First Data Corporation

Scott J Smith

Jeffrey G Nowlin

Jay Greene

Fred C Casto

Timothy J Walpus

Jay E Greene, Iii

Jeff Nowlin

Bruce A Bennett

Jeffery G Nowlin

Mark Tonack

Corey Dean Tunink

Ronald L Prchal

Douglas S Bailey

Mark J Wilson

John E Christensen

Kenneth Algiene

Sunil Dewan

Jon Andrew Gates

Henry M Abelman

Mike Jeronimus

Systems and methods for preparing presentation instruments for distribution. Some of the methods include reading a code from a distribution stock, accessing a database and determining a presentation instrument to be associated with the distribution stock, selecting the presentation instrument, and associating the presentation instrument with the distribution stock. The various systems include hardware and/or software components for implementing the methods.

Presentation instrument distribution systems and methods

A method for producing and weighing a mailing unit that is formed from a plurality of components including inserts and envelopes comprises the steps of determining a weight for each of the components and electronically storing a record of the weights. The inserts are placed into the envelope to form the mailing unit, and the weight of the mailing unit is determined based on the weights of the components utilized to form the mailing unit that are stored in the weight record.

Weight measuring systems and methods

Systems and methods for processing sheets, statements, and/or inserts prior to mailing are provided. One sheet processing system includes a receiver adapted to receive first and second single page sheets to be processed. The first sheet originates from a stack of first sheets, and the second sheet originates from a stack of second sheets. In some systems, the first and second sheets are of different sizes. The system includes a first read head adapted to read a first identifier from the first sheet, and a second read head adapted to read a second identifier from the second sheet. A circuit coupled to the first and second read heads is adapted to compare the first and second identifiers to determine whether a match exists. At least one identifier may include a magnetic stripe.

Sheet processing systems and methods

A mail processing machine comprises a first holding location that is adapted to hold a stack of first pages. A card is coupled to each of the first pages, and each first page includes an identifier. A second holding location is adapted to hold a stack of second pages that each have an identifier. A first advancing mechanism is adapted to separately advance each first page from the stack, and a second advancing mechanism is adapted to separately advance each second page from the stack. First and second scanning devices read the identifiers on the first and second pages upon their advancement. A controller is configured to control the first and second advancing mechanism to permit the first and second pages to be scanned by the first and second scanners and to match the first pages with the second pages if the identifier on one of the advanced first pages corresponds with the identifier on one of the advanced second pages.

Mail handling equipment and methods

An automated system for preparing cards for further processing includes an envelope feed hopper configured to receive a plurality of envelopes, each having contents including a card carrier and one or more cards attached thereto. The systems also includes an envelope opener configured to receive envelopes from the hopper and create an opening into each envelope. The system further includes a contents parser configured to separate a card carrier and card attached thereto from an envelope. The system also includes a card carrier alignment device configured to unfold a card carrier and align the carrier for further processing and a separation mechanism configured to receive card carriers from the alignment device and separate the card from the carrier. The system also includes a controller programmed to control operation of the system.

Card stripper for removing cards from card carriers

According to the invention, an insertion system for collating sheets of printed material for insertion into an envelope is disclosed. The insertion system includes an insertion machine, application software and an operating system. Included in the application software is a first function and a second function, where the first function performs tracking for each packet and the second function controls operation of the insertion machine. Each packet includes a plurality of pieces of printed material that may ultimately be sealed in an envelope. The operating system runs the application software at any given instant and executes the first and second functions.

Insertion control

A system for processing presentation instruments that includes a presentation instrument reservoir, a presentation instrument reader, a distribution stock holder, a distribution stock reader, two or more motor systems for advancing distribution stock and presentation instruments, and attaching the presentation instruments to the distribution stock when codes printed on the instruments and stock match each other. In some cases, the motor systems can interface to an interface controller via a serial interface, and the interface controller can be coupled to a process control computer via an Ethernet connection. In some cases, distribution stock is blank and has no readable code, in which case the blank stock is automatically advanced to a reject bin without interrupting the operation of system.

Systems for preparing presentation instruments for distribution

Systems and methods for processing sheets, statements, and/or inserts prior to mailing are provided. One sheet processing system includes a receiver adapted to receive first and second sheets to be processed. The first sheet originates from a stack of first sheets or a continuous form sheet, and the second sheet originates from a stack of second sheets or a continuous form sheet. The system includes a first read head adapted to read a first identifier from the first sheet, and a second read head adapted to read a second identifier from the second sheet. A circuit coupled to the first and second read heads is adapted to compare the first and second identifiers to determine whether a match exists. In this manner, the sheet processing system is able to confirm that the first and second sheets are both intended to be sent to the same customer.

Insertion Control

RF devices used in financial and other transactions are moved sequentially to stations of a preparation device that prepares the RF devices for delivery to customers. At one station, an RF reader reads an identification code from the RF device and a label reader reads information on a mailing label. The read information is used to verify the mailing information to assure that the RF device is being delivered to the correct recipient.

System and method for preparing RF devices for delivery and verifying delivery information

An insertion system for collating sheets of printed material for insertion into an envelope is disclosed. The insertion system includes an insertion machine, application software and an operating system. Included in the application software is a first function and a second function, where the first function performs tracking for each packet and the second function controls operation of the insertion machine. Each packet includes a plurality of pieces of printed material that may ultimately be sealed in an envelope. The operating system runs the application software at any given instant and executes the first and second functions.

Systems and methods for accepting and producing various I/O. The systems can include a plurality of input connectors and/or output connectors integral to a board, a circuit to disable the output connectors, and a programmable logic controller modular to the board and electrically coupled to the plurality of input connectors and the plurality of output connectors. The programmable logic controller can be associated with a computer readable medium that incorporates instructions executable by the programmable logic controller to configure one or more of the input and/or output connectors, and/or to at least partially control an output timeout state.

System and method for processing I/O by disabling output for configuration processor when processor clock is inactive and resuming processor after predetermined period of time

A system for processing presentation instruments that includes a presentation instrument reservoir, a presentation instrument reader, a distribution stock holder, a distribution stock reader, two or more motor systems for advancing distribution stock and presentation instruments, and attaching the presentation instruments to the distribution stock. In some cases, the motor systems can interface to an interface controller via a serial interface, and the interface controller can be coupled to a process control computer via an Ethernet connection.

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Fremont, NE, United States of America

Scott J Smith