US4571925A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Insertion machine with postage categorization
Assignee: BBH Inc
•
Filing: 1983-06-09
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Granted: 1986-02-25
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Expires: 2003-06-09
Abstract
Abstract In an insertion machine a track 20 moves groups of items past feed stations 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 and 42 during respective machine cycles. The feed stations selectively feed items, onto the track 20 for inclusion with a group of items and eventual stuffing into an envelope to which postage need be applied. In order for data processing means 102 to calculate the amount of postage necessary, an operator uses a keyboard and display 110 to input predetermined per item weight values for items held at select stations. The data processing means 102 uses the predetermined values indicative of the per item weight of items held in the stations to obtain a calculated total weight for each group of items.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerryl Adams
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 08:58
CPC Classifications
B; B43; B43M; B43M3/00; B43M3/04; B07; B07C; B07C1/00; G; G07; G07B; G07B17/00; G07B17/00185; G07B17/00362; G07B2017/0037
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 47
Claim 1
Independent Claim
172 words
In an insertion machine of the type in which an insertion track moves groups of items past a different one of a plurality of feed stations during each machine cycle, said plurality of feed stations being adapted to selectively feed items onto said track for inclusion with a group of said items, wherein the improvement comprises: data processing means including memory means and arithmetic logic means; means for selectively inputting into said data processing memory means with respect to each selected station a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at said station; means including said data processing arithmetic logic means for using said predetermined values indicative of the per item weight of items held in said feed stations to obtain a calculated total weight for each group of items; and, means for using said calculated weight total to determine how each group of items is to be processed by the insertion machine relative to the application of postage to an envelope associated with said group of items.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
172 words
In an insertion machine of the type in which an insertion track moves groups of items past a different one of a plurality of feed stations during each machine cycle, said plurality of feed stations being adapted to selectively feed items onto said track for inclusion with a group of said items, wherein the improvement comprises: data processing means including memory means and arithmetic logic means; means for selectively inputting into said data processing memory means with respect to each selected station a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at said station; means including said data processing arithmetic logic means for using said predetermined values indicative of the per item weight of items held in said feed stations to obtain a calculated total weight for each group of items; and, means for using said calculated weight total to determine how each group of items is to be processed by the insertion machine relative to the application of postage to an envelope associated with said group of items.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: at least one postage meter responsively connected to said means which determines how each group of items is to be processed relative to the application of postage, said postage meter being settable to apply postage to an envelope associated with a group of items.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
77 words
The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: at least one diversion device for diverting an envelope associated with a group of items, said diversion device being responsively connected to said means which determines how each group of items is to be processed relative to the application of postage whereby said diversion device is activated to divert said envelope if the calculated weight of said envelope does not fall within an associated weight range of said postage meter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
81 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of postage meters positioned whereby a selected one of said postage meters is activatable to apply postage to an envelope associated with a group of items, each of said postage meters being settable to apply appropriate postage for an associated range of calculated weights, each of said postage meters being responsively connected to said means which determines how each group of items is to be processed relative to the application of postage.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
343 words
A method of selectively determining the amount of postage to be applied to each of a plurality of envelopes into which items are inserted by an insertion machine, said insertion machine being of the type in which an insertion track moves groups of items past a different one of a plurality of feed stations during each machine cycle, said plurality of feed stations including a first feed station from which a master control item is fed onto said track and further feed stations from which items are selectively fed in accordance with indicia on said master control item onto said track for inclusion with a group including said master control item, said method comprising the steps of: reading said indicia; determining from said indicia on said master control item the particular further feed stations from which items are to be fed onto said insertion track during an appropriate subsequent machine cycle for inclusion with said group including said master control item; means for determining from said indicia on said master control item the number of items to be fed from at least one such further feed station during said appropriate cycle for inclusion in said group; storing a value indicative of the number of items to be fed from said further feed station for inclusion with said group; selectively inputting into said data processing memory means with respect to each selected station a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at said station; using said stored values indicative of the number of items fed from a feed station and said predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held in said feed station to obtain a calculated subtotal weight with respect to said feed station; using calculated subtotal weights for a plurality of said stations to obtain a calculated total weight; and using said calculated total weight to determine how each group of items is to be processed by the insertion machine relative to the application of postage to an envelope associated with said group of items.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
343 words
A method of selectively determining the amount of postage to be applied to each of a plurality of envelopes into which items are inserted by an insertion machine, said insertion machine being of the type in which an insertion track moves groups of items past a different one of a plurality of feed stations during each machine cycle, said plurality of feed stations including a first feed station from which a master control item is fed onto said track and further feed stations from which items are selectively fed in accordance with indicia on said master control item onto said track for inclusion with a group including said master control item, said method comprising the steps of: reading said indicia; determining from said indicia on said master control item the particular further feed stations from which items are to be fed onto said insertion track during an appropriate subsequent machine cycle for inclusion with said group including said master control item; means for determining from said indicia on said master control item the number of items to be fed from at least one such further feed station during said appropriate cycle for inclusion in said group; storing a value indicative of the number of items to be fed from said further feed station for inclusion with said group; selectively inputting into said data processing memory means with respect to each selected station a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at said station; using said stored values indicative of the number of items fed from a feed station and said predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held in said feed station to obtain a calculated subtotal weight with respect to said feed station; using calculated subtotal weights for a plurality of said stations to obtain a calculated total weight; and using said calculated total weight to determine how each group of items is to be processed by the insertion machine relative to the application of postage to an envelope associated with said group of items.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method of claim 5, further comprising the steps of: setting at least one postage meter to apply appropriate postage for a calculated weight; and, actuating said postage meter to apply postage to a stuffed envelope associated with a group of items, said postage meter being responsively connected to said means which determines how each group of items is to be processed relative to the application of postage.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of: activating a diversion device to divert said stuffed envelope it the calculated weight of said stuffed envelope does not lie within an associated weight range of said postage meter, said diversion device being responsively connected to said means which determines how each group of items is to be processed relative to the application of postage.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
95 words
The method of claim 5, further comprising the steps of: setting each of a plurality of postage meters to apply appropriate postage for an associated range of calculated weights; and, activating an appropriate one of said plurality of postage meters to apply postage to said stuffed envelope associated with said group of items if the calculated weight of said stuffed envelope lies in said associated range, said plurality of postage meters each being responsively connected to said means which determines how each group of items is to be processed relative to the application of postage.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
356 words
In an insertion machine of the type in which an insertion track moves groups of items past a different one of a plurality of feed stations during each machine cycle, said plurality of feed stations including a first feed station from which a master control item is fed onto said track and further feed stations from which items are selectively fed in accordance with indicia on said master control item onto said track for inclusion with a group including said master control item, wherein the improvement comprises: means for reading said indicia; means for determining from said indicia on said master control item the particular further feed stations from which items are to be fed onto said insertion track during an appropriate subsequent machine cycle for inclusion with said group including said master control item; means for determining from said indicia on said master control item the number of items to be fed from at least one such further feed station during said appropriate cycle for inclusion in said group; data processing means including memory means and arithmetic logic means for storing in said data processing memory means a value indicative of the number of items to be fed from said further feed station for inclusion with said group; means for selectively inputting into said data processing memory means with respect to each selected station a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at said station; means including said data processing arithmetic logic means for using said stored values indicative of the number of items fed from a feed station and said predetermined values indicative of the per item weight of items held in said feed station to obtain a calculated subtotal weight with respect to said feed station; means including said data processing arithmetic logic means for using calculated subtotal weights for a plurality of said stations to obtain a calculated total weight; and, means for using said calculated total weight to determine how each group of items is to be processed by the insertion machine relative to the application of postage to an envelope associated with said group of items.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
356 words
In an insertion machine of the type in which an insertion track moves groups of items past a different one of a plurality of feed stations during each machine cycle, said plurality of feed stations including a first feed station from which a master control item is fed onto said track and further feed stations from which items are selectively fed in accordance with indicia on said master control item onto said track for inclusion with a group including said master control item, wherein the improvement comprises: means for reading said indicia; means for determining from said indicia on said master control item the particular further feed stations from which items are to be fed onto said insertion track during an appropriate subsequent machine cycle for inclusion with said group including said master control item; means for determining from said indicia on said master control item the number of items to be fed from at least one such further feed station during said appropriate cycle for inclusion in said group; data processing means including memory means and arithmetic logic means for storing in said data processing memory means a value indicative of the number of items to be fed from said further feed station for inclusion with said group; means for selectively inputting into said data processing memory means with respect to each selected station a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at said station; means including said data processing arithmetic logic means for using said stored values indicative of the number of items fed from a feed station and said predetermined values indicative of the per item weight of items held in said feed station to obtain a calculated subtotal weight with respect to said feed station; means including said data processing arithmetic logic means for using calculated subtotal weights for a plurality of said stations to obtain a calculated total weight; and, means for using said calculated total weight to determine how each group of items is to be processed by the insertion machine relative to the application of postage to an envelope associated with said group of items.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
185 words
The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising: sensing means positioned proximate one of said plurality of feed stations, said sensing means being adapted to sense a weight-influencing characteristic of said items and to discriminate on the basis of said characteristic between an item on a first weight and an item of a second weight fed from said feed station; means for determining and storing a number of first weight items and a number of second weight items fed from said station; means for selectively inputting into said data processing memory means with respect to said station near which said sensing means is proximate both a first predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of each of said first weight items held at said station and a second predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of each of said second weight items held at said station; means for using said predetermined per item weight values item and short item per weights and said stored values indicative of the number of respective first weight items and second weight items to calculate a station subtotal weight.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said weight-influencing characteristic is item length.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: at least one postage meter responsively connected to said means which determines how each group of items is to be processed relative to the application of postage, said postage meter being settable to apply postage to an envelope associated with a group of items.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
77 words
The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: at least one diversion device for diverting an envelope associated with a group of items, said diversion device being responsively connected to said means which determines how each group of items is to be processed relative to the application of postage whereby said diversion device is activated to divert said envelope if the calculated weight of said envelope does not fall within an associated weight range of said postage meter.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
81 words
The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a plurality of postage meters positioned whereby a selected one of said postage meters is activatable to apply postage to an envelope associated with a group of items, each of said postage meters being settable to apply appropriate postage for an associated range of calculated weights, each of said postage meters being responsively connected to said means which determines how each group of items is to be processed relative to the application of postage.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
611 words
A method of selectively determining a weight classification range for envelopes into which items are inserted by an insertion machine, said insertion machine being of the type in which an insertion track moves groups of items past a different one of a plurality of feed stations during each machine cycle, said plurality of feed stations including a first feed station from which a master control item is fed onto said track and further feed stations from which items are selectively fed in accordance with indicia on said master control item onto said track for inclusion with a group including said master control item, at least one of said further feed stations being a dual item feed station from which both items of a first weight and items of a second weight can be fed, a sensor means being proximate said dual item feed station to sense a weight-influencing characteristic of said items and to discriminate on the basis of said characteristic between items of said first weight and items of said second weight, said method comprising the steps of: selectively inputting with respect to each selected station a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items fed from said station; selectively inputting with respect to said dual station a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of first weight items held at said dual station and a second predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of second weight items held at said dual station; reading said indicia on said master control item; determining from said indicia on said master control item the particular further feed stations from which items are to be fed onto said insertion track during an appropriate subsequent machine cycle for inclusion with said group including said master control item; determining from said indicia on said master control item the number of items to be fed from each such further feed station during said appropriate cycle for inclusion in said group; storing a value indicative of the number of items to be fed from each such further feed station for inclusion with said group; using said second predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of second weight items held at said dual station and the stored value indicative of the total number of items to be fed from said dual station to obtain a tentative calculated subtotal weight for said dual station; using said predetermined values indicative of the per item weight of items held in each station other than said dual station and the stored values indicative of the number of items fed from each respective station to obtain a calculated subtotal weight with respect to each station other than said dual length station; using said tentative calculated subtotal weight for said dual station and said calculated subtotal weights for each of said other stations to obtain a calculated tentative total weight; determining the number of first weight items fed from said dual station; obtaining a correction factor to be used to modify said calculated tentative total weight, said correction factor being essentially the product of the number of first weight items fed from said dual station and a quantity representing the difference between the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value indicative of the per item weights of said first weight and said second weight items, respectively; using said correction factor to modify said calculated tentative total weight to obtain a calculated total weight; and, using said calculated total weight to determine how each group of items is to be processed by the insertion machine relative to the application of postage to an envelope associated with said group of items.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
611 words
A method of selectively determining a weight classification range for envelopes into which items are inserted by an insertion machine, said insertion machine being of the type in which an insertion track moves groups of items past a different one of a plurality of feed stations during each machine cycle, said plurality of feed stations including a first feed station from which a master control item is fed onto said track and further feed stations from which items are selectively fed in accordance with indicia on said master control item onto said track for inclusion with a group including said master control item, at least one of said further feed stations being a dual item feed station from which both items of a first weight and items of a second weight can be fed, a sensor means being proximate said dual item feed station to sense a weight-influencing characteristic of said items and to discriminate on the basis of said characteristic between items of said first weight and items of said second weight, said method comprising the steps of: selectively inputting with respect to each selected station a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items fed from said station; selectively inputting with respect to said dual station a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of first weight items held at said dual station and a second predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of second weight items held at said dual station; reading said indicia on said master control item; determining from said indicia on said master control item the particular further feed stations from which items are to be fed onto said insertion track during an appropriate subsequent machine cycle for inclusion with said group including said master control item; determining from said indicia on said master control item the number of items to be fed from each such further feed station during said appropriate cycle for inclusion in said group; storing a value indicative of the number of items to be fed from each such further feed station for inclusion with said group; using said second predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of second weight items held at said dual station and the stored value indicative of the total number of items to be fed from said dual station to obtain a tentative calculated subtotal weight for said dual station; using said predetermined values indicative of the per item weight of items held in each station other than said dual station and the stored values indicative of the number of items fed from each respective station to obtain a calculated subtotal weight with respect to each station other than said dual length station; using said tentative calculated subtotal weight for said dual station and said calculated subtotal weights for each of said other stations to obtain a calculated tentative total weight; determining the number of first weight items fed from said dual station; obtaining a correction factor to be used to modify said calculated tentative total weight, said correction factor being essentially the product of the number of first weight items fed from said dual station and a quantity representing the difference between the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value indicative of the per item weights of said first weight and said second weight items, respectively; using said correction factor to modify said calculated tentative total weight to obtain a calculated total weight; and, using said calculated total weight to determine how each group of items is to be processed by the insertion machine relative to the application of postage to an envelope associated with said group of items.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of comparing the calculated tentative total weight to a maximum weight value.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 15, wherein said weight-influencing characteristics is item length.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said items of said first weight are relatively long length items and wherein items of said second weight are relatively short length items.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
172 words
A method of determining the amount of postage to be applied to envelopes into which items are inserted by an insertion machine, said insertion machine being of the type in which an insertion track moves groups of items past a different one of a plurality of feed stations during each machine cycle, said plurality of feed stations being adapted to selectively feed items onto said track for inclusion with a group of said items, said method comprising the steps of: selectively inputting into data processing memory means with respect to each selected station a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at said station; using said predetermined values indicative of the per item weight of items held in said feed stations to obtain a calculated weight total for each group of items; and, using said calculated weight total to determine how each groups of items is to be processed by the insertion machine relative to the application of postage to an envelope associated with said group of items.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
172 words
A method of determining the amount of postage to be applied to envelopes into which items are inserted by an insertion machine, said insertion machine being of the type in which an insertion track moves groups of items past a different one of a plurality of feed stations during each machine cycle, said plurality of feed stations being adapted to selectively feed items onto said track for inclusion with a group of said items, said method comprising the steps of: selectively inputting into data processing memory means with respect to each selected station a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at said station; using said predetermined values indicative of the per item weight of items held in said feed stations to obtain a calculated weight total for each group of items; and, using said calculated weight total to determine how each groups of items is to be processed by the insertion machine relative to the application of postage to an envelope associated with said group of items.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
95 words
The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of: setting each of a plurality of postage meters to apply appropriate postage for an associated range of calculated weights; and, activating an appropriate one of said plurality of postage meters to apply postage to said stuffed envelope associated with said group of items if the calculated weight of said stuffed envelope lies in said associated range, said plurality of postage meters each being responsively connected to said means which determines how each group of items is to be processed relative to the application of postage.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of: setting at least one postage meter to apply appropriate postage for a calculated weight; and, actuating said postage meter to apply postage to a stuffed envelope associated with a group of items, said postage meter being responsively connected to said means which determines how each group of items is to be processed relative to the application of postage.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of: activating a diversion device to divert said stuffed envelope if the calculated weight of said stuffed envelope does not lie within an associated weight range of said postage meter, said diversion device being responsively connected to said means which determines how each group of items is to be processed relative to the application of postage.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
155 words
In an insertion machine of the type in which an insertion track moves groups of items past a different one of a plurality of feed stations during each machine cycle, said plurality of feed stations being adapted to selectively feed items onto said track for inclusion with a group of said items, wherein the improvement comprises: means for selectively inputting predetermined values into a memory, said predetermined values including at least a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at a first feed station and a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at a second feed station; means for calculating a calculated total weight for a group of items, said calculation means being connected to said memory whereby said predetermined values are utilized in said calculation; and, means for using said calculated total weight to determine how a group of items is to be further processed.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
155 words
In an insertion machine of the type in which an insertion track moves groups of items past a different one of a plurality of feed stations during each machine cycle, said plurality of feed stations being adapted to selectively feed items onto said track for inclusion with a group of said items, wherein the improvement comprises: means for selectively inputting predetermined values into a memory, said predetermined values including at least a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at a first feed station and a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at a second feed station; means for calculating a calculated total weight for a group of items, said calculation means being connected to said memory whereby said predetermined values are utilized in said calculation; and, means for using said calculated total weight to determine how a group of items is to be further processed.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising: at least one diversion device for diverting an envelope associated with a group of items, said diversion device being responsively connected to said means which determines how a group of items is to be further processed.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said means for using said calculated weight total determines how a group of items is to be processed by the insertion machine relative to the application of postage to an envelope associated with said group of items.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising: at least one postage meter responsively connected to said means which determines how a group of items is to be processed relative to the application of postage, said postage meter being settable to apply postage to an envelope associated with a group of items.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
81 words
The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising: a plurality of postage meters positioned whereby a selected one of said postage meters is activatable to apply postage to an envelope associated with a group of items, each of said postage meters being settable to apply appropriate postage for an associated range of calculated weights, each of said postage meters being responsively connected to said means which determines how a group of items is to be processed relative to the application of postage.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
162 words
A method of determining how envelopes into which items are inserted by an insertion machine are to be further processed, said insertion machine being of the type in which an insertion track moves groups of items past a different one of a plurality of feed stations during each machine cycle, said plurality of feed stations being adapted to selectively feed items onto said track for inclusion with a group of said items, said method comprising the steps of: selectively inputting predetermined values into a memory, said predetermined values including at least a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at a first feed station and a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at a second feed station; calculating a calculated total weight for a group of items, said predetermined values being utilized in said calculation; and, using said calculated total weight to determine how a group of items is to be further processed.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
162 words
A method of determining how envelopes into which items are inserted by an insertion machine are to be further processed, said insertion machine being of the type in which an insertion track moves groups of items past a different one of a plurality of feed stations during each machine cycle, said plurality of feed stations being adapted to selectively feed items onto said track for inclusion with a group of said items, said method comprising the steps of: selectively inputting predetermined values into a memory, said predetermined values including at least a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at a first feed station and a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at a second feed station; calculating a calculated total weight for a group of items, said predetermined values being utilized in said calculation; and, using said calculated total weight to determine how a group of items is to be further processed.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of: using at least one diversion device for diverting an envelope associated with a group of items, said diversion device being responsively connected to said means which determines how a group of items is to be further processed.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 29, wherein said step of using said calculated weight total includes the step of determining how a group of items is to be processed by the insertion machine relative to the application of postage to an envelope associated with said group of items.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of: setting at least one postage meter to apply postage to an envelope associated with a group of items, said postage meter responsively connected to said means which determines how a group of items is to be processed relative to the application of postage.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
84 words
The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising the step of: positioning a plurality of postage meters whereby a selected one of said postage meters is activatable to apply postage to an envelope associated with a group of items, each of said postage meters being settable to apply appropriate postage for an associated range of calculated weights, each of said postage meters being responsively connected to said means which determines how a group of items is to be processed relative to the application of postage.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
305 words
A method of selectively determining the amount of postage to be applied to a plurality of envelopes into which items are inserted by an insertion machine, said insertion machine being of the type in which an insertion track moves groups of items past a different one of a plurality of feed stations during each machine cycle, said plurality of feed stations including a first feed station from which a master control item is fed onto said track an further feed stations from which items are selectively fed in accordance with indicia on said master control item onto said track for inclusion with a group including said master control item, said method comprising the steps of: reading said indicia; means for determining from said indicia on said master control items the number of items to be fed from at least one such further feed station during an appropriate machine cycle for inclusion in said group; storing in a memory a value indicative of the number of items to be fed from said further feed station for inclusion with said group; selectively inputting predetermined values into said memory, said predetermined values including at least a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at said first feed station and a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at said further feed station; using said stored values indicative of the number of items fed from a feed station and said predetermined values indicative of the per item weight of items held in said feed station to obtain a calculated subtotal weight with respect to said feed station; using calculated subtotal weights for a plurality of said stations to obtain a calculated total weight; and, using said calculated total weight to determine how a group of items is to be further processed.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
305 words
A method of selectively determining the amount of postage to be applied to a plurality of envelopes into which items are inserted by an insertion machine, said insertion machine being of the type in which an insertion track moves groups of items past a different one of a plurality of feed stations during each machine cycle, said plurality of feed stations including a first feed station from which a master control item is fed onto said track an further feed stations from which items are selectively fed in accordance with indicia on said master control item onto said track for inclusion with a group including said master control item, said method comprising the steps of: reading said indicia; means for determining from said indicia on said master control items the number of items to be fed from at least one such further feed station during an appropriate machine cycle for inclusion in said group; storing in a memory a value indicative of the number of items to be fed from said further feed station for inclusion with said group; selectively inputting predetermined values into said memory, said predetermined values including at least a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at said first feed station and a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at said further feed station; using said stored values indicative of the number of items fed from a feed station and said predetermined values indicative of the per item weight of items held in said feed station to obtain a calculated subtotal weight with respect to said feed station; using calculated subtotal weights for a plurality of said stations to obtain a calculated total weight; and, using said calculated total weight to determine how a group of items is to be further processed.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 33, wherein said step of using said calculated weight total includes determining how a group of items is to be processed by the insertion machine relative to the application of postage to an envelope associated with said group of items.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
287 words
In an insertion machine of the type in which an insertion track moves groups of items past a different one of a plurality of feed stations during each machine cycle, said plurality of feed stations including a first feed station from which a master control item is fed onto said track and further feed stations from which items are selectively fed in accordance with indicia on said master control item onto said track for inclusion with a group including said master control item, wherein the improvement comprises: means for reading said indicia; means for determining from said indicia on said master control item the number of items to be fed from at least one such further feed station during an appropriate machine cycle for inclusion in said group; a memory for storing a value indicative of the number of items to be fed from said further feed station for inclusion with said group; means for selectively inputting predetermined values into said memory, said predetermined values including at least a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of item held at a first feed station and a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at said further feed station; means for using said stored values indicative of the number of items fed from a feed station and said predetermined values indicative of the per item weight of items held in said feed station to obtain a calculated subtotal weight with respect to said feed station; means for using calculated subtotal weights for a plurality of said stations to obtain a calculated total weight; and, means for using said calculated total weight to determine how a group of items is to be further processed.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
287 words
In an insertion machine of the type in which an insertion track moves groups of items past a different one of a plurality of feed stations during each machine cycle, said plurality of feed stations including a first feed station from which a master control item is fed onto said track and further feed stations from which items are selectively fed in accordance with indicia on said master control item onto said track for inclusion with a group including said master control item, wherein the improvement comprises: means for reading said indicia; means for determining from said indicia on said master control item the number of items to be fed from at least one such further feed station during an appropriate machine cycle for inclusion in said group; a memory for storing a value indicative of the number of items to be fed from said further feed station for inclusion with said group; means for selectively inputting predetermined values into said memory, said predetermined values including at least a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of item held at a first feed station and a predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of items held at said further feed station; means for using said stored values indicative of the number of items fed from a feed station and said predetermined values indicative of the per item weight of items held in said feed station to obtain a calculated subtotal weight with respect to said feed station; means for using calculated subtotal weights for a plurality of said stations to obtain a calculated total weight; and, means for using said calculated total weight to determine how a group of items is to be further processed.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
177 words
The apparatus of claim 35, further comprising: sensing means positioned proximate one of said plurality of feed stations, said sensing means being adapted to sense a weight-influencing characteristic of said items and to discriminate on the basis of said characteristic between an item of a first weight and an item of a second weight fed from said feed station; means for determining and storing a number of first weight items and a number of second weight items fed from said station; means for selectively inputting into said memory with respect to said station near which said sensing means is proximate both a first predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of each of said first weight items held at said station and a second predetermined value indicative of the per item weight of each of said second weight items held at said station; and, means for using said predetermined per item weight values and said stored values indicative of the number of respective first weight items and second weight items to calculate a station subtotal weight.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said weight-influencing characteristic is item length.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said means for using said calculated weight total determines how a group of items is to be processed by the insertion machine relative to the application of postage to an envelope associated with said group of items.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-02-24 | 1989-08-26 | 1990-02-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-02-24 | 1993-08-26 | 1994-02-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-02-24 | 1997-08-26 | 1998-02-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |