Abstract: A method of folding and accumulating a plurality of paper sheets. The method comprises: feeding a plurality of paper sheets seriatim into a first accumulator to form a first sub-set of paper sheets; feeding a plurality of paper sheets sedatim into a second accumulator to form a second sub-set of paper sheets; feeding the second sub-set of sheets through a folding device to form a folded second sub-set of sheets; depositing the folded second sub-set of sheets onto an accumulating deck; feeding the first sub-set of sheets through the folding device to form a folded first sub-set of sheets; and depositing the folded first subset of sheets on top of the second sub-set of sheets on the accumulating deck, to thereby form a final, folded collation consisting of the two folded sub-sets.

Abstract: A sensor processor for cooperating with a drive controller in a high-speed mail-handling machine. The sensor procesor access periodically a plurality of sensors distributed throughout the machine, and then writes the sensor data to an NVM-RAM shared with the drive controller. Time-critical sensors are accessed more frequently than non-time-critical sensors.

Abstract: A sensor processor for cooperating with a drive controller in a high-speed mail-handling machine. The sensor processor access periodically a plurality of sensors distributed throughout the machine, and then writes the sensor data to an NVM-RAM shared with the drive controller. Time-critical sensors are accessed more frequently than non-time-critical sensors.

Abstract: An improved mailing machine has a switch for incrementally changing the magnitude of a time interval during which ink is applied to the applicator roller. The magnitude of the time interval for ink application is both stored and displayed. The magnitude of the change in the stored and displayed values is incremented by one unit for each unit of time that the switch is actuated.

Abstract: Diagnostic test method and apparatus for testing the contents of a programmable device in a mailing machine. Upon initiation of the test sequence, each bit of the mailing machine programmable device under test is added in an accumulator and the resulting sum is displayed on the machine's control panel display. This value can then be checked against the expected value to detect errors or failure to install the latest update.

Abstract: Diagnostic test method and apparatus for testing subsystems in a mailing machine. A test mode is initiated by activating a test key which then allows the control panel keyboard to be utilized to control diagnostic testing with the control panel visual display used for output of test results. A password and test selection code are entered via the keyboard after activating the test mode permitting selection of one of a plurality of tests which can be run without the use of external equipment.