System for processing folded documents
AssigneeElection Systems & Software, LLC
InventorDean Baumert
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system for processing folded documents is disclosed. The system includes an input hopper configured to receive a stack of folded documents and an imaging area in which each of the documents is imaged. A pick-up mechanism is configured to transport each of the folded documents from the input hopper to the imaging area. The pick-up mechanism includes first and second barriers that are spaced apart to define a gap through which each of the folded documents is passed, wherein the gap is dimensioned to prevent passage of more than one of the folded documents. Preferably, the system also includes a detection system that is operable to detect the passage of more than one of the folded documents through a detection zone.
Claims46
A system for processing folded and unfolded documents, comprising:
- an input hopper configured to receive a stack of documents, wherein said documents comprise either a plurality of folded documents or a plurality of unfolded documents;
- an imaging area in which each of said documents is imaged;
- a pick-up mechanism configured to transport each of said documents from said input hopper to said imaging area, wherein said pick-up mechanism comprises a first barrier spaced from a second barrier to define a gap through which each of said documents is passed, wherein at least one of said first and second barriers is adjustable between a first position in which said gap is dimensioned to prevent passage of more than one of said folded documents and a second position in which said gap is dimensioned to prevent passage of more than one of said unfolded documents;
- and
- a detection system operable to detect the passage of more than one of said documents through a detection zone, wherein said detection system is adjustable to operate in either a first mode for detecting the passage of more than one of said folded documents or a second mode for detecting the passage of more than one of said unfolded documents.
A system for processing folded documents, comprising:
- an input hopper configured to receive a stack of folded documents;
- an imaging area in which each of said folded documents is imaged;
- a pick-up mechanism configured to transport each of said folded documents from said input hopper to said imaging area, wherein said pick-up mechanism comprises a first barrier spaced from a second barrier to define a gap through which each of said folded documents is passed, wherein said gap is dimensioned to prevent passage of more than one of said folded documents;
- and
- a detection system operable to detect the passage of more than one of said folded documents through a detection zone.
A system for processing folded documents, comprising:
- an input hopper configured to receive a stack of folded documents;
- an imaging area in which each of said folded documents is imaged;
- and
- a pick-up mechanism configured to transport each of said folded documents from said input hopper to said imaging area, wherein said pick-up mechanism comprises a first barrier spaced from a second barrier to define a gap through which each of said folded documents is passed, wherein said gap is dimensioned to prevent passage of more than one of said folded documents.
A system for processing folded documents, comprising:
- an input hopper configured to receive a stack of folded documents, wherein each of said folded documents has a first document side that presents a first identification mark and a second document side that presents a second identification mark;
- an imaging area in which each of said folded documents is imaged;
- a pick-up mechanism configured to transport each of said folded documents from said input hopper to said imaging area;
- and
- a detection system operable to detect the passage of more than one of said folded documents through a detection zone, comprising:
- a first reading device positioned to read said first identification mark presented on said first document side as each of said folded documents passes through said detection zone;
- a second reading device positioned to read said second identification mark presented on said second document side as each of said folded documents passes through said detection zone;
- and
- a processor in communication with each of said first and second reading devices, wherein said processor receives data that provides information on said first and second identification marks read by said first and second reading devices, respectively, and wherein said processor analyzes said data to detect the passage of more than one of said folded documents through said detection zone.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.