Method and apparatus for automated filling of mail trays

A method for operating an automated mail tray filling mechanism, the tray filling mechanism being vertically movable to be lowered and lifted into and out of a mail tray, mail trays being moved on a mail tray transport beneath the mail tray filling mechanism, the method comprising:

• advancing an empty mail tray to underneath the tray filling mechanism;
• lowering a feeding arm down into the first mail tray to a position at a forward end of the mail tray;
• feeding envelopes from the mail tray filling mechanism into the mail tray through the lowered feeding arm;
• detecting a pack pressure of envelopes in the mail tray on the lowered feeding arm and when the pack pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold moving the relative position of the feed arm towards a back end of the mail tray and resuming feeding envelopes after the pack pressure is below the predetermined threshold;
• lifting the feeding arm from the mail tray when it is full;
• and
• advancing a next empty mail tray to underneath the tray filling mechanism.