Abstract: A conveyor system includes a rail having one or more channels therein and one or more sleds operatively associated with the rail. A sled can include a body and one or more wheels mounted on the body and configured to move through the one or more channels in the rail. A sled can also include a holding device connected to the body. The holding device can be configured to engage a packaging container to move the packaging container along the rail. Multiple sleds can be used to secure a packaging container therebetween and move the packaging container along the rail. The conveyor system may also include a queue system that dynamically moves packaging containers to packaging stations.

Abstract: A method for bringing together a wrapper and a plurality of inserts can be used to form an advertising means compilation. In a region of a compilation section, the wrapper and the inserts are deposited on one another individually and in succession on a conveying element which is moved in a direction of transport. A leading edge of the wrapper is deposited offset relative to leading edges of the inserts so as to form an excess length of the wrapper. The inserts are deposited on one another, forming a stack, such that the leading edges of the inserts form a common fold edge. The excess length of the wrapper, which lies flat on the conveying element or on the stack of inserts, is folded around the fold edge and, at least in part, around the stack of inserts so as to form the advertising means compilation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for opening an envelope for insertion of a collation. The apparatus includes a plurality of actuated suction cups that are positioned above an envelope in an insertion station. The actuated suction cups move downward to engage a top surface of the envelope and to lift the top surface away from the bottom surface in order to facilitate insertion of the collation. The suction cups include a first group that is actuated for opening all envelopes, and a second group, independently actuatable from the first group, and that is actuated only for opening envelopes having characteristics that require the additional suction cups.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting one or more goods into a moveable cover includes a goods conveyor configured to move the one or more goods with a first velocity, at least one filling aid, and a cover conveyor configured to move the cover with a second velocity, the second velocity being different from the first velocity.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting one or more goods into a moving cover includes a cover transport, and at least one separating device configured to engage with a first part of the cover and to maintain the first part of the cover separate from a second part of the cover during at least a part of the movement of the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus inserts documents into envelopes and includes a document insert station and a document conveyor that conveys documents to be inserted within envelopes to the document insert station. Each envelope has an envelope opening and a flap to close the opening and defines a hinge line. An envelope feeder feeds envelopes upside down on the hinge line with the flap up into the document insert station and angled from the document conveyor. An insert plate is positioned at the document insert station that receives a document conveyed from the document conveyor and includes orifices though which air is blown onto the envelope fed into the document insert station to open the envelope and receive a document conveyed from the document conveyor.

Abstract: An insertion system includes an enclosure supply device, an envelope supply device, an insertion device to insert an enclosure supplied from the enclosure supply device into the envelope supplied from the envelope supply device, a first input unit to input identification data of the enclosure inserted into the envelope in each of multiple insertion setting records, a second input unit to input identification data of the enclosure set in the enclosure container of the enclosure supply device, and a controller to determine whether the identification data of the enclosure to be inserted, input by the first input unit, matches the identification data of the enclosure set in the enclosure container, input by the second input unit, and to control supply of the envelope by the envelope supply device as well as supply of the enclosure by the enclosure supply device based on a result of the determination.

Abstract: A device for inserting sheets into an envelope comprises a holding device supporting the envelope. A support portion of the holding device is inserted into the envelope. The support portion has a fixed orientation and position relative to a feed device. The device further comprises a mechanism for preparing the envelope for accommodating the support portion of the holding device. The mechanism is upstream of the holding device and comprises a first interaction device, acting onto the envelope in a first direction during feeding of the envelope and a second interaction device downstream of the first interaction device, acting onto the envelope in a second, opposite direction. The second interaction device comprises at least one cam on a rotatable shaft. By rotation the shaft and cam may be brought into an interaction position, with the envelope, or an inactive position.

Abstract: A method for opening an envelope throat of an envelope transported along an envelope channel dependably opens the envelope throat of the envelope during insertion in an inserter. The envelope, in order to open the envelope throat, is first over-pressed against a counter-pressure and then the counter-pressure is released to open the envelope throat, and/or the envelope is over-pressed against the hold-down force that holds the envelope down on an envelope transport, in order to open the envelope throat. For this purpose, an inserter inserts one or more items into an envelope moving along an envelope channel.

Abstract: A device for opening a cover while using a fluid includes an opener for at least partly separating a cover front side and a cover rear side of the cover, the opener being configured to provide, for the fluid introduced into the cover, a deflection position between a cover opening and a cover bottom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting an object into an envelope in which the envelopes are stacked in a stacker. An envelope flap of the envelope is grasped by a lip on a rotary cam to open the envelope. The envelope flap of the envelope is brought into and maintained in contact with a surface of the rotary cam. The envelope is then pulled, via the envelope flap, so as to place and maintain the envelope in contact with the surface of the rotary cam. The rotary cam reverses the envelope to move the envelope into an inserting area where the envelope is detached from the surface of the rotary cam. An object is then inserted into the envelope and the envelope is then removed from the inserting area.

Abstract: An inserting apparatus is equipped with a circulatable member arranged downstream of an envelope feeding path and rotatable about an axis transverse to the envelope feeding path. The circulatable member has envelope flap catcher members, each having a free edge arranged for entering between a flap and a body of an envelope fed along the envelope feeding path for engaging the flap and for holding the flap while the circulatable member is circulated so as to turn the flap to an opened position. An envelope support is provided for holding an envelope of which the opened flap is held by one of the catcher members of the circulatable member in an inserting position.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a document into an envelope. The apparatus includes a mechanism for holding an envelope at an insert station; pivotally mounted fingers for opening the envelope; and a platform for guiding the document over the fingers and into the envelope. The platform is pivoted at an upstream end and upwardly spring biased so that the platform is depressed against the spring bias, by an amount dependent on the weight of the insert document moving over, so that a light insert document follows a path which subtends a steeper angle to the horizontal compared to a heavy insert document.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for transporting a paper or film discrete object in a machine direction. A top engaging portion contacts a first side of the object and a bottom engaging portion contacts a second side of the object opposite the first side and respectively cooperates with the top engaging portion to grip and move the object in the machine direction. At least one of the top engaging portion or the bottom engaging portion includes a plurality of deflectable elements for engaging the object.

Abstract: An envelope filling apparatus inserts a sheet of paper into an envelope having a flap, and includes an envelope feed device, an air nozzle for blowing air into the envelope fed by the envelope feed device from an open end of the envelope to open the open end, and a sensing device for detecting that the open end of the envelope is opened. The apparatus further includes an insertion device for inserting the sheet of paper into the envelope from the open end, if the sensing device detects that the open end of the envelope is opened after the air nozzle is actuated, and a removal device for removing the envelope from a transport route, if the sensing device does not detect that the open end of the envelope is opened after the air nozzle is actuated and the insertion device is not actuated.

Abstract: An inserting apparatus for inserting documents into envelopes comprising an envelope holder for holding an envelope in a document inserting position, wherein a first upstream end of the envelope is in an open position for receiving the document, a document displacement arrangement for displacing the document along a document inserting path into the envelope, wherein the apparatus further comprises a document steering arrangement arranged opposite to an envelope crease line provided between an envelope flap and an envelope body. The arrangement comprises steering elements spaced apart along a central axis that in use is substantially aligned with the envelope crease line. The steering elements are interconnected such that in use the respective steering elements are rotatable about the central axis in a similar direction with a similar speed during a similar time interval.

Abstract: A deformation binding apparatus for fabricating a package defining a content area therein such as a mailpiece. The deformation binding apparatus including axial and radial binding mechanisms for deformation binding sheet material along first and second bind lines, respectively. The axial and radial binding mechanisms are in-line such that the sheet material may be passed along a unidirectional path to form the mailpiece. Furthermore, the bind lines are orthogonal to enclose at least a portion of the mailpiece. The axial binding mechanism includes first and second rotating elements each having a substantially axial array of intermeshing teeth and a drive device for driving at least one of the rotating elements. The radial binding mechanism includes first and second rotating discs each having a plurality of teeth disposed about the circumference of each and a drive device for driving at least one of the rotating discs.

Abstract: An inserting system has an envelope feeding station, an enclosure feeding station, and a folding station having a first and a second folding nip for folding documents. Documents are inserted into envelopes, which are held in an inserting position. Envelopes are transported through an envelope transport path from their feeding station to the inserting position, and enclosures are transported through an enclosure transport path from their feeding station to the inserting position. The enclosure transport path comprises a diverter, a first enclosure transport path part between the enclosure feeding station and the diverter and a second enclosure transport path part between the diverter and the inserting position. The second enclosure transport path part passes through the first and the second folding nip. A third enclosure transport path part is present between the diverter and the inserting position and bypasses the first folding nip and passes through the second folding nip.

Abstract: A system for processing nested/unnested content material in a mailpiece inserter includes a first accumulator, a second accumulator and a folding module disposed therebetween. The first accumulator is operative to feed individual sheets of content material, in one operating mode, and accumulate multiple sheets of content material in another operating mode. The second accumulator is operative to accumulate unnested, folded sheets of content material in one operating mode, and feed sheets of nested, folded sheets of content material in another operating mode.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to techniques and equipment to insert documents into either letter envelopes or flat mail envelopes on the same dual mode mailing inserter without the need to do machine setup between letter and flat mail envelope insertion. The dual mode mail inserting machine is configured to accept documents from a printer that are designed for insertion into flat mail envelope. If a document plus its inserts and envelope weighs less than a predetermined weight, the document will be diverted from the normal flat mail path to a second inserter and output section.

Abstract: In the case of a mail-processing machine having a conveying path (1) which contains a circulating conveying chain and conveys onto a handling station (5), easy changeover to a variety of processing tasks and good adaptability to constricted space conditions are achieved in that, by a switchable actuating arrangement, manipulator fingers (19) articulated on a manipulator hand (13), in the handling station (5), can be switched both into the operating position both for the forward stroke of the manipulator hand and for the return stroke of the manipulator hand and into the return position both for the return stroke of the manipulator hand and for the forward stroke of the manipulator hand.

Abstract: A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable web comprising a series of pre-formed flexible containers, each of the pre-formed containers being capable of holding therein a quantity of gas and having an opening for receiving such gas.

Abstract: A method, system and article for producing an envelope having improved seal integrity. A method includes the steps of: disposing at least one material at the interface of the adhesive seal between the flap and the body portion of the envelope, which material radiates thermal energy when combined with an activating agent. The envelope is then sealed by closing the flap onto the body portion of the envelope and combining the material with the activating agent at the sealing interface so as to change the thermal energy radiated therefrom. The seal is then inspected to determine whether the thermal energy radiated from the activated material has changed thereby confirming that a seal has been produced between the flap and body portion of the envelope. The system and article are directed to the various modules of a mailpiece fabrication system employed to produce the mailpiece including an inspection module for confirming that a seal has been formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling tubes with piles of disc-shaped articles, such as pills, comprising: two functional elements (5h, 5j), hinged at a horizontal axis (K) and mobile between a loading region (C), in which the functional elements (5h, 5j) provide at least a corresponding seating (6) for receiving and retaining a relative pill (3) released by a plurality of supply units (1), and a disengagement region (D) of the pill (3), at which the functional elements (5h, 5j) are rotated by ninety degrees and cooperate with gripping organs (11); the gripping organs (11) being mobile in a vertical direction in order to gather the pill (3) borne by the functional elements (5h, 5j) into the relative disengagement region (D), and to release the pill (3) internally of a corresponding tube (10) in phase relation with the movement of the functional elements (5h, 5j).

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a document into an envelope, the apparatus comprising: means for holding an envelope at an insert station; pivotally mounted fingers for opening the envelope; and means for moving the document to be inserted along a platform over the fingers and into the envelope; wherein the platform is pivoted at an upstream end and upwardly spring biased so that the platform is depressed against the spring bias, by an amount dependent on the weight of the insert document moving over, so that a light insert document follows a path which subtends a steeper angle to the horizontal compared to a heavy insert document.

Abstract: An inserting system is provided for securing an envelope having a window. The system includes a deck slidably supporting the envelope, where the deck defines an insertion area, and a securing mechanism in the insertion area securing the envelope in an insertion location during insertion of a collation. The securing mechanism includes a first securing element selectively securing a first portion of the envelope between the window and an open edge of the envelope and a second securing element selectively securing a second portion of the envelope between the window and a closed edge of the envelope. The inserting system may also include a deflection element disposed on the deck between the first securing element and the second securing element, wherein the deflection element guides the collation away from an edge of the window.

Abstract: An inserting apparatus is equipped with a circulatable member arranged downstream of an envelope feeding path and rotatable about an axis transverse to the envelope feeding path. The circulatable member has envelope flap catcher members, each having a free edge arranged for entering between a flap and a body of an envelope fed along the envelope feeding path for engaging the flap and for holding the flap while the circulatable member is circulated so as to turn the flap to an opened position. An envelope support is provided for holding an envelope of which the opened flap is held by one of the catcher members of the circulatable member in an inserting position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inserting sheets into an envelope, comprising a holding device (11) for holding the envelope, transport means (15) for feeding the sheets to be inserted to the holding device (11), a feed device (7, 8, 9) for feeding the envelope to the holding device (11), along a feed direction, and a removal device (8, 22) for removing the filled envelope from the holding device (11), along a removal direction. The invention is characterized in that the feed device (7, 8, 9) and the removal device (8, 22) are disposed relative to the holding device (11) in such a manner that a first angle between the feed device and a main surface of the holding device (11) and a second angle between the removal direction and the main surface of the holding device (11) are predetermined in a fixed manner and are different from each other. The invention allows to simplify the construction of the device, thereby reducing its technical complexity and failure proneness.

Abstract: An enveloping device (1), capable of repeatedly performing a process for producing an envelope and inserting a content into the envelope at high speed, comprises: a film feeder (2) for feeding a film (7) wound on a roll and supplied in the form of two overlapping folds that extend in a width direction (W); an envelope making device (3) for repeatedly forming an envelope by cutting and fusing, in a longitudinal direction of the film (7), the two overlapping folds while conveying the film; an envelope conveying conveyor (5) which conveys a plurality of envelopes (8) while arranging these envelopes in a line; and an inserting device (6) for inserting a content (9) into each envelope (8) conveyed by the envelope conveyor (5).

Abstract: A method includes feeding an envelope along an envelope transport path in a paper-handling machine to a flap-opening station. The method further includes opening the flap of the envelope at the flap-opening station and printing on the envelope with the flap in an open position. After printing, a collation is inserted into the envelope.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first feed path configured to transport an envelope from an input at an envelope supply to an insertion location, and a second feed path configured to transport the envelope with a mail piece insert therein from the insertion location to an output. The first and second feed paths intersect at an intersection spaced from the insertion location. The paths are angled relative to each other at the intersection.

Abstract: Guiding and cutting apparatus for use in a paper converting and sheet inserting apparatus. Guiding apparatus includes first and second rollers for engaging lateral edges of a web and a driving apparatus configured to permit the rollers to rotate at different surface speeds relative to one another. Cutting apparatus includes an angled blade for transversely cutting each side-by-side portion of a slit web into discrete sheets. Two side-by-side sheets are cut from respective web portions separately in time. Method, blade apparatus, web brake and slitter apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for transporting a paper or film discrete object in a machine direction. A top engaging portion contacts a first side of the object and a bottom engaging portion contacts a second side of the object opposite the first side and respectively cooperates with the top engaging portion to grip and move the object in the machine direction. At least one of the top engaging portion or the bottom engaging portion includes a plurality of deflectable elements for engaging the object.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying envelopes traveling in a travel direction in a generally upright orientation. The apparatus includes a first pair of conveyor assemblies disposed opposite one another and configured to engage lateral edges of the envelopes, and configured to move the envelopes in the travel direction. The apparatus includes a second pair of conveyor assemblies disposed opposite one another and positioned downstream of the first pair of conveyor assemblies in the travel direction, with the second pair of conveyor assemblies being configured to move the envelopes in the travel direction independently of the first pair of conveyor assemblies.

Abstract: In an apparatus for inserting postal items into an envelope, the envelope is brought in an inserting position where the flap of the envelope is held open. A postal item is transported along a postal item transport path towards the inserting position and inserted into the envelope in the inserting position. The envelope with the postal item inserted therein is transported away from the inserting position and closed. A gummed portion of the flap is moistened, wherein the moistening is at least started before the transportation of the envelope away from the inserting position. An apparatus for carrying out such a method is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous strip of detachable consecutive interconnected products manufactured by folding, such as envelopes and the like, and to a process for manufacturing the said strip, two of those consecutive products being interconnected through a joint (22) which is not part of the products themselves and links up detachably, through successive lines of demarcation, with each of those two consecutive products in such a way that, on removing this joint (22), the said two consecutive products are entirely separated.

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: A method for creating mailpieces from a single web of printed material. The web of printed material includes a continuous web having a width and a length, the length comprised of a series of attached sheets. The series of attached sheets is comprised of envelope sheets and content pages. The content pages are rectangular in shape and may be oriented relative to the envelope sheets in a number of different configurations. In some configurations, two sets of content pages and/or envelope sheets can be printed across the width of the web. The method starts with cutting consecutive attached sheets into separated sheets. The content pages belonging to a same mailpiece are accumulated together. The separated envelope sheet is transported, bypassing the accumulating and turning steps. The accumulated and turned content pages are then merged with the envelope sheet, and the envelope sheet is folded and closed around the accumulated content pages to form a finished enclosing envelope.

Abstract: An inserting system is provided for securing an envelope having a window. The system includes a deck slidably supporting the envelope, where the deck defines an insertion area, and a securing mechanism in the insertion area securing the envelope in an insertion location during insertion of a collation. The securing mechanism includes a first securing element selectively securing a first portion of the envelope between the window and an open edge of the envelope and a second securing element selectively securing a second portion of the envelope between the window and a closed edge of the envelope. The inserting system may also include a deflection element disposed on the deck between the first securing element and the second securing element, wherein the deflection element guides the collation away from an edge of the window.

Abstract: An inserter apparatus for inserting an item into a holder. The inserter apparatus includes a deck, a mover, an opening system, and a controller. The deck can slidably support the holder from a first location to an item loading location. The mover can move the holder along the deck, wherein the mover includes a drive motor, a conveyor connected to the drive motor, and a gripper connected to the conveyor. The drive motor is a servo motor. The opening system is at the item loading location for opening the holder and inserting the item into the holder. The controller is connected to the servo motor. The controller is adapted to vary speed of the servo motor to thereby vary speed of the conveyor and the holder along the deck.

Abstract: Inserter with a folding assembly for folding documents, an envelope holder for each time holding an envelope in a stuffing position in or against a surface, a document transport path for transporting documents from the folding assembly, around one of the folding rollers to the stuffing position, and a flap hold-open element on a first side of the document transport path for holding open a flap of an envelope held in the envelope holder. A most downstream guide of the document transport path on the first side of the document transport path is situated opposite one of the folding rollers for guiding documents between that folding roller and that guide, so that documents are driven to the stuffing position by said one of the folding rollers (8).

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a multi-sheet mailpiece including a compiler, and axial and radial deformation binding mechanisms. The compiler includes a sheet feeding apparatus and registration device for accepting multiple individual sheets. The sheet feeding apparatus lays the sheets onto a compiler tray to form a multi-sheet stack having face sheets and content sheets disposed therebetween. The registration device includes first and second registration gates for aligning the edges of the sheets, such that at least one edge of the content sheets is disposed inboard of the face sheets to define a peripheral edge. A controller positions the first and second registration gates from a registration position to a release position as the sheet material is laid upon the compiler tray. Finally, the multi-sheet stack is fed to the axial and radial deformation binding mechanisms to secure the peripheral edge of the multi-sheet stack to form mailpiece enclosure.

Abstract: An envelope filling machine for introducing sheets into envelopes includes a sliding surface, for transferring the sheets to an envelope filling station by means of pushing lugs, operated along the sliding surface. An envelope supplying conveyor supplies individual envelopes to the station placing them between vertical shafts of a pair of screws. The turns of the screws hold the sides of the envelopes and move each envelope downwards keeping the envelope separated from a subsequent envelope. When the envelope has come to rest on a conveyor belt placed between and under the screws, the lugs push the sheets into the envelope kept steady by movable stop strips yieldingly maintained by elastic means. When the sheets are fully inserted, the lugs push the envelope and force the movable strips to swing and let the filled envelope leave the envelope filling station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting an object into an envelope in which the envelopes are stacked in a stacker. An envelope flap of the envelope is grasped by a lip on a rotary cam to open the envelope. The envelope flap of the envelope is brought into and maintained in contact with a surface of the rotary cam. The envelope is then pulled, via the envelope flap, so as to place and maintain the envelope in contact with the surface of the rotary cam. The rotary cam reverses the envelope to move the envelope into an inserting area where the envelope is detached from the surface of the rotary cam. An object is then inserted into the envelope and the envelope is then removed from the inserting area.

Abstract: An envelope filling machine for introducing sheets into envelopes includes a sliding surface, for transferring the sheets to an envelope filling station by means of pushing lugs, operated along the sliding surface. An envelope supplying conveyor supplies individual envelopes to the station placing them between vertical shafts of a pair of screws. The turns of the screws hold the sides of the envelopes and move each envelope downwards keeping the envelope separated from a subsequent envelope. When the envelope has come to rest on a conveyor belt placed between and under the screws, the lugs push the sheets into the envelope kept steady by movable stop strips yieldingly maintained by elastic means. When the sheets are fully inserted, the lugs push the envelope and force the movable strips to swing and let the filled envelope leave the envelope filling station.

Abstract: The invention concerns a machine for providing a sealed cover for documents comprising a document conveying table (18) with a general longitudinal shape, arranged upstream of a unit for inserting (20) said documents in an envelope (26), at least a contact member (40, 42) mobile longitudinally, under the action of driving means (76, 82, 84, 88) in the direction of the inserting unit and which is designed to drive the documents on the conveying table, the driving means being distant from the inserting unit. The invention is characterized in that said at least one contact member is arranged on a mobile support (44) linked to the driving means in a zone (44b) located upstream of said at least one contact member, the driving means imposing on said at least one contact member is reciprocating translational movement between two extreme positions, in one of said extreme positions said at least one contact member being placed proximate to the inserting unit.

Abstract: An inserting machine with an assembly (7) for unfolding a flap (8) of an envelope (9), including: a scraper (20) with a sharp scraping end (21) and an envelope carrier (23-26) as well as a drive (27, 29) for moving the holder portion (18) and the scraper (20) relative to each other, such that the holder portion (18) with the fold edge (17) in trailing position scrapes along the scraping end (21), the scraper (20) scrapes the flap (8) in the area of its free edge (19) off the holder portion (18), and pivots the flap (8) open about the fold edge (17). The scraping end (21) moves along a circulation path (30), of which a first portion (31) extends in a direction towards the fold edge (17) over the holder portion (18) of the envelope (9) and of which a second, contiguous portion (32) diverges from the holder portion (18) of the envelope (9).

Abstract: A materials handling system includes an insertion subsystem for inserting materials into envelopes to form mailpieces of a first type and mailpieces of a second type. The materials handling syatem also includes a first mailpiece transport path located downstream from the insertion subsystem and having a curved portion along which mailpieces of said first type are transported, and a second mailpiece transport path being substantially horizontal, located downstream from the insertion subsystem, and along which mailpieces of the second type are transported. Further, a diverter is included that diverts mailpieces of the first type to the first transport path and mailpieces of the second type to the second transport path.

Abstract: Inserter with a stuffing assembly for each time inserting a document into an envelope in the stuffing position. In the operating position, a document feeder or the exit for outputting finished mail items is situated at the front side of the housing, and the envelope holder is accessible exclusively from a rear side of the housing. The housing has at least one foot or feet for supporting the housing via the foot or feet with respect to a supporting surface on which the apparatus stands. The foot is or, respectively, feet are arranged for allowing the rotation of the housing between the operating position and a loading position while the housing rests on the supporting surface via the foot or feet, and for keeping the housing supported in said positions.

Abstract: Improved printing architectures and associated methods are disclosed for printing enclosures in substantially real-time for insertion with a document in a mail piece. The printing architecture allows for virtual enclosure bins in place of or in addition to actual enclosure bins. When a virtual enclosure bin is referenced in a document print job, an enclosure image is identified for the virtual enclosure bin and is printed in substantially real-time to generate an enclosure. The enclosure for the virtual enclosure bin may then be inserted with the document in the mail piece.