Document classifier
AssigneePitney Bowes Inc.
InventorDavid W. Hubbard
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Abstract
This invention relates to the classification of a stream of documents, such as mixed mail pieces, into size and orientation of categories for subsequent processing. The apparatus includes a laser beam which scans a conveying belt upon which the documents are placed. Appropriate circuitry is provided so that a determination may be made as to the length and width of the document being conveyed across the belt. Downstream from the belt is a segregation system in which the various sizes of documents are segregated according to size in response to the determination of the circuitry.
Claims6
Apparatus for classifying a stream of mixed documents into size and orientation categories comprising:
- a continuous belt;
- means for depositing documents upon said belt;
- laser means located above said belt for repeatedly sweeping a laser beam laterally across said belt;
- sensing means located above said belt for sensing light reflected from documents disposed upon said belt;
- logic means for determining the duration of light received by said sensor means during a sweep of said laser beam and for determining the number of sweeps in which light is sensed;
- and
- means for classifying mail pieces in response to said logic means determination.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.