Abstract: The invention relates to a holder for holding different sized mail containers having a first wall, a second wall opposite the first wall, a rear wall connecting the first and second walls, and a bottom support in contact with the first, second, and rear walls. An extension extends laterally from the first wall and has a stopper placed on top of the extension. The bottom support is adapted to receive a first mail container between the first, second, and rear walls. The extension and top end of the second wall are adapted to receive a second mail container, wherein the stopper inhibits movement of the second mail container. A mail tote sits in the holder while a mail tray sits on the holder.

Abstract: A method for reading and sorting documents is provided which generally comprises staging each document for processing, capturing a digital image of the front side and the back side of each document, determining the physical orientation of each document using digital orientation recognition software and possibly hardware, reading the information from a digital image of each document, sorting the documents by orientation, and then communicating the information read from each document to a posting system. Additionally, the image of the document can be automatically oriented and then read. The documents, among other things, can include checks and coupons. When the document is a bank check, the method further comprises endorsing the check, printing an audit trail for the check, sorting the check by orientation, preparing a cash letter and sending the check to the bank.

Abstract: A system for sorting documents is provided. The system first automatically determines the physical orientation of each document. Each document may have one of the following four orientations: face-forward and right-side-up, face-forward and up-side-down, face-backward and right-side-up and face-backward and up-side-down. Once the physical orientation of each document is determined, each document is sorted by orientation to one of four document bins corresponding to each of the four orientations described above. Preferably, a digital image of each document is captured before being sorted to the appropriate bin, and most preferably, the digital image of each document is automatically oriented to a preferred orientation. Preferably, each document includes visually readable markings, and the physical orientation of each document is automatically determined based upon the visually readable markings.

Abstract: An empty envelope assurance system is provided. The system includes a conveyor for conveying an opened envelope having a front face and a rear face along a path of movement. The conveyor is arranged such that any contents of the envelope rests against one of the front face or the rear face. A first sensor measures a thickness of the front face and any contents resting thereagainst, and generates a signal having a value indicative of the thickness. A second sensor measures a thickness of the rear face and any contents resting thereagainst, and generates a signal having a value indicative of the thickness. A signal processor receives the signals generated by the first sensor and the second sensor, and compares the values of the signals generated by the first sensor with the values of the signals generated by the second sensor to determine whether they correspond within a predetermined limit to determine whether the envelope contains any contents.

Abstract: A method of processing groups of envelopes that have contents contained therein. The method prints information on at least one side of an envelope and then separates that side from the rest of the envelope. The contents of each envelope are then placed adjacent to the separated side and assembled in series with other separated sides and contents. When the separated sides and contents are assembled, the separated sides act as a boundary between other envelopes, thus preventing the contents of the envelopes from becoming commingled with contents from other envelopes. The printed information on the separated side of the envelope provides an audit trail for subsequent processing.

Abstract: A substantially enhanced and improved automated mail or envelope handling system is obtained by incorporating therein the envelope content separating or staggering system of this invention. By positioning separating means in the envelope content pathway which cooperate with the envelope contents to physically separate and/or longitudinally stagger one content element relative to the second content element, the staggered portion of the rear element is easily readable by the operator in addition to the readability of the forward element. In this way, the operator is able to initiate processing of the envelope contents without being required to physically remove and separate the elements before processing the information. In the preferred embodiment, vacuum means are employed to attract and hold one of the content elements for a pre-determined duration of time, while the other element continues to advance. In this way, the desired longitudinally separation is efficiently attained.

Abstract: A substantially enhanced and improved automated mail or envelope handling system is obtained by incorporating therein the envelope content separating or staggering system of this invention. By positioning separating devices in the envelope content pathway which cooperate with the envelope contents to physically separate and/or longitudinally stagger one content element relative to the second content element, the staggered portion of the rear element is easily readable by the operator in addition to the readability of the forward element. In this way, the operator is able to initiate processing of the envelope contents without being required to physically remove and separate the elements before processing the information. In the preferred embodiment, vacuum devices are employed to attract and hold one of the content elements for a pre-determined duration of time, while the other element continues to advance. In this way, the desired longitudinally separation is efficiently attained.

Abstract: A unique envelope handling and sorting system is attained for efficiently and reliably separating envelopes which fail to meet pre-selected criteria from envelopes meeting these criteria by providing an envelope sensing section having at least one gauging member which comprises a plurality of separate and independent roller assemblies, each of which are securely mounted to an elongated shaft which moves arcuately in response to the thickness measuring movement of the gauging member. In the preferred embodiment, the envelope handling and sorting system of this invention also incorporates means for measuring the length of each envelope and for removing all envelopes that fail to meet the preselected length requirements. In addition, the preferred system incorporates means for effectively dividing the envelope into a plurality of separate zones and enabling the user to select any desired zone for use and evaluation of the envelope thickness measurements.

Abstract: By providing a pair of vacuum manifolds positioned on opposite sides of an envelope travel path with the vacuum manifolds being laterally spaced apart, a unique, effective and dependable envelope handling system is achieved whereby the envelope sides are consistently separated and the contents removed therefrom and positioned in a readily accessible channel. Preferably, the envelope handling system also incorporates sensing devices for automatically and separately inspecting each side of the envelope to determine the presence of additional material which should be processed. In this way, any such material is automatically discovered for handling by the operator.

Abstract: By providing a pair of vacuum manifolds positioned on opposite sides of an envelope travel path with the vacuum manifolds being laterally spaced apart, a unique, effective and dependable envelope handling system is achieved whereby the envelope sides are consistently separated and the contents removed therefrom and positioned in a readily accessible channel. Preferably, the envelope handling system also incorporates a sensor for automatically and separately inspecting each side of the envelope to determine the presence of additional material which should be processed. In this way, any such material is automatically discovered for handling by the operator.