Abstract: The invention concerns a sealing liquid comprising water and a penetration agent for sealing of mail pieces, the use of said sealing liquid as well as sealing devices and franking machines containing such a sealing liquid.

Abstract: A device for separating labels (4) or the like stacked in a feeder (2), includes a transport device (6) which draws the labels (4) individually from one end of a stack, and a cassette (1), which holds the extractable labels (4) and which can be removed from the feeder (2) or replaced.

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: 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: The invention concerns a sealing liquid comprising water and a penetration agent for sealing of mail pieces, the use of said sealing liquid as well as sealing devices and franking machines containing such a sealing liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for automatically closing envelopes. The apparatus contains a transport means for moving the envelopes in a transport direction, and a means for automatically folding back and closing an envelope flap. To enable accurate and reliable closing even of tightly filled envelopes even in a continuous operation duty, the means for automatically folding back and closing the envelope flap comprises several rotors which are rotatable in the transport direction of the envelopes and are movable, by means of a drive, in a manner which is transverse to the transport direction of the envelopes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a processing apparatus, such as a laminator, for performing operations involving effecting adhesive bonding on substrates.

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: 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 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: 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: The present invention relates to a processing apparatus, such as a laminator, for performing operations involving effecting adhesive bonding on substrates.

Abstract: A method and system for closing opened envelopes flaps against the envelope body includes transporting an envelope in a first direction and parking the envelope in a first parked position. An envelope flap closing mechanism is moved to commence the movement of the envelope flap toward said envelope body. The envelope flap is closed against the envelope body while transporting the envelope in a second direction toward a second parked position. The flap closing mechanism may be moveable from a lower position to an upper position. The envelope flap closing system may include a first transport path of travel for envelopes to be moved seriatim in a first direction from an entrance point to an exit point. A moveable flap closing mechanism is mounted along the path of travel for movement between a lower position and an upper position.

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: 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: An apparatus and method for forming tow-based absorbent structures having a single casing sheet are disclosed. The apparatus has a tow supply mechanism for providing tow material, a particulate matter supply mechanism for providing particulate matter, and a casing sheet supply mechanism for providing casing sheet material. The apparatus also has a vacuum draw roll having a foraminous center surface that has a width defined by a first edge and a second edge and is rotatable about a first axis. The vacuum draw roll is positioned to receive the tow material, the particulate matter and the casing sheet material to form a open core composite supply. The apparatus also has one or more angled surfaces positioned to create one or more obtuse angles in the open core composite supply, and one or more folders to further fold the one or more obtuse angles in the open core composite supply to form a folded core composite supply.

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: The present invention involves a carbon fiber-filled sheet molding compound and method of manufacturing the same. The invention comprises providing chopped automotive carbon fibers, a predetermined resin paste, a first carrier film, and a second carrier film. The method further involves coating substantially completely one side of one of the first and second carrier films with the predetermined resin paste to define a coated side, depositing the chopped automotive carbon fibers onto the coated side, and covering the deposited carbon fibers with the second carrier film to define a compactible carbon-filled laminate. The method further includes compacting the carbon-filled laminate to admix the resin paste with the carbon fibers between the films, whereby to form the automotive carbon fiber-filled sheet molding compound.

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 process for performing a plurality of operations on an elongate element, in particular an envelope (60) in a folder-inserter machine, which operations, such as flapping (44, 47), inserting, moistening and sealing, are carried out at spaced-apart locations. The process enables various different lengths of envelope to be employed, without the need to adjust any of the mechanisms. This is achieved by feeding an envelope into the inserter unflapped and with its crease line trailing. A datum position for the crease line is determined following sensing (96), and all the distances the envelope needs to be moved for the various operations, which may in practice be closely associated with that crease line, measured from that datum position. Irrespective of the lengths of the envelopes processed, the drive means (43) moving them from one particular operation location to the next then needs to be operated for the same time.

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: 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: A right-angle gluer for applying a transverse bead of an adhesive to a blank being conveyed in a machine direction orthogonal to the transverse direction of glue application. The right-angle gluer includes a coating head operable for applying the transverse adhesive bead and a pivotal mounting assembly that permits adjustment of the positioning and orientation of the coating head relative to the machine direction. The right angle gluer further includes a backup plate positioned upstream of the coating head that reduces or prevents buckling of the conveyed blanks.

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: A folding and sealing apparatus comprising a housing supporting a feed platform for feeding a supply of pre-glued forms to the folding and sealing apparatus. The housing accommodating a first roller, a second roller, a third roller and a fourth roller, and the first and second rollers forming a first nip, the second and third roller forming a second nip and the third and fourth roller forming a third nip. A motor drives at least one of the rollers via a drive mechanism. The first roller is a spring biased roller to facilitate feeding of the pre-glued form while the second, third and the fourth rollers are all fixedly mounted to the housing so that the second nip and the third nip both provide a sufficient sealing pressure to the folded form, as the folded form passes through the second and the third nips, to facilitate both folding and sealing of the folded form. A collection bin is provided adjacent the third nip for collecting the folded and sealed forms upon exiting from the folding and sealing apparatus.

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 system for automatically feeding, assembling, folding and sealing a pre-folded self-mailer form sheet having a letter size enclosure when utilized with a B-size printer electronically connected to a computer that may in turn be connected through a modem to the Internet for receiving text signals via E-mail from remote locations.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a self-mailer using a folding apparatus for folding sheets into folded materials and a tabbing apparatus for sealing the folded materials with tabs in a continuous flow. Typically a folded material exits the folded apparatus with the open end of the folded material leading and this traveling direction of the folded material is not suitable for tabbing. A path directing apparatus is placed between the folding apparatus and the tabbing apparatus so as to cause the folded material to enter the tabbing apparatus with the open end of the folded material leading. As such, the entire process can be carried out without manually reversing the traveling direction of the folded material. In addition, a printer and a labeling device can be added to the self-mailer producing system to put on an address label, a postage indicia and a return address while keeping the process steps in a continuous flow.

Abstract: A moistening system suitable for mail handling systems comprises a moistening member mounted vertically on a water reservoir from which it is fed with water and on which it has a projecting part. The reservoir is mounted with the moistening member below the path, the length of the reservoir substantially corresponding to the width of the path. The reservoir is divided along its length into independent individual departments into which the moistening member dips.