Abstract: A ticket handling system for use in a ticket preparation system that includes a signal processor for providing print signals to indicate information to be printed on the tickets and write signals to indicate information to be encoded on the tickets; a printer for printing information on ticket stock in response to the print signals; and a transducer for encoding information on the ticket stock in response to the write signals. The ticket handling system includes a feeder module including a feed system for feeding a strip of ticket stock; a cutter module; a cutting device for cutting ticket blanks of a given length from the fed end of the strip; a printer module including the printer means for printing ticket information on the ticket blanks in response to the print signals; and a transport module including the transducer for encoding ticket information on the ticket blanks in response to the write signals.

Abstract: Document sorting apparatus for sorting documents having data characters recorded thereon into a selected one of a plurality of storage pockets depending upon the data characters. Sorter controllers, each associated with a pre-determined number of the storage pockets, are provided for controlling the gate mechanisms of the storage pockets within their respective control areas so as to direct the document into the selected one of the pockets. The sorter controllers comprise single cycle processors which execute program instructions stored in memory in implementing document tracking functions. Further, the sorter controllers are responsive to destination and sequential tracking numbers assigned to each document by a central processor for recognizing a document as being intended for a pocket within its control area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for segregating articles, such as envelopes (14a, b, or c) bearing address labels (15) into separate groups, with all the articles in each group having the same unique mark (such as a zip-code-area mark). The apparatus includes a right angle conveyor (12) positioned perpendicular to a discharge conveyor (10), an article deflector plate (20), and two or more freely rotatable balls (38, 40) supported in contact with the right angle conveyor (12) and spaced laterally across the face thereof. At least one freely rotatable ball (38) is selectively removable from contact with the right angle conveyor (12) by a solenoid (18) acting through a beam (32) and a control arm (26). The solenoid (18) is activated by a signal from a detector (16) which detects a change in unique markings on address labels of articles just prior to their engagement with the selectively-removable, freely-rotatable ball and the right angle conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a microprocessor implemented method and system suitable for use in a mail sorting machine to sort the envelopes into common groups, assign each group a particular sort bin and generate a coded bin designation signal. The envelopes to be sorted are run through the machine in two passes. During the first pass, the system causes each of the envelopes to be deposited in a designated sort bin in accordance with a sort table which was programmed into the microprocessor prior to the first pass. The microprocessor also compiles a list of the zip codes of each envelope moving through the machine and maintains a count of the number of envelopes having each zip code. Once the first pass is completed, the microprocessor assembles the compiled zip codes into common groups and assigns each group a bin location. The microprocessor then assembles the bin locations into a sort table and outputs a list of loading instructions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a multiple-feed situation with regard to documents having encoding arranged thereon in a predetermined manner and with the documents being moved along a transport path. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the documents are encoded with magnetic ink. A sensing member is positioned along the transport path in operative relationship with the encoding on the documents for generating a first signal in response to a character of the encoding being in moving relationship with the sensing means. A first circuit is used for receiving the first signal and for generating a first time frame. A second circuit is used for generating a second time frame beginning upon the expiration of the first time frame; and a third circuit is used for generating an output signal indicative of a multiple-feed situation when a subsequent signal from the sensing means occurs during the second time frame.

Abstract: An arrangement for sorting cops in which the latter are provided with premarked spintubes and are guided past a detection system which registers the presence or absence of detection rings on the premarked spintubes in the form of signals. Cops which do not satisfy a required pattern of marks, are rejected. The spintubes are provided with detection rings of a material which is different from that of the tube itself. The detection rings may also be of a different material thickness than the remainder of the spintube. The detection rings, moreover, may be made of metal, and a magnetic field or a high-frequency signal may be used in conjunction with the detection system. The metal may be in the form of iron, copper or aluminum.

Abstract: An item/document hold and view station for use with high speed item sorting apparatus wherein a diverter is provided for diverting selected items out of the mainstream item pathway and into an open ended receptacle area for visual viewing by an operator and including a pair of eccentric cam members interconnected by a flexible member is operable to move the item out of the viewing station and back into the mainstream item pathway once the item has been altered, changed, corrected or otherwise handled by the operator without blocking or obscuring the data from the operator's view.