Abstract: The present invention provides for automation of the process of ensuring that the contents of the return mailed digital media, comprising a disc enclosed in a sleeve, is correct for redistribution. A camera on a sorting machine is used to scan a first code on a hub of the disc through a sleeve opening. The camera also scans a second code printed on the sleeve. The sorter computer compares the first and second codes to determine whether the first and second codes correspond. If the first and second codes do not correspond, the sorter outsorts the mailed digital media so that the mismatch problem can be corrected. In a further embodiment, the system detects whether there are more or less than a single disk in the mail package. In the preferred embodiment, the mailed digital media is further composed of an envelope that receives and encloses the sleeve.

Abstract: An inserter apparatus for inserting an item into a holder. The inserter apparatus includes a deck, a mover, an opening system, and a controller. The deck can slidably support the holder from a first location to an item loading location. The mover can move the holder along the deck, wherein the mover includes a drive motor, a conveyor connected to the drive motor, and a gripper connected to the conveyor. The drive motor is a servo motor. The opening system is at the item loading location for opening the holder and inserting the item into the holder. The controller is connected to the servo motor. The controller is adapted to vary speed of the servo motor to thereby vary speed of the conveyor and the holder along the deck.

Abstract: An inserter apparatus for inserting an item into a holder. The inserter apparatus includes a deck, a mover, an opening system, and a controller. The deck can slidably support the holder from a first location to an item loading location. The mover can move the holder along the deck, wherein the mover includes a drive motor, a conveyor connected to the drive motor, and a gripper connected to the conveyor. The drive motor is a servo motor. The opening system is at the item loading location for opening the holder and inserting the item into the holder. The controller is connected to the servo motor. The controller is adapted to vary speed of the servo motor to thereby vary speed of the conveyor and the holder along the deck.

Abstract: An improved digital media enclosure having two primary components, a sleeve into which the digital media is placed, and an envelope into which the sleeve is placed. At least one surface of the sleeve is printed with a plurality of identification markings on at least one of the sleeve's outer surfaces. The identification markings are each positioned at a first radial distance from a center of the sleeve in regularly angled intervals around the center. The envelope includes a pocket into which the sleeve fits. There is an opening in the envelope pocket located at substantially the first radial distance from the planar center of the sleeve pocket. The opening is also positioned at a same angle as the identification markings, such that any of the identification markings will show through the opening when the sleeve is placed in the sleeve pocket in any of its possible orientations.

Abstract: A method of renting a rental article is provided including delivering the rental article by a delivery service provider between rentees without returning the rental article to a renter of the rental article; and delivering the rental article to an article service provider, between deliveries of the rental article, to two of the rentees, based upon a predetermined event.

Abstract: An inserter apparatus for inserting an item into a holder. The inserter apparatus includes a deck, a mover, an opening system, and a controller. The deck can slidably support the holder from a first location to an item loading location. The mover can move the holder along the deck, wherein the mover includes a drive motor, a conveyor connected to the drive motor, and a gripper connected to the conveyor. The drive motor is a servo motor. The opening system is at the item loading location for opening the holder and inserting the item into the holder. The controller is connected to the servo motor. The controller is adapted to vary speed of the servo motor to thereby vary speed of the conveyor and the holder along the deck.

Abstract: A mailer primarily composed of three layers, or sheets, that are fastened on top of one-another. A back sheet forms the back of both the outgoing and return mail pieces. The back sheet includes the reclosable flap and further includes an opening to allow external viewing of an identification code marked on a media sleeve that is placed in the finished mailer. A second sheet is a middle sheet fastened on top of the back sheet. The middle sheet also has an opening, and is attached to the back sheet such that the middle sheets opening aligns with the back sheet opening. A disk receiving slot is formed between the back sheet and the middle sheet. The aligned openings in the back and middle sheets are located in a center of the disk receiving slot. A third top sheet is removably attached on top of the middle sheet. The top sheet includes delivery markings for original mailing portion of the mailer.

Abstract: The present invention provides for automation of the process of ensuring that the contents of the return mailed digital media, comprising a disc enclosed in a sleeve, is correct for redistribution. A camera on a sorting machine is used to scan a first code on a hub of the disc through a sleeve opening. The camera also scans a second code printed on the sleeve. The sorter computer compares the first and second codes to determine whether the first and second codes correspond. If the first and second codes do not correspond, the sorter outsorts the mailed digital media so that the mismatch problem can be corrected. In a further embodiment, the system detects whether there are more or less than a single disk in the mail package. In the preferred embodiment, the mailed digital media is further composed of an envelope that receives and encloses the sleeve.

Abstract: An improved digital media enclosure having two primary components, a sleeve into which the digital media is placed, and an envelope into which the sleeve is placed. At least one surface of the sleeve is printed with a plurality of identification markings on at least one of the sleeve's outer surfaces. The identification markings are each positioned at a first radial distance from a center of the sleeve in regularly angled intervals around the center. The envelope includes a pocket into which the sleeve fits. There is an opening in the envelope pocket located at substantially the first radial distance from the planar center of the sleeve pocket. The opening is also positioned at a same angle as the identification markings, such that any of the identification markings will show through the opening when the sleeve is placed in the sleeve pocket in any of its possible orientations.

Abstract: A method for distributing a rental article includes maintaining a plurality of rentee accounts; providing the rental article to a delivery service for delivery to a first address associated with a first one of the plurality of rentee accounts; receiving a notification that the rental article has been reintroduced to the delivery service; and based upon a rental request for the rental article in a second one of the plurality of rentee accounts, providing the delivery service, while the article is still under control of the delivery service, with a second different address to which the rental article is to be delivered.

Abstract: A method of renting a rental article is provided including delivering the rental article by a delivery service provider between rentees without returning the rental article to a renter of the rental article; and delivering the rental article to an article service provider, between deliveries of the rental article, to two of the rentees, based upon a predetermined event.

Abstract: A method and system for offering a rental article for sale. The method includes determining how many times the rental article has been rented; and establishing a scaled purchase price for selling the rental article based at least partially upon a number of times the rental article has been rented.

Abstract: A method and system of processing a rental article including renting the rental article to a plurality of consecutive rentees by a renter without returning the rental article to the renter; tracking a number of the consecutive rentees which the rental article has been rented to; and upon the number of consecutive rentees, which the rental article has been rented to, reaching a predetermined number, changing a status of the rental article. The method and system can predict damage to the rental article without returning the rental article to the renter.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering a product including performing a first non-sale transaction including having the product transported through a first delivery stream to a first intended recipient for use by the first intended recipient, and receiving payment from the first intended recipient; and performing a second transaction including having the product transported through a second delivery stream from the first intended recipient directly to a second intended recipient by a delivery service provider, and receiving payment from the second intended recipient.

Abstract: A method of routing a mail piece in a delivery system includes receiving the mail piece by a delivery service provider; initially moving the mail piece in a delivery stream of the delivery service provider towards a first delivery address; after the mail piece has at least partially completed transit in the delivery stream of the delivery service provider, scanning the mail piece by the delivery service provider to determine a mail piece identifier of the mail piece; determining a new delivery address of the mail piece by the delivery service provider based upon the scanned mail piece identifier and information supplied to the delivery service provider after initial moving of the mail piece in the delivery stream of the delivery service provider; and delivering the mail piece to the new delivery address.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling the speed of a DC motor provides delay and sampling means in the feedback loop to delay the triggering of the SCRs driving the DC motor and measured the motor armature voltage during the period of the delay, thereby eliminating errors in the armature motor voltage caused by the SCR motor excitation.Alternatively, the current to the motor is measured to generate a pulse output for initiating an interval during which the measured armature voltage is sampled and transmitted to a summator for generating an error signal controlling application of power to the DC motor whereupon the aforesaid interval is terminated upon receiving a pulse indicative of power application to the DC motor.