Abstract:
A modular document sorting apparatus and method. A plurality of modules (102, 104, 106) are functionally connected to one another to enable them to scan documents for information and sort the documents according to the scanned information. Each module performs at least one function. Functions can include, feeding documents into the apparatus, singulating documents, transporting documents through at least a portion of the apparatus, scanning documents, printing on documents and sorting documents according to scanned information. Each module may be powered by a separate power supply. A single on/off switch can controls a plurality of modules.
Abstract:
A decontaminator and methods of decontamination of objects within a chamber, or the chamber itself. The decontaminator includes a decontaminant container for storing decontaminant. The container is connected to a valve to regulate the flow of decontaminant out of the container and into a vapor box or directly into a chamber. A heater heats the decontaminant in the vapor box to form a vapor. A fan may be implemented to disburse the vapor into the chamber. A decontaminant distribution device may also be included to improve circulation of the decontaminant within the chamber. A decontamination method is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method of sorting items using multiple OCR attempts. A marking is read on the item with use of at least two or more of the following: a first algorithm with first settings; a second algorithm; and the first algorithm with second settings. The marking readings are compared to a database (122), and if the marking corresponds to data in the database, the data is selected. Readings may be performed simultaneously or consecutively (118). Also disclosed is a computer readable medium and system of one or more computers, and computer data signals embodied in a transmission medium to carry out the inventive methods, and a sorting system that carried out methods of the present invention.
Abstract:
A decontaminator and methods of decontamination of objects within a chamber, or the chamber itself. The decontaminator includes a decontaminant container (102) for storing decontaminant. The container (102) is connected to a valve (104) to regulate the flow of decontaminant out of the container and into a vapor box (106) or directly into a chamber. A heater (108) heats the decontaminant in the vapor box (106) to form a vapor. A fan (112) may be implemented to disburse the vapor into the chamber. A decontaminant distribution device may also be included to improve circulation of the decontaminant within the chamber. A decontamination method is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method of sorting items using multiple OCR attempts. A marking is read on the item with use of at least two or more of the following: a first algorithm with first settings; a second algorithm; and the first algorithm with second settings. The marking readings are compared to a database, and if the marking corresponds to data in the database, the data is selected. Readings may be performed simultaneously or consecutively. Also disclosed is a computer readable medium and system of one or more computers, and computer data signals embodied in a transmission medium to carry out the inventive methods, and a sorting system that carried out methods of the present invention.
Abstract:
A method of processing a plurality of mail items in an automated system without isolating each mail item on a scale. The method includes creation of a mail item record that identifies the item and includes the weight. Mail items may be weighed by determining a first scale weight reading, introducing a mail item onto the scale, determining the mail item weight at one or more times within a time window, and finding the difference between each consecutive scale weight. Differences between scale weight readings not equal to zero are outputted. All outputted scale weight readings are totaled to obtain the mail item weight. Further disclosed are a mail processing system and a method of ceasing mail processing when invalid weights are detected.
Abstract:
A mail singulator system determines a position of an optical panel to automatically adjust a loading conveyor speed to prevent stacked and overlapped mailpieces in the singulator and large gaps between mailpieces. The optical panel is configured between the front mailpiece of a mail stack on the loading conveyor and the optical sensor. The optical panel changes position with the pressure exerted by the mail stack and provides signals to the controller to adjust the conveyor speed. An optical sensor may detect a far threshold position or limit distance to increase the speed of the conveyor and may detect a near threshold position of limit distance to reduce the speed of the conveyor. The optical panel may have a low friction surface to allow the mail to slide into the conveyor and an optical surface to allow reliable optical sensor detection of the optical panel position.
Abstract:
A mail singulator system determines a position of an optical panel to automatically adjust a loading conveyor speed to prevent stacked and overlapped mailpieces in the singulator and large gaps between mailpieces. The optical panel is configured between the front mailpiece of a mail stack on the loading conveyor and the optical sensor. The optical panel changes position with the pressure exerted by the mail stack and provides signals to the controller to adjust the conveyor speed. An optical sensor may detect a far threshold position or limit distance to increase the speed of the conveyor and may detect a near threshold position of limit distance to reduce the speed of the conveyor. The optical panel may have a low friction surface to allow the mail to slide into the conveyor and an optical surface to allow reliable optical sensor detection of the optical panel position.
Abstract:
A mail processing system utilizes a conveyor to shingle or de-shingle mailpieces as they move through the processing system and utilizes belts to move the mailpieces. A first shingling conveyor moves a first mailpiece to overlap with a second mailpiece to create shingled mailpieces. A second shingling conveyor moves a first mailpiece away from a second mailpiece to de-shingle them to create singulated mailpieces. A camera takes images of the mailpieces in the conveyor and image analysis software is used to determine dimensional aspects of the mailpieces that are used to control the belt speeds to move mailpieces with respect to each other. A mail processing system may include a mail processing station that scans addresses, applies postage and/or weighs the mailpieces. Mail may be de-shingled prior to being weighed and then re-shingled for subsequent processing, or mail may shingled prior to passing through a scale if weighing is not necessary.