Patents by Inventor Walter S. Conard
Walter S. Conard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10058897Abstract: Systems and methods for parcel one pass labeling and sorting for presort qualification. The system includes a conveyor on which parcel pieces are placed by an operator, where the conveyor ensures proper gap between parcel pieces and justifies the parcels to an edge of the conveyor in order to align the parcels with labelers which print and apply shipping documents and shipping labels. The labeled parcel pieces are then sorted according to the destination indicated and deposited into a sort bin. The system is configured to allow dynamic reassignment of the sort bins based on capacity and sort destinations processed. A single bin is used for depositing parcel pieces which do not need to be sorted by destination.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2016Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Fluence Automation LLCInventors: Richard Wojdyla, Brian Bowers, Paul Kostyniuk, Walter S. Conard
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Publication number: 20180182189Abstract: Automated storage and retrieval terminals are disclosed. In some examples, an automated storage and retrieval terminal includes an electronic access system, a display screen, and a control system. The control system is configured for determining that a user present at the automated storage and retrieval terminal is authorized to access a package from a locker and, in response, causing the electronic access system to provide the user access to the first package. The control system is further configured for displaying, based on user information provided by the user at the automated storage and retrieval terminal or package information stored by the control system as part of storing the first package in the first locker or both, a targeted message for the user on the display screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2017Publication date: June 28, 2018Inventors: Ramnath A. Lakshmi-Ratan, Daniel Joseph Noga, Larry Allen Blue, Guioulnara Abbaszade, Walter S. Conard
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Patent number: 9827798Abstract: An assembly, system, and method for applying postage indicia to one or more mailpiece on a high speed mail sorter are disclosed. In some aspects, the assembly includes a diverter; a first and a second lane each including one or more zones, wherein the diverter is configured to alternately divert the one or more mailpiece to either the first or second lane; and one or more meter printers disposed on the first and second lane; wherein the one or more zones includes a first zone configured to decelerate the one or more mailpiece to printer speed, a second zone configured to transport the one or more mailpiece past the one or more meter printers at the printer speed, and a third zone configured to accelerate the one or more mailpiece to transport speed and merge the one or more mailpiece with mailpieces from each of the first and second lane.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Fluence Automation LLCInventors: Brian Bowers, Walter S. Conard
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Publication number: 20170140336Abstract: The present application generally relates to mail processing equipment and techniques. More specifically, the present application relates to a mail processing system and related method for transporting and imaging addressed mail pieces of a mailing to qualify the mailing for postage discounts. An address analysis component of the mail processing system compares the address included on a respective mail piece to postal authority standards for compliance with requirements for discounted postage based on pre-sort rules. A postage metering component prints the discounted postage indicia and a printing component prints delivery point barcodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2016Publication date: May 18, 2017Inventors: Mark Van Gorp, Walter S. Conard, Rima Franklin, Mark Woolston
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Publication number: 20160332467Abstract: An assembly, system, and method for applying postage indicia to one or more mailpiece on a high speed mail sorter are disclosed. In some aspects, the assembly includes a diverter; a first and a second lane each including one or more zones, wherein the diverter is configured to alternately divert the one or more mailpiece to either the first or second lane; and one or more meter printers disposed on the first and second lane; wherein the one or more zones includes a first zone configured to decelerate the one or more mailpiece to printer speed, a second zone configured to transport the one or more mailpiece past the one or more meter printers at the printer speed, and a third zone configured to accelerate the one or more mailpiece to transport speed and merge the one or more mailpiece with mailpieces from each of the first and second lane.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2015Publication date: November 17, 2016Inventors: Brian Bowers, Walter S. Conard
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Publication number: 20160263623Abstract: Systems and methods for parcel one pass labeling and sorting for presort qualification. The system includes a conveyor on which parcel pieces are placed by an operator, where the conveyor ensures proper gap between parcel pieces and justifies the parcels to an edge of the conveyor in order to align the parcels with labelers which print and apply shipping documents and shipping labels. The labeled parcel pieces are then sorted according to the destination indicated and deposited into a sort bin. The system is configured to allow dynamic reassignment of the sort bins based on capacity and sort destinations processed. A single bin is used for depositing parcel pieces which do not need to be sorted by destination.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2016Publication date: September 15, 2016Inventors: Richard Wojdyla, Brian Bowers, Paul Kostyniuk, Walter S. Conard
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Patent number: 8977385Abstract: Processing and tracking of individual mail items processed through a document processing system such as a sorter or inserter utilize a mail item identifier that is unique with respect to each individual mail item. A mail item may have a postal authority approved code representing or containing its associated unique identifier. If not, an identifier is generated and a corresponding postal authority approved code is applied to the mail item. Processing entails associating the unique mail item identifier for each respective mail item with collected metadata for the respective mail item and storing the identifier and associated the metadata. In a sorter example, each mail item is sorted into a postal sort group, and the processing entails identifying the sort group to which each item is sorted and storing the identified sort in association with the unique mail item identifier.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Bell and Howell, LLCInventors: Brian Bowers, Steven Seburn, Steven Ksiazek, Gary Van Ermen, Walter S. Conard
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Patent number: 8560115Abstract: The present application relates to a system and related method for processing a mailpiece through the steps associated with its manufacture and post processing. The present system and method allow for mailpiece item tracking data collection at each step in the mailpiece manufacturing and processing. The present system and method allow for the integration of mailpiece item data from a postage device by utilizing information based barcode data included as part of the postage evidence, together with the production and sorting processes.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2013Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Bell and Howell, LLCInventors: Mark Van Gorp, John Keirsbilck, Walter S. Conard
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Patent number: 8520888Abstract: The present application relates to a method, apparatus and programmable product for uniquely identifying a document. More specifically, the application allows for the identification of the document through collection of minutiae data at various points throughout the document's lifecycle without reliance upon or requirement for any unique identification characters, barcodes and/or objects that were added to the document specifically for the purpose of identification.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Bell and Howell, LLCInventors: Roger Spitzig, Walter S. Conard, Leondo R. Phifer
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Patent number: 8515877Abstract: The present teachings described herein pertain to mail preparation systems, and more specifically to the processing of mailings to obtain destination entry discounts. The teachings herein also pertain to the processing of mailings by various document processing systems, such as sorters, inserters or vision systems attached to document processing systems, to enable processing of mail articles to maximize destination entry discounts. Still further, the teachings pertain to schemes for the enablement of delivery and logistics information to be arranged respective to a mailing during mail processing to obtain destination entry discounts.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Bell + Howell CompanyInventors: Erik Runstrom, Walter S. Conard
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Patent number: 8477992Abstract: The present subject matter relates to controlling of mail processing equipment. More specifically, the present subject matter allows for unique recognition of a printed document from all other similar documents, without the inclusion of additional purposeful identifying marks, data or barcodes. A document processing system, such as an inserter, printer, postage meter, sorter or other document processing system is controlled based on document identification which does not depend on unique identifiers. Similarly if a document is identified with a unique identifying mark on the first page, the present subject matter allows for identification of each subsequent page in the document without requiring identifying marks on each page. The identification data is then used to control the processing of the printed document based upon the recognition and enables the performance of quality checks.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Bell and Howell, LLCInventors: Mark G. Paul, Michael G. Boston, Roger Spitzig, David Rawlings, Walter S. Conard
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Patent number: 8433438Abstract: The present application relates to a system and related method for processing a mailpiece through the steps associated with its manufacture and post processing. The present system and method allow for mailpiece item tracking data collection at each step in the mailpiece manufacturing and processing. The present system and method allow for the integration of mailpiece item data from a postage device by utilizing information based barcode data included as part of the postage evidence, together with the production and sorting processes.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Bell and Howell, LLCInventors: Mark Van Gorp, John Keirsbilck, Walter S. Conard
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Patent number: 8326898Abstract: The present application generally relates to address data maintenance services using a mail processing system. The present application discloses techniques and equipment to update address information and usage of mail processing equipment to print delivery point barcodes that represent the current and accurate address information available for the addressee. The present application also provides a new approach for storing and searching address and name run time directories as part of a mail processing system using address reader technology.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Bell & Howell, LLCInventors: Mark Woolston, Walter S. Conard, William A. Grady, Brian Bowers, Richard Wojdyla, Gary Van Ermen
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Patent number: 8245933Abstract: Systems, methods, and an article of manufacture for printing a new postal authority code on a mail piece prepared by and received from an inserter or wrapper. A barcode post-processing system receives a mail piece from an inserter and communicates with the image capture equipment. The barcode post-processing system during performs various functions. The functions can include receiving legacy address block information from the mail piece from the image capture equipment, processing the captured legacy address block information to determine one or more missing parameters of the new postal authority code to create processed data, and supplementing the captured legacy address block information data with the one or more missing parameters of the new postal authority code received from one or more data source.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Bell and Howell, LLCInventors: Marvin L. Isles, Mark Gerard Paul, Walter S. Conard, Leondo R. Phifer, Michael J. McIntee, Michael Boston, Roger Spitzig, Robert Richards
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Patent number: 8150547Abstract: A method and system are provided for updating address information and using document processing equipment to print delivery point information, including a barcode or readable text, on mail pieces. The address data is processed and updated by a service provider or by an address service provider. When the mailpieces are processed on document processing equipment, the printed address data is compared with an updated address data record to retrieve the updated address and apply the correct delivery point information. The delivery point information representing the most current and accurate address for the addressee of the mail piece.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Bell and Howell, LLC.Inventors: Richard Wojdyla, Walter S. Conard
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Patent number: 8063332Abstract: Mail processing methods and techniques for sorting and commingling mail from various mail sources including the tracking of the mail pieces through the processing. Such tracking entails uniquely identifying each mail piece, received in batches from the mail sources, and recording the unique identification of each mail piece. The received mail is sorted and commingled in a first pass, to form first collections, and each first collection is loaded into a uniquely identified mail container. For each respective mail piece, the tracking entails recording an association of the unique identification of one of the mail containers into which it is likely the respective mail piece is sorted on the first pass. After processing is complete, postal and client reports can be adjusted based on actual final pass counts.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Bell and Howell, LLCInventors: Brian C. Bowers, Steven J. Krejcik, Walter S. Conard, Michael R. Swift
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Patent number: 7840414Abstract: The present application generally relates to a method and system for identifying whether or not a particular mail piece has machine readable address correction service information and for providing feedback to a mailer or the Postal Service regarding errors in such requests and corrective action needed. In particular, the method relates to analyzing an encoded barcode containing address correction information to verify whether address correction service is requested. For each mail piece containing an address correction service request, the method includes verifying that address correction service request associated with the decoded barcode is valid.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Inventors: Daniel J. Parenti, Walter S. Conard, Niren Shah
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Publication number: 20100292833Abstract: The present application relates to a system and related method for processing a mailpiece through the steps associated with its manufacture and post processing. The present system and method allow for mailpiece item tracking data collection at each step in the mailpiece manufacturing and processing. The present system and method allow for the integration of mailpiece item data from a postage device by utilizing information based barcode data included as part of the postage evidence, together with the production and sorting processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventors: Mark Van GORP, John Keirsbilck, Walter S. Conard
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Publication number: 20100293111Abstract: The present application generally relates to mail processing equipment and techniques. More specifically, the present application relates to a mail processing system and related method for transporting and imaging addressed mail pieces of a mailing to qualify the mailing for postage discounts. An address analysis component of the mail processing system compares the address included on a respective mail piece to postal authority standards for compliance with requirements for discounted postage based on pre-sort rules. A postage metering component prints the discounted postage indicia and a printing component prints delivery point barcodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventors: Mark VAN GORP, Walter S. Conard, Rima Franklin, Mark Woolston
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Patent number: 7834289Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for processing a mailing including one or more mail pieces. The exemplary systems and method include capturing address data, addressee data, or address and addressee data associated with each respective mail piece of the mailing. A delivery point address code and a unique identifier are determined for the respective mail piece based at least in part on the captured address data, addressee data, or address and addressee data. In addition, a machine readable code is generated comprising at least a mailer identifier for the mailing and the unique identifier. The machine readable code is then printed on the respective mail piece. Also disclosed are exemplary systems and methods for retrieving a delivery point address code from a move data file. A machine readable code is generated from the delivery point address code and a unique identifier, and is printed on the mail piece.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Bowe Bell & Howell CompanyInventors: Wayne Henry Orbke, John Sadler, William Andrew Grady, Richard Wojdyla, Walter S. Conard