Abstract: For use with an envelope inserting apparatus having a motor and timing shaft or other suitable rotating member, a system and method for producing an actual stopping rotational position for the timing shaft or other suitable rotating member that corresponds to a desired or strategic stopping rotational position for the timing shaft or other suitable rotating member has a shaft encoder for establishing a rotational position of the timing shaft or other suitable rotating member. Additionally, included is a controlling computer that is interfaced with the shaft encoder and initiates the stopping of the timing shaft or other suitable rotating member at a desired rotational position by applying a stop command at a rotational position determined by an iterative analysis based on a previous stopping point for the timing shaft or other suitable rotating member.

Abstract: For use with an envelope inserter, a sheet packet hold-down apparatus, comprising a stopping mechanism or guide for stopping the leading edge of the sheets, a hold-down button of substantially hemispherical shape, wherein the hold down button is positioned before the stopping mechanism or guide, a bias device for resiliently supporting the hold-down button, and a conveyor apparatus for transporting the sheets to the stopping mechanism or guide.

Abstract: For use with the production of a billing document, a system and method for printing billing information on the billing document comprises a computer controlled system, suitable programming, that establishes a target mail date, determines the eligibility of the billing document for inclusion in the system, verifies that the billing document will be mailed on the target mail date, and changes the billing information printed on the billing document if the verification process determines that the billing document will not be mailed on the target mail date.

Abstract: A billing statement system comprising a billing statement having a plurality of sheets or pages of multiple lengths or which are otherwise of multiple sizes and/or shapes. The billing statement preferably comprises a plurality of sheets wherein at least one sheet is of different, generally larger, size than the other sheets, and in which the larger sheet has a first region with a consumer's mailing address on one side and a provider's mailing address on the reverse side, and a second region which contains detail or summary information on the charges due. The billing statement system includes a collator apparatus for collating billing statements having a plurality of sheets of multiple lengths, and a folder apparatus for folding collated billing statements having a plurality of sheets of multiple lengths.

Abstract: A collating apparatus for collation of a plurality of pages or sheets having varying lengths or widths. A plurality of sheets of different lengths are provided to a collating tray with a stopper adjacent one end. The leading edge of each of the plurality of sheets registers against the stopper. When all of sheets have entered the collator tray and registered against the stopper, a plurality of pinch rollers are brought together on the front or leading edge of the stack of sheets, removing the stack of sheets from the collating tray.

Abstract: A billing system for combining into a statement pack, fitted within a minimum number of master mailing envelopes, individual user billing statements and other desired inserts. Each billing statement is comprised of one or more constituent documents, from the same or different service providers that are to be delivered to a common mailbox. Postal coding information is utilized for determining which user billing statements are delivered to the common mailbox.

Abstract: A bulk mailing system for controlling and processing mailing envelopes containing selected combinations of documents and inserts comprises a programmable computer controller, a plurality of printers, a controller interfaced collator for merging document pages from the printers, a document folder, and a controller interfaced inserter for filling the mailing envelopes with the selected combinations of document pages and inserts. Associated with the inserter are devices for marking the edges of envelopes with desired information indicia and for wetting and sealing the flaps of selected envelopes. Further, the controller verifies that the correct document forms, inserts, and mailing envelopes are matched and inserted into the mailing envelopes. Additionally, the controller selects and includes any desired combination of enclosures and inserts in the mailing envelopes.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamic insertion of selected inserts into statements to be mailed in which post processing mail data, including selective insert parameters, are developed into a record for mail items and communicated directly to an integrated system controller, which then directs selective insertion of enclosures. The system comprises a mail item preparation apparatus interfaced with a data processor, an inserter apparatus, and an integrated system controller interfaced with the data processor and the inserter. The mail preparing apparatus generally includes a printer, and is mechanically interfaced with the inserter for transfer of mail items. The integrated system controller directs the inserter to selectively include inserts with the mail items according to insert parameter data received from the data processor.