Abstract: A client/server architecture for database driven insertion and mail piece tracking system, method, and computer program product is disclosed. A database is populated with database driven insertion data comprising instructions for handling mailpiece material. A server manages the database by responding to requests for mail processing instructions from clients and storing mailpiece data received from clients. A scanning device reads key code marked mailpiece material in which the key code corresponds to a database location containing instructions for handling mailpiece material. A client processor receives the key code from the scanning device, and transmits a request to the server for accessing the database location containing the instructions for handling mailpiece material. The server retrieves the instructions for handling mailpiece material, and transmits the instructions to the client.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for verifying the number of articles, preferably intended to be credit, debit, or similar cards, in a carrier is described. Though different embodiments are possible, the preferred embodiment comprises a caliper apparatus and microcontroller electrically linked to an inserter machine controller. The controller of the inserting machine is also electrically linked with an indicia reader mounted at the entrance to the inserter machine. The indicia read is found on the carrier and represents a machine readable representation of the number of articles that should be found in the carrier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for document surveillance along a transport path in a mail sorting machine includes using a plurality of sequentially positioned photocells affixed along the transport path to detect document separation and jamming events through the application of assigned document identification and message transfer schemes whereby one sensor detects an edge of the document and transfers the document identifier and a shaft encoder count to the next sensor along the transport path in the form of a message. A message queue for each sensor is maintained to detect improper document leading edge and trailing edge conditions. A series of surveillance modules operates on a multi-tasking basis through a primary master processor.

Abstract: A stager interface apparatus and method for staging two-up printed material are disclosed. The stager interface apparatus and method, in the form of a cutter stager, by independently holding each piece of printed material, allow side-by-side printed material to be released downstream either simultaneously or sequentially dependent upon downstream requirements.