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: 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 refeeding. The rack is designed ergonomically for easy transferring of mail into and out of storage and also provides for organized workflow.

Abstract: A device for sorting and selectively collecting flat products, such as shipping pouches, printed products or workpieces, which are placed at predetermined collecting points along the conveying path of an endless conveyor and below the conveyor in collecting containers, includes a pushing device for moving the empty collecting containers transversely of the direction of movement of the conveyor on a transfer path between a lateral pick-up position and the collecting point. The pushing device is reversibly driven in a guide arrangement of the transfer path, wherein the filled collecting containers can be ejected from the collecting point. For driving the pushing device, the pushing device is connected to a drive member of a fixedly mounted drive unit, wherein the drive member is attached to an endless or revolving traction unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for checking bank notes for their state of use, in particular dirt and stains which can impair the service value of the bank notes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a folder device and method of use in conjunction with a sorting device. The sorting device for use with the folder device may assume a variety of configurations. The present invention provides a folder device for receiving items for use with a sorting device. In one embodiment a first side of the folder is configured in relation to the leading edge of its associated partition element so that at least a portion of the first side does not extend vertically past the leading edge. The present invention further provides a method of creating a delivery point package. The delivery point package may facilitate the delivery of mail items by providing a discrete package by capturing items between the folder sides.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for collating a plurality of groups of mail items, such as flats mail, each group being pre-sequenced according to prioritized delivery addresses, into a final sequenced set of the mail items from the groups, utilizing the prioritized delivery addresses. Each bundle of mail items is formed into a single input stream of the individual mail items. The mail items are transported along a conveyor system from the input stream to a staging station. The mail items are sorted at the staging station into a plurality of subsets of mail items re-sequenced as an intermediate step to achieving the final sequenced sets. The mail items are then collated and merged into a single output stream from the respective subsets of mail items in the final sequenced set. Portions of the output stream from the staging station are collected in batches which maintain the sequence consistent with the prioritized delivery order sequence of the mail for a given carrier route.

Abstract: A system for sorting documents is provided. The system first automatically determines the physical orientation of each document. Each document may have one of the following four orientations: face-forward and right-side-up, face-forward and up-side-down, face-backward and right-side-up and face-backward and up-side-down. Once the physical orientation of each document is determined, each document is sorted by orientation to one of four document bins corresponding to each of the four orientations described above. Preferably, a digital image of each document is captured before being sorted to the appropriate bin, and most preferably, the digital image of each document is automatically oriented to a preferred orientation. Preferably, each document includes visually readable markings, and the physical orientation of each document is automatically determined based upon the visually readable markings.

Abstract: A mixed mail sorting machine includes a feeder that receives a stack of incoming mail pieces and outputs the mail pieces one at a time in a vertical position; a scanner which receives mail pieces from the feeder and scans each mail piece in a vertical position to read sorting information thereon; a reorientation conveyor which receives the scanned mail pieces from the scanner and re-orients each mail piece from a vertical to a horizontal position; a transport device for turning mailing through a 180° arc; a splitter conveyor including a movable divert section which diverts each mail piece to an upper path or a lower path; a bin module which includes upper and lower bin sections which receive mail pieces from the upper and lower paths, respectively, wherein each bin section includes a row of bins and an associated series of tiltable conveyor sections which can be actuated to drop a mail piece into the associated bin; and a control system which tracks each mail piece as it moves from the scanner to the bins

Abstract: Method for controlling an accumulating device (buffer) having a number of tracks each of which defines at least one accumulation segment along which may be arranged sets of postal items partially overlying each other (shingled). One first section and one second section are defined as including, respectively, one first and one second sub-set of tracks designed to communicate at output, through singling devices, with sorting devices. For each section, successive phases of accumulation and unloading are carried out, thus achieving with great efficiency the unloading of postal items towards sorting devices, and thus enabling the handling of a large number of postal items towards the highest possible number of destinations.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting an operator in sorting mail includes a wireless headset equipped with a microphone, and a workstation that includes a processing unit, voice-recognition and voice-synthesis circuitry, and a database. In operation, addressee information spoken into the microphone is transmitted to the workstation where it is used to search the database. Destination information from a matching database record is then output to the operator on one or more of a display terminal, headset speakers, and heads-up display fixed to the headset. The convenience and enhanced capability provided by this system streamlines operator productivity and sorting volume. The emobdiments disclosed herein are primarily directed to a headset that is operated completely remotely from the processing unit, and also to a headset comprising a heads up display having means by which an operator can access the database.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for collecting relatively small batches of mail that, alone, would not qualify for mailing at a pre-sorted postage rate and pooling them together with others for pre-sorting into a qualified batch of pre-sorted mail. The inventive method involves transporting mail in a traceable container to a holding facility where it is pooled with others for pickup and processing by a mail pre-sorting business. The mail may be metered at a reduced program rate. The system creates a cooperative of participating mail senders working together to earn a lower effective postage rate. The method further provides a solution to the technical problem of postal sorting equipment that is overburdened by medium-sized batches of unsorted mail. The solution identifies and diverts such batches for processing at a separate facility before the batch is tendered to the postal service.

Abstract: A method and a configuration for controlling the passage of printed media, especially letters or envelopes, in a separating apparatus of a mail processing system, include transferring the printed media, on the output side, with an ejector to a following device, such as a scale or balance or a franking machine. The intention is to widen the field of use and the throughput of printed media is to be matched to that in the following device. A transfer speed is set on the basis of a transport speed of the following device and, in remaining areas of the separating apparatus, the transport speed is optimized on the basis of a respective printed medium position.

Abstract: A method for reading and sorting documents is provided which generally comprises staging each document for processing, capturing a digital image of the front side and the back side of each document, determining the physical orientation of each document using digital orientation recognition software and possibly hardware, reading the information from a digital image of each document, sorting the documents by orientation, and then communicating the information read from each document to a posting system. Additionally, the image of the document can be automatically oriented and then read. The documents, among other things, can include checks and coupons. When the document is a bank check, the method further comprises endorsing the check, printing an audit trail for the check, sorting the check by orientation, preparing a cash letter and sending the check to the bank.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting and distributing sheet-like items, such as postal matter. A feeder successively feeds the sheet-like items to a stacker which is positioned above the feeder and on which the sheet-like items are stacked in an upright position. Both the feeder and the stacker have a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the stacker is normally positioned at a first distance above the bottom surface of the feeder. A bottom surface opening mechanism is able to open the bottom surface of the stacker to permit sheet-like items stacked in the stacker to be transferred to the feeder. A bottom surface moving mechanism is able to move the bottom surface of the feeder unit and the bottom surface of the stacker unit toward each other so as to position the stacker bottom surface at a second distance above the feeder bottom surface, with the second distance being less than the first distance, and is able to return the bottom surfaces to a position in which they are spaced by the first distance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for custom sorting, outsorting and remapping mail items by utilizing a processor to compare postal codes read from incoming mail items, M characters at a time, with entries in a stored listing of entries, taking a first action if no match is found for an incoming entry and taking a second action if a match is found for the entry. Appropriate actions may include sending an entry unaltered to a sort processor or sending a directed value to the sort processor which may result in a remapping or outsorting of the mail item. A count may also be stored with each entry in the table, which count can be incremented or decremented when there is a match on such entry, and this count may be used to selectively control the sorting operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a bill approximately 180° includes a first and a second belt. The first belt has a bill transport portion, a return portion, a first end, and a second end. The second end of first belt being twisted approximately 180° in relation to the first end of the first belt. The second belt has a bill transport portion, a return portion, a first end, and second end. The bill transport portion of the first belt is disposed adjacent to the bill transport portion of the second belt. The second end of second belt is twisted approximately 180° in relation to the first end of the second belt. A bill transport path is defined by the bill transport portions of the first and the second belts. The bill transport path has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of the bill transport path is twisted approximately 180° in relation to the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing sheet material, in particular papers of value such as bank notes, checks, etc., wherein different groups of sheet material are processed one after the other, the different groups of sheet material being separated for processing.

Abstract: In a process for sorting mail pieces according to the invention using a priori or first sort pass derived information, a sorting machine is used having a first array of pockets and a second array of pockets physically separate from the first array of pockets. The first and second arrays are swept of mail pieces by separate sweepers. The number of mail pieces sorted to each array are equalized in order to equalize the volume of mail pieces swept by each sweeper. In particular, where each pocket corresponds to a destination code and a total number of mail pieces per destination code is known in advance for each sort scheme to be carried out on the sorting machine, the equalizing step involves assigning destination codes to specific pockets to different sweeper zones in a manner that equalizes the volume of mail pieces swept by each sweeper. Mail is then swept from the pockets to trays stored on a vertically and horizontally extending rack having rows and columns of compartments containing trays.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting an operator in sorting mail includes a wireless headset equipped with a microphone, and a workstation that includes a processing unit, voice-recognition and voice-synthesis circuitry, and a database. In operation, addressee information spoken into the microphone is transmitted to the workstation where it is used to search the database. Destination information from a matching database record is then output to the operator on one or more of a display terminal, headset speakers, and heads-up display fixed to the headset. The convenience and enhanced capability provided by this system streamlines operator productivity and sorting volume.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a user interface (12) including an opening (20). Users of the machine deliver individual sheets and stacks of sheets to and from the machine through the opening. Stacks of sheets may include sheets such as notes, checks or other documents. Stacks input to the machine may include mixtures of various types of sheets. The machine operates to receive notes, process checks and perform other operations. Notes received in the machine may be recycled and dispensed to other users. Checks processed by the machine may be imaged by an imaging device, cancelled and stored in the machine or alternatively returned to a user. Documents produced by the machine such as receipts, checks or money orders as well as notes dispensed from the machine are assembled into a stack within the machine and delivered from the machine through the opening.

Abstract: An empty envelope assurance system is provided. The system includes a conveyor for conveying an opened envelope having a front face and a rear face along a path of movement. The conveyor is arranged such that any contents of the envelope rests against one of the front face or the rear face. A first sensor measures a thickness of the front face and any contents resting thereagainst, and generates a signal having a value indicative of the thickness. A second sensor measures a thickness of the rear face and any contents resting thereagainst, and generates a signal having a value indicative of the thickness. A signal processor receives the signals generated by the first sensor and the second sensor, and compares the values of the signals generated by the first sensor with the values of the signals generated by the second sensor to determine whether they correspond within a predetermined limit to determine whether the envelope contains any contents.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a user interface (12) including an opening (20). Users of the machine deliver individual sheets and stacks of sheets to and from the machine through the opening. Stacks of sheets may include sheets such as notes, checks or other documents. Stacks input to the machine may include mixtures of various types of sheets. The machine operates to receive notes, process checks and perform other operations. Notes received in the machine may be recycled and dispensed to other users. Checks processed by the machine may be imaged by an imaging device, cancelled and stored in the machine or alternatively returned to a user. Documents produced by the machine such as receipts, checks or money orders as well as notes dispensed from the machine are assembled into a stack within the machine and delivered from the machine through the opening.

Abstract: A paper sheet manipulating apparatus and a paper sheet transaction apparatus for manipulating paper sheets such as bills has an inlet/outlet port allowing input and output of paper sheets and rotating between the paper sheets inlet position and the paper sheet feeding position; a separating device projected to the outlet port and drawn back to the draw-back position, distinguished, when projected, the paper sheets inputted to the inlet port and the paper sheets to be returned and accommodate the paper sheets into the outlet port; an accommodation section for accommodating the paper sheets; a temporary storing section for temporarily storing the paper sheets which should not be accommodated in the accommodation section or should not be exhausted and a plurality of cassettes for feeding and collecting the paper sheets in the accommodation section and for feeding and collecting the paper sheets in the outlet port, whereby few faults are generated and manipulations can be continued at a high speed for a long peri

Abstract: A mail case system includes facilitates sequence-sorting various types of mail together into individual bags that each represent unique delivery points. The mail case uses multi-bag inserts so that the bags for several stops can be set up quickly for sorting. At the end of the sorting operation, the entire insert may be pulled down from the case as a single unit to maintain the established delivery point sequence. This eliminates the carrier's need to find separation points or to combine selections from multiple sequenced stacks of mail during the delivery operation. This results in a dramatic improvement in delivery efficiency.

Abstract: A method and system for re-sequencing mail prepared in enhanced carrier route line of travel (ECR-LOT) format into carrier walk sequence (CWS) format within a flat bundle collator (FBC) system. The mail items in LOT are separated into subsets, one subset being in the same order as CWS, and another subset being in reverse order to CWS. All items from all groups are then merged into a stream of items in CWS for delivery by mail carriers.

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: An automated banking machine (10) identifies and stores documents such as currency bills deposited by a user. The machine then selectively recovers documents from storage and dispenses them to other users. The machine includes a central transport (70) wherein documents deposited in a stack are unstacked, oriented and identified. Such documents are then routed to storage areas in recycling canisters (92, 94, 96, 98). When a user subsequently requests a dispense, documents stored in the storage areas are selectively picked therefrom and delivered to the user through an input/output area (50) of the machine. The control system (30) for the machine includes a terminal processor (548). Identification devices identify the type and character of a document, and distinguish genuine documents, such as genuine currency bills, from unidentifiable or suspect documents.

Abstract: A paper sheet sorting apparatus comprising a device for reading the information recorded in paper sheets and a device for sorting the paper sheets in accordance with the information thus read, is disclosed. The load of recognizing the information is detected by a load detector. In accordance with the load detected by the load detector, the interval between the paper sheets supplied or the speed at which the paper sheets are transported is changed. In this way, the interval of the papers sheets entering the reading device is changed. The number of paper sheets having the information that cannot be recognized and hence cannot be sorted is reduced, while at the same time improving the processing speed.

Abstract: A method for clearing outputs of a mail sorting machine concurrently with a current sorting cycle of a mail sorting process is disclosed. At each sorting cycle, each output of the sorting machine is assigned a number of respective delivery locations of the mail items. An indication of the time intervals when the outputs are available or unavailable, is represented by a matrix. Each element in the matrix is assigned a delivery location; and the column and row of each element represents the outputs occupied, by the mail items bearing the delivery location assigned to the box, at the end of the current sorting cycle and the logically preceding sorting cycle respectively. The method provides for defining non-addressable elements to which delivery locations cannot be assigned, so that the outputs may be cleared by a clearing resource at that time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for feeding and tabbing intermixed pieces of mail. A method preferably includes positioning a plurality of intermixed pieces of mail having a plurality of different widths, lengths, and thicknesses so that each of the plurality of intermixed pieces of mail has a commonly-oriented edge to be tabbed. The commonly-oriented edge to be tabbed is preferably defined as being the side of a piece of mail generally perpendicular to the address orientation when reading the address of the piece of mail. The method also preferably includes positioning at least one tab on each of the plurality of intermixed pieces of mail. An apparatus for feeding and tabbing intermixed pieces of mail preferably includes an intermixed mail feeder for feeding a plurality of intermixed pieces of mail having a plurality of different widths, lengths, and thicknesses so that each of the plurality of intermixed pieces of mail has a commonly-oriented edge to be tabbed.

Abstract: A bill arranger is provided that includes a loader for loading bills and feeding the bills one by one; a conveyer for conveying the bills fed from the loader; a discriminating device for discriminating the bills conveyed by the conveyer; a plurality of stackers for stacking the bills, which are conveyed by the conveyer, so that the bills can be removed; an operating device for selecting one of sorting process modes which defines a method of sorting the bills loaded in the loader; and a controller for delivering the bills, which are fed from the loader, to one of the stackers, by the conveyer, based on the results of the discrimination by the discriminating device, according to the sorting process mode selected by the operating device.

Abstract: A sortation process provides high-speed sorting of randomly ordered articles into a desired order in a plurality of ordered bins or tubs such as standard USPS tubs in two passes, without additionally marking the articles in any way or requiring additional processes to do so. Optical character recognition or bar code reading performed on an image of the article provides a sequence number which is used to place the articles in respective bins or tubs during a first pass. The process then presents the content of the bins or tubs in order for a second pass during which they are placed in final desired order among a final ordered group of bins or tubs. During the first pass, sequence number information can be collected and used for error checking against the order of articles in each bin or tub during a second pass. The final output of the process provides the articles in standard (e.g. USPS) tubs face up and in delivery order.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus is composed of: an insert portion into which the plural number of sheets are inserted in a lump; a conveying belt to convey the inserted sheets through a conveying path by one sheet at a time; a detector to detect directions of both sides and the top and bottom of sheets being conveyed through the conveying belt; a both side reversing mechanism to selectively reverse both sides of sheets conveyed by the conveying belt; a top and bottom reversing mechanism to selectively reverse the top and bottom of sheets being conveyed by the conveying belt; and stackers to sort and stack sheets that are aligned in the same direction by the both side reversing mechanism and the top and bottom reversing mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the online processing of mail items to be forwarded. In the process, an image of the mail item is taken and the mail item is stored in an intermediate storage area. Following digitizing, the areas with interesting information are determined and forwarding instructions, names and addresses of recipients and, in the case of a return notation by a delivery person, the sender address are read automatically. The results are checked against a name address data bank and, if they do not coincide, are checked against a forwarding directory. Items that are not read clearly automatically, but for which at least one forwarding instruction exists for possible delivery locations, are evaluated with priority in a multistage video coding process by taking into account the printed-on instructions for forwarding and return.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) identifies and stores documents such as currency bills deposited by a user. The machine then selectively recovers such documents from storage and dispenses them to other users. The machine includes a central transport (70) wherein documents deposited in a stack are unstacked, oriented and identified. Such documents are then routed to storage areas in recycling canisters (92, 94, 96, 98). When a user subsequently requests a dispense, documents stored in the storage areas are selectively picked therefrom and delivered to the user through an input/output area (50) of the machine.

Abstract: An address reader method and apparatus for recognizing a receiver address on a surface of mail. In the invention an image of the surface of the mail is input and segmented into at least one character string candidate. At least one address area candidate is extracted from the image based upon the segmented character string candidate. One of the address area candidates extracted from the image is selected as a receiver address of the mail by analyzing each of the address area candidates based on predetermined position information indicating a usual position of a receiver address area, character direction information indicating a character direction of a character string appropriate for the predetermined position information, and key character string information indicating a character string most likely to exist in a receiver address. Characters in character strings of the selected address area candidate are recognized as a receiver address which is used to sort the mail.

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a method of sorting mailpieces which requires less stopping of the sorting process for bin emptying. The present invention is directed to a mailpiece sorting method which indicates when a bin is partially full to the level of a partially full sensor so that an operator can empty that bin. Additionally, a bin-full calculation is performed for determining if redirection of the mailpieces to an alternate bin is necessary should the operator not empty the bin as directed. If a bin is partially full to the level of the sensor, the process performs an addition of thicknesses of all of the mailpieces which are in the mailpiece delivery system, but not yet delivered to the bin to determine whether those mailpieces would fill the bin. If the bin would be full, it is determined whether an alternate bin is available and, if so, the mailpieces are routed to the alternate bin.

Abstract: A sorting device is provided with output stations for containers along a sorting path, which containers accept the sorted unit load. A conveying path extends next to the container row, on which conveying path the empty containers are supplied and the full containers are transported off. A transfer device can be moved via the conveying path and is provided with a telescopic boom for the automatic container change between the output stations and the conveying path.

Abstract: A sorting machine has multiple input bins which are used for all passes of sorting. At each sorting pass, each output bin is associated with and receives input from exactly one input bin. A multi-bin sorter has p input bins and n output bins, n being greater or equal to p. A first sort is performed on the basis of at least part of the sorting key which is associated to each article, providing n output groups of articles corresponding to the n output bins. The sorted articles in n output bins are then grouped in p input bins and resorted by the multi-bin sorter providing n new output groups of articles, each output group being associated with and fed by exactly one of the input bins. The first sorting could be based on a first portion of the sorting key, and the second sorting could be based on a second portion of the sorting key, the first and second portions being non-disjoint.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for collating a plurality of groups of mail items, such as flats mail, each group being pre-sequenced according to prioritized delivery addresses, into a final sequenced set of the mail items from the groups, utilizing the prioritized delivery addresses. Each bundle of mail items is formed into a single input stream of the individual mail items. The mail items are transported along a conveyor system from the input stream to a staging station. The mail items are sorted at the staging station into a plurality of subsets of mail items re-sequenced as an intermediate step to achieving the final sequenced sets. The mail items are then collated and merged into a single output stream from the respective subsets of mail items in the final sequenced set. Portions of the output stream from the staging station are collected in batches which maintain the sequence consistent with the prioritized delivery order sequence of the mail for a given carrier route.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for collating a plurality of groups of mail items, such as flats mail, each group being pre-sequenced according to prioritized delivery addresses, into a final sequenced set of the mail items from the groups, utilizing the prioritized delivery addresses, each bundle of mail items is formed into a single input stream of the individual mail items. The mail items are transported along a conveyor system from the input stream to a staging station. The mail items are sorted at the staging station into a plurality of subsets of mail items re-sequenced as an intermediate step to achieving the final sequenced sets. The mail items are then collated and merged into a single output stream from the respective subsets of mail items in the final sequenced set. Portions of the output stream from the staging station are collected in batches which maintain the sequence consistent with the prioritized delivery order sequence of the mail for a given carrier route.

Abstract: A mailing machine including a scanner for detecting data marks printed on documents to be mailed for conveying control information to the machine, for example in the manner known as the “Optical Mark Recognition” system. The machine includes a memory buffer for storing data concerning the marks if the user inputs data indicating that the reference or “gate” mark is at the end of the group of marks. The data may then be read from the buffer in the reverse order. Thus, the data marks may be printed in the same position on all documents regardless of the fold configuration, and thus feed orientation, which is required.

Abstract: A sorting system is disclosed, for example for mail items. In the disclosed system, a circulating storage system can receive items from an inlet, and deposit them in an appropriate output receptacle which has been allocated to items in a particular group. For example, the items can be sorted by destination, and each output receptacle can be allocated to a particular destination. In the event that the destination of an item has not output receptacle allocated thereto, the system controller can determine whether to allocate a receptacle, or whether to recirculate the item within the circulating storage system. This possibility allows items to be grouped together within the system, until there are sufficient items for a particular destination to allow them to be handled efficiently, and in particular allows the allocation of output receptacles to destinations to be controlled efficiently.

Abstract: A mail wrapping system apparatus for preparing for mailing postal items includes receiving trays for respectively receiving postal items from companies and an extraction device for extracting from the postal items a multiplicity of same address groups of the postal items, each of the same address groups consisting of ones of the postal items having coinciding ones of destination addresses. A wrapping unit respectively individually assembles each of the same address groups into a bundle and successively wraps each of the same address groups assembled using a wrapping component with a corresponding one of the destination addresses respectively displayed on each of the wrapped same address groups to provide for mailing the wrapped same address groups. A weight sorter then sorts the wrapped same address groups into weight divisions set forth by a fee schedule of a specified delivery agency and the wrapped same address groups are sent with appropriate postage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for feeding and tabbing intermixed pieces of mail. A method preferably includes positioning a plurality of intermixed pieces of mail having a plurality of different widths, lengths, and thicknesses so that each of the plurality of intermixed pieces of mail has a commonly-oriented edge to be tabbed. The commonly-oriented edge to be tabbed is preferably defined as being the side of a piece of mail generally perpendicular to the address orientation when reading the address of the piece of mail. The method also preferably includes positioning at least one tab on each of the plurality of intermixed pieces of mail. An apparatus for feeding and tabbing intermixed pieces of mail preferably includes an intermixed mail feeder for feeding a plurality of intermixed pieces of mail having a plurality of different widths, lengths, and thicknesses so that each of the plurality of intermixed pieces of mail has a commonly-oriented edge to be tabbed.

Abstract: A stand-alone method and system is provided for processing the contents of a plurality of envelopes, and includes at least an opening device, an image acquisition device and a control device. The opening device opens the envelopes on at least one side forming opened envelopes, thereby exposing the contents thereof for extraction. The image acquisition device is in operable communication with the opening device and is used to acquire an image of the contents and store that image in digital form in a file. Finally, the control device is operably connected to at least the opening device and image acquisition device, whereby when the image of the contents are acquired from one envelope, a next envelope is opened and a new file is created.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting and distributing sheet-like items, such as postal matter. A feeder successively feeds the sheet-like items to a stacker which is positioned above the feeder and on which the sheet-like items are stacked in an upright position. Both the feeder and the stacker have a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the stacker is normally positioned at a first distance above the bottom surface of the feeder. A bottom surface opening mechanism is able to open the bottom surface of the stacker to permit sheet-like items stacked in the stacker to be transferred to the feeder. A bottom surface moving mechanism is able to move the bottom surface of the feeder unit and the bottom surface of the stacker unit toward each other so as to position the stacker bottom surface at a second distance above the feeder bottom surface, with the second distance being less than the first distance, and is able to return the bottom surfaces to a position in which they are spaced by the first distance.

Abstract: A processing system and apparatus for sorting and routing reusable mail pieces is shown. Each mail piece bears an identifier, which is stored in a database with the current intended destination of the mail piece to simplify subsequent sorting and routing operations. An envelope is shown that is suited for use in such a system. Computer readable media are shown that are executable to control such a system.

Abstract: A series of documents to be processed are optically inspected, and compared with a reference standard to identify the relative orientation of each document. To this end, an image acquired from the document (preferably from each side of the document) is focused on an array of picture elements (pixels) for electronically converting the acquired image to digital form. This produces a digitally encoded image, which can be enhanced if desired, defined by an array of pixels corresponding to the acquired image. For each acquired image, two reference areas, which are preferably symmetrically located on the document, are inspected for the presence of a pre-selected reference mark. Location of the reference mark in one of the two reference areas operates to determine the orientation of the document.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for accurately measuring mail piece thickness for the purpose of determining postage discount qualification of a mail piece to be placed in a mail tray for receiving the maximum postage discount. The system includes a device for measuring the thickness of said mail piece and a user interface for entering data representing at least one postal address and the measured mail piece thickness. The system further includes a data processing system for processing the mail piece in accordance with the set of address data and the mail piece thickness, to produce a set of mail piece data. The data processing system is coupled to the thickness measuring device and the user interface and includes a memory for storing the sets of data. The system further sorts the sets of mail piece database upon postal guidelines such that qualification of a mail piece can be determined. Output is provided for displaying the resulting mail piece identifier.