Abstract: Method and apparatus for the cancellation of stamps and printing of pre-programmable messages on envelopes. The apparatus comprises structure for feeding a plurality of envelopes in singulated manner to a sensing assembly, which detects the leading and top edges of the envelope and trigger printing structure which cancels the stamp and/or prints on a pre-programmable message. The apparatus and method is of value when envelopes of different sizes, generally having the stamp in a common region, i.e. upper right-hand corner, as part of the plurality of envelopes are present.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is intended to facilitate routing of correspondence to a destination address by automatic mail sorting apparatus comprising the steps:(a) marking a letter with an easily machine readable first code corresponding to the human readable postal code of the destination address;(b) stuffing the letter into a window envelope such that the first code is positioned within the window;(c) machine reading the first code within the window; and(d) printing a machine readable second code corresponding to the first code and the human readable postal code of the destination address in the location and format utilized by a particular automatic mail sorting apparatus such that the envelope is suitable for processing by the apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention includes a conveyor track for passing window envelopes through a read station and a print station.