Abstract: A device for feeding and stuffing envelopes opens the flap (2) of the bottom envelope (3) of a stack (1) with a rotating opener claw (5, 6, 7 ). As soon as the flap is sufficiently open, it is seized by two rotating transport elements (8, 9) and pressed against two conveyor rollers (10, 11). The opener claws (5, 6, 7) and the conveyor elements (8, 9) are disposed on the same shaft (4), but are supported and driven independently of each other. The opener claws are only operated from a coupling (12) when a packing operation is to be carried out. The conveyor elements (8, 9) and the conveyor rollers (10, 11) run continuously. Two pairs of conveyor rollers (17, 18, 19, 20) convey the envelope towards a packing trap (13). As soon as the flap (2) of the envelope (3) is positioned below a hold down roller (21), the latter begins to descend. Simultaneously, the packing trap (13) begins to pivot towards the envelope and the envelope (3) is drawn onto the packing trap (13).

Abstract: Jamming or wrinkling of inserts in a pocketed letter with an imaged insert may be avoided by a method of making a business form that includes the steps of providing a first ply (60) including a plurality of longitudinally spaced window forming die cuts (30,64), providing a second ply (72) which is narrower than the first ply (60) and having a plurality of longitudinally spaced variable information receiving spaces (36), one for each die cut (30), die cutting (at 78) the second ply (72) at locations corresponding to individual form lengths and transversely of the length of the ply (72), providing a third ply (80) having a width slightly greater than the second ply (72) and substantially less than the first ply (80), collating the plies (60,72,80) (at 88) such that the information receiving spaces (36) align with a corresponding one of the windows (30) and adhering with glue (40,42,48) the first and third plies together, and thereafter transversely cutting the plies (92) to form individual form lengths.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for packing articles of different sizes which is accordingly intended to use containers that vary in their dimensions and particularly in height.It is characterized in that it includes a working plane 20 and a reference plane 22 that are substantially perpendicular to one another, and an ascending ramp 24-105-106 extending from one to the other, movable devices 23, 23a kinematically connected to a motor 45, guides located on the path that the closure panels 6 must follow in the course of the displacement of container-article sets 1, at least one pressure element 27-54 having a smooth active base 29, mounted to be movable perpendicular to the working plane 20 and elastically urged toward it, at least one pressure element 30-60 having a smooth active face 34, mounted to be movable perpendicular to the reference plane 22 and elastically urged toward it, and means 70 to 72 intended for the fixation of panels 6 of containers 1 equipped with their contents A.

Abstract: A first envelope having means for forming a large flap thereon for displaying advertising indicia or coupons thereon and forming the flap on a flat conveyor. The invention also includes providing selective inserts and a vacuum-assisted rotary feeder for placing insert samples on the conveyor. The envelope may be formed initially using a single web divided into a base web portion having bottom and top flaps and a cover web portion. The envelope may also be formed using a first web having top and bottom flaps and a second cover web made of transparent material so that the inserts and samples located within the package may be viewed through the wrapper.

Abstract: A method of adjusting inserting apparatus capable of inserting a plurality of documents into envelopes of varying size. The method includes locating an envelope with an open flap on a template having a plurality of scales thereon for determining whether or not the inserting apparatus can accommodate the size of the envelope placed on the template and for adjusting a plurality of adjustable mechanical elements of the inserting apparatus in order to process the envelope placed on the template, and adjusting the mechanical elements in accordance with the readings on the scales.

Abstract: An inserter station for inserting inserts into envelopes comprises an insert conveyor for conveying inserts to an inserting location, a gripper drum for delivering envelopes to the inserting location, vacuum means for holding bottom surfaces of envelopes, suction cups for lifting top sides and opening envelopes, and an insert pusher for pushing inserts into opened envelopes. The insert pusher moves along a noose-shaped path in a vertical plane. The path has a horizontal, forwardly-directed portion along which the pusher moves to engage and push inserts into evelopes. The path has a retracting portion that curves downwardly and backwardly out of the way of envelopes and inserts being provided to the inserting location. In operation, an envelope is delivered to the inserting location and has its bottom surface held by vacuum applied thereto. The top side of the envelope is lifted by suction cups so that the envelope is opened to receive inserts.

Abstract: A method of preparing items to be mailed, in which periodically at least one main document is inserted into an envelope by way of a mail preparation system comprising an inserter station. A printing is printed through use of a printer on an envelope, which printing corresponds to a given main document. In accordance with the invention the printed envelope is fed from the printer to the inserter station, where the given main document is inserted into the printed envelope that corresponds to that main document. Furthermore a system for preparing items to be mailed comprises a printer, an envelope supply path and an inserter station connected thereto. In accordance with the invention the printer (6) is connected to the envelope supply path (5), in such a way that the envelopes can be fed from the printer (6) along the envelope supply path (5) to the inserter station (2).

Abstract: A method is provided for constructing a mailer type business form in a continuous manner so that an easy opening tear strip is provided in both the outgoing and return envelopes. This allows not only the addressee of the outgoing envelope to readily remove its contents, but allows the addressor of the outgoing envelope--when the return envelope is received thereby--to readily retrieve the contents of the return envelope. This substantially enhances the utility of the ultimate mailer product. Desirably, the tear strips are formed by a slit and perforation in the bottom sheet of each of the outgoing and return envelopes, and within the mailer the tear strips are parallel to each other. An insert is also typically provided between the top sheet of the outgoing envelope and the top sheet of the return envelope, and is pasted to outgoing envelope at the left and right.

Abstract: An apparatus and control system for producing items in selected configurations and a system and method for controlling the same. More particularly, an apparatus for producing mail pieces and a system and method for controlling it to produce mail pieces in a variety of configurations are disclosed. The apparatus includes a laser printer and folding sealing apparatus controlled by a data processor. The folder sealer apparatus combines sheets printed by the laser printer with pre-printed sheets and envelope forms, which also may be printed by the laser printer or may be windowed envelopes, folds the sheets as necessary and folds and seals the envelope form about the folded sheets to produce a mail piece. A user inputs a configuration for the mail piece which is translated by the data processor into a data structure and transmitted to the controller of the folder sealer apparatus.

Abstract: A rotary flap closer for closing envelope flaps during processing of mailable articles comprises a rotary member having a revolving arm and an elastically resilient member mounted along the arm and revolving therewith. At least a portion of the elastically-resilient member extends from the arm toward a conveyor surface on which envelopes are conveyed to and through the rotary flap closer, whereby the elastically-resilient member slidingly engages open flaps, deflects the flaps onto the envelope bodies, and thereby closes the envelopes. In one embodiment the elastically-resilient member is a brush.

Abstract: Method in preparing parcels for direct mail advertising comprising printed papers from several different senders in one and the same envelope. For each individual addressee there is provided a set of a predetermined number of individual and separate printed papers of one and the same size, the number being the same for all sets. Each printed paper of one and the same set is provided with printed information personified as regards the actual addressee. All printed papers of a set are laid one upon the other and then all sets are stacked. Each set is picked in its entirety from the stack, and each set thus picked is inserted into an envelope addressed to the addressee personified in the set.

Abstract: An in-line rotary inserter device comprises an envelope feed station (30) and insert feeding modules (20,22,24,26), an inserting station (32), a sealing and stacking assembly (38,40,42), and various diverters (33,36,56). The envelope feed station (30) withdraws envelopes from a hopper-held envelope stack )66,94) and conveys them to the inserting station (32). Each insert feeding module comprises a hopper-held insert stack disposed above, along, and in line with an insert conveyor (34). The conveyor, along its track, carries inserts dispensed from the hopper-held insert stacks to the inserting station (32). Diverter stations for diversion of envelopes and inserts in various locations along their feed paths are provided for normal operational purposes and for rectification of sensed fault conditions. Subsequently to inserting, insert-filled envelopes are conveyed from the inserting station (32), are sealed, turned, stacked, and processed through operations that are customary in preparation of mailable items.

Abstract: A combined letter and return card system is disclosed. A sheet of letterhead stock is provided with an opening near the upper left of the sheet in the position where the recipient's inside address is normally typed. A preprinted return card is affixed to the reverse side of the sheet in position to rearwardly overfit the window opening. A space for applying the recipient's address on the return card is exposed through the opening. The return card includes a perforated tear strip which is secured to the reverse side of the letterhead sheet by employing a continuous stripe of adhesive. Additionally, upper portions of the return card are adhered by a plurality of transversely spaced, small adhesive dots. The recipient's address is printed through the opening onto the card simultaneously with imprinting an individualized salutation on the front face of the letter. The message may also be printed at the same time as the salutation and address, or the message may be pre-printed.

Abstract: The present invention allows for producing an envelope by a process in which the envelope is die cut from a continuous paper web, folded in four directions to produce four flaps, glued such that the two side flaps are glued to the bottom flap and the top flap is glued to the bottom flap around the contnets of the envelope. The present invention also allows for in-line printing, stuffing and sealing of the contents of the envelope from plurality of high speed webs of paper for mass mailings and the like. The preesnt invention allows for the in-line making of an envelope by high speed paper web that will produce a four flap envelope with one of the flaps of the envelope, corresponding to one of the directions of folding in the process, to be folded in the opposite direction of the web.

Abstract: A business forms mailer construction comprising an upper panel, at least one intermediate panel, and a lower panel; the upper panel is adhesively secured to the at least one intermediate panel, and the at least one intermediate panel is adhesively secured to the lower panel by glue lines, one of which extends along one side of the intermediate and lower panels. Also provided are a pair of slitter guide marks applied to one of the upper and lower panels, on either side of the glue line, so that by alignment of a slitting mechanism with the inner of the pair of guide marks, the mailer may be opened along one side for the insertion of one or more additional sheets. Alignment with the outer of the guide marks results in removal of a marginal portion of the mailer, but with the latter remaining sealed.

Abstract: An insertion machine includes an insertion station (44) whereat groups of items are stuffed into an envelope held open at an envelope opening station (49). The insertion station comprises an cam (212)-driven carriage (202) which linearly reciprocates in a direction (480) toward and away from the envelope opening station (49). The carriage (202) carries a plurality of selectively mounted, selectively rotatable pusher fingers (204). The pusher fingers (204) have a profile suitable for shoving items along a partially inclined insertion plate surface 403 and into an opened envelope. The pusher fingers (204) are selectively rotatable to an operative orientation (720) and to an inoperative orientation (722) under the supervision of a controller (205). Jam detectors (550, 552) are provided proximate reciprocating entry fingers (500, 502) which move when a jam occurs in the inserting process. Should a jam occur, the pusher fingers (204) are controlled to rotate to their inoperative orientation (722).

Abstract: An insertion machine includes an insertion station (44) whereat groups of items are stuffed into an envelope held open at an envelope opening station (49). The insertion station comprises a cam (212)-driven carriage (202) which linearly reciprocates in a direction (480) toward and away from the envelope opening station (49). The carriage (202) carries a plurality of selectively mounted, selectively rotatable pusher fingers (204). The pusher fingers (204) have a profile suitable for shoving items along a partially inclined insertion plate surface 403 and into an opened envelope. The pusher fingers (204) are selectively rotatable to an operative orientation (720) and to an inoperative orientation (722) under the supervision of a controller (205). Jam detectors (550, 552) are provided proximate reciprocating entry flanges (500, 502) which move when a jam occurs in the inserting process. Should a jam occur, the pusher fingers (204) are controlled to rotate the their inoperative orientation (722).

Abstract: A direct mail article (75) comprising an envelope containing at least one separate enclosure sheet (30, 40, 50, 140, 150, 230) and a separate postcard reply device (33, 133) which can be personalized is made from one or more composite sheets (14, 14',114, 214) of a continuous web (10A, 10B, 100) of relatively light-weight paper stock. In the preferred embodiment, the mailing article is formed from two webs (10A, 10B) of light weight paper stock and the postcard reply device (33) of sufficient weight to meet postal regulations is formed by bonding appropriately printed sections 32a, 32b) of the web together and then separating the enclosure sheets (30, 40, 50) and reply device (33) after both have been folded into the envelope, thus ensuring that mismatching of personalized letters and envelopes does not occur.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement and method for the user thereof to protect an electrophotographic photosensitive member which includes a packaging material for covering and protecting the electrophotographic photosensitive member from physical damage and is capable of generating a frictional electrostatic charge of the same polarity as the electrophotographic photosensitive material, whereby the packaging material has a stronger electron acceptor characteristic than the electrophotographic photosensitive material where the electrophotographic photosensitive material possesses a positive charge, and the packaging material has a stronger electron donor characteristic than the electrophotographic photosensitive material where the electrophotographic photosensitive material possesses a negative charge.

Abstract: A method of producing a succession of self-adhesive labels carried on a backing of release material, which method comprises cutting a laminar material which comprises a web coated on its reverse side with a pressure-sensitive adhesive and having a backing of a release material, the cutting being performed in such a manner that all the layers of the laminar material other than the backing layer are cut and so as to cut a succession of spaced label base portions on the backing; applying an adhesive either across the whole of the upper surface of the web or to an area within each label base portion; removing from the backing waste portions of the web outside the label base portions; applying either a folded sheet and envelope, a multiple-ply label or an envelope containing an article to cover that area of each of the label base portions which has been coated with adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personalized envelope in which is enclosed a personalized letter and a method of enclosing a personalized letter in a personalized mailing envelope. The personalized envelope has a small die-cut in an inconspicuous location through which a number on the enclosed personalized letter can be seen. By matching the number showing in the die-cut to a matching number on the envelope itself it is assured that the enclosed personalized letter is being sent to the correct addressee without reading name on letter.

Abstract: Mail inserting and collating apparatus includes an envelope conveyor for continuously conveying envelopes along a first path; a plurality of envelope carriers mounted on the envelope conveyor and movable therewith, for holding the envelopes; an insert conveyor for continuously conveying a plurality of inserts along a second path, at least a portion of the second path running substantially parallel and adjacent to the first path; a plurality of pockets mounted on the insert conveyor and movable therewith, for holding the inserts; a rotatable kicker roller for removing a lowermost insert from a stack of inserts and moving the lowermost insert toward a pocket adjacent the stack, the kicker roller having an arcuate rubber projecting surface from engaging the lowermost insert from the stack during rotation of the kicker roller and a vacuum port extending through the kicker roller and terminating in the projecting surface; a drive for intermittently rotating the kicker roller; a vacuum supply for supplying a vacuum

Abstract: An insertion machine includes an insertion station (44) whereat groups of items are stuffed into an envelope held open at an envelope opening station (49). The insertion station comprises a cam (212)driven carriage (202) which linearly reciprocates in a direction (480) toward and away from the envelope opening station (49). The carriage (202) carries a plurality of selectively mounted, selectively rotatable pusher fingers (204). The pusher fingers (204) have a profile suitable for shoving items along a partially inclined insertion plate surface 403 and into an opened envelope. The pusher fingers (204) are selectively rotatable to an operative orientation (720) and to an inoperative orientation (722) under the supervision of a controller (205). Jam detectors (550, 552) are provided proximate reciprocating entry fingers (500, 502) which move when a jam occurs in the inserting process. Should a jam occur, the pusher fingers (204) are controlled to rotate to their inoperative orientation (722).

Abstract: An apparatus for correlating wallets with processing envelopes in photographic laboratories comprising:a dispenser (9) in which wallets (11) corresponding to the different customers are contained separately,means (5,7,8) for determining in accordance with the customer code read from the processing envelope (4), the extraction of a wallet (11) corresponding to that customer from the dispenser (9),means (13,14,15,16,17) for forming with the wallets (11) being extracted from said dispenser (9) a sequence corresponding to the sequence of processing envelopes (4) of that batch, andmeans for extracting one by one in the finishing station (21) the wallets (11) into which to insert the photographic material (28,29) corresponding to the processing envelopes (4) associated with said wallets (4).

Abstract: Mail inserting and collating apparatus includes an envelope conveyor for continuously conveying envelopes along a first path; a plurality of envelope carriers mounted on the envelope conveyor and movable therewith, for holding the envelopes; an insert conveyor for continuously conveying a plurality of inserts along a second path, at least a portion of the second path running substantially parallel and adjacent to the first path; a plurality of pockets mounted on the insert conveyor and movable therewith, for holding the inserts; a rotatable kicker roller for removing a lowermost insert from a stack of inserts and moving the lowermost insert toward a pocket adjacent the stack, the kicker roller having an arcuate rubber projecting surface for engaging the lowermost insert from the stack during rotation of the kicker roller and a vacuum port extending through the kicker roller and terminating in the projecting surface; a drive for intermittently rotating the kicker roller; a vacuum supply for supplying a vacuum

Abstract: A method and system are provided for folding floppy disk envelopes. Envelope blanks are manipulated while attached to a continuous web of envelope material to facilitate handling and alignment of the blanks. Initially, fold lines are prescored into the envelope blanks to define the precise dimensions of the envelope. Envelope flaps are then partially folded to define a receptacle into which the disk media is then inserted. The remaining flaps are then folded and sealed, and lastly the folded envelope is detached from the continuous web.

Abstract: A conventional envelope stuffing machine is provided with a chopper of cutter for providing a stack of individual inserts from pre-connected booklets. The chopper operates in synchronism with the stuffing machine through the provision of a pair of simple cam-operated switches.

Abstract: An improved high speed method for producing quantities of discrete envelope assemblies, each assembly including an envelope and separate double folded enclosure formed from the same blank of sheet material and having personalized information printed on both the envelope and enclosure that is unique to each assembly.The method provides for continuous operation of the method steps all occurring one after the other as each assembly travels in the same general direction throughout all processing operations.

Abstract: A method for the handling of unstuffed envelopes which facilitates the subsequent handling of the envelopes stuffed as pre-sorted mail. The unstuffed envelopes are packed into a telescopic carton assembly, which includes first and second cartons having movable flap assemblies that are positioned within the interior of the respective cartons and are movable to positions outside of the respective cartons to convert the cartons into two self-contained containers. The telescopic carton assembly is separated by the mail sender into two cartons and the new unstuffed envelopes are removed therefrom. The movable flap assemblies of the two cartons are moved to positions outside of the interiors of the cartons. The envelopes are stuffed with pre-sorted mail and packed into the two cartons. The movable flap assemblies of the cartons are positioned so as to define the tops of self-contained shipping containers housing the stuffed envelopes for mailing and shipment of the pre-sorted mail.

Abstract: Envelopes and letter sheets are mounted on a continuous carrier in such a manner that they alternate and are continuously shingled. The envelope flaps are first affixed to the carrier sheet, with the envelopes in an open position and with their flap folds adjacent and parallel to infolds between carrier sheet panels. The letter sheets are then affixed to the same panels, with the free end of each sheet extending across both an outfold and the next infold. When the carrier sheet is fanfolded, each envelope closes over the top margin of the following letter sheet, and the lower margin of each letter sheet extends across the upper margin of the following envelope.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a continuous assembly of sealed envelopes having upper and lower sections and comprising at least one insert of the type used as a postal mailer or the like.

Abstract: A gauging system for an envelope inserter provides simplified set up procedures for adjustment of a set of enclosure pick-up station side guides, an envelope stop and coordinated adjustment of both a set of envelope station side guides and sets of stripper fingers. A panel at the face of the inserter includes a slot and a pointer for lengthwise insertion of an enclosure. The operator places a specimen enclosure against an index end of the slot and rotates a knob to frame the enclosure length between the index and the pointer. Rotation of the knob provides simultaneous movement of the pointer and adjustment of the enclosure side guides to correspond with the framed length. A further slot and pointer are provided for envelope widthwise insertion. Rotation of its knob for framing the envelope width simultaneously adjusts the envelope stop. A further slot and pointer are provided for lengthwise envelope insertion.

Abstract: An envelope contains a separate enclosure that is formed from the same sheet material. Sheet material having a first portion and a narrower second portion is folded so portions are superimposed one upon the other. At some time, adhesive is applied to the wider regions of the first portion. By severing the sheet material along the edge common to the first and second portions while maintaining their superimposed relationship, they are separated and then subsequently folded so the first portion envelops the second portion, and the envelope is produced as a result of the adhesive. The severing is carried out while the superimposed portions are suitably restrained, e.g., within a buckle plate folder or within a knife-folding unit or between a pair of moving belts.