Abstract: A mail-handling tower (10) is associated with a mail container conveyor (12, 312). AC line power is supplied to the tower, which in turn supplies power at low voltage to power the associated conveyor directly by way of two ports (20a, 20b) and indirectly by way of a third, higher-voltage port (20c). A power cut-off switch (8) allows emergency shut-down of the mechanical portions of the tower, and also cuts power from the conveyor (12) powered from the tower ports. The power available at the conveyor energizing ports (20a, 20b, and 20c) allows a maximum run of conveyor. When the conveyor must be run for a greater distance than that which can be powered from the tower, an additional conveyor section (312) is coupled to the remote end (12re) of the first conveyor (12), and a line power source (314) is transformed (320) to a lower voltage, and applied to a power port (240.sub.1, 260.sub.1) of the additional conveyor (312).

Abstract: The device for sorting objects, for example mail items, includes a conveyor (1) that directs the objects to be sorted to sorting output receptacles (7) associated with corresponding sorting outputs and in which the sorted objects are stored. A buffer receptacle (11) is provided at each sorting output. Each buffer receptacle (11) has a retractable bottom (12) and temporarily stores sorted objects before they are transferred into a sorting output receptacle and/or while that sorting output receptacle is replaced by an empty receptacle. Because of these buffer receptacles, the throughput of the sorting device may remain constant while sorting output receptacles are replaced.

Abstract: A parallel document buffer for holding a plurality of documents while recognition processing is performed on data captured from the documents. Information from each document in a document stream is captured, and passed to a recognition processor. Each document is then passed to one of a plurality of parallel buffer stages of a document buffer, and held until a specified processing time has elapsed. Upon expiration of the processing time, the document is returned to the document stream.

Abstract: A ferrous object detection circuit for use with automated document processing devices is provided for detecting and sorting documents affixed with ferrous objects such as staples and paper clips. A static magnetic field is positioned to intersect a document path. At least one inductive transducer is positioned relative to the magnetic field to detect changes in the magnetic field resulting from documents traveling along the document path. The movement of ferrous objects through the static magnetic field produces a detection signal in the inductive transducer, identifying the document as having a ferrous object.

Abstract: A method for use in card processing systems which includes at least one supply magazine for accommodating the cards to be processed, at least one processing station for applying the data to the respective card, and at least one storage magazine for accommodating properly processed cards. The cards are processed in accordance with a processing list which contains the data to be applied to the respective card. A check is carried out as to whether a card has been properly processed. The properly processed cards are stored in a defined sequence, while the cards which have not been properly processed are rejected. The storage sequence of the properly processed cards is automatically checked, and in case of the detection of a gap in the storage sequence, a marking device for identifying the sequence gap is set.

Abstract: Method of sorting postal objects in which a postal sorting machine has a first input and at least one second input and a plurality of outputs communicating with the inputs via a sorter device. The method comprises the steps of: supplying first and second streams of postal objects to the first and second inputs, directing the postal objects to all the outputs; withdrawing from at least some of the outputs groups of postal objects previously directed to respective outputs forming two collections of groups of postal objects; and operating in a transport mode which each postal object supplied to the first input is directed only towards a first subset of the outputs and each postal object supplied to the second input is directed only towards the second subset of the said output. During the said transport mode the groups of postal objects belonging to a respective collection are supplied respectively to the first and second input.

Abstract: A small-size apparatus for sorting sheets or the like can form a delivery route by repeating sorting operation and prevent an overflow of sheets or the like. To this end, auxiliary sorting compartments are provided in an accumulator in the sorting operation for the first time, and when an overflow occurs, the allocated sorting compartments are shifted each by one compartment to the side of the auxiliary sorting compartment. In the first-time sorting operation, destination codes and thicknesses are stored in memory, and by the destination codes and thicknesses stored, overflow is predicted, a plurality of sorting compartments are allocated. By this arrangement, the sheets or the like can be prevented from overflowing, so that those sheets or the like which are rejected need not be manually added afterwards, and the efficiency of the sorting work can be improved.

Abstract: The method of distribution of correspondence and relative things by using Post Numbers (P.N.) facilitates the Post-Services to proceed to their delivery to the final receivers, by filling in themselves the address of the receiver-subscriber. The P.N. is a number that corresponds to a page of a file of an electronic data-base that contains the full name or trade name as well as the address of the receiver-subscriber. The sender, completes on the letter and the relative things, the full name or the trade name of the final receiver as well as the P.N. of the receiver-subscriber. The Postal-employee computerizes in a terminal PC the P.N. of the receiver-subscriber. This terminal PC is connected with the data-base, where the file with the P.N. of all the subscribers is found. In the end, the address of the receiver-subscriber is printed on a label which is placed on the letter.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or the like having a sorter with a plurality of paper ejection bins, there is provided a sorter apparatus which can efficiently execute a dividing and sorting operations for every work irrespective of a size and a direction of sheets, the presence or absence of a sheet stapler, a remaining state in the sheet sorter apparatus, or the like. A recycle automatic document feeder (RDF) for automatically feeding originals, a sorter, an aligning bar and a reference bar in a sorter bin, and the like are provided. When a length of sheet exceeds a predetermined value, the movement of the sheets by the reference bar is inhibited.

Abstract: For processing sorted goods, in particular for processing mail pieces in postal facilities, an apparatus is proposed for transposing address-bearing sorted goods into an ordered sequence according to a predetermined order of possible addresses, starting with two supplied partial sequences in which the sorted goods are already ordered according to the predetermined order of possible addresses. The apparatus includes a number of actuable transfer devices equal to the number of partial sequences for sequentially transferring the sorted goods of a respective one of the partial sequences to a selection unit. The selection unit is actuable for selectively receiving sorted goods from all transfer devices and for conveying the received sorted goods to a delivery point common to all sorted goods. For this purpose, the selection unit is actuated by a controller for recording the addresses of the sorted goods to be transferred.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for distributing articles to be sorted to physical target locations. The articles to be sorted are delivered to a number of receiving elements that move along a conveying path past the physical target locations. The receiving elements are controlled so that the physical target locations are assigned dynamically and in dependence on the operating sequence for the sorting operations to the logical sorting targets, which optimizes the capacity of the arrangement and the operating sequence.

Abstract: A letter sorting apparatus which can perform the sorting for each letter carrier and a delivery sequence organization sorting work in accordance with bar codes. The apparatus includes a first accumulating arrangement provided above and adjacent to a supplying section and having a letter returning mechanism, and second accumulating arrangement of a fixed type provided above and adjacent to the first accumulating means. The sorting for each letter carrier by use of the first accumulating arrangement and the second accumulating arrangement is effected. Further, the delivery sequence sorting can be performed in such a manner that letters accumulated in the first accumulating arrangement are returned to the supplying section to repeat the sorting.

Abstract: An arrangement for automatically, selectably diverting, different-weight checks being transported along a prescribed track with divert-blade means at a prescribed divert-station therealong, said checks comprising "standard" and "non-standard", heavier versions, this arrangement comprising, in combination with the foregoing:weight sense means, disposed along said track, upstream of said divert station, for sensing at least a mass characteristic of passing checks and outputting mass-indicating signals SS representative thereof; actuate means arranged to thrust said blade means across said track and associated actuate-adjust means for adjusting actuation-torque of said actuate means responsive to associated torque-adjust signals AA input thereto; and control means arranged to receive said mass-indicating signals SS, manipulating them and applying associated torque-adjust signals AA to said actuate-adjust means whereby to automatically adjust and control the torque applied to said blade means according to the sen

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically sorting and feeding flat articles. The method stacks flat articles into cartridges in output compartments of a sorting machine, robotically transfers filled cartridges from the output compartments of a sorting machine to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter.

Abstract: A paper sorting apparatus includes first to fourth gap measuring units to measure gaps between sheets of paper. Using the gaps between the sheets varying between the respective gap measuring units, target gap correction values are stored for respective sort shelves. In accordance with gaps between sheets changed between the first and second gap measuring units, there are predicted gap variations possibly taking place by when the sheets reach the associated sort shelves. Depending on the predicted gap variations, a gap adjuster is controlled to set the gaps to appropriate values at a point where the pertinent sheets reach the associated sort shelves.

Abstract: A paper sheet manipulating apparatus and a paper sheet transaction apparatus for manipulating paper sheets such as bills includes 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 separator projected to the outlet port and drawn back to the draw-back position, distinguishes, when projected, the paper sheets inputted to the inlet port and the paper sheets to be returned and accommodates 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 a fault rarely occurs and manipulations can be continued at a high speed for a long period of

Abstract: In an arrangement for separating and sorting bank notes, including a feeder shaft and a transporting means for separated bank notes, the transporting means is comprised of parallel recirculating continuous conveyor belts. One of the two continuous conveyor belts is returned via a deflection or guide pulley. The upper continuous conveyor belt, which is kept running, is guided in an upward excursion from a substantially horizontal running direction. A reversibly drivable sorting roller is arranged in the transport path of the bank notes in the vicinity of the deflection or guide pulley for the returned continuous conveyor belt, viewed in the transport direction, which reversibly drivable sorting roller continues to convey the bank notes as the upper continuous conveyor belt is driven in the transport direction and causes the bank notes to be diverted and introduced into a shaft or bin provided below the path of movement of the upper continuous conveyor belt as it is driven in opposite direction.

Abstract: A mail item feed device having a first or mail item feed area, a second or selector area and a third or conveyor area and including a first plurality of sensors for identifying the various formats of the mail items present in said first area, a second plurality of sensors for detecting the passage of the mail items in said second and third areas, and a plurality of drive means for co-operating with the transport rollers of the first, second and third areas and actuated selectively in a predetermined sequence defined by control means in accordance with the state of each of the first and second plurality of sensors.

Abstract: An automatic transaction apparatus for performing a transaction process of banknotes, the apparatus includes a safe for storing banknotes to be transacted and an inspection unit for inspecting the banknotes taken out of the safe during the transaction process and banknotes stored in the safe during a checking process in which quantity of banknotes stored in the safe are counted to classify them into normal banknotes and rejected banknotes.

Abstract: A method of selectively printing a Postnet barcode on an envelope which includes conveying an address bearing document from an input module along a chassis from an upstream location to a downstream location. Also including scanning the document at the input module to determine whether or not a Postnet barcode is to be printed on the envelope and printing a Postnet barcode with a printer on the envelope if the scanning process indicates that the document contains data which is valid based on a selected configuration. Further including, changing the font of the printer to print a blank string, if the scanning process indicates that the document contains data which is not valid based on selected configuration.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sorting system, relying on the identification of items to be sorted by means of codes applied thereto, in which it is possible to infer the identity of items whose codes have become unreadable. The system relies on identifying the item by reference to the codes of items which precede and which follow the item.

Abstract: A device and method for sorting flat mailed pieces. The mailed pieces are individually transferred to conveying cells which can be conveyed one behind the other along a conveying path and are delivered to receptacles which are arranged along the conveying path. The mailed pieces are transferred by a transfer device to the conveying cells. The main planes of the mailed pieces (14) are oriented essentially vertically. The receptacles for the mailed pieces conveyed by the conveying cells are determined on the basis of a preset sequence of all possible mailing addresses, the mailing addresses of all mailed piece transferred to the conveying cells, and the association data representing the association between the individual mailed pieces and the conveying cells.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting and distributing sheet-like items, such as postal matter. A feeder successively feeds the sheet-like items with the front surfaces of all the items facing in the same direction. A stacker is positioned above the feeder for stacking the sheet-like items in an upright position. As the sheet-like items are conveyed from the feeder to the stacker, a selector activates either a first reader or a second reader to read address codes applied to the front surfaces or the back surfaces of the sheet-like items. The selector selects the one of the first reader and the second reader to be activated based on which of the front surfaces and the back surfaces of the sheet like items have address codes thereon.

Abstract: A hopper for feeding documents also serves as a stacker for stacking therein documents in a generally upright position. When the fed documents or the once-stacked documents are to be fed to a singulation mechanism, the hopper or stacker is put into a feeding mode, and when the documents are to be stacked or sorted, the hopper or stacker is switched to a stacking mode. Such hoppers or stackers are arranged in a plurality of stages, and when each sorting is to be effected, addresses are read while changing the mode of each hopper or stacker to repeat the sorting, so that the documents are sequenced by a radix sort method.

Abstract: A device for selecting cut paperboard blanks has two series of drive belts detining two paths tor the blanks, namely an upper path and a lower path each of which is defined between drive belts. The upper and lower paths diverge from each other in the device. A flap that is disposed where the paths diverge from each other is pivotally mounted about a downstream shaft and is capable of occupying two positions, namely, a lower position in which the blanks are fed to the upper path and an upper position in which the blanks are fed to the lower path. Each of the paths has an upstream portion from the flap and a downstream portion from the flap and each of the paths is more steeply inclined relative to the horizontal in one of its upstream and downstream portions than in the other of its upstream and downstream portions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sorter preferably for an inserting system for sorting mailpieces into one of at least two sorting bins, the sorter having a transport device for conveying the mailpieces along a transport path. Each sorting bin includes a bending mechanism for bending the tail edge portion of a mailpiece and a final stacking roller for unbending the tail edge portion of the mailpiece such that the tail edge portion of the mailpiece is diverted into the sorting bin and away from the transport device without the occurrence of jamming of the mailpiece in the entry portion of the sorting bin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sorter for sorting mailpieces into one of at least two sorting bins, the sorter having a transport device for conveying the mailpieces along a transport path. Each sorting bin includes a drive nip located in close proximity to a gate assembly for conveying a mailpiece away from the transport path and into the sorting. Each sorting bin further includes a stacking belt assembly spaced away from the drive nip and having a first end positioned at an acute angle relative to the drive nip and second end positioned adjacent a registration wall.

Abstract: A method for distributing letter-post items, for which the letter-post items are separated and the address information affixed to the items is read, provides that for letter-post items belonging to a predetermined sorting class an identification mechanism is assigned to each letter-post item during the reading of the address information in order to mark the position of the assigned letter-post item in a letter-post item stack and that each identification mechanism is assigned to an element for a predetermined sequence of distribution positions and that the assignment of the identification mechanism to the elements of the sequence for the distribution position is displayed.

Abstract: A small-size apparatus for sorting sheets or the like can form a delivery route by repeating sorting operation and prevent an overflow of sheets or the like. To this end, auxiliary sorting compartments are provided in accumulating means in the sorting operation for the first time, and when an overflow occurs, the allocated sorting compartments are shifted each by one compartment to the side of the auxiliary sorting compartment. In the first-time sorting operation, destination codes 15 and thicknesses are stored in memory, and by the destination codes and thicknesses stored, overflow is predicted, a plurality of sorting compartments are allocated. By this arrangement, the sheets or the like can be prevented from overflowing, so that those sheets or the like which are rejected need not be manually added afterwards, and the efficiency of the sorting work can be improved.

Abstract: A system that allows a third party such as a postage meter manufacturer or PSD manufacturer to collate data, process the data and use this information to identify delayed mail pieces that may have been incorrectly addressed. The apparatus of this invention may be utilized by organizations or people who mail invoices, bills, letters, or other items. The foregoing is accomplished by connecting a scanner and control software to a digital postage meter or PSD that would read incoming digitally metered mail. Instead of printing an indicia the scanner would read the already existing indicia and other information on the mail piece and then extract the sender data fields that are contained in the indicia or on the mail piece. The extracted mail data would be periodically uploaded to a data center.

Abstract: A method for sorting items of mail according to the sequence of delivery points in delivery runs. The sorting process takes place in a number of successive sorting operations, sorting runs. Sorting takes place according to sequence number of the delivery points within the delivery runs during the last sorting run but one, and according to delivery run during the last sorting run. During said last sorting run, a suitable number of sections of a sorting apparatus have been reserved for each delivery run, and each delivery run is subdivided into as many segments, e.g. four. The items of mail for the first segment of a delivery run, in the example for the first quarter of the sequence numbers, are deposited in the first of the sections reserved for said delivery run, those for the second segment in the second section, and so forth. Upon completion, the items of mail for a delivery run are collected by placing the delivery segments in succession.

Abstract: The image data of the mail, which has not been recognized by a read/sort apparatus, and the address writing form thereof are transmitted to an image distribution section of a video coding system. A control section of the video coding system sends the image data received by the image distribution section to one of video coding disks in accordance with the address writing form. Thus, images of the mails having the same address writing form are displayed on a display section of the same video coding disk. Viewing the display section, an operator input address information from an input section to correct the address of the mail. A collation section confirms whether the corrected address exists or not with reference to an address information storage section.

Abstract: A mail accumulating device having a number of stream forming units, each of which has a pair of powered belts superimposed at a point of contact defining the input of the unit. Each stream forming unit is provided with a sensor for detecting the passage of a mail item into the unit, and for generating a signal for activating the belts, thereby moving the mail items retained on the belts from the input to the output of the unit in discrete steps, and forming a group of overlapping mail items with the leading edges separated by a substantially constant distance. The device also includes a number of conveyor belt devices, each of which has an input communicating with the output of a respective stream forming unit, to enable the conveyor belt to receive a group of mail items at the input and feed the group of mail items to an output of the conveyor belt device to define an accumulating unit.

Abstract: Apparatus, method and modules for sorting flat objects. The apparatus comprises a number of sorting holders, a conveying system with a switch and branches connecting thereto, a reading unit, and an object separator for feeding, one by one, stacked objects to the conveying system for recirculation. Because in operation, during the feed from the sorting holders, the objects are separated and individually recirculated from the sorting holders to the switch, this can be controlled in a simple manner and carried out with simple, compact conveying means. The apparatus can be modularly constructed from a basic module with a sorting holder and one or more sorting modules also with a sorting holder and a recirculation path.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting and rearranging mails in the sequence sorting is disclosed, in which a multiplicity of mails are loaded in a sorter controlled by a computer to cause the sorter to perform a plurality of sorting passes. A delivery information list has recorded therein the delivery information including the sequence sorting and addresses. A serial number list has stored therein two-digit serial numbers including first-order digit of serial numbers for the first sorting pass and second-order digits of the serial numbers for the second sorting pass set in the sequence sorting corresponding to the delivery information list. A recognition unit recognizes the address of each of the mails loaded in the sorter and sorted in the order of the first-order digit of the serial number. A number-of-mails matrix table records the number of mails by the address recognized in the recognition unit in the first sorting pass.

Abstract: A mail sorting process used with a sorting machine where the next successive sort is performed during the sweeping operation of the previous sort. In a first sort, a batch of mailpieces are sorted and directed to a selected first array or group of destination pockets or bins. After the first sort is completed, the mailpieces are swept from the pockets in a sweeping operation. A second sort for sorting a second batch of mailpieces to a selected second array or group of destination pockets is begun during the sweeping operation of the first sort. As such, the sorting process sorts a batch of mailpieces to a group of destination pockets while another group of destination pockets used during a previous sort are being swept.

Abstract: The system includes a plurality of bins. Each bin has electrical circuitry including an infrared emitter and detector, a guiding light and a warning light. The circuitry of each bin is controlled by a computer and an input/output controller. The computer reads the bar code address on the envelope via a scanner. The address can also be typed in from the keyboard or input by speaking into a mike. The computer searches through its' data base for the address and then sends the bin number for that address to the Input/Output Controller. The I/O Controller includes a plurality of input lines leading from the detectors and a plurality of output lines leading to the guiding lights and warning lights of the bins. When the computer sends the address number to the I/O Controller, the I/O Controller lights the correct guiding light. If the mail piece is sensed in that bin, the guiding light in that bin goes off and the next piece of mail can be scanned.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the passage of superposed sheets, e.g. deposited currency notes, along a feed path includes a mechanism which has a pair of cooperating rollers (42,44) and which is arranged to generate an output voltage whose magnitude varies in response to the passage of an item (single or multiple sheet) between the rollers (42,44). Samples of this output voltage are taken during one complete revolution of one of the rollers (42,44). These samples are processed to generate a value representative of the cross-sectional area of said item. In order to take account of sheets of different sizes, a further value is generated representative of the dimension of said item parallel to its direction of feed. The value representing said cross-sectional area is divided by this further value in order to derive a value which represents the average thickness of said item and which enables a determination to be made as to whether said item is a single or multiple sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for processing shipping articles provided with shipping addresses. The apparatus comprises a device for transporting the shipping articles along a transport path. A device is disposed in the transport path for automatically reading the shipping addresses. An assessment device automatically assesses the read shipping addresses. The individual shipping articles are selectively deposited into cells of an intermediate storage device disposed in the transport path following the reading of the shipping address. A detection device detects an association between each cell and the shipping article deposited therein and in response to an assessment of the shipping address by the assessment device, produces a first removal signal for removing the shipping article from the cell and conveying the shipping article back to the transport path.

Abstract: A cartridge for containing mail. The cartridge is specially adapted for use in a method and apparatus for automatically stacking mail into cartridges in output compartments of a sorting machine, robotically transferring filled cartridges from the output compartments to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.

Abstract: A system for sorting coupons according to information contained within bar codes or similar markings printed thereon. The system includes a storage bin in which the coupons are received and from which they are removed one at a time. A coupon picker removes the coupon from the storage bin and deposits it upon a conveyor belt at a loading station. The information contained on the coupon is read by an appropriate scanner which ascertains through the use of an appropriate data processing system the address of a receiving bin in which the coupon is to be deposited. The position of the coupon on the conveyor belt is tracked and when the coupon arrives at the address of the receiving bin an air jet is activated to propel the coupon from the conveyor belt into the receiving bin.

Abstract: The contents of sealed envelopes are accessed using radiation to differentially heat information patterns within the contents and conduction to transfer corresponding thermal patterns to the envelopes' outer surfaces. The radiation is preferably within the wavelengths of microwaves or radio waves for penetrating the envelopes. The information pattern differentially absorbs the radiation by converting the attendant radiant energy into heat by either induction heating or dielectric heating. An infrared camera or other thermally sensitive device converts the thermal patterns conducted to the envelopes' outer surfaces into corresponding electrical patterns for further processing.

Abstract: A system for processing documents is provided for use in remittance processing of bulk mail. An extraction unit opens envelopes and extracts the envelope contents, typically in the form of a pair of documents such as an invoice stub and an accompanying check. The extraction unit discards the opened envelopes and feeds the pair of documents in parallel disposition to a document sorting apparatus. The paired, parallel documents are conveyed through a document shifter in the form of nip rollers wherein one document of each pair is at least partially shifted relative to the other document of the pair to expose at least a portion of the covered document to an operator. The documents are then conveyed to a viewing area where the operator visually inspects each pair of documents and manually designates a selected path of movement using a manual input device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sorter system wherein sorters that can perform sorting operations such as destination and delivery sorting operations and sequencing operations such as a carrier route sequencing operation for sheets with sorting information attached thereto as required can be configured. Transfer devices are coupled to sorting information readers means for reading sorting information from sheets transferred by transfer devices. A plurality of sorters for loading the sheets therein according to the sorting information read by the sorting information readers are coupled to the transfer devices in such a way that any number of sorters can be added or removed from said sorters as required. This invention can provide a sorter system capable of expanding sorting and sequencing functions, and also reduce costs and a required installation space.

Abstract: A sorting system for sorting packages at high speed to a large number of destinations by automation. The sorting system provides a feeding mechanism for depositing flat packages in an upright position on a conveying system. The conveying system includes lower and upper conveyors for supporting the package. Ejection modules are included along the length of the conveying system for guiding as well as ejecting individual packages along the conveying system. The ejection module extends around the items to prevent falling of the items in a first position, and breaks away from the around the article when a plunger pushes the article from the path.

Abstract: A system for processing and encoding mail including a bin configured to hold mail and a transport coupled to said bin to receive mail therefrom. The transport displays multiple moving pieces of mail to an operator. The system includes a data entry device operable to enter data from mail moving on the transport and a coding device to receive mail from the conveyor. A controller is operatively coupled to the transport, data entry device, and coding device. The controller includes an address signal corresponding to at least a portion of an address of a mail piece entered with the data entry device by the operator, a routing code signal determined in accordance with the address signal, a performance signal corresponding to data entry capability of the operator, and a transport speed signal corresponding to speed of the transport.

Abstract: A manually-written, machine-readable code system employs the application of indicia to an article, such as a mail envelope or package, having a number of rows/columns of blank spaces in a predetermined code field which are manually marked or darkened corresponding to a destination or identifying code for the article. The indicia may have been applied previously, as in the form of a preprinted envelope. The darkened spaces are machine-readable and convertible to a numeric code that can be used by an automated machinery to generate appropriate control signals for controlling its functions. The system is particularly applicable for automated sorting of mail according to postal area (Zip) codes. The indicia is readily applied to an envelope by preprinting or by using a rubber stamp or an adhesive label.

Abstract: An optical recording and sorting apparatus and method by which documents are stripped from the other documents in a stack and aligned, the data from each document is recorded, and then the documents are segregated into categories based on the data recorded. An apparatus for sequentially registering the documents is used that both separates the documents at desired distance from each other and aligns the documents on a desired movement path.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting sheets or the like, in which mail distributed to a number of collection sections can be easily recycled to a feeder for sorting the mail in accordance with the delivery order. Stackers, in which mail is sorted in accordance with address codes, are provided on an upper portion of the feeder. By pulling out a bottom plate of the stackers, the mail in the stackers falls down into the feeder. The mail distributed once can be recycled to the feeder in a short period of time, thereby reducing the time for carrier route sequencing of the mail. The mail is conveyed in a path extending both above and below the feeder and the stackers, thereby reducing the area required for the apparatus.

Abstract: A smal-size apparatus for sorting sheets or the like can form a delivery route by repeating sorting operation and prevent an overflow of sheets or the like. To this end, auxiliary sorting compartments are provided in an accumulator means in the sorting operation for the first time, and when an overflow occurs, the allocated sorting compartments are shifted each by one compartment to the side of the auxiliary sorting compartment. In the first-time sorting operation, destination codes and thicknesses are stored in memory, and by the destination codes and thicknesses stored, overflow is predicted, a plurality of sorting compartments are allocated. By this arrangement, the sheets or the like can be prevented from overflowing, so that those sheets or the like which are rejected need not be manually added afterwards, and the efficiency of the sorting work can be improved.