Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Sammeln von flachen Gegenständen und Umschlägen

A collector apparatus and method capable of collecting material in two modes of operation, flats and letters. With a minor adjustment, the apparatus can be transformed from a two-stage device optimal for the letter mode of operation, to a one-stage device optimal for the flats mode of operation. The apparatus includes a first staging area (40), a second staging area (80) generally disposed downstream from the first staging area, and a conveying device. The first staging area (40) includes a first staging surface (43) and a first stage transport assembly (50), and the second staging area (80) includes a second staging surface (83) and a second stage transport assembly (90). The conveying device is adjustable between the flats and letters modes. In the letters mode position, the conveying device provides a first material flow path running through the first and second staging areas. In the flats mode position, the conveying device provides a second material flow path into a third staging area, which is defined by one or more components of the first and/or second staging areas (40,80).