Abstract: A document handling system, such as a mailing machine, includes a feeder station operative to feed documents from a stack in sequential fashion to a conveyor belt of a transport station. The feeder and transport stations include discrete drive motor controllers operatively associated with a speed control adapted to apply a control signal to the transport controller and a control signal to the feeder controller. The feeder controller signal is slaved to the transport controller signal so as to enable changes in document feeder and transport speeds through a single control. A separate gap control enables selective adjustment of the gap between successive documents for various size documents.

Abstract: A zip code sorter for an article labeling and stacking system of the type having a labeling head for applying address labels to articles and a stacker for stacking the addressed articles, the labels having control marks identifying the end of a zip code group, with a mode selector for programming either split or oversize stacking, a look ahead counter for programming a minimum stack count, a stack counter for programming a maximum stack count, and a control responsive to selection of split stack mode to establish a threshold count whereat looking ahead for a change of zip code group mark is commenced so that when the threshold count is reached, scanning of the labels for a change in zip code group mark is commenced at an upstream label count equal to the count for which the look ahead counter is programmed, the control responding to detection of an end of zip code group mark to set the eject flag for the stack currently being stacked and assure a last stack in the zip code group having the minimum stack count

Abstract: Scanning and selection methods and apparatus as well as an electrophotographic printing system employing such scanning and selection apparatus are provided in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention a plurality of coded data records containing selection information and a plurality of coded data records to be classified for selection purposes are scanned by code sensing devices. Code information from each of the plurality of coded data records containing selection information is loaded in sequence into memory apparatus to store therein the selection conditions to be imposed upon the plurality of coded data records to be classified for selection purposes. The selection information obtained being directed to a plurality of selection considerations and such sequence being arranged in a manner so that each of the plurality of selection considerations is defined in different areas of the memory apparatus.

Abstract: Xerographic apparatus for reproducing information on selected one of periodically presented documents includes: means for providing print signals time associated with the selected documents; a paper web; toner; and means for providing toner images, corresponding to information on selected documents, on successive sections of the web. The web passes through a fuser assembly whose temperature is sensed and controlled. Control is accomplished with: (1) means responsive to said print signals, for turning the fuser on for periods of time related to intervals of time occurring between successive print signals, each of said periods of time occurring during an interval immediately prior to the presentation of a toner image, related to the first of successive signals, to the fuser; (2) means for turning the fuser on upon presentation of a toner image to the fuser; and (3) means responsive to the temperature in the fuser for inhibiting means (1) and (2) to turn the fuser off after specific timer periods.

Abstract: Scanning and selection methods and apparatus as well as an electrophotographic printing system employing such scanning and selection apparatus are provided in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention a plurality of coded data records containing selection information and a plurality of coded data records to be classified for selection purposes are scanned by code sensing devices. Code information from each of the plurality of coded data records containing selection information is loaded in sequence into memory apparatus to store therein the selection conditions to be imposed upon the plurality of coded data records to be classified for selection purposes. The selection information obtained being directed to a plurality of selection considerations and such sequence being arranged in a manner so that each of the plurality of selection considerations is defined in different areas of the memory apparatus.

Abstract: A fuser includes a pair of members defining a zone, a pair of electrical elements supported in series with a power supply by one of the members, and a thermostatic switch being electrically connected in parallel with one of the elements. When the temperature in the zone is below a predetermined level the switch is closed and shorts out the element with which it is in parallel. The switch opens when the temperature rises above said predetermined level, whereby less heat is provided for the zone. This arrangement provides a rapid warm up for the zone. Heat distribution in the zone is achieved by supporting the heating elements in zigzag fashion. Sagging of the elements thus mounted is prevented by bias means which maintain the elements under tension.

Abstract: A fuser includes a pair of members defining a zone, a pair of electrical elements supported in series with a power supply by one of the members, and a thermostatic switch being electrically connected in parallel with one of the elements. When the temperature in the zone is below a predetermined level the switch is closed and shorts out the element with which it is in parallel. The switch opens when the temperature rises above said predetermined level, whereby less heat is provided for the zone. This arrangement provides a rapid warm up for the zone. Heat distribution in the zone is achieved by supporting the heating elements in zigzag fashion. Sagging of the elements thus mounted is prevented by bias means which maintain the elements under tension.