Pitney Bowes Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160140348 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MATCHING DATA SETS WHILE MAINTAINING PRIVACY OF EACH DATA SET - A system and method that allows two parties to find common records in their data sets without having to actually share the data sets with each other or a third party. Two primitives, perfect hash functions and public key cryptography, are combined in a unique way to obtain a secure and efficient private matching solution. Since the data that is exchanged is always encrypted during the match process, neither party reveals its data to the other party. This solution enables two parties to match sensitive data such as PII (Personally Identifiable Information) or PHI (Protected Health Information) without having to disclose the data to other or to any third party. One or both of the parties only learn of matching records without learning any information about the records that do not match. | 05-19-2016 |
20160071172 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCATION-AWARE PARKING EXPIRATION REMINDER AND REMOTE PARKING METER REFILL - Methods and systems that provide parking meter expiration reminders based on location and distance of the driver from the vehicle are provided. The location, parking start time, and purchased parking duration of a vehicle are recorded using a smart device application to scan information printed on the parking meter card. The driver's location is tracked while he is away from the parking lot, and reminders are sent to the driver's smart device, based on the remaining parking duration and locate of the driver, that provide sufficient time for the driver to return to the vehicle from his current location before the parking meter card expires. Additionally, the driver can use a mobile payment option to extend the amount of purchased parking, thereby allowing the driver more time to return to the vehicle before the parking meter card expires. | 03-10-2016 |
20150348087 | FULLY PRIVATE MARKETING CAMPAIGN SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method that allows a business to obtain statistics to measure the progress of a marketing campaign while maintaining the privacy of consumer information, is provided. Using Private Information Retrieval (PIR) and other cryptographic privacy enhancing technologies, the consumer can request actions and receive responses from the business. The requests and responses are kept private from the business using PIR. The marketing strategy is represented as a graph with nodes representing the consumer states and links representing allowed transitions. The consumer request contains information about the consumer's state in the business's marketing strategy so that only allowed responses are made to the consumer. The business can monitor the overall execution of the marketing plan but cannot see the states or transitions of individual customers or their actions, searches or responses. | 12-03-2015 |
20150336755 | METHOD FOR AUTOMATED FILLLING OF A MAIL TRAY FROM A VERTICAL STACKER - An automated mail tray filling apparatus for taking envelopes from a vertical stacker output of an inserter machine and placing them in mail trays. A vertical stack of envelopes rests on a long stacker table. The mail tray filling apparatus has a track positioned next the vertical stacker table parallel to the length of the vertical stacker table. A mail tray transport is positioned beneath the track and arranged to transport mail trays beneath the track in a direction parallel to the vertical stacker table. A movable mail tray filler is movably mounted on the track to travel in parallel next to the vertical stacker table and above the mail tray transport, and is arranged to withdraw envelopes from the end of the vertical stack in a sideways direction. Envelopes are then redirected into a downward direction and fed into a mail tray positioned beneath the movable mail tray filler. | 11-26-2015 |
20150287144 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MATCHING CLOSED ACCOUNT RECORDS TO ACTIVE ACCOUNTS FOR HISTORICAL DATA PURPOSES - A system and method that can match closed account records to active account records for use in analyzing multi-account customer locations across several time periods is provided. The output contains the best possible groupings of the active and inactive customer accounts. The process begins with the most recent view of the customer and goes back in the history of the match results generated using the known four part process. The process generates new groupings of the active and inactive entities of the same customer locations using different rules for historical groups to determine in which new groupings each old group should be placed. The new groupings group together not only the current accounts of a business location but also the accounts that used to belong to that location earlier during the period being analyzed to allow for a complete analysis of the customer location. | 10-08-2015 |
20150174848 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENSURING CUTTING ACCURACY IN A MAILPIECE WRAPPER - An improved mailpiece fabrication system assembles finished mailpieces from content materials and from wrapping materials. The wrapping materials include printed cut quality marks at predetermined positions relative to cut lines. Content materials are placed on the continuous web. The continuous web is then folded and sealed around the content materials to form a continuous tube enclosing the content materials. A cutter downstream of the conveyance deck cuts individual envelopes from the continuous tube of folded wrapping material. A downstream imaging device captures image data indicative of a cut quality mark on the individual envelopes. A controller receives the captured image data from the imaging device and compares an actual dimension of an imaged cut quality mark with an expected dimension of a cut quality mark. An error signal is produced if the difference is not within a predetermined tolerance. | 06-25-2015 |
20150057012 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING HIGH PRECISION GEO-FENCING USING BUSINESS PROPERTY BOUNDARIES - Systems and methods for determining a high-precision geo-fence boundary for a business utilizing the property boundaries of a business are provided. The property boundaries for a business are obtained, and the longest diagonal of the polygon of the property is determined. This diagonal is used as a diameter to create a circle for a primary geo-fence monitoring area for the business. When a user enters the primary geo-fence monitoring area, a location updating feature of the mobile device can be activated to get the real time coordinates of the mobile device. The real time coordinates of the mobile device can then be used to accurately determine if the user is actually in the polygon of the business property. | 02-26-2015 |
20140349682 | LOCATION-BASED SERVICE PROVIDER METHOD AND SYSTEM HAVING A USER CONTROLLED LOCATION PRIVACY MECHANISM - Methods and systems for a user to receive location-based services for user selected locations while maintaining the privacy of his/her location unless in the vicinity of a user selected location. A user designates selected locations to the LBS provider. The LBS provider digitally signs grid cell identifiers of approved locations and the signatures are stored in the user's mobile device. The mobile device determines the grid cell identifier of its current location, blinds the grid cell identifier, and sends the blinded grid cell identifier to the LBS provider. The LBS provider digitally signs the blinded grid cell identifier, and returns the signature to the mobile device. The mobile device removes the blinding from the blinded signature to obtain the digital signature for the grid cell identifier. The user's mobile device then compares the signature of the grid cell identifier with those stored in its memory to determine whether the user is near any approved locations. | 11-27-2014 |
20140344944 | DYNAMIC DATABASE UPDATE IN MULTI-SERVER PRIVATE INFORMATION RETRIEVAL SCHEME - A system and methods to provide updates of an oblivious database that is based on an original database without compromising privacy guarantees, and without requiring a periodic downtime to re-initialize the database. According to embodiments of the present invention, update caches are provided at the random servers that are not emptied or sent to the oblivious database after every update in a predictable fashion. Instead, updates are made incrementally to the oblivious database in an order that is independent of how the original database is updated. Hence there is no way for the server to learn which record of the oblivious database corresponds to an updated block from the original database. | 11-20-2014 |
20140337239 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OBTAINING OFFERS FROM SELLERS USING PRIVACY-PRESERVING VERIFIABLE STATEMENTS - A system and methods that preserve the privacy of personal information of consumers as they seek to take advantage of offers advertised by sellers is provided. A seller can advertise services or benefits with some criteria prospective consumers must satisfy to qualify for such services or benefits. A consumer can make a statement that shows that he or she satisfies the criteria. The requesting party is able to verify the correctness of the statement without being able to learn any additional information about the value of the attributes contained in the statement, other than the information directly implied by the statement. A consumer can be enrolled for the benefit or service after a statement has been successfully verified. | 11-13-2014 |
20140298033 | HYBRID SIGNATURE SCHEME - A signature scheme is provided in which a message is divided in to a first portion which is hidden and is recovered during verification, and a second portion which is visible and is required as input to the verification algorithm. A first signature component is generated by encrypting the first portion alone. An intermediate component is formed by combining the first component and the visible portion and cryptographically hashing them. A second signature component is then formed using the intermediate component and the signature comprises the first and second components with the visible portion. A verification of the signature combines a first component derived only from the hidden portion of the message with the visible portion and produces a hash of the combination. The computed hash is used together with publicly available information to generate a bit string corresponding to the hidden portion. | 10-02-2014 |
20140283708 | CONCENTRATE FOR PREPARING A SEALING SOLUTION FOR SEALING MAIL PIECES USING TAP WATER AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A powder and gel concentrate for a sealing solution is provided. The concentrate is comprised of a biocide, dye and acid buffer. This concentrate can be hydrated or dissolved using standard tap (mineralized) water to produce a sealing solution. The acid buffer keeps the minerals in the tap water suspended in solution, thereby preventing the solid scale (mineral build-up) that would otherwise clog the filters of a sealing system. | 09-25-2014 |
20140222867 | DATA SOURCE INDEPENDENT INTERFACE FOR AN ELECTRONIC BILL PRESENTMENT AND PAYMENT SYSTEM - An electronic bill presentment and payment system including an extensible, customizable, data source independent data layer for accessing a business data repository. The business data includes different data source formats. A business logic module generates business data requests for processing. The business data requests are independent of the one or more data source formats of the business data repository. A data layer is generated from the customizable descriptors in a data layer descriptor repository. The data layer implements a data source specific method for fulfilling the request by accessing data in the business data repository. The data layer descriptor repository preferably includes top-level listings of data sources in the system and customized data source specifications for the each of the data sources listed in the customized set of data sources. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222515 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCED PRINCIPAL COMPONENTS ANALYSIS - Systems and methods for providing geodemographic analyses using a unique weighting, centering and scaling approach for intensive variables is provided in a principal components analysis. The system may use an extensive variable as a size parameter that is appropriate for the particular geodemographic application. Additionally, a sizing function may be applied to the determined principal components before a clustering analysis. | 08-07-2014 |
20140189835 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EFFICIENT AUTHENTICATION OF USERS - Systems and methods for efficient user authentication in a client-server system using a tiered, risk-based approach including a no-risk tier are provided. When a user requests access to the system for a no-risk feature, the user is registered without an additional authentication test. When the user later requests a higher risk transaction, the user is provided with the appropriate third-party additional authentication test based upon the risk level and applicable vendor profile. During no-risk access to the system, user data is collected that may be used with the additional authentication test at the appropriate time. | 07-03-2014 |
20140189018 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRONIC AND PHYSICAL DELIVERY OF MAIL - Systems and methods for utilizing a digital mailbox to provide additional services with regard to physical mail are provided. A more efficient process for verification of address uses a corresponding digital mailbox to first identify potentially misdirected mailpieces before incurring the expense of a third party address record search. Additionally the system provides notifications related to physical mailpieces using a digital mailbox. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188564 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SEGMENTING BUSINESS CUSTOMERS - Systems and methods for providing market segmentation using a unique two-stage clustering system are provided. The system may also employ regional interpolation and estimation methods that account for local business environment. In certain additional configurations, a generic geo-firmographic model is enhanced with seller data such as data specific to a particular vertical market and/or data specific to a particular seller's business customers. | 07-03-2014 |
20140187266 | LOCATION-BASED SERVICE PROVIDER METHOD AND SYSTEM HAVING A USER CONTROLLED LOCATION PRIVACY MECHANISM - Methods and systems that allow a user to receive location-based services for user selected businesses while maintaining the privacy of his/her location when not in the vicinity of a user selected business. A user designates selected businesses to the LBS provider. The user's mobile device sends its location, in encrypted form, to the LBS provider. The LBS provider performs a computation on the encrypted location and returns an encrypted result to the user's mobile device. The user's mobile device decrypts the result and determines whether the user is near any selected businesses based on the decrypted result. Only if the decrypted result indicates the user is near an approved location will the users mobile device return its location, in an unencrypted form, to the LBS provider. Thus, the LBS provider will only know the user's location if and only if the use is near a business selected by the user. | 07-03-2014 |
20140169619 | Mail Run Balancing Using Video Capture - A method and system for mail run balancing of critical documents on a sorter machine that comingles both critical and non-critical documents. A plan identifying a set of critical documents to be processed as part of a mail run is received at the sorter. The plan includes an individual identifier code for each critical document. Sets of critical and non-critical documents are sorted as part of the comingled mail run. A camera scans the documents for the individual identifier codes on the critical documents during sorting. The camera captures an image of the scanned critical documents. A list of scanned individual identifier codes of sorted critical documents is stored for later use, along with the captured images of the documents. The list of scanned individual identifier codes is compared to the identifier codes of the critical documents in the plan. Based on the comparison, a first comparison list of scanned identifiers that do not match any identifiers in the plan and a second comparison list of identifiers in the plan that are not matched to pieces scanned are generated. The first comparison list is reconciled with the second comparison list by, at least in part, displaying the captured images to assist in matching corresponding documents from the lists. | 06-19-2014 |
20140150378 | INTER-MACHINE BUFFER FOR MAILPIECE FABRICATION SYSTEM - A system and method for wrapping sheet material to produce finished mailpieces includes an upstream content module, a downstream mailpiece assembly module including a wrapper module adapted to encapsulate content material, and a buffer module interposing the upstream content and downstream assembly modules. The buffer module includes a plurality of buffer gates adapted to convey the content material from an upstream gate to a downstream gate to maintain a threshold pitch distance between successive pieces of content material. A controller is operatively coupled to the modules and controls the conveyance of content material through the buffer gates. More specifically, the controller coordinates the delivery and insertion of content material into the wrapper module to minimize dry-holes, maintain stresses below a threshold level to ensure continued operation, and optimize system throughput. | 06-05-2014 |
20140129334 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MODELING CONSUMER ACTIVITY AREAS BASED ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND MOBILE DATA - A system and method for modeling consumer activity based on social media and mobile activity data is provided. The location of a consumer and time at which the consumer is present at such location can be obtained using social media and mobile activity data. This data can be analyzed to identify areas frequented by a consumer, and those areas can be classified into different groups based on, for example, the time of the day, the day of week, and other information that can be obtained from the social media and mobile activity data. The resulting analysis can provide an estimated home area and work area, and other insights into the consumer (e.g., where the consumer travels). This consumer activity can be used by a business to provide relevant, targeted advertising to potential customers based on the models obtained from the social media and mobile activity data. | 05-08-2014 |
20140114828 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING REDUNDANT CUSTOMER COMMUNICATIONS DELIVERY USING HYBRID DELIVERY CHANNELS - A system and method for providing redundant customer communications delivery using hybrid delivery channels is provided. In one configuration, the system utilizes an initial delivery channel to send a batch of customer communications and later utilizes a different, delayed backup delivery channel to reseed only a subset of those communications as deemed necessary. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110313 | ANTI-ABRASION ASSEMBLY FOR MAILPIECE STACKING ASSEMBLY - A stacking assembly is operative to protect stacked mailpieces from damage due to abrasion. The stacking assembly includes a support blade moveably mounted to a bin for accepting a stack of mailpieces and an ingestion assembly including a Leading Edge (LE) urge roller and Trailing Edge (TE) alignment device. The LE urge roller is operative to accept mailpieces from a supply of mailpieces, and urge a leading edge portion thereof toward a sidewall of the stacking bin. The TE alignment device includes a first cam driven about an axis of rotation by a digital rotary positioning device which cam defines a surface operative to urge the trailing edge portion of each mailpiece into parallel alignment with the support blade. The stacking assembly also includes an anti-abrasion linkage responsive to rotation of the digital rotary positioning device to forcibly displace a surface of the stacked mailpieces away from a moving surface of the ingestion assembly. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110312 | STACKING ASSEMBLY FOR A MAILPIECE SORTER - A divert assembly is described for a mailpiece sorter operative to sort mailpieces into one of a plurality of sortation bins. The divert assembly comprising a re-direct mechanism for selectively re-directing mailpieces travelling along a feed path into the sortation bin and causing each selected mailpiece to be re-directed at an angle relative to the stack of mailpieces to be accumulated in the sortation bin. The divert assembly also including a stacking assembly including a Leading Edge (LE) urge roller, a support blade, and a Trailing Edge (TE) alignment device. The LE urge roller accepts and urges each of the selected mailpieces toward a sidewall of the sortation bin while the support blade holds each of the selected mailpieces between the urge roller and the support blade and in an on-edge parallel relationship relative thereto. The support blade is moveably mounted relative to the LE urge roller to allow the accumulation of additional mailpieces between the LE urge roller and the support blade. The TE alignment device includes a stepper motor rotationally driving a cam about a rotational axis. The cam defines a surface operative to urge the trailing edge portion of each selected mailpiece toward the support blade and into alignment with the stack. | 04-24-2014 |
20140108134 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NEGOTIATING GROUP OFFERS WHILE MAINTAINING PRIVACY OF CONSUMERS - A method and system for maintaining the privacy of consumers wishing to make a purchase while enabling them to benefit from a group discount is provided. Consumers register with a service provider that maintains their personal information in private. When a consumer is interested in purchasing a product or patronizing a traditional “brick and mortar” establishment, the consumer provides information to the service provider regarding such interest. The service provider can query other registered consumers to determine if there are others that have a similar interest. Using the leverage of all the consumers that respond to the query, the service provider can negotiate with one or more merchants to provide some type of group offer, without having to disclose the consumers' personal information. Upon successful negotiation of a group offer, the consumers will be provided with the offer. | 04-17-2014 |
20140096478 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DYNAMICALLY ADJUSTING THE RELATIVE POSITION OF INTERNAL CONTENT MATERIAL IN A MAILPIECE FABRICATION SYSTEM - A method and system for dynamically adjusting the placement of internal content material to optimally position the content material relative to a wrapped enclosure, and obviate the requirement to out-sort the assembled envelope. Upon assembly, a detection system visually images each envelope in predetermined regions of interest (ROIs). A controller captures the image data for comparison with a set of predefined position data and issues a feedback signal indicative of a directional change which drives an error signal to zero. The correction signal is used by the phase nip roller assembly to adaptively adjust the position of the content material by incrementally adjusting, advancing or retarding, the phase-nip roller assembly, i.e., forward or aft. A predefined number of envelopes is selected to acquire a running average of the image data. | 04-10-2014 |
20140096477 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING/OUTSORTING IMPROPERLY WRAPPED ENVELOPES IN A MAILPIECE FABRICATION SYSTEM - A method and system for identifying and detecting improperly wrapped envelopes for use in a mailpiece fabrication system. The method/system visually images each envelope in predetermined regions of interest (ROIs) to determine the spatial relationship between the internal content material and one or more points of reference indicative of the internal bounds of a sealing adhesive. By examining the spatial relationship, a determination is made regarding the proximity of the internal content material and the sealing adhesive. If the distance, or spatial separation, therebetween is below a threshold value, then an assumption is made that the content material and sealing adhesive are contiguous and that the envelope has been improperly sealed, i.e., with the content material interposing or otherwise inhibiting the proper closure of the wrapped envelope. | 04-10-2014 |
20140067756 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR USING EMAIL DOMAINS TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF NAME AND POSTAL ADDRESS MATCHING - Improvement of the quality of name and address matching processes using e-mail domains is provided. A distinction is made between e-mail domains designed to be used by employees of an entity and domains designed to be used by individuals or organizations who aren't employees of the domain owner entity. By analyzing domain names in conjunction with known relationships between e-mail addresses and names of companies, it is possible to differentiate between employee-use domains and public-use domains and maintain a collection of employee-use domains that are associated with the domain owner's business name. When performing a name and address matching process, the e-mail domains of the input records can be checked against the collection of employee-use domains and the records for the input name and address can be supplemented to include the domain owner's name and address as alternative information. | 03-06-2014 |
20140032807 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MULTIPLE SERVERS TO SHARE A POSTAL SECURITY DEVICE - Systems and methods that allow a PSD to be physically shared by multiple servers such that if a server fails, another server can be utilized as a backup server for the PSD without any manual intervention or moving of the PSD and without risking loss of data from the PSD. A PSD is interfaced by an interface device to a system level bus that allows for multiple initiators. An initiator is any server that can access and issue commands over the system level bus to access the PSD. When one of the servers fails, the functionality of the server can be rolled to a backup server which will be able to access the PSD over the bus. | 01-30-2014 |
20130320609 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED FILLING OF A MAIL TRAY FROM A VERTICAL STACKER - An automated mail tray filling apparatus for taking envelopes from a vertical stacker output of an inserter machine and placing them in mail trays. A vertical stack of envelopes rests on a long stacker table. The mail tray filling apparatus has a track positioned next the vertical stacker table parallel to the length of the vertical stacker table. A mail tray transport is positioned beneath the track and arranged to transport mail trays beneath the track in a direction parallel to the vertical stacker table. A movable mail tray filler is movably mounted on the track to travel in parallel next to the vertical stacker table and above the mail tray transport, and is arranged to withdraw envelopes from the end of the vertical stack in a sideways direction. Envelopes are then redirected into a downward direction and fed into a mail tray positioned beneath the movable mail tray filler. | 12-05-2013 |
20130319819 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDIRECTING ON-EDGE ENVELOPES - The invention can be used with an automated mail tray filling apparatus for taking envelopes from a vertical stacker output of an inserter machine and placing them in mail trays. A take-away feeder is positioned over the vertical stacker table and is arranged to withdraw individual envelopes from the vertical stack in a sideways direction. The envelope is then redirected in a downward direction by ejecting the envelope into an open space. A downward tamping mechanism positioned above the open space moves downward to push on a top edge of the free-floating envelope. A downward transport positioned beneath the open space receives and transports envelopes pushed downward by the downward tamping mechanism. | 12-05-2013 |
20130318929 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED FILLING OF MAIL TRAYS - A mail tray filler includes a filling mechanism that is vertically movable to be lowered and lifted into and out of a mail tray. With the mechanism in the raised position an empty mail tray is moved into position to underneath the mechanism. The mechanism lowers a feeding arm down into the first mail tray to feed envelopes starting at a forward end of the mail tray. The apparatus detects a pack pressure of the envelopes. When the pack pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, the relative position of the feed arm is moved towards a back end of the mail tray to make room for more envelopes. After the pack pressure is below the predetermined threshold feeding continues. When the tray is full, the feeding arm is lifted from the mail tray, and a next empty mail tray is advanced. | 12-05-2013 |
20130318583 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO ENABLE EXTERNAL PROCESSING DEVICE RUNNING A CLOUD APPLICATION TO CONTROL A MAIL PROCESSING MACHINE - A network connectivity device that when coupled to a mail processing machine enables a cloud application running on a personal computer or other device to interface with and control the mail processing machine without requiring any software to be installed on the personal computer other than a web browser. The network connectivity device plugs into a standard USB port on the mail processing machine to allow wired or wireless connectivity to a network. There is no software or other code required to run on the personal computer other than a standard web browser running a hosted web application. The network connectivity device allows the mail processing machine to be found and addressed by the hosted web application. This allows a user to control operations of the mail processing machine, as well as giving the mail processing machine network connectivity for outside world communication activities. | 11-28-2013 |
20130304725 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DYNAMICALLY SELECTING GRAPHICAL QUERY RESULT DISPLAY MODES - Systems and methods for displaying graphical database query results on a map by dynamically selecting graphical query result display modes are described. In one example, the system includes a distributed database query system having a remote server and a local client computer. The remote server receives a query request from the client and obtains a threshold number of results for display. If a particular query provides less than the threshold number of results, the system uses a first interactive graphical query result mode utilizing client rendering. If the query provides the threshold number of results or more, the system uses a second non-interactive graphical query result mode utilizing server rendering. | 11-14-2013 |
20130268553 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING QUERY RESULTS TO A USER IN AN INTUITIVE GRAPHICAL FORMAT - Systems and methods for providing database query results to a user in an intuitive graphical format are provided. The system utilizes an intuitive graphical user interface dashboard that displays top-level query statistics data and selected record cards to the user in the dashboard. The user may iteratively update the query and the displayed top-level query statistics and selected records cards are updated in real time. Each customer card include customizable fields and supports intelligent zoom to provide additional fields and data as the user zooms into each successive smaller group of cards and eventually down to opening a single customer card. | 10-10-2013 |
20130222845 | Mail Production Job Tracking System and Method - A computer method and system to allow reconciliation of documents that were originally part of a first mail production job, but that may have been produced as part of a different second mail production job. A database stores a first record that identifies documents in the first mail production job. The record includes one or more fields indicating a production status of the documents in the first mail production job. At some point in the production process, a document is separated from what was originally defined as the first mail production job, to be instead produced as part of a second mail production job. The database further stores a second record identifying documents in the second mail production job. These records are updated to include a pointer indicating the relationship between the document and the first mail production job and the second mail production job. During mail production the production status of a document is determined. The database records are updated to record the current status of the documents. Responsive to a query regarding the status of documents originally in the first job, the pointer is used to identify the status of the document in the second job. | 08-29-2013 |
20130173915 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECURE NEWORK LOGIN - Systems and methods for providing an expedited login process that is relatively fast and that still provides a reasonable level of security and a reasonable method for mitigating compromised login information are described. In one configuration, a web server sends an anonymous unique machine readable login identifier code to a browser display of a client computer. A server account holding user then uses his smartphone to scan the code and send a message including the login identifier code and a smartphone identifier code to the server. The server obtains the identity of the user and authenticates the user by determining possession of the smartphone using the smartphone identifier. The server then uses the login identifier code to log the user into the server and into the user account at the client computer. | 07-04-2013 |
20130168918 | VACUUM ROLLER ASSEMBLY - A vacuum roller assembly adapted to singulate a sheet from a stack of sheets. The vacuum roller assembly comprising a stationary inner plenum having a substantially linear plenum slot disposed in fluid communication with the vacuum source and a rotating vacuum roller disposed over the stationary inner plenum and rotating about a rotational axis. The vacuum roller includes a plurality of apertures disposed in fluid communication with the substantially linear plenum slot and about the periphery in at least one region of the roller. Furthermore, each of the apertures is substantially slot-shaped and defines a major axis. The major axis is off-axis with respect to the substantially liner plenum slot of the inner plenum to reduce audible noise levels produced by the rotating vacuum roller as air flows through each rotating aperture into the stationary linear plenum slot. | 07-04-2013 |
20130168914 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MINIMIZING THE CONVEYANCE FEED PATH OF A SHEET MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEM - A method for operating a sheet handling system including the steps of: determining a location of a next collation mark on select sheets of the stack of material, selecting an operating mode based upon the proximity of the next collation mark relative to a leading or trailing edge of each of the select sheets, processing the singulated sheets in a first operating mode when the next collation mark is proximal to the leading edge of each of the select sheets, and in a second operating mode, when the next collation mark is proximal to a trailing edge of each of the select sheets. Each of the select sheets is buffered to change the spatial relationship between each of the select sheet and each completed collation of sheets along the feed path. By selectively processing the sheets based upon the location of the next collation mark, the conveyance feed path is minimized. | 07-04-2013 |
20130168205 | Accumulator for a Sheet Handling System - An apparatus for accumulating sheet material in a sheet handling system including a first conveyance, a second conveyance, an auxiliary conveyance and a processor to control the conveyances based upon a selected operating mode. The first conveyance receives singulated sheets and conveys the sheets to an accumulator station to produce completed collations. The second conveyance is operative to dispense completed collations from the accumulator station and, receives the completed collations from the first conveyance, in one operating mode, and from the auxiliary conveyance in another operating mode when the first conveyance is inoperative. The processor is responsive to a next collation signal, to control the conveyances based upon a selected one of the operating modes. | 07-04-2013 |
20130166969 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENHANCED HELP INSTRUCTIONS - A computerized method and system for providing enhanced help messages for equipment operation is described herein. A device having a processor automatically detects an error condition in the device, and determines that the error condition requires operator action. An appropriate message is selected that indicates a required operator action corresponding to the error condition. The message is configured to include a scannable barcode. The scannable barcode includes a website link to a website having more detailed information to assist an operator in performing the operator action. The message is displayed on a screen so that the operator can scan the barcode with his mobile device, and see the more detailed information on how to perform the required operator action. Alternatively, the message is configured as radio frequency data to be transmitted by the equipment using near field communication (NFC) technology to a mobile device having an NFC receiver. | 06-27-2013 |
20130166384 | LOCATION-BASED ENCODED DATA FOR FACILITATING TARGETED COMMUNICATIONS - A system and method to facilitate targeted campaign communications on mobile devices. Rather than rely on the GPS functionality of the mobile device, the method is able to determine the location of the mobile device by determining the location of the campaign media that is being scanned. Location information is embedded in encoded data, such as a 2D barcode or an RFID tag, to be placed the campaign media for this purpose. The campaign entity sends campaign data, including location data, to the campaign preparation servers of the barcode campaign service. The location data can be an address indicating where campaign entity plans to place their campaign media, or a location where campaign entity expects a recipient to receive the campaign media through the mail. | 06-27-2013 |
20130127968 | REGISTRATION DEVICE FOR MAIL PROCESSING SYSTEM HAVING WIDE PRINT NOZZLE ARRAYS - A registration device for a mail processing system having wide print nozzle arrays that reduces problems associated with printing on variable thickness media. A thin wire, held by guides, is strung across the print nozzle openings in the registration plate to support and guide the top (print) surface of a mail piece and to prevent the mail piece from protruding into the openings. The guides are positioned such that the wire passes between zones where there are no print nozzles located. A tensioning device is provided to adjust the tension of the wire to ensure the wire maintains its position within the openings. The wire acts as a guide to maintain the optimal gap between the mail piece top surface and the print nozzles. | 05-23-2013 |
20130113153 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARING COLLATIONS - A system for preparing a collation of sheets for a subsequent folding operation wherein edges of the collation are aligned to eliminate the need for additional trimming operations. The system comprises: a cutting device operative to cut each sheet of the collation based upon a length dimension of each of the inner and outer sheets, an accumulating device operative to stack the sheets to form the collation, a registration device operative to register at least one edge of the collation, a conveyance device for transporting the sheet material along a feed path to the cutting, accumulating and registration devices, and a processor operatively coupled to, and controlling, the cutting, accumulating, registration and conveyance devices. | 05-09-2013 |
20130113152 | Adaptive Registration/Binding Apparatus For Preparing Collations - An apparatus for preparing a collation of sheets for folding operations. The system includes a registration device including multiple registration stations and a conveyance device for transporting the collation to one of the registration stations. Each registration station is adapted to register the edges of the collation based upon a desired edge geometry. A processor determines the fold configuration of the collation and determines the edge geometry thereof based upon the fold configuration of the collation. The processor selects one of the registration stations based upon the fold configuration and then controls the conveyance device to transport the collation to the selected registration station. The registration station selected may also be based upon the thickness of the collation and a desired location for binding the collation. | 05-09-2013 |
20130074768 | Moistening System for Envelopes that Reduces Clogging Caused By Contaminants - A moistening system that significantly reduces the problems caused by contaminants in the moistening fluid is provided. The catch basin of a moistening system is provided with a filter that reduces the amount of contaminants contained in the recycled moistening fluid. Additionally, the moistening fluid is buffered with an acid that acts to dissolve the paper filler and other soluble debris that may be introduced into the moistening fluid, thereby significantly decreasing any blinding of components of the moistening system that would otherwise reduce the flow rate of the moistening fluid through the system. These ensure that sufficient moistening fluid is applied to the envelope flaps, which results in consistent and complete sealing of the envelope flaps. | 03-28-2013 |
20130056927 | MAILPIECE INSERTER INCLUDING SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FRICTION FORCES DEVELOPED ON AN ENVELOPE - A system for controlling friction forces acting on a mailpiece in a mailpiece insertion module. The system includes a backstop assembly for arresting the motion of the envelope when disposed in a first position and permitting conveyance along the feed path when disposed in a second position, an actuator operative to position the backstop assembly into the first and second positions and consuming energy to maintain the backstop assembly in the first position, a sensor for acquiring data indicative of the magnitude of energy consumed by the actuator; a means for developing a pressure differential across the envelope to urge the envelope into frictional engagement with a plurality of drive belts and for developing friction forces along a mating interface, and a system controller, for varying the magnitude of the pressure differential and the friction forces developed along the mating interface of the envelope. | 03-07-2013 |
20130035982 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREATING TARGETED ADVERTISING UTILIZING SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITY - Methods and systems for identifying, retrieving and analyzing social media data pertinent to a business' customers to derive personal information that can be used for targeted advertising, thereby helping the business improve and grow. A scanning engine searches social media spaces to identify the presence of a business' customers. A data engine will collect the social activity data from the various social networking sites based upon social presence identified by the scanning engine. An analytic engine will analyze the information collected by the data engine. This will give a business a 360 degree view of its business and customers and help the business to find the cause behind the effect and develop the right strategy to improve and grow its business. | 02-07-2013 |
20120246010 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREATING TARGETED ADVERTISING UTILIZING BEHAVIORAL ECONOMICS MARKETING EXPERTS - A system and method for generating targeted advertising that utilizes behavioral economics marketing experts to generate advertising. The system prompts the user for the nature of their business (business vertical), the product they wish to promote, and a target audience for the advertising. Using the business vertical, the product selected, and the personas selected, the system scans a list of pre-defined advertising templates, prepared by experts in behavioral economics marketing, for matches based on the business vertical, product selected, and personas. The list of matching advertising templates is presented to the user for modification, if desired. The user, after selecting and modifying a template, if necessary, can then select that finished advertisement to be produced and sent to the target audience. | 09-27-2012 |
20120241285 | MAILING MACHINE HAVING OPTICAL SENSORS WITH IMPROVED IMMUNITY TO AMBIENT - Circuitry to control reflective optical sensors is provided that reduces false detections due to ambient light without compromising the performance of the optical sensors to detect dark materials. A reflective optical sensor includes an emitter LED and photo-detector arranged to receive light from the LED that is reflected by an object being detected. A first input of a comparator is coupled to the output of the photo-detector. A second input of the comparator is coupled to the output of the photo-detector through a filtering circuit. The filtering circuit operates to filter the detector's output and adaptively adjust the trigger threshold of the comparator, thereby enabling the photo-detector to be sensitive enough to detect dark mail pieces, i.e., those mail pieces that are minimally reflective, while being immune to repeated false triggers due to excessive ambient light. | 09-27-2012 |
20120233469 | HYBRID SIGNATURE SCHEME - A signature scheme is provided in which a message is divided in to a first portion which is hidden and is recovered during verification, and a second portion which is visible and is required as input to the verification algorithm. A first signature component is generated by encrypting the first portion alone. An intermediate component is formed by combining the first component and the visible portion and cryptographically hashing them. A second signature component is then formed using the intermediate component and the signature comprises the first and second components with the visible portion. A verification of the signature combines a first component derived only from the hidden portion of the message with the visible portion and produces a hash of the combination. | 09-13-2012 |
20120203737 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING DATA COLLISIONS IN MULTIPLE ACCESS POSTAL SYSTEM DATA STORAGE SYSTEMS - An illustrative data structure is provided using a structured table that uses a split primary key including a first key (partition key) and a second key (row key) along with a timestamp key, but that does not otherwise utilize uniform columns that could be used as a key. The partition key that is utilized is unusually fine in that it consists of an individual user identifier that is unique to the system and/or across multiple systems used in an enterprise. Additionally, the system may limit access to one session per individual partition key. | 08-09-2012 |
20120200076 | CRYPTOGRAPHICALLY SECURED STOCK FOR USE WITH ONLINE POSTAGE SYSTEMS - An illustrative label stock and associated systems and methods for identifying and utilizing sheets of label stock in online postage systems are described. In one configuration, a label stock is provided that includes a cryptographically secured serial number. The uppercase letters of the modern English alphabet are utilized in a character string to provide a serial number string component and a cryptographic check string component. The check string includes all or part of a cryptographic hash function output based upon the serial number string and the cryptographic hash function. The character string includes the serial number characters and the check string characters in an interspersed format. | 08-09-2012 |
20120198288 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ERROR MANIPULATION - A system and method for manipulation of event data, such as errors, in a networked environment. The method includes receiving event signal data indicative of an event, and associating descriptive data with the event signal data. The descriptive data is then mapped to one or more associated connections. A determination is made whether to post identifier data corresponding to the event signal data. This determination is made as a function of predetermined criteria. If a determination is made to post the identifier data, the particular identifier data is posted. The posted identifier data may be selectively retrieved and output in a specified format. The identifier data may be stored in a memory. Descriptive data may be accumulated for a plurality of events subsequent to the mapping step. An alert condition may be established based on the type of event that has occurred. | 08-02-2012 |
20120180116 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING SECURE ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT STORAGE, RETRIEVAL AND USE WITH ELECTRONIC USER IDENTITY VERIFICATION - Systems and methods for efficient and timely electronic new user authentication in a digital mailbox system using a sliding scale approach to include one or more identity authentication systems as appropriate for system security needs are provided. The system first obtains new user name and address data. Because the address is an important data point, the system first verifies the address before expending the resources of an identity data search. If the address is valid, the system calls an identity verification system and provides an identity quiz to the user based upon additional identity verification data. If the user passes the quiz, then a new account is setup and any other systems users having an account at that address are notified. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179909 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING INDIVIDUAL ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT SECURE STORAGE, RETRIEVAL AND USE - Systems and methods for providing secure digital mail document storage, retrieval and use in a cloud computing environment, such as by advantageously configuring a hybrid cloud computing environment are described. In one, a privately hosted data processing system includes a private key and a PKI decryption subsystem, and a publicly hosted data processing system includes a symmetric key decryption subsystem, wherein digital documents are encrypted by a corresponding individual symmetric key and each of the symmetric keys is encrypted by a public key associated with the private key. In another configuration, document decryption is handled differently depending upon the type of client making the request. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179766 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING SECURE ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT STORAGE, RETRIEVAL AND USE WITH MATCHING CRITERIA - Systems and methods for integrated delivery and storage of digital mail are provided that combine consumer driven opt-in preferences with mailer driven matching criteria to ensure more accurate delivery. In one configuration the system obtains a digital mail piece intended for a particular digital mailbox. The system determines user opt-in preferences for the digital mail piece and obtains mailer matching criteria data associated with the digital mail piece. The system then delivers the digital mail piece to the digital mailbox only if consistent with the opt-in preferences and the matching criteria data. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179606 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING SECURE DOCUMENT DELIVERY AND MANAGEMENT INCLUDING SCHEDULING - Systems and methods for integrated management and scheduling of events associated with both physical and digital mail are provided. A print stream processor utilizes recipient preferences to determine that a mail piece should be delivered by physical mail. The server then processes the mail piece print stream to extract time sensitive data such as a payment amount and due date. The server utilizes the identity of the physical mail piece recipient and the time sensitive data to provide a scheduling message to the recipient. Here, the scheduling message includes injecting a calendar entry to a centralized mail management system having an account for the recipient. Additionally, reminder messages are provided to the recipient based upon recipient and/or sender preferences. Similarly, entries relating to physical coupons or other offers sent to the recipient are placed on the recipient's calendar including offer deadline entries. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179470 | SIMULTANEOUS VOICE AND DATA SYSTEMS FOR SECURE CATALOG ORDERS - Systems and methods for providing a simultaneous voice and data user interface for secure catalog orders and in particular for providing a system and method for providing a distributed voice user interface for a remote device having a limited visual user interface simultaneously with a data stream for facilitating secure automated catalog orders for simultaneous electronic fulfillment applied to that device are described. | 07-12-2012 |
20120152696 | OPTICAL SENSOR CALIBRATION USING HIGH FREQUENCY PULSE WIDTH MODULATION - A system and method for adjusting the LED current of an optical sensor that does not decrease the effectiveness of the optical sensor or the length of its operating life, or significantly increase the cost due to hardware requirements. The LED current of an optical sensor is adjusted using a high frequency pulse-width modulated signal generated from a microcontroller. Based on feedback provided by the photo-detector, the duty cycle of the signal can be adjusted by the microcontroller. The signal passes through a low pass filter which averages the modulated signal into a DC voltage, which is then used to control a current amplifier circuit that provides current to the LED of the optical sensor. This adjustability enables the system to compensate for variations in sensor LED's and the LED brightness reduction to due aging and/or build-up of contaminants on the photo-detector and/or LED. | 06-21-2012 |
20120124102 | METHOD FOR LOADING LARGE XML DOUCMENTS ON DEMAND - Systems and methods for loading XML documents on demand are described. The system provides a Wrapper class for the XML Document class and the Element class. A user application then utilizes the Wrapper class in the same way that the Element class and Document class would be used to access any element in the XML Document. The Wrapper class loads external components as required. The external component retrieval is completely transparent to the user application and the user application is able to access the entire XML document as if it were completely loaded into a DOM object in memory. Accordingly, each element is accessible in a random manner. In one configuration, the XML document components or external components are stored in a database in a BLOB field as a Digital Document. The system uses external components to efficiently use resources as compared to systems using Xlink and external entities. | 05-17-2012 |
20120123970 | DIMENSIONAL RATING OF A MAIL PIECE USING A TOUCH SCREEN ON A MAIL KIOSK - A system and method for determining the dimensions of a mail piece using a built-in touch screen of a mail kiosk. A mailer is instructed to place the mail piece into a specified corner of the touch screen of the mail kiosk. The user is then instructed to touch the touch screen by the opposite corner of the mail piece. The touch screen registers the location touched by the mailer, and provides the information to a processing device of the mail kiosk. The processing device uses the information received from the touch screen to determine the dimensions of the mail piece. | 05-17-2012 |
20120080525 | Document Security Utilizing Color Gradients - The present invention includes apparatus and methods for printing and verifying postage stamps on demand via a personal postage stamp printer. The indicium by which the stamp is printed includes a color stripe and a data field including authentication data that corresponds to the color stripe. To authenticate the stamp, the authentication data in the data field is read and compared with authentication data extracted from the color stripe. | 04-05-2012 |
20120078796 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PAYMENT FOR BUSINESS REPLY MAIL - A business reply mail payment system and method is provided. A business reply mail payment system establishes a master account with the postal system for the payment of business reply mail. A plurality of mailers each establish a separate account with the payment system and transfer control of payment for business reply mail accepted under their respective permit imprints to the payment system. When the mailer will be receiving business reply mail, a request for payment of postage is made to the payment system, which processes the information related to the business reply mail. The post office acceptance site communicates with the payment system as the business reply mail is received and compares the received business reply mail with the information processed by the payment system to determine if it should be accepted or rejected. If the business reply mail is accepted, the master account is debited for payment. | 03-29-2012 |
20120017545 | Item Handling System With Tracking - An item handling system includes a vacuum source, a transport element defining a plurality of vacuum openings in fluid communication with the vacuum source to create a securing force on an item proximate to the transport element for holding the item in contact with the transport element, and a drive element for driving the transport element to transport the item. The transport element further defines a plurality of sensor openings arranged in two substantially parallel arrays along a longitudinal direction of the transport element. The system further includes a sensor associated with each array of sensor openings for sensing energy passing through the sensor openings to thereby sense the item on the transport element. Each sensor is disposed at a common longitudinal position relative to the transport element. Sensing the item corresponds to a condition where the sensor associated with each array is blocked. | 01-26-2012 |
20110313929 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING CONTROLLED ACCESS TO A FUNDS DISPENSING DEVICE FROM EXTERNAL PROCESSORS - Systems and methods for providing controlled access to value dispensing devices are described and in certain examples, systems including those for providing controlled access to a postage meter from multiple programs executing on an external collocated processor are described. | 12-22-2011 |
20110295769 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIMENSIONAL RATING OF A MAILPIECE - A mailing machine for the creation of mailpieces includes a print station and a transport system for passing a length of the label material through the print station to receive information on a face surface of the label material. A processor is adapted to store rating information based upon the weight and dimensions of the mailpiece and is operatively coupled to, and controls, the print station and transport system. In a first operating mode, the processor prints rating information on a length of label material, and in a second operating mode, the processor prints postage indicia on the face surface of the label material based upon the rating information for subsequent application to a mailpiece. In the second operating mode, the postage indicia may optionally be printed on the label material or directly on the face surface of the mailpiece envelope. | 12-01-2011 |
20110292119 | DEVICE FOR MITIGATING THE PRODUCTION/REMOVAL OF PARTICULATE MATTER FROM A SUBSTRATE/MAILPIECE ENVELOPE - A registration device for use in combination with an array of print head nozzles and operative to deposit ink on a substrate material. The registration device is operative to maintain a prescribed separation distance between an array of print head nozzles and a substrate material during print operations and includes a registration surface which opposes a face surface of the substrate material and is textured to define a plurality of contact points. The contact points are substantially evenly distributed over, and engage, the face surface of the substrate material, to reduce the total surface area in contact with the substrate material and the particulate matter which may be shed from, and/or produced by frictional engagement with, the substrate material. | 12-01-2011 |
20110267638 | FRAUD DETECTION IN A POSTAGE SYSTEM - A method and system for processing and printing shipping labels having postage is described. In one configuration a postage dispensing system allows a shipping label reprint for a relatively short period of time. In another configuration, the system offers a refund after the second unsuccessful print attempt and logs the label identifier as an invalid identifier. If the print is successful, the identifier is logged as a successful identifier. The system occasionally receives identifiers that have been processed in the mail stream and reports fraud if an unexpected identifier is present. | 11-03-2011 |
20110241276 | FEED INPUT ASSEMBLY FOR VARIABLE LENGTH SHEET MATERIAL - A feed input assembly for accepting and conveying sheet material of variable length along a feed path including a processing station for performing an operation on the sheet material and an ingestion assembly adapted to capture the sheet material between the opposed friction drive surfaces and accept a leading edge of the sheet material from the processing station at a point of entry. The ingestion assembly includes transport elements having positionable opposed friction drive surfaces which are adapted to vary point of entry along the feed path. By varying the point of entry, sheet material of variable length can be accepted without varying the position of the processing station relative to the ingestion assembly. A method for operating a feed input assembly having positionable friction drive surfaces is also described. | 10-06-2011 |
20110203224 | INSERTER CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS - An inserter apparatus for inserting an item into a holder. The inserter apparatus includes a deck, a mover, an opening system, and a controller. The deck can slidably support the holder from a first location to an item loading location. The mover can move the holder along the deck, wherein the mover includes a drive motor, a conveyor connected to the drive motor, and a gripper connected to the conveyor. The drive motor is a servo motor. The opening system is at the item loading location for opening the holder and inserting the item into the holder. The controller is connected to the servo motor. The controller is adapted to vary speed of the servo motor to thereby vary speed of the conveyor and the holder along the deck. | 08-25-2011 |
20110178980 | DATA SOURCE INDEPENDENT INTERFACE FOR AN ELECTRONIC BILL PRESENTMENT AND PAYMENT SYSTEM - An electronic bill presentment and payment system including an extensible, customizable, data source independent data layer for accessing a business data repository for processing billing information. The business data repositories use one or more data source formats. A business logic module generating business data requests for data from the business data repository in order to carry out processing of billing information. The business data requests are independent of the one or more data source formats of the business data repository. A data layer descriptor repository stores customizable data source descriptions for generating the data layer. The data layer is generated from the customizable descriptors in the data layer descriptor repository. The data layer module receives the data source independent business data requests and based on the request, the data layer implements a data source specific method for fulfilling the request by accessing data in the business data repository. The data layer module further returns a result back to the business logic module in data source independent format. The data layer descriptor repository preferably includes top-level listings of data sources in the system. The data layer descriptor repository further includes customized data source specifications for the each of the data sources listed in the customized set of data sources. | 07-21-2011 |
20110161231 | POSTAL SERVICES KIOSK HAVING PAYMENT CARD SECURITY - An apparatus for facilitating payment using a payment card includes a computerized sales transaction device structured to determine a monetary amount for a sale, and a secure card activated terminal (CAT) device in electronic communication with the computerized sales transaction device. The computerized sales transaction device sends the monetary amount to the secure CAT device. The secure CAT device is structured to: (i) obtain sensitive payment card information from the card, (ii) automatically request in a secure, encrypted manner authorization for the sale using the monetary amount and the sensitive payment card information, (iii) receive in a secure, encrypted manner authorization approval for the sale, and (iv) in response to receiving the authorization approval, send purchase authorization approval information to the computerized sales transaction device. The computerized sales transaction device never receives the sensitive payment card information. | 06-30-2011 |
20110160027 | FOLDER FOR VARIABLE THICKNESS COLLATIONS - A folder includes a plurality of rotatable fold rollers and a plurality of rotatable nip rollers. Each nip roller forms a nip having a nip spacing with an adjacent fold roller. The nips may include an input nip for receiving collations, a plurality of intermediate nips for delivering the collations to one of a buckle chute and a deflector to form folded collations, and an output nip for discharging the folded collations. The folder may further include an adjustment system associated with each nip roller for selectively moving the nip roller with respect to the adjacent fold roller based on predetermined collation thickness data to change the nip spacing for sequential collations. | 06-30-2011 |
20110155544 | SORTER HAVING A CONTAINER SHUTTLE SYSTEM - A sorter system includes a first conveyor for transporting items to designated containers, a second conveyor for transporting containers containing the items, and a shuttle unit. The shuttle unit may include a base defining a loading area proximate to the first conveyor and a staging area proximate to the second conveyor and a tray disposed on the base for receiving containers on a first section and a second section. The tray may be movable between a first position in which the first section is in the loading area and a second position in which the first section is in the staging area. The shuttle unit may further include a transport device for selectively moving a container on the first section of the tray from the staging area onto the second conveyor. | 06-30-2011 |
20110155010 | ITEM HANDLING SYSTEM WITH PRINTER ALIGNMENT - An item handling system includes a transport system defining a transport plane, a printer assembly defining a printer plane, and a printer alignment system supporting the printer assembly. The printer alignment system includes a plurality of drive elements configured to move the printer assembly. A method of aligning a printer in the item handling system includes moving the printer assembly to a limit position of the printer alignment system distal from the transport system using the drive elements, moving the printer assembly to a limit position of the printer alignment system proximate to the transport system using the drive elements, and driving each of the drive elements at a respective predetermined level to place the printer plane in a substantially parallel orientation with respect to the transport plane. | 06-30-2011 |
20110154050 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTIVELY PROVIDING CRYPTOGRAPHIC CAPABILITIES BASED ON LOCATION - A system and method of providing cryptographic functionality includes receiving a request to perform a cryptographic operation in a mobile electronic device, determining whether the cryptographic operation is permitted to be performed by the mobile electronic device based on the current location of the mobile electronic device, and performing the cryptographic operation in the mobile electronic device only if it is determined that the cryptographic operation is permitted. | 06-23-2011 |
20110153504 | POSTCARD GREETINGS FOR DIRECT MARKETING - A method for customizing direct marketing campaigns, by utilizing relationships within a computer social network and information that is known about the social network members to find the best opportunity to provide an offer for goods and services to potential customers; providing offers for the goods and the services via the computer based upon receiving recommendations from acquaintances of potential customers via the social networks; and sending offers to the potential customers via the computer on behalf of their acquaintance. | 06-23-2011 |
20110153418 | BROADCAST DATA MINING FOR TARGETED MAIL STREAM SOLICITATIONS - A computer receives information that indicates viewing and/or skipping of television commercials by a number of viewers. The computer uses the information to compile statistics that summarize viewing and/or skipping of the television commercials within a geographical area. Based on the statistics, an advertising solicitation is selected by the geographic area and is dispatched on paper to recipients in the geographical area. | 06-23-2011 |
20110148958 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING GRAPHIC SECURITY TO A DOCUMENT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING - A method of printing an image having a graphic security element included therein includes receiving main image data representing a main image, receiving graphic security element data representing a graphic security element to be included in the main image, receiving a request to print the main image, responsive to receiving the request to print the main image, determining particular pixels of the main image data that are to be shifted based on the graphic security element data, and causing a plurality of ink deposits to be deposited on the print medium based on the main image data including causing the position of each of the ink deposits on the print medium that is determined to correspond to shifted pixels to be shifted relative to a normal position that would normally result from the main image data. Also, system that implements the method is provided. | 06-23-2011 |
20110147095 | MAILING MACHINE TRANSPORT SYSTEM WITH INTEGRAL SCALE FOR WEIGHING MAIL PIECES - A transport system that reduces the amount of oscillation of the weighing platform thereby weighing mail pieces faster. A take-away nip of the weighing module is formed by a pivot arm having a roller mounted thereon and a drive roller mounted in the weighing platform. The take-away nip feeds mail pieces from the weighing platform to the subsequent module of the mailing machine. The pivot arm has a biasing mechanism with a force that results in less impact force between the pivot arm roller and drive roller when the trailing edge of each mail piece passes through the take-away nip, resulting in less vibration of the weighing platform as mail pieces exit the weighing platform. The reduction in vibration results quicker settling of the weighing platform during weighing of subsequent mail piece, allowing for faster weighing of the mail pieces, which increases the throughput of the mailing machine. | 06-23-2011 |
20110147093 | MAILING MACHINE TRANSPORT SYSTEM - A mail processing system having a transport that reduces the amount of oscillation of the scale to allow for faster weighing of mail pieces is provided. A mailing machine includes a plurality of different modules through which mail pieces are fed by a transport system. A guide piece is provided in the transport path between the weighing module and the subsequent module, e.g., a printing module. The guide piece is structured such that forces imparted on the weighing platform of the weighing module by the trail edge of a mail piece being transported off of the weighing platform are reduced. Because of the reduction in this significant external force on the weighing platform, a faster weighing algorithm can be used on more mail pieces, thereby increasing the throughput of the mailing machine. | 06-23-2011 |
20110145259 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING DATA FIELDS FOR REMOTE ADDRESS CLEANSING - A system and method for identifying data fields for remote address cleansing, whereby a plurality of address file hash values are stored and associated with a plurality of known address data file profiles. An uploaded address file is received at the processing site from a sender who wishes to have his address list processed. A received address data file profile is identified for the uploaded address file. A first hash value is calculated based on the identified received address data file profile. The first hash value is compared with the stored plurality of address file hash values. If the first hash value matches one of the stored plurality of hash values, then the known address data profile of the matching stored hash value is associated with the uploaded address file. If the first hash value does not match any of the stored plurality of hash values, then preparing a new address file profile, generating a new hash of the new profile, and storing the new profile along with the associated new hash. | 06-16-2011 |
20110145107 | ON-LINE MAIL PROCESSING SYSTEM AND MOBILE DEVICE APPLICATION THEREFOR - A method for determining the postage associated with the delivery of an article including the steps of receiving an acquired image of the article over a network from a web enabled device (ii) comparing the acquired digital imaged to a plurality of stored digital images to ermine the identity of the acquired digital image, (iii) determining at least one characteristic of the identified digital image useful to determine a delivery cost associated with the identified digital image of the identified article, (iv) calculating the estimated cost of delivering the identified article to a destination address, and, (v) transmitting the estimated cost to the web enabled device. The method also determines the postage associated with the delivery of an article by means of a wireless communication network using a wireless mobile device having an optical imaging device. Furthermore, a system also determines the postage associated with the identified article. | 06-16-2011 |
20110144808 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONFIGURING MAILING EQUIPMENT - A computer receives two input documents, including a carrier product description file and a document that describes attributes of a type of mailing equipment. The computer extracts information from the documents and generates a provisioning document based at least in part on the extracted information. The provisioning document is suitable for controlling a piece of mailing equipment which belongs to the particular type of mailing equipment, in such a manner that the piece of mailing equipment generates mail pieces in compliance with the carrier product description file. The provisioning document includes a script for controlling operation of the piece of mailing equipment and data to be read by the piece of mailing equipment. | 06-16-2011 |
20110140349 | INSERTER SYSTEM DIVERT GATE ACTUATED BY PRE-FOLD ACCUMULATOR DRIVE SHAFT - An inserter system includes a pre-fold accumulator subsystem in which plural sheets are collected before folding and insertion into an envelope. A divert gate is at the upstream side of the pre-fold accumulator to selectively downwardly divert sheets fed in a reverse direction from the pre-fold accumulator. Positioning of the divert gate is controlled by a mechanism that couples the divert gate and a drive shaft that drives a sheet drive belt component of the pre-fold accumulator. | 06-16-2011 |
20110139360 | POSTAGE LABEL DISPENSER FOR DISPENSING APPLICATION READY/LINED LABELS INCLUDING A RE-LINING STATION FACILITATING THE FABRICATION OF LINED LABELS - A postage label dispensing system for dispensing adhesive-backed postage labels comprising (i) a means for stripping the adhesive-backed face material from the liner material of a label material, (ii) a first cutting apparatus, downstream of the stripping means, for cutting the face material to a desired length and producing an adhesive backed postage label having a postage indicia printed thereon, (iii) a means for attaching re-lining material to the adhesive backed postage label (iv) a second cutting apparatus, downstream of the lining means, for cutting the re-lining material to dispense at least one lined postage label, and (v) a processor for controlling the operation of the first and second cutting apparatus. A deflector guide is disposed between the stripping and re-lining means and is re-positionable to engage and disengage the adhesive backed postage labels produced by the upstream stripping station. In the engaged position, the postage labels are directed to the re-lining station and dispensed as a lined label. In the disengaged position, the postage labels are dispensed as application ready labels. | 06-16-2011 |
20110137701 | METHOD FOR VARYING RESOURCES AT A CALL CENTER BASED UPON PREDICTED CALL CENTER VOLUME - A computer method that is used to control call center volumes for a range of dates. The method involves utilizing previous mailing campaign and call center response data to determine when the mail arrives in the home and when a call center is contacted in response to information in the mail; predicting the call center volumes based initially on the previous campaign and call center response data and as the mailing campaign and call center responses progresses updating call center predictions based on current mailing campaign data; and determining in home mail volumes needed to control call center volumes. | 06-09-2011 |
20110137610 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING MAILPIECE THICKNESS IN AN INSERTER SYSTEM - A method of detecting mailpiece thickness includes detecting a leading edge of the mailpiece, moving a detecting roller downwardly over a first predetermined period of time from a first position to a second position where it contacts the mailpiece, increasing a compressive force applied by the detecting roller to the mailpiece from an initial force to a predetermined measurement force over a second predetermined period of time, and applying the measurement force to the mailpiece for a third predetermined period of time. The method further includes applying the measurement force to the mailpiece for a fourth predetermined period of time and making a number of thickness measurements of the mailpiece based on a position of the detecting roller, and determining the thickness of the mailpiece based on the number of thickness measurements. | 06-09-2011 |
20110133385 | BUFFERING APPARATUS FOR COLLATIONS - A document handling apparatus includes a document transport buffering apparatus including drive belts and aligner belts. Each of the drive belts has a general continuous loop shape. The aligner belts are intermixed with the drive belts. Each of the aligner belts has a general continuous loop shape and a projection extending in a general cantilever fashion from the aligner belt. A first drive system is adapted to rotate the drive belts. A second drive system is adapted to rotate the aligner belts individually. The first and second drive systems are adapted to rotate the drive belts and the aligner belts such that a plurality of spaced stacks of documents are transported by the drive belts with one of the projections at a leading edge of each of the stacks and another one of the projections at a trailing edge of each of the stacks. | 06-09-2011 |
20110132722 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAILPIECE SKEW CORRECTION - A system and method for skew correction of a mailpiece includes moving the mailpiece along a path of travel in a first orientation toward a first drive roller and a second drive roller. Control of the mailpiece is established in the first orientation by the drive rollers. A first skew correction of the mailpiece is implemented by employing the first drive roller and the second drive roller to align the mailpiece with respect to the path of travel. The first drive roller and the second drive roller may be employed to change the orientation of the stopped mailpiece from the first orientation to a second orientation with respect to the path of travel. A second skew correction may be implemented by employing the first drive roller and the second drive roller to align the mailpiece in the second orientation with respect to the path of travel. | 06-09-2011 |
20110128318 | PRINTING ASSEMBLY CALIBRATION - A printing assembly includes a transport system configured to transport items on a transport path and a printer rotatably disposed on a support. The printer includes a plurality of printing elements disposed sequentially along the transport path. A method of calibrating the printing assembly includes aligning a first reference associated with the printer with a second reference associated with the support, transporting an item on the transport path, printing a pattern on the item using a first printing element and a second printing element, determining a correction value from the pattern, and rotating the printer relative to the support in an amount corresponding to the correction value to substantially align the printing elements with the transport path. | 06-02-2011 |
20110126958 | MONITORING ELECTRICAL CONTINUITY FOR ENVELOPE SEAL INTEGRITY - A method for producing an envelope having improved seal integrity, comprising the steps of (i) applying a first conductive material to the flap of the envelope in an first area corresponding to a first seal location between the flap and the body portion of the envelope and (ii) applying a second conductive material to the body portion of the envelope in a second area corresponding to a second seal location between the body portion and flap of the envelope, the first and second seal locations being selected such that an end of the first conductive material contacts an end of the second conductive material when the conductive materials are arranged in a substantially common plane. The method further comprises the steps of sealing the flap to the body portion by closing the flap onto the body portion of the envelope to cause the conductive materials to lie in the substantially common plane, and inspecting the sealing interface to determine whether the conductive materials exhibit a property of electrical continuity thereby confirming that a seal has been formed between the flap and body portion of the envelope. A system and article is also described for producing an envelope having improved seal integrity. | 06-02-2011 |
20110126725 | Postage Label Dispensing System Having A Peeler Plow For Dispensing Application Ready and/or Lined Postage Labels - A postage label dispensing system for dispensing adhesive-backed labels includes a conveyance system for displacing a supply of label material along a feed path wherein the label material includes a face material having an adhesive backing and a liner material detachably bonded to the adhesive backing. The adhesive backing defines a pair of longitudinal adhesive strips and a non-adhesive region disposed therebetween. The liner material has a longitudinal cut disposed adjacent to, and aligned with, the non-adhesive region to define a pair of liner strips. A peeler plow is disposed downstream of a bending means which induces a bend in the label material along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal cut, i.e., in an area corresponding to the non-adhesive region, which bend produces an opening between the face material and the liner strips. The peeler plow includes a tip portion operative to penetrate the opening between the face material and the liner strips, and an arcuate blade, disposed to each side of the tip portion, operative to peel the liner strips from the adhesive backing of the face material. A processor is operative to control the conveyance system such that the tip portion of the peeler plow penetrates the opening and the liner strips are peeled from the face material to dispense an application ready printed label. Alternatively, the peeler plow may be repositioned, from a first to a second position, such that the label material is conveyed over an upper surface of the peeler plow to dispense a plurality of lined labels. | 06-02-2011 |
20110120655 | POSTAGE LABEL DISPENSING SYSTEM AND REPOSITIONABLE PEELER GUIDE THEREFOR - A postage label dispensing system for dispensing adhesive-backed labels including a face material having an adhesive backing and a liner material detachably bonded to the adhesive backing. The adhesive backing defines a plurality of longitudinal adhesive strips and at least one non-adhesive region disposed therebetween and the face material includes at least one longitudinal cut disposed adjacent to, and aligned with, the non-adhesive region. The label dispensing system includes a system for displacing a supply of label material along a feed path and a peeler guide interposing the feed path operative to (i) guide the label material between upper and lower guide members of the peeler guide, (ii) induce a bend in the liner material along an axis substantially parallel to the at least one longitudinal cut, and (iii) separate an edge of the face material from the liner material along at least a portion of the longitudinal cut. The upper guide member, furthermore, defines an opening for receiving the edge of the face material upon separation from the liner material and dispensing an application-ready label through the opening. A processor controls the operation of the conveyance system to draw the label material through the guide members such that the separated edge of the application-ready label is dispensed through the opening in the upper guide member of the peeler guide. | 05-26-2011 |
20110120324 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING PRINT QUALITY ON MAIL PIECES HAVING LOW REFLECTIVITY - A printing system is provided that dynamically adjusts the method of printing an image based on the lightness or darkness of the medium upon which the image will be printed. The reflectivity of the medium upon which an image is to be printed is determined, and the way in which the image will be printed is adjusted based on the determined reflectivity of the medium. For lighter colored mediums, on which sufficient contrast will be provided, the image can be printed directly onto the medium. For darker colored mediums, on which the ink used to print the image will not provide enough contrast with respect to the medium to produce a reliably readable image, the method of printing the image is modified to ensure that sufficient contrast is always provided to produce a reliably readable image. | 05-26-2011 |
20110114262 | MULTI-MODE SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING ADHESIVE-BACKED LABELS - A system for dispensing adhesive-backed labels includes a housing assembly defining a first dispensing outlet, a system for conveying a supply of label material along a feed path and operative to bi-directionally displace the label material along the feed path, and a peeler bar, positionable from a first position to a second position, to effect an abrupt directional change in the feed path thereof, and cause the face material to separate from the liner material. Separation of the face material from the liner material produces an application ready label. A processor is employed to control the bi-directional displacement of the conveyance system and position the peeler bar within the housing such that the label material is: (i) conveyed downstream of the peeler bar when the peeler bar is in the first position, and (ii) drawn back across the peeler bar to cause a trailing edge of the face material to separate form the liner material when the peeler bar is in the second position. Separation of the face material from the liner material produces an application ready label dispensed through the first dispensing outlet of the housing. In another operating mode, the label dispensing system produces a stream or stack of lined-labels which are dispensed through a second dispensing outlet for application at a subsequent time or at a remote location. | 05-19-2011 |
20110108622 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR USING A CAMERA CELL PHONE IN TRANSACTIONS - A method facilitating a transaction between a camera-phone user and a business entity. The business entity produces a printed medium indicating a transaction. The printed medium includes a barcode that includes direct contact data for communicating with the business entity. The barcode further includes specific transaction data relating to the transaction in the printed medium. Using the digital camera feature, the user captures a digital image of the barcode. The camera-phone is programmed to decode the digital image to retrieve the direct contact data and the transaction data embedded in the barcode. The camera-phone then automatically initiates a direct communication with the business entity via the mobile communications device using the decoded direct contact data. Once communications are established, the camera phone further transmits the transaction data derived from the barcode to further facilitate the transaction. The barcode includes an encrypted digital signature that can be used by the camera-phone to authenticate the identity of the business entity that created the printed medium. | 05-12-2011 |
20110103928 | ITEM HANDLING SYSTEM WITH TRACKING - An item handling system includes a vacuum source, a transport element defining a plurality of vacuum openings in fluid communication with the vacuum source to create a securing force on an item proximate to the transport element for holding the item in contact with the transport element, and a drive element for driving the transport element to transport the item. The transport element further defines a plurality of sensor openings arranged in two substantially parallel arrays along a longitudinal direction of the transport element. The system further includes a sensor associated with each array of sensor openings for sensing energy passing through the sensor openings to thereby sense the item on the transport element. Each sensor is disposed at a common longitudinal position relative to the transport element. Sensing the item corresponds to a condition where the sensor associated with each array is blocked. | 05-05-2011 |
20110098848 | TRANSPORT AND ALIGNMENT SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING VARIABLE THICKNESS COLLATIONS - A system is provided for aligning multi-sheet collations including a conveyance system having a transport deck for supporting and conveying the multi-sheet collation along a feed path. The system includes a first pair of registration members disposed orthogonal to the feed path and defining a processing station along the feed path. The registration members further define registration surfaces which are repositionable from an active position above the transport deck to an idle position below the transport deck. A first displacement mechanism raises and lowers the registration members into and out of the active and idle positions, and oscillates at least one of the registration surfaces forward and aft in a direction parallel to the feed path when the registration member is in its active position. A processor controls the motion of the conveyance system relative to the registration members of the alignment station, and controls the first displacement mechanism to: (i) raise the registration surfaces into the active position, (ii) oscillate the registration surfaces to align the opposing edges of the multi-sheet collation, and (iii) lower the registration surfaces into the idle position to facilitate conveyance of the aligned multi-sheet collation along the feed path. | 04-28-2011 |
20110095469 | STITCHER/STAPLER FOR BINDING MULTI-SHEET COLLATIONS AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - A system for binding variable thickness multi-sheet collations includes first and second processing stations including a stitcher and stapler, respectively and a means for determining the thickness of a multi-sheet collation. A processor is responsive to a thickness value signal and selects one of the first and second processing stations to bind the multi-sheet collation. A conveyance system then transports the multi-sheet collation to the selected one of the first and second processing stations. A method includes the steps of: stacking sheet material to produce a multi-sheet collation, determining the thickness of the multi-sheet collation, and selecting an apparatus to bind the multi-sheet collation from one of at least two binding apparatus based upon the thickness of the multi-sheet collation. The multi-sheet collation is then conveyed along a feed path to a selected one of the binding apparatus. The method further includes the steps of disposing the multi-sheet collation between a pair of opposed registration members and aligning opposed edges of the multi-sheet collation by oscillating at least one of the registration members into and out of engagement with at least one of the opposed edges based upon the thickness of the multi-sheet collation. | 04-28-2011 |
20110095468 | RECONFIGURABLE STITCHER FOR BINDING CONSECUTIVE VARIABLE THICKNESS COLLATIONS - A stitcher for binding variable thickness collations including a means for determining the thickness of a multi-sheet collation, a stitch head operative to drive a stitch through the multi-sheet collation, an anvil operative to clinch the stitch to bind the sheets of the collation and a plurality of actuators operative to displace forming elements of the stitch head to form the stitch, position the stitch head and anvil against opposite surfaces of the multi-sheet collation, drive the stitch through the collation and clinch the ends of the stitch. A processor, responsive to the thickness value signal, controls the actuators to form the stitch and bind the collation. | 04-28-2011 |
20110093718 | HYBRID SIGNATURE SCHEME - A signature scheme is provided in which a message is divided in to a first portion which is hidden and is recovered during verification, and a second portion which is visible and is required as input to the verification algorithm. A first signature component is generated by encrypting the first portion alone. An intermediate component is formed by combining the first component and the visible portion and cryptographically hashing them. A second signature component is then formed using the intermediate component and the signature comprises the first and second components with the visible portion. A verification of the signature combines a first component derived only from the hidden portion of the message with the visible portion and produces a hash of the combination. The computed hash is used together with publicly available information to generate a bit string corresponding to the hidden portion. If the required redundancy is present the signature is accepted and the message reconstructed from the recovered bit string and the visible portion. | 04-21-2011 |
20110093468 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING STORAGE AND RETREIVAL OF DOCUMENTS - A system and method for enhancing the storage and retrieval of documents includes employing information about documents filed in a retained document filing arrangement and information about document processing channels. The information is used in the system and method to implement a document processing channel that enhances the further storage and retrieval of document filed in the retained document filing arrangement. A controller computer may be in communications with sensors connected to the retained document filing arrangement to provided attribute data for retained documents. The document processing channels can employ scanning, digitizing and indexing. | 04-21-2011 |
20110093396 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FLEXIBLE METERING AND PAYMENT FOR POWER USAGE - According to some embodiments, a power meter comprises an interface for a connection between a power outlet and a motor vehicle battery. A power measuring circuit may be coupled to the interface. A processor may be coupled to the power measuring circuit. The motor vehicle battery is installed in a motor vehicle. The power meter may be configured for installation in the motor vehicle. Furthermore, a computer-readable medium may be in communication with the processor and may store program instructions. The processor may be operative with the program instructions to receive identification information associated with the power outlet, record a measurement of an amount of electricity received by the motor vehicle battery from the power outlet during a charging transaction, and generate a receipt associated with the charging transaction. The identification information identifies an owner of the power outlet. The receipt may be for facilitating compensation to the owner of the power outlet for the charging transaction and the receipt may include information for identifying the owner of the power outlet. | 04-21-2011 |
20110088083 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTHENTICATING A USER BASED ON A PHYSICAL OBJECT - An authentication method based on the use of an inanimate physical object that includes storing first object data in a storage medium, wherein the first object data is generated based on a first image of at least a portion of the physical object, capturing a second image of the at least a portion of the physical object, and generating second object data based on the second image. The method further includes searching the storage medium and determining that the second object data and the first object data are a match, and authenticating an individual associated with the physical object in response that determination. Also provided are embodiments of an authentication system that may be adapted to implement the method. | 04-14-2011 |
20110084799 | LOCK SYSTEM INCLUDING AN ELECTRONIC KEY AND A PASSIVE LOCK - A lock system that includes a passively powered lock device having an electric lock mechanism and a key device having a power supply, wherein the key device stores a lock credential associated with the lock device. The key device is structured to be operatively coupled to the lock device. The key device is also structured to provide power to the lock device for powering the lock device and moving the electric lock mechanism from a locked condition to an unlocked condition when the key device is operatively coupled to the lock device. The lock device is structured to receive an authentication message from the key device, verify based on the authentication message that the key device stores the lock credential, and move the electric lock mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition based on the verification that the key device stores the lock credential. | 04-14-2011 |
20110084710 | ENVELOPE MOISTENING DETECTOR - A mailing system includes a mailing machine having an envelope feed path, a sealing system configured to apply a liquid to an envelope in the envelope feed path, a capacitive sensor located in the envelope feed path downstream from the sealing system, and a controller connected to the capacitive sensor. The sealing system may include a liquid reservoir and a liquid applicator. The capacitive sensor is configured to measure a quantity of liquid on a portion of the envelope applied by the sealing system and to generate a signal based on the measured quantity. The controller is configured to perform an operation based on the measured quantity signal from the capacitive sensor. | 04-14-2011 |
20110084437 | VALIDATION OF MAILPIECE COMPOSITION COMPLETENESS - A method and system for validating the completeness of a document collation includes obtaining information concerning a document having a first page and a last page, and processing the obtained information. The processed information is employed to apply a marking on the document that may be readable through an enclosure that visually obscures the marking. The marking may provide information regarding the completeness of the document collation within the enclosure. The processed information may be employed in a manner such that the applied marking includes a first page mark on the first page of the document collation and a last page mark in the last page of the document collation. The marks may be applied in respective predetermined zones on the first page and the last page. The first page zone and the last page zone may have a predetermined relationship for a document collation. | 04-14-2011 |
20110074844 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRINTING ON VARIABLE THICKNESS PRINT MEDIA - A method for printing information on a print medium, such as a mailpiece, that includes determining a thickness of the medium while it is being transported toward a print head, such as an ink jet print head, causing the distance between the top surface of the medium the print head when the medium is located below the print head to be within a specified range based on the determined thickness, and printing the information on the print medium. Also, an apparatus includes a printing station having a print head, a transport mechanism for transporting the medium toward the printing station, and a thickness measuring mechanism. The apparatus is structured to cause the distance between the top surface of the medium and a portion of the print head when the medium is located below the print head to be within a specified distance range based on the thickness of the medium. | 03-31-2011 |
20110071944 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING POSTAGE WITHOUT PRINTING - A method of dispensing evidence of postage payment that includes providing a machine readable mechanism, such as a barcode, for being associated with a mailpiece to a customer, wherein the machine readable mechanism includes a first identifier and the customer has a customer identifier. The method further includes receiving first information from a mobile electronic device associated with the customer, the first information including: (i) the first identifier, (ii) the customer identifier, and (iii) mailpiece information, preferably including a postage amount, relating to the mailpiece, the first identifier included in the first information having been obtained based on an image of the pre-printed machine readable mechanism captured by the mobile electronic device, deducting a postage amount based on the mailpiece information from a postage account associated with the customer identifier, and transmitting the first identifier and verification of payment for postage to a carrier. | 03-24-2011 |
20110071924 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING CONSUMER TRANSACTIONS USING A CENTRAL SERVER AND A MOBILE PROCESSOR - A system and method for obtaining an item includes retrieving consolidated data concerning an item from a provider infrastructure, the consolidated data including data elements from a source of the item and data elements concerning a mobile user of the provider infrastructure. Verifiable authorization is retrieved from the provider infrastructure for the mobile user of the provider infrastructure to obtain the item from the source of said item consistent with the consolidated data. The consolidated data may have various data elements specific to the source of the items such as price offers, rebates, incentives and discounts and location of the item and various data elements specific to the mobile user such as gift certificates, loyalty programs, buyers' group participation and location of the mobile user in relation to the specific source. The verifiable authorization from said provider infrastructure is displayed on a device for said mobile user of said provider infrastructure to obtain the item from the source of the item consistent with the consolidated data. If a purchase decision is made, the system and method for obtaining an item may also include retrieving payment verification from the provider infrastructure for the item from the source of the item. This payment verification is consistent with the consolidated data and by a preselected method of payment by the mobile user of the provider infrastructure. The provider infrastructure is updated with data related to the mobile user of the provider infrastructure and the source of the item. | 03-24-2011 |
20110061998 | ELECTRODYNAMIC PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR CONVEYING SHEET MATERIAL - A transport system for conveying sheet material along a feed path. The transport system includes an electro-dynamic propulsion system for moving sheet material, or a stacked collation of sheet material, along a support deck which defines the feed path. More specifically, the electro-dynamic propulsion system includes at least one guideway and a ferromagnetic element disposed internally of the guideway. The guideway includes a magnetic coil to produce a variable magnetic field. By varying the flux density and polarity of the magnetic field the ferromagnetic element may be propelled within the guideway. An abutment member is coupled to the ferromagnetic element, extends through the elongate opening of the support deck and engages an edge of sheet material. A processor is operative to control the electro-dynamic propulsion system and, accordingly, the rate of travel and position of the sheet material along the feed path. | 03-17-2011 |
20110058732 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STORING 3D INFORMATION WITH RASTER IMAGERY - The present invention meets the above-stated needs by providing a method and apparatus that allows for X parallax information to be stored within an image pixel information. Consequently, only one image need be stored, whether it's a mosaic of a number of images, a single image or a partial image for proper reconstruction. To accomplish this, the present invention stores an X parallax value between the stereoscopic images with the typical pixel information by, e.g., increasing the pixel depth. | 03-10-2011 |
20110052302 | PRINTER MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT FOR FEED GUIDE MECHANISMS - A printer having a printer deck and a media support mechanism having a flexible biased mount is provided. In one configuration, the media support mechanism includes an adjustable side guide that is mounted in a biased clamp mechanism. The biased clamp mechanism includes opposing clamps arranged in the same plane that each have two portions with at least one biased toward the other portion. Each opposing clamp includes a top portion and a bottom portion fixed to the printer deck by a shoulder bolt wherein the bottom portion engages a coil spring and is spring biased from the deck toward the top portion of the clamp to engage the mounting portion of the side guide. The coil springs are selected to apply sufficient force to facilitate holding the side guide sufficiently in place during operation and to also allow a reasonable force to adjust the width of the side guide. | 03-03-2011 |
20110049799 | SHEET THICKNESS MEASUREMENT - A method of measuring a thickness of a sheet being conveyed on a transport path includes rotating a substantially cylindrical reference surface disposed in the transport path and engaging a probe with the reference surface to determine a runout value for each of a set of positions along a circumference of the reference surface. The method further includes conveying the sheet on the transport path so that the sheet contacts the reference surface at one position of the set, engaging the probe with the sheet at the one position to determine a measured sheet thickness value, and adjusting the measured sheet thickness value based on the runout value for the one position to obtain an actual sheet thickness value. | 03-03-2011 |
20110030313 | MOVABLE SEALER - An envelope sealing apparatus for sealing an envelope having a main body and a sealable flap foldable about a hinge between the flap and main body, and sealable thereto. The apparatus comprises a feed path along which an envelope can be fed; a driving means associated with the feed path for feeding an envelope along the feed path; a flap securing means cooperative with the driving means to secure an open envelope flap in contact with the driving means; and a flap sealing means cooperative with the driving means to seal the flap to the main body when the driving means drives the envelope in a flap sealing direction along the feed path. A mail piece creation device incorporating such an envelope sealer is further provided, along with corresponding methods. | 02-10-2011 |
20110024488 | REUSABLE WINDOWED ENVELOPE - A reusable mailing envelope includes a plurality of panels which, in combination, define a pocket for receipt of internal content material. One of the panels includes a window adapted to receive printed information to facilitate routing of the mailing envelope during the initial mail delivery. The reusable envelope also includes a means for preventing the readability of the printed information on the window during a subsequent mail delivery such that the routing instructions associated with the initial mail delivery are not interpreted and executed by the automated scanning equipment during the subsequent mail delivery. | 02-03-2011 |
20110001770 | MAIL PROCESSING SYSTEM WITH PRINTER MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS TO PREVENT POTENTIAL CLOGGING OF PRINT HEAD WHEN DIFFERENT INKS ARE UTILIZED - A mail processing system and method that will that reduce clogging of the print head nozzles due to the use of different inks is provided. When an ink tank is being replaced in a mailing system, the system controller determines if the ink in the new ink tank is a known ink type that is deemed to be compatible with the ink from the ink tank being replaced. If the new ink is deemed to be not compatible with the ink from the tank being replaced, a maintenance operation is performed to remove the ink from the ink tank being replaced that may remain in the supply path and print head from the system. By removing the ink remaining from the ink tank being replaced out of the system, there is minimal ink left in the supply path or print head to mix with the new ink. | 01-06-2011 |
20100332415 | STAMP PRINTER FOR PRINTING POSTAGE STAMPS RELATED TO AN ITEM IN A MAIL PIECE ON DEMAND - A stamp printer includes a memory device that stores a library of available images approved for use as a postage stamp. A code that identifies the item that will be included in the mail piece is input to the stamp printer. Using the information obtained from the code, the stamp printer identifies the item and searches the library of postage stamp images to identify those images that are related in some way to the specific item. The stamp printer can then display the identified postage stamp images to the user and allow the user to make a selection. Upon receiving a selection from the user, the stamp printer can then print the postage stamp selected by the user. | 12-30-2010 |
20100328399 | PRINT MODULE HAVING PIVOTABLE SUPPORT/INSTRUMENTATION RACK FOR PRINT HEAD ASSEMBLY - A print module for printing mailpieces comprises a print head assembly operative to deposit ink on each mailpiece and a registration plate for registering a first surface of each of the mailpieces during print operations. The print module includes a conveyor belt opposing the registration plate and engaging a second surface of each of the mailpieces for conveyance along a feed path. Disposed beneath and supporting an underside surface of the conveyor belt, is a continuous compliant deck operative to urge the conveyor belt and mailpieces toward the registration plate during printing. The compliant deck is also operative to print consecutive mailpieces of variable thickness dimension. The print module also includes a pivotable support rack for mounting the print head assembly to a housing. A pair of gas springs produces a moment about a pivot axis to bias the support rack to an open position and a pair of locking mechanisms produces a biasing moment opposing the moment produced by the gas springs to retain the support rack in a closed position. | 12-30-2010 |
20100312376 | METHOD FOR COMMITTING MATERIAL TO A MODULE OF AN INSERTING SYSTEM - A method for maximizing the overall efficiency of an insertion system by running the system with the optimal balance between system throughput and potential for system stoppages. In other words, the system is capable of running at less than maximum throughput if running at such throughput is causing excessive amounts of system stoppages and thus, negatively impacting overall system efficiency. The foregoing is accomplished by an algorithm that controls the flow of material being processed by a particular section of the machine, or “module”. This algorithm is capable of reducing the flow rate of material to, or within, that module if a problem arises downstream that may lead to a paper jam. | 12-09-2010 |
20100306332 | INFORMATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING SENDERS WITH A RECIPIENT'SMESSAGING PREFERENCES - An information delivery system includes a web server in operative communication with a plurality of recipients and a plurality of senders, the plurality of senders desirous of generating messages intended for the plurality of recipients, respectively. The web server includes a plurality of recipient preference profiles corresponding to the plurality of recipients, respectively, and a plurality of sender profiles corresponding to the plurality of senders, respectively. Each of the recipient preference profiles includes respective information directed to the recipient's preferences for receiving messages and the web server provides the plurality of senders with access to the plurality of recipient preference profiles. The web server maintains a relationship between a log of recipient preference profiles out of the plurality of recipient preference profiles that have been accessed by a particular sender. For each of the recipient preference profiles in the log of recipient preference profiles, the web server provides a change notification to the particular sender of a change in the recipient preference profile. | 12-02-2010 |
20100280652 | COMPLIANT CONVEYANCE SYSTEM FOR MAILPIECE TRANSPORT ALONG AN ARCUATE FEED PATH - A compliant conveyance system including a diverter having at least one sidewall structure defining an internal chamber in fluid communication with a pressure source. The sidewall structure includes a compliant interface surface for conveying sheet material along the feed path and a plurality of orifices effecting fluid communication between the compliant interface surface and the internal chamber. A means is provided for developing a pressure differential across the sheet material through the orifices to urge an interface surface of the sheet material against the compliant interface surface of the diverter such that the compliant interface surface conforms to the sheet material interface surface. The system employs a means for driving the diverter about a rotational axis from a first to a second rotational position and a controller for controlling the pressure differential such that, in the first rotation position, the sheet material is secured against the compliant interface surface and, in the second rotational position, the sheet material is released therefrom. | 11-04-2010 |
20100276249 | MAILPIECE INSERTER ADAPTED FOR ONE-SIDED OPERATION (OSO) AND INPUT CONVEYOR MODULE THEREFOR - A mailpiece inserter includes a feed conveyor adapted to feed a shingled stack of mailpiece envelopes along a feed path to an insert module and a chassis module adapted to produce content material for insertion into the mailpiece envelopes processed by the insert module. An envelope position detector is operative to sense a discontinuity in the shingled stack and issues a first position signal indicative thereof, and an input conveyor module is adapted to convey mailpiece envelopes into shingled engagement with an aft end of the shingled stack of mailpiece envelopes on the feed conveyor. The input conveyor module has an input end proximal to a single workstation of the chassis module which enables an operator to (i) feed mailpiece envelopes to the input module and (ii) supply content material to the chassis module. The input conveyor module includes an extensible conveyor, responsive to the first position signal, for advancing the conveyor deck of the input conveyor module toward the aft end of the shingled stack and dispensing mailpiece envelopes into shingled engagement therewith. | 11-04-2010 |
20100275254 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING AN EXTERNAL USER INTERFACE USING SPATIAL INFORMATION - A method and system for selecting an external user interface using spatial information is described. In one configuration the floor space of a mailroom is mapped using a two dimensional grid. At least one machine is located on the mapped grid and an associated control zone is defined for that particular machine. The machine includes a wireless transceiver for providing user interface access. An external portable processor with a wireless transceiver is provided with user interface logic for the machine. A user then moves the external portable processor into the control zone of the machine. An indoor positioning system is utilized to provide relative or absolute position information relating to the machine and the external processor. The system determines that the external processor is in the machine control zone and allows the external processor to function as a user interface for the machine. | 10-28-2010 |
20100250186 | SYSTEM FOR MEASURING THICKNESS OF MAILPIECES - A method of measuring a thickness of mailpieces includes calculating, for each mailpiece comprising a unique collation, an estimated mailpiece thickness value, including combining a measured envelope thickness value, a measured insert thickness value for each insert associated with the mailpiece, and a theoretical document thickness value for an input document associated with the mailpiece. The method further includes assembling the mailpiece, obtaining a measured mailpiece thickness value for the mailpiece, and comparing the measured mailpiece thickness value with the estimated mailpiece thickness value. The method further includes, where the measured mailpiece thickness value is within a predetermined tolerance of the estimated mailpiece thickness value, storing the measured mailpiece thickness value as a reference thickness value in a database on a processing device, and where the measured mailpiece thickness value is outside of a predetermined tolerance of the estimated mailpiece thickness value, outsorting the mailpiece. | 09-30-2010 |
20100236365 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENHANCED CUTTER THROUGHPUT USING AN EXIT MOTION PROFILE - A method and apparatus are for decelerating a sheet of paper in a paper-cutting system. The sheet of paper is cut using a cutter, and the sheet is then accepted into a take-away nip. The take-away nip is operated at an initial rate in order to move the sheet of paper away from the cutter at an initial speed. The take-away nip is then operated at a rate decreasing to a final rate, in order to decelerate the sheet of paper to a final speed by the time the sheet of paper exits the take-away nip. The take-away nip is subsequently operated at the initial rate again, prior to accepting another sheet of paper at the initial speed. | 09-23-2010 |
20100220139 | REGISTRATION PLATE ASSEMBLY FOR MAILPIECE CONVEYANCE SYSTEM - A registration plate assembly for a compliant conveyance system and is adapted for use in combination with an array of print heads each having a print head nozzle. The registration plate assembly includes a mounting plate, a registration plate affixed to the mounting plate and at least one runner fastened to the mounting plate and disposed within an opening defined by the registration plate. The mounting plate has at least one aperture therein for accepting a print head nozzle associated with each of the print head and the registration plate includes and an opening for permitting the deposition of ink from each of the print head nozzles. The runner is aligned with the feed path of the conveyance system and has a blade portion disposed at a location between adjacent print head nozzles which is operative to maintain a stand-off distance from the face surface of each mailpiece to one of the print head nozzles. | 09-02-2010 |
20100219233 | REUSABLE ENVELOPE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A reusable envelope includes a plurality of panels defining a pocket having an opening for receipt of the content material. The reusable envelope also includes a flap closure having first and second bond lines and first and second flap folds disposed between the bond lines. The first flap fold and first bond line are adapted to close the pocket during an initial mail delivery while the second flap fold and second bond line are adapted to close the pocket for reuse during a subsequent mail delivery. A tear strip is disposed between the front panel and the flap closure to open the pocket for removal of the mailpiece content material. Upon removal of the tear strip and insertion of content material associated with the subsequent mail delivery, the second bond line connects the panels to close the pocket for reuse of the envelope. | 09-02-2010 |
20100211726 | METHOD FOR MANIPULATING STATE MACHINE STORAGE IN A SMALL MEMORY SPACE - A method includes configuring a flash memory device including a first memory sector having a primary memory sector correspondence, a second memory sector having an alternate memory sector correspondence, and a third memory sector having a free memory sector correspondence, copying a portion of the primary memory sector to the free memory sector, erasing the primary memory sector, and changing a correspondence of each of the first memory sector, the second memory sector, and the third memory sector. | 08-19-2010 |
20100211510 | RENTAL ARTICLE SERVICING - A method of renting a rental article is provided including delivering the rental article by a delivery service provider between rentees without returning the rental article to a renter of the rental article; and delivering the rental article to an article service provider, between deliveries of the rental article, to two of the rentees, based upon a predetermined event. | 08-19-2010 |
20100205509 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EFFICIENT UNCORRECTABLE ERROR DETECTION IN FLASH MEMORY - A system and method for efficient uncorrectable error detection in flash memory is described. A microcontroller including a non-volatile flash memory utilizes an Error Correction Code (ECC) having a certain error detection and correction bit strength. The user data is first processed by a hash function and hash data is stored with the user data. Then, the user data and hash data are processed by the ECC system. In detection, the hash ensures that a relatively low bit-strength ECC system did not incorrectly manipulate the user data. Such a hash integrity check provides an efficient, robust detection of incorrectly corrected user data resulting from errors beyond the correction but strength of the ECC system utilized. | 08-12-2010 |
20100194025 | METHOD FOR FEEDING A SHINGLED STACK OF SHEET MATERIAL - A method for feeding a shingled stack of sheet material to a downstream processing device includes the step of identifying a discontinuity in the shingled stack of sheet material wherein the discontinuity has a length dimension from an aft end of a downstream portion of the shingled sheet material to a forward end of an upstream portion of the shingled sheet material. In a next step, the motion of first and second serially arranged conveyors are controlled such that the length dimension of the discontinuity is substantially equal to a prescribed gap of known length dimension. The first conveyor supports the upstream portion of the shingled sheet material and the second conveyor supports the downstream portion of the shingled sheet material. The deck of the first is advanced over the deck of the second conveyor toward the aft end of the downstream portion by the length dimension of the prescribed gap. The upstream portion is then dispensed into shingled engagement with the downstream portion to produce a continuous stack of shingled sheet material. | 08-05-2010 |
20100189343 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STORING 3D INFORMATION WITH RASTER IMAGERY - The present invention meets the above-stated needs by providing a method and apparatus that allows for X parallax information to be stored within an image pixel information. Consequently, only one image need be stored, whether it's a mosaic of a number of images, a single image or a partial image for proper reconstruction. To accomplish this, the present invention stores an X parallax value between the stereoscopic images with the typical pixel information by, e.g., increasing the pixel depth. | 07-29-2010 |
20100169649 | Image encryption for print-and-scan channels using pixel position permutation - An image encryption method that includes receiving image data based on an image, wherein the image data comprises a plurality of pixel values, and permuting a plurality of, and preferably all of, the pixel values using at least a secret key to create permuted image data. Also, an image decryption method that includes scanning a printed image to create scanned image data. The printed image is generated from permuted image data that is generated by permuting a plurality of first pixel values of first image data using at least a secret key, obtaining a plurality of second pixel values from the scanned image data, and reverse-permuting a plurality of the second pixel values using at least the secret key to create reverse-permuted scanned image data. | 07-01-2010 |
20100169138 | DOCUMENT LIFECYCLE TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE WITH A DOCUMENT PRODUCTION PROCESS - A method for monitoring the status of documents created by a large scale document production and management processes. The production and management process may be comprised of a plurality of different stages including: utilizing a print stream to generate the documents, printing documents on a printer in accordance with the print stream, and forming completed mail pieces on an inserter from the printed documents in accordance with mail piece creation data files. A monitoring system receives information regarding the status of individual documents within these production and management process stages. A user may then select one of the stages for closer inspection of the status of documents. For the selected stage, status of individual documents is displayed | 07-01-2010 |
20100167895 | METHOD FOR CREATING A SINGLE CONTINUOUS WEB FROM WHICH TO FABRICATE MAILPIECES - A method for producing a continuous web of printed material for use in creating mailpieces. The continuous web has a width and a length, the length comprised of a series of attached sheets. The series of attached sheets are comprising envelope sheets and rectangular content pages. The content pages are rectangular in shape and may be oriented relative to the envelope sheets in a number of different configurations. In some configurations, two sets of content pages and/or envelope sheets can be printed across the width of the web. Sheets for forming business return envelopes may be printed in series with the content pages and envelope sheets. BREs may include individualized return addresses. A control code may be printed on one or more of the sheets for a given mailpiece, providing information for controlling assembly of the mailpiece. Two sets of sheets may be printed across the width of the web by printing content pages onto the continuous web such that two end-to-end content pages are printed across the width of the web. Positioning of mail content pages and envelope sheets for a given mailpiece may be optimized based on respective processing times determined for the system. | 07-01-2010 |
20100165066 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING EVIDENCE OF PRINTING IN EVENT OF PRINT HEAD FAILURE - Systems and methods for providing evidence of printing in metering systems even in the event of a print head failure are provided. Along with generating a primary image for an indicium that evidences payment, a secondary image for the indicium, identical to a corresponding portion of the primary image but at a lower density, with physical boundaries that are within the boundaries of the primary image, is also generated. The primary image is printed by a first nozzle array, and the secondary image is printed by a second nozzle array. Because the primary image completely overlaps the secondary image, the secondary image is undetectable if the primary image is properly printed. The secondary image provides evidence of printing of the indicium that can be used to obtain a refund for the indicium in the event that the primary image was not printed due to failure of the first nozzle array. | 07-01-2010 |
20100157376 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INCREASING EDGE SHARPNESS IN COLOR PRINTED IMAGES - A device and method for enhancing edge sharpness and clarity of solid graphic shapes included in printed color images printed on low dot-per-inch color printers is presented. The improved printing is achieved by creating an additional image file, called a white file, which defines the solid graphic areas to be included in the printed image. This white file is combined with the data points in separate color image files to “cookie-cut” the alphanumeric characters and other solid shapes from the separate color image files created by the ripping process, leaving crisp sharp edges on alphanumeric characters and other solid graphic areas being superimposed on the printed color image. | 06-24-2010 |
20100157327 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A FEED RATE OF A PRINTER, AND PRINTER EMPLOYING SAME - A method of controlling a feed rate of a printer, and a printer employing same, wherein the printer includes a feeder motor driving a feeder mechanism and a transport motor driving a transport mechanism. The method includes receiving image data for a first item of print media in a print job, processing the image data to create printable image data, and determining an image preparation time that is a time difference between the time when the printable image data is completed and the time when the start of the image data is first received. The method then further includes determining a current feeder speed based on at least the image preparation time. Following that that determination, the method includes: (i) turning the transport motor on, and (ii) setting a speed of the feeder motor equal to the current feeder speed and thereafter turning the feeder motor on. | 06-24-2010 |
20100157007 | PRINT ENHANCEMENT OF PIXELS TO IMPROVE READABILITY - A method to improve the image of a printed barcode by enhancing coverage of the print pixels within solid printed areas to improve the print uniformity and decrease the graininess of the typical ink jet printing by dissolving a small percentage of the colorant and distributing more uniformly. The parameter improved by the invention is the graininess or uniformity of coverage. The contrast ratio within barcode data elements can be also improved without causing unwanted image bleed into unintended areas. Hence, the printed barcode will contain more clearly defined printed and non printed areas to enable the barcode to be accurately read. The invention prevents also unwanted bleeding in areas where it could lower the quality of the printed material by avoiding application of enhanced coverage facilitators when desired white space is identified within a minimum distance. | 06-24-2010 |
20100156042 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING NESTED/UNESTED MAILPIECE CONTENT MATERIAL - A system for processing nested/unnested content material in a mailpiece inserter includes a first accumulator, a second accumulator and a folding module disposed therebetween. The first accumulator is operative to feed individual sheets of content material, in one operating mode, and accumulate multiple sheets of content material in another operating mode. The second accumulator is operative to accumulate unnested, folded sheets of content material in one operating mode, and feed sheets of nested, folded sheets of content material in another operating mode. The folder interposes the first and second accumulators and is operative to (i) receive the individual sheets of content material from the first accumulator, fold the individual sheets, and feed the unnested, folded sheets to the second accumulator, in one of the operating modes, and (ii) receive the multiple sheets of content material from the first accumulator, fold the multiple sheets, and feed the nested folded sheets to the second accumulator, in the other of the operating modes. A system processor is operatively coupled to, and controls the operation of, the first accumulator, second accumulator and the folder in each of the operating modes. | 06-24-2010 |
20100156032 | ROLLER ASSEMBLY FOR FEEDING STACKED SHEET MATERIAL - A roller assembly for conveying stacked sheet material along a feed path. The roller assembly includes a first roller adapted for rotation within a housing, a second roller pivotally mounting about an axis to the housing and opposing the first roller to define a roller nip, a spring biasing mechanism operative to bias the second roller about the pivot axis toward the first roller to effect optimum frictional engagement of the roller nip with the face surfaces of the stacked sheet material and a transmission assembly operative to (i) transfer rotational motion of the first roller to the second roller, (ii) drive the first and second rollers in opposing directions to convey the stacked sheet material along the feed path, and (iii) facilitate pivot motion of the second roller about the pivot axis to vary the spacing of the roller nip and accommodate stacks of sheet material which vary in thickness. | 06-24-2010 |
20100156027 | ITEM FEEDER WITH OVERTHICKNESS DETECTION - An item feeder includes a deck for supporting items, a transport element for transporting the items along the deck on a transport path from an upstream loading area through a downstream receiving passage, a drive element for driving the transport element, and a cover element comprising a leading edge. The cover element may be movable between a closed position in which the leading edge is disposed at a first distance from the deck, and an open position in which the leading edge is disposed at a second greater distance from the deck. The leading edge may engage transported items having a thickness greater than the first distance to move the cover element out of the closed position. The item feeder further includes a controller for controlling the drive element, wherein the controller is configured to stop the drive element when the cover element is moved out of the closed position. | 06-24-2010 |
20100155494 | PRINT CONTAINMENT OF PIXELS TO IMPROVE READABILITY - A method to improve the image of a printed barcode by causing controlled “bleeding” of the print pixels within solid printed areas surrounded by a barrier to improve the print contrast ratio within the barcode data element by homogenizing the printed data without causing image bleed into unintended areas. Hence, the printed material will contain more clearly defined printed and non printed areas to enable the printed material to be accurately read. | 06-24-2010 |
20100153309 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIMENSIONAL RATING OF MAIL PIECES - Systems and methods for dimensionally rating mail pieces including cards, letters, flats, mailers, packages and parcels using a pointing device such as a digital pen are described. In one illustrative configuration the system includes a digital pen, a three dimensional digital pen pattern device, a computer and a printer for printing evidence of postage payment. A mail piece such as a small parcel is placed on the opened three dimensional digital pen pattern device. The user may select a digital pen pattern command box or may otherwise engage or be prompted to begin measurements. For a rectangular parcel, the user selects a bottom right and then a top left measurement point. The system then calculates the dimensions of the parcel, dimensionally rates it and then accounts for and prints a corresponding postage indicium. | 06-17-2010 |
20100153291 | MAIL KIOSK HAVING ADDRESS VERIFICATION FUNCTIONALITY - A mail kiosk is provided that includes an address verification feature. The mailer is requested to input information that is known to the mailer concerning the location of the mailing address. The kiosk can then display one or more maps that allow the mailer to navigate to the desired location and select a specific location on the map where the mailer desires to send a mail piece. The kiosk can then display an aerial image of the location selected by the mailer, such that mailer can visually see the what the building at that location looks like. The mailer can then determine if the building at that location is the desired location to which the mail piece is to be sent based on the image. Upon confirmation by the mailer, the kiosk can provide the mailer with correct mailing address for the location selected by the mailer. | 06-17-2010 |
20100153230 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSTANT ONLINE POSTAGE METERING - A system and method for instantly printing PC postage before establishing a postage meter account. The method includes the steps of a meter vendor obtaining a first meter license from the Post for a first meter; loaning the use of a first meter licensed in the customer's zip code to a customer; requesting a second meter license for the customer; initializing the first meter for use by the customer; and transferring the first meter to the Customer's meter license when the second meter license is received. Alternatively, when the second meter license is received a second meter is assigned to the customer and the first meter is reassigned to the meter vendor. | 06-17-2010 |
20100153176 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING CARBON FOOTPRINT OF MAIL - A mail production system enhanced for measuring and reducing carbon footprint of mail. The system includes an inserter machine with sensors configured to detect attributes of mail that may contribute to carbon footprint. A controller computer is in communication with the inserter sensors. The controller further receives and stores mail job attribute data from a data file regarding attributes of the mail to be produced. The computer memory includes data correlating particular mail attributes to corresponding carbon footprint. The controller computer is programmed to calculate a carbon footprint for mail to be produced on the inserter by adding carbon footprint contributed by sensed attributes and mail job attribute data. The controller computer stores carbon footprint data for comparison with future mail jobs. The controller computer provides the user with carbon reduction suggestions corresponding to attributes of the mail. | 06-17-2010 |
20100153011 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EVIDENCING A TRANSACTION USING LOCATION INFORMATION - An apparatus for evidencing an occurrence of a transaction is provided that includes a tamper indicating housing, a processing unit provided within the tamper indicating housing, and a cryptographic module also provided within the tamper indicating housing. The processing unit is adapted to: (i) determine current location information indicating a current location of the apparatus, (ii) obtain transaction information relating to the transaction, and (iii) compile a data block including at least the current location information and the transaction information. The cryptographic module is adapted to generate cryptographic evidence based on the data block. The processing unit may also be adapted to obtain current time information, and the data block may further include the current time information. The processing unit may also be adapted to obtain user authentication information, such as biometric information, and the data block may further include the user authentication information. | 06-17-2010 |
20100152009 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SIMULTANEOUS PRINTING ON FRONT FACE AND FLAP OF AN ENVELOPE - A method includes feeding an envelope along an envelope transport path in a paper-handling machine to a flap-opening station. The method further includes opening the flap of the envelope at the flap-opening station and printing on the envelope with the flap in an open position. After printing, a collation is inserted into the envelope. | 06-17-2010 |
20100149295 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REGISTERING COLOR INK JET PRINTING IN A MAILING MACHINE - Printing systems including top registration plates and electromagnetic-curable inkjet print heads are described including methods for setting the intensity of the related electromagnetic sources. The printer includes a top registration plate that includes a plurality of registration plate print head openings, each opening adjacent to the registration plate. The transparent area is downstream of a UV light source and located above a media ski. In an alternative configuration, the top registration plate includes a transparent area that is adjacent to an opaque area of the registration plate. The transparent area is downstream of the UV light source and located above a media ski and below a light catch used to prevent the UV light from reaching the print heads in the printer. | 06-17-2010 |
20100147655 | ADJUSTABLE ITEM TRANSPORT - An adjustable item transport includes a deck for supporting items, a transport element for transporting the items along the deck on a transport path, a plurality of support elements rotatably supporting the transport element, and an adjustment member. Each support element may include a plurality of recesses configured to receive the transport element. Each recess corresponds to an operating position of the transport element. The adjustment member may include a handle portion, a first guide portion adjacent to a first edge of the transport element, and a second guide portion adjacent to a second edge of the transport element. Movement of the handle portion substantially perpendicular to the transport path engages one of the first guide portion and the second guide portion with a respective edge of the transport element to move the transport element between recesses in the support element to change the operating position of the transport element. | 06-17-2010 |
20100146605 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING SECURE ONLINE AUTHENTICATION - Methods and systems for authenticating website users without exposing passwords or other sensitive information to potential theft are provided. When the user's computer connects to a website server all communications are routed through a secure authentication device. When the authentication device identifies the need for user information to be submitted to the website server, the application retrieves the required information from memory and inserts the information into the appropriate location in the website forms. Since the secure connection to the website server is established in the secure boundary of the authentication device, the information is protected from being obtained by any malware that may reside in the user's computer. | 06-10-2010 |
20100145883 | AUTOMATED MAIL CREATION AND PROCESSING SYSTEM - A system and method for preparing mail packages to be sent to recipients includes a carrier envelope with a front address window and a back window. A content document having a style code printed on it is positioned at the back of the carrier envelope. The content style code is positioned to be visible through the back window of the carrier envelope. A reply envelope is enclosed with an address area aligned with the front window of the carrier envelope. Mail packages are prepared by storing a corresponding content style for the recipient. While transported, the content style code is scanned. From the style code, a recipient having the corresponding content style is selected from the stored list. That recipients name and address are printed onto the address area of the reply envelope. | 06-10-2010 |
20100145882 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SECURELY TRANSFERRING THE PERSONALITY OF A POSTAL METER AT A NON-SECURE LOCATION - A method and system for securely transferring the personality of a postage meter system to a replacement postage meter system at a non-secure location includes the steps of connecting a security tool to the postage meter system at the non-secure location and the tool retrieving data from the postage meter system. The tool signs the retrieved data. The tool is connected to a data center and the tool transmits the signed data to the data center. The data center validates the signature and content of the retrieved data and the data center signs replacement adjusted data and transmits the signed replacement adjusted data from said data center to the tool at non-secure location. The tool sends the signed replacement adjusted data to the replacement postage meter system and the replacement postage meter system validates and installs the signed replacement adjusted data in the postage meter system at the non-secure location. | 06-10-2010 |
20100144376 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING HARD COPIES OF ELECTRONIC INFORMATION EMPLOYING A PORTABLE PERSONAL RECEIVING DEVICE - A method for producing hard copies of electronic information employing a portable personal receiving device includes the steps of selecting information to print and utilizing the receiving device to identify available printers based on the location of the receiving device for printing the selected information in hard copy form. The portable receiving device is connected to one of the available printers and the selected information is printed in hard copy form. A system for producing hard copies of electronic information employing a portable personal receiving device includes a portable receiving device having a program enabling selection of information to print. The portable device includes a program to identify available printers based on the location of the receiving device. A communications link connects the portable receiving device to an available printer. The receiving device may be a cell phone and global positioning satellite functionality and/or cell phone tower positions may be employed to determine the location of the receiving device. | 06-10-2010 |
20100143578 | MULTIPLE COLOR FLUORESCENCE SECURITY IMPRINT - A method for creating a security mark includes applying a first color fluorescence ink to a substrate and applying a second color fluorescent ink to the substrate is provided. The second color fluorescent ink overlies at least a portion of the substrate where said first color fluorescent ink is applied. A third color is applied to the substrate adjacent the substrate area where said second color fluorescent ink is applied. The first color fluorescent ink, the second color fluorescent ink and the third color border are such that a security mark is formed on the substrate. The blue color fluorescence, the red color fluorescence and the third color on the substrate are such that when viewed through a lens the security mark optical characteristics change. The change is from the optical characteristics of the security mark when the security mark is not illuminated with fluorescence-exciting radiation to a different optical characteristics when the security mark is illuminated with fluorescence exciting radiation. | 06-10-2010 |
20100142706 | IN-LINE DECRYPTION DEVICE FOR SECURELY PRINTING DOCUMENTS - A media content printing method that includes storing encrypted media content data representing media content in a computing device, generating a file of print commands that include the encrypted media content data non-encrypted commands for printing the media content based on the encrypted media content data, and sending the file of print commands to an intermediate device that stores a cryptographic key. The method further includes sending the non-encrypted commands to a printing device, determining if the media content is authorized to be printed, and decrypting the encrypted media content data in the intermediate electronic device that corresponds to the authorized media content to produce decrypted media content data. The decrypted media content data is sent to the printing device for printing the media content based on the non-encrypted commands and the decrypted media content. | 06-10-2010 |
20100141979 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRINTING DOCUMENTS HAVING A COPY DETECTION PATTERN - A method of printing a document includes generating commands in a computing device that include: (i) commands for printing based on document data, and (ii) an identification of a determined portion of the document data that is to be used in generating a printed copy detection pattern. The method further includes sending the printer control commands to an intermediate electronic device that stores a key, generating copy detection pattern data using the determined portion of the document data and the cryptographic key, and generating modified printer control commands that include commands for printing a first document portion based on the document data and a second document portion including the printed copy detection pattern based on the copy detection pattern data. Finally, the modified printer control commands are sent to a printing device. Also, a system is provided for implementing the method. | 06-10-2010 |
20100140340 | METHOD FOR MANAGING INTELLIGENT MAIL TRACKING CODES FOR MULTIPLE MAILERS - A computer implemented method for a mail tracking service provider to manage mail tracking identification codes for customers. A master list is maintained of identification codes that have been provided to customers. A customer sends a request for a block of identification codes to use with their mailing. The service generates a block of identification codes, referring to the master list to determine identification codes that are not already being used. The generated block is sent to the customer. The service updates the master list to identify the customer and the block sent. The mailer sends mailing job data back to the tracking service. The job data identifies which codes from the block have been placed on mail to be delivered. The service gathers data about the delivery of the mail from the carrier service, and the tracking data is consolidated and provided in a report to the customer. | 06-10-2010 |
20100138321 | METHOD OF POSTAL FRAUD DETECTION FOR STAMPS ACTIVATED AT POINT OF SALE - A method of paying for postage stamps, that involves offering a postage stamp for sale by a distributor to a consumer, wherein the stamp has a unique identification code and is initially inactive; distributing the postage stamp to the consumer; activating the stamp for use; and accounting with the distributor for postage associated with the stamp after the stamp has been distributed to the consumer. | 06-03-2010 |
20100131759 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTHENTICATING SENDERS AND RECIPIENTS IN A CARRIER SYSTEM AND PROVIDING RECEIPT OF SPECIFIED CONTENT BY A RECIPIENT - Methods and systems for authenticating senders and recipients in a carrier system and providing receipt of specified content by a recipient are provided. A one-time recipient identification code is generated that can be entered into the delivery agent's portable terminal. Data is protected against eavesdropping by encryption and by splitting cipher text and an encryption key into two parts that are not accessible to any single party except at the moment of the mail unit delivery. | 05-27-2010 |
20100131429 | METHOD FOR RECIPIENTS OF MAIL TO INFORM MAILERS OF MAILING PREFERENCES - A method and system for identifying recipient mailing preferences to mailers. A mail preparation center sends a plurality of mail recipients mail pieces having a mail campaign identifiers printed thereon. Mail recipients communicate with a data center to input the mail campaign identifiers received. The data center also gathers recipients' future mail campaign mailing preference options. The recipient preferences are communicated back to the mailing center. The mail preparation center may include a postage meter with at least one accounting register for accounting for value and the further steps of processing the plurality of mail pieces with the postage meter to account in the accounting register for the value of the mail piece mail campaign identifier of each mail piece processed by the postage meter. | 05-27-2010 |
20100131196 | REVERSE GEOCODING SYSTEM USING COMBINED STREET SEGMENT AND POINT DATASETS - A reverse geocoding system and method processes a point level dataset and a street segment dataset to determine an address for a particular latitude and longitude of an input point entered into the system. A determination is made if the point level dataset contains a point level data address match to the entered latitude and longitude data within the closest street segment and without crossing the street segment. Any such point level data address match is output. When no such point level data address match is made, the system computes an interpolated address from a range of addresses of the closest street segment in the street segment dataset based on the entered latitude and longitude of the input point in relation to said range of addresses for the closest street segment. The interpolated address from the closest street segment in the street segment dataset is output. | 05-27-2010 |
20100128872 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SECURING COMMUNICATIONS IN A METERING DEVICE - A method and system for securing the communication link between the accounting device and printer of a metering system by authenticating the data being sent via the link utilizing a Nonlinear Feedback Shift Register (NLFSR) based system is provided. A NLFSR is provided in each of the accounting unit and printing unit of a metering system. The NLFSR in the accounting unit is utilized to generate a message authentication code (MAC) for the image data being sent from the accounting unit to the printing unit. The printing unit generates a corresponding MAC for the received image data using the NLFSR in the printing unit. The MAC generated by the printing unit is compared with the MAC generated by the accounting unit. If the MACs are similar, the image data is accepted as authentic and the printing unit will print the image corresponding to the image data. | 05-27-2010 |
20100128294 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USER-SELECTABLE SOFT FONT AND PRINT STREAM DATA TEMPLATE CONTROL IN A PRINTER DRIVER - Printing systems and methods for user-selectable dynamic soft font and print stream data template control processing in a printer driver are provided. The system utilizes a print job driver screen that provides the user with a selectable option to convert soft fonts into graphics that are transferred to the printer. When using multi-byte fonts, and in particular when using multi-byte fonts in a character mangling operating system, printer memory may be rapidly allocated and consumed. However, soft fonts persist in printer memory for the length of the print job. The printer system provided herein allows the user to dynamically select an option to forgo soft font loading for the entire print job and instead transmit appropriate font graphics that are discarded from memory after use after a character threshold has been reached. | 05-27-2010 |
20100127451 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING FRICTION FORCES DEVELOPED ON AN ENVELOPE IN A MAILPIECE INSERTION MODULE - A system for controlling friction forces acting on a mailpiece in a mailpiece insertion module. The system includes at least one friction drive belt, a repositionable backstop assembly for arresting the motion of the envelope when disposed in a first position and permitting the conveyance along the feed path when disposed in a second position, an actuator operative to position the backstop assembly into the first and second positions and consuming energy to maintain the backstop assembly in the first position, a sensor for measuring the magnitude of energy consumed by the actuator; a means for developing a pressure differential across the envelope to urge the envelope into frictional engagement with the drive belts and for developing friction forces along a mating interface between the envelope and the friction drive surface, and a system controller, responsive to a sensed signal indicative of the energy consumed, for varying the magnitude of the pressure differential and the friction forces developed along the mating interface of the envelope. | 05-27-2010 |
20100127449 | ARRANGEMENT FOR MOUNTING AN INGESTION ASSEMBLY OF A SINGULATING APPARATUS - An arrangement for mounting an ingestion assembly within a singulating apparatus operative to singulate and convey sheet material along a feed path. The mounting arrangement includes a radial bearing pivotally mounting the ingestion assembly to a stationary support structure of the singulating apparatus. The radial bearing is operative to pivot the singulating assembly from an operating position to an idle position about a pivot axis which is substantially orthogonal to the feed path of the sheet material. The mounting arrangement also includes an over-center mechanism disposed in combination with the radial bearing for biasing the ingestion assembly about the pivot axis such that the ingestion assembly is forcibly held in each of the operating and idle positions. Optimum space utilization and ease of use is provided by the radial bearing which cantilever mounts the ingestion assembly to the singulating apparatus. | 05-27-2010 |
20100122514 | ENVELOPE TRANSPORT - An apparatus includes a first feed path configured to transport an envelope from an input at an envelope supply to an insertion location, and a second feed path configured to transport the envelope with a mail piece insert therein from the insertion location to an output. The first and second feed paths intersect at an intersection spaced from the insertion location. The paths are angled relative to each other at the intersection. | 05-20-2010 |
20100117350 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VALIDATING A SECURITY MARKING - A method and system for authenticating an item by using a security marking. The security marking is provided on the item with an OVD ink capable of absorbing light in a visible wavelength range to appear visibly black and producing a red fluorescent emission under ultraviolet excitation. Under visible light illumination and ultraviolet excitation, a visible image and a fluorescent image are obtained from the security marking using image scanners. The images are compared to find a substantial match with each other. The security marking can be a postage indicium, a barcode, a symbol, a message or an image. The item to be authenticated can be a mailpiece, a banknote, a tag, a ticket, a document, an identification card, or the like. | 05-13-2010 |
20100110507 | ITEM TRANSPORT SYSTEM WITH PNEUMATIC ALIGNER - An item transport system includes an input transport for receiving items along a first transport path, an angle transport for conveying the items along a second transport path disposed at an angle with respect to the first transport path, an alignment transport for conveying the items along a third transport path disposed at approximately 90 degrees to the first transport path, and an alignment surface for engaging the items while the items are conveyed in the alignment transport. The alignment transport may include an alignment nip comprising a driven element and an idler element for engaging opposing surfaces of the items, a manifold, a source providing pressurized gas to the manifold, and an orifice in the manifold proximate to the third transport path, wherein the idler element is disposed in the orifice. | 05-06-2010 |
20100106293 | POSTAL KIOSK SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ELECTRONIC POST OFFICE BOX SERVICES - A system and method for providing electronic post office box services including a storage system, a retrieval system a postal kiosk and a system processor. The storage system images and stores a plurality of mailpieces and includes a plurality of escort devices disposed in combination with a transport assembly for moving each escort device into and out of a loading station. The retrieval system releases at least one selected mailpiece from the plurality of mailpieces within the storage system and delivers the selected mailpiece to the operator. The postal kiosk includes a display unit and an input device. The display unit displays the imaged mailpiece information associated with selected mailpiece in the storage system and the input device receives an instruction from an operator regarding the selected mailpiece. The system processor communicates the instructions associated with the selected mailpiece from the postal kiosk to the escort devices within the storage system. | 04-29-2010 |
20100106289 | CRYPTOGRAPHIC DEVICE HAVING ACTIVE CLEARING OF MEMORY REGARDLESS OF STATE OF EXTERNAL POWER - A cryptographic device that will actively clear its memory even in the absence of external power when a security breach is detected is provided. The memory cell clusters of the cryptographic device are provided with an internal power source that provides sufficient energy for the memory cell clusters to perform a clearing operation. If the external power source for the memory is removed and a physical security breach is detected, the power from the internal power source will allow the memory cells to actively clear their contents, thereby rendering any attempt to obtain the contents of the memory cells fruitless. | 04-29-2010 |
20100096802 | HIGH THROUGHPUT SHEET ACCUMULATOR - An improved sheet accumulator for stacking serially fed sheets transported on a paper path includes a guide deck. Above the guide deck, a plurality of parallel belts are positioned to provide a driving force for sheets on the deck. Within the accumulator, a ramp apparatus is positioned across the paper path whereby sheets driven by the belts on an upstream portion of the accumulator deck are driven over the ramp apparatus and deposited in an accumulating region of the accumulator deck on a downstream side of the ramp apparatus. Sheets are stopped by an accumulator stop mechanism located at a downstream end of the accumulating region that prevents movement of sheets by the belts while sheets for an accumulation are being collected. When an accumulation is completed, the accumulator stop mechanism allows sheets to be transported from the accumulating region. | 04-22-2010 |
20100095822 | DOCUMENT PROCESSING MACHINE WITH IMPROVED DRIVING SYSTEM - A document processing machine comprising is provided including a table for routing documents in a longitudinal direction, a longitudinal document guide wall disposed on one side of the table, and a device for cutting off a portion of a document, the device being arranged downstream of the wall, the wall being movable laterally relative to the cutter device into a plurality of lateral or cutting positions in order to obtain a plurality of cutting widths according to the position of the wall, wherein the machine includes at least one drive member mobile between a rest position and a driving position, the change from the rest position to the driving position being effected by laterally moving the wall from a cutting position to a non-cutting position in which a document routed on the table does not enter the cutter device, said at least one drive member being adapted, in its driving position, to drive a document in the downstream direction when the cutter device is in the non-cutting position. | 04-22-2010 |
20100089986 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND ARTICLE FOR PRODUCING A MAILPIECE ENVELOPE HAVING IMPROVED SEAL INTEGRITY - A method, system and article for producing an envelope having improved seal integrity. The method comprises the steps of disposing at least one material at the interface of the adhesive seal between the flap and the body portion of the envelope, which material exhibits a characteristic property when combined with an activating agent. The envelope is then sealed by closing the flap onto the body portion of the envelope such that the activating agent combines with the material along the sealing interface. The sealing interface is inspected to determine whether the material exhibits the characteristic property thereby confirming that a seal has been produced between the flap and body portion of the envelope. The system and article are directed to the various modules of a mailpiece fabrication system employed to produce the mailpiece including an inspection module for confirming that a seal has been formed. | 04-15-2010 |
20100089003 | SEAL INTEGRITY FOR MAILPIECE ENVELOPES - A method, system and article for producing an envelope having improved seal integrity. A method includes the steps of: disposing at least one material at the interface of the adhesive seal between the flap and the body portion of the envelope, which material radiates thermal energy when combined with an activating agent. The envelope is then sealed by closing the flap onto the body portion of the envelope and combining the material with the activating agent at the sealing interface so as to change the thermal energy radiated therefrom. The seal is then inspected to determine whether the thermal energy radiated from the activated material has changed thereby confirming that a seal has been produced between the flap and body portion of the envelope. The system and article are directed to the various modules of a mailpiece fabrication system employed to produce the mailpiece including an inspection module for confirming that a seal has been formed. | 04-15-2010 |
20100084246 | ITEM TRANSPORT SYSTEM WITH AIR DIVERT MODULE - An item transport system includes a first transport and a divert module for diverting predetermined items. The first transport includes a first deck for supporting items and a first transport element for transporting the items along the first deck on a transport path. The divert module includes a second deck for supporting the predetermined items, a second transport element for transporting the predetermined items along the second deck on a divert path, and a fluid supply element selectively actuable to direct a fluid onto at least a leading edge of the predetermined items to divert the predetermined items onto the second deck. | 04-08-2010 |
20100080471 | System and method for paper independent copy detection pattern - Systems and methods for detecting copies of documents are described. In one example, a system and method for detecting copies of documents utilizes multiple authentication tests performed using original and scanned copy detection patterns. The system captures a CDP that may be skewed or improperly sized. The system also retrieves or reconstitutes the expected CDP. Then the system performs a first correlation to determine if the captured CDP indicates the correct document identification and then if necessary, one or more authentication tests are applied wherein the authentication test may be grouped into distinct orthogonal test groups. The authentication tests applied may be selected according to usefulness, system throughput or target document valuation parameters. | 04-01-2010 |
20100080441 | CONFIRMING CANCELLATION OF TRUNCATED CHECKS - A method of operating a check processing system includes scanning a check on a first occasion to generate a first image of the check. The first image is transmitted to a financial institution. The check is scanned on a second occasion later than the first occasion to generate a second image of the check. The second image of the check is transmitted to the financial institution. The second image of the check is examined to determine whether the check was cancelled prior to the second occasion. | 04-01-2010 |
20100078880 | ALIGNMENT/REGISTRATION AND CONVEYANCE APPARATUS - An apparatus for registering sheet material while being conveyed along a feed path including: (i) a conveyance deck for conveying sheet material along a support surface, (ii) a registration member defining an abutment surface operative to align an edge of the sheet material as the sheet material is conveyed along the support surface of the conveyance deck, and (iii) a drive mechanism disposed adjacent to the registration member and along the conveyance deck. The drive mechanism includes a flexible belt disposed about and supported by at least two rolling elements, and a means for driving the flexible belt about the rolling elements. The flexible belt includes a twisted section defining a plurality of spiral edge segments operative to (i) frictionally engage a surface of the sheet material to urge the sheet material against the abutment surface and (ii) convey the sheet material along the conveyance deck. | 04-01-2010 |
20100078879 | APPARATUS FOR ALTERING THE ORIENTATION AND/OR DIRECTION OF SHEET MATERIAL IN MAILPIECE FABRICATION SYSTEMS - An apparatus is provided for altering the spatial orientation and/or direction of sheet material. The apparatus includes an input deck for receiving sheet material along an input feed path, an output deck for forwarding sheet material along an output feed path, and an orbit nip roller assembly disposed adjacent to and aligned with the input and output decks. The orbit nip roller assembly includes a primary and secondary roller defining a roller nip which lies substantially parallel to the input and output feed paths. The secondary roller is adapted to be bi-directionally displaced in an arc about the periphery of the primary roller such that the roller nip orbits the primary roller from a first radial position to a second radial position. In the first radial position, the roller nip is adapted to accept sheet material from the input deck at a substantially right angle relative to the input feed path and, in the second radial position, the roller nip is adapted to dispense sheet material to the output deck at a substantially right angle relative to the output feed path. | 04-01-2010 |
20100078873 | SINGULATING SHEET FEEDER - A singulating sheet feeder includes a deck for slidably supporting a plurality of sheets and a drive system for moving the sheets along the deck. The drive system includes a drive element for engaging a lowermost sheet to move the sheets into a shingled arrangement. The sheet feeder further includes a transport element for transporting the lowermost sheet away from the plurality of sheets and a separator element proximate to the transport element including a substantially planar surface for engaging leading edges of subsequent sheets to retard motion of the subsequent sheets as the lowermost sheet is transported, wherein the substantially planar surface is disposed at an acute angle to the deck. | 04-01-2010 |
20100063622 | AUTOMATED COMPLIANCE WITH DO-NOT-MAIL REQUIREMENTS - A method includes feeding a mailpiece into a sorter and transporting the mailpiece through the sorter. The method further includes reading addressing information from the mailpiece in the sorter, and comparing the addressing information with at least one do-not-mail list. In addition, the method includes outsorting the mailpiece from the mailstream if the addressing information indicates a recipient who is listed in the do-not-mail list. | 03-11-2010 |
20100059923 | DOCUMENT PROCESSING MACHINE SUCH AS AN ENVELOPE OPENER - A document processing machine including means for moving a document in a longitudinal direction and a device for cutting off a portion of the document is described. In an illustrative configuration, the document processing machine includes, adjacent to the cutting device, a mobile guide path for the cut-off portion of the document that is adapted to support and drive said cut-off portion in an ejection direction. | 03-11-2010 |
20100058483 | METHOD FOR PROTECTING SIGNATURES STORED IN A DATABASE - A method of protecting the privacy of a signature that may be used in, for example, a vote by mail system, that includes creating a distorted version of the registration signature, storing the distorted version of the registration signature, and storing a mechanism for converting the distorted registration signature into an undistorted registration signature. The stored mechanism may later be used to reverse the distortion so that the undistorted signature can be used in a verification process. | 03-04-2010 |
20100049536 | METHODS FOR CREATING CONSOLIDATED MAILPIECES - A method includes receiving a plurality of mail messages. The plurality of mail messages are all appointed for delivery by mail to the same recipient. Each of the mail messages includes a respective account number for the mail recipient. The method further includes combining the received mail messages into a single combined mailpiece addressed to the mail recipient. All of the account numbers included in the mail messages are mutually different from each other. | 02-25-2010 |
20100042554 | MAILING SYSTEM HAVING EMPLOYEE PERSONAL POSTAGE ACCOUNTING CAPABILITY - A mail processing system that has employee personal postage accounting capability is provided. When a mail processing system is used to process personal mail, a record of the fees for such personal mail, associated with an identification of the employee sending the personal mail, is generated by the mail processing system. The mail processing system periodically sends such records to a payroll system, which uses the records to automatically deduct the fees from the respective employee's paycheck. By integrating the mail processing system to the payroll system, the mail processing system can be utilized by employees to process personal mail, and the fees for such personal mail collected from each employee, without the risk of handling cash in the mail room or the added expense of credit card fees. | 02-18-2010 |
20100032894 | RIGHT ANGLE TURN (RAT) MODULE FOR CONVEYING MAILPIECE COLLATIONS - A Right Angle Turn (RAT) module for processing multi-sheet collations includes opposed belt segments defining a conveyance channel for capturing multi-sheet collations therebetween and for conveying multi-sheet collations from an input and to an output end of the conveyance channel. The opposed belt segments define a first re-directing bend, a second re-directing bend, and a twist section disposed therebetween. The first re-directing bend includes a rolling element for re-directing the opposed belt segments about a first axis of rotation while the second re-directing bend includes a rolling element for re-directing the opposed belt segments about a second axis of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation are orthogonal to each other so as to effect a twist section therebetween. The RAT module additionally includes a mechanism for driving the opposed belt segments about the first and second re-directing bends to convey the multi-sheet collations from the input to output ends and effect a right angle turn of the multi-sheet collations. | 02-11-2010 |
20100013148 | SELF-ALIGNING NIP FOR WEB FEEDING MECHANISM - A feeding mechanism for feeding a web of paper in a paper handling system includes a feeding nip assembly having a driven roller structured to be rotatably driven about a first axis, and an idler roller structured to rotate about a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis. In addition, the feeding nip assembly is structured to apply a force to the idler roller to push the idler roller toward the driven roller. The force is applied in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis. The idler roller is also structured to pivot about a third axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the second axis, and the direction of the force. | 01-21-2010 |
20100013142 | TRANSPORT FOR SINGULATING ITEMS - A method of singulating overlapping items includes receiving the overlapping items in a singulation device, the device including a first transport element configured for rotation in a first direction and a second transport element in opposing relation to the first transport element, wherein the second transport element is configured for rotation in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The method further includes rotating the first transport element at a first transport speed, rotating the second transport element at a second transport speed substantially equal to the first transport speed, conveying the overlapping items between the transport elements along a transport path, decreasing the second transport speed to singulate the overlapping items, decreasing the first transport speed to reduce a speed of a lead item, and transporting the lead item away from the singulation device. | 01-21-2010 |
20100001070 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING POTENTIAL COERCION OR VOTE BUYING IN VOTE BY MAIL SYSTEMS - Organized coercion or buying of votes can be detected based upon information associated with the return of vote by mail ballots, and more specifically an induction parameter related to the location where and time at which vote by mail ballots are inducted into a carrier system for return to the election officials. Upon receipt of the vote by mail ballots by election officials, at least one induction parameter is obtained from the envelope. The data that is collected can be analyzed to detect situations that indicate potential coercion or vote buying by comparing it with expected induction parameters. If a situation that indicates potential coercion or vote buying is detected, those voters whose ballots are involved can be contacted by the election officials, before the votes are tallied, to ensure that the specific voters have not been coerced or sold their vote. | 01-07-2010 |
20090322275 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING THE POSITION ACCURACY OF A SERVO MOTOR - A method of operating a motor controlled by a closed loop servo control system is provided. The closed loop servo control system employs a digital filter, such as a PID filter, that employs one or more gain coefficients. The method includes temporarily increasing one or more of the gain coefficients by a corresponding first predetermined amount when the motor reaches a coefficient boost motor position that is a predetermined distance before a commanded motor rest position, and decreasing the one or more of the gain coefficients by a corresponding second predetermined amount a predetermined time after the motor reaches the commanded motor rest position. | 12-31-2009 |
20090318253 | BELT OVERLOAD DEVICE - An apparatus including a belt support system having a first belt support roller and a system for automatically moving the first belt support roller. The belt support system partially wraps a continuous belt on a belt drive roller. The belt support system includes the first belt support roller at an upstream side of the belt drive roller and a second belt support roller at a downstream side. The system for moving the first belt support roller moves the first roller from a first location relative to the belt drive roller to a second different location, based upon a predetermined load of the belt on the first belt support roller to thereby reduce an amount of wrap of the belt on the belt drive roller and reduce a length of the belt located proximate to the belt drive roller between the first and second belt support rollers. | 12-24-2009 |
20090317216 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING WEAR OF A CONTINUOUS CHAIN - A system for detecting wear in a gripper chain of a chain conveyor is provided. The system includes an optical sensing system having a detection path located vertically beneath a portion of the gripper chain at a predetermined location. The detection path is located such that, when the gripper chain becomes elongated and droops a predetermined amount due to wear of the gripper chain, the sensing system senses the presence of the gripper chain in the detection path. | 12-24-2009 |
20090315251 | FEED TIMING ADJUSTMENT FOR SHEET FEEDER - A method for feeding media items seriatim along a path of travel includes initiating a feed of a first media item along the path of travel and detecting the presence of the first media item along the path of travel. The time value is determined between initiating the feeding of the first media item and detecting the presence of the first media item. The initiating of feed of a second media item along the path of travel is controlled based on the determined time value between initiating the feeding of the first media item and detecting the presence of the first media item. | 12-24-2009 |
20090314611 | RECONFIGURABLE TRANSPORT SYSTEM - A reconfigurable transport system includes a transport device for receiving items in a first orientation in one of a first portion and a second portion and releasing the items from the other of the first portion and the second portion. The transport device includes rotating transport elements in opposing relation. Items received between the transport elements are conveyed along a transport axis. The transport system further includes a positioning device for selectively moving the second portion between a first position in which the transport device maintains the items in the first orientation, and a second position in which the transport device rotates the items substantially about the transport axis to a second orientation. | 12-24-2009 |
20090307087 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING TARGETED ADVERTISING WHILE MAINTAINING PRIVACY OF PERSONAL INFORMATION OF RECIPIENTS - A method by which a services vendor, such as, without limitation, a health insurance company or a pharmaceutical company, among others, can provide targeted advertising to recipients based on the recipients' private personal information while still maintaining the confidentiality of such information. | 12-10-2009 |