Abstract: A web bursting machine is disclosed in which a pair of webs of indefinite length having individual sheets thereon delineated by transverse lines of weakening in the webs are separated therefrom by applying a mementary tension in the webs while drawing the webs over bursting elements while the webs are traveling longitudinally. The webs are fed simultaneously and continuously, but with the sheets of one web offset by one half pitch or sheet length from the sheets of the other so that a sheet is burst from one web or the other with each half pitch of travel of the two webs together, thereby eliminating any down time which would otherwise result from feeding the webs intermittently and stopping one web while the other is being burst.

Abstract: A method of processing sheets, comprising: providing portable sheet supporting structure including electronic structure for storing data; stacking a plurality of sheets in the sheet supporting structure in an order for feeding each sheet from the sheet supporting structure; and storing data relating to each sheet in the data storing structure in said order for feeding the sheets.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing an elongate web of sheets including a marginal edge portion bordering each sheet, wherein each marginal edge portion includes a code marked thereon, and said code includes data identifying the bordered sheet, the apparatus comprising: structure for successively sensing said codes; structure for successively separating said sheets from said web; and structure for stacking separated sheets in a predetermined order, the stacking structure including memory structure removably connectable thereto for storing said successive codes in said predetermined order.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling sheets comprising: portable structure for supporting a first plurality of sheets in a predetermined order in a stack, said portable structure including memory structure having stored therein a plurality of codes listed in said predetermined order, each of said codes including data identifying one of the sheets of said stack; structure for receiving a second plurality of sheets respectively including an identity code; structure for comparing codes for relatedness thereof; and structure for collating first and second sheets identified by related codes.

Abstract: In an inserter, an apparatus for reading a bar code symbol on a sheet comprising feeder means for sequentially feeding a plurality of sheets, at least one containing a bar code symbol printed thereon. A moving beam scanner is positioned to scan at least two times the bar code symbol on at least one of the sheets as the sheet is fed from the feeding means. The apparatus includes means for decoding the bar code symbol. The moving beam scanner can be pivoted to scan either ladder position bar code symbols or picket fence position bar code symbols without requiring any further changes to the inserter.

Abstract: A bursting apparatus and method for conveying a web of sheet material having successive transverse lines of weakening along a longitudinal path from an upstream position to a downstream position and for separating the web along a transverse line of weakening.

Abstract: A mailing system includes a mail output system for sequentially delivering mail pieces to an accumulator, the accumulator assembling stacks of mail in response to zip code break signals from the mail output system and the count of mail pieces currently on a stack. The stacks are delivered to a bundler for holding together groups of mail directed to a common zip code destination.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for supporting a stack of sheets, the apparatus comprising: an elongate tray including a base wall and opposed longitudinally extending side walls, the side walls extending upwardly from the base wall and defining therewith opposed end openings through which sheets may be successively fed; at least one sheet-stack supporting wall slidably connected to one of the side walls of the tray for movement between the end openings, the supporting wall including a rectangularly-shaped portion thereof dimensioned to extend transversely of the tray between the side walls; memory structure connected to the tray for storing data relating to respective sheets fed thereto and structure for removably interfacing the apparatus with at least one external structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing sheets, comprising: structure for feeding sheets in a downstream path of travel; at least two structure for supporting sheets located adjacent to said path of travel; each of said supporting structure having stacked therein a plurality of sheets; at least one of said sheet supporting means including electronic structure for storing data relating to each sheet therein; and structure for controlling operation of the apparatus; and said controlling structure including structure for causing said data to be stored therein.

Abstract: Apparatus and method have been conceived whereby cut sheets having a bar code printed thereon can be read while such sheets are moving. A fixed scanner for reading the bar code has an elongated window such that a light beam being generated by the scanner will have a width that is no greater than the width of the smallest space between adjacent bars of the symbol. Because of the elongated configuration of the light beam, sufficient reflectivity occurs such that a good reading can be obtained with the use of such a fixed beam scanner.

Abstract: In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention provides for a source and detector arranged in the path of a diminishing supply of documents, the strategically located detector responding to the absence of a supply at a specific point for providing an indication that the document supply or the like is getting low so that an operator may refill the supply before it runs out.

Abstract: Sheet processing apparatus including a bursting machine for feeding and bursting a continuous web along perforation lines, a folding machine for folding the sheets from the bursting machine and an inserting machine for inserting the folded sheets into an envelope, and [i] a device for removably connecting the bursting machine to the folding machine, [ii] a device for removably connecting the folding machine to the inserting machine and [iii] a device for removably connecting the bursting machine directly to the inserting machine in the absence of the folding machine; controls operatively interconnected between the inserting machine and the folding machine for controlling the sequential operation of the folding machine with the cyclical operation of the inserting machine so that the folding machine operates on demand from the inserting machine; controls operatively interconnected between the folding machine and the bursting machine for controlling the sequential operation of the bursting machine in timed relat