This invention relates to a code break mechanism for a stacking apparatus receiving a stream of articles, more particularly to a code break mechanism for producing discontinuities in the stacker article stream in accordance with a selected parameter changes in the article stream.
In article processing systems, generally the last process step is the collection of processed articles. For example, in a conventional mail processing system, a power stacker may be employed to collect envelopes ejected from a mailing machine. Generally, the power stacker receives the envelopes in a seriatim and uniform manner and stacks the envelopes. An operator periodically removes the accumulated envelope stack from the stacker for packaging in preparation for subsequent deposit with a mail forwarding agent, such as, the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Mail forwarding agents, such as, the USPS, offer to the mailers special postage discount rates for mail which is presorted, for example, by zip code. Therefore, where the mail is processed in a presorted manner, for example, according to zip code, it would be advantageous to the operator for the power stacker to include a means for visually marking zip code changes or breaks within the stacker received mail stream.