Abstract: A method for removing entrained gases from wine by applying ultrasonic radiation to a solution containing wine ingredients at a frequency causing cavitation, optimizing the application of ultrasonic radiation to cause cavitation throughout the solution, and continuing the application of the ultrasonic radiation for a duration sufficient for the cavitation to remove entrained gases.

Abstract: A method and system for altering the interaction of wine ingredients to obtain changes in wine resembling many years of natural aging, a more complete homogenous solution, and an extended shelf life. The method includes application of ultrasonic radiation to a solution containing wine ingredients at a frequency causing cavitation, optimizing the application of ultrasonic radiation to cause cavitation throughout the solution, and continuing the application of the ultrasonic radiation for a duration sufficient for the cavitation to produce a consumable wine product. The system provided implements the described method.

Abstract: A power stacker provides for receiving lengthwise orientated envelopes projected longitudinally onto the power stacker at a receiving end of the power stacker from an envelope feed device. The power stacker has a base supporting both an elongated deck and registration wall, an envelope transport system for transporting envelopes along the deck from the receiving end to a stack end of the deck. The transport system includes a plurality of friction belts extending partly along the deck and a power stack wheel pivotally mounted to the registration wall. An upper deflection flap at having one end pivotally mounted to the registration wall at the receiving end of the deck at a vertical elevation above that of the longitudinal feed level of the feed device, the upper deflection flap to contact the deck at it other end at a predetermined nominal angle forward of the power stack wheel.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for merging vertically oriented documents with horizontally oriented documents. The apparatus includes: a document assembler for receiving vertically oriented documents, the document assembler having a pair of parallel paper paths, wherein each of the paper paths includes a device for transporting the vertically oriented documents and a device for stopping and a device for aligning the vertically oriented documents; a device located beneath the document assembler for re-orienting the documents from the document assembler in a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation; and a horizontal transport located beneath the re-orienting device for feeding horizontally oriented documents toward the re-oriented documents emerging from the re-orienting device, whereby the horizontally oriented documents are merged with the re-oriented documents from the document assembler.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing sheets, comprising: first structure for feeding a nestable sheet having a leading edge downstream in a path of travel; structure for forming a buckle loop in a foldable sheet, the buckle loop forming structure including a stop, the buckle loop forming structure including second structure for feeding the foldable sheet across the path of travel and against the stop to form a buckle loop therein, the buckle loop forming structure including structure for guiding the buckle loop downstream of the leading edge of the nestable sheet and in the path of travel thereof; and structure for assembling the sheets, the assembling structure including third structure for feeding the sheets in the path of travel, the third feeding structure including an elongate drive roller extending transverse to the path of travel, the third feeding structure including an elongate roller extending parallel to the drive roller and defining therebetween an elongate gap, and the assembling structure including structur

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning a document, the apparatus comprising: structure for feeding a document in a downstream path of travel, the document have a downstream edge relative to the path of travel; structure for registering the downstream edge of a document in a direction extending transverse to the path of travel, the registering structure including at least one member extending into the path of travel, the registering structure including structure for moving the at least one member downstream in the path of travel; and structure for controlling the feeding structure to urge a document into engagement with the at least one moving member.

Abstract: The front feeder for a high speed machine for handling mixed mail, including a nudger drive assembly for advancing the mail pieces while maintaining registration, and for fluffing a stack of mail contributing to preshingling of the mail as it is advanced downstream, angled decks and a back prop for a guideless hopper region, a tamper subsystem for maintaining registration of flapped envelopes, and structure configured to guide open envelope flaps along a slot for downstream sealing purposes.

Abstract: A mounting fixture for mounting a postage meter to a mail-handling machine is disclosed. The fixture features a pivotable housing which pivots to disengage the postage meter from its printing position. A pair of elongated tracks are disposed upon the housing, which then guides and allows the postage meter to be pulled forward to an accessible position. In this position, the meter is easily set to a new register reading for purposes of adding funds to the machine.