US 6,481,704 B1 · Setting an apparatus for assembling mail items

Abstract

In determining a setting condition of an apparatus for assembling mail items from mail components (20, 21, 23, 25) it is detected, in a setting phase, in which of a number of feeder stations (1, 2, 34, 35) of that apparatus mail components (20, 21, 23, 25) are present. Feeder stations (1, 2, 34, 35) in which mail components are present are automatically brought into an operating condition, and feeder stations (1, 2, 34, 35) in which no mail components are present are automatically brought into a non-operating condition. As a result, at the start-up of the apparatus, on the basis of the loading thereof, it is automatically determined which station is to be brought into an operating condition and which are to remain standby. An apparatus specifically arranged for practicing the proposed method is also described.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A method for determining a setting condition of an apparatus for assembling mail items from mail components, wherein the apparatus includes a number of feeder stations, the method comprising

detecting, in a setting phase, in which of the feeder stations the mail components are present,
in response to detecting during said setting phase the presence of at least one mail component in at least one of said feeder stations, in the setting condition determined by the apparatus, said at least one of said feeder stations is in an operating condition, and
in response to not detecting during said setting phase the presence of at least one of the mail components in another of said feeder stations, said another of said feeder stations is in a non-operating condition.

An apparatus for assembling mail items from mail components, comprising:

a number of feeder stations for feeding mail components to be processed into mail items,
means for detecting actual data regarding the mail components loaded into the feeder stations of the apparatus,
a control unit for determining, in response to said actual data, at least one setting of the apparatus,
detection means coupled with said control unit for detecting in a setting phase in which of said feeder stations the mail components are present,
wherein in said setting condition of the apparatus at least one of said feeder stations is in an operating condition in response to the detected presence of at least one mail component in said at least one of said feeder stations, and,
in response to a non-detection of the presence of at least one of the mail components in another of said feeder stations, said another of said feeder stations is in a non-operating condition.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Setting an apparatus for assembling mail items

Life of this patent

Setting an apparatus for assembling mail items

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11