Abstract: A performance monitor determines a performance characteristic of a plurality of dispensers receiving fluid from a reservoir. Each of the plurality of dispensers has an actuator that, when actuated, causes the each of the dispensers to generate a droplet of the fluid. A driver generates a drive command to the actuator to adjust a physical attribute of the droplet based on the performance characteristic to satisfy a performance criteria.

Abstract: A system for personalized printing, paper and paperboard processing, and binding to enable automatic management of simple, special, and mixed operations of paper and paperboard processing and binding, has the particular feature of being of a modular type and hence with high flexibility of use and operation in so far as into the system there may be inserted manufacturing machines or processing stations that can be allocated therein according to the desired modalities, number, and operating sequence, with the additional possibility of their being replaced with further machines different therefrom so as to obtain a system for personalized printing, paper and paperboard processing, and binding that is completely personalizable, with the maximum flexibility of use and operation according to the needs at the moment of production.

Abstract: Personalized printed products are produced in which at least one individually printed sheet is combined with conventionally printed sheets. A plurality of stacks of conventionally printed sheets are made available. In addition, a print material web is made available that contains individual sheet segments and respectively one marking based on information received from a database, or a roll is provided which contains a pre-printed material web containing the sheets segments with respective markings. The markings on the individual sheet segments are read out and information read from the markings is used for selective gathering of conventionally printed sheets that are needed for the personalize printed product. Following the readout of the markings, individually printed sheets are cut from the print material web.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting, grouping, routing and delivering packages or products to end user customers comprises network-based routing and trip assignment. The packages or products are labeled with a using a plurality visual identifiers that are easily distinguished without requiring either the fulfillment staff or the delivery personnel to review the label for customer names or addresses.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing apparatus including an acquisition section that acquires one or more sets of attribute information which indicates an attribute of a publication, identification information which identifies the publication, and label information which indicates at least one of an arrangement of the publication in an establishment and a period during which the publication is not permitted to be lent, a conversion section that converts the acquired identification information into a code image, a generation section that generates a label image based on the acquired label information, and an image forming section that forms an image which expresses some or all of the acquired attribute information, the code image which is acquired through conversion, and the generated label image on one or more media such that image groups corresponding to one set are formed on one piece of medium.

Abstract: A letter producing system includes: a printing unit for performing printing on a paper sheet for enclosure and a paper sheet for envelope and outputting the paper sheet for enclosure before the paper sheet for envelope; an inserting and sealing unit for making an envelope from the paper sheet for envelope and inserting and sealing the paper sheet for enclosure in the envelope; an enclosure size obtaining section for obtaining size information of the enclosure; a paper output timing obtaining section for obtaining information of output timing of the first paper sheet for enclosure from the printing unit based on the size information of the enclosure; and a paper output control section for controlling timing of output of the first paper sheet for enclosure from the printing unit to the inserting and sealing unit based on the information of output timing.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a apparatus for performing operations, in particular cutting, embossing, creasing, folding and/or sealing, on a moving web provided with a series of identical images, which apparatus comprises a sensor for at least partially detecting the images on the web, and a processing unit which, dependent on a comparison of the data obtained with the sensor and a reference, generates an output signal to be used for one or more of the said operations. The processing unit comprises a memory and is arranged to select at least part of the detected data, store the selected data in the memory, and utilize the selected data as the reference. The invention further pertains to module for performing operations on a moving web and method of generating an output signal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pro label book includes printing static indicia on a web of label material, applying an adhesive to each portion of the web of label material that will become a label page in a pro label book that is not the portion of the web of label material that will become a top page of a label book to be formed if the adhesive is applied to a top surface of the web of label material or a bottom page of a label book to be formed if the adhesive is applied to the bottom surface of the web of label material, printing variable information on the web of label material, sheeting the web of label material to form label pages, and batching the label pages together utilizing the applied adhesive. Certain embodiments include attaching one of a backer or a cover to the web of label material following the printing static indicia step.

Abstract: A method for producing printed products with an arrangement including at least one printing press to produce book blocks, at least one conveying device to convey the book blocks, at least one processing device to provide each respective book block with a respective cover, and a control unit to control the production of the book blocks. The method includes producing each respective cover in advance of each respective book block production, supplying each cover to at least one storage unit, and following the supplying of each cover to the storage unit, triggering at least one printing press by the control unit to produce the respective book block on the at least one printing press.

Abstract: A method for coding the address location on a document or in a data base so that two or more electronic mailings with differing address placements may be combined together and sorted while the mailings are still in electronic form in order to take advantage of workshare discounts, delivery sequence efficiency, desired delivery date, class of delivery service, etc.

Abstract: A system for printing a multi-layer document includes no less than two continuous feed simplex printing devices that each print on no more than one of a plurality of media webs. An in-line post-processing device merges the media webs into a multi-layer document. The system also may have a controller that controls the printing devices and the post-processing device from a single synchronized dataflow. A method prints a multi-layer document, including the steps of simultaneously printing on no less than two media webs by a plurality of roll fed printers that each print on only one of the media webs; and merging the media webs from the plurality of roll fed printers in an inline post-processing device.

Abstract: A method comprising providing printed products to form a first mail stream on a printing line, providing printed products to form a second mail stream on a printing line, and placing printed product from the second mail stream onto a printed product of the first mail stream to create the combined mail stream in the sequence of a master mailing list.

Abstract: A method for forming a document set is described. The document set is formed from rectangular sheets of the same size and includes an envelope sheet and at least one insert sheet. The method includes the steps of printing the envelope sheet with envelope information, this envelope information including a unique code identifier, printing each of the insert sheets with insert information, this insert information including a unique code identifier, and further more collating the envelope sheet and the insert sheets to form the document set.

Abstract: An apparatus for personalizing and inserting articles for mass distribution, includes an envelope hopper for holding a plurality of envelopes which each carry a unique machine readable code associated with a unique individual. An article hopper holds a plurality of articles for the individuals. A code scanner reads the codes and an envelope feeder moves one envelope at a time to the scanner. The envelopes are conveyed from the scanner in sequence to an inserting station and a printer reacting to the scanner prints personal information on the articles, each corresponding the an individual for whom a code has been read by the scanner. The printed articles are then feed in the same sequence to the inserting station and are inserted into a corresponding envelope.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sheets, statements, and/or inserts prior to mailing are provided. One sheet processing system includes a receiver adapted to receive first and second single page sheets to be processed. The first sheet originates from a stack of first sheets, and the second sheet originates from a stack of second sheets. In some systems, the first and second sheets are of different sizes. The system includes a first read head adapted to read a first identifier from the first sheet, and a second read head adapted to read a second identifier from the second sheet. A circuit coupled to the first and second read heads is adapted to compare the first and second identifiers to determine whether a match exists. At least one identifier may include a magnetic stripe.

Abstract: A method including assembling printed products to form a first mail stream on a finishing line, providing a second mail stream of printed products to the finishing line, and combining the first and second mail streams on the finishing line.

Abstract: A method of combining mail streams in a printing finishing process including the acts of generating a master mailing list having a sequence, forming a first mail stream, forming a second mail stream, and combining the first mail stream and the second mail stream according to the sequence of the master mailing list.

Abstract: A method of marking a unique code onto an edge of a sheet of material takes N stacks of sheet material, each stack having N1 sheets; prints a barcode uniquely identifying each stack on at least one edge of the stack so that each sheet of sheet material in the stack has the barcode printed on its edge. N1 stacks of sheet material are formed by collating the N stacks of sheet, wherein each of the N1 stacks has N sheets of sheet material, one sheet from each of the N stacks of sheet material. A second barcode uniquely identifying each of the N1 stacks is printed on at least one edge of the stack so that each sheet of sheet material in the stack has the barcode printed on its edge.

Abstract: A method for producing a document suitable for mailing to a recipient including the steps of determining preferences of the mail recipient and compiling a selection of messages relating to recipient preferences in a format accommodating variable data printing. The compilation of messages is printed on sheets of material which are arranged to form a multi-sheet stack. The stack is then bound along an edge to produce a personalized information package such as a catalog, coupon booklet, brochure or magazine suitable for mailing. The binding step may be performed by deformation binding to eliminate the use of consumable binding materials such as glue, staples, clips, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sheets, statements, and/or inserts prior to mailing are provided. One sheet processing system includes a receiver adapted to receive first and second sheets to be processed. The first sheet originates from a stack of first sheets or a continuous form sheet, and the second sheet originates from a stack of second sheets or a continuous form sheet. The system includes a first read head adapted to read a first identifier from the first sheet, and a second read head adapted to read a second identifier from the second sheet. A circuit coupled to the first and second read heads is adapted to compare the first and second identifiers to determine whether a match exists. In this manner, the sheet processing system is able to confirm that the first and second sheets are both intended to be sent to the same customer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling personalized CDs, DVDs and other types of optical disks, magnetic media, and data storage devices into magazines, catalogs, pamphlets, and other printed products in order to enhance the amount and quality of personalization associated with the printed product includes reading and/or writing personalized information to/from a data storage device and assembling the data storage device within a printed product that is to be delivered to a particular individual. The reading and/or writing of personalized information may be directed to either digital information stored on the data storage device or to more conventional optical indicia that is printed on and/or optically scanned from the data storage device.

Abstract: A system for combined mailing of a plurality of diverse publications to a plurality of recipients at an optimized mail rate. The system includes a bindery for binding a plurality of the signatures where the bindery binding the plurality of signatures creates a plurality of first publications and a plurality of second publications. Each of the plurality of first and second publications are in a unique order, where the unique order identifies each of the plurality of first publications and each of the plurality of second publications with each of the plurality of recipients. A co-mailer is part of the system for combining the plurality of first publications with the plurality of second publications to form a plurality of diverse publications. The co-mailer merges the plurality of first and second publications in the unique order to send the plurality of diverse publications to the plurality of recipients at the optimized mail rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically synchronizing a number of paper feeding channels of an inserting system involving the following steps: a) inspecting the sheets provided for output in one of the channels by comparing their group sequence number and their sheet sequence number with predetermined reference values; b) outputting the inspected sheets from this channel if their group sequence number and sheet sequence number correspond with the set reference values; c) inspecting the additional sheets provided for output in one or more additional channels if the group sequence number or the sheet sequence number of a previously inspected sheet does not correspond with the set reference values; d) outputting the sheets from the additional channels if their group sequence number and sheet sequence number correspond with the set reference values, and; e) identifying a group as a defective group and outputting the sheet with the smallest group sequence number and with the smallest sheet sequence num

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for accepting sheet material, in particular papers of value such as bank notes, checks, etc., whereby different groups of sheet material are successively accepted and stored. In a known method and corresponding apparatus for accepting groups of sheet material such as bank notes, the bank notes coming from a deliverer are checked and stored in a storage container in the order of their input. Thus it is not always recognizable without doubt subsequently, e.g. in cases of malfunction, which deliverer certain bank notes come from. The present invention starts out from the consideration that each group of sheet material is assigned at least one separation means and the separation means are stored at least partly together with the associated group of sheet material for separating the associated group of sheet material from other groups of sheet material.

Abstract: A method of combining mail streams in a printing finishing process including the acts of generating a master mailing list having a sequence, forming a fist mail stream, forming a second mail stream, and combining the first mail stream and the second mail stream according to the sequence of the master mailing list.

Abstract: Cover authoring systems and methods for automatically composing a final content layout for a cover, including spinal content formatted to accommodate the width and height dimensions of the book spine, are described. By automatically computing the typeface parameter values based upon the selected visual fit model, this cover authoring scheme enables users to avoid the time consuming, laborious and expensive process of manually composing the final cover content layout with a conventional graphics program.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for preparing mailpieces. A inserter system for assembling mailpieces in a mailing job is controlled in accordance with mailpiece records in a corresponding mailing control file. The inserter system scans control inserts included in the mailpieces fed into the mailpiece accumulations at a downstream station to verify corresponding mailpiece records. Initially the inserter system reads an initial, dummy control insert to accesses the mailing control file to initialized the upstream stations of the inserter system.

Abstract: Method for printing pages within a booklet to improve the appearance of images on opposing pages includes sequencing images such that opposing pages are printed with the same print engine and/or fused the same number of times. Booklets include opposing pages having images fused the same number of times and/or printed with the same print engine as the image on the opposing page.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for preparing mailpieces. A inserter system for assembling mailpieces in a mailing job is controlled in accordance with mailpiece records in a corresponding mailing control file. The inserter system scans control inserts included in the mailpieces fed into the mailpiece accumulations at a downstream station to verify corresponding mailpiece records. Initially the inserter system reads an initial, dummy control insert to accesses the mailing control file to initialized the upstream stations of the inserter system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling personalized CDs, DVDs and other types of optical disks, magnetic media, and data storage devices into magazines, catalogs, pamphlets, and other printed products in order to enhance the amount and quality of personalization associated with the printed product includes reading and/or writing personalized information to/from a data storage device and assembling the data storage device within a printed product that is to be delivered to a particular individual. The reading and/or writing of personalized information may be directed to either digital information stored on the data storage device or to more conventional optical indicia that is printed on and/or optically scanned from the data storage device.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for preparing mailpieces. A inserter system for assembling mailpieces in a mailing job is controlled in accordance with mailpiece records in a corresponding mailing control file. The inserter system scans control inserts included in the mailpieces fed into the mailpiece accumulations at a downstream station to verify corresponding mailpiece records. Initially the inserter system reads an initial, dummy control insert to accesses the mailing control file to initialized the upstream stations of the inserter system.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention comprises an apparatus for preparing a matched mailing, the apparatus comprising: an input means for feeding a document downstream to a scanner station; a scanner for scanning the document to obtain information, the scanner providing the information to a controller; an printer for printing information obtained from the controller onto the envelope, whereby the information obtained from the controller comprises information obtained by the scanner and corresponding to the document matched to the envelope.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for preparing mailpieces. A inserter system for assembling mailpieces in a mailing job is controlled in accordance with mailpiece records in a corresponding mailing control file. The inserter system scans control documents included in the mailpieces to identify corresponding mailpiece records. Initially the inserter system accesses the mailing control file to identify set-up parameter values for the current mailing job.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling personalized CDs, DVDs and other types of optical disks, magnetic media, and data storage devices into magazines, catalogs, pamphlets, and other printed products in order to enhance the amount and quality of personalization associated with the printed product includes reading and/or writing personalized information to/from a data storage device and assembling the data storage device within a printed product that is to be delivered to a particular individual. The reading and/or writing of personalized information may be directed to either digital information stored on the data storage device or to more conventional optical indicia that is printed on and/or optically scanned from the data storage device.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an imaging apparatus having an electrophotographic imaging section to generate an image on media using an electrophotographic imaging process, and a meter stamp printer to print a meter stamp on the media. The meter stamp printer can be an ink jet printer, and can be detachably connectable to the electrophotographic imaging apparatus. The imaging apparatus can include an electrophotographic print engine to generate the image on the media using the electrophotographic imaging section. The meter stamp printer can include a meter stamp print head responsive to a meter stamp print engine. The imaging apparatus can further include a meter vault program, and a meter vault memory to store a value of postage to be printed by the meter stamp printer. The meter vault program can authorize the meter stamp printer to print the meter stamp on the media.

Abstract: A folded, bound printed product comprising a plurality of printed subproducts is produced in that an initial product is printed sequentially in such a manner as to produce a series of printed subproducts which are to be arranged one after the other, the initial product has a weakening line or the printed subproducts are provided with a weakening line, and the printed subproducts are collated, folded and bound.

Abstract: A method for selectively printing messages and adding inserts to merchant statements includes defining messages and inserts. Merchant parameters for each message and insert are then selected. Merchants having the selected parameters for each message and insert are identified. The messages and inserts are associated with the merchant statements of the merchants having the selected merchant parameters. Messages associated with the merchant statements are printed on the merchant statements. Inserts associated with the merchant statements are added to the envelopes containing the merchant statements.

Abstract: The sheets which are outputted from a printing device are stacked in an exchangeable cassette mounted on an input unit in successive order as they are printed. An identifying label on the cassette is read by a reader and stored in a central controller. An address of each document, and preferably of each page of each document, is stored in the controller in successive order and associated with the label signal as the documents are stacked. An output unit for picking up the individual documents is associated with a finishing machine. A full cassette is introduced into the output unit. A second reader on the output unit reads the label on the cassette that has been placed into the output unit. The second sensor is connected to the controller. The finishing machine is controlled by the controller in response to the label signal and the address signals of the documents.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively printing messages and adding inserts to merchant statements includes defining messages and inserts. Merchant parameters for each message and insert are then selected. Merchants having the selected parameters for each message and insert are identified. The messages and inserts are associated with the merchant statements of the merchants having the selected merchant parameters. Messages associated with the merchant statements are printed on the merchant statements. Inserts associated with the merchant statements are added to the envelopes containing the merchant statements.

Abstract: A hybrid mixed format document that contains document portions prepared by different format sources, such as both black and white and colored pages, prepared by separately printing the colored pages on a color printer, and the black and white pages on a black and white printer. The two document portions are then put in separate locations within a mixed format finishing device. One of the document portions, for example the black and white document portion, includes a cover sheet that provides encoded information, which tells the finishing device how to merge the two document portions into a complete publication. One advantage of the mixed format finishing device is that those pages that contain only text may be printed on a faster, and less costly black and white printer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for producing books on-demand. An electronic bookstore in accordance with the subject invention can receive an electronic text file of a book and then print and bind a copy of the book. A user may browse an electronic catalog, for example over the Internet, and place an order for a book which can be picked up at a conveniently located electronic bookstore shortly after placing the order. The subject invention reduces costs and waste associated with conventional production and distribution of print matter. Advantageously, the subject invention allows books with smaller audiences to be published at a reasonable price. An electronic bookstore in accordance with the subject invention can have access to literally millions of books and can print and bind any selected book in a few minutes.

Abstract: A system for selectively printing messages and adding inserts to merchant statements includes defining messages and inserts. Merchant parameters for each message and insert are then selected. Merchants having the selected parameters for each message and insert are identified. The messages and inserts are associated with the merchant statements of the merchants having the selected merchant parameters. Messages associated with the merchant statements are printed on the merchant statements. Inserts associated with the merchant statements are added to the envelopes containing the merchant statements.