Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for collating a plurality of separate groups or bundles of similar flats mailpieces arranged in a predetermined delivery point sequence, each mailpiece imprinted with a distinct delivery point or address indicia, to produce a single stream of mailpieces in new groups, where each new group comprises a plurality of mailpieces all addressed to a distinct delivery point. The apparatus comprises a plurality of feed units, each unit configured to process a quantity of similar mailpieces, each with a distinct delivery point indicia on the face of the mailpiece, and to deposit each mailpiece in a distinct pocket on a collation conveyor which traverses all of the plurality of feed units. Each pocket will ultimately contain different mail pieces, all addressed to the same delivery point Multiple new groups of mailpieces are then automatically placed in containers in a sequence corresponding to a predetermined delivery route.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for combining multiple small stacks of flats mailpieces into a single large stack of mailpieces and then transferring the large stack to a standard flats mail tray, all while maintaining the sequence order of the mail in the accumulated stack. The apparatus is comprised of three primary subsystems: a bridge conveyor, a stack accumulator, and an output tray station. The bridge conveyor carries mailpieces from the exit conveyor of a mail processing machine such as a collator, to the stack accumulator. The stack accumulator combines small stacks of mailpieces into large stacks in a desired sequence. The output tray station provides support for an empty tray as the accumulated mail stack is transferred to the tray, and then releases the filled tray in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to individually weigh continuously fed mail pieces wherein each mail piece is configured in a vertical orientation and fed through the weighing system in seriatim. The apparatus contains a scale transport assembly for transporting mail pieces seriatim, a mail piece channel pathway assembly for maintaining the vertical orientation of individual mail pieces, a load cell assembly for measuring the mail piece weight, an x-y table assembly for allowing position adjustments of the weighing system, data collection circuitry, and a support module. The apparatus can be used in conjunction with bulk mail processing systems or it can be used independently.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for collating a plurality of separate groups or bundles of similar flats mailpieces arranged in a predetermined delivery point sequence, each mailpiece imprinted with a distinct delivery point or address indicia, to produce a single stream of mailpieces in new groups, where each new group comprises a plurality of mailpieces all addressed to a distinct delivery point. The apparatus comprises a plurality of feed units, each unit configured to process a quantity of similar mailpieces, each with a distinct delivery point indicia on the face of the mailpiece, and to deposit each mailpiece in a distinct pocket on a collation conveyor which traverses all of the plurality of feed units. Each pocket will ultimately contain different mail pieces, all addressed to the same delivery point Multiple new groups of mailpieces are then automatically placed in containers in a sequence corresponding to a predetermined delivery route.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for collating a plurality of separate groups or bundles of similar flats mailpieces arranged in a predetermined delivery point sequence, each mailpiece imprinted with a distinct delivery point or address indicia, to produce a single stream of mailpieces in new groups, where each new group comprises a plurality of mailpieces all addressed to a distinct delivery point. The apparatus comprises a plurality of feed units, each unit configured to process a quantity of similar mailpieces, each with a distinct delivery point indicia on the face of the mailpiece, and to deposit each mailpiece in a distinct pocket on a collation conveyor which traverses all of the plurality of feed units. Each pocket will ultimately contain different mail pieces, all addressed to the same delivery point. Multiple new groups of mailpieces are then automatically placed in containers in a sequence corresponding to a predetermined delivery route.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to individually weigh continuously fed mail pieces wherein each mail piece is configured in a vertical orientation and fed through the weighing system in seriatim. The apparatus contains a scale transport assembly for transporting mail pieces seriatim, a mail piece channel pathway assembly for maintaining the vertical orientation of individual mail pieces, a load cell assembly for measuring the mail piece weight, an x-y table assembly for allowing position adjustments of the weighing system, data collection circuitry, and a support module. The apparatus can be used in conjunction with bulk mail processing systems or it can be used independently.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of synchronizing entry of a mailpiece from a mail feeder into a designated mailpiece location of a mail sorting conveyor. The method includes the steps of establishing a symmetric speed versus time profile around a send signal. In a first case, when the mailpiece stops before receiving the send signal, the method further includes following the speed versus time profile to accelerate to a merge speed for merging the mailpiece with the designated mail location of the sorting conveyor. In a second case, when the send signal arrives before the mailpiece reaches the stop position, holding the mailpiece at a constant speed across the speed versus time profile until the position of the mailpiece intersects an opposing side of the speed versus time profile and then following the speed versus time profile to accelerate the mailpiece to a merge speed for merging the mailpiece within the designated mail location of the sorting conveyor.

Abstract: A pivotal mail tray unloader for unloading a tray having mail pieces horizontally stacked therein includes a frame having an elongated, inclined support surface, a carriage slidably mounted to the frame, and a retaining member slidably mounted to the frame. The carriage includes first, second and third pivotal support members. The first support member pivots upwardly and forwardly from said support surface and carries the tray thereon. The second support member is also pivotal upwardly and forwardly and is positioned adjacent to and forward of the first support member. The second member receives the tray from the first support member. The third support member is mounted to the second support member forward thereof and is adapted to receive the mail pieces thereon. The third support member pivots forwardly to receive the mail pieces and subsequently, pivots rearwardly to reorient the mail in a generally vertical orientation.

Abstract: A buffered stacking apparatus selectively diverts horizontally disposed documents from a main conveying path, then stacks and transports the documents to replaceable receiving receptacles. The apparatus has a primary horizontal conveyor belt with a lower reach defining a horizontal primary conveying path and at least one secondary conveyor belt having an upper reach which, when the secondary conveyor belt is in a horizontal position, is disposed in a lower juxtaposed relation to the lower reach of the primary conveying belt. The buffered stacking system also selectively effects pivotal movement of the secondary conveyor belt from the horizontal position to a second inclined position wherein the reach of the secondary belt is inclined to the lower reach of the primary conveyor belt. Documents being transported along the primary conveying path are diverted along the inclined reach when the secondary conveying belt is inclined.

Abstract: An Apparatus for separating and advancing documents includes a moving element for frictionally engaging and advancing one of the documents along a path, and a stationary element for frictionally engaging and halting the advance of the remainder of the documents. The moving element and the stationary element each include a plurality of belts and are disposed in relative juxtaposition whereby the one document is gripped between the moving element and the stationary element and advanced along the path under the influence of the moving element. The moving element and the stationary element contact the first and second surfaces, respectively, of the one document via the respective belts to provide a column strength to the one document over a substantial surface area of the document as the one document advances through the apparatus, thereby preventing portions of the one document from being crimped between the moving element and the stationary element.

Abstract: A system is described for controlling the speed and direction of rotation of first and second spools in a web transport system in which a web is advanced between the spools by first and second drive motors. The system incorporates a servo control which continuously reacts to variations in the speed of the spools so as to drive the spools at respective speeds whose sum is constant and proportional to a selectable control voltage. To achieve this result, the first and second spools, driven, respectively by the first and second drive motors, are coupled to means, such as a corresponding pair of servo generators, for generating electrical outputs representative of the direction and speed of rotation of the spools. A control voltage, proportional to the sum of the desired speeds of the two spools, is continuously and algebraically summed with the outputs of the two servo generators, the summed signal constituting a motor drive signal.