US5460273A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for the automated processing of bulk mail having varied characteristics
Assignee: Opex Corp
•
Filing: 1993-12-29
•
Granted: 1995-10-24
•
Expires: 2013-12-29
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for the automated processing of bulk mail which incorporates a number of operating stations that serve to accomplish the various aspects of mail extraction, as well as the subsequent processing of extracted documents, and which are operatively associated with one another to serially process envelopes and extracted documents in continuous fashion and substantially independent of their characteristic features. To this end, the operating stations of the apparatus are configured to be as independent as possible of the characteristics of the envelopes and their contents so that envelopes and contents of varied characteristics can be effectively handled by the apparatus without requiring any significant adjustments. As a result, the apparatus is made capable of processing (as a single job if desired) envelopes and contents of varied characteristics, reducing the need to remove non-conforming envelopes and contents from further processing, and increasing the versatility and productivity of the apparatus.
Inventors
- 👤 Albert F. Stevens
- 👤 Robert R. DeWitt
- 👤 Michael E. York
- 👤 David Keller
- 👤 William R. Lile
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 18:57
CPC Classifications
B; B07; B07C; B07C3/00; B07C3/02; B07C1/00; B43; B43M; B43M7/00; B43M7/02; B65; B65H; B65H2553/00; B65H2553/40; B65H2553/41; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S209/00; Y10S209/90
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 155
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
An apparatus for extracting contents from a plurality of envelopes, wherein the envelopes and the contents can have characteristic features that can vary, the apparatus comprising: input means for receiving the plurality of envelopes, and for delivering the envelopes from the input means serially and one at a time; means for receiving the envelopes delivered from the input means, for removing edges of the delivered envelopes; and means for receiving the envelopes with the removed edges from the edge removing means, for extracting the contents from the envelopes; wherein the input means, the edge removing means and the extracting means are capable of extracting the contents from the envelopes independent of the characteristic features of the envelopes and the contents; and means for determining characteristic features associated with the contents.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
130 words
An apparatus for extracting contents from a plurality of envelopes, wherein the envelopes and the contents can have characteristic features that can vary, the apparatus comprising: input means for receiving the plurality of envelopes, and for delivering the envelopes from the input means serially and one at a time; means for receiving the envelopes delivered from the input means, for removing edges of the delivered envelopes; and means for receiving the envelopes with the removed edges from the edge removing means, for extracting the contents from the envelopes; wherein the input means, the edge removing means and the extracting means are capable of extracting the contents from the envelopes independent of the characteristic features of the envelopes and the contents; and means for determining characteristic features associated with the contents.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the contents include documents for extraction from the envelopes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the documents include paired, substantially parallel documents.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the paired, substantially parallel documents can include documents that are separate from one another, or documents that are connected together.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the paired, substantially parallel documents include an invoice and a corresponding check.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the contents include single documents for extraction from the envelopes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the contents include multiple documents for extraction from the envelopes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 which further includes means for detecting characteristic features associated with the envelopes, including characteristic features associated with the contents of the envelopes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the detecting means precedes the extracting means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the envelopes and the contents have a thickness, and wherein the detecting means includes means for determining the thickness of the envelopes and the contents.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the envelopes and the contents include magnetizable indicia, and wherein the detecting means includes means for detecting the magnetizable indicia.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the envelopes and the contents include optically detectable features, and wherein the detecting means includes means for detecting the optically detectable features.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the optically detectable feature identifying means includes means for acquiring images from the envelopes and the contents.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 13 which further includes means for comparing the acquired images with stored reference images, and means for identifying the characteristic features associated with the envelopes and the contents responsive to the comparing means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 13 which further includes means for detecting indicia present on the envelopes and the contents.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the indicia detecting means detects coded data present on the envelopes and the contents.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 9 which further includes means for identifying the envelopes according to their characteristic features.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the envelopes are of a different type.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the envelopes are of a different size.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 17 which further includes means for adjusting operations of the apparatus responsive to the identified characteristic features of the envelopes.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 20 which further includes means for analyzing the contents extracted from the envelopes, and wherein the analyzing means is coupled with the identifying means, for adjusting operations of the analyzing means responsive to the identified characteristic features of the envelopes.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 8 which further includes means for comparing the detected characteristic features with stored reference standards, and means for identifying the envelopes and the contents responsive to compared detected characteristic features and reference standards.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the detecting means follows the extracting means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the envelopes and the contents have a thickness, and wherein the detecting means includes means for determining the thickness of the envelopes and the contents.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 24 which further includes a first thickness determining means for receiving contents extracted from the envelopes, and a second thickness determining means for receiving faces of the envelopes from the extracting means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the thickness determining means includes means for comparing determined thicknesses with specified reference standards.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the specified reference standards include a reference standard for the contents extracted from the envelopes, and a reference standard for faces of the envelopes received from the extracting means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 27 which further includes means for diverting the envelopes and the contents that differ from the specified reference standards from the apparatus.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the diverted envelopes and contents are reunited as they are diverted from the apparatus.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 29 which further includes means for stacking the diverted and reunited envelopes and contents.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 26 which further includes means for identifying the envelopes and the contents according to their characteristic features.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the characteristic feature identifying means precedes the extraction means.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the characteristic feature identifying means communicates with the comparing means of the thickness determining means, for adjusting operations of the comparing means responsive to the identified characteristic features of the envelopes.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein different reference standards correspond to the envelopes and the contents that vary, and wherein the comparing means operates responsive to the different reference standards for the envelopes and the contents.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the input means includes conveyor means for receiving the plurality of envelopes, and means for withdrawing the envelopes from the conveyor means for delivery from the input means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the withdrawing means is a conveying device that is operated continuously.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 35 wherein the withdrawing means includes a conveying device, and means for selectively operating the conveying device to define gaps between the envelopes that are delivered from the input means.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
165 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extracting means includes: means for conveying the envelopes along a first transport path; means associated with the first transport path for engaging a first face of each of the envelopes conveyed along the first transport path and for directing the engaged first face toward a second transport path disposed at an angle to the first transport path; means for conveying articles along the second transport path; and means for deflecting articles from the second transport path; wherein movement of the first face along the second transport path exposes the contents of the envelopes, and causes movement of the contents and a second face of each of the envelopes along the second transport path following the first face; and wherein the first face and the second face are deflected from the second transport path by the deflecting means, and the contents are not deflected from the second transport path by the deflecting means, separating the contents from the envelopes.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the contents include documents received from the extracting means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 39 wherein the determining means includes means for identifying magnetizable features associated with the documents.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 39 wherein the determining means includes means for identifying optically detectable features associated with the documents.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the document is a check having a distinctive marking, and wherein the optically detectable feature identifying means includes means for identifying the distinctive marking on the check.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the document is an invoice having a distinctive marking, and wherein the optically detectable feature identifying means includes means for identifying the distinctive marking on the invoice.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the documents include data-defining indicia, and wherein the optically detectable feature identifying means includes means for identifying the data-defining indicia on the documents.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 41 which further includes character recognizing means for identifying indicia on the documents.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the indicia are coded markings.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the indicia are alphanumeric markings.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 39 which further includes orienting means coupled with the determining means, for receiving documents in a first orientation, and for placing the documents in a second orientation different from the first orientation.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
66 words
The apparatus of claim 48 wherein some of the documents are in a desired orientation and some of the documents are in an undesired orientation, and wherein the orienting means conveys the documents in the desired orientation so that they remain in the first orientation, and conveys the documents in the undesired orientation so that they are changed from the first orientation to the second orientation.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 48 wherein some of the documents are parallel documents that have not been separated, and other of the documents are single documents, and wherein the parallel documents are conveyed through the orienting means so that they remain in the first orientation.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 50 wherein at least some of the parallel documents are connected together.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
78 words
The apparatus of claim 48 wherein the documents include paired, parallel documents that have been separated for serial transport, and wherein the orienting means includes ordering means for receiving a first of the separated pair of documents that is leading and a second of the separated pair of documents that is trailing, and for reversing the order of the first document and the second document so that the second document is leading and the first document is trailing.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 52 wherein the first document is switched with the second document without shifting spacing of the first document and the second document relative to other documents that are received by the ordering means.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 48 wherein the orienting means includes means for reversing documents from end to end, so that a leading edge of the document is switched with a trailing edge of the document.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 48 wherein the orienting means includes means for inverting documents from top to bottom and bottom to top.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 48 which further includes means for justifying documents received from the orienting means to a reference standard.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 39 which further includes means for stacking the received documents.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 57 wherein the stacking means includes a plurality of stacking bins, and gating means for directing documents between the plurality of stacking bins.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 58 which further includes means coupled with the gating means, for directing the documents between the stacking means according to characteristic features associated with the documents.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 59 wherein the gating means are coupled with the determining means.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 39 which further includes means for coupling the apparatus with remittance processing means for the remittance processing of documents received from the apparatus.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 61 wherein the coupling means includes a distribution node for interfacing the apparatus with the remittance processing means.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 39 which further includes means for remittance processing of the documents.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 63 wherein the remittance processing means includes means for identifying optically detectable features associated with the documents.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 64 wherein the documents include data-defining indicia, and which further includes memory means associated with the optically detectable feature identifying means for storing the data-defining indicia on the documents.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 65 which further includes character recognizing means for identifying the data-defining indicia on the documents.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 66 wherein the indicia are coded markings.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 66 wherein the indicia are alphanumeric markings.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 63 wherein the remittance processing means includes means for reading optically recognizable characters present on the documents.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 63 wherein the remittance processing means includes means for reading magnetic ink characters present on the documents.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 63 wherein the remittance processing means includes means for encoding documents with magnetic ink markings.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 63 wherein the remittance processing means includes processor means for receiving data derived from the documents, for the remittance processing of the documents according to the data received.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 63 which further includes means for introducing documents into the apparatus, for the remittance processing of the introduced documents.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 73 wherein the introducing means communicates with the apparatus at a location following the extracting means.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 74 wherein the introducing means communicates with the apparatus at a location before means associated with the apparatus for detecting characteristic features associated with the documents.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
105 words
An apparatus for extracting contents from a plurality of envelopes, the apparatus comprising: input means for receiving the plurality of envelopes, and for delivering the envelopes from the input means serially and one at a time; means for receiving the envelopes delivered from the input means, for removing edges of the delivered envelopes; and means for receiving the envelopes with the removed edges from the edge removing means, for extracting the contents from the envelopes; and means for determining characteristic features associated with the contents extracted by the extracting means in conjunction with operations of the input means, the receiving means and the extracting means.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
105 words
An apparatus for extracting contents from a plurality of envelopes, the apparatus comprising: input means for receiving the plurality of envelopes, and for delivering the envelopes from the input means serially and one at a time; means for receiving the envelopes delivered from the input means, for removing edges of the delivered envelopes; and means for receiving the envelopes with the removed edges from the edge removing means, for extracting the contents from the envelopes; and means for determining characteristic features associated with the contents extracted by the extracting means in conjunction with operations of the input means, the receiving means and the extracting means.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 76 wherein the determining means precedes the extracting means.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 76 wherein the determining means follows the extracting means.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 76 which further includes means for stacking contents received from the extracting means.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 79 which further includes gating means for receiving contents from the extracting means, and for directing the received contents to the stacking means.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 76 which further includes means communicating with the extracting means for separating parallel documents for serial discharge from the separating means.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 81 wherein the determining means precedes the separating means.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 81 wherein at least some of the contents extracted from the envelopes are paired, substantially parallel documents, and wherein the separation means includes means for separating the paired, substantially parallel documents for serial discharge from the separating means.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
77 words
The apparatus of claim 83 wherein some of the paired, substantially parallel documents are connected and other of the paired, substantially parallel documents are not connected, and wherein the separating means includes means for separating the paired, substantially parallel documents that are not connected for serial discharge from the separating means, and means for passing the paired, substantially parallel documents that are connected through the separating means without separating the paired, substantially parallel documents that are connected.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 81 wherein the separating means further includes means for establishing a gap between documents discharged from the separating means.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 81 which further includes means for selectively operating the separating means to separate parallel documents for serial discharge from the separating means.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 86 wherein the separating means includes means for separating the parallel documents that are paired, for serial discharge from the separating means, and for passing documents that are not paired from the separating means.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus of claim 86 wherein the separating means includes means for separating the parallel documents so that a selected one of the parallel documents leads, and so that a remaining one of the parallel documents trails, and means for selecting which of the parallel documents is to lead and which of the parallel documents is to trail.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 88 wherein the selecting means is coupled with the determining means.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 89 wherein the determining means is positioned to be encountered by the documents before the documents are received by the separating means.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 89 wherein the determining means includes means for measuring variations in thickness of the documents.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 91 wherein the thickness measuring means is associated with the extracting means, for measuring variations in thickness of the documents extracted from the envelopes.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 89 wherein the determining means includes means for identifying magnetizable features associated with the documents.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 81 which further includes means for receiving the separated documents serially discharged from the separating means, wherein the separating means conveys documents at a transport rate, and the receiving means conveys documents at a transport rate that exceeds the transport rate of the separating means.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 94 wherein the receiving means includes means for justifying documents conveyed by the receiving means to a reference surface.
Claim 98
Independent Claim
311 words
An apparatus for extracting contents from a plurality of envelopes, the apparatus comprising: input means for receiving the plurality of envelopes, and for delivering the envelopes from the input means serially and one at a time; means for receiving the envelopes delivered from the input means, for removing a plurality of contiguous edges of the delivered envelopes; and means for receiving the envelopes with the removed edges from the edge removing means, for extracting the contents from the envelopes; wherein the input means, the edge removing means and the extracting means are capable of extracting the contents from the envelopes independent of characteristic features associated with the envelopes and the contents; wherein the envelopes are conveyed through the edge removing means in a longitudinal direction, with a leading edge facing forward, and wherein the edge removing means removes leading edges of the envelopes, and lateral edges of the envelopes; and wherein the extracting means includes means for conveying the envelopes along a first transport path, means associated with the first transport path for engaging a first face of each of the envelopes conveyed along the first transport path and for directing the engaged first face toward a second transport path disposed at an angle to the first transport path, means for conveying articles along the second transport path, and means for deflecting articles from the second transport path, wherein movement of the first face along the second transport path exposes the contents of the envelopes and causes movement of the contents and a second face of each of the envelopes along the second transport path following the first face, and wherein the first face and the second face are deflected from the second transport path by the deflecting means and the contents are not deflected from the second transport .path by the deflecting means, thereby Separating the contents from the envelopes.
Claim 99
Independent Claim
311 words
An apparatus for extracting contents from a plurality of envelopes, the apparatus comprising: input means for receiving the plurality of envelopes, and for delivering the envelopes from the input means serially and one at a time; means for receiving the envelopes delivered from the input means, for removing a plurality of contiguous edges of the delivered envelopes; and means for receiving the envelopes with the removed edges from the edge removing means, for extracting the contents from the envelopes; wherein the input means, the edge removing means and the extracting means are capable of extracting the contents from the envelopes independent of characteristic features associated with the envelopes and the contents; wherein the envelopes are conveyed through the edge removing means in a longitudinal direction, with a leading edge facing forward, and wherein the edge removing means removes leading edges of the envelopes, and lateral edges of the envelopes; and wherein the extracting means includes means for conveying the envelopes along a first transport path, means associated with the first transport path for engaging a first face of each of the envelopes conveyed along the first transport path and for directing the engaged first face toward a second transport path disposed at an angle to the first transport path, means for conveying articles along the second transport path, and means for deflecting articles from the second transport path, wherein movement of the first face along the second transport path exposes the contents of the envelopes and causes movement of the contents and a second face of each of the envelopes along the second transport path following the first face, and wherein the first face and the second face are deflected from the second transport path by the deflecting means and the contents are not deflected from the second transport .path by the deflecting means, thereby Separating the contents from the envelopes.
Claim 100
Independent Claim
131 words
An apparatus for extracting contents from a plurality of envelopes having characteristic features that can vary, the apparatus comprising: input means for receiving the plurality of envelopes, and for delivering the envelopes from the input means serially and one at a time; means for receiving the envelopes delivered from the input means, for removing edges of the delivered envelopes; and means for receiving the envelopes with the removed edges from the edge removing means, for extracting the contents from the envelopes; wherein the input means, the edge removing means and the extracting means are capable of extracting the contents from the envelopes independent of the characteristic features of the envelopes; and means for detecting the characteristic features associated with the envelopes, and for identifying the envelopes according to their characteristic features.
Claim 101
Independent Claim
131 words
An apparatus for extracting contents from a plurality of envelopes having characteristic features that can vary, the apparatus comprising: input means for receiving the plurality of envelopes, and for delivering the envelopes from the input means serially and one at a time; means for receiving the envelopes delivered from the input means, for removing edges of the delivered envelopes; and means for receiving the envelopes with the removed edges from the edge removing means, for extracting the contents from the envelopes; wherein the input means, the edge removing means and the extracting means are capable of extracting the contents from the envelopes independent of the characteristic features of the envelopes; and means for detecting the characteristic features associated with the envelopes, and for identifying the envelopes according to their characteristic features.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 97 wherein the envelopes are of a different type.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 97 wherein the envelopes are of a different size.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 97 wherein the envelopes and the contents include magnetizable indicia, and wherein the detecting means includes means for detecting the magnetizable indicia.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 97 wherein the envelopes and the contents include optically detectable features, and wherein the detecting means includes means for detecting the optically detectable features.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 101 wherein the optically detectable feature identifying means includes means for acquiring images from the envelopes and the contents.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 102 which further includes means for comparing the acquired images with stored reference images, and means for identifying the characteristic features associated with the envelopes and the contents responsive to the comparing means.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 102 which further includes means for detecting indicia present on the envelopes and the contents.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 104 wherein the indicia detecting means detects coded data present on the envelopes and the contents.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 97 which further includes means for comparing the detected characteristic features with stored reference standards, and means for identifying the envelopes responsive to compared detected characteristic features and reference standards.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 97 which further includes means for adjusting operations of the apparatus responsive to the identified characteristic features of the envelopes.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 107 which further includes means for analyzing the contents extracted from the envelopes, and wherein the analyzing means is coupled with the identifying means, for adjusting operations of the analyzing means responsive to the identified characteristic features of the envelopes.
Claim 113
Independent Claim
166 words
An apparatus for extracting contents from a plurality of envelopes, comprising: means for conveying the envelopes along a first transport path; means associated with the first transport path for engaging a first face of each of the envelopes conveyed along the first transport path and for directing the engaged first face toward a second transport path disposed at an angle to the first transport path; means for conveying articles along the second transport path; and means for deflecting articles from the second transport path; wherein movement of the first face along the second transport path exposes the contents of the envelopes and causes movement of the contents and a second face of each of the envelopes along the second transport path following the first face; and wherein the first face and the second face are deflected from the second transport path by the deflecting means, and the contents are not deflected from the second transport path by the deflecting means, separating the contents from the envelopes.
Claim 114
Independent Claim
166 words
An apparatus for extracting contents from a plurality of envelopes, comprising: means for conveying the envelopes along a first transport path; means associated with the first transport path for engaging a first face of each of the envelopes conveyed along the first transport path and for directing the engaged first face toward a second transport path disposed at an angle to the first transport path; means for conveying articles along the second transport path; and means for deflecting articles from the second transport path; wherein movement of the first face along the second transport path exposes the contents of the envelopes and causes movement of the contents and a second face of each of the envelopes along the second transport path following the first face; and wherein the first face and the second face are deflected from the second transport path by the deflecting means, and the contents are not deflected from the second transport path by the deflecting means, separating the contents from the envelopes.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 109 wherein the means for engaging the first face is a suction cup.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 110 wherein the suction cup includes collapsible portions for separating the first face from the second face and the contents.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 109 wherein the second transport path is approximately normal to the first transport path.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 109 wherein the means for engaging the first face is associated with a drum located along the first transport path, for receiving the first face of each of the envelopes.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 113 wherein the means for engaging the first face is a suction cup housed within the drum.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 114 wherein the suction cup includes collapsible portions for withdrawing into the drum after engaging the first face, for separating the first face from the second face and the contents.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 113 wherein the extraction means includes only one drum, for receiving only the first face of each of the envelopes.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 113 which further includes a fixed guide associated with the drum, for passing the received first face from the drum to the second transport path.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 109 which further includes a receiver for receiving the articles conveyed along the first transport path.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 118 wherein movement of the first face along the second transport path withdraws the second face of each of the envelopes and the contents from the receiver, for movement along the second transport path.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 118 wherein the receiver includes paired belts disposed about rollers to define opposing belt systems for receiving the articles therebetween.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 120 wherein one of the rollers is coupled with a motor for rotating the rollers and for moving the belts along a receiver transport path.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 121 wherein the motor rotates the rollers so that the belts convey the received articles into the receiver.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 122 wherein the motor is reversible.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 122 wherein the motor is coupled with the rollers by a reversing clutch so that rotation of the rollers and operation of the belts conveys the articles into the receiver, and so that rearward forces applied to the articles will withdraw the articles from the receiver.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 124 wherein the articles are withdrawn from the receiver responsive to forces applied to the second face by the first face as the first face is conveyed along the second transport path.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 109 wherein the deflecting means is a movable guide for selectively overlying the second transport path.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 126 Wherein the movable guide includes means for moving the guide toward and away from the second transport path.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
63 words
The apparatus of claim 127 wherein activation of the moving means causes the movable guide to overly the second transport path, to divert articles toward a third transport path disposed at an angle to the second transport path, and deactivation of the moving means retracts the movable guide from the second transport path, thereby allowing articles to continue along the second transport path.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 127 wherein the moving means is a solenoid.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 127 wherein the moving means is coupled with sensor means for detecting articles moving along the second transport path.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 130 wherein the sensor means is operative to detect leading edge portions of the first face moving along the second transport path.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 131 wherein detection of the leading edge portions of the first face by the sensor means operates the moving means to cause the movable guide to overly the second transport path, to divert the first face toward a third transport path disposed at an angle to the second transport path.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
73 words
The apparatus of claim 132 wherein the deflecting means is coupled with a roller for receiving the articles deflected from the second transport path, having a diameter that is sufficiently small to lift flaps and seams associated with the first face and the second face of the envelopes away from the first face and the second face, releasing documents disposed between the flaps and seams, and the first face and the second face.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 132 which further includes time delay means for thereafter operating the moving means to cause the movable guide to retract from the second transport path, directing the first face and the second face along the third transport path and the contents along the second transport path.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 134 wherein the second transport path communicates with a first thickness measuring device, and the third transport path communicates with a second thickness measuring device.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
87 words
The apparatus of claim 135 wherein the first thickness measuring device and the second thickness measuring device include a fixed roller, a movable roller combined with the fixed roller to receive envelopes and contents therebetween, and transducer means combined with the movable roller for converting movements of the movable roller responsive to movements of the envelopes and contents between the fixed roller and the movable roller to electrical signals for indicating the thickness of the envelopes and contents moving between the fixed roller and the movable roller.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 135 wherein the first thickness measuring device includes means for verifying that a pair of documents passes through, and the second thickness measuring device includes means for verifying that envelope faces pass through.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 137 which further includes means for passing the verified pair of documents to a delivery point.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 138 which further includes means for passing the verified envelope faces to a trash receptacle.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 137 wherein the verified pair of documents is connected, and which further includes means for passing the connected and verified pair of documents to a bin for receiving connected document pairs.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 140 which further includes means for passing the verified envelope faces to a trash receptacle.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 137 which further includes means for reuniting articles passing through the first thickness measuring device with articles passing through the second thickness measuring device.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 142 which further includes means for passing the reunited articles to a bin for receiving reunited documents and envelopes.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus of claim 137 wherein the first thickness measuring device communicates with first gating means for diverting articles received from the first thickness measuring device, and wherein the second thickness measuring device communicates with second gating means for diverting articles received from the second thickness measuring device.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 144 wherein the first gating means and the second gating means communicate with a common delivery point.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 145 wherein the common delivery point communicates with a bin for receiving diverted documents and envelope faces.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 145 which further includes a plurality of bins for receiving diverted documents and envelope faces, and third gating means in communication with the common delivery point, for directing diverted documents and envelope faces between the plurality of bins.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
72 words
The apparatus of claim 109 wherein the deflecting means is coupled with a roller for receiving articles deflected from the second transport path, having a diameter that is sufficiently small to lift flaps and seams associated with the first face and the second face of the envelopes away from the first face and the second face, releasing documents disposed between the flaps and seams, and the first face and the second face.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 109 wherein the plurality of envelopes are opened along three contiguous edges including a leading edge, and lateral edges of each envelope.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 149 wherein the extracting means communicates with edge removing means so that envelopes longitudinally delivered from the edge removing means are longitudinally delivered to the extracting means.
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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) | 1998-10-23 | 1999-04-24 | 1999-10-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-10-23 | 2003-04-24 | 2003-10-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-10-23 | 2007-04-24 | 2007-10-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |