Insertion machine with postage categorization and selective merchandising

An insertion machine of the type in which a plurality of feed stations feed items onto an insertion track for inclusion with an associated group of items, wherein the improvement comprises:

• data processing means including memory means and arithmetic logic means;
• means for designating to the data processing means which of the feed stations is an optional feed station from which items may conditionally be fed;
• means for designating to the data processing means which of the feed stations are required feed stations from which items must be fed onto the insertion track for inclusion with its associated group of items;
• wherein the data processing means uses values indicative of a per item weight of items held in required feed stations to obtain a calculated total weight with respect to a group of associated items;
• wherein the data processing means uses the calculated total weight to determine a postage category for said group of associated items;
• wherein the data processing means determines whether optional items from one or more respective optional feed stations can be fed from said optional feed stations and associated with said group of items without changing the portage category determined on the basis of the calculated total weight of said group of items;
• and,
• means connected to the data processing means for selectively enabling one or more optional feed stations to feed items for inclusion with a group of items in accordance with said determination of whether said optional items can be fed without changing the postage category of said group of items.