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.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for the detection of substances (particularly particulate substances) within mail pieces, specifically letters and other "flats" of mail. In particular, the systems and methods are for the detection of residues of Chemical or Biological Warfare Agents (CBWAs) which may be present within the mail pieces. The system is principally designed to be included as part of Dual Pass Rough Cull System (DPRCS) for the collection and detection of the residue when the contaminated mail piece first enters a mail facility and before it is intermingled with other mail pieces.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for monitoring the stamps on mail items. According to the invention, said method is characterized in that graphic information is captured in at least one selected read area of the mail, whereupon the stored graphic information is compared to the graphic representation of the stamps. If the graphic information does not match one of the stored images, said mail is subjected to a another monitoring step. The invention also relates to a device which is suitable for carrying out the above-mentioned method.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for processing mail is provided. A stack of mail is placed in an input bin in a feeder module (20). A feeder (30) serially feeds the envelopes into a transport path. The envelopes are then examined to determine if the contents are qualified for extraction. Envelopes that are qualified for extraction are opened in a cutting module (60) and then conveyed to an extraction module (120) to extract the contents from the envelopes. The contents may then be scanned and reoriented as desired so that the contents are in a pre-determined orientation. The contents are then sorted into a stacker (220).
Abstract:
An apparatus for automatically acquiring and verifying, relative to pre-established rules, address information and postage value indicia on a face of each of a plurality of mail pieces. The mail pieces can be subsequently placed in a tray and a label is applied to the tray, the label imprinted with information which relates to the mail piece content of the tray. The apparatus includes an inserter to produce a finished mail piece or a sorter which conveys finished mail pieces, with the address information and postage value indicia visible. An in-line module is disposed adjacent the inserter, the module including a path along which each finished mail piece is transported. The module includes a scale and an image capture device. A scanning device can be provided to acquire a representation of the information on the tray label. An image processing device is provided in communication with the control processor device, and is adapted to synchronize acquisition, storage and verification of the address information, postage value indicia and label information.
Abstract:
Method for dispatching, by one mailer to a number of different addresses, mail pieces, such as letters. For this purpose the mailer collects the still unfranked mail pieces in a special collective package, together with an order signed by him. The order card is provided with a preferably machine-readable identification of the mailer. The mailer submits the closed collective package for dispatch. In a distribution node, the package is opened; the mail pieces are counted, weighed and franked by a franking machine. On the basis of the mailer identification and the data in the franking machine, the mailer receives a specified invoice, and the payment is taken care of automatically.
Abstract:
Une installation de séparation et d'individualisation d'objets postaux hétérogènes du type petits colis ou paquets, est caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend une plateforme (3) pour stocker un tas d'objets postaux disposés en vrac, un système de vision (4) adapté pour former des images numériques du tas d'objets postaux en vrac qui est statique sur la plateforme, et une tête de préhension (8) pneumatique d'un bras robotisé. Le système de vision (4) comprend au moins une source laser qui projette sur le tas d'objets un faisceau de lignes laser déployées en éventail ce qui permet, à partir d'images comprenant les lignes laser sur le tas d'objets, de calculer avec précision une carte de profondeurs et de réaliser un détourage numérique pour individualiser un objet du tas d'objets en vrac.
Abstract:
Dispositif de dépilage d'envois postaux multi-modes Un dispositif de dépilage d'envois postaux comprend un magasin d'alimentation (1) déplaçant les envois (3) en pile sur chant selon une certaine direction (6) vers une tête de dépilage (5). Il est prévu des capteurs de matériaux (28,29) pour fournir dessignaux (S) indicatifs qu'un envoi courant a une enveloppe en plastique et/ou comporte un matériau métallique. Une unité de commande (13) force le fonctionnement du magasin d'alimentation et de la tête de dépilage en fonction des signaux produits par les capteurs pour que les envois se présentent face à la tête de dépilage dans une position plus ou moins inclinée en arrière.