Abstract: An apparatus and method for high-speed conveying of product along a product conveying path and permitting products of different widths to be conveyed utilize six primary assemblies: outer rail assembly, inner rail assembly, pusher assembly, strap-ramp assembly, hold-down strap assembly and stop finger assembly. Insert feeders spaced above the conveyor system to feed inserts onto the conveyor system so as to be combined with the product as the product is conveyed along the product conveyor path. The insert feeders are pivotally mounted adjacent the product conveyor path to provide easy access to the product conveyor path for the operator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular imager having a service station assembly with a customized interface board, and also having a cartridge assembly with a customized rasterizer board and a customized pen driver board. The customized interface board has a controller that responds to an image signal having any one of a number of different standard interfaces, for providing an interface board image signal. The customized rasterizer board has a programmable logic device (i.e. firmware), responds to the interface board image signal, rasterizes the interface board image signal into a bitmap, and provides a rasterizer board image signal. The customized pen driver board has a programmable logic device (i.e. firmware), responds to the rasterizer board image signal, remaps the rasterizer board image signal, and provides a pen driver board signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a folded product into an envelope and closing the flap of the envelope performs a method in which the envelope is transferred from an envelope hopper by a rotatable shuttle unit having cooperating suction cups and a T-shaped flap engagement member, the folded product is stuffed into its envelope, and then flap of the envelope is closed by an envelope closing device. The envelope inserting and closing apparatus and method are designed for use in a high speed electronic finishing system.

Abstract: An apparatus for labelling packages with postage meter labels performs a method in which postage metered label combinations are received from a label feeder and postage meter, the label is stripped from its release sheet, and then the label is applied to its respective package. The labelling apparatus and method are designed for use in a high speed electronic finishing system.

Abstract: An apparatus for binding documents utilizes generally U-shaped or C-shaped resilient slip binders. A hopper device feeds the slip binders from its reservoir to a buffer conveying device which supplies an insertion module with the slip binders. The binding apparatus is design for use in a high speed electronic publishing system.

Abstract: An apparatus for folding products utilizes interchangeable buckle plates and bypass plates as well as a buckle plate and diverting device combination to accomplish various folding formats, i.e. Z-folding, C-folding and half-folding. When the product is a combination of a document with an insert, the document is folded around the insert as initially the diverting device operates to deflect the leading edge of the product into its associated buckle plate to begin the folding process. The folding apparatus is design for use in an electronic publishing system.

Abstract: Mechanism and means for enclosing a package in a wrap. The external dimensions of the package are first determined and sufficient wrap is fed with which to enclose the package. Depending on the external dimensions of the package, the amount of wrap fed is adjusted and thereafter the package is enclosed in the wrap.

Abstract: A two-way conveyor having an accumulating station for accumulating a plurality of sheets. A mechanism for determining in which direction the sheets are to be moved is also provided as well as a mechanism for moving the sheets in one direction or the other. A thickness detecting mechanism is also provided to determine the thickness of the stack and the stack is moved in one direction or the other depending on its thickness. Gates are provided for preventing the movement of the stack in either direction which comprises gates at the forward and rearward edge of the stack and a closing mechanism is provided for closing the gate to prevent movement of the stack in either direction. Gate opening mechanisms are provided for opening one of said gates to permit movement of the stack in the desired direction. The gates are preferably pivotal gates located at the forward and rearward portions of the stack.

Abstract: Mechanism for assembling a document from a plurality of predetermined sheets having a central controller, with a plurality of modules. The sheets are moved past each of said modules. One of said modules is a feed module which feeds the sheets. The feeder module has reader means for reading each sheet before it is fed and being positioned adjacent the sheet feeder so that it reads the lower-most sheet in the feeder. A module is also provided for assembling the sheets together. Means are also provided responsive to the central controller which stop the operation of the mechanism should the sheet read by the reader be the improper sheet for the document being assembled.

Abstract: A mechanism for feeding sheets deposited in a container which has side walls, end walls and a bottom moveably mounted within the container on which the said sheets are deposited. An exit mouth is provided in one of the walls. The moveable bottom has slots therein and the container is provided with a flange to support the moveable bottom within the container. The container is mounted over an elevator so that the moveable bottom rests on the elevator in a raised position. The elevator and the moveable bottom which rests on it is lowered as sheets are added to the moveable bottom when the moveable bottom is lowered to the point where it rests on the support means. Feed wheels protrude through the slots in the moveable bottom and contact the lowermost sheet on the moveable bottom to move it out of the exit mouth.

Abstract: A mechanism for automatically feeding individual pre-cut sheets and stuffing a personalized letter or some other pre-cut insert into a personalized envelope. The mechanism has means to permit additional inserts to be automatically added to the envelope and to automatically seal the contents within the envelope. The mechanism will also combine pre-cut inserts and envelopes fed from different sources and form them into a completed mailing envelope.

Abstract: A mechanism in which a personalized letter assembly is printed with a name and a personalized insert assembly is printed with the same name and the two are united into an envelope and in which the insert may be either a personalized letter or a personalized card.

Abstract: A mechanism for automatically feeding individual pre-cut sheets and stuff a personalized letter or some other pre-cut inset into a personalized envelope. The mechanism has means to permit additional inserts to be automatically added to the envelope and to automatically seal the contents within the envelope. The mechanism will also combine pre-cut inserts and envelopes fed from different sources and form them into a completed mailing envelope.

Abstract: A mechanism for automatically feeding individual pre-cut sheets and stuffing a personalized letter or some other pre-cut insert into a personalized envelope. The mechanism has means to permit additional inserts to be automatically added to the envelope and to automatically seal the contents within the envelope. The mechanism will also combine pre-cut inserts and envelopes fed from different sources and form them into a completed mailing envelope.