Abstract: The present invention is directed, in a general aspect, system including a mail sorting apparatus which generally comprises a feeder, a line scan camera, an in-line printer, a control system which may be the microprocessor based personal computer system, at least one addressee database and sort plan, a mailpiece transporter, a bin module with compartments or sort bins for receiving mailpieces. This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by enabling a mail sorting apparatus to address sort internal mailings (business to employee mail). The foregoing is accomplished by addressing and sorting employee mailpieces in one process by using information from one or more databases of the mail sorting apparatus, including the addressee database and sort plan, and an in-line printer for printing employee and/or delivery information on the employee mailpiece. Thus, the method of the present invention provides a less costly, simplified way to prepare internal mailings.

Abstract: A mail processing machine comprises a first holding location that is adapted to hold a stack of first pages. A card is coupled to each of the first pages, and each first page includes an identifier. A second holding location is adapted to hold a stack of second pages that each have an identifier. A first advancing mechanism is adapted to separately advance each first page from the stack, and a second advancing mechanism is adapted to separately advance each second page from the stack. First and second scanning devices read the identifiers on the first and second pages upon their advancement. A controller is configured to control the first and second advancing mechanism to permit the first and second pages to be scanned by the first and second scanners and to match the first pages with the second pages if the identifier on one of the advanced first pages corresponds with the identifier on one of the advanced second pages.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved insert machine for inserting flat material into an open pocket and, more particularly, to a straight line insert machine employed for printed matter such as newspapers. The machine includes an all-electronic control system for controlling machine functions. The control system includes at least one central control computer running under software control and a plurality of network controllers, all coupled together via a controller area network (CAN) bus. Electronic control messages for controlling machine elements are sent among the computers and controllers using a novel message protocol to enable both broadcast messages and individual messages to be employed.

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 system for regenerating misprocessed mailpieces and the like. Control documents are produced by a data processing system and transported to an inserter system. The inserter system inputs the control documents and assembles mailpieces in accordance with coded information on the documents. If the inserter system controller identifies a misprocessed mailpiece it writes a record, which can be a separate zero byte file, to a common data store. The data processing system accesses the record in the common data store and regenerates the control document. The inserter system processes the regenerated control document to regenerate the mailpiece.

Abstract: An insertion system for collating sheets of printed material for insertion into an envelope is disclosed. The insertion system includes an insertion machine, application software and an operating system. Included in the application software is a first function and a second function, where the first function performs tracking for each packet and the second function controls operation of the insertion machine. Each packet includes a plurality of pieces of printed material that may ultimately be sealed in an envelope. The operating system runs the application software at any given instant and executes the first and second functions.

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: An electronic component pick and place machine has a series of key readers adjacent its component holder receptacles. The component holders (e.g., feeders) each have a machine-readable holder identification key attached on a flexible cable. When the holders are installed, their keys are inserted into the appropriate readers to be read by a controller to identify and locate the component holders. The controller initiates a holder placement verification check each time a new circuit board enters the machine to be populated, and updates a system component inventory database after each board build. The system database tracks the number and part number of the components loaded on each holder, as well as holder maintenance data.

Abstract: A data processing system and device for a cohesive technical process are disclosed. The data processing system includes at least one processing station for processing at least one product with an associated specific data record in which product features and/or process information for the product are maintained. The processing station may also include associated data and product buffers. The product associated data record may be provided in a decentralized manner at the processing station during the technical process and can be passed-on to a further processing station. The processing station further comprises data record storage locations that may be used dynamically. The data record for a product may be dynamically matched to a data record length required from a process sequence.

Abstract: A method for rerouting mailpieces in a carrier distribution system includes the steps of receiving a plurality of mailpieces within the carrier distribution system; dynamically determining criteria defining a suspect group of mailpieces; automatically detecting the presence of the plurality of mailpieces within the carrier distribution system; identifying suspect mailpieces form the plurality of mailpieces by automatically detecting within the carrier distribution system which of the plurality of mailpieces meet the criteria defining the suspect group of mailpieces; and outsorting the suspect mailpieces for evaluation. A postal distribution system incorporates the method.

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: 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 central position of a wafer 10 set on a place table 41 is calculated, a turn angle of the place table 41 when the wafer 10 is in the predetermined orientation is calculated based on the calculation result of the central position and positional information of an ID mark 11 received in advance and the quantity of expanding and contracting a transfer arm 30 and the turn angle of a turntable 39 are calculated for setting the wafer 10 such that the ID mark 11 is in the predetermined position and orientation to an OCR 43, and the turn angle of the place table 41 calculated based on the turn angle of the turntable 39 is corrected, the place table 41 is turned only by the corrected turn angle and the wafer 10 is turned and transferred to the OCR 43 by the transfer unit 3.

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 writing device for display members is provided which can erasably writing patient information on a display member carried on the side of a drug carrier and automatically attach and detach it to and from the carrier. The writing device has an attach/detach/transfer unit for detaching, attaching and transferring a rewrite card to a carrier carrying the rewrite card, and a writing means connected to the attach/detach/transfer means for writing and displaying patient information on the rewrite card. The respective means are controlled based on prescription information to attach and detach the rewrite card to and from the side of the carrier.

Abstract: A method and system for processing intermixed qualified and non-qualified mailpieces and the like. Control documents are produced by a data processing system and transported to an inserter system. The inserter system inputs the control documents and assembles mailpieces in accordance with a data base of mailpiece records identified by coded information on the documents. When the system is configured for a mailing, nominally specified operations can be modified in accordance with specified conditions comprising Boolean combinations of tests of mailpiece record fields. In one embodiment intermixed qualified and non-qualified mail can be separated.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for bringing together and joining plastic cards, which are provided with an identification mark, and printed card carriers associated with the respective plastic cards, data sets with identification marks, which are associated with the plastic cards, are first provided and each data set has associated therewith a print job number. The plastic cards and the printed card carriers, which have a print job number printed thereon, are provided in a presorted sequence and the identification mark of a plastic card and the print job number of a card carrier are detected. On the basis of the data set provided, the plastic card, whose identification mark has been read, has associated therewith a print job number, whereupon it is determined on the basis of this print job number whether the plastic card which is about to be joined and the card carrier match one another. If this is the case, the plastic card and the card carrier are brought together and joined.

Abstract: The combination of a first and a second product mail streams wherein the first stream includes wrapped products and the second stream includes unwrapped products.

Abstract: A method and system for processing intermixed qualified and non-qualified mailpieces and the like. Control documents are produced by a data processing system and transported to an inserter system. The inserter system inputs the control documents and assembles mailpieces in accordance with a data base of mailpiece records identified by coded information on the documents. When the system is configured for a mailing, nominally specified operations can be modified in accordance with specified conditions comprising Boolean combinations of tests of mailpiece record fields. In one embodiment intermixed qualified and non-qualified mail can be separated.

Abstract: A wafer transfer system which reduces time for orienting a wafer in transferring the wafer and improving the efficiency of transferring the wafer.

Abstract: A method for providing information or a printed matter of the information smoothly in a meeting place such as a museum or an exhibition is provided. A card reader reads an ID card that a tourer carries, so as to obtain information relating to an exhibit corresponding to the card reader. Then, the obtained information is printed and is passed to the tourer.

Abstract: A method for continuous, non lot-based manufacturing of integrated circuit (IC) devices of the type to each have a unique fuse identification (ID) includes: reading the fuse ID of each of the IC devices; advancing multiple lots of the IC devices through, for example, a test step in the manufacturing process in a substantially continuous manner; generating data, such as test data, related to the advancement of each of the IC devices through the step in the process; and associating the data generated for each of the IC devices with the fuse ID of its associated IC device.

Abstract: An system and method of tracking and coordinating distribution of manufacturing reference information that represents movement of devices throughout a plurality of manufacturing facilities at remote locations. The approach is particularly advantageous in application environments wherein a manufacturer has multiple manufacturing facilities. One embodiment of the method of tracking involves the steps of assigning codes that include a test flow indicator to the devices to identify information, processing devices according to the test flow indicator, receiving processing development data in near real-time at each of the remotely located facilities, utilizing a Manufacturing Reference Database to aggregate manufacturing information by receiving the manufacturing information data from remotely located facilities on a transaction-by-transaction basis, storing and then transmitting the manufacturing information to other corporate systems communicating with the Manufacturing Reference Database in near real-time.

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: An apparatus for assembling mailpieces and a method for controlling such apparatus. The apparatus includes a document feeder for feeding sets of documents to a chassis for assembly into mailpieces a constant rate. Because the number of documents varies the time to assemble a set varies and it is possible that a set may not be available when the chassis is ready to cycle; resulting in a cycle in which no mailpiece is processed. To correct for this the average number of documents for a number of mailpieces to be processed is determined and a nominal chassis speed and cycling rate are determined correspondingly. The actual chassis speed is then periodically updated to approach the nominal speed.

Abstract: A method of bringing together and joining plastic cards, which are provided with an identification mark, and printed card carriers associated with the respective plastic cards, comprises the following steps: providing the plastic card and the printed card carrier; detecting the identification mark of said plastic card; reading data from a database by means of said identification mark; detecting the data on said printed card carrier prior to joining said card carrier to the plastic card; determining whether the data detected on the card carrier correspond to the data read; and, provided that the data read and the data detected correspond, bringing together and joining the plastic card and the card carrier.

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 client/server architecture for database driven insertion and mail piece tracking system, method, and computer program product is disclosed. A database is populated with database driven insertion data comprising instructions for handling mailpiece material. A server manages the database by responding to requests for mail processing instructions from clients and storing mailpiece data received from clients. A scanning device reads key code marked mailpiece material in which the key code corresponds to a database location containing instructions for handling mailpiece material. A client processor receives the key code from the scanning device, and transmits a request to the server for accessing the database location containing the instructions for handling mailpiece material. The server retrieves the instructions for handling mailpiece material, and transmits the instructions to the client.

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: A multiple reaction chamber system includes a transfer chamber, a load lock chamber connected to the transfer chamber, and a plurality of reaction chambers connected to the transfer chamber. An alignment chamber is connected to the transfer chamber, disposed along a path of wafer transfer from the load lock chamber to the plurality of reaction chambers, and includes a wafer aligner. A wafer recognition, disposed along a post-aligner portion of the path of wafer transfer system, recognizes an identification code of an individual wafer. A controlling system is in data communication with the wafer recognition system for selecting a selected chamber of the plurality of reaction chambers into which the individual wafer is to be transferred. Because individual wafers can be associated with each reaction chamber, a defective reaction chamber can be identified immediately and its use discontinued so that unproductive operations can be eliminated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automation of an envelope opening station wherein a plurality of suction cups are placed over the throat section of an envelope to lift the throat in order to spread open the envelope. The method and the apparatus use an electronic imaging device to acquire the image of the envelope including the width and the throat section thereof. An electronic processor is used to determine the width and the throat profile of the envelope from the acquired image and compute the preferred locations for placing the suction cups on the envelope. A positioning device is used to adjust the location of the suction cups in accordance with the preferred locations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and arrangement for data processing in a mail shipping system, wherein a piece of mail is detected and scanned in the transport path leading to a postage meter machine. Information obtained by the scanning of the piece of mail is automatically entered into the postage meter machine, and this information includes an identification of a number of items (pages or inserts such as disks or other information carriers). In the postage meter machine, the weight of the piece of mail is calculated by multiplying the item count by an average item weight stored in the postage meter machine, and adding this to the container weight, such as an envelope weight, for the piece of mail, also stored in the postage meter machine. The fee for shipping the piece of mail is then calculated in the postage meter machine using the calculated weight and a fee table for a carrier selected for shipping the piece of mail.

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.

Abstract: An advertising or promotional brochure is disclosed that is to be mailed in conjunction with a magazine or periodical. The brochure may include high-quality, glossy photographs, and be personalized with text and/or images that relate specifically to the magazine subscriber. In addition, the brochure may include coupons for sales discounts, bank promotional checks, and other promotions that may be redeemed by the magazine subscriber. The brochure may be embodied as a multi-page pamphlet and may have an appearance and cover similar to the magazine to which it is attached.

Abstract: A client/server architecture for database driven insertion and mail piece tracking system, method, and computer program product is disclosed. A database is populated with database driven insertion data comprising instructions for handling mailpiece material. A server manages the database by responding to requests for mail processing instructions from clients and storing mailpiece data received from clients. A scanning device reads key code marked mailpiece material in which the key code corresponds to a database location containing instructions for handling mailpiece material. A client processor receives the key code from the scanning device, and transmits a request to the server for accessing the database location containing the instructions for handling mailpiece material. The server retrieves the instructions for handling mailpiece material, and transmits the instructions to the client.