Abstract: For preparing a series of mail pieces using a mail preparation apparatus, a scanner (63) scans at least a portion of a first postal item (20, 25) and generates signals in accordance with scanned patterns. A control system (31) processes the signals from the scanner into image data representing an image and compares the image data with reference data, which represent features of optical marks of a particular type that are associated to predetermined instructions for processing postal items (20, 25). If at least a predetermined extent of agreement between the image data and the reference data is found, a job setting including scanning of optical marks from further postal items (20, 25) and controlling the preparation of the mail pieces in accordance with instructions represented by the optical marks is selected. Otherwise, a job setting not including scanning of optical marks from further postal items (20, 25) is selected.

Abstract: By providing an apparatus having a plurality of sheet feeders, each having a tray elongate in top plan view for supporting a stack of elongate sheets, wherein a tray can be displaced in an outward direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sheet feeders, it is made possible for a tray displaced in an outward direction to be tilted over a relatively large angle at a given vertical clearance from the other sheet feeders.

Abstract: For preparing a series of mail pieces using a mail preparation apparatus, a scanner (63) scans at least a portion of a first postal item (20, 25) and generates signals in accordance with scanned patterns. A control system (31) processes the signals from the scanner into image data representing an image and compares the image data with reference data, which represent features of optical marks of a particular type that are associated to predetermined instructions for processing postal items (20, 25). If at least a predetermined extent of agreement between the image data and the reference data is found, a job setting including scanning of optical marks from further postal items (20, 25) and controlling the preparation of the mail pieces in accordance with instructions represented by the optical marks is selected. Otherwise, a job setting not including scanning of optical marks from further postal items (20, 25) is selected.