Method of in-line addressing for modular folder inserters

Abstract

The invention is a method of in-line addressing, for both matched and non-matched mail, comprising a number of steps which begin with the generation of document data in a data processing system and then transmitting that document data to a document printer. The document data is printed, at the document printer, onto a substrate which is subsequently fed to an accumulator. Additionally, address data is generated in the data processing system and transmitted to an envelope printer where the address data is printed to one or more envelopes. The envelope printer is capable of printing a return address, a destination address, and a bar code in respect of the destination address upon the envelope. The address data can be merged with graphics data so that the envelope printer is further capable of printing graphics on the envelope. Once at the accumulator, predetermined batches of one or more sheets of the printed substrate are fed into a sheet folder. The sheet folder folds the predetermined batches and then subsequently feeds the folded batches to the insert feeder. The folded batches are inserted into the printed envelopes to form a mail piece which is then transported to a mail processing apparatus; in an alternative embodiment, the envelopes can be printed upon after stuffing. Taken together, the sheet feeder, accumulator, sheet folder, and insert feeder comprise a folder/inserter system. The envelope throughput is timed to match batch throughput of the folder/inserter system.