Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling personalized CDs, DVDs and other types of optical disks, magnetic media, and data storage devices into magazines, catalogs, pamphlets, and other printed products in order to enhance the amount and quality of personalization associated with the printed product includes reading and/or writing personalized information to/from a data storage device and assembling the data storage device within a printed product that is to be delivered to a particular individual. The reading and/or writing of personalized information may be directed to either digital information stored on the data storage device or to more conventional optical indicia that is printed on and/or optically scanned from the data storage device.

Abstract: A system for combined mailing of a plurality of diverse publications to a plurality of recipients at an optimized mail rate. The system includes a bindery for binding a plurality of the signatures where the bindery binding the plurality of signatures creates a plurality of first publications and a plurality of second publications. Each of the plurality of first and second publications are in a unique order, where the unique order identifies each of the plurality of first publications and each of the plurality of second publications with each of the plurality of recipients. A co-mailer is part of the system for combining the plurality of first publications with the plurality of second publications to form a plurality of diverse publications. The co-mailer merges the plurality of first and second publications in the unique order to send the plurality of diverse publications to the plurality of recipients at the optimized mail rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel systems and methods for identifying a location. Generally described radio frequency identification tags equipped with LED's are used to provide a visual indication of a location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically synchronizing a number of paper feeding channels of an inserting system involving the following steps: a) inspecting the sheets provided for output in one of the channels by comparing their group sequence number and their sheet sequence number with predetermined reference values; b) outputting the inspected sheets from this channel if their group sequence number and sheet sequence number correspond with the set reference values; c) inspecting the additional sheets provided for output in one or more additional channels if the group sequence number or the sheet sequence number of a previously inspected sheet does not correspond with the set reference values; d) outputting the sheets from the additional channels if their group sequence number and sheet sequence number correspond with the set reference values, and; e) identifying a group as a defective group and outputting the sheet with the smallest group sequence number and with the smallest sheet sequence num

Abstract: A system and method for merge-sequencing ordered subsets of items into a single merged set in a predetermined sorted sequence and error-checking the resulting merged set to provide information about out of order items to allow for efficient error correction methods. The system uses an outcome verifier module to ensure that items placed onto the single merged set are in the proper sequence. Items that are not in the proper sequence are temporarily removed from the merged set. If it is determined that items are missing from the sorted sequence a placeholder may be inserted to mark the place of missing items.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for identifying and processing mail using an identification code on a mailpiece as a redundant source of identification information in a mail sorting system. In one embodiment, this information is stored in a temporary database and used for the identification and processing of mail in a Remote Bar Code System (RBCS). In this embodiment, the identification code enables the automation of mail sorting and other processing tasks, reducing costs and delays in mail delivery services. In another embodiment, the identification and processing of mail occurs in an Identification Code Sorting (ICS) system. In this embodiment, a long-term database allows for mail sorting and other processing tasks on a national or global level.

Abstract: A system and method are set out for automating the sorting and loading of parcels into a delivery vehicle. While being conveyed from a customer, parcels to be delivered are scanned and information obtained therefrom. The information may be the parcel either or both the identification code and delivery address. The obtaining may be performed by a bar code reader, hand held or overhead, as well as a videocoding device. The parcel information is matched to a sort code, a unique code for a unique delivery address. A list of matched identification and sort codes and delivery addresses and sort codes is then saved for later search, sort, and retrieval. The parcels are then loaded in sequence into mobile racks, which when full, is loaded onto the delivery vehicle. A sequence list of the order in which the parcels were scanned is also saved for later search, sort, and retrieval. An end user enters a select list of addresses in search of possible hits from the saved lists.

Abstract: A home control and automation system and method. The system generally includes one or more wireless remote controls, a plurality of appliances (including network enabled appliances and traditional legacy appliances in the exemplary system), associated control centric devices, and associated content centric devices. Various methods for control and operation of appliances in the networked home control and automation environment are disclosed. Specifically, methods are disclosed which enable advanced home control features such as location based control setup and operation, network enabled legacy appliances and system integration, save and recall capabilities for appliance and media states, generic command based appliance controls, dynamic/complex macro command generation, and Internet based control capabilities from remote locations are disclosed in conjunction with the system of the current invention.

Abstract: A document processing device having an evaluation region disposed along a transport path between an input and output receptacle capable of processing both currency bills and identification cards. An evaluation unit enables entry of source identification information before or after processing currency bills. Memory is adapted to store source identification information for multiple batches of currency. Multiple batches are placed in the processing, device for multiple batch processing. The evaluation region includes detectors for detecting predetermined characteristics of currency bills and distinguishing identification cards from currency. During processing, the identification card, or other separator card, is sent to a predetermined output receptacle designated as a reject receptacle. Currency that is rejected is sent to the reject receptacle. Rejected currency is separated into batches by the identification cards sent to the reject receptacle during processing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing IC devices from semiconductor wafers includes providing the wafers and fabricating ICs on the wafers. At probe, a unique fuse ID is stored in each IC, and an electronic wafer map is electronically stored for each wafer indicating the locations of good and bad ICs on the wafer and the fuse IDs of the ICs on the wafer. Each IC is then separated from its wafer to form an IC die, and the IC dice are assembled into IC devices. At the opens/shorts test at the end of assembly, the fuse ID of each IC in each device is automatically retrieved so the wafer map of the IC device may be accessed and evaluated to identify any IC devices containing bad ICs that have accidentally been assembled into IC devices. Any “bad” IC devices are discarded while remaining IC devices continue on to back-end testing.

Abstract: A system for performing inventory control for wafers, unpackaged integrated circuits and packaged integrated circuits is provided. The system includes barcode readers, sorters and transporters operable to locate and relocate wafers, unpackaged circuits and packaged circuits. The system further includes a feedback system for feeding back information generated by the barcode readers, sorters, transporters and/or manufacturing devices associated with the wafers, unpackaged circuits and packaged circuits. The system further provides for generating Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) data that can be transmitted to wafer suppliers and employed in controlling wafer ordering, purchasing, processing and returning.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for processing mailpiece information in a mail processing device using sorter application software. In one embodiment, a mail processing device uses the sorter application software to communicate with an identification code server. In this embodiment, different types of mail processing devices can use the common sorter application software to communicate with the same or different identification code servers.

Abstract: A method of inserting a communications module (6) into a wireless communication system (1) comprising at least one control module (2) and a plurality of communications modules (3, 4, 5) is disclosed. The system (1) is adapted to transmit messages either directly or indirectly between modules and each module is adapted to receive a wireless message and transmit a wireless message to a further communications module or to a control module. The communications module (6) is inserted into the system (1) and transmits a first signal in a set-up mode. If the first signal is detected by at least one pair of modules (2, 3, 4, 5), the communications module (6), by means of a signal from a control module (2), is installed to communicate directly with the two modules of at least one pair of modules.

Abstract: The robotic apparatus is designed to act in a wider variety of manners, which will motivate the user of the robotic apparatus to purchase more products to the robotic apparatus. More specifically, a robotic apparatus (1) which acts autonomously recognizes a bar code (BC) or the like appended to a canned juice (100a) and acts in a predetermined manner. This is only enabled under a predetermined contract made between a product manufacturer and robotic apparatus manufacturer. The contract coverage is that the product manufacturer shall append the bar code (BC) to a specific product while the robotic apparatus manufacturer shall provide a robotic apparatus (1) which can act in a predetermined manner when having recognized the bar code (BC).

Abstract: The sorting and packaging system comprises an induction and scanning system, a single pass sorting and packaging system for automatically sorting and packaging a plurality of mailpieces based on a single scan by the induction and sorting system, and a control unit connected to and controlling the induction and scanning system and the single pass sorting and packaging system. The single pass sorting and packaging system comprises at least one cell rack, at least one packaging system, and at least one delivery system. The cell rack is connected to the induction and scanning system by a transport sorting system. The cell rack comprises a plurality of cells and a purging system. The packaging system is connected to the cell rack and comprises a transport packaging system and a packaging unit. The delivery system is connected to the packaging system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for processing mailpiece information in an identification code sorting system by an identification code server. In one embodiment, a primary identification code server receives an identification file containing identification information uniquely corresponding to a mailpiece. In this embodiment, the primary identification code server processes the mailpiece information and may send the identification file to a secondary identification code server. In another embodiment, a secondary identification code server receives an identification file from a primary identification code server and processes the mailpiece information.

Abstract: A method and system for a reject management protocol within a back-end IC manufacturing process. In one method embodiment, the present invention implements a tracking process for a die-strip. The present invention also maintains an electronic die-strip map database, and utilizes the tracking process to update the electronic die-strip map database as the die-strip moves in an in-line fashion from one sub-station to another within the manufacturing process. Information used to update the database can originate from one or more automated visual camera systems used for quality assurance. In so doing, the present invention categorizes the die on the die-strip based on information maintained by the electronic die-strip map database. This information can be used for die sorting and for die rejection. In one embodiment, an identifying code is placed on each die strip that can automatically identify the die-strip using the automated camera systems.

Abstract: A method for sorting and stacking stackable storage objects where the storage objects consist of at least three stacks. The method includes the steps of identifying and marking each storage object with a sequence number for each object in a withdrawal order. Identifying the lowest unmarked storage object above a mark storage object in each stack. Categorizing the stack containing the identified lowest unmarked storage object as a first stack and categorizing each remaining stack as a second stack. Moving each storage object from the first stack onto one or more of the second stacks until the identified lowest unmarked storage object is on top of the first stack. Sorting and moving all of the marked storage objects from the second stacks onto the first stack. Moving each of the storage objects in the arrival stack to one or more second stacks. Moving each of the marked storage objects to the second stacks from the first stack.

Abstract: A document processing device having an evaluation region disposed along a transport path between an input and output receptacle capable of processing both currency bills and identification cards. An evaluation unit enables entry of source identification information before or after processing currency bills. Memory is adapted to store source identification information for multiple batches of currency. Multiple batches are placed in the processing device for multiple batch processing. The evaluation region includes detectors for detecting predetermined characteristics of currency bills and distinguishing identification cards from currency. During processing, the identification card, or other separator card, is sent to a predetermined output receptacle designated as a reject receptacle. Currency that is rejected is sent to the reject receptacle. Rejected currency is separated into batches by the identification cards sent to the reject receptacle during processing.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring assets using radio frequency tags is provided that includes a plurality of primary tags. Each primary tag stores an identification of each linked tag associated with the primary tag. The primary tag receives a polling event and transmits a query message for linked tags within an operational range of the primary tag. Each linked tag receiving the query message transmits a response message that includes an identification of the linked tag. The primary tag receives the response messages and compares the identifications in the response messages to the identifications stored for each linked tag. Based on the comparison, the primary tag determines a monitored asset status.

Abstract: In order to eliminate addressing errors on postal articles in a process (8, 10) of sorting, routing, and delivery performed by a postal operator on mail articles (3?) handed over to the operator by a sender of mail articles constituting a client of the postal operator, respective mail article identity numbers (I) are generated for the mail articles to be processed in the sorting, routing, and delivery process, said identity numbers (I) being applied to the respective mail articles in machine readable form (5) and being recorded in an electronic file (F) in association with data (A) giving the postal addresses of the mail articles. These mail article identity numbers (I) or “extended client codes” are generated by the mail article sender and they are applied by the sender to the mail articles prior to handing them over to the postal operator.

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: Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention identify and sort a mailpiece with destination information by sorting the mailpiece using a code on the front of the mailpiece, if there is a code on the front of the mailpiece. If the mailpiece does not have the code on the front of the mailpiece, and if there is a code on the back of the mailpiece, the mailpiece is identified using a code on the back of the mailpiece. If the mailpiece does not have the code on the front or on the back of the mailpiece, then the mailpiece is sorted in an identification code system. In the identification code system, an identification code is applied to the back of the mailpiece and a postal code is applied to the front of the mailpiece in accordance with the destination information. An identification file corresponding to the identification code is then created. The identification file may be accessed by a plurality of nodes in the identification code system.

Abstract: A single pass sequencer and method of use for transporting the mail pieces in a single pass through a set of feeders. The system includes a transport system which transports articles to an transport system. At least one staging area stages the articles to be injected onto the transport system. A buffer stores the articles received from the transport system and a loader loads the articles from the buffer onto the transport system at a location downstream from the at least one staging area. A controller is in communication with the at least one staging area, the buffer and the loader. The controller coordinates the loader and the at least one staging area to inject the articles onto the transport system in a delivery point sequence. The controller may instruct the loader to create a gap between the articles loaded thereon in order of articles within the staging area to be inserted within the gap, in a sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for creating an exclusive ID to a split lot in a multiple-plant enterprise. When a lot is divided, the split lot is first assigned a main code by a main ID unit. When the split lot is divided in the initial plant, a split ID unit assigns a split code to the split lot according to a sequence. When the split lot is not divided in the initial plant, the split ID unit assigns a plant code and a split code according to a sequence to the split lot. All of the codes of the lot are stored in an ID storage unit for lot administration.

Abstract: The mail sorting systems and methods of the invention can be used to provide a mail carrier with a batch of mail that is arranged in delivery point order and separated by delivery point. Advantageously, the systems and methods employ an expandable, transportable container having a number of expandable compartments. Each expandable compartment holds the mail for a single delivery point.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing IC devices from semiconductor wafers includes providing the wafers and fabricating ICs on the wafers. At probe, a unique fuse ID is stored in each IC, and an electronic wafer map is electronically stored for each wafer indicating the locations of good and bad ICs on the wafer and the fuse IDs of the ICs on the wafer. Each IC is then separated from its wafer to form an IC die, and the IC dice are assembled into IC devices. At the opens/shorts test at the end of assembly, the fuse ID of each IC in each device is automatically retrieved so the wafer map of the IC device may be accessed and evaluated to identify any IC devices containing bad ICs that have accidentally been assembled into IC devices. Any “bad” IC devices are discarded while remaining IC devices continue on to back-end testing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for the marking sections of a stack of items, such as mail items, to be sorted in sorting machines according to a distribution order. After reading and allocating a destination address to the stopping points of the distribution order, the last or the first and the last mail item of a section of a stack to be distinguished in a stack is automatically provided with an easily removable sticker, well visible in the stack, by an sticker dispenser, which is placed in the sorting machine after the reading unit for the distribution information and before the distribution unit. The stickers are then removed again during the distribution of the mail items to the receivers of the mail items.

Abstract: A manufacturing system for printed wiring boards divides printed wiring boards scheduled to be manufactured into non-fractional and fractional groups depending on the content of an order remainder list. The printed wiring boards categorized as non-fractional are panelized having the same shapes while the printed wiring boards categorized as fractional are grouped corresponding to manufacturing conditions thereof. Then, each group of the printed wiring boards are panelized with different shapes in a predetermined manufacturing block. Consequently, the generation of incidental products or the waste of material can be prevented.

Abstract: This invention relates to self-propelled, mobile input/output bins (MIOB). Such structures of this type, generally, allow the MIOB to provide an automated input/output job distribution. For example, the MIOB can provide a method for automated input/output job distribution, comprising the steps of: detecting an input/output job at a consumable handling device; interacting between said consumable handling device and a first self-propelled, mobile input/output bin; and contacting a second self-propelled, mobile input/output bin by said first input/output bin when said first input/output bin becomes full.

Abstract: A document collator comprising a conveyor system, a prime document feeder station and a plurality of enclosure document feeder stations arranged at spaced locations along the conveyor system, a collation station located downstream of the feeder stations at one end of the conveyor system, and control elements, including elements for determining which one of the plurality of feeder stations is the prime feeder station, the control elements being operable to control each feeder station independently in such a way as to ensure that the documents from each of the enclosure document feeder stations located upstream of and including the prime feeder station are stacked one on top of each other with the prime document on top and the documents from each of the feeder stations downstream of the prime feeder station are stacked one on top of each other.

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 sequencing deliverables using combined delivery codes and partial delivery point bar codes (DPBCs) provides pre-sequencing of deliverables for delivery carriers that has improved ordering with respect to the actual delivery route and accounts for un-coded new delivery points in the ordering process. A partial DPBC field is combined with a delivery code to generate the ordering sequence. The DPBC field is combined by generating delivery sequencing tables having sequence numbers splitting ZIP+4 codes into multiple entries delineated by ranges of the last two digits of the DPBC, that can then be flagged for ascending or descending delivery and assigned unique sequence numbers. The full address of actual delivery points is thereby concealed by the table, while providing more accurate sequencing conforming to actual deliver routes.

Abstract: A method of distributing mail includes electronically transmitting a print job, and a list of postal addresses of multiple recipients to which the print job is desired to be delivered, from a users location; providing a printer in a postal delivery vehicle; and printing out mail pieces from the print job, for at least some of the multiple recipients, on the printer in the postal delivery vehicle. Alternative methods and various systems for distributing mail are also provided.

Abstract: A system for controlling and monitoring portable tools at a particular work cell remotely by R-F communication to provide error proofing of various parameters including that the correct tool is to be used at a work cell, the tool is properly calibrated for the operation to be performed, that it is being used a proper number of times per part being assembled or inspected, and that the tool has been calibrated within a selected service interval. The tools will be made actuable only by R-F communication with specific factory apparatus whereby theft of such portable tools will be inhibited.

Abstract: A business reply mail piece and associated processing system that allows information contained within business reply mail to be scanned and interpreted before the business reply mail reaches its ultimate destination is provided. A machine-readable block of control information that instructs computer-driven actuators what to do with the business reply mail document itself, its digital image (or parts of thereof) and the data elements contained in the document, based on selections made by the recipient, is provided on the business reply mail piece. A scanner module scans the business reply mail piece to read the selection made by the recipient and the corresponding instructions from the block of control information. A control module interprets the data to provide instructions for the processing of the business reply mail piece based on the recipient's selection.

Abstract: An enclosure feeder system (500) and corresponding method for use in combining collations in a sequence of collations with a given number of respective corresponding specific enclosures, the enclosures for each successive collation ordinarily being separator by a divider indicator, the enclosure feeder system (500) including: an enclosure feeder (210) for feeding the enclosures, and a supervisory controller (300) for providing to the enclosure feeder (210) a dynamic over-count number, corresponding to a specific collation, equal to one more than the expected number of enclosures for the collation, with the enclosure feeder (210) implemented so as to continue feeding enclosures for a collation until either encountering a divider indicator or until the number of enclosures actually fed is equal to the expected number of enclosures for the collation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for automatically creating and enriching a data base in a system for sorting mail items linked, through an INTRANET communications network, to computer stations of addressees of these mail items and comprising reading means for recognizing postal data printed on these mail items, processing means in order, in relation with a work data base comprising identification data relative to the addressees of the mail items, to identify the individual addressee of a determined mail item, and sorting means for allocating this mail item to the addressee thus identified, process in which there is firstly automatically sent to the electronic mail address of each addressee, a determined electronic message requesting him to be connected on a WEB page of the sorting system in order to enter personal identification data, and, once entered, these data are then automatically stored in a temporary data base for comparison with the data present in the work data base in order thus to ensure autom

Abstract: In this postal sorting process, ordered lists (C11-C23) of the sort codes affixed to the mail items are compiled in the handling sorting offices (CTA1, CTA2), these lists being representative of the order of the rail items in the batches of mail items compiled during the handling sorting phase. These lists of codes are transferred from the handling sorting offices to the distribution sorting offices and during the processing of the batches of mail items in a distribution sorting office, the code read by machine on the mail items are compared with the codes extracted from said lists f codes with a view to recovering errors in reading said codes by machine.

Abstract: A distribution unit is formed from a plurality of postage items, each of the postage items having a tracking number printed thereon. The distribution unit includes a machine readable tracking identifier indicative of the tracking number printed on the postage items which form the distribution unit. A machine reader is provided for reading the machine readable tracking identifier as the distribution unit is distributed and for determining the tracking number therefrom. A computer system receives the tracking number from the machine reader and stores in a memory the tracking number along with a time and date the distribution unit was distributed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting, tagging, searching for, retrieving, inventorying, and transferring evidence by law enforcement officials are described, in which RFID tags associated with pieces of evidence can be interrogated to assist in locating information relating to that evidence.

Abstract: A business reply mail piece and associated processing system that allows information contained within business reply mail to be scanned and interpreted before the business reply mail reaches its ultimate destination is provided. A machine-readable block of control information that instructs computer-driven actuators what to do with the business reply mail document itself, its digital image (or parts of thereof) and the data elements contained in the document, based on selections made by the recipient, is provided on the business reply mail piece. A scanner module scans the business reply mail piece to read the selection made by the recipient and the corresponding instructions from the block of control information. A control module interprets the data to provide instructions for the processing of the business reply mail piece based on the recipient's selection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sorting postal articles on automatic sorting devices. According to the invention, the postal articles are read in one or several sorting devices and are pre-sorted in sorting terminal stations according to distributing areas. The pre-sorted postal articles are then conveyed to the sorting devices assigned to the respective distributing areas and are finely sorted based on the applied barcode that indicates the online-read or offline-read address. In order to provide an additional time for offline video encoding before the fine sorting, the postal articles, during the pre-sorting for each distributing area, are sorted in terminal stations for already completely read postal articles and in terminal stations for incompletely read postal articles. This permits the completely read postal articles to be immediately subjected to a fine sorting and enables this time to be used for offline video encoding the incompletely read postal articles.

Abstract: A system and method for mass mailing is disclosed which operates from the perspective of the receiver. Herein, data comprising mass mail items is electronically distributed to a receiving center where it is sorted by region, then to a service center assigned to the region. At the service center, the data is again sorted by the line of route distribution which includes the addressee address and the data is printed. The printed data is then stuffed into envelopes. Alternatively, an envelope face layout may also be included in the data and printed on the envelope. The envelope, comprising the mail item, is then distributed to the local distribution center, where the mail item is delivered, the mail item having been received in the line of route distribution order. Alternatively, the printing may be performed at the distribution center.

Abstract: A business reply mail processing system is provided. A transport module feeds a business reply mail piece in a path of travel where the business reply mail piece includes a job ID code and field data. A scanner module scans the business reply mail piece to read the job ID code and the field data. A control module uses the job ID code to access processing data from a mail campaign job database corresponding to the job ID code and controls the scanner module using the processing data to read the field data from the business reply mail piece. Alternatively, the business reply mail piece includes the processing data that is read by the scanner and the control module uses the processing data read from the business reply mail piece to read the field data from the business reply mail piece.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking articles and controlling inventory thereof on a real time basis comprising the use of a tag assembly including a plurality of tags including both active tags and passive tags distinguishable from one another by the provision of a self contained power source in the active tags. One or more readers are disposed within a locale being monitored and are structured to communicate received data transmission from a host controller, for additional administrative processing in terms of determining the existence, location and/or movement of various articles with which the plurality of tags are directly associated. Depending on their category the tags may be activated by either entering an electric field of a predetermined first frequency or by receiving an activation signal from the reader assembly also transmitted at the first predetermined frequency. Communication between the tags and the reader occurs at a second frequency being different from the first frequency.

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: This invention creates a hierarchy of radio frequency identification tags that are related to the mail pieces in mail trays and the pallet on which the mail trays sit. This hierarchical method provides a layered approach that is designed to minimize the probability that a mailer or the post office will misassemble or misroute a mailing or elements of a mailing.

Abstract: The an embodiment of the present invention generally comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus including a customer specific keyword database and a method of post processing OCR reject mailpieces. Mailpieces that the OCR cannot read and determine the recipient for (“rejects”) are post processed using the customer specific keyword database which contains information regarding addressee field that is particular to the customer. Address cleansing is performed to the information obtained from the OCR system and an addressee match is attempted. If a match is made, the mailpiece is delivered to an appropriate sort bin. If a match is not made then the mailpiece is delivered to a reject bin. The method provides for better automated throughput of sorted mailpieces.

Abstract: A method and control system are provided for controlling a modular conveyor system, which may be networked together with other such systems in order to implement a control strategy for a modular conveyor system. The control system comprises a communications port for interconnection of the control system with a network for sending outgoing addressed data to other devices on the address-based network and for receiving incoming addressed data from other devices. The control system further comprises a logic system, which may receive a signal from an object sensor and provide a control signal or output adapted to control activation of a motorized roller assembly, based on an input signal from the object sensor or the communications port. The logic system may provide for single step operation whereby system troubleshooting may be facilitated, and in addition may provide situation aware and output value source selection functionality.