Abstract: A flap opening apparatus wherein envelopes are sequentially conveyed past a jet nozzle, which delivers timed blasts of air to open the flaps of each envelope. A computer controller tracks the position of the envelopes by a shaft encoder, and activates the jet nozzle when each envelope is correctly positioned. The opened flaps of the envelopes are held in an open position by a plate so that mail materials may be inserted into the envelopes.

Abstract: A system for coordinating an operational speed of an envelope inserter receiving incoming packets containing a predetermined number of document pages with an interval of time required to generate each incoming packet. A printer generates the document pages within each of the packets and a computer coordinates the operational speed of the envelope inserter with the interval of time required by the printer to generate each incoming packet.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamic insertion of selected inserts into statements to be mailed in which post processing mail data, including selective insert parameters, are developed into a record for mail items and communicated directly to an integrated system controller, which then directs selective insertion of enclosures. The system comprises a mail item preparation apparatus interfaced with a data processor, an inserter apparatus, and an integrated system controller interfaced with the data processor and the inserter. The mail preparing apparatus generally includes a printer, and is mechanically interfaced with the inserter for transfer of mail items. The integrated system controller directs the inserter to selectively include inserts with the mail items according to insert parameter data received from the data processor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for singulating sheets from a stack of sheets and transporting individual ones of them to a conveyor. A picker arm is mounted at its upper end to a rotatable shaft, for reciprocating movement between first and second positions. A lower end of the arm includes a foot and a movable gripper jaw. When the arm is rotated into the first position, it grasps a segregated sheet. As the arm reverses direction and rotates toward the second position, it draws the sheet away from the stack. A sensor, provided within the foot, produces an electrical signal corresponding to the thickness of the sheet. The digital output signal is compared to a reference, or calibration value stored in a computer. If the output signal falls unacceptably outside the reference value, a signal is stored to effect later outsorting. Just before the arm reaches the second position, the jaw is opened, dropping the sheet upon the conveyor.

Abstract: A system for marking an edge of a mailing piece with a desired indicia, thereby permits identification of the marked mailing piece when the marked mailing piece is stacked with other mailing pieces, usually similar mailing pieces. A computer directs which mailing piece is to be marked and activates the marking process. A group of computer controlled solenoids, with each solenoid linked to an indicia imprinting marking pad, is activated for the edge marking. Each activated solenoid forces the marking pad against the mailing piece's edge thereby marking the edge of the mailing piece.

Abstract: For use with an envelope having a flap, a body, and a fold region connecting the flap to the body, a wetting and sealing apparatus for wetting the envelope flap with a liquid and sealing, after folding at the fold region, the wetted envelope flap to the envelope body. A computer directs the wetting and sealing operations. A continually primed spraying nozzle applies the liquid producing an active adhesive to the envelope flap and a pressure foot seals the wetted envelope flap to the envelope body.

Abstract: For use with a mailing packet assembling apparatus that creates a mailing packet from items comprised of machine readable indicia encoded forms and machine readable indicia encoded envelopes that are transferred into the assembling apparatus, a verification system for determining that the correct items are transferred for assembly into the mailing packet. The system has a data base with information on the items within the mailing packet, thereby establishing which forms and envelopes are required in the assembled mailing packet, a plurality of dynamically controlled detectors for identifying the indicia on each form and on each envelope, and a computer for verifying that the data base information and the dynamically detected form and envelope indicia correctly correspond or do not correctly correspond to the desired mailing packet and, if correct, direct the mailing packet to be assembled.

Abstract: A collating system for producing a plurality of document packets with each document packet having at least one page has a database containing requisite information for forming each of the document packets and a computer controller for accessing the database for the requisite information to produce each of the document packets. A multi-tray collator creates each of the document packets as directed by the computer. A plurality of inputting mechanisms feeds pages into the trays of the collator and an outputting mechanism transfers each of the document packets created by the collator to a subsequent processor.

Abstract: An interfacing device for collating from a printer and transferring to post-printer receiving equipment, as a document packet, a complete designated document having one or more printed document pages is disclosed. The device comprises a collating tray positioned to accept from the printer each document page, a solenoid initiated system for transferring the document packet from the collating tray to post-printer receiving equipment, and an electronic information control system for tracking documents and informing the solenoid initiated transferring system that the complete designated document is printed and within the collating tray ready for transferring to the post-printer receiving equipment.