Abstract: A system for in-line processing of envelopes and the like includes a first upstanding feed hopper for feeding primary envelopes through a first printing station operative to print predetermined indicia on the primary envelopes after which they are conveyed in the direction of their major longitudinal axes through a plurality of inserter stations operative to insert special event envelopes between selected ones of the primary envelopes. The primary and insert envelopes are conveyed by conveyance means in-line past an ink jet type printer station operative to print particular cluster data on each successive envelope making up a set, followed by a station for the automatic collating and packaging of sets of envelopes into cartons. The conveyance means include a endless vacuum belt which holds the envelopes flat in a continuous stream and allows easy transfer to and from the conveyance means.

Abstract: A system for in-line processing of envelopes and the like includes a first upstanding feed hopper for feeding primary rectangular envelopes through a first printer press operative to print predetermined indicia on the primary envelopes after which they are conveyed in the direction of their major longitudinal axes through an inserter station operative to insert special event envelopes between selected ones of the primary envelopes. The primary and insert envelopes are conveyed in-line past an ink jet type printer operative to print particular customer data on each successive envelope making up a set, followed by automatic collating and insertion of sets of envelopes into cartons. A pulse encoder and photoelectric sensors cooperate with various elements of the system and an electronic data processor to effect automatic high speed operation of the system.