Abstract: A multi-tier cross-department scheduling model for order processing operations. A scheduling model for planning assignment of discrete jobs to multiple departments for shipment, wherein selected jobs are assignable to respective selected departments and the departments share finite capacity resources, includes a programmable computer system having loaded therein an objective function, and the computer system being operable to minimize a value of the objective function; and wherein the objective function comprises a sum of cost to ship containers in at least one of consolidated and unconsolidated forms, cost for each of a container equivalent not completed in a selected scheduling horizon, cost to process each job in each department, and cost for setup due to at least one of shift crossing and job splitting.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing funds recovery for mailing machines including integrated circuits such as those used in postal security devices are described, and in certain configurations, systems and methods for recovering data such as postal funds records from a partially disabled single integrated circuit in a postal security device are described.

Abstract: Provided are techniques for allowing consumers to reserve a resource, in which potential consumers have a choice among a number of different reservation contracts for reserving a resource to be provided at a future time. Each reservation contract allows a corresponding contracting customer to elect whether to receive the resource and requires the contracting customer to make a first payment in aggregate if the resource ultimately is elected and to make a second payment in aggregate if the resource ultimately is not elected, with the first payment being higher than the second payment, and with both being nonzero.

Abstract: Methods and systems remotely monitor a current value of a meter display. A picture of the display is taken with a camera equipped portable communication device. The picture is sent through the portable communication device and associated infrastructure to a processing system. The processing system receives and stores the picture and, optionally, verification data, imaging location data, and other data, in a datastore. The processing system processes the picture to obtain a current value of the meter and authenticates the sender and/or the meter using the verification data and/or location data.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a method and system for labeling a mail piece, and more specifically, to the application of variable sized labels to mail pieces based on the contents of the label and real-time mail processing information. More particularly, the present approach involves calculating expected label preparation time based on configuration of a labeler and printer timing information and/or real-time performance measurements to determine execution of information content printing, label feeding and cutting.

Abstract: A system for producing a mailpiece for delivery in accordance with a Value Added (VA) service. The system comprises a computer processor having Value Added Services (VAS) program code adapted to operate in combination with the processor's print driver code. Further, the VAS program code is operative to receive operator input data in connection with a Value Added Service. Additionally, the system includes at least one peripheral device, operating in combination with the VAS program code, for (i) determining charges in connection with the mailpiece based upon the VA service and (ii) printing VAS data/postage indicia on the mailpiece. In one embodiment of the invention, the system includes a VAS database for collecting VAS data and performing various accounting services (e.g., charge-back, financial tracking) or producing a manifest document when using a Manifest Mailing System.

Abstract: A system is provided for tracking and visually displaying golf reservations in a computer-implemented environment. The system provides a display with a grid or array of times arranged according to golf hole numbers. A reservation designator, by its location on the grid, identifies a start time and start hole, and includes an identifier to identify one or more golfers corresponding to a reservation. The duration of the game associated with reservation designator is estimated based upon golf course parameters. The reservation designator thus visually indicates a predicted location of the players corresponding to a golf game reservation. Additionally, the system may provide for tracking and sales of green fees and merchandise.

Abstract: To print a postal imprint by an external imprint label dispenser connected via a communications link to a postage meter, during an initialization step for initializing the communications link, the postage meter authenticates the imprint label dispenser by exchanging an authentication code and the postage meter securely transmits to the dispenser a predetermined image data set that is signed with a secret key generated during the initialization step on the basis of the authentication code. Then, for each printing cycle, the postage meter computes postal data relating to the mail item that is to be franked, securely transmits the resulting computed data as signed with the secret key to the dispenser, converts the postal data into additional image data, and prints a postal imprint incorporating the additional image data and the predetermined image data on a continuous label tape delivered by the dispenser.

Abstract: This mail-handling apparatus includes a feed module for feeding in mail items, a weigh module and a franking module. The weigh module includes regulator means for regulating the speed of advance of the conveyor means of the weigh module, which regulator means are adapted to take account of the weighing times taken to weigh the mail items.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for managing fuel costs, along with a corresponding apparatus, and a corresponding medium are described. The method includes receiving transaction information at a Network Administrator, the transaction information being associated with: (a) a shipper who has arranged for a shipment of goods from an origin to a destination; and (b) a corresponding carrier that has agreed to transport the shipment using a pre-determined maximum number of eligible units of fuel, where the fuel is purchased by the carrier at a pre-set base price per eligible unit, and where the fuel is purchased from pre-selected fueling locations. The maximum number of eligible units of fuel and the base price per eligible unit for the shipment are established between the shipper and the carrier, while the fueling locations are established by the Network Administrator. The actual price paid for the fuel is set by the market.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a power plant having a design life based on operating the plant within an allowable chemical exposure range includes accumulating a history of a chemical exposure of a steam generating portion of the power plant. The method also includes determining a remaining life of the plant based on the history of the chemical exposure and assuming continued operation of the plant within the allowable chemical exposure range. The method may also include evaluating an economic value of operating the plant based on the remaining life of the plant.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicular electric system having multiple power sources including an engine-driven generator. The power sources for supplying power to charge an onboard battery are determined based on difference between the power generation cost of each power source and that for generating an amount of power charged in the battery. Furthermore, amounts power to be supplied to the battery 103 for charge is determined based on the amount of power currently charged in the battery.