Parcel labeling, conveying, and sorting method and apparatus

A method for handling a plurality of parcels each having first indicia thereon on a first side and for providing second indicia atop a second side of said parcel, said method comprising the steps of, for each said parcel:

• conveying said parcel on a first conveying device such that said first side of said parcel is directed towards a first direction and said parcel is conveyed along said first conveying device, wherein said first conveying device is configured to accept said parcel from an outside source;
• transferring said parcel on said first conveying device to a second conveying device across a gap between said first and second conveying devices and after said step of transferring, conveying said parcel along said second conveying device;
• reading via an illuminating reading assembly said first indicia on each said first side of said parcel as said parcel is transferred across said gap between said first conveying device and said second conveying device;
• and
• providing said second indicia atop said second surface of said parcel while said parcel is atop said second conveying device and traveling along said second conveying device,
• wherein:
• said illuminating assembly comprises:
• (A) a light source comprising an opening through approximately a middle of said light source and (B) an indicia reading device;
• and
• said reading step comprising:
• using said light source to illuminate said first indicia along a lighting axis;
• and
• while said light source is illuminating said first indicia along said lighting axis, using said indicia reading device to read said first indicia along a reading axis that passes through said opening in said light source and lies in approximately a same plane as said lighting axis, thereby creating a substantially coplanar configuration between said reading axis and said lighting axis.