Abstract: A system for coordinating an operational speed of an envelope inserter receiving incoming packets containing a predetermined number of document pages with an interval of time required to generate each incoming packet. A printer generates the document pages within each of the packets and a computer coordinates the operational speed of the envelope inserter with the interval of time required by the printer to generate each incoming packet.

Abstract: A mail assembly system and method which utilizes non-print post processing data embedded within the mail statement print data of a data record to carry out post processing operations for a plurality of mailing pieces. The data record is provided to a printer system which sequentially outputs a plurality of printed mail statements according to the statement print data. A wedge or splitter device retrieves the post processing data from the print data stream, and provides the post processing data to a system controller computer. As each printed mail statement is transferred from the printer system to a post processing system, the post processing data for each mailing piece is correlated or matched with each mail statement, and post processing operations are accordingly carried out. The invention thus avoids the use of printed identification codes on mail statements or other control documents for accessing post processing data from a data record.

Abstract: An envelope opening apparatus for mail assembly operations which employs timed intermittent bursts of compressed air or other gas. One or more gas jets are used in association with an inserter arm, and envelopes are sequentially conveyed past the inserter arm and gas jets. As each envelope is positioned adjacent to the inserter arm and gas jets, a controller computer activates a control valve, supplying compressed air to the gas jets, which direct a blast of air at the envelope, opening the envelope to form a pocket suitable for insertion thereinto of mail materials.