Patent ID: 8280680
Filing Date: 2012-10-02
Classification: G01B,G07B

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting a thickness of a mailpiece being moved along a flow path, comprising: detecting a leading edge of the mailpiece using a detection sensor to communicate a detection signal to a control system of a thickness detecting module; moving a detecting roller of the thickness detecting module downwardly, in response to the detection signal, the detecting roller being controlled by the control system to move over a first predetermined period of time from a first position above the mailpiece to a second position using an SCCA profile to contact the mailpiece; applying a compressive force by the detecting roller to the mailpiece, the compressive force of the detecting roller being controlled by the control system to increase from an initial force to a predetermined measurement force over a second predetermined period of time following the first predetermined period of time; applying the measurement force, of the detecting roller by the control system, to the mailpiece for a third predetermined period of time following the second predetermined period of time; following the third predetermined period of time, applying the measurement force, by the control system, to the mailpiece, by the detecting roller, for a fourth predetermined period of time and making a number of thickness measurements of the mailpiece based on a position of the detecting roller during the fourth predetermined period of time; and determining, by the control system, the thickness of the mailpiece based on the number of thickness measurements.