Abstract: A mail piece sortation system for maximizing a number of INTELLIGENT MAIL BARCODES (IMBs) encoded mail pieces that are postal-allowable within a mailing tray is described. The system utilizes the thickness of each mail piece, which is determined before placement of the mail piece into a mailing tray. A computer controller oversees the operation of the system and tracks the thickness of each mail piece for assembling each mailing tray with a maximum number of mail pieces based on the thickness determination to achieve a maximum allowable number of mail pieces within the mail tray. INTELLIGENT MAIL TRAY LABELS (IMTLs) are created by the system and attached by an operator to each mailing tray.

Abstract: A data acquiring apparatus includes: an acquirer that acquires feature data, as registration data, from an image including an object to be registered, the feature data representing a feature that is distributed in a region of a predetermined size determined based on a position defined by an external shape of the object and a position of printing information that has been printed on the object; and a memory that stores the registration data acquired by the acquirer as data for determining identity of the object.

Abstract: A read and write playing card system and method are described. The playing card includes a unique card identification that uniquely identifies the playing card from other cards in the deck of playing cards. Additionally, the read and write playing card includes at least one playing card electronic component that receives data regarding game play. Furthermore, the read and write playing card includes at least one of the playing card electronic components that stores data regarding game play. Further still, the read and write playing card includes at least one of the playing card electronic components that transmits the unique card identification data, when activated by the electronic system.

Abstract: An unused card sorting and recovering apparatus includes a card input device, a card sensing device, a card sorting device, and a card disposing device. The apparatus further includes a plurality of pockets, each of the plurality of pockets configured to hold one or more cards. The apparatus further includes a controller configured to, for each of a plurality of cards, determine an identity of the card, determine whether at least one pocket of the plurality of pockets is missing the card from a complete deck based on the identity of the card, instruct the card sorting device to distribute the card to a pocket of the at least one pocket of the plurality of pockets that is missing the card, or instruct the card sorting device to distribute the card to a holding device. The apparatus further comprises a resetting device configured to reset specific pockets.

Abstract: Systems and processes for tracking the status of an item are disclosed. Systems and processes for decommissioning identifying information from pharmaceutical product containers are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of using a dealer shoe that is configured to provide access to and removal of playing cards from within the dealer shoe includes: a base, a front plate forming a lower gap with the plate through which individual playing cards can pass, a top, and opposed sides joining the base, top, two sides and the front plate to form a card-carrying cavity. The front plate further is associated with a light producing element configured to shine light (e.g., in patterns, in colors, and the like) over a back of a first playing card extending out of the lower gap; and the wavelength and intensity and qualities of the shone light being sufficient to reduce optical contrast of different colors and/or shades on the back of the first playing card or otherwise disrupt optical viewing of printed images on the backs of playing cards.

Abstract: A method of using a dealer shoe that is configured to provide access to and removal of playing cards from within the dealer shoe includes: a base, a front plate forming a lower gap with the plate through which individual playing cards can pass, a top, and opposed sides joining the base, top, two sides and the front plate to form a card-carrying cavity. The front plate further is associated with a light producing element configured to shine light (e.g., in patterns, in colors, and the like) over a back of a first playing card extending out of the lower gap; and the wavelength and intensity and qualities of the shone light being sufficient to reduce optical contrast of different colors and/or shades on the back of the first playing card or otherwise disrupt optical viewing of printed images on the backs of playing cards.

Abstract: An automatic card shuffling device for randomizing playing cards is disclosed. The device comprises a processor in informational connection with the shuffling device, and a detection system capable of detecting or predicting a deficiency in operation of at least one component of the shuffling device. The detection system is configured to transmit an indication of a deficiency to a distal location.

Abstract: A compact media processing device enables recording on a process medium and then processing the process medium based on the result of recording. The media processing device conveys a process medium and processes the conveyed process medium by a first process unit disposed to the conveyance path, and an operation selection unit then determines the content of the next operation based on the result of the first process. After the next operation is determined, the conveyance control unit conveys the process medium upstream to or upstream of the process position of a second process unit. A process control unit then applies the selected operation to the process medium by the second process unit that is disposed downstream from the first process unit on the conveyance path of the process medium.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sorting articles, in particular flat mail items. The sorting plant has a feed transport path, a lead-away transport path, a plurality of connecting transport paths, a plurality of storage regions, and a sorting plan. Each connecting transport path branches off from the feed transport path and issues into the lead-away transport path. The feed transport path or the lead-away transport path is configured as a storage transport path which contains the storage regions, in the form of a sequence of successive storage regions. The sorting plan assigns a storage region, to each possible feature value of a sorting feature. The sorting plant selects a storage region for each article, using the sorting plan and as a function of the measured feature value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of automatically shuffling a deck of playing cards is described. The apparatus includes three compartments disposed laterally with respect to each other and at least one compartment movable vertically with respect to another other compartment. Cards placed in one of the compartments are dispensed into the other two compartments so as to cut or strip the deck, and are returned to the original compartment by interleaving cards from the other compartments. The process may be repeated to substantially randomize the deck for use in playing a game of cards. The cards may be removed either through a top aperture through which the cards were introduced into the apparatus or using a removable tray.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of automatically shuffling a deck of playing cards is described. The apparatus includes three compartments disposed laterally with respect to each other and at least one compartment movable vertically with respect to another other compartment. Cards placed in one of the compartments are dispensed into the other two compartments so as to cut or strip the deck, and are returned to the original compartment by interleaving cards from the other compartments. The process may be repeated to substantially randomize the deck for use in playing a game of cards. One of the compartments may be operable, either manually or by motive means so as to project outside the envelope of the apparatus so as to accept or dispense a deck of cards.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing a stream of mail pieces from different sources. The steps include detecting information corresponding to the first source from at least a first mail piece of the stream, detecting information corresponding to the second source from at least a second mail piece of the stream, counting a number of mail pieces for each of the first source and the second source, and generating a report detailing a count of mail pieces for each of the first source and the second source.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of delivery DVDs, games, other electronically or computer readable media, or other high value items through the mail or via any other delivery service for return and redelivery to a second customer. For example, in one embodiment, items returned by a first customer are identified during processing of a container or mailer containing the item, the second customer is determined, a new address label is affixed to the container, and the item is delivered to the second customer.

Abstract: An operational process for product distribution includes grouping product into groups when the product is in a first sort level and sorting the groups of product, in a first pass operation, to a second level sort. The method further includes sequencing the second level sort product including late arriving product, in a second pass operation, into a sequence of product. A machine readable code can also be used to implement the functionality of the operational process.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel systems and methods for processing packages through a delivery network using a hub assist label. Generally described, the hub assist label includes indicia of a sequence of sorting locations that designates the flow of a package through a delivery network.

Abstract: A method using a single pass sequencer having a transport system for transporting the mail pieces to a transport system having a first carriage system and a second carriage system with a plurality of holders slidable between the first carriage system and the second carriage system with packaged output. Each of the plurality of holders holding a mail piece of the mail pieces received from the transport system. The method includes assigning a code to: (i) the mail pieces based on the destination information, (ii) the plurality of holders on the first carriage, and (iii) a position on the second carriage which corresponds to the initial sequence and a destination sequence of the mail pieces.

Abstract: An ID barcode printing section 13 prints IDs for identifying arrived mails. An address recognition section 21 recognizes address information for the primary sorting and the secondary sorting from the address images photographed by an image input section 14 for saving in an ID database 25. Based on the recognized primary sorting address information, the sorting control section 15 sorts the mails in a sorting box 16, 17 that corresponds to a secondary sorting post office 30. Upon filling up the sorting boxes 16, 17, the mails therein are transferred to a transportation medium. An ID writing section 18 writes secondary sorting address information of the mails in the transportation medium that is read from an ID database 25 for recording on the transportation medium.

Abstract: A card shuffler has a drivable shuffling storage means (2?) which is provided with compartments (69) for receiving cards (13). The storage means is associated with an input apparatus for the insertion of cards one by one into the compartments (69) and an output apparatus spaced from the same for the shuffled cards, with the drive of the shuffling storage means (2?), the input apparatus and the output apparatus being controlled by a microprocessor. The number of shuffled cards supplied to the output apparatus at a time is adjusted to be the number of cards necessary per player for the respective card game. In order to improve the shuffling result in such a shuffler it is provided that the cards supplied to the output apparatus are taken from at least two compartments (69) of the shuffling storage means (2?).

Abstract: To identify articles, a signature for an article that is processed on a sorting plant is formed. The signature comprises characteristic features of the article. The signature is compared with a predetermined number of first signatures of articles of a search space formed in an earlier signature formation during processing on a different sorting plant. The search space is limited by sorting plant data, which is associated with the article, of the sorting plant that processes the article for identification. The sorting plant data is obtained from a sorting logic by which a sequence of at least one of sorting plants and sorting programs that are to be passed through is defined.

Abstract: A card destruction system includes a reader to read identification information from a card. A controller is coupled to the reader to receive the identification information and to determine whether the card is to be destroyed. A delivery sensor is coupled to the controller to sense when the aid is delivered to a card destruction device. The controller is also configured to produce a record of the destruction based on a signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A card destruction system includes a reader to read identification information from a card. A controller is coupled to the reader to receive the identification information and to determine whether the card is to be destroyed. A delivery sensor is coupled to the controller to sense when the card is delivered to a card destruction device. The controller is also configured to produce a record of the destruction based on a signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A card shuffling device reads suit and value of individual cards that are moved through the card shuffler. Reading of the cards is effected after cards have been received into a card holding area and before cards have been delivered into a card collection area from which cards are removed from the device for use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequencing articles via a single sort pass or process includes a plurality of article receivers or collators positioned along a conveying or transport path and a plurality of carriages movable along the path. The carriages receive articles from at least one induct in a generally random manner and discharge the articles at the appropriate collators. The collators are operable to selectively receive the articles at an appropriate one of a plurality of bins of the collators, such that the articles are positioned within the bins of the collators in a sequenced manner. The articles may be unloaded to a plurality of collecting devices and/or manually unloaded and placed or stacked in a container in the desired sequence. The collecting devices may be manually unloaded while the collators simultaneously selectively receive articles during a subsequent sort wave or process.

Abstract: In a method of garment selection, a customer enters a retail outlet having a sales display including (a) a plurality of articles of clothing of a given type in different standard sizes and (b) a plurality of first sizing markers each corresponding to a respective one of the standard sizes and disposed in physical proximity to respective ones of the articles of clothing. The articles of clothing and the first sizing markers are disposed in an arrangement facilitating perception of the first sizing markers and selection of appropriate sizes of the articles of clothing by prospective customers.

Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a card game played with a plurality of playing cards. A card imager automatically images a portion of each playing card, including at least a portion of an edge of the playing card. The card imager may also read an indicia carried by the playing card which indicates a rank and/or suit of the playing card. The system analyzes the edges of the playing cards for curvature, and examines relationships between the edges and ranks of playing cards to detect crimping and other forms of prohibited play.

Abstract: An automated method and apparatus for sequencing and/or inspecting decks of playing cards is presented. The method and apparatus utilizes pattern recognition technology or other image comparison technology to compare one or more images of a card with memory containing known good images of a complete deck of playing cards to identify each card as it passes through the apparatus. Once the card is identified, it is temporarily stored in a location corresponding to or identified according to its position in a properly sequenced deck of playing cards. Once a full set of cards has been stored, the cards are released in proper sequence to a completed deck hopper. The method and apparatus also includes an operator interface capable of displaying a magnified version of potential defects or problem areas contained on a card which may then be viewed by the operator on a monitor or screen and either accepted or rejected via operator input.

Abstract: A card handling device having either a vertical stack of compartments or a carousel of compartments is used to receive individual cards from a card supply. The compartments may be moved relative to the card supply, preferably in two different directions, such as up and down or clockwise and counterclockwise. The card handling may include shuffling, sorting, validation, and other playing card processes.

Abstract: An automated method and apparatus for sequencing and/or inspecting decks of playing cards is presented. The method and apparatus utilizes pattern recognition technology or other image comparison technology to compare one or more images of a card with memory containing known good images of a complete deck of playing cards to identify each card as it passes through the apparatus. Once the card is identified, it is temporarily stored in a location corresponding to or identified according to its position in a properly sequenced deck of playing cards. Once a full set of cards has been stored, the cards are released in proper sequence to a completed deck hopper. The method and apparatus also includes an operator interface capable of displaying a magnified version of potential defects or problem areas contained on a card which may then be viewed by the operator on a monitor or screen and either accepted or rejected via operator input.

Abstract: In an article delivery system, articles each having sorting information are handled, and the articles are arranged in proper delivery order through a plurality of arrangement paths so as to help the delivery of the articles. This system includes a sorting information procuring device for procuring the sorting information of each article, an article information storage device which is connected to the sorting information procuring device, and collects and stores the sorting information, a database for providing the order of arrangement of the sorting information, an information processing device for arranging the sorting information in the order, provided by the database, while including information for distinguishing the arrangement paths from each other, and delivery order forming device having a communication device for transmitting the sorting information arranged by the information processing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to the distribution of mail items with information on the surface of the mail items. Distribution occurs successively by means of various sorting machines. Sorting in particular is carried out in a succession of operations for the last point of distribution. According to the invention, distribution points are determined once the mail items have been received in the first sorting machine and the thicknesses of the mail items are measured by optical scanning of the mail item surfaces. Mail item thicknesses allocated to the distribution points are registered, stored and statistically prepared if required. Optimized sort programs are then calculated for sorting machines assigned to the various distribution points based on information regarding thickness, and the mail items are distributed accordingly.

Abstract: The method of the present invention relates generally to a method for sorting mailpieces using a mail sorting apparatus. In one embodiment of the present invention, instructions are provided to the mail sorting apparatus in a machine readable format such as barcode. The instructions are printed on a form that can be fed into the mail sorting apparatus in the same manner that a mailpiece is fed into the mail sorting apparatus. The form is run through the feed path of the mail sorting apparatus. The barcode is read using a scanner. A signal on the form indicates that the mailpiece is a form, and that information contained in the barcode is an instruction. The instruction may be, for example, an instruction to 1) halt may be implemented through use or reprogramming of application software may be presented by using the form. The method provides for sorting of mailpieces with less stopping of the sorting apparatus to provide new instructions.

Abstract: In an article delivery system, articles each having sorting information are handled, and the articles are arranged in proper delivery order through a plurality of arrangement paths so as to help the delivery of the articles. This system includes a sorting information procuring device for procuring the sorting information of each article, an article information storage device which is connected to the sorting information procuring device, and collects and stores the sorting information, a database for providing the order of arrangement of the sorting information, an information processing device for arranging the sorting information in the order, provided by the database, while including information for distinguishing the arrangement paths from each other, and delivery order forming device having a communication device for transmitting the sorting information arranged by the information processing device.

Abstract: A collation and/or sorting apparatus for groups of articles is exemplified by a sorting and/or shuffling device for playing cards. The apparatus comprises a sensor (15) to identify articles for collation and/or sorting, feeding means to feed cards from a stack (11) past the sensor (15) to a delivery means (14) adapted to deliver cards individually to a preselected one of a storing means (24) in an indexable magazine (20). A microprocessor (16) coupled to the feed means (14), delivery means (18), sensor (15) and magazine (20) determines according to a preprogrammed routine whether cards identified by sensor (15) are collated in the magazine (20) as an ordered deck of cards or a randomly ordered or “shuffled” deck.

Abstract: An automated system and process for managing paper files, particularly medical records contained in file folders and the like, in a file storage system having a predetermined size or limited expansion capacity. A shelf manager system includes a computer program and database which tracks the thickness of individual file folders, the capacity of storage shelf sections, and the percentage of free space remaining in each shelf section. The thickness of each file folder is measured whenever the file folder enters or leaves the primary file storage facility. File folder thickness is computed by weighing the file on an electronic scale or other caliper-based measure device. When occupied shelf space exceeds a threshold percentage for a shelf section, file folders are purged according to the likelihood that certain files will not be requested in the future by applying purging algorithms to the individual files.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for blocking a tabbing feature of a mail handling system are provided which preferably include a mail register positioned to register a plurality of pieces of mail being conveyed so that each selected edge of the plurality of pieces of mail aligns along a common path of travel, a mail presence detector positioned downstream from the mail register to detect the presence of each piece of mail as the piece of mail travels along the common path of travel, and a mail identifier positioned downstream from the mail detector and in communication with the mail detector to identify preselected pieces of mail which should not be tabbed. The apparatus also preferably includes a tab controller positioned in communication with the mail detector and the mail identifier to communicate to a tabber of a mail handling system to not tab the preselected pieces of mail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a document storage device which allows for temporary and secure storage of a number of documents upon their exit from a document processor. The device (10) is comprised of a document stack system (12), a retrieval system (14), and a control unit (16) for tracking the position of each document in the stack. As documents are deposited into the document stack, an identifier is attached to each document's position in the memory of the control unit (16). After deposit of a first document, a first pair of separator sheets (6a, 6b) are deposited above the document. A second document can then be deposited above the first pair of separator sheets. Thereafter, a second pair of separator sheets are deposited above the second document. One sheet from each pair acts as the top or bottom cover for the document (5) against which it is in contact. This deposit process can be continue for additional documents.

Abstract: An electronic mail tracking system having automatic zip code break marking capability. A series of optical sensors along the mail piece transport path of the tracking system track the progress of the mail pieces. A felt tip marker removably mounted to a solenoid is selectively extended and retracted to mark zip code breaks and the mail pieces are then transported to a stacker. The system provides high speed, reliable and low cost zip break marking and tracking of mail piece.

Abstract: In order to maximize postal discounts in connection with binding line operations, a system and method for co-mailing a plurality of diverse publications to their intended recipients is disclosed. The system and method contemplate preparing and addressing copies of each of the diverse publications on at least one binding line. Mailing information is then recorded for each of the diverse publications exiting from the binding line. The diverse publications are then each assembled in a predetermined order as the copies exit from the binding line following which each of the diverse publications is placed in position for feeding each of the copies to a co-mailing line in a predetermined order relative to the order of exit from the binding line. Mailing information is then assembled for all of the diverse publications to control or otherwise facilitate the operation of the co-mailing line by permitting the diverse publications to be accumulated for co-mailing purposes.

Abstract: A check stager-feeder for accumulating, in a stage, a predetermined number of checks or sheets in a stack and for high-speed feeding of the stack to further equipment comprising a kicker/stop member movable by a solenoid between two angular orientations for stopping and accumulating into a stack on a fixed slide surface sheets delivered thereto while in one orientation and, while moving to the other orientation, for kicking and thereby feeding upon the slide surface the accumulated stack further. An embodiment of the stager-feeder includes a separator-sheet retriever for marked separator sheets fed thereto and interposed in the stream of received sheets, the separator sheets serving to control the number of sheets to be accumulated in a stack.

Abstract: A card trunk system according to the present invention includes a card storage means for storing cards in a state where they are classified by type, a card retrieval means for retrieving and taking out cards from the card storage means in a number to be machined and in the order of machining, and a card discriminating means for determining whether or not the card retrieved by the card retrieval means is a correct card. In consequence, the cards to be machined can be automatically arranged.

Abstract: A recycling bag assembly is formed from a series of plastic bags similar to trash or garbage bags temporarily secured together by heat tacking or otherwise. The individual bags are usually color coded to facilitate identification of the solid waste material that is to be collected in them for collection and transport to a disposal facility. A method of widespread regular controlled distribution of the bag assemblies is also provided by inserting or otherwise combining the bag assemblies with newspapers prior to delivery of such papers and subsequent delivery of the bag assemblies with such papers.

Abstract: A length of material (10) is provided with an indented zone (18) which receives an adhesive layer (24). The outer surface (26) of the adhesive layer (24) is coplanar with the outer surface (12) of the length of material (10) thus providing a check processing tab (44) having a uniform cross sectional configuration. The check processing tabs are wound into rolls (30) and are ultimately adhesively secured to checks (34) with the outer surface (12) of the check processing tab (44) positioned in the same plane as the reverse side (46) of the check (34) and subtantially offset from the face (48) thereof.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus and method for sorting mail matter. The apparatus comprises a cabinet including a series of rows of pigeonholes, each pigeonhole having in registry therewith indicia provided on a shiftable support setting forth destination information, as well as related code information, for the mail matter to be placed therein. One indicia-bearing support is provided for each row of pigeonholes, and the indicia are arranged thereon in sets. The full complement of indicia-bearing supports are simultaneously shiftable between multiple given positions corresponding to the number of sets of indicia.The method is carried out by first positioning the full complement of supports to display a primary set of indicia. The destination of the uncoded mail matter to be sorted is matched with the indicia of the primary set and deposited in the appropriate pigeonhole.

Abstract: Demountable, modular, apparatus permitting item/documents, such for example as checks, to be stacked at high speed on opposite sides of a linear main-line item feed-through pathway. Indicators are included for indicating in which direction, forward, right or left of the main-line pathway an item diverting gate is directed and item position sensing devices are located within and adjacent to the diverting gates. Each demountable module, if more than one is employed, is provided with right and left columnators including concentric roller members disposed between a resilient drive roller. Idler rollers are demountably, replaceably secured adjacent respective drive rollers by resilient flat spring members for ease and efficiency of replacement, repair and/or removal. Each diverting gate includes an LED and phototransistor combination for sensing the passage therethrough of an item.

Abstract: A storage file and retrieval system for readily locating and retrieving file folders and the like. The storage file and retrieval system includes a cabinet with one or more slidable drawers into which a plurality of index folder assemblies are stored. Each index folder assembly includes a file folder with an upwardly extending tab having a striker face. The striker faces of the various index folder assemblies are sequentially spaced from each other so as to be located in different striking positions. A reset bar is mounted to the interior of the cabinet to tilt the index folder assemblies forwardly toward the front wall of the drawer when the drawer is closed.