In a franking system and method for franking of individual items of correspondence by a sender, a weighing device determines the weight of an item of correspondence and determines a postage amount associated with the item of correspondence. A printing device prints a value imprint corresponding to the postage amount and prints a code associated with the item of correspondence that represents a unique identity number onto the item of correspondence. A control computer creates a data set associated with the item of correspondence. A memory is associated with the control computer, in which the data set is stored in a file associated with the sender. The data set includes the identity number of the item of correspondence and the postage amount that is to be debited on the part of the delivery service from the sender using the data set. A registration unit is associated with the control computer, which registers the possibility of the presence of a misprint and, given the presence of a possible misprint, writes to a first data field of the data set with information about the presence of the possible misprint.

Disclosed is a method in which trigger information is obtained. The trigger information is associated with at least part of attribute information associated with at least one first consignment unit. It is determined whether or not attribute information associated with at least one second consignment unit is stored in a database that is similar to the attribute information associated with the at least one first consignment unit. If the attribute information associated with at least one second consignment unit is determined to be stored in the database that is determined to be similar to the attribute information associated with the at least one first consignment unit, then alert information is generated.

The technology described herein provides a handwritten postage that comprises handwriting on a postal item that forms a unique identifier for the postal item (e.g., envelope, postcard, sticker) when analyzed by a computer vision application. The unique identifier is computer derived from the handwritten postage and allows one instance of handwritten postage to be differentiated from all other instances of handwritten postage. The unique identifier may be derived from an image of an envelope that includes an instance of handwritten postage when the handwritten postage is activated. The unique identifier may be formed from a combination of handwriting content (e.g., to and from address), metadata (e.g., date activated), pre-printed content on the postal item (e.g., fiducial marks), post-printed content (e.g., to or from address) and the visual image created by all or a portion of the handwriting. Postage value is added to the handwritten postage through an activation process.

In some embodiments, the instant invention provides for a computer-implemented method that includes at least the following steps of: periodically receiving investment transactional data identifying investment transactions of a plurality of investors; automatically determining, base on the investment transactional data, a document to be mailed to each investor of the plurality of investors; automatically generating a delivery data for each mailing to be mailed to each investor of the plurality of investors, where the delivery data includes: bucslip data or trade confirmation data, assembling data, and unique production control bar code data generated based on the assembling data and an investment transaction identifier from the investment transactional data; and printing a unique production control bar code based on the unique production control bar code data, where the unique production control bar code is configured to be used for: assembling each mailing envelope, and tracking such mailing envelope.

A method for franking mail items fed to a franking machine. The mail items are drawn from the underside of a stack for separation or are fed individually on a conveying section upstream of the franking machine to a printing unit for franking, after franking, are discharged in the opposite direction from the printing unit. The mail items are fed via a diverter section to the conveying section, after franking, are conveyed via the diverter section which is switched over to change the conveying direction into a depositing apparatus below the diverter section. The mail items are guided in the opening region of the franking machine into the printing position and are returned out of the printing position. The printing position of a mail item fed to the printing unit is determined by a print head movement-controlled from a readiness position pursuant to the format length of the mail item.

A reciprocating motor comprising SSR's Solid State Relays, photoelectric switch sensor and semicircular reflective surface, a wiring circuit for converting DC direct current to AC alternating current as an output current used to switch the electromagnet poles having as a result the attraction and repellent reaction with magnets poles located in the pistons. These said pistons are moving up and down (reciprocating motion) getting the rotation motion of the crankshaft and therefore the mechanical motion of the motor. The photoelectric switch sensor controls two sets of Solid State Relays, the wiring circuit of the sensor, relays and electromagnet allow an alternating current and therefore switching of poles. The electromagnet has a “U” shape for using both poles to be used in the reciprocating system. The circuit has an optional switch to turn off the circuit in the attraction moment, this is for saving energy when the torque required is low.

For protecting confidential information in a printed document, the invention provides a system and method for, on one hand, encrypting the confidential content of the document and then printing the part or parts of the document with confidential information in an encrypted form and the rest of the document in a non-encrypted form, and, on the other hand, decrypting the encrypted document content for display and use or for printing. In addition, for preventing unauthorized copying and tampering of a printed document, the invention provides a system and method for managing a unique tag, which is attached to the document and which authenticates the document.

In an example embodiment, a payment processor automatically generates a virtual account number that can be used by customers to perform push payments, such as ACH, wire transfer, and direct deposits. This virtual account number may be surfaced to customers via invoices sent by service or product providers. The payment processor is then able to automatically match the payment sent to the virtual account number and the amount owed on the invoice.

A distribution item includes a first item comprising a container having an outer surface defining an enclosed space. A computer-readable code is disposed on the outer surface. The computer-readable code is associated with a first level entity. The first item also includes destination information associated with a second level entity disposed on the outer surface. The distribution item also includes one or more second items removably positioned within the enclosed space of the first item. Each of the one or more second items includes the computer-readable code associated with the first level entity.

A computer controlled mail piece assembly and wrapping system discloses a process for culling candidate mail pieces from bulk mail pieces, a mail piece feeder, a mail piece reader coupled to the feeder that identifies suitable candidate mail pieces, a collator coupled to the feeder for collating multiple identified mail pieces, a buffer coupled to the collator for regulating the delivery rate of the multiple mail pieces exiting to a wrap inserter, a wrap inserter coupled to the buffer for wrapping mail pieces and selected inserts into a mailing container, a printer interfaced with the wrap inserter for printing information onto the mailing container; an outstacker coupled to the wrap inserter for transferring envelope wrapped mail pieces and selected inserts to a desired location, and a computer with suitable programming for operating the system.