Abstract: A collector apparatus and method capable of collecting material in two modes of operation, flats and letters. With a minor adjustment, the apparatus can be transformed from a two-stage device optimal for the letter mode of operation, to a one-stage device optimal for the flats mode of operation. The apparatus includes a first staging area, a second staging area generally disposed downstream from the first staging area, and a conveying device. The first staging area includes a first staging surface and a first stage transport assembly, and the second staging area includes a second staging surface and a second stage transport assembly. The conveying device is adjustable between the flats and letters modes. In the letters mode position, the conveying device provides a first material flow path running through the first and second staging areas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically acquiring and verifying, relative to pre-established rules, information affixed to relatively flat articles transported along a transport path comprises a weighing device for measuring weight of articles being processed, an image acquisition device for acquiring a representation of indicia appearing on an article, a thickness detecting device for measuring the thickness of articles being processed, a processing device for recognition of the indicia appearing on an article, and a processing device for verifying acquired data against the pre-established rules. A number of reports are generated after processing to provide the results of the processing.

Abstract: A sheet accumulating apparatus accumulates inputted sheets into a stack registered on all sides, wherein the sheets are controlled with minimum contact by components of the apparatus to minimize or eliminate smudging or marking of the sheets. The apparatus can be selectively adjusted to effect over-accumulation or under-accumulation, and can be adjusted to accommodate different sheet sizes. The apparatus comprises an accumulation section defining a sheet feed plane therethrough. An upper ramp is disposed upstream from the accumulation section and is movable into and out of the sheet feed plane. An upper retaining member is linked to the upper ramp and is movable into and out of the sheet feed plane in alternating relation to the upper ramp. A lower ramp is disposed below the upper ramp and is movable into and out of the sheet feed plane in alternating relation to the upper ramp.

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 method and apparatus for high speed tray unloading and mail transporting includes a tray unloading apparatus which receives a continuous stream of mail trays and sequentially unloads them in proper orientation onto a conveyor assembly; a dual conveyor system for delivering the unloaded mail to a transport system; and a spiral transport system having optimal drive means for controllably moving mail pieces from one location to another.

Abstract: A document handling apparatus for processing sheets comprises a dynamic in-feed device, a sheet receiving section disposed downstream from the dynamic in-feed device, and an electronic controller. The dynamic in-feed device comprises a sheet-driving device and a variable-speed motor operatively engaging the sheet-driving device. The dynamic in-feed device inputs a sheet according to a repeatable dynamic speed profile. The dynamic speed profile is defined by an initial input speed, a subsequent decelerating or accelerating speed curve, and a final input speed that is less than the initial input speed. The electronic controller communicates with the variable-speed motor for executing the dynamic speed profile and controlling the input device according to the dynamic speed profile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high speed tray unloading and mail transporting includes a tray unloading apparatus which receives a continuous stream of mail trays and sequentially unloads them in proper orientation onto a conveyor assembly; a dual conveyor system for delivering the unloaded mail to a transport system; and a spiral transport system having optimal drive means for controllably moving mail pieces from one location to another.