Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for marking letter mail or mail pieces to provide a fast and convenient way of determining zip code breaks in a stack of letter mail. The mail pieces have marks printed on the edges thereof indicative of the continuity of the same zip codes thereon. The marks are visible when the mail pieces are stacked. Adjacent envelopes with the same zip codes will have an edge mark at the same location, but upon the zip code changing, the next envelope will have a mark placed at a different location. Numbers in sequence can be printed on each of the letters so that a mail clerk can inspect the last letter within a zip code group to determine if there is a sufficient number of mail pieces within that zip code set to allow a postal discount.In an alternative embodiment, the markings on the side of the mail pieces are printed in a pattern so as to form numbers when a stack is viewed from the side. In addition to forming numbers, a pattern line can extend between the numbers.

Abstract: A method of felting partially cured open cell polychloroprene latex foam to obtain desired foam member properties with intricate geometric shapes. Such felting renders the finished foam suitable for controlled ink flow required for printing purposes. The foam is open cell latex polychloroprene, cured in a steam autoclave, washed and dried while in the partially cured state. Thereafter, the partially cured foam can be stored and formed into intricate shape and fully cured when required.

Abstract: A control for a transport mechanism vibrating tray scale that conveys flats on and off of the platform of the tray. The scale supports a follower plate that has ramps which contact with the rollers of the transport mechanism. The follower plate is also in contact with a cam which upon rotation cause the follower plate to move within the scale. As the follower plate is moved, the rollers of the transport mechanism will move into and out an opening of the scale platform, depending upon direction of movement of the follower plate.

Abstract: A homogeneous fluorescent ink has been conceived that has particular use in devices such as inking components of postage meters. The inks are in the form of solutions, and contain a soluble fluorescent toner that is dissolved within a polar organic solvent. Additives can be used to modify the properties of the ink.

Abstract: Solution inks have been discovered that have an acceptable red fluorescent signal for machine detection while emitting a different visual color in white light. The formulation is based on a combination of a fluorescent dyes and a non red dye belonging to the spectral sensitizer class of dyes. The red fluorescent dye and non-red dye are combined in a resin to form a toner. Because of a bathochronic shift, fluorescence at higher wave lengths is achieved. Upon dissolving the toner in a polar solvent, increased viscosity is achieved which results in an enhanced fluorescent signal as compared to prior fluorescent inks.

Abstract: A system and process for improving mail deliverability by pre-processing and subjecting mail batches to one or more parameter tests involving addressing and content. A report is generated categorizing the mail in accordance with its deliverability and the degree of difficulty of its deliverability for use by a Postal System or a mailer. Databases can then by updated to increase the percentage of deliverable mail.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the integrity of mail pieces passing through multiple stages of a mail delivery system. A database is created when the mail piece enters the system that includes its initial weight and destination address. The mail piece is tracked through each of the delivery stages, where its weight and destination address are determined and compared with the initial values. Any discrepancy causes an alarm in the system.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing mail delivery of batch mail. A network is established interconnecting plural batch mailers, a data center, and the Postal Service. Mail data on the mail batches is transmitted to the data center. This enables the data center to generate data to the mailers for merging mail batches to achieve additional postage discounts, to schedule and route mail carriers external to and within the Postal System to increase efficiency of handling, and to interact with the Postal Service for logistics planning and drop-off point and timing of mail batches to expedite processing.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing mail delivery of batch mail. A network is established interconnecting plural batch mailers, a data center, and the Postal Service. Mail data on the mail batches is transmitted to the data center. This enables the data center to generate data to the mailers for merging mail batches to achieve additional postage discounts, to schedule and route mail carriers external to and within the Postal System to increase efficiency of handling, and to interact with the Postal Service for logistics planning and drop-off point and timing of mail batches to expedite processing. Scheduling and routing to take into account available resources of available drop-off points for mail for introduction into the Postal System is also described.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are disclosed that provide a cost effective work-sharing installation for preprocessing mail. The disclosed system includes a data center and postal user inter connected by way of data communications links. The data center maintains a database of user's profiles, and uses that information to provide user's with training materials personalized to the user's needs.

Abstract: A system and method is described for optimizing mail processing by applying a co-mail concept. A network is established involving a data center and plural publishers and inserters of advertising documents. Databases are established at the data center of profiles of the publishers and inserters and their current and prospective activities, and the information used by the data center to match publisher to inserters for particular jobs to reduce mail processing and distribution costs, or expedite mail distribution.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing mail delivery of batch mail. A network is established interconnecting plural batch mailers, a data center, and the Postal Service. Mail data on the mail batches is transmitted to the data center. This enables the data center to generate data to the mailers for merging mail batches to achieve additional postage discounts, to schedule and route mail carriers external to and within the Postal System to increase efficiency of handling, and to interact with the Postal Service for logistics planning and drop-off point and timing of mail batches to expedite processing.

Abstract: A postal gateway system wherein information is conveyed through a gateway among a mailer, a post office, a bank, and a postal agent. With this gateway system, information can be sent virtually simultaneously to the various recipients so that each is current with regard to the mailing operations taking place and accounting therefor even though the format of data of the individual facilities are different.

Abstract: A self-monitoring mail delivery system wherein mail is tracked as it passes through multiple delivery stages. A schedule is created of expected arrival times at each stage. Should a mail piece not arrive on time, the system is alerted to initiate a search for the late or missing mail piece, or to take other corrective action, such as expediting delivery of late pieces. A data center monitors the operations and provides management information to help enhance deliveries.

Abstract: The instant invention is concerned with the casting of metal fibers, preferably ferrous fibers, by the melt extraction technique. The metal to be cast as a fiber is in the form of a rod which is brought into contact with a spinning wheel having a tapered perimeter. The rod is heated by electromagnetic induction by a specially designed, slightly curved spiral coil. The coil is shaped to focus the heat at, or close to, the tip of the rod so to induce a meniscus. The rod is fed the through an opening in a guide that acts as a heat sink to carry away excess heat and prevent the rod from melting except at its tip. The spinning wheel is placed in contact with the melted portion of the rod and forms the fibers as it is rotated.

Abstract: A frequency-swept electromagnetic field is generated in an interrogation zone and signals received from the interrogation zone are processed to detect the presence of a marker with a resonant tank circuit in the zone. Detection is achieved by the use of averaging techniques of a plurality of sweeps wherein peaks above a defined level are stored in a persistence table. A symmetry test is made on the peaks and if the peaks are persistence and symmetrical the presence of a marker is indicated since background noise will not exhibit persistence and symmetry.

Abstract: A system for certifying correctly accounted postage payment, the system includes an input for entering transactional mail run data and a data processor coupled to the input. Documents to be certified are fed along a document feed path, and certain parameters for the documents are determined. A printer under the control of the data processor, then places a certification imprint upon the documents after necessary accounting is done.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic marker for an electronic surveillance system is magnetically biased so that the magnetic fields of two different regions thereof extend in different direction, e.g. in opposite directions.

Abstract: Amorphous ferromagnetic alloys having a niobium content in the range of 2.5 to 15 atomic percent have been conceived. These alloys are obtained directly in the amorphous state or as a mixture of amorphous and crystalline places. These alloys have superior properties relative to prior known amorphous and some amorphous alloys. The amorphous ferromagnetic alloys of this invention are readily produced by rapid solidification techniques with no need for subsequent treatment.

Abstract: Nickel rich amorphous ferromagnetic alloys having a nickel content in the range of 35 to 55 atomic percent have been conceived. These alloys are in the amorphous state and exhibit high permeability relative to prior known amorphous ferromagnetic alloys. These nickel rich alloys can be produced by rapid solidification techniques without the need of subsequent heat treating.