Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reading address fields on mail items when the address field cannot be automatically read. Herein, when an address field cannot be read, a signature of the surface of the mail piece where the address field is believed to be is made. The signature is derived from a scanning the surface and forming a grid pattern of the larger typographical fields. A database is queried to determine if a match exists between the signature and another signature. If a match is found, the information is imported into the automatic reading process, the information assisting in the reading of the address field. If no match is found, the scanned image is manually encoded and this information is used.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for detecting overlapping mail pieces wherein a lead mail piece edge is diverted from the regular conveyance and a light barrier is used to detect if another mail piece follows. Specifically, the diverted mail piece may break or interrupt a light barrier thereby triggering a counter which determines the time between the interruption and subsequent interruption. If the time is less than that required for the diverted mail piece to pass the light barrier, then an overlapping mail piece is present.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a change of tire state may include measuring at least first and second quantities representing a tire characteristic. A new first value is then calculated by at least, in part, adding the second measured quantity to a previously calculated first value, which has been multiplied by a pre-selected parameter. A second value is then calculated by at least, in part, subtracting the previously calculated first value from the new first value. A change of tire state is indicated when the second value crosses a predetermined threshold value. In an alternative embodiment, the difference between second values for two different tires may be determined and a change of tire state is indicated when this difference crosses a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: The housing, which is to accommodate a rotary switch arranged on a printed circuit board, is provided with a threaded projection which can be used to fasten it to a wall through which a setting stem, which is assigned to the rotary switch, reaches. The housing is designed in two parts in such a manner that one half (19, 20) of the threaded projection is integrally formed on each housing component (9, 10). The two housing components (9, 10) are joined together by means of latching connection means (11, 12, 13, 14) and hooks (one of which is denoted by 16) engaging in eyelets.