Abstract: Moistening fluids are disclosed that are capable of being used in mail processing machines and systems. Mail processing equipment can automatically feed and moisten envelopes at slow to very high speeds of 30 inches per second. The moistening system becomes contaminated with paper dust, talc, and common envelope adhesives. The moistening fluids kill many types of bacteria, fungi, and inhibit the growth of other types of bacteria, fungi, and algae. The moistening fluids of this invention are safe for use in an office environment, i.e., they are non-toxic, not tacky, have a pleasant odor, are non-flammable, have no residue build up and may be transported by common carriers without any safety precautions. The moistening fluid contains: detergent, biocide, alcohol, dye, de-ionized water and a fragrance.

Abstract: An embodiment of the system of the present invention generally comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus which includes a feeder, an OCR scanner, a video scanner, a mailpiece transporter, a diverter and output module, compartments or bins for receiving sorted mailpieces, optical character recognition system for reading addressee information, an addressee database, a suspect database, and microprocessor based control system. In alternate embodiments of the present invention: the system is contained in a detection area and clean room and/or connection to an investigation entity. The system and method of integrates prediction of the presence of life harming material in mailpieces with mailpiece processing so as to help deter delays in incoming mail delivery caused by the presence of life harming material the suspected presence of life harming material and to protect the intended recipients from harm.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus including a voice recognition system performing a method of processing “return to sender” mailpieces using voice recognition. The operator obtains a “return to sender” mailpiece and determines a sender address segment for identification. The sender address segment is spoken by the operator to the recognition system. The voice recognition software interprets the information and communicates it to recipient matching software. The software narrows the potential sender matches in the mailpiece sorting apparatus addressee database. If a match is made, the operator is prompted to place the mailpiece onto mailpiece sorting apparatus which sends the mailpiece to the proper sort bin based on the identification performed by the matching software.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus including a voice recognition system and a method of processing reject mailpieces using voice recognition. Mailpieces that OCR cannot read and determine the recipient for (“rejects”) are processed. The operator obtains a reject and determines the proper address segment for the recipient information. The proper address segment is spoken by the operator to the recognition system. The voice recognition software interprets the information and communicates it to recipient matching software. The software narrows the potential recipient matches in the mailpiece sorting apparatus addressee database. If a match is made, the operator is prompted to place the mailpiece onto mailpiece sorting apparatus which sends the mailpiece to the proper sort bin based on addressee identification performed by the matching software. The present invention may also calculate statistical information regarding reject mailpieces.

Abstract: An embodiment of the system of the present invention generally comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus which includes a feeder, an OCR scanner, a mailpiece transporter, a sanitizer and compartments or bins for receiving sorted mailpieces, an optical character recognition system (OCR) for reading addressee information, an addressee database, and a personal computer (PC) or microprocessor based control system. In an embodiment of the present invention, mailpieces are feed, singulated and sanitized. In another embodiment of the present invention mailpieces are fed, singulated, sanitized and sorted. In another embodiment of the present invention the system is contained in a sanitization area and clean room. The system provides for sanitization of mailpieces so as to help deter delays in incoming mail delivery caused by the presence of life harming material and sanitize the mail so as to protect the intended recipients from harm.

Abstract: An embodiment of the system of the present invention generally comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus which includes a feeder, an OCR scanner, a mailpiece transporter, a sanitizer and compartments or bins for receiving sorted mailpieces, an optical character recognition system (OCR) for reading addressee information, an addressee database, and a personal computer (PC) or microprocessor based control system. In an embodiment of the present invention, mailpieces are feed, singulated and sanitized. In another embodiment of the present invention mailpieces are fed, singulated, sanitized and sorted. In another embodiment of the present invention the system is contained in a sanitization area and clean room. The system provides for sanitization of mailpieces so as to help deter delays in incoming mail delivery caused by the presence of life harming material and sanitize the mail so as to protect the intended recipients from harm.

Abstract: An embodiment of the system of the present invention generally comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus which includes a feeder, an OCR scanner, a mailpiece deliverer, a diverter and output module, compartments or bins for receiving sorted mailpieces, optical character recognition system for reading addressee information, an addressee database, and microprocessor based control system. In an embodiment of the present invention, harmful materials are detected in mailpieces and such mailpieces are diverted from the mail stream. In alternate embodiments of the present invention: the system is contained in a detection area and clean room; and/or the system uses x-ray technology to determine the content of the mailpieces. The system provides for detection of harmful materials in mailpieces so as to help deter delays in incoming mail delivery caused by the presence of life harming material and sanitize the mail so as to protect the intended recipients from harm.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus including a voice recognition system performing a method of processing “return to sender” mailpieces using voice recognition. The operator obtains a “return to sender” mailpiece and determines a sender address segment for identification. The sender address segment is spoken by the operator to the recognition system. The voice recognition software interprets the information and communicates it to recipient matching software. The software narrows the potential sender matches in the mailpiece sorting apparatus addressee database. If a match is made, the operator is prompted to place the mailpiece onto mailpiece sorting apparatus which sends the mailpiece to the proper sort bin based on the identification performed by the matching software.

Abstract: A method of canceling intersymbol interference (ISI) for a signal bit ak at time k, where k&egr;{0, ±1, ±2, . . . } in data transmission and data storage channels, by modelling the channel; training a RAM with known values for ak to acquire the model of the channel; searching for the optimal address for the RAM, with past, present, and future values of ak, to be used in minimizing the ISI in the received signal; and canceling ISI from the received signal. A RAM-search method and apparatus is presented which operates in cooperation with Viterbi detection and decoding, as well as with BCJR-APP detection and decoding.

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing an apparatus that will assist in sorting mailpieces which increases the efficiency of the mail sorting apparatus, provides an organized space for intermediate storage of mailpieces and provides ergonomic features that reduce injury to the mail sorting apparatus operator and increases productivity. The present invention is directed to, in a general aspect, a mailpiece storage rack. The storage rack is used to hold partially sorted mailpieces between sorting passes in multiple pass sorting of mailpieces using a mail sorting apparatus or stores mailpieces after sortation and prior to delivery. The storage rack maintains the grouping, sequence and stack quality or alignment of partially sorted mailpieces which provides for more efficient re-feeding. The rack is designed ergonomically for easy transferring of mail into and out of storage and also provides for organized workflow.

Abstract: A self-lubricating coating is provided which includes a mixture of a curable acrylate composition including a dipentaerythritol pentaacylate and a solid lubricant, such as polytetraflourethylenr. The curable acrylate composition may also include triethylene glycol dimethacrylate. An aramid pulp may also be added to the coating mixture. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the coating, and a self-lubricating bearing having the coating disposed on its surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an elastomeric coupling for transmitting torque between two shafts approximately aligned on a shaft axis, which coupling comprises a composite member including an elastomeric center element, and a shoe fabricated from a reinforced plastic material and including a first portion bonded to the center element, and a second portion extending axially from the first portion and from the center element, including apertured metallic inserts, and being adapted to be connected to one of the shafts.

Abstract: A novel circuit arrangement decodes Miller-squared (M.sup.2) encoded signals using Class II partial response (PR2) equalization techniques. The circuit arrangement utilizes a maximum-likelihood sequence estimator (detector) implemented by the Viterbi algorithm to minimize the probability of bit errors in a digital storage or transmission channel that employs M.sup.2 encoding in combination with PR2 equalization. The PR2 equalization channel is preferably modeled by a finite impulse response (FIR) filter which, in turn, is modeled by a finite-state trellis diagram. This allows creation of a modified trellis when M.sup.2 encoding is applied to the PR2 channel with the modified trellis providing the basis for implementing the detector according to the invention.

Abstract: A molded fiber reinforced plastic leaf spring. The spring has a curved central section composed of longitudinally extending fibrous strands impregnated with a cured thermosetting resin. The central section is generally rectangular in cross section having rounded upper and lower edges and a ground-off parting line disposed substantially at the neutral axis of the spring.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively and precisely placing a chemical analysis probe (such as a fiber optic probe): (1) in a liquid sample contained in an open-mouthed sample vessel positioned on a sample support, or (2) in a wash collection chamber. Any residual sample remaining on the probe can be washed from it with a stream of volatile wash liquid when the probe is in the wash collection chamber and jets of gas can be directed onto the washed probe to speed the evaporation of any residual wash liquid from the probe. A latch can be used to hold the probe in the wash collection chamber.

Abstract: A drain and shutoff valve assembly for a water pressure tank. The lower end of the tank is provided with a non-circular opening within which the drain and shutoff valve assembly is mounted. The assembly includes a plastic body having an outer non-circular section, which is received within the opening in the tank, and an inner section having a larger cross-sectional area than the outer section. The valve body is provided with a drain passage which can be opened and closed by a needle-type valve. An annular seal is disposed between the inner section of the body and the inner surface of the tank, while a retaining clip is engaged with a groove in the outer section of the body and bears against the outer surface of the tank to hold the valve body in position within the tank opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the morphology or dimensions of a polymeric hollow fiber is disclosed. The light absorption pattern of the hollow fiber can be used to determine the inside and outside diameter of the fiber.

Abstract: A molded fiber reinforced plastic leaf spring. The spring has a curved central section composed of longitudinally extending fibrous strands impregnated with a cured thermosetting resin. The central section is generally rectangular in cross section having rounded upper and lower edges and a ground-off parting line disposed substantially at the neutral axis of the spring.