Abstract: A mail processing system for processing bulk mailings includes a mail processing device and a scale operatively coupled to the device. The scale includes a bin with an opening for holding bulk mailings. A sensor is operatively coupled to the mail processing device, and the sensor is operable to send a signal to mail processing device in response to movement of a piece of mail through the opening of the bin. The processor is operable to determine a weight of the piece of mail by comparing weight of the bin before and after receiving the signal from the sensor. The mail can be loaded and removed from the bin manually or automatically. The mail processing system can print a manifest containing the postage for the individually weighed pieces of mail and/or print the appropriate postage on each piece of mail.

Abstract: An acoustic panel having at least two compressible, flexible, acoustic foam damping layers separated by at least two rigid layers. In one preferred embodiment, a first rigid layer has a second flexible foam layer spray applied, with a further spray application of a rigid third layer, followed by a spray application of a flexible foam fourth layer, followed by a spray application of a rigid fifth layer, followed by a spray application of a sixth flexible foam layer, finally followed by a spray application of a rigid seventh layer. Sound transmission through this embodiment is especially well attenuated at high audio frequencies.