Abstract: Apparatus and method for closing an envelope having a body portion and a flap, and a crease between the body portion and the flap. An open envelope is gripped and transported toward an abutment, which can be either a leaf spring or a slideable weight. The abutment is biased toward the envelope, but the force of the advancing envelope moves the abutment in a direction opposite the direction of bias, until the crease clears the transport structure that is moving the envelope. Once this happens, then the advance of the envelope stops and the bias of the abutment forces the envelope, crease first, between rollers that press the folded flap against the envelope. Any size envelope can be handled, because the abutment can move under the force of the envelope, any distance required to accommodate the size of the envelope.

Abstract: A sealing machine and method are described as used for sealing the edges of documents so that envelopes are not needed. In known such machines, particularly when used for sealing the documents by pressure, problems arise if documents overlap either partially or fully (i.e. a double document) because the pressure rollers in the machine easily jam. The documents being sealed may be very valuable (e.g. pay slips) and any loss or damage is a serious problem. The invention therefore provides means for sensing the presence of double or overlapping documents in a feed path of the machine and means for diverting such double or overlapping documents upstream of the sealing means. Both the thickness and the length of the documents are measured and compared to preset values, such as may be stored in a microprocessor either from ideal figures or from measurements taken during a controlled start-up procedure.

Abstract: An envelope opening mechanism for an inserter apparatus comprises post-like abutments (25) against which envelopes (10) are successively fed, with the hinge edge leading, over a guide surface (22) with an inclined portion (24), to initiate envelope flap opening movement by buckling of the envelope. Additionally or instead, the posts (25) can be movable downwardly to engage head portions (27) thereof with the flap portion. The envelopes are then fed in the direction of the hinge edge past an edge member (30) shaped to enter between the envelope flap and body portions and to complete the flap opening movement into alignment with the body portion for reception of insert material at an insert station (9).

Abstract: An envelope opening apparatus is provided which conveys envelopes with envelope flap fold lines parallel to the direction of conveyance toward distortion means and restraining means in the path of conveyance which distortion means partially opens the envelope, and which envelope is further conveyed to a device which completes the opening of the envelope in preparation for inserting material into the envelope.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a plurality of items of insert material into a stack of insert materials prior to insertion of the stack of materials into an envelope. Feed devices are provided to feed each item of insert material to a conveyor at positions along the conveyor. Pushers are provided on the conveyor for engaging an item of insert material which is held in holder to deposit the item on top of items already on the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting material into an envelope in which a first conveyor supplies insert material and a second conveyor supplies envelopes to an insert station. The flap of the envelope is opened while being carried by the second conveyor to the insert station. The insert station includes a kicker or pusher to move the insert material into the envelope. A first radiation type detector is provided to detect buckling of the envelope or insert material during insertions. A second radiation type detector is provided to detect failure of the pusher to complete an insertion operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting material into an envelope in which a first conveyor supplies insert material and a second conveyor supplies envelopes to an insert station. The flap of the envelope is opened while being carried by the second conveyor to the insert station. The insert station includes a kicker or pusher to move the insert material into the envelope. The second conveyor removes the envelope containing inserted material from the insert station and carries it to a flap moistener, a flap closer, and finally to a receptacle or chute.