Abstract: An integrated computer system architecture for tracking of job data in a document processing environment including an infrastructure built on processes, hardware, software and interfaces designed to monitor and control mail processing and data collection through a variety of manual and machine processes in real-time. Computers, networks, web-based applications, databases and scanners are used to interface and integrate traditional mail processing equipment with customized software. The invention integrates the entire mail production process to form and establish a complete end-to-end system. A job tracking scheme is detailed illustrating a particular data mining application.

Abstract: A sheet feeder apparatus and method with throughput control. By varying the speed at which sheets are fed from a supply, the sheet feeder apparatus and method assures that the throughput capacity of a downstream operation is never exceeded. Speed is varied based upon the length of the sheets being fed. Furthermore, the sheet feeder apparatus can have worn components replaced quickly and by operators of minimal skill level.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an overhead pusher finger guide system, preferably for use with a sheet handling apparatus. The guide system prevents the lower conveyor run from sagging or otherwise moving out of the proper feed plane. Accordingly, superior sheet handling is achieved.

Abstract: A cutter module with an integrated trim disposal mechanism is disclosed. The integrated trim disposal mechanism results in the lack of need for using large expensive external trim disposal devices. The trim disposal mechanism chops the trim into small pieces that are easily collected in a trim fragment collection receptacle. A full trim fragment collection receptacle can either be emptied and reused or discarded and replaced with a new empty trim fragment collection receptacle.

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 for high speed packing of envelopes is disclosed. The apparatus includes an envelope flap opening assembly which facilitates the opening of each envelope by a finger of an opening element as the envelope passes through packing apparatus. Each envelope may then be conveyed into a first staging assembly where the envelope is stopped, allowing a freely rotating conveyor to force the envelope into contact with an ejection conveyor to direct the envelope from the first staging assembly. The envelope is then transported to the packing assembly by an intermediate conveyor having a plurality of distinctly and selectively driven conveyors to allow staging of the envelopes along the intermediate conveyor. A quick and efficient envelope packing assembly then packs the envelopes and ejects the envelope to an exiting conveyor which seals each packed envelope.

Abstract: A positive drive mechanism for use in a sheet folding apparatus includes a motor drive, a torque-limiting device coupled to the motor drive, a drive pulley coupled to the torque-limiting device, and a plurality of idler pulleys. Each of the idler pulleys is coupled to a drive shaft which supports a fold roller. A non-slip positive drive member operatively engages portions of the drive pulley and the plurality of idler pulleys. A sheet is fed into the folder and between the fold rollers in order to fold the sheet. In the event that the sheet becomes jammed between the fold rollers, the torque-limiting device operates to release the torque transmitted from the motor drive to the drive pulley.

Abstract: A sheet-size and stacking direction adjustable accumulator and method are disclosed. The accumulator is easily adjustable for handling sheets of different widths and for either under or over accumulating. The adjustability is provided by allowing accumulator ramps to be added or removed without having to deconstruct the accumulator and without the need for special skill.

Abstract: An apparatus for high speed packing of envelopes is disclosed. The apparatus includes an envelope flap opening assembly which facilitates the opening of each envelope by a finger of an opening element as the envelope passes through packing apparatus. Each envelope may then be conveyed into a first staging assembly where the envelope is stopped, allowing a freely rotating conveyor to force the envelope into contact with an ejection conveyor to direct the envelope from the first staging assembly. The envelope is then transported to the packing assembly by an intermediate conveyor having a plurality of distinctly and selectively driven conveyors to allow staging of the envelopes along the intermediate conveyor. A quick and efficient envelope packing assembly then packs the envelopes and ejects the envelope to an exiting conveyor which seals each packed envelope.

Abstract: A separator and sequencing apparatus comprising a first selective document transport means for selective movement of documents and a second selective document transport means for selective movement of documents positioned adjacent to the first selective document transport means, the first and second selective document transport means configured to move at least one of a pair of documents located in said separator and sequencing apparatus.

Abstract: In a method of continuously feeding sheets, a top-sheet pick-up device and a feed table for feeding stacks of sheets to the pick-up device are provided. A stack of sheets are placed on the feed table and fed towards the pick-up device. When it is detected that the uppermost sheets are positioned under the pick-up device, the pick-up device separates the uppermost sheet from the stack. The feed table continues to feed the stack toward the pick-up device by moving additional sheets into position under the pick-up device when no sheet is detected under the pick-up device. Also provided are a feed table including an angle bracket for registering and shingling sheets, and a method of converting a non-continuous high-capacity top-sheet feeder having a top-sheet pick-up device into a continuous high-capacity top-sheet feeder.

Abstract: An apparatus for high speed packing of envelopes is disclosed. The apparatus includes an envelope flap opening assembly which facilitates the opening of each envelope by a finger of an opening element as the envelope passes through packing apparatus. Each envelope may then be conveyed into a first staging assembly where the envelope is stopped, allowing a freely rotating conveyor to force the envelope into contact with an ejection conveyor to direct the envelope from the first staging assembly. The envelope is then transported to the packing assembly by an intermediate conveyor having a plurality of distinctly and selectively driven conveyors to allow staging of the envelopes along the intermediate conveyor. A quick and efficient envelope packing assembly then packs the envelopes and ejects the envelope to an exiting conveyor which seals each packed envelope.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a high-speed document-processing machine, comprising a diverse-set-compilation section, comprising a burster having a local non-Distributed Control System controller; a reader and an accumulator having a reader/accumulator Distributed Control System Local Control Module; a folder and a diverter having a folder/diverter Distributed Control System Local Control Module; a buffer having a buffer Distributed Control System Local Control Module; wherein all of said Local Control Modules are interconnected via a multi-drop communication link; said burster local non-distributed control system is connected to said reader/accumulator Local Control Module via a communication link; and, said reader/accumulator Local Control Module is a Command Module including means for dynamically controlling the speed of said burster based on the state of one or more variables affecting the speed at which downstream devices can operate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for merging sheet streams conveyed in side-by-side streams in a conveying direction into a single stream. An infeed conveyor conveys at least two sheet streams side-by side in a direction toward a merger. The merger separates and separately conveys the sheet streams to a merge location. The sheet streams are transported at different accelerations or speeds, such that each article of one of the sheet streams is directed into a gap between the articles of the other sheet stream in order to produce a single, merged sheet stream traveling at an accelerated outfeed speed for further processing.

Abstract: A system, method, device, and/or computer program product for remotely managing a plurality of remote mail processing devices. The system comprises receiving means for receiving operation related information from each of said plurality of remote mail processing devices. The system also includes monitoring means for remotely monitoring operation related information from each of said plurality of remote mail processing devices. Features of the present invention include the ability to create threshold settings for separate mail processing devices and individual jobs running on the separate mail processing devices. Violations of the threshold settings will result in an alarm indicating deviation from pre-set job goals. A user also has the ability to remotely create, maintain, and communicate valid mail processing device operator lists for specified mail processing devices.

Abstract: A smudge-free sheet material handling apparatus and method are disclosed. The device moves sheet material by only pushing on the edges of the sheet material. Since there is no toner or ink at these locations, the sheet material can be fed without risk of smudging the toner material on the sheet surfaces. Furthermore, since no high friction parts come into relative contact/movement with the surfaces of the sheet material, smudging is even further reduced.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for managing a plurality of mail processing devices are provided. A mail insertion device is represented on a computer display as an interactive icon. Visible indicia is associated with each icon for displaying in real time operational status information about the mail inserting machine represented by the icon. The indicia changes appearance in response to a change in the operation related information received from the respective mail insertion machine. Each interactive icon is responsive to user actions for displaying selective operation related information about a respective mail insertion device.