Abstract: A method for reprinting a plurality of documents includes obtaining exceptions associated with multiple processed enclosing jobs. The method further includes creating a reprint job that includes documents corresponding to a portion of the exceptions, wherein the portion of the exceptions is associated with at least two of the processed enclosing jobs. A system for reprinting a plurality of documents is also disclosed.

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: An apparatus and method for high-speed conveying of product along a product conveying path and permitting products of different widths to be conveyed utilize six primary assemblies: outer rail assembly, inner rail assembly, pusher assembly, strap-ramp assembly, hold-down strap assembly and stop finger assembly. Insert feeders spaced above the conveyor system to feed inserts onto the conveyor system so as to be combined with the product as the product is conveyed along the product conveyor path. The insert feeders are pivotally mounted adjacent the product conveyor path to provide easy access to the product conveyor path for the operator.

Abstract: A document transporter apparatus for use on an envelope inserter comprises a first track, for moving a first type of document, mounted to the envelope inserter, a second track, for moving a second type of document, mounted above the first track, and a mechanism for independently adjusting the width of each of the tracks to accommodate various document sizes.

Abstract: A method and system for transporting envelopes from an envelope feeder to an envelope staging area in an envelope insertion machine. The envelope transport system includes two envelope bins and two envelope supply paths linking the envelope bins to an envelope feeder. Each of the bins is used to temporarily store an envelope before that envelope is moved to the staging area. The envelope supply paths are controlled by a flipper gate which alternately opens one path and closes another so as to allow an envelope to enter one envelope bin while another envelope in the other envelope bin is moved to the staging area. With the dual envelope bins connected to the dual supply paths to receive envelopes released by the envelope feeder, the envelope feeder does not have to slow down substantially in order to wait for the released envelope to clear the feeding path.

Abstract: A high speed sheet feeder machine includes at least one pusher that follows a loop-shaped path of travel as the machine operates. The pusher pushes an insert into an envelope during a forward and downward part of its path of travel and then retreats rearwardly and upwardly along the loop-shaped path of travel before repeating an insertion. In this way, the pusher makes no abrupt changes in its path of travel. Very high rates of insertion are made possible by providing multiple pushers at longitudinally spaced apart intervals along the loop-shaped path of travel. A stop plate is integrally formed with each pusher assembly and a fixed position barrier is mounted on the machine adjacent the rearward end of the loop-shaped path of travel to prevent over-rotation of each pusher member at very high speeds.

Abstract: A method for dynamically determining a motion control profile used in controlling motion of an axis of an overhead transport motor so as to be synchronized to the motion of a collating transport motor of an insertion engine used to insert a collation into an envelope when the collating transport motor causes a collating pusher to handoff the collation to an overhead pusher being driven by the overhead transport motor. The motion profile consists of a finite number of segments and repeats after the finite number of segments, the finite number of segments constituting a cycle.

Abstract: 9A high speed sheet feeder machine includes a pair of parallel, longitudinally extending, transversely spaced apart upstanding sidewalls. A first continuous chain rotates in a loop-shaped path of travel in closely spaced relation to a first sidewall of the pair and a second continuous chain rotates in a similar path of travel in closely spaced relation to a second sidewall of the pair. A rod that is transversely disposed extends between the sidewalls and a first bracket secured to a first end of the rod interconnects it to the first chain and a second bracket secured to a second end of the rod interconnects it to the second chain. At least one pusher is rotatably secured at its trailing end to the rod so that the pusher follows the loop-shaped path of travel as the machine operates. A first rod-mounted roller is rotatably mounted to a first end of the rod and a second rod-mounted roller is rotatably mounted to a second end of the rod.

Abstract: A system and method for storing and dispensing a stack of materials to a feed station of the utilization device that is adapted to feed stacks of the materials is provided. The materials, typically sheets or envelopes, are provided in a predetermined orientation in a stack in a container having a dispensing end or other opening. To dispense, the container is positioned with respect to the feed station and a release on the container is operated using a predetermined motion. The release enables the contents of the container, in stack form, to be transferred to the feed station free of any operator intervention with the contents of the stack. The dispensing end/opening can be shoulders on a container that are moved out of interfering contact with the stack when the stack is placed over upright guides on the feed station.

Abstract: A document handling device (12) comprises a first endless conveyor (6), which is arranged to be intermittently driven in a first direction of feed (F) and has drivers to fetch documents (2) at document discharging stations (5) and put them together into sheaves (3). The documents are to be manipulated, downstream of the document discharging stations (5) seen in the direction of feed (F), in sheaves at a first sheaf discharging station (8), such as a document manipulating unit, in which the sheaves of documents (3) from the first conveyor (6) are inserted into envelopes (4) placed on a second endless conveyor (9), which is parallel to the first conveyor (6) and driven synchronously therewith. The first conveyor (6) is intermittently drivable also in a second direction opposite to said first direction of feed and a second sheaf discharging station (14), such as a stapling or plastics coating unit, is arranged upstream of the document discharging stations (5) seen in said first direction of feed (F).

Abstract: A method for controlling an inserter system having a chassis for assembling mailpieces, the chassis operating cyclically with successive accumulations advancing at the end of each cycle. The inserter system further includes a document feeder for feeding accumulations of documents to the chassis, the accumulations containing varying numbers of documents whereby the document feeder is operated at a first speed such that accumulations are available for input to the chassis at varying intervals substantially depending upon the number of documents in corresponding accumulations. And the chassis is operated at a selected speed, which speed is periodically updated in dependence upon the number of documents in the corresponding accumulations in the document feeder.

Abstract: A system for preparing mail items, the system comprising a general-purpose computer for preparing a document to be sent, a secure metering device connected to the general-purpose computer via a secure link so as to send it postage metering or “franking” information, a printer connected to the general-purpose computer so as to print both the document to be sent, and at least a destination address for the document and a postage imprint on an envelope that is to receive the document, and a folder/inserter connected both to the printer and to the general-purpose computer so as to receive and fold the printed document and so as to insert it into the corresponding franked envelope.

Abstract: A method for supplying envelopes to an inserter system, including the steps of providing an envelope supply structure having an exit point, providing at least first and second supply paths from the exit point of the envelope supply structure and providing a common path from the at least first and second supply paths. Individual envelopes are fed from the envelope supply structure to a selected one of the at least first and second supply paths wherein the envelope is conveyed to a holding area in the selected supply path and from the holding area of the selected supply path it is conveyed to the common path. The envelope then travels from the common path to an envelope insertion area wherein prearranged documents are caused to be inserted into the envelope.