Abstract: An envelope opener comprising first, second and third shear stations for shearing three edges of an envelope in sequence one edge at a time. Each shear station sequentially aligns the envelope by contacting the edge to be sheared, shears the contacted edge, and then releases the envelope. A microcomputer monitors the advance of the envelope through and between the shear stations and causes the shear stations to cyclically align, shear and release the envelope. A peel back station downstream of the shear station peels back a panel of the envelope to expose the contents thereof. If an envelope is jammed at or between any of the stations, the microcomputer actuates a display to indicate a jam condition. The microcomputer also shuts off power to the opener to prevent damage to the envelope.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 22, 1977
Date of Patent:
March 6, 1979
Assignee:
Amer-O-Matic Corp.
Inventors:
William J. Long, Charles A. Long, Jr., Robert L. Babanats, Larry W. Roberts, H. Ross Williams