Abstract: The present invention relates to a labeler comprising a label dispenser used for applying an adhesive label to a folded product and a press-on device following the label dispenser in the conveying direction of a conveyor system. The press-on device comprises two press-on units, wherein one of the press-on units is reversibly drivable by means of a motor.

Abstract: An external security paper detection unit, an image-forming apparatus having the external security paper detection unit, and an image-forming method related to the apparatus. The external security paper detection unit includes a paper stack unit in which sheets of paper are stacked in order to feed the paper, a paper feed unit for feeding the paper stacked in the paper snick unit, a security paper detection unit for detecting whether moving paper is security paper or not, and a unit controller for normally supplying the moving security paper to a manual feed tray if the paper feed unit operates and a security paper detection signal is input from the security paper detection unit, whereby an image is formed only on the security paper, thus preventing the illegal leakage of documents.

Abstract: A moistening system that significantly reduces the problems caused by contaminants in the moistening fluid is provided. The catch basin of a moistening system is provided with a filter that reduces the amount of contaminants contained in the recycled moistening fluid. Additionally, the moistening fluid is buffered with an acid that acts to dissolve the paper filler and other soluble debris that may be introduced into the moistening fluid, thereby significantly decreasing any blinding of components of the moistening system that would otherwise reduce the flow rate of the moistening fluid through the system. These ensure that sufficient moistening fluid is applied to the envelope flaps, which results in consistent and complete sealing of the envelope flaps.

Abstract: A glue application unit applies glue to glue application region of an envelope form to form main adhesive part with a required thickness that allows firm adhesion between glue application region and counter region after the sheet adhesion process, and a temporary adhesive part with a thickness thinner than the main adhesive part for temporarily adhering the glue application region and the counter region within a short period of time. A predetermined pressure is applied to the glue application region and the counter region which are in contact with each other on the envelope form having a content enclosed so that those regions are adhered by the sheet bonding unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing liquid for sealing mailpieces containing water and a penetration agent, to the uses thereof and to letter-closing devices and franking machines containing such a sealing liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a fiber reinforced composite structure comprising at least two components, a hard base tool presenting a first tool face, a second tooling element presenting a second tool face to locate the second component against the first component. Components are of a dry fibrous form and are to be injected with a liquid resin. A flexible bagging blanket forms with the tools a sealed enclosure into which the resin is injected to form the structure by resin transfer infusion. To maintain the relative dispositions of the components without the need for elaborate mandrel plates, control rods are inserted at least partially through the two components to act as fasteners and to maintain the relative disposition of the components during resin injection. After injection the assembly is cured and the control rods may remain in situ or be removed from the structure.

Abstract: A water feed device for feeding water to a moistener for moistening envelope flaps that is incorporated into a mail handling machine, the water feed device comprising a reserve stock of water from which a quantity of water flows to a reservoir of water, said quantity of water being suitable for imbibing a piece of foam dipping in said reservoir of water, said device having at least two distinct water feed circuits for feeding water separately to two separate compartments of the reservoir of water from two isolated compartments of the reserve stock of water in a manner such as to define two distinct levels of water for the two isolated compartments of the reserve of water, and thus to define two different heights of water in the two corresponding separate compartments of the reservoir of water.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for applying a fluid behavior substance on a shaped closure strip (13, 13?, 13?) of an envelope (12, 12?, 12?) for letters comprising a supplying device (14) of the fluid behavior substance, a container element (17) of the fluid behavior substance supplied, a first and a second cylindrical element (18, 19) rotating around their parallel axis and radially arranged facing each other to form a passage for the envelope (12, 12?, 12?), wherein the supplying device (14) comprises a vessel element (15) of the fluid behavior substance and a connection element (16) for the passage of the fluid behavior substance from the vessel element (15) into the container element (17), the second cylindrical element (19) comprises a side surface (21, 21?, 21?) partially shaped in a manner complementary with the shaped closure strip (13, 13?, 13?), partially accommodated in the lower part of the container element (17) in contact with fluid behavior substance supplied.

Abstract: A kicker wheel for folding and sealing the trailing edge of a folded article with sealing tabs. The kicker wheel can include a thin product support rail to support the article during activation of an air nozzle. The kicker wheel can also include a profiled tab swipe to fold and seal one or more tabs on the trailing edge of the article. The kicker wheel can be substantially cylindrical or can have an arcuate portion and a counterweight portion. One or more kicker wheels can be used in conjunction with an improved tabbing machine. The tabbing machine can include one or more air jets that along with the kicker wheel enable tabs to be applied to multiple sides of the article without turning or flipping the article.

Abstract: An illustrative mailing machine is provided including a moistening fluid level indicator. The mailing machine includes a mail piece transport including a mail piece flap opening and moistening assembly, a moistening fluid container operatively connected to the moistening assembly for providing moistening fluid to the moistening assembly, and a fluid level indicator arm operatively connected to the moistening fluid container, wherein the fluid level indicator arm has an indicator surface adjacent to an indicator window for indicating the presence of the moistening fluid level container and for indicating an amount of moistening fluid in the container.

Abstract: A method, system and article for producing an envelope having improved seal integrity. The method comprises the steps of disposing at least one material at the interface of the adhesive seal between the flap and the body portion of the envelope, which material exhibits a characteristic property when combined with an activating agent. The envelope is then sealed by closing the flap onto the body portion of the envelope such that the activating agent combines with the material along the sealing interface. The sealing interface is inspected to determine whether the material exhibits the characteristic property thereby confirming that a seal has been produced between the flap and body portion of the envelope. The system and article are directed to the various modules of a mailpiece fabrication system employed to produce the mailpiece including an inspection module for confirming that a seal has been formed.

Abstract: An envelope sealing apparatus for sealing an envelope having a main body and a sealable flap foldable about a hinge between the flap and main body, and sealable thereto. The apparatus comprises a feed path along which an envelope can be fed; a driving means associated with the feed path for feeding an envelope along the feed path; a flap securing means cooperative with the driving means to secure an open envelope flap in contact with the driving means; and a flap sealing means cooperative with the driving means to seal the flap to the main body when the driving means drives the envelope in a flap sealing direction along the feed path. A mail piece creation device incorporating such an envelope sealer is further provided, along with corresponding methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a bag assembly includes opposing die members. Each opposing die member defines a single die and has a perimeter-welding portion for forming a perimeter-weld of the bag assembly and a tube-welding portion for forming a tube-weld of the bag assembly. During operation, the perimeter-welding and tube-welding portions weld the bag assembly simultaneously, then the perimeter-welding portion of one of the opposing die members is moved relative to the tube welding portion of the die member to increase the distance between the perimeter-welding portions of the opposing die members. When the perimeter-welding portions are moved apart, welding by the perimeter-welding portions is generally suspended while welding by the tube-welding portions may continue.

Abstract: A water feed device for feeding water to a moistener for moistening envelope flaps that is incorporated into a mail handling machine, the water feed device comprising a reserve stock of water from which a quantity of water flows to a reservoir of water with which the reserve stock of water is in communication, said quantity of water being suitable for imbibing a piece of foam soaking in said reservoir of water, said reserve stock of water being disposed in a receptacle that is mounted to move vertically between a low position and a high position, which positions correspond respectively to a low water level and to a high water level in said reservoir, it being possible for the receptacle to take up a plurality of other positions between said low and high positions.

Abstract: A mail paper sealing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an input part, a compression roller part, a driving unit, and a convey accelerator. The input part supplies a mail paper. The compression roller part seals the folded mail paper conveyed from the input part. The driving unit generates a rotary force. The convey accelerator is provided between the input part and the compression roller part and adds a rotation frictional force to a top surface of one side of the mail paper in a convey direction.

Abstract: A method is provided for configuring a mailpiece creation system to minimize system set-up, mitigate errors and reduce the skill level required to perform tabbing operations. The method includes the steps of (i) determining a fold configuration of the sheet material employed in the creation of a mailpiece, (ii) determining the dimension of an adhesive tab for securing a free edge of the sheet material, (iii) determining a target location for the placement of each adhesive tab relative to the free edge of the folded sheet material, (iv) configuring at least one system parameter of the mailpiece creation system in accordance with at the fold configuration, adhesive tab dimension, and/or target location, and (v) executing a mail run job by the mailpiece creation system.

Abstract: Continuous decoration process with a film of inked plastic material enclosing a structural shape and consisting of the following steps: perform continuous wrapping of the structural shape with inked film (4, 5), place under pressure the film wrapping the structural shape (7), keep the film under pressure, heat the structural shape wrapped in the film to the sublimation temperature and perform the sublimation (9, 10), automatically detach the exhausted film from the structural shape (11), cool the structural shape (12), and unload and accumulate the decorated structural shape devoid of film (13, 14).

Abstract: An illustrative mailing machine is provided including a moistening fluid level indicator. The mailing machine includes a mail piece transport including a mail piece flap opening and moistening assembly, a moistening fluid container operatively connected to the moistening assembly for providing moistening fluid to the moistening assembly, and a fluid level indicator arm operatively connected to the moistening fluid container, wherein the fluid level indicator arm has an indicator surface adjacent to an indicator window for indicating the presence of the moistening fluid level container and for indicating an amount of moistening fluid in the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a fibre reinforced composite structure comprising at least two components, a hard base tool presenting a first tool face, a second tooling element presenting a second tool face to locate the second component against the first component. Components are of a dry fibrous form and are to be injected with a liquid resin. A flexible bagging blanket forms with the tools a sealed enclosure into which the resin is injected to form the structure by resin transfer infusion. To maintain the relative dispositions of the components without the need for elaborate mandrel plates, control rods are inserted at least partially through the two components to act as fasteners and to maintain the relative disposition of the components during resin injection. After injection the assembly is cured and the control rods may remain in situ or be removed from the structure.

Abstract: An envelope closing mechanism with a deflector (11; 61) for urging a flap (6) of an envelope (3) from the transport path (20; 70); and a moistener (7) for moistening at least a portion of the flap (6) of an envelope (3). The deflector (11; 61) is movable between a position of rest on a side of the transport path (20; 70) located opposite the moistener, and a deflecting position on the other side of the transport path (20; 70) for urging the flap (6) of the envelope (3) against the moistener (7). If the deflector (11, 61) is in the deflecting position, it releases the transport path (20; 70) for transporting the envelope (3) along the deflector (11, 61). From a position in which the flap (6) of the envelope (3) extends between the moistener (7) and the deflector (11) in a deflecting position, the envelope (3), following the transport path (20; 70) is transported along the deflector (11) in the deflecting position with the fold leading. A method for closing envelopes is also described.

Abstract: A mailing machine is provided for processing mailpiece envelopes including a housing having a transport deck adapted to convey an envelope along a feed path and a receiving station. The mailing machine is reconfigurable to perform one of two mailpiece processing operations by alternately selecting or activating one of two mailpiece modules/assemblies. A first processing module/assembly is disposed along the feed path and is operative to moisten a glue line disposed along an envelope flap during the first mailpiece processing operation. The second processing module assembly is disposed along the feed path and is adapted to cut and open an edge of the envelope during the second mailpiece processing operation. Further, a mechanism for interchangeably receiving one of the first and second the processing modules/assemblies within the receiving station to perform the processing operations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a separator for separating envelope flaps from envelope bodies, of which the active separation zone is formed by a supple part which comprises a peripheral edge arranged at the level of an envelope conveyor deck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing liquid for sealing mailpieces containing water and a penetration agent, to the uses thereof and to letter-closing devices and franking machines containing such a sealing liquid.

Abstract: A materials handling system includes an insertion subsystem for inserting materials into envelopes to form mailpieces of a first type and mailpieces of a second type. The materials handling syatem also includes a first mailpiece transport path located downstream from the insertion subsystem and having a curved portion along which mailpieces of said first type are transported, and a second mailpiece transport path being substantially horizontal, located downstream from the insertion subsystem, and along which mailpieces of the second type are transported. Further, a diverter is included that diverts mailpieces of the first type to the first transport path and mailpieces of the second type to the second transport path.

Abstract: A moistening device that significantly reduces any loss of contact between the applicator and envelope flap regardless of the thickness of the mail piece or size of the flap, thereby ensuring sufficient wetting of the glue line on the envelope flap with moistening fluid, is provided. A deflection device is added to a portion of the support to which the applicator is secured. The deflection device is located and sized to exert a force on the applicator, causing the applicator to form into a shape that more closely matches the shape of an envelope flap being processed, while also allowing the applicator to flex slightly in multiple directions. This results in little to no loss of contact between the applicator and glue line on the envelope flap, thereby allowing sufficient moistening fluid to be transferred from the applicator to the glue line.

Abstract: A manually-operated moistener, to which a mail piece is supplied lying flat with a down-turned but not yet adhered flap on the underside of the envelope, has a blade in an upper part and a moistener rocker that can be opened upwardly and can be rotated with at least one locking contour on an associated hinge on the blade so as to be spring-supported as well as locked in a maintenance position. The upper part and a lower part of the moistener are connected by connection elements that can be detached only from above. An antibacterial upper moistening element is disposed in the upper part with a clamping region thereof in a clamping groove of the moistener rocker. A water transfer element protrudes into the lower part, which element is curved at its other, upper end. Both possess a shared contact surface for water transfer that is enlarged by the curvature.

Abstract: A water feed device for feeding water to a moistener for moistening envelope flaps, which moistener is incorporated into a mail handling machine, the water feed device including a water tank which is mounted on a support and from which a quantity of water flows through a water feed pipe to a water reservoir in which part of a piece of foam is dipped, the quantity of water serving to impregnate the piece of foam for moistening the envelope flaps as they pass between a top surface of the piece of foam and a moistener brush, the water tank support being tilted at a determined angle ? relative to a horizontal reference plane, and the water tank itself being tilted at a determined angle ? relative to the water tank support.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for moistening envelope flaps, comprising a reservoir of liquid, means for pumping this liquid and, disposed transversely with respect to a direction of advance of the envelopes and inclined with respect to a horizontal plane for supporting these envelopes, means for spraying on the envelope flaps a part of the liquid pumped from the reservoir of liquid. This inclination of the spray means corresponds to the angle of inclination of the flaps of envelopes with folded down flaps.

Abstract: A device for moistening an envelope flap includes a reservoir for holding a moistening fluid and an applicator mounted above the reservoir for applying the moistening fluid to the envelope flap. The moistening device also includes a fluid transfer member that is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis to transfer moistening fluid from the reservoir to the applicator while the transfer member rotates.

Abstract: A device for moistening an envelope flap includes a mechanism which defines an envelope feed path and a plate disposed adjacent the envelope feed path. The plate passes between the envelope body and the envelope flap. A plurality of orifices formed in the plate discharge moistening fluid received from a reservoir onto the envelope flap. The moistening device also includes a valve mechanism to selectively supply each of the orifices with moistening fluid from the reservoir. A flap sensing mechanism is disposed adjacent the envelope feed path for sensing an edge portion of the envelope flap and operatively connected to the valve mechanism to supply signals to the valve mechanism to selectively actuate the valve mechanism to selectively supply moistening fluid to the orifices in response to the sensing of the edge portion of the envelope flap.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for moistening envelope flaps integrated in a mail item feed module and successively comprising, along a path of travel of these mail items, at least one pair of drive rollers for conveying these mail items, a separator for separating the flap from the body of the envelope, a moistener for moistening this flap once the flap is separated from the body of the envelope, and suction means disposed just in front of the separator and a presser finger acting against spring means in order, in the presence of envelopes with folded down flaps, to apply the envelope in the direction of these suction means and to detach the flap from the body of the envelope and thus allow its passage beneath the separator without jamming nor untimely contacts with the separator.

Abstract: A moistener for applying liquid to an envelope, for use in sealing the latter, comprises a liquid storage tank (70a, 70b) and means, such as wicks (71) for transporting the liquid to the envelope (not shown). The level of liquid in the tank is visible to a user through a window (73). In use of the moistener it is fully inserted into a housing (not shown) but with the window visible to the user. Partial removal of the moistener from the housing permits the tank to be filled with liquid via an opening (76).

Abstract: A system and method for managing overflow of moistening fluid in a mailing machine is provided. An overflow pipe is provided in the reservoir, positioned over a sump located beneath the reservoir. The top of the overflow pipe in the reservoir is located slightly above the moistening fluid normal operating level in the reservoir. In the event the level of the moistening fluid rises above the normal operating level to a point above the top of the overflow pipe, the moistening fluid will flow through the overflow pipe and into the sump. The sump contains an absorbent material to absorb any moistening fluid that flows into the sump, thereby preventing the moistening fluid from sloshing out of the sump if the mailing machine is moved. The moistening fluid absorbed by the absorbent material will eventually evaporate, thereby preventing any leakage of the moistening fluid from the mailing machine.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus and methods for sealing an envelope. A sealing nip is formed by an upper roller and a lower roller. The upper roller is mounted on an upper shaft and the lower roller is mounted on a lower shaft. A mechanism associated with the lower shaft adjusts the orientation of the lower shaft to match the orientation of the upper shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to new rewettable adhesive systems containing colloidal dispersion mixtures obtained by copolymerization of at least one water-soluble monomer with at least one non-water-soluble comonomer in the presence of a micelle-forming emulsifier. The invention also relates to the use of the new adhesive systems.

Abstract: A system and method for managing overflow of moistening fluid in a mailing machine is provided. An overflow pipe is provided in the reservoir, positioned over a sump located beneath the reservoir. The top of the overflow pipe in the reservoir is located slightly above the moistening fluid normal operating level in the reservoir. In the event the level of the moistening fluid rises above the normal operating level to a point above the top of the overflow pipe, the moistening fluid will flow through the overflow pipe and into the sump. The sump contains an absorbent material to absorb any moistening fluid that flows into the sump, thereby preventing the moistening fluid from sloshing out of the sump if the mailing machine is moved. The moistening fluid absorbed by the absorbent material will eventually evaporate, thereby preventing any leakage of the moistening fluid from the mailing machine.

Abstract: A self-adjusting moistening system for a mailing system is provided. The applicator is coupled to a float mechanism, placed in the reservoir of moistening fluid, by a spring. When the reservoir is full of moistening fluid, the spring is compressed, and therefore does not provide any force on the applicator. As the level of moistening fluid decreases, the height of the float mechanism in the reservoir will also decrease, thereby causing the spring to elongate. As the spring elongates, it will pull down on the applicator, thereby causing an increase in the force applied between the applicator and the wick. This increase in force provides a more uniform deposition of the moistening fluid to the envelope flap as the level of the moistening fluid in the reservoir varies from full to empty.

Abstract: A method and system for moistening and sealing an envelope in a high speed mail processing machine including steps and components for heating a liquid to moisten the glue on the envelope flaps to more quickly soften the glue and provide an improved seal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an envelope sealing apparatus, preferably for use in an inserter (210), for sealing a stuffed envelope having a moisture activated adhesive on its flap. Includes a moistener (30) for wetting the moisture-activated adhesive, a sealer (252) for applying the envelope flap to the stuffed envelope body to seal the same and a control system for arresting the moistened envelope for an adjustable dwell time before the sealing operation. The dwell time is adjusted according to the number of inserts/documents in the envelope or according to the thickness of the contents.

Abstract: A packaging filler product and machine for making the product wherein the product includes an air-filled pouch having sealed edges and spots connecting the opposing sheets of the pouch together. The machine includes a frictional belt system for gripping a bulk supply of pouched package material and that urges the bulk material past an inflation device for serially introducing air to the interior of each pouch of the package material followed by employing a heater that heat seals the opening into the interior of each pouch. A trim cutter eliminates unnecessary material and individual pouches are separated from the bulk supply by using perforations provided between adjacent pouches. A feed mechanism including the belt system is provided for moving the bulk supply of pouches from a supply spool past the heater and through the trim cutter. Tensioning and idle rollers guide the bulk supply of pouches through the machine in an in-line series.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for moistening envelope flaps integrated in a mail item feed module and successively comprising, along a path of travel of these mail items, at least one pair of drive rollers for conveying these mail items, a separator for separating the flap from the body of the envelope, a moistener for moistening this flap once the flap is separated from the body of the envelope, and suction means disposed just in front of the separator and a presser finger acting against spring means in order, in the presence of envelopes with folded down flaps, to apply the envelope in the direction of these suction means and to detach the flap from the body of the envelope and thus allow its passage beneath the separator without jamming nor untimely contacts with the separator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for moistening envelope flaps, comprising a reservoir of liquid, means for pumping this liquid and, disposed transversely with respect to a direction of advance of the envelopes and inclined with respect to a horizontal plane for supporting these envelopes, means for spraying on the envelope flaps a part of the liquid pumped from the reservoir of liquid. This inclination of the spray means corresponds to the angle of inclination of the flaps of envelopes with folded down flaps.

Abstract: An envelope with its flap in an open position is driven along a transport path by first transport means (31a) at a first location. When the crease line between the flap and the body of the envelope reaches a predetermined location along the transport path, buckling means (31b, 53) engage the envelope from opposite sides at a second location, spaced apart from the first location, such as to cause the envelope to buckle laterally of the transport path and be partially closed. The buckling envelope with its crease line leading is then received by sealing means (31a, 31b), by means of which the envelope fully closed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an envelope processing system system in which a supply of envelopes is placed for moistening and sealing. The moistening and sealing apparatus is designed to receive all types of intermixed mail envelopes with various shaped flaps. The envelopes may be loaded into the supply station in different configurations including intermixed with closed sealed flaps, unsealed open flaps, or closed unsealed flaps. The system is designed.to receive such envelopes, process them so that the flaps are automatically closed prior to moistening if they are not closed. The flaps of the envelopes are then moistened indirectly using capillary action of a sealing agent, and sealed with a sealing apparatus.

Abstract: A moistening apparatus for moistening an area containing glue on an envelope flap by continuously supplying water to the glue area. The apparatus comprises a frame member; a support member for moving one envelope at a time with the envelope flap in a partially opened position toward the moistening apparatus; a brush member supported lengthwise within the frame member; and a water supply member in contiguous contact with the brush member and adapted to continuously moisten the entire length of the brush with water.

Abstract: A mailing machine including a base, a registration wall and a stripper blade. The base includes a deck defining a deck plane along which an envelope having an envelope body, an envelope flap and a top edge may be fed in a path of travel. The registration wall is located substantially perpendicular to the deck and parallel to the path of travel and along which the envelope top edge may be aligned during feeding. The stripper blade is located upstream in the path of travel from the deck, the stripper blade including a knife edge that is raised above the deck plane for separating the envelope flap from the envelope body.

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a non-contact apparatus for moistening envelope flaps that projects moistening fluid without pumping fluid. The present invention is directed to, in a general aspect, a non-contact envelope flap moistening apparatus which can be installed in a mailing machine apparatus.

Abstract: A mail processing system has an envelope-separating apparatus with a moistening apparatus for moistening and discharging an envelope in an open state. A franking device is disposed downstream of the envelope-separating apparatus and is optionally provided with weighing scales. In the franking device a moistened glued edge of the envelope flap is pressed against the envelope pocket by pressure-exerting elements also serving for transporting the envelope. A closing module is disposed downstream of the franking device and has a closing-roller pair that is configured in a manner adapted for mixed-mail operation. Because the entire sequence in the franking device takes place between the stages where the glued edge is moistened and the envelope is closed, sufficient time is gained, even at high transporting speeds, in order for the glue to begin to dissolve sufficiently and for the envelope to be reliably closed.