Abstract: The pallet stacking machine comprises a pallet housing, a pallet lifter, a control unit, and operator controls. The pallet stacking machine may be operable to lift a pallet stack so that an individual pallet may be added to the bottom of the pallet stack. The pallet stacking machine may be operable to lift a subset of the pallet stack that excludes a bottom pallet so that the bottom pallet may be removed from the pallet stack. The individual pallets comprising the pallet stack may be of one or more sizes, shapes, forms, and materials. As non-limiting examples, the individual pallets comprising the pallet stack may comprise mixed dimensions such as 48 inch×48 inch pallets and 40 inch by 48 inch pallets, may comprise a mix of two-way entry pallets and four-way entry pallets, and may comprise a mix of pallet materials.

Abstract: The present invention is a cardboard sheet batch division device for dividing batches, disposed on the downstream side of a batch-forming device for separating loaded cardboard sheets and forming batches of a predetermined sheet count. The cardboard sheet batch division device for dividing batches comprises: a transfer conveyor for transferring batches formed by the batch-forming device in a predetermined transfer direction; and batch division means furnished with two separating members respectively contacting the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion of a batch on the transfer conveyor, for dividing the batch into two sub-batches, upper and lower, by moving the two separating members relative to one another in a direction parallel to the predetermined transfer direction.

Abstract: A feeding device includes a support mechanism, a movable platform, a driving mechanism, a clutching mechanism, and two or more holding mechanisms. The movable platform is movably connected to the support mechanism, and loads feed trays stacked together. The driving mechanism drives the movable platform to move relative to the support mechanism. The holding mechanisms are fixed on the support mechanism, and switch from a first position to a second position. When the holding mechanisms are positioned in the first position, the holding mechanisms grasp one feed tray adjacent to a feed tray at a top of the feed trays, and the clutching mechanism clutches the feed tray at the top of the feed trays. When the holding mechanisms are positioned in the second position, the holding mechanisms separate from the feed trays.

Abstract: A mailpiece loader device comprising a storage tower for receiving mailpieces and whose mailpieces are separated into a plurality of independent stacks that are superposed one above another and that are held by a plurality of paddles, control means being provided for successively releasing, by gravity, each of said independent stacks separated in this way, it being possible for each paddle to retract horizontally from a support position to a retracted position under the action of rotation of a toothed wheel to which said paddle is connected via a mechanism of the crank and connecting rod type, said retracted position making it possible for said stack of mailpieces to be released by gravity.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing mail pieces is disclosed. A business provides one or more designs for a mail piece to a data center, which converts the designs to a format suitable for viewing via an on-line network connection utilizing a browser. A custom Web site for the business is created and accessed by the business's employees. A defined design for a mail piece is selected, information to be included on the mail piece is provided, and a mailing list is provided to the data center. Multiple requests for mailings are combined by the data center into a single print run and arranged in a presort sequence to allow for postal discounts. The aggregated mailing is printed, and the entire mailing is mailed by the data center.

Abstract: A device for forming groups composed by a variable number of products including a path of advance along which, in use, a continuous array of products advances along a direction of advance with the products in mutual contact. An arresting member is included against which, in use, the continuous array of products comes in arresting contact at the end of the path of advance. A conveyor device removes from the continuous array successive groups of products from a terminal part of the array in contact with the arresting member. A regulator device varies selectively the position of the arresting member along said direction of advance. An accompanying device supports the array of products and control the velocity of displacement towards the arresting member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for separating an entire collation of individual sheets from a supply stack for downstream processing. The apparatus generally includes a supply stack tray for containing the supply stack while the collations in the supply stack are being separated; a separator device positioned adjacent to the supply stack tray for separating a corner of each sheet of the collation from the supply stack; a deflector positioned adjacent to an edge of the collation for deflecting the collation from the supply stack after the collation has been separated by the separator; and a gripper device positioned in a plane proximate to the first sheet in the collation for gripping the entire collation after the collation has been deflected from the supply stack and for moving the entire collation downstream for processing.

Abstract: A lamination dispenser is provided for dispensing a predetermined stack of laminations from a string of laminations. Each lamination has an outer edge with a first area of the outer edge opposing a second area of the outer edge. A third area of the outer edge is perpendicular to the first and second areas of the outer edge. The dispenser also has an ejector for removing the predetermined stack of laminations from the stack by pressing against the third areas of the predetermined stack of laminations. A retainer mechanism is provided for the dispenser for exerting pressure against the outer edge of at least one lamination adjacent the predetermined stack of laminations while the ejector moves the predetermined stack of laminations. The pressure is sufficient to secure at least the adjacent lamination in place.