieces having an enhanced probability of not being correctly addressed.

Abstract: A method for sorting flat mail pieces includes the steps of; sorting automation letters on the first pass of a two pass operation, then sorting extended capability letters after all automation mail has been sorted on pass one of a two pass operation. A control system identifies which pieces are automation and which pieces are extended capability (EC) mail during the first pass and re-feeding the mixed letters in a second pass.

Abstract: A tensioning device configured for use in a conveyor system as an idler roller over which a belt is wound under tension includes a housing, an arm mounted in the housing for linear movement in and out of the housing, a roller mechanism mounted at a distal end of the arm including a roller configured for rolling contact with a belt of a conveyor system, and an actuator for extending and retracting the arm from the housing. The actuator includes a worm shaft and a lead screw. A pinion of the worm shaft engages a gear affixed at one end of the lead screw. The tensioning device includes a coupling by which rotation of the lead screw results in outward movement of the arm when the worm shaft is rotated in a first direction, and which results in inward movement of the arm when the worm shaft is rotated in the opposite direction. Engagement of the worm shaft to the gear is self-locking.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel device, system, and method for data transport and bus architecture. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bus architecture may comprise of a continuous serial bus that may be incorporated into a process control sample system to provide an intrinsically safe and efficient system. An alternative exemplary embodiment, in an intrinsically safe control sampling system, a data transport device may be used to couple sampling controls and analyzers. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may contain an access controller providing a protocol bridge for an intrinsically safe control sampling system to couple sampling controls and analyzers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting articles to a delivery point sequence includes at least one article sorter adapted to sort articles and a conveying system operable to arrange and convey containers of articles sorted in a first sort pass to an induct of the article sorter for a second sort pass or process of the articles. The system or method automatically sorts and conveys trays containing sorted articles from a discharge of at least one sorting assembly to an induct of the at least one sorting assembly. The conveying assembly may have a generally continuous conveying track and is operable to automatically provide the trays to the induct of the at least one sorting assembly in a sequenced manner.

Abstract: A starting method and system for a motor where the motor may be started as an induction motor by applying a magnetizing current to build flux through the stator, with the field current set at the maximum permissible exciter stator current (i.e., the current that will cause rated no-load current in the main field at the transition speed). The motor stator currents will be maintained at a value that allows the motor to generate sufficient breakaway torque to overcome any stiction. At a specific transition speed or after a period of time, the drive will initiate a transition from induction motor control to synchronous motor control by removing the initial magnetizing current, and a field current is then applied to the motor through the DC exciter. Once this transition is completed, the drive may ramp up to the desired speed demand.

Abstract: A control module for selectively switching electrical power from an electrical power source to a load circuit comprises a housing. An electromechanical actuator in the housing has a movable plunger. A fixed contact is fixedly mounted in the housing and is electrically connected to a first electrical terminal. A conductive contact arm in the housing comprises an elongate bar having a turn defining opposite first and second legs. The contact arm is pivotally mounted in the housing proximate the turn and is operatively connected to the plunger to be selectively positioned thereby. The contact arm further comprises a conductor tab proximate the turn. The first leg includes a movable contact for selectively electrically contacting the fixed contact. The second leg includes a user interface operator.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for sample analysis. More particularly, the invention encompasses a method and an apparatus for continuous, constant, flow sample introduction of fluid samples of varying viscosity and composition. The invention further includes the option of the apparatus being associated with at least one fluid analyzer system. A temperature controlled environment may also be provided for the processing and analysis of a fluid sample.

Abstract: A method for distributing military mail includes the steps of compiling military unit and associated delivery code information into a computer searchable military address management system database which associates a military unit zip code with a current geographic location for that unit; obtaining military unit personnel change of address information from a number of sources including a national change of address database maintained by a federal postal service and input from a military unit to which a military mail recipient belongs, which information is compiled into a computer searchable military change of address database, which information includes change of address information more recent than change of address information reflected in a federal national change of address database; and using information from the military address management system database and the military change of address database to redirect incorrectly addressed mail pieces to a military mail recipient's current address.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise an computer readable storage device having instructions stored therein that are indicative of reducing slow roll electrical runout value of a shaft of an electric motor, the shaft having a runout sensing area; the instructions including determining an electrical runout value for the runout sensing area; rotating the shaft; determining the temperature range and time interval for heating the runout sensing area of the shaft sufficient to reduce the electrical runout value; and heating the shaft sensing area during shaft rotation at the calculated temperature range for the calculated time interval.

Abstract: A three-phase, multi-winding includes a core, the core including a hub and an outer shell around a perimeter of the hub. wherein the hub and the outer shell are in a fixed position with respect to each other. The core also includes multiple slots. In addition to the core, the multi-winding device includes a primary winding positioned in at least two of the slots; and multiple spatially distributed secondary windings, wherein at least one of the secondary windings is positioned proximate the primary winding in at least one of the two slots.

Abstract: A diverter panel comprises an elongated rectangular panel made of a substantially flat plate made of clear plastic. The plate has fasteners mounted at its front corners for mounting the panel to a frame of the sorting machine, a rear upright flange extending from the plate along the length thereof, the flange having a bottom edge which can be supported on a horizontal beam of the sorting machine. The panel is rigid enough such that vibration of the sorting machine does not cause significant movement of the panel when secured at its corners and with the rear flange supported by the beam of the sorting machine. An opening in the rear flange and an adjacent portion of the plate allows a drive shaft to pass therethrough, and a contact pad formed by an outwardly projecting portion of the rear flange is configured for engagement with a plunger of a switch.

Abstract: A method for detection of fraudulent postage indicia such as a stamp or permit marking includes an initial step of introducing a mail piece for processing on an automated facing and canceling machine and imaging the mail piece as it is being processed on the automated facing and canceling machine, which image includes an image of the postage indicia. The image is analyzed according to predetermined criteria stored in a database to determine if the postage indicia meets the predetermined criteria and therefore has an enhanced probability of being valid. If the analysis is step results in a determination that the postage indicia as an enhanced probability of being invalid, then the method involved determining that the information corresponds to counterfeit postage indicia; and storing the resulting information and decision in the database.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a system for managing air flow within an induction motor, such as in the rotor assembly of the motor. The system can comprise a gap blocker to substantially impede air flow through radial apertures defined by and/or near end regions of the rotor conductor bars.

Abstract: A system and method for limiting input voltage to a power delivery system having regeneration capability. According to various embodiments, the system includes a regulator having a multiple input variables and at least one output variable; and an accumulator in communication with the regulator wherein the accumulator presets the output of the regulator to facilitate a quick output as well as accumulates error values related to the multiple input variables and facilitates a change by the regulator to the at least one output variable based upon the accumulated values.