Abstract: A log of printed products having thereon an identification that is programmable and then readable to access information regarding the printed products that make up the log such as product identification, orientation and destination, the printed products including either bound and non-bound printed products.

Abstract: A method for use by a presort mailer in creating a mailing consisting of a multitude of mail pieces addressed to a predetermined list of recipients having predetermined addresses is disclosed, including the steps of: (a) determining a batch scheme applicable to the mailing, wherein the batch scheme specifies batches of mail pieces to be grouped together, the batch scheme being based on a multi-pass mail piece sort scheme such that each batch contains mail pieces that can be sorted to mail carrier delivery order on a last pass of the multi-pass sort scheme; and (b) creating the mail pieces of the mailing in an order so that the batches of mail pieces to be grouped together according to the batch scheme are created consecutively. In one embodiment, the multi-pass sort scheme may be based on a predetermined set of numbered delivery points each corresponding to a ZIP+4 destination code.

Abstract: Articles entered into a sorting system are identified by means of an article identification device 1. An allocation ratio is selected from an allocation ratio table 7 based on the identifying information from the article identification device 1. Chute selection information is obtained for a sorter 2 based on the allocation ratio by means of a calculator 6, which in one embodiment uses a random number generator 8 to make a weighted calculation and a deviation reduction mechanism 11 to reduce the deviation of the accumulated weighted calculation results. A controller 3 selects a chute 4 such that the articles entered into the system will be distributed in accordance with the article allocation ratio, and provides the chute selection information to the sorter 2. The sorter 2, based upon the chute selection information, conducts sorting by dropping the articles entered into the system into the appropriate chute 4.

Abstract: A rule-based method for packing a customer delivery unit containing a predetermined plurality of spools of filamentary product thereon comprises the steps of: (a) uniquely identifying each of a plurality of spools; (b) recording for each spool information regarding the kind of product on the spool, the grade of the product on the spool, and the weight of the product on the spool; (c) based on the product kind, grade, and weight information, assigning to each spool an appropriate one of a plurality of packing rules; and (d) selecting a predetermined plurality of tubes for inclusion in a customer delivery unit in accordance with the packing rule assigned to each selected tube.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for collating a plurality of groups of mail items, such as flats mail, each group being pre-sequenced according to prioritized delivery addresses, into a final sequenced set of the mail items from the groups, utilizing the prioritized delivery addresses. Each bundle of mail items is formed into a single input stream of the individual mail items. The mail items are transported along a conveyor system from the input stream to a staging station. The mail items are sorted at the staging station into a plurality of subsets of mail items re-sequenced as an intermediate step to achieving the final sequenced sets. The mail items are then collated and merged into a single output stream from the respective subsets of mail items in the final sequenced set. Portions of the output stream from the staging station are collected in batches which maintain the sequence consistent with the prioritized delivery order sequence of the mail for a given carrier route.

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 of batching out items in a weight controlled manner from an incoming flow of the items, the items having non-uniform weights, by allocating the items to a plurality of receiver stations. The method includes the steps of determining weight of individual items, determining preferential allocation of each individual item to a consequently selected receiver station based on accumulated weight of items already located in the selected receiver station and preset operational conditions, portioning-out the items by transferring each individual item to the allocated selected receiver station, calculating efficiency of ongoing portioning-out process using relevant parameters, calculating simulated efficiency of a portioning-out process in which allocation of each individual item to a consequently selected receiver station is based on further operational conditions, and recommending change of one or more of the preset operational conditions based on the simulated efficiency.

Abstract: A method of preparing a set of items for future business processes includes the step of grouping the items to be included in the set, each of the items associated with a unique identifier. The unique identifiers are then recorded en masse and communicated to a database. A set identifier is then generated from the recorded identifier and associated with the set of items.

Abstract: A log of printed products having thereon an identification that is programmable and then readable to access information regarding the printed products that make up the log such as product identification, orientation and destination. The printed products include either bound or non-bound printed products. A method of utilizing a smart log includes creating a log of printed products, programming an identification associated with the log with information relating to the printed products, coupling the identification to the log, transporting the log to a destination for processing, reading the identification while the identification is coupled to the log, and handling the log in response to the information read from the identification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for accessing a programmable automatism unit (10) based on a WAP architecture, from at least a standalone communicating mobile device (40), such as a portable telephone, which integrates a navigator (41) complying with WAP architecture. This system includes a Web server (20), embedded in a piece of automatism equipment of the automatism unit (10), capable of generating static or dynamic informative data according to the WML language, and a network interface (30), connected to the Web server (20) through a network (25) of the Internet type, which authorizes access to said informative data from a WAP navigator (41) of a mobile device (40) communicating through a wireless network (35), in such a way that a user of such a WAP navigator (41) may access functions for monitoring, viewing and controlling the automatism unit (10).

Abstract: Larger mailing lists with fewer returned mailings may be achieved by tracking the mailings, the reasons for their return and other information. By compiling this information, an intelligent suppression process may be achieved to reduce the number of returned mailings while maintaining a large mailing list. The process may determine when a mailing may not be valid so that mailings to invalid addresses may be avoided in the future. Also, the process may determine when a mailing is returned for reasons other than it being sent to an invalid address so that mailings to these addresses may be continued in the future. Databases created by this process also may be used for other purposes such as determining the ultimate value of a mailing list or data source, determining when a vendor is double charging, and building predictive deliverability models.

Abstract: A material storage and delivery system includes an individual container storage and delivery system (ICSDS). A palletizer is provided for placing containers from the ICSDS on a pallet. A layer storage and delivery system (LSDS) places full layers of containers on a pallet. A robotic container delivery system (RCDS) places individual containers on a pallet. A conveyor system conveys containers and pallets between at least two of the ICSDS, the palletizer, the LSDS and the RCDS. A method for storing and delivering containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A material storage and delivery system includes an individual container storage and delivery system (ICSDS). A palletizer is provided for placing containers from the ICSDS on a pallet. A layer storage and delivery system (LSDS) places full layers of containers on a pallet. A robotic container delivery system (RCDS) places individual containers on a pallet. A conveyor system conveys containers and pallets between at least two of the ICSDS, the palletizer, the LSDS and the RCDS. A method for storing and delivering containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an input system for feeding sheets from a paper web to a high speed mass mailing inserter system. Sheets of paper are separated from the paper web and are fed to a stacking module configured to receive the separated sheets, to stack the sheets, and to individually feed sheets from the stack. The rate of feeding sheets into the stacking module is adjusted as a function of the rate at which individual sheets are fed out of the stack, and as a function of the deviation of the stack height from a pre-selected nominal stack height.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and monitoring noncompliant interstate transportation of materials is disclosed. The method and system include providing a detection and monitoring network whereby multiple ports-of-entry are each equipped with a detection system that is in communication with a central computer. The detection systems are then used to detect levels of a material in vehicles passing through the ports-of-entry. The method and system further include associating the levels of material detected for each vehicle with the respective vehicle, and saving the vehicle material levels on a computer. The material levels detected at each port-of-entry are then uploaded to the central computer for monitoring and review.

Abstract: In a method for automated placement of articles onto a support, the supports and articles are positioned on a supply belt and the supports and the articles are supplied on the supply belt to a detection device where output signals are created based on the supports and the articles passing through the detection device. The output signals are transmitted as measured data to a control unit. The supports and the articles are recognized and differentiated in the control unit based on the measured data. Subsequently, the control unit, according to predetermined criteria, controls one or more gripping devices connected to the control unit for carrying out a placement step of placing the articles on the supports.

Abstract: An embodiment of the system of the present invention comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus, a label printer, a graphical user interface, address cleansing database, corrected address database, sender computer system, sender database and a web server for interconnecting several components of the system. The system provides a closed loop solution for reducing potential return to sender outgoing mailpieces prepared by a sender that is receiving incoming sorting incoming mailpieces sorted by the incoming mailpiece sorting apparatus. The system includes user screens including data input screens and report screens. Because of the significant expense in processing return to sender mailpieces the system of the present invention tracks and calculate statistical information and cost information regarding the return to sender mailpieces so that the sender can be charged for the cost of sorting return to sender mailpieces.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system for workpiece cutting and sorting automation, and a method for controlling the system. The system includes a cutting/sorting equipment for cutting a substrate having a plurality of cells into cut substrates, and sorting the cut substrates according to a predetermined mode; and a system controller for receiving a request for operation information on the cut substrates from the cutting/sorting equipment, and transmitting the operation information and operation commands to the cutting/sorting equipment. The method includes the steps of (a) determining an operating mode of the cut substrates; (b) sorting the cut substrates and supplying the sorted cut substrates to one of the plurality of cassettes according to the operating mode of the cut substrates determined in step (a); and (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) for a predetermined lot number of cut substrates.

Abstract: An electronic pet with more reality using various types of devices. Specifically, a virtual electronic pet 202 and a pet-type robot 204 change the state of the emotion and the state of the instinct as the internal state of the electronic pet (information included in pet characteristic information 203) in accordance with surrounding information and internal information, and act in accordance with the state of the emotion and the state of the instinct. Transmission/reception of the internal state of the electronic pet (pet characteristic information 203) is made possible among the virtual electronic pet 202, the pet-type robot 204, and a personal computer 201. Thus, the action of the electronic pet is implemented by each device in accordance with the internal state of the electronic pet changed by another equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an input system for feeding sheets from a paper web to a high speed mass mailing inserter system. Sheets of paper are separated from the paper web and are fed to a stacking module configured to receive the separated sheets, to stack the sheets, and to individually feed sheets from the stack. The rate of feeding sheets into the stacking module is adjusted as a function of the rate at which individual sheets are fed out of the stack, and as a function of the deviation of the stack height from a pre-selected nominal stack height.

Abstract: In a method and a device enabling any operator even without skill to efficiently, constantly determine an optimum packaging specification of vehicle parts, or the like, various factors possibly damaging articles are presets as protective properties, and at least one of the protective properties is determined for a particular article based on its surface materials, longest size of its dimensions and its weight. Based on the protective property determined, at least one of packaging materials classified in property is determined for packaging the article, then a packaging form is determined from the determined packaging material and the article property, and a packaging order of the determined packaging form is determined according to packaging priorities preset for such packaging forms.

Abstract: In a method for automated placement of articles onto a support, the supports and articles are positioned on a supply belt and the supports and the articles are supplied on the supply belt to a detection device where output signals are created based on the supports and the articles passing through the detection device. The output signals are transmitted as measured data to a control unit. The supports and the articles are recognized and differentiated in the control unit based on the measured data. Subsequently, the control unit, according to predetermined criteria, controls one or more gripping devices connected to the control unit for carrying out a placement step of placing the articles on the supports.

Abstract: A process control system includes a controller that executes a control routine which performs a series of unit procedures within a process. The control routine is written or created to specify the class of unit to be used for each unit procedure, but not the actual unit itself. At the start of each unit procedure of the control routine, a dynamic unit selection routine selects a particular unit as the unit to be used during operation of that unit procedure. When called, the dynamic unit selection routine determines a set of possible units to be used, determines if each of the set of possible units is suitable for use during that unit procedure of the control routine based on a suitability criterion, prioritizes the units that meet the suitability criterion based on a priority criterion and selects the particular unit from the prioritized list of suitable units in order of priority.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for tracking identity traits of commodities during the production, handling, processing and/or distribution chain of the commodity. The method includes providing a database having a unique identifier identifying a commodity to be tracked, inputting identity traits of the commodity into the database, associating the inputted identity traits with the unique identifier, tagging the commodity with a tag associated with the unique identifier, and selectively retrieving from the database the preserved identity traits of the commodity by querying the database.

Abstract: A feeder/programming/buffer operating system is provided which controls a feeder mechanism, a programming mechanism, an electronic handling mechanism, a pneumatic handling mechanism, and a plurality of sensors. The operating system programs programmable devices and makes the feeder/programming/buffer system substantially independent of a production assembly system with which it is capable of being integrated yet fully responsive to the requirements of the production assembly system.

Abstract: A method for dispatching available lots to unallocated machines is provided that includes receiving metrics data (26) providing performance measurements for a plurality of machines (18). The method next provides for determining a state for each of the machines (18) based on the metrics data (26). The method next provides for receiving one or more lots (22) to be dispatched where each lot (22) has a lot type and each lot type is associated with one of a plurality of models. The method next provides for selecting a preferred lot type (50) for each of the plurality of models associated with each of the machines (18) based on the state of the machine. The method next provides for selecting a preferred model (52) based on a time since a last run of the model, a cost of switching to a new model and lot type, and the state of the machine (18).

Abstract: A sheet process apparatus includes a stapler for performing a stapling process on a sheet any a shift sheet discharge unit for performing shift sheet discharging. The shift sheet discharging discharges and stacks the sheets on a tray in a status that the sheet intended to be discharged is shifted from the sheet already put on the tray. A control unit causes the shift sheet discharge unit to perform shift sheet discharging when the stapling process by the stapler is not included in any of a previous-time job and a present-time job. The control unit also causes the shift sheet discharge unit to perform the shift sheet discharging when the stapling process by the stapler is not included in any of a previous-time job and a present-time job. In addition, the control unit also causes the shift sheet discharge unit to discharge the sheet without performing the shift sheet discharging when the stapling process by the stapler is included in at least one of the previous-time job and the present-time job.

Abstract: A system controls a package assembly line. The package assembly line has a piece feeder and a component feeder. The piece feeder is arranged to feed pieces to a transport of the package assembly line. The component feeder is arranged to feed components to the transport of the package assembly line so that the components and the pieces are combined into packages. The components have corresponding component identifiers thereon. The system includes a memory for storing a piece data file having piece identifiers corresponding to pieces fed by the piece feeder, a detector for detecting a component identifier from a component being fed by the component feeder toward the transport, a comparator for comparing the detected component identifier to a corresponding piece identifier, and in response to the comparison controlling the feeding of a component or rejecting a component.

Abstract: A method for combining in zip code order pre-personalized printed items with items that are not pre-personalized. The method includes the step of producing a grouping of the pre-personalized items in zip code order according to a first mailing list. The first mailing list is merged with a second mailing list associated with the items that are not pre-personalized to produce a master mailing list of a desired zip code order. The pre-personalized items and the items that are not pre-personalized are selectively fed to a conveyor in the desired zip code order. The items that are not pre-addressed are addressed and the zip code bundles are prepared according to the master mailing list.

Abstract: A method and system for preparing mailpieces. A inserter system for assembling mailpieces in a mailing job is controlled in accordance with a measure of the fraction of chassis cycles which are empty. The chassis speed is continually adjusted during run-time for a mailing job to minimize the number of “dry holes”, i.e. the fraction of chassis cycles which do not contain a mailpiece.

Abstract: The claimed processing operation is used to process piece goods. Large numbers of at least similar objects are processed by feeding objects into the operation in streams (PS) of starting products (A), feeding the starting products and/or intermediate products in product streams (PS) to processing steps (7, 8, 12, 14, 15 . . . ) where they are processed and then carried away from the processing steps, and discharging the processed objects from the operation in streams of end products (EP). In the incoming and outgoing product streams individual products or product groups are conveyed in a sequence. At each processing step at least one property of a processed product or product group is changed. The claimed operation is characterized by sequence changes (4, 5, 6, 10, 13, 16, 17 . . . ) in which the sequence of products or product groups can be changed by transferring products in or out or combinations of both.

Abstract: A part identification system for non-intrusively identifying a subset of parts cut from a sheet material. The part identification system includes a visual signal generator for projecting an identifying image associated with a given subset of cut parts. A labelling program accesses a database, generates a control signal including the part location and identifying image and sends the signal to a controller. The controller directs the identifying image from the visual signal generator to identify the cut parts.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting semiconductor substrates based on substrate thickness. The invention includes weighing each semiconductor substrate to be sorted, and then calculating the thickness of each substrate from its mass, area and density. The system may be configured to automatically sort the substrates according to the weight-based thickness calculations.

Abstract: A delivery tracking system for tracking parcels during an internal state of delivery within an organization after receipt of the parcel from a parcel delivery service. The system utilizes an intelligent, hand-held, portable data entry and data processing device to obtain signatures of recipients and scan codes printed on the parcel labels, and to respond to tracking inquiries prior to transferring collected information to a different computer. Data is entered on a touch-sensitive screen of personal digital assistant using the tip of a wand type bar code scanner.

Abstract: As component replacement positions where component feeding tables are replenished with components, are arranged a number of component replacement positions, the number being obtained by substituting a total number of component feeding tables into a specified function. A component feeding table that is not in a component suckup position is moved necessarily to any one of the component replacement positions regardless of the combination of component feeding tables. This component replacement position is determined through steps of setting sequence numbers on the component replacement positions by the specified function based on the distance from the component suckup position, setting sequence numbers and component-replacement direction on the plurality of component feeding tables by a specified function, and giving a specified function the sequence number and component-replacement direction of a component-exhausted component feeding table.

Abstract: A manually operated mail sorting station is disclosed which includes a case having numerous bins in which sorted mail will be placed. The mail to be sorted typically includes articles rejected, for example, from high speed mail sorting machines. The mail sorting station includes a scanner that reads an address printed on the pieces of unsorted mail. The scanner includes a communications interface over which the scanner sends signals during operation. A computer for the mail sorting station is also provided and is connected to the communications interface of the scanner. The computer further includes a program responsive to the signals transmitted by the scanner on the communications interface. The program generally includes instructions that translate the signals into an internal address representation (for example, translating the signals sent by the scanner to a sequence of letters and numbers representing an address).

Abstract: Provision of a shelf management system and method for semiconductor devices enabling efficient use of a reference wafer storage shelf and also enabling stop of process progress of product lot in case of unusual data representing reference wafer measurement results. A production control system responsible for supervision of a production line has a function of changing the reference wafer item name. The production control system accords a preset common representative name to plural reference wafers. Upon warehousing plural reference wafers to a storage shelf, the reference wafers are collectively stored in a storage shelf, without classification according to processing conditions in the wafer process device where the reference wafers are to be processed. The item name is changed to a name corresponding to the processing conditions at the time of processing the reference wafers in the wafer process device.

Abstract: A manually operated mail sorting station includes a case having numerous bins in which sorted mail will be placed. The mail sorting station also includes a scanner that reads an address printed on the pieces of unsorted mail. The scanner includes a communications interface over which the scanner sends signals during operation. A computer for the mail sorting station is connected to the communications interface of the scanner. The computer further includes a program responsive to the signals transmitted by the scanner on the communications interface. The program defines or stores a scheme representing an assignment of addresses to bins in the sorting case, a separate assignment of bins to locations in the sorting case, as well as instructions that match the internal address representation against the scheme to select one of the bins as the correct bin for the piece of unsorted mail. The bins include at least one region bin indicative of an airport or a city or state remote from the sorting station.

Abstract: A manually operated mail sorting station includes a case having numerous bins in which sorted mail will be placed. The mail sorting station includes a feeder belt system with a feeder belt a motor driving the feeder belt, and an interface port. A scanner reads an address printed on the pieces of unsorted mail. The scanner includes a communications interface connected to the interface port over which the scanner sends signals during operation. A computer for the mail sorting station is also provided and is connected to the interface port with the scanner. The computer further includes a program responsive to the signals transmitted by the scanner on the communications interface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for personalizing printed media such as (but not limited to) catalogs, magazines, and books are disclosed. Personalized components are created before binding of the media occurs, reducing use of ink-jet printers on-line. At least the personalized components contain machine-readable indicia to permit identification and coordination of use of the components during the binding processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for organizing the assembly of a retailer's order. The system of the invention includes a system computer, conveyor assemblies and multiple sections. Each section includes an assembly section computer which controls multiple picking machines, a section conveyor, printers, and bundlers. Multiple bins are filled with articles, such as magazines, by the picking machines; the section conveyor then transports each bin to their next respective picking machine to be filled with that title location's magazine. Once a bin has been serviced by each picking machine of each title location, the contents of the bin are ejected and bundled by a bundler. Then, all bundles of a retailer's order are assembled at a palletizing area awaiting to be loaded into the delivery truck.

Abstract: A method for combining in zip code order pre-personalized printed items with items that are not pre-personalized. The method includes the step of producing a grouping of the pre-personalized items in zip code order according to a first mailing list. The first mailing list is merged with a second mailing list associated with the items that are not pre-personalized to produce a master mailing list of a desired zip code order. The pre-personalized items and the items that are not pre-personalized are selectively fed to a conveyor in the desired zip code order. The items that are not pre-addressed are addressed and the zip code bundles are prepared according to the master mailing list.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device has a correction value storage memory which stores correction values for the sheet feed error of the sheet feeding mechanism which appears in a specific cycle from a reference point to correct the sheet feed error, and a sensor which detects a particular point in the specific cycle. In accordance with the input from the sensor, the sheet feed amount is corrected by the correction value stored in the correction value storage memory. By correcting the feed error of each component of the sheet feeding mechanism, an exact and reliable sheet feed can be achieved without needing the increase of precision of the components of the sheet feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A manually operated mail sorting station sorts pieces of unsorted mail into numerous bins in a case for holding sorted mail. The mail sorting station includes a scanner for reading an address from a piece of unsorted mail and the scanner includes a communication interface. The mail sorting station also includes a computer connected to the communication interface. The computer includes a program responsive to the address transmitted by the scanner over the communication interface. The program includes instructions that store the address in memory, a scheme representing an assignment of addresses to bins in the case, wherein the assignment maps addresses to individual postal delivery routes for Postal Service carriers in a predetermined city section, the individual delivery routes assigned at least one bin in the case, and instructions that match the address against the scheme to select one of the bins in the case as a matched bin for the piece of unsorted mail.