Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing presentation instruments for distribution. Some of the methods include reading a code from a distribution stock, accessing a database and determining a presentation instrument to be associated with the distribution stock, selecting the presentation instrument, and associating the presentation instrument with the distribution stock. The various systems include hardware and/or software components for implementing the methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sheets, statements, and/or inserts prior to mailing are provided. One sheet processing system includes a receiver adapted to receive first and second single page sheets to be processed. The first sheet originates from a stack of first sheets, and the second sheet originates from a stack of second sheets. In some systems, the first and second sheets are of different sizes. The system includes a first read head adapted to read a first identifier from the first sheet, and a second read head adapted to read a second identifier from the second sheet. A circuit coupled to the first and second read heads is adapted to compare the first and second identifiers to determine whether a match exists. At least one identifier may include a magnetic stripe.

Abstract: According to the invention, an insertion system for collating sheets of printed material for insertion into an envelope is disclosed. The insertion system includes an insertion machine, application software and an operating system. Included in the application software is a first function and a second function, where the first function performs tracking for each packet and the second function controls operation of the insertion machine. Each packet includes a plurality of pieces of printed material that may ultimately be sealed in an envelope. The operating system runs the application software at any given instant and executes the first and second functions.

Abstract: A method of reading cards includes receiving card carrier information for each of at least two card carriers. The card carrier information identifies at least one card relating to each card carrier. The method also includes reading card information from a card a first time, reading card information from the card a second time, comparing the card information as read the first time to the card information as read the second time, rejecting the card if the card information is inconsistent, comparing the card information as read either the first time or the second time to the card carrier information, rejecting the card if the card information does not match the card carrier information for one of the at least two card carriers, and mounting the card to one of the at least two carriers if the cards' card information matches the card carrier information of the carrier.

Abstract: An automated system for preparing cards for further processing includes an envelope feed hopper configured to receive a plurality of envelopes, each having contents including a card carrier and one or more cards attached thereto. The systems also includes an envelope opener configured to receive envelopes from the hopper and create an opening into each envelope. The system further includes a contents parser configured to separate a card carrier and card attached thereto from an envelope. The system also includes a card carrier alignment device configured to unfold a card carrier and align the carrier for further processing and a separation mechanism configured to receive card carriers from the alignment device and separate the card from the carrier. The system also includes a controller programmed to control operation of the system.

Abstract: A card reader includes a receiving arrangement configured to sequentially receive cards from an upstream process and position the cards to be read. It also includes a first reader configured to read card information from cards a first time and a second reader configured to read card information from cards a second time. The second reader is positioned such that the information is read by the second reader after the information is read by the first reader. The card reader also includes an advancing mechanism configured to advance cards from the receiving arrangement, through the first and second readers, to a downstream process. The card reader also includes a processor programmed to receive card carrier information that identifies at least one card relating to a particular card carrier. The processor also receives card information from the first reader and from the second reader.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for scheduling jobs to insertion machines. In one embodiment, the system comprises a communications interface to receive an insertion machine job and a data store to store the insertion machine job and setup information for a plurality of insertion machines, the setup information including job configuration information for jobs scheduled to the insertion machines. Logic is communicatively coupled with the data store and is configured to evaluate each of the insertion machines based at least in part on the setup information and one or more criteria associated with the insertion machine job, to select one of the insertion machines based on the evaluation, and to schedule the insertion machine job to the selected insertion machine.

Abstract: According to the invention, an insertion system for collating sheets of printed material for insertion into an envelope is disclosed. The insertion system includes an insertion machine, application software and an operating system. Included in the application software is a first function and a second function, where the first function performs tracking for each packet and the second function controls operation of the insertion machine. Each packet includes a plurality of pieces of printed material that may ultimately be sealed in an envelope. The operating system runs the application software at any given instant and executes the first and second functions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sheets, statements, and/or inserts prior to mailing are provided. One sheet processing system includes a receiver adapted to receive first and second sheets to be processed. The first sheet originates from a stack of first sheets or a continuous form sheet, and the second sheet originates from a stack of second sheets or a continuous form sheet. The system includes a first read head adapted to read a first identifier from the first sheet, and a second read head adapted to read a second identifier from the second sheet. A circuit coupled to the first and second read heads is adapted to compare the first and second identifiers to determine whether a match exists. In this manner, the sheet processing system is able to confirm that the first and second sheets are both intended to be sent to the same customer.

Abstract: A delivery system comprises a frame, and a plurality of hoppers attachable to the frame in a vertically spaced apart arrangement. The hoppers are each configured to hold a plurality of sheet-like materials. At least one upper belt is movably coupled to the frame, with the belt being configured to move the sheet-like materials downward from the hoppers. At least one contact roller is disposed below each hopper, and at least one suction apparatus that is associated with each hopper. A moving system is configured to move the suction apparatus toward and away from the hopper to grasp and remove one of the sheet-like materials from the hopper, and to move the removed sheet-like material downward until grabbed by the contact roller.

Abstract: RF devices used in financial and other transactions are moved sequentially to stations of a preparation device that prepares the RF devices for delivery to customers. At one station, an RF reader reads an identification code from the RF device and a label reader reads information on a mailing label. The read information is used to verify the mailing information to assure that the RF device is being delivered to the correct recipient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accepting and producing various I/O. The systems can include a plurality of input connectors and/or output connectors integral to a board, a circuit to disable the output connectors, and a programmable logic controller modular to the board and electrically coupled to the plurality of input connectors and the plurality of output connectors. The programmable logic controller can be associated with a computer readable medium that incorporates instructions executable by the programmable logic controller to configure one or more of the input and/or output connectors, and/or to at least partially control an output timeout state.

Abstract: A card reader includes a receiving arrangement configured to sequentially receive cards from an upstream process and position the cards to be read. It also includes a first reader configured to read card information from cards a first time and a second reader configured to read card information from cards a second time. The second reader is positioned such that the information is read by the second reader after the information is read by the first reader. The card reader also includes an advancing mechanism configured to advance cards from the receiving arrangement, through the first and second readers, to a downstream process. The card reader also includes a processor programmed to receive card carrier information that identifies at least one card relating to a particular card carrier. The processor also receives card information from the first reader and from the second reader.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring printer usage in new and existing printer systems. In some cases, the systems include retrofitting a an existing printer and printer controlled combination. Such a retrofit can include a monitor coupled to the printer that is operable to provide an indication of status associated with the printer, and a microprocessor based system controller that includes a computer readable medium comprising instructions executable by the microprocessor to: receive an operator command; format the operator command into a command compatible with the printer and printer controller combination; provide the command compatible with the printer and printer controller combination to the printer controller; and receive the indication of status associated with the printer from the monitor. other methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for processing presentation instruments that includes a presentation instrument reservoir, a presentation instrument reader, a distribution stock holder, a distribution stock reader, two or more motor systems for advancing distribution stock and presentation instruments, and attaching the presentation instruments to the distribution stock when codes printed on the instruments and stock match each other. In some cases, the motor systems can interface to an interface controller via a serial interface, and the interface controller can be coupled to a process control computer via an Ethernet connection. In some cases, distribution stock is blank and has no readable code, in which case the blank stock is automatically advanced to a reject bin without interrupting the operation of system.

Abstract: RF devices are received that include embedded radio-frequency transponders. Each RF device is moved sequentially to stations of a preparation device. At one station, an RF identification code assigned to the RF device is encoded. A recipient of the RF device is identified.

Abstract: An insertion system for collating sheets of printed material for insertion into an envelope is disclosed. The insertion system includes an insertion machine, application software and an operating system. Included in the application software is a first function and a second function, where the first function performs tracking for each packet and the second function controls operation of the insertion machine. Each packet includes a plurality of pieces of printed material that may ultimately be sealed in an envelope. The operating system runs the application software at any given instant and executes the first and second functions.

Abstract: An automated system for preparing cards for further processing includes an envelope feed hopper configured to receive a plurality of envelopes, each having contents including a card carrier and one or more cards attached thereto. The systems also includes an envelope opener configured to receive envelopes from the hopper and create an opening into each envelope. The system further includes a contents parser configured to separate a card carrier and card attached thereto from an envelope. The system also includes a card carrier alignment device configured to unfold a card carrier and align the carrier for further processing and a separation mechanism configured to receive card carriers from the alignment device and separate the card from the carrier. The system also includes a controller programmed to control operation of the system.

Abstract: A system for processing presentation instruments that includes a presentation instrument reservoir, a presentation instrument reader, a distribution stock holder, a distribution stock reader, two or more motor systems for advancing distribution stock and presentation instruments, and attaching the presentation instruments to the distribution stock. In some cases, the motor systems can interface to an interface controller via a serial interface, and the interface controller can be coupled to a process control computer via an Ethernet connection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing presentation instruments for distribution. Some of the methods include reading a code from a distribution stock, accessing a database and determining a presentation instrument to be associated with the distribution stock, selecting the presentation instrument, and associating the presentation instrument with the distribution stock. The various systems include hardware and/or software components for implementing the methods.