System and method for co-mailing a plurality of diverse publications

• US 5,287,976 A
• Filed: 10/31/1990
• Issued: 02/22/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: LSC Communications US, LLC (LSC Communications, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: RR Donnelley & Sons Company
• Inventors: Scott, Glenn R., Martellotto, Nicholas A., Mayer, Theodore W.
• Primary Examiner(s): DAYOAN, DARRELL G
• Application Number:
  US07/607,245
• Time in Patent Office: 1,210 Days
• Field of Search: 209/547, 209/569, 209/583, 209/584, 209/900, 364/405
• US Class Current: 209/547
• CPC Class Codes: B07C 1/00 Measures preceding sorting according to destination
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 2301/4311 Making personalised books or mail packets according to personal, geographic or demographic data
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 39/04 from piles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 209/90 Sorting flat-type mail

Abstract

In order to maximize postal discounts in connection with binding line operations, a system and method for co-mailing a plurality of diverse publications to their intended recipients is disclosed. The system and method contemplate preparing and addressing copies of each of the diverse publications on at least one binding line. Mailing information is then recorded for each of the diverse publications exiting from the binding line. The diverse publications are then each assembled in a predetermined order as the copies exit from the binding line following which each of the diverse publications is placed in position for feeding each of the copies to a co-mailing line in a predetermined order relative to the order of exit from the binding line. Mailing information is then assembled for all of the diverse publications to control or otherwise facilitate the operation of the co-mailing line by permitting the diverse publications to be accumulated for co-mailing purposes. Next, the assembled mailing information is utilized for feeding copies of the diverse publications to the co-mailing line. With this operation, the copies fed to the co-mailing line are accumulated into co-mailing stacks formed by copies having a common indicia of assembled mailing information after which the co-mailing stacks are prepared for mailing.

Claims

1. A method of co-mailing a plurality of diverse publications, comprising the steps of:

preparing and addressing copies of each of said diverse publications on a binding line;

recording mailing information for each of said diverse publications prepared and addressed on said binding line;

assembling each of said diverse publications in a predetermined order as said copies exit from said binding line;

placing each of said diverse publications in position for feeding each of said copies to a co-mailing line, said diverse publications each being placed for feeding each of said copies in a predetermined order relative to the order of exit from said binding line;

assembling said mailing information for all of said diverse publications to control or otherwise facilitate operation of said co-mailing line, said mailing information being assembled to permit said diverse publications to be accumulated for co-mailing purposes;

utilizing said assembled mailing information to feed copies of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line;

accumulating said copies of said diverse publications fed to said co-mailing line into co-mailing stacks, said co-mailing stacks being formed by copies of said diverse publications having a common indicia of said assembled mailing information; and

preparing said co-mailing stacks of accumulated copies of diverse publications for mailing.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said preparing and addressing step includes preparing at least one of said diverse publications with selectively bound copies.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said preparing and addressing step includes preparing at least one of said diverse publications with internally customized copies.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said preparing and addressing step includes addressing each of said diverse publications with copies substantially in zip code order.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said preparing and addressing step includes applying a machine readable code to every copy of each of said diverse publications.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein said machine readable code comprises a bar code indicative of a zip code for every copy of each of said diverse publications.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein said preparing and addressing step includes affixing an address and said bar code to every copy of each of said diverse publications.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein said recording step includes sequentially machine reading said bar codes for every copy of each of said diverse publications exiting said binding line.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein said recording step includes sequentially recording an address including zip code for every copy of each of said diverse publications.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein said addresses and zip codes are recorded in the exact order each copy of each of said diverse publications exits from said binding line.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein said recording step includes sequentially recording an exact count of the number of copies for each zip code for each of said diverse publications.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one copy of said diverse publications is prepared and addressed at a different time and/or on a different binding line.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein said publication assembling step includes sequentially assembling every copy of each of said diverse publications on a separate spirally wound bundle or reel.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said placing step includes placing each of said separate spirally wound bundles or reels in a preselected location in proximity to said co-mailing line.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein said mailing information assembling step includes determining the number of copies for each zip code for each of said diverse publications.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein said mailing information assembling step includes using the number of copies for each zip code to maximize postal discount.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein said utilizing step includes feeding copies of each of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line substantially in zip code order.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein said accumulating step includes sequentially accumulating copies of each of said diverse publications into co-mailing stacks in zip code order.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein said co-mailing stacks are assembled so as to have a maximum and a minimum number of copies of said diverse publications.

20. The method of claim 1 wherein said preparing for mailing step includes either strapping or shrink wrapping each of said co-mailing stacks at the end of said co-mailing line.

21. The method of claim 1 wherein said publication assembling step includes sequentially assembling copies of each of said diverse publications onto separate pallets.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein said placing step includes placing said pallets for each of said diverse publications in a preselected location in proximity to said co-mailing line.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein each of said pallets is inverted so that copies of each of said diverse publications may be fed first-in-first-out to said co-mailing line.

24. The method of claim 1 wherein said preparing and addressing step includes applying a machine readable code to a zip code separator book, and placing said zip code separator book on said binding line between copies of said diverse publications destined for different zip codes.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein said machine readable code comprises a bar code placed in a preselected location on each of said zip code separator books, said bar code being indicative of a particular zip code for every copy of each of said diverse publications upstream of each of said zip code separator books.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein said recording step includes sequentially machine reading said bar codes on each of said zip code separator books, counting the number of copies upstream of each of said zip code separator books, and sequentially recording an exact count of the number of copies for each zip code for each of said diverse publications.

27. The method of claim 26 including the step of removing each of said zip code separator books from said copies of said diverse publications upstream of the point where said copies of said diverse publications are accumulated into said co-mailing stacks.

28. A method of co-mailing a plurality of diverse publications, comprising the steps of:

preparing and addressing multiple copies of each of said diverse publications on a binding line, said preparing and addressing step including preparing at least one of said diverse publications with personalized copies, said personalized copies being selectively bound and/or internally customized;

recording mailing information for each of said diverse publications prepared and addressed on said binding line, said mailing information being recorded such that said recording step includes sequentially recording an exact count by zip code;

assembling each of said diverse publications in a predetermined order as said multiple copies exit from said binding line;

placing each of said diverse publications in position for feeding each of said multiple copies to a co-mailing line, said diverse publications each being placed for feeding each of said multiple copies in a predetermined order relative to the order of exit from said binding line;

assembling said mailing information for all of said diverse publications to control or otherwise facilitate operation of said co-mailing line, said mailing information being assembled to permit said diverse publications to be accumulated for co-mailing purposes, said mailing information assembling step including determining the number of copies for each zip code for said diverse publications;

utilizing said assembled mailing information for the purpose of feeding copies of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line, said utilizing step including the feeding of copies of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line substantially in zip code order;

accumulating said copies of said diverse publications fed to said co-mailing line into co-mailing stacks, said co-mailing stacks being formed by copies of said diverse publications having a common indicia of said assembled mailing information, said accumulating step including sequentially accumulating copies of said diverse publications into co-mailing stacks in zip code order; and

preparing said co-mailing stacks of accumulated copies of diverse publications for mailing.

29. The method of claim 28 wherein said preparing and addressing step includes addressing every copy of each of said diverse publications substantially in zip code and carrier route order and applying a machine readable code to every copy of each of said diverse publications on said binding line indicative of a zip code and carrier route therefor.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein said machine readable code comprises a bar code indicative of a zip code and carrier route for every copy of each of said diverse publications and said preparing and addressing step includes affixing an address and said bar code to every copy of each of said diverse publications on said binding line.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein said recording step includes sequentially machine reading said bar codes for every copy of each of said diverse publications exiting said binding line, said recording step also including the step of sequentially recording a zip code and carrier route for every copy of each of said diverse publications.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein said recording step includes recording said zip codes and carrier routes in the exact order each copy of each of said diverse publications exits said binding line, said recording step also including sequentially recording an exact count of the number of copies for each zip code and carrier route for each of said diverse publications.

33. The method of claim 28 wherein said assembling step includes sequentially assembling every copy of each of said diverse publications on a separate spirally wound bundle or reel and said placing step includes placing each of said separate spirally wound bundles or reels in a preselected location for feeding said copies of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line.

34. The method of claim 28 wherein said mailing information assembling step includes determining the number of copies for each zip code and carrier route for each of said diverse publications, said mailing information assembling step also including using the number of copies for each zip code and carrier route in order to maximize postal discount.

35. The method of claim 34 wherein said utilizing step includes feeding copies of each of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line substantially in zip code and carrier route order, said accumulating step including sequentially accumulating copies of each of said diverse publications into co-mailing stacks in zip code and carrier route order.

36. The method of claim 28 wherein said publication assembling step includes sequentially assembling copies of each of said diverse publications onto separate pallets, said placing step including the placing of said pallets for each of said diverse publications in a preselected location for feeding said copies of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line.

37. The method of claim 28 wherein said preparing and addressing step includes applying a machine readable code to a zip code separator book, and placing said zip code separator book on said binding line between copies of said diverse publications destined for different zip codes.

38. The method of claim 37 wherein said machine readable code comprises a bar code placed in a preselected location on each of said zip code separator books, said bar code being indicative of a particular zip code for every copy of each of said diverse publications upstream of each of said zip code separator books.

39. The method of claim 38 wherein said recording step includes sequentially machine reading said bar codes on each of said zip code separator books and counting the number of copies upstream of each of said zip code separator books to thereby sequentially record an exact count of the number of copies for each zip code for each of said diverse publications.

40. The method of claim 39 including the step of removing each of said zip code separator books from said copies of said diverse publications upstream of the point where said copies of said diverse publications are accumulated into said co-mailing stacks.

41. A method of co-mailing a plurality of diverse publications, comprising the steps of:

preparing and addressing multiple copies of each of said diverse publications on one or more binding lines, said preparing and addressing step including preparing at least one of said diverse publications with personalized copies, said personalized copies being selectively bound and/or internally customized;

recording mailing information for each of said diverse publications prepared and addressed on said binding line(s) in the exact order each of said multiple copies exits therefrom including sequentially recording an exact count by zip code and carrier route;

assembling each of said diverse publications in a reverse order relative to the order of exit of each of said multiple copies from said binding line(s), said assembling step including sequentially assembling every copy of each of said diverse publications on a separate spirally wound bundle or reel;

providing a common co-mailing line for all of said diverse publications, said co-mailing line including a separate publication feeder for each of said diverse publications and an accumulating conveyor adapted to receive publications from said publication feeders, said accumulating conveyor passing an exit point of each of said publication feeders;

placing each of said diverse publications in position for feeding each of said multiple copies to said co-mailing line in a reverse order relative to the order of exit from said binding line(s), said placing step including separately placing each of said separate spirally wound bundles or reels in a preselected location relative to one of said publication feeders;

assembling said mailing information for all of said diverse publications to permit said diverse publications to be accumulated for co-mailing purposes, said mailing information assembling step including determining the exact number of copies for each zip code and carrier route for said diverse publications;

utilizing said assembled mailing information for the purpose of feeding copies of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line, said assembled mailing information being utilized to control or otherwise facilitate the operation of said co-mailing line whereby said diverse publications are fed in a predetermined sequence by said publication feeders to said accumulating conveyor, said utilizing step including feeding copies of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line substantially in zip code and carrier route order;

accumulating said copies of said diverse publications fed to said accumulating conveyor by said publication feeders into co-mailing stacks, said co-mailing stacks being formed by copies of said diverse publications having a common indicia of said assembled mailing information including zip code and carrier route therefor, said accumulating step including sequentially accumulating copies of said diverse publications into co-mailing stacks in zip code and carrier route order; and

preparing said co-mailing stacks of accumulated copies of diverse publications for mailing.

42. The method of claim 41 wherein said preparing and addressing step includes addressing every copy of each of said diverse publications substantially in zip code and carrier route order and applying a machine readable code to every copy of each of said diverse publications on said binding line indicative of a zip code and carrier route therefor.

43. The method of claim 42 wherein said machine readable code comprises a bar code indicative of a zip code and carrier route for every copy of each of said diverse publications and said preparing and addressing step includes affixing an address and said bar code to every copy of each of said diverse publications on said binding line(s).

44. The method of claim 43 wherein said recording step includes sequentially machine reading said bar codes for every copy of each of said diverse publications exiting said binding line(s), said recording step also including the step of sequentially recording a zip code and carrier route for every copy of each of said diverse publications.

45. The method of claim 44 wherein said recording step includes recording said zip codes and carrier routes in the exact order each copy of each of said publications exits said binding line(s), said recording step also including sequentially recording an exact count of the number of copies for each zip code and carrier route for each of said diverse publications.

46. The method of claim 41 wherein said mailing information assembling step includes determining the number of copies for each zip code and carrier route for each of said diverse publications, said mailing information assembling step also including using the number of copies for each zip code and carrier route in order to maximize postal discount.

47. The method of claim 43 wherein said publication feeders each include a bundle or reel unwind stand, a copy separating device for forming a shingled stream of copies, a bar code reader, and an accumulating hopper adjacent said accumulating conveyor.

48. The method of claim 47 wherein said accumulating conveyor is an indexing conveyor positioned to travel below said accumulating hoppers of each of said publication feeders for receiving copies of said diverse publications contained therein.

49. The method of claim 48 wherein said mailing information assembling and utilizing steps employ a central processing unit operatively associated with said accumulating conveyors and each of said publication feeders.

50. The method of claim 41 wherein said preparing and addressing step includes applying a machine readable code to a zip code separator book, and placing said zip code separator book on said binding line between copies of said diverse publications destined for different zip codes.

51. The method of claim 50 wherein said machine readable code comprises a bar code placed in a preselected location on each of said zip code separator books, said bar code being indicative of a particular zip code for every copy of each of said diverse publications upstream of each of said zip code separator books.

52. The method of claim 51 wherein said recording step includes sequentially machine reading said bar codes on each of said zip code separator books and counting the number of copies upstream of each of said zip code separator books to thereby sequentially record an exact count of the number of copies for each zip code for each of said diverse publications.

53. The method of claim 52 including the step of removing each of said zip code separator books from said copies of said diverse publications upstream of the point where said copies of said diverse publications are accumulated into said co-mailing stacks.

54. A method of co-mailing a plurality of diverse publications, comprising the steps of:

preparing and addressing multiple copies of each of said diverse publications on one or more binding line(s), said preparing and addressing step including preparing at least one of said diverse publications with personalized copies, said personalized copies being selectively bound and/or internally customized;

recording mailing information for each of said diverse publications prepared and addressed on said binding line(s) in the exact order each of said multiple copies exits therefrom including sequentially recording an exact count by zip code and carrier route;

assembling each of said diverse publications in a reverse order relative to the order each of said multiple copies exits from said binding line(s), said assembling step including sequentially assembling every copy of each of said diverse publications onto separate pallets;

providing a common co-mailing line for all of said diverse publications, said co-mailing line including a separate publication feeder for each of said diverse publications and an accumulating conveyor adapted to receive publications from said publication feeders, said accumulating conveyor passing an exit point of each of said publication feeders

placing each of said diverse publications in position for feeding each of said multiple copies to a co-mailing line in the exact order of exit from said binding line(s), said placing step including separately inverting and placing each of said pallets in a preselected location relative to one of said publication feeders;

assembling said mailing information for all of said diverse publications to permit said diverse publications to be accumulated for co-mailing purposes, said mailing information assembling step including determining the exact number of copies for each zip code and carrier route for said diverse publications;

utilizing said assembled mailing information for the purpose of feeding copies of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line, said assembled mailing information being utilized to control or otherwise facilitate the operation of said co-mailing line whereby said diverse publications are fed in a predetermined sequence by said publication feeders to said accumulating conveyor, said utilizing step including feeding copies of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line substantially in zip code and carrier route order;

accumulating said copies of said diverse publications fed to said accumulating conveyor by said publication feeders into co-mailing stacks, said co-mailing stacks being formed by copies of said diverse publications having a common indicia of said assembled mailing information including zip code and carrier route therefor, said accumulating step including sequentially accumulating copies of said diverse publications into co-mailing stacks in zip code and carrier route order; and

preparing said co-mailing stacks of accumulated copies of diverse publications for mailing.

55. The method of claim 54 wherein said preparing and addressing step includes addressing every copy of each of said diverse publications substantially in zip code and carrier route order and applying a machine readable code to every copy of each of said diverse publications on said binding line(s) indicative of a zip code and carrier route therefor.

56. The method of claim 55 wherein said machine readable code comprises a bar code indicative of a zip code and carrier route for every copy of each of said diverse publications and said preparing and addressing step includes affixing an address and said bar code to every copy of each of said diverse publications on said binding line(s).

57. The method of claim 56 wherein said recording step includes sequentially machine reading said bar codes for every copy of each of said diverse publications exiting said binding line(s), said recording step also including the step of sequentially recording a zip code and carrier route for every copy of each of said diverse publications.

58. The method of claim 57 wherein said recording step includes recording said zip codes and carrier routes in the exact order each copy of each of said publications exits said binding line(s), said recording step also including sequentially recording an exact count of the number of copies for each zip code and carrier route for each of said diverse publications.

59. The method of claim 54 wherein said mailing information assembling step includes determining the number of copies for each zip code and carrier route for each of said diverse publications, said mailing information assembling step also including using the number of copies for each zip code and carrier route in order to maximize postal discount.

60. The method of claim 54 wherein said publication feeders each include a pallet load inverter, a copy inverting gripper, a transport conveyor, a bar code reader, and an accumulating hopper adjacent said accumulating conveyor.

61. The method of claim 60 wherein said accumulating conveyor is an indexing conveyor positioned to travel below said accumulating hoppers of each of said publication feeders for receiving copies of said diverse publications contained therein.

62. The method of claim 61 wherein said mailing information assembling and utilizing steps employ a central processing unit operatively associated with said accumulating conveyors and each of said publication feeders.

63. The method of claim 54 wherein said preparing and addressing step includes applying a machine readable code to a zip code separator book, and placing said zip code separator book on said binding line between copies of said diverse publications destined for different zip codes.

64. The method of claim 63 wherein said machine readable code comprises a bar code placed in a preselected location on each of said zip code separator books, said bar code being indicative of a particular zip code for every copy of each of said diverse publications upstream of each of said zip code separator books.

65. The method of claim 64 wherein said recording step includes sequentially machine reading said bar codes on each of said zip code separator books and counting the number of copies upstream of each of said zip code separator books to thereby sequentially record an exact count of the number of copies for each zip code for each of said diverse publications.

66. The method of claim 65 including the step of removing each of said zip code separator books from said copies of said diverse publications upstream of the point where said copies of said diverse publications are accumulated into said co-mailing stacks.

67. A system for co-mailing a plurality of diverse publications, comprising:

means for preparing and addressing copies of each of said diverse publications on a binding line;

means for recording mailing information for each of said diverse publications prepared and addressed by said preparing and addressing means on said binding line;

means for assembling each of said diverse publications in a predetermined order as said copies exit from said binding line;

a co-mailing line for preparing a plurality of diverse publications for co-mailing therefrom;

means for placing each of said diverse publications in position for feeding each of said copies to said co-mailing line in a predetermined order relative to the order of exit from said binding line;

means for assembling said mailing information for all of said diverse publications to control or otherwise facilitate operation of said co-mailing line by permitting said diverse publications to be accumulated for co-mailing purposes;

means for utilizing said assembled mailing information to feed copies of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line;

means for accumulating said copies of said diverse publications fed to said co-mailing line into co-mailing stacks formed by copies of said diverse publications having a common indicia of said assembled mailing information; and

means for preparing said co-mailing stacks of accumulated copies of diverse publications for mailing.

68. The co-mailing system of claim 67 wherein said preparing and addressing means includes a plurality of signature feeders, a gathering chain for receiving signatures from said feeders, a binding machine for binding said signatures into said publications, and an ink jet printer for addressing each of said diverse publications before said copies exit from said binding line.

69. The co-mailing system of claim 68 including computer means for controlling said signature feeders for preparing at least one of said diverse publications with selectively bound and/or internally customized copies.

70. The co-mailing system of claim 68 including computer means for controlling said ink jet printer for addressing each of said diverse publications with each of said copies substantially in zip code order.

71. The co-mailing system of claim 68 wherein said ink jet printer also applies a machine readable code to every copy of each of said diverse publications in the form of a bar code indicative of a zip code therefor.

72. The co-mailing system of claim 71 including a bar code reader downstream of said ink jet printer for sequentially machine reading said bar codes for every copy of each of said diverse publications.

73. The co-mailing system of claim 72 wherein said mailing information recording means includes computer means integral with said bar code reader for recording mailing information for each of said diverse publications.

74. The co-mailing system of claim 73 wherein said computer means is adapted to sequentially record an address including zip code for every copy of each of said diverse publications in the exact order of exit from said binding line.

75. The co-mailing system of claim 74 wherein said computer means is adapted to sequentially record an exact count of the number of copies for each zip code for each of said diverse publications.

76. The co-mailing system of claim 67 wherein said publication assembling means includes a separate spirally wound bundle or reel for sequentially assembling every copy of each of said diverse publications.

77. The co-mailing system of claim 76 wherein said publication placing means includes means for moving said separate spirally wound bundles or reels to a preselected location in proximity to said co-mailing line after assembling said diverse publications thereon.

78. The co-mailing system of claim 67 wherein said mailing information assembling means includes computer means for using the number of copies for each zip code from all of said diverse publications to maximize postal discount.

79. The co-mailing system of claim 67 wherein said information utilizing means includes computer means for controlling said copy accumulating means to feed copies of each of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line in zip code order.

80. The co-mailing system of claim 76 wherein said copy accumulating means includes a separate publication feeder for each of said diverse publications and an accumulating conveyor adapted to receive publications from said publication feeders.

81. The co-mailing system of claim 80 wherein said publication feeders each include a bundle or reel unwind stand, a copy separating device for forming a shingled stream of copies, and an accumulating hopper adjacent said accumulating conveyor.

82. The co-mailing system of claim 81 wherein said accumulating conveyor is an indexing conveyor positioned to travel below said accumulating hoppers of each of said publication feeders for receiving copies of said diverse publications contained therein.

83. The co-mailing system of claim 80 wherein said accumulating means includes computer means operatively associated with said publication feeders and accumulating conveyor for forming co-mailing stacks in zip code order.

84. The co-mailing system of claim 83 wherein said computer means is adapted to control said publication feeders and accumulating conveyor for forming said co-mailing stacks to have a maximum and a minimum number of copies of said diverse publications.

85. The co-mailing system of claim 80 wherein said publication feeders each include a pallet load inverter, a copy inverting gripper, a transport conveyor, and an accumulating hopper adjacent said accumulating conveyor.

86. The co-mailing system of claim 85 wherein said accumulating conveyor is an indexing conveyor positioned to travel below said accumulating hoppers of each of said publication feeders for receiving copies of said diverse publications contained therein.

87. The co-mailing system of claim 80 wherein said accumulating means includes computer means operatively associated with said publication feeders and accumulating conveyor for forming co-mailing stacks in zip code order.

88. The co-mailing system of claim 67 wherein said stack preparing means includes a shrink wrapping device for shrink wrapping each of said co-mailing stacks at the end of said co-mailing line.

89. The co-mailing system of claim 67 wherein said stack preparing means includes a strapping device for strapping each of said co-mailing stacks at the end of said co-mailing line.

90. The co-mailing system of claim 68 wherein said ink jet printer also applies a machine readable code to a zip code separator book, and means are provided for placing said zip code separator book on said binding line between copies of diverse publications destined for different zip codes.

91. The co-mailing system of claim 90 wherein said machine readable code comprises a bar code placed in a preselected location on each of said zip code separator books, said bar code being indicative of a particular zip code for every copy of each of said diverse publications upstream of each of said zip code separator books.

92. The co-mailing system of claim 91 wherein said mailing information recording means includes computer means for sequentially machine reading said bar codes on each of said zip code separator books, counting the number of copies upstream of each of said zip code separator books, and sequentially recording an exact count of the number of copies for each zip code for each of said diverse publications.

93. The co-mailing system of claim 92 including means for removing each of said zip code separator books from said copies of said diverse publications upstream of the point where said copies of said diverse publications are accumulated into said co-mailing stacks.

94. A system for co-mailing a plurality of diverse publications, comprising:

means for preparing and addressing multiple copies of each of said diverse publications on a binding line, said preparing and addressing means including a plurality of signature feeders, a gathering chain for receiving signatures from said feeders, a binding machine for binding said signatures into said publications, and an ink jet printer for addressing each of said diverse publications before said multiple copies exit from said binding line, and said preparing and addressing means being adapted to prepare at least one of said diverse publications with selectively bound and/or internally customized copies;

means for sequentially recording mailing information for each of said diverse publications prepared and addressed by said preparing and addressing means on said binding line to provide an exact count by zip code;

means for assembling each of said diverse publications in a predetermined order relative to the order each of said multiple copies exits from said binding line;

a co-mailing line for preparing a plurality of diverse publications for co-mailing therefrom;

means for placing each of said diverse publications in position for feeding each of said multiple copies to said co-mailing line in a predetermined order relative to the order of exit from said binding line;

means for assembling said mailing information for all of said diverse publications to control or otherwise facilitate operation of said co-mailing line by permitting said diverse publications to be accumulated for co-mailing purposes while determining the number of copies for each zip code for said diverse publications;

means for utilizing said assembled mailing information to feed copies of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line substantially in zip code order;

means for sequentially accumulating said copies of said diverse publications fed to said co-mailing line into co-mailing stacks in zip code order, said co-mailing stacks being formed by copies of said diverse publications having a common indicia of said assembled mailing information; and

means for preparing said co-mailing stacks of accumulated copies of diverse publications for mailing.

95. The co-mailing system of claim 94 wherein said ink jet printer addresses every copy of each of said diverse publications substantially in zip code and carrier route order and applies a machine readable code to every copy of each of said diverse publications on said binding line indicative of a zip code and carrier route therefor.

96. The co-mailing system of claim 95 wherein said machine readable code comprises a bar code indicative of a zip code and carrier route for every copy of each of said diverse publications and said ink jet printer affixes an address and said bar code to every copy of each of said diverse publications on said binding line.

97. The co-mailing system of claim 96 including a bar code reader downstream of said ink jet printer for sequentially machine reading said bar codes for every copy of each of said diverse publications exiting said binding line, said mailing information recording means including computer means integral with said bar code reader for sequentially recording a zip code and carrier route for every copy of each of said diverse publications.

98. The co-mailing system of claim 97 wherein said computer means is adapted to sequentially record said zip codes and carrier routes in the exact order each copy of each of said diverse publications exits said binding line and is also adapted to sequentially record an exact count of the number of copies for each zip code and carrier route for each of said diverse publications.

99. The co-mailing system of claim 94 wherein said publication assembling means includes a separate spirally wound bundle or reel for assembling every copy of each of said diverse publications and said publication placing means includes means for moving each of said separate spirally wound bundle or reel to a preselected location for feeding said copies of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line.

100. The co-mailing system of claim 94 wherein said mailing information assembling means includes computer means for determining the number of copies for each zip code and carrier route for each of said diverse publications and for using the number of copies for each zip code and carrier route in order to maximize postal discount.

101. The co-mailing system of claim 100 wherein said assembled mailing information utilizing means includes computer means for controlling said copy accumulating means to feed copies of each of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line substantially in zip code and carrier route order for sequentially accumulating copies of each of said diverse publications into co-mailing stacks in zip code and carrier route order.

102. The co-mailing system of claim 101 wherein said copy accumulating means includes a separate publication feeder for each of said diverse publications and an accumulating conveyor adapted to receive publications from each of said publication feeders, said publication feeders each including a bundle or reel unwind stand, a copy separating device for forming a shingled stream of copies, and an accumulating hopper adjacent said accumulating conveyor.

103. The co-mailing system of claim 102 wherein said accumulating conveyor is an indexing conveyor positioned to travel below said accumulating hoppers of each of said publication feeders for receiving copies of said diverse publications contained therein.

104. The co-mailing system of claim 103 wherein said copy accumulating means includes computer means operatively associated with said publication feeders and accumulating conveyor for forming said co-mailing stacks in zip code and carrier route order, said computer means being adapted to control said publication feeders and accumulating conveyor for forming said co-mailing stacks to have a maximum and a minimum number of copies of said diverse publications.

105. The co-mailing system of claim 101 wherein said copy accumulating means includes a separate publication feeder for each of said diverse publications for sequentially assembling copies of each of said diverse publications from separate pallets, said publication feeders each including a pallet load inverter, a copy inverting gripper, a transport conveyor, and an accumulating hopper adjacent an accumulating conveyor.

106. The co-mailing system of claim 105 wherein said accumulating conveyor is an indexing conveyor positioned to travel below said accumulating hoppers of each of said publication feeders for receiving copies of said diverse publications contained therein.

107. The co-mailing system of claim 106 wherein said copy accumulating means includes computer means operatively associated with said publication feeders and accumulating conveyor for forming said co-mailing stacks in zip code and carrier route order, said computer means being adapted to control said publication feeders and accumulating conveyor for forming said co-mailing stacks to have a maximum and a minimum number of copies of said diverse publications.

108. The co-mailing system of claim 94 wherein said stack preparing means includes a shrink wrapping device for shrink wrapping each of said co-mailing stacks at the end of said co-mailing line.

109. The co-mailing system of claim 94 wherein said stack preparing means includes a strapping device for strapping each of said co-mailing stacks at the end of said co-mailing line.

110. The co-mailing system of claim 94 wherein said ink jet printer also applies a machine readable code to a zip code separator book, and means are provided for placing said zip code separator book on said binding line between copies of diverse publications destined for different zip codes.

111. The co-mailing system of claim 110 wherein said machine readable code comprises a bar code placed in a preselected location on each of said zip code separator books, said bar code being indicative of a particular zip code for every copy of each of said diverse publications upstream of each of said zip code separator books.

112. The co-mailing system of claim 111 wherein said mailing information recording means includes computer means for sequentially machine reading said bar codes on each of said zip code separator books, counting the number of copies upstream of each of said zip code separator books, and sequentially recording an exact count of the number of copies for each zip code for each of said diverse publications.

113. The co-mailing system of claim 112 including means for removing each of said zip code separator books from said copies of said diverse publications upstream of the point where said copies of said diverse publications are accumulated into said co-mailing stacks.

114. A system for co-mailing a plurality of diverse publications, comprising:

means for preparing and addressing multiple copies of each of said diverse publications on one or more binding lines, said preparing and addressing means including a plurality of signature feeders for each binding line, a gathering chain for receiving signatures from said feeders for each binding line, a binding machines for binding said signatures into said publications on each binding line, and an ink jet printer for each binding line for addressing each of said diverse publications before said multiple copies exit therefrom, and said preparing and addressing means being adapted to prepare at least one of said diverse publications from at least one binding line with selectively bound and/or internally customized copies;

means for sequentially recording mailing information for each of said diverse publications prepared and addressed by said preparing and addressing means on said binding lines in the exact order each of said multiple copies exits therefrom to provide an exact count by zip code and carrier route;

means for assembling each of said diverse publications in a reverse order relative to the order each of said multiple copies exits from said binding lines, said assembling means including a separate spirally wound bundle or reel for sequentially assembling every copy of each of said diverse publications thereon;

a common co-mailing line for all of said diverse publications, said co-mailing line including a separate publication feeder for each of said diverse publications and an accumulating conveyor adapted to receive publications from said publication feeders, said accumulating conveyor passing an exit point of each of said publication feeders;

means for placing each of said diverse publications in position for feeding each of said multiple copies to said co-mailing line in a reverse order relative to the order of exit from said binding lines, said placing means including means for separately moving each of said separate spirally wound bundles or reels to a preselected location relative to one of said publication feeders;

means for assembling said mailing information for all of said diverse publications to control operation of said co-mailing line by permitting said diverse publications to be accumulated for co-mailing purposes while determining the exact number of copies for each zip code and carrier route for said diverse publications;

means for utilizing said assembled mailing information for the purpose of feeding copies of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line, said assembled mailing information utilizing means being adapted to control or otherwise facilitate the operation of said co-mailing line whereby said diverse publications are fed in a predetermined sequence by said publication feeders to said accumulating conveyor, said assembled mailing information utilizing means feeding copies of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line substantially in zip code and carrier route order;

means for accumulating said copies of said diverse publications fed to said accumulating conveyor by said publication feeders into co-mailing stacks, said co-mailing stacks being formed by copies of said diverse publications having a common indicia of said assembled mailing information including zip code and carrier route therefor, said copy accumulating means being adapted to accumulate copies of said diverse publications into co-mailing stacks in zip code and carrier route order; and

means for preparing said co-mailing stacks of accumulated copies of diverse publications for mailing.

115. The co-mailing system of claim 114 wherein said ink jet printer addresses every copy of each of said diverse publications substantially in zip code and carrier route order and applies a machine readable code to every copy of each of said diverse publications on said binding lines indicative of a zip code and carrier route therefor.

116. The co-mailing system of claim 115 wherein said machine readable code comprises a bar code indicative of a zip code and carrier route for every copy of each of said diverse publications and said ink jet printer affixes an address and said bar code to every copy of each of said diverse publications on said binding lines.

117. The co-mailing system of claim 116 including a bar code reader downstream of said ink jet printer for sequentially machine reading said bar codes for every copy of each of said diverse publications exiting said binding lines, said mailing information recording means including computer means integral with said bar code reader for sequentially recording a zip code and carrier route for every copy of each of said diverse publications.

118. The co-mailing system of claim 114 wherein said mailing information assembling means includes computer means for determining the number of copies for each zip code and carrier route for each of said diverse publications and for using the number of copies for each zip code and carrier route in order to maximize postal discount.

119. The co-mailing system of claim 116 wherein said publication feeders each include a bundle or reel unwind stand, a copy separating device for forming a shingled stream of copies, a bar code reader, and an accumulating hopper adjacent said accumulating conveyor.

120. The co-mailing system of claim 119 wherein said accumulating conveyor is an indexing conveyor positioned to travel below said accumulating hoppers of each of said publication feeders for receiving copies of said diverse publications contained therein.

121. The co-mailing system of claim 120 wherein said mailing information and utilizing means employ a central processing unit operatively associated with said accumulating conveyors and each of said publication feeders.

122. The co-mailing system of claim 114 wherein said ink jet printer also applies a machine readable code to a zip code and carrier route separator book, and means are provided for placing said zip code and carrier route separator book on said binding lines between copies of diverse publications destined for different zip codes.

123. The co-mailing system of claim 122 wherein said machine readable code comprises a bar code placed in a preselected location on each of said zip code and carrier route separator books, said bar code being indicative of a particular zip code and carrier route for every copy of each of said diverse publications upstream of each of said zip code and carrier route separator books.

124. The co-mailing system of claim 123 wherein said mailing information recording means includes computer means for sequentially machine reading said bar codes on each of said zip code and carrier route separator books, counting the number of copies upstream of each of said zip code and carrier route separator books, and sequentially recording an exact count of the number of copies for each zip code and carrier route for each of said diverse publications.

125. The co-mailing system of claim 124 including means for removing each of said zip code and carrier route separator books from said copies of said diverse publications upstream of the point where said copies of said diverse publications are accumulated into said co-mailing stacks.

133. The co-mailing system of claim 120 wherein said mailing information and utilizing means employ a central processing unit operatively associated with said accumulating conveyors and each of said publication feeders.

126. A system for co-mailing a plurality of diverse publications, comprising:

means for preparing and addressing multiple copies of each of said diverse publications on one or more binding lines, said preparing and addressing means including a plurality of signature feeders for each binding line, a gathering chain for receiving signatures from said feeders for each binding line, a binding machine for binding said signatures into said publications on each binding line, and an ink jet printer for each binding line for addressing each of said diverse publications before said multiple copies exit therefrom, and said preparing and addressing means being adapted to prepare at least one of said diverse publications from at least one binding line with selectively bound and/or internally customized copies;

means for sequentially recording mailing information for each of said diverse publications prepared and addressed by said preparing and addressing means on said binding lines in the exact order each of said multiple copies exits therefrom to provide an exact count by zip code and carrier route;

means for assembling each of said diverse publications in a reverse order relative to the order each of said multiple copies exits from said binding lines, said assembling means including a separate pallet for sequentially assembling every copy of each of said diverse publications thereon;

a common co-mailing line for all of said diverse publications, said co-mailing line including a separate publication feeder for each of said diverse publications and an accumulating conveyor adapted to receive publications from said publication feeders, said accumulating conveyor passing an exit point of each of said publication feeders;

means for placing each of said diverse publications in position for feeding each of said multiple copies to said co-mailing line in the exact order of exit from said binding lines, said placing means including means for separately inverting and moving each of said separate pallets to a preselected location relative to one of said publication feeders;

means for assembling said mailing information for all of said diverse publications to control operation of said co-mailing line by permitting said diverse publications to be accumulated for co-mailing purposes while determining the exact number of copies for each zip code and carrier route for said diverse publications;

means for utilizing said assembled mailing information for the purpose of feeding copies of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line, said assembled mailing information utilizing means being adapted to control or otherwise facilitate the operation of said co-mailing line whereby said diverse publications are fed in a predetermined sequence by said publication feeders to said accumulating conveyor, said assembled mailing information utilizing means feeding copies of said diverse publications to said co-mailing line substantially in zip code and carrier route order;

means for accumulating said copies of said diverse publications fed to said accumulating conveyor by said publication feeders into co-mailing stacks, said co-mailing stacks being formed by copies of said diverse publications having a common indicia of said assembled mailing information including zip code and carrier route therefor, said copy accumulating means being adapted to accumulate copies of said diverse publications into co-mailing stacks in zip code and carrier route order; and

means for preparing said co-mailing stacks of accumulated copies of diverse publications for mailing.

127. The co-mailing system of claim 126 wherein said ink jet printer addresses every copy of each of said diverse publications substantially in zip code and carrier route order and applies a machine readable code to every copy of each of said diverse publications on said binding lines indicative of a zip code and carrier route therefor.

128. The co-mailing system of claim 127 wherein said machine readable code comprises a bar code indicative of a zip code and carrier route for every copy of each of said diverse publications and said ink jet printer affixes an address and said bar code to every copy of each of said diverse publications on said binding lines.

129. The co-mailing system of claim 128 including a bar code reader downstream of said ink jet printer for sequentially machine reading said bar codes for every copy of each of said diverse publications exiting said binding lines, said mailing information recording means including computer means integral with said bar code reader for sequentially recording a zip code and carrier route for every copy of each of said diverse publications.

130. The co-mailing system of claim 126 wherein said mailing information assembling means includes computer means for determining the number of copies for each zip code and carrier route for each of said diverse publications and for using the number of copies for each zip code and carrier route in order to maximize postal discount.

131. The co-mailing system of claim 126 wherein said publication feeders each include a pallet load inverter, a copy inverting gripper, a transport conveyor, a bar code reader, and an accumulating hopper adjacent said accumulating conveyor.

132. The co-mailing system of claim 131 wherein said accumulating conveyor is positioned to travel below said accumulating hoppers of each of said publication feeders for receiving copies of said diverse publications contained therein.

134. The co-mailing system of claim 126 wherein said ink jet printer also applies a machine readable code to a zip code and carrier route separator book, and means are provided for placing said zip code and carrier route separator book on said binding lines between copies of diverse publications destined for different zip codes.

135. The co-mailing system of claim 134 wherein said machine readable code comprises a bar code placed in a preselected location on each of said zip code and carrier route separator books, said bar code being indicative of a particular zip code and carrier route for every copy of each of said diverse publications upstream of each of said zip code and carrier route separator books.

136. The co-mailing system of claim 135 wherein said mailing information recording means includes computer means for sequentially machine reading said bar codes on each of said zip code and carrier route separator books, counting the number of copies upstream of each of said zip code and carrier route separator books, and sequentially recording an exact count of the number of copies for each zip code and carrier route for each of said diverse publications.

137. The co-mailing system of claim 136 including means for removing each of said zip code and carrier route separator books from said copies of said diverse publications upstream of the point where said copies of said diverse publications are accumulated into said co-mailing stacks.