Abstract: Improvements in high-speed machines for inserting sheets into envelopes include a first apparatus for pre-opening envelopes after they are pulled from a hopper and before a blade-like envelope flap opener fully opens them. The first apparatus includes a roller and a roller housing having a top part that defines a small space between them through which a flap-including longitudinal edge of an envelope passes. The edge is constrained to form a curvature as it passes through the small space, causing the flap to open at least to some extent. A second improvement in pre-openers includes a cut out formed in an envelope support plate and a rigid deflector positioned in the path of the envelopes as they leave the hopper. The envelope flaps are partly opened as they are deflected below the plane of the support plate. A third improvement includes a plurality of vacuum dishes formed in an envelope-supporting plate.

Abstract: In an envelope-filling apparatus for mail-processing machines, the adjustment of the push-in depth of enclosures into open envelopes in the operating stroke of a pivot-lever arrangement, which bears a push-in-finger arrangement, is simplified in that said pivot-lever arrangement is designed as a three-lever rectilinear-guidance mechanism, of which the third lever, which serves as the carrier hand for the push-in-finger arrangement, has, at its free end, a slide guide which can be secured and is intended for adjusting the distance between a push-in-finger shaft for the push-in-finger arrangement and the point of articulation of the longer lever of the three-lever rectilinear-guidance means on the carrier hand.

Abstract: A device for enveloping inserts in an envelope has at least one feeder for supplying first and second articles. A transporting device for the first and second articles received from the at least one feeder is arranged downstream of the at least one feeder. A first adhesive station with at least one applicator unit is configured to apply an adhesive onto the first article provided for forming an envelope, wherein the envelope is produced from the first article without waste. The at least one applicator unit is stationary during application of the adhesive onto the first article.

Abstract: In an apparatus for handling sheet-like articles, in particular in an envelope-filling station, the smoothness of running is increased, even in the case of high cycle speeds, in that a guide control means is provided so that push-in fingers, which are moved back and forth by an actuating arrangement, can be lowered and raised relative to a base plate both in the operating stroke and in the return stroke, it being the case that provided for the operating stroke is a framework-side guide part and for the return stroke is a diverter-like changeover guide part, which is actuated by the guide contact element itself and ensures in each case smooth transitions to the housing-side guide part.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of inserting insert or enclosure material into successive envelopes are disclosed. According to the envelope inserting method, the insert material is conveyed along a straight path successively to an envelope inserting position where the insert material is inserted into the envelope and the stuffed envelope is then conveyed out of the inserting position in the same direction as the above straight path. The method includes providing immediately above the envelope inserting position an envelope storage station where a plurality of envelopes are stored in a stack one above another with the front panel of each of the envelopes facing upward so that the envelopes in the storage station are fed successively to the envelope inserting position for insertion thereinto of insert material.

Abstract: An inserter system for inserting folded sheets into an envelope providing at least one sheet feeding station for feeding individual sheets and an accumulation station in communication with the at least one sheet feeding station having a curved paper path wherein individual sheets are fed into the curved paper path from the at least one sheet feeding station and are accumulated therewithin. A folding station is in communication with the accumulation station for receiving an accumulation of sheets from the curved paper path for folding the accumulation of sheets.

Abstract: Improvements in high-speed machines for inserting sheets into envelopes include a first apparatus for pre-opening envelopes after they are pulled from a hopper and before a blade-like envelope flap opener fully opens them. The first apparatus includes a roller and a roller housing having a top part that defines a small space between them through which a flap-including longitudinal edge of an envelope passes. The edge is constrained to form a curvature as it passes through the small space, causing the flap to open at least to some extent. A second improvement in pre-openers includes a cut out formed in an envelope support plate and a rigid deflector positioned in the path of the envelopes as they leave the hopper. The envelope flaps are partly opened as they are deflected below the plane of the support plate. A third improvement includes a plurality of vacuum dishes formed in an envelope-supporting plate.

Abstract: An envelope-filling station having an envelope-filling bench which is added onto a push-in station of a mail-processing machine, in which enclosures or sets of enclosures are conveyed into the push-in station by a conveyor and are pushed into envelopes by a push-in arrangement. The envelopes are conveyed by an envelope-conveying arrangement, on the envelope-filling bench, into a position opposite the push-in arrangement and being opened there and held ready for receiving the enclosures or sets of enclosures.

Abstract: In an inserting apparatus and method such as the continuous motion type, a motion controller electrically communicates with an encoder, a first motor driving an insert conveyor assembly, a second motor driving an envelope conveyor assembly, and an actuator operatively interfaced with a peripheral device. The motion controller controls insert conveyor assembly speed, envelope conveyor assembly speed, and the rotational position at which the actuator should be activated, based on the encoder signal. Once during every master cycle, the motion controller calculates the actuator activation position, and causes the first actuator to be activated at the calculated first actuator activation position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a laterally and frontally loaded document feed bin, comprising mobile means for pushing these documents against a supporting wall and a lever for selecting a mode of operation in order to select a first and a second position, these mobile pushing means comprising first thrust adjustment means in order, in a first selected position, to exert a first thrust pressure on said documents, and second thrust adjustment means in order, in a second selected position, to exert an additional trust pressure on said documents.

Abstract: This utility model corresponds to a special mold-design used to manufacture paperboard bags. The mold-design is a piece of creased paper, which makes it possible for a modified gluing-folding machine to perform a series of liner steps to finish the bag, the process ending with the step in which the product is rotated to glue the bottom. The process is fully automated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically positioning a plurality of suction devices over the throat of envelope to lift the throat.

Abstract: The invention proposes a handling apparatus for moving sheet-like articles, in particular an inserter for pushing inserts into envelopes, in which apparatus a link hand, which forms part of a rectilinear-guidance mechanism formed from three links, has spring-loaded fingers which are articulated at the free end of the link hand and slide over a base plate during the operating stroke, while, during a return stroke, the fingers are raised off together from the base plate by means of a control guide arrangement. Said apparatus operates at high cycle speeds without disruption and requires the arrangement as a whole to be of just a small overall height.

Abstract: A mail inserter machine having a drive system including a drive motor, gear reducer unit and indexing unit. The drive motor and gear reducer communicate by a belt driven around pulleys residing in a plane and the gear reducer communicating through a direct shaft drive with the indexing unit. The indexing unit rotating a belt pulley which carries a belt connected to a timing pulley for driving a cross shaft. The belt pulley and timing pulley residing in a plane parallel to said drive motor and gear reducer unit pulleys. Said drive system arranged in a lower portion of the mail inserter machine chassis, whereby the said parallel planar pulleys thereby generate forces vectored in parallel directions enabling a greater size, greater precision, high durability, and greater dynamic stability for the mail inserter machine.

Abstract: A machine and a process for the automatic enveloping of messages with a variable number of sheets provide; the supply of message sheets on a first accumulating plane (9, 48); the supply of envelope sheets on a second accumulating plane (17, 28, 29), which forms an angle with the first accumulating plane, such as to obtain the overlaying of the front ends of the envelope sheets and message sheets; the simultaneous feeding of the envelope and message sheets such that complete overlaying therebetween is obtained; and the simultaneous folding of the envelope sheets and message sheets, obtaining an envelope.

Abstract: A stage and thread assembly is disclosed for use in a high speed envelope packing apparatus. The assembly receives from the side, a single envelope with flap open. The assembly precisely aligns and positions the envelope in a pre-stage area via a plurality of entry ramps, continuously running belts, and back stops, correcting any misalignment. Once positioned in the pre-stage area, the apparatus stages the envelope in a position above the thread roller of the high speed packing apparatus so that the envelope can be threaded on the packing plate for insertion of material into the envelope. The staging of the envelope is achieved via a plurality of rollers including, d-rollers, flipper rollers, and stage rollers. The envelope is staged in a direction perpendicular to the direction of entry of the envelope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a folding and/or inserting machine comprising a first path coupled upstream to a document entry and downstream to a first entry of a folding module, a second path coupled upstream to an empty envelope entry and downstream to a first entry of an insertion module itself coupled downstream of an exit of the folding module, a third path coupled upstream to an exit of the insertion module and downstream to a filled and closed envelope exit, and a fourth path coupled upstream to a first advertizing insert or reply envelope entry and downstream to a second entry of the insertion module, and a fifth path coupled upstream to a second advertizing insert or reply envelope entry downstream to the second entry of the insertion module, the routing of the advertizing inserts or the reply envelopes along the fourth and fifth paths between the advertizing insert or reply envelope entries and the second entry of the insertion module being effected through the folding module without passage thro

Abstract: An apparatus for high speed packing of envelopes is disclosed. The apparatus includes an envelope flap opening assembly which facilitates the opening of each envelope by a finger of an opening element as the envelope passes through packing apparatus. Each envelope may then be conveyed into a first staging assembly where the envelope is stopped, allowing a freely rotating conveyor to force the envelope into contact with an ejection conveyor to direct the envelope from the first staging assembly. The envelope is then transported to the packing assembly by an intermediate conveyor having a plurality of distinctly and selectively driven conveyors to allow staging of the envelopes along the intermediate conveyor. A quick and efficient envelope packing assembly then packs the envelopes and ejects the envelope to an exiting conveyor which seals each packed envelope.

Abstract: A filling machine for sheet bags comprising a transportation means including a plurality of transportation elements for the sheet bags, for supplying the sheet bags to an opening station, a filling station, a closing station and a cooling station. The transportation means comprises a first conveying means including a plurality of first transportation elements for feeding sheet bags to the opening station, the filling station and the closing station, and a second conveying means including a plurality of second transportation elements for feeding the sheet bags to the cooling station. A transfer station is provided for transferring the sheet bags from the first conveying means to the second conveying means.

Abstract: A high speed machine that inserts about twelve thousand sheets or stacks of sheets of paper per hour into the same number of envelopes. A first table delivers an elongate horizontal queue of thousands of envelopes to an envelope hopper. A second table, parallel to the first table, includes a plurality of independently-controllable sheet feeders and delivers individual groups of stacked sheets to an envelope insertion station that is transversely spaced apart from the envelope hopper. A third table is disposed transversely to the first two tables and includes the envelope insertion station. Clamps carried by an elongate sprocket chain mounted in the third table sequentially remove envelopes from the bottom of the envelope hopper and pull them past an envelope flap-opening structure to the envelope insertion station where the envelopes are opened by a puff of air.

Abstract: An automatic envelope inserting machine which comprises a supporting structure (31, 331) whereon envelopes (17) are made to feed, in said envelopes one or more flat inserts have to be placed (16, 16', 16"), an envelope feeder (18, 318) towards a conveyor belt (15, 40, 40a, 315, 340, 340a) which carries one envelope behind the other, at least one insert loader (11-14, 211, 212), an insertion device of at least one insert, which is selected and directed towards the feed conveyor belt, and which is inserted into a predetermined envelope (17) and elements (87) for the opening of the envelope (17), whereby, before the envelope feeder (18, 318), a deviation device (19) is provided to carry the selected inserts towards the insertion device (20, 84, 320, 384), the insertion device can move back and forth with respect to the supporting structure (31, 331), by means of translation elements (44), in a direction parallel to the feed conveyor belt and synchronised with the forward movement of the envelope (17), a pushing

Abstract: An on-the-fly paper stack handler has a paper stack conveyor for continuously serially conveying stacks of paper, a tray conveyor disposed below and downstream of the paper stack conveyor for continuously serially conveying trays, and a transfer conveyor extending between the paper stack conveyor and the tray conveyor for conveying stacks of paper along a path from the paper stack conveyor into the trays. The transfer conveyor has a platform for supporting paper stacks and has pushers extending downwardly into the path of the paper stacks so that these pushers may push the stacks into the trays and operate in close proximity to the trays. A rest arm extending downstream from the transfer conveyor rests on the stacks in the trays to maintain control of same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically filling and sealing envelopes in a complete sequence starting with envelopes being placed in an initial position and terminating with filled envelopes being delivered fully prepared for being labelled and stamped. The novel feature is turning the envelopes from a position with their front sides facing downwards into a position with their reverse sides facing downwards, with the contents of the envelopes being introduced when they are in the last-mentioned position. In consequence of the invention a faster operating and considerably more compact apparatus can be attained than in the prior art.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an envelope opening apparatus, preferably for use in an inserter (210). The envelope opening apparatus comprises means (54) for locating an envelope, having rear and front panels (116, 118) and a flap (64) hinged to the front panel, in a waiting position with its flap in an open position in substantially the same plane as its front panel, and means (60, 62, 68, 70) operable for forming a step-like deformation in the flap, so as to cause the rear panel (116) to separate from the front panel (118).

Abstract: A set of document envelopes (1) suitable for continuous use on an automatically or semiautomatically operating device is disclosed. The device for carrying out the method of use carries out a number of steps on the set of envelopes (1) arranged in a row on a continuous strip (8), i.e. the strip (8) is fed past a work station (10) comprising input guide means (11), output guide means (12) and a strip feeding means (13); each envelope is opened by a means (14) and a document is inserted by a means (15), and each envelope (1) is grasped by a means (16) and separated form the carrier (8). The envelope/strip assembly consists of a stack of at least three continuous strips in which only the two strips defining said envelopes are cut or pre-cut.

Abstract: An inserter is disclosed having an insertion station and a feeding mechanism for feeding an envelope to the insertion station with the bottom edge of the envelope leading and the envelope flap in an open position and trailing, envelope opening mechanism at the insertion station and sheet feeding mechanism. A sensor detects the leading edge of the envelope as it is fed to the insertion station and, in response, causes the envelope opening mechanism to open the envelope after its arrival at the insertion station. The sensor also detects whether the envelope flap, when the envelope is waiting at the insertion station, is not in its open position and, when this is the case, it terminates operation of the envelope feeding mechanism and sheet feeding mechanism for the next envelope and sheet.

Abstract: In a mailing machine which transports along a feed path a mailpiece having a moistened flap and a main body portion, a sealing and deskewing device comprising structure for transporting the mailpiece through the mailing machine; a first roller mounted for rotation and having a first roller surface; and a second roller mounted for rotation and having a conical segment and at least one other segment, wherein at times when the mailpiece is transported between the first and second rollers in a skewed orientation relative to the feed path the conical segment operatively cooperates with the transporting means to deskew the mailpiece relative to the feed path and concurrently the first roller surface operatively cooperates with the at least one other segment to apply pressure to the moistened flap to seal the moistened flap to the main body portion.

Abstract: In an inserting apparatus an envelope holder comprises a first envelope support connecting to a document feed path, for holding an envelope in a filling position in or against a first surface, and a second envelope support connecting to an envelope discharge path, for carrying another envelope in or against a second surface and in an overlapping relation with an envelope simultaneously held in the filling position. Also described is a method in which an envelope to be filled is brought into the filling position before the preceding, filled envelope has left a feed-through path and this envelope brought into the filling position temporarily overlaps the filled envelope. The proposed apparatus and method enable an increased processing capacity.

Abstract: A folder and/or inserter machine of the type comprising a first path coupled to a document inlet and feeding a folder module, a second path coupled to an empty-envelope inlet and feeding an inserter module itself coupled to the folder module, a third path coupled to an outlet for stuffed and closed envelope and to the inserter module, and a fourth path coupled to an advertising leaflet and/or reply envelope inlet and feeding the inserter module via the folder module, an envelope and document main inlet further being coupled via a switching module firstly to the first document path and secondly to an alternative empty-envelope path.

Abstract: A method for providing confidentiality to a facsimile transmission includes the step of advancing a back enclosure sheet into a print engine. The method further includes the step of advancing the back enclosure sheet out of the print engine and to an envelope forming station. The method yet further includes the step of securing the back enclosure sheet to a front enclosure sheet so as to form an envelope at the envelope forming station. The method also includes the step of advancing a confidential sheet into the print engine. The method moreover includes the step of printing information associated with a page of the facsimile transmission onto the confidential sheet with the print engine. The method also includes the step of advancing the sheet out of the print engine and into the envelope.

Abstract: A rotatable insertion horn for opening an envelope prior to insertion of documents into the envelope. The insertion horn includes a planar bottom plate having an upstream end, a downstream end and first and second side portions. A side wall is provided that extends upward from the first side portion of the planar bottom plate. The side wall has a downstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the planar bottom plate and an upstream end adjacent to the upstream end of the planar bottom plate wherein a portion of the planar bottom plate extends downstream from the downstream end of the side wall. A top planar plate is provided that extends from the top of the side wall and towards the second side of the bottom plate wherein the top plate is superposed and substantially parallel to the bottom plate.

Abstract: In a mail inserter machine including at least one subassembly with a component driven in reciprocating fashion, an apparatus for inserting a sheet into an envelope. The apparatus comprises a movable gripper jaw assembly, an envelope vacuum cup assembly, an envelope opener assembly including a nozzle in communication with a gaseous fluid supply source, and an insertion assembly. An electrical control circuit is adapted to issue electrical control signals to the respective assemblies, in such manner that the occurrence and duration of the control signals determine relative periods of operation of the assemblies during a cycle of operation of the apparatus and over a range of speeds of the apparatus.

Abstract: From a web of paper a mailing item (10) comprising envelope and contents is printed personalized on a first conveying section (2) in individual stations. After being turned over the web of paper is supplemented, where necessary, by further paper parts, it then being cut to contour laterally and provided with side flaps folded inwards for the envelope. After this, the cut-to-size item is parted as a unit from the web of paper by a cross-cutter (43) and the contents folded on themselves transversely as well as on the cut-to-size item for the envelope. This unit is then diverted at right angles to a second conveying section (3) in which the cover sheets of the envelope are folded open with interposition of the contents, the cover sheets thereby being secured to each other by the side flaps. After this, the envelope opening is closed by the closing flap.

Abstract: A method of forming an envelope in a document security apparatus includes the step of advancing a first enclosure sheet and a second enclosure sheet to a sealing station within the document security apparatus. The method includes the step of holding both the first enclosure sheet and the second enclosure sheet stationary relative to the sealing station. The method also includes the step of securing the first enclosure sheet to the second enclosure sheet during the holding step. A document security apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a mail inserter having a 360 degree operational cycle and a plurality of subassemblies, a computer issues a plurality of electrical control signals having predetermined rotational positions and durations within the operational cycle at a given inserter speed. Solenoids, actuators and other driving devices are responsive to the control signals to determine the operation of the subassemblies. A device measures the operation speed of the inserter, and the computer adjusts the rotational position of each control signal within the operational cycle according to the inserter speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a folded product into an envelope and closing the flap of the envelope performs a method in which the envelope is transferred from an envelope hopper by a rotatable shuttle unit having cooperating suction cups and a T-shaped flap engagement member, the folded product is stuffed into its envelope, and then flap of the envelope is closed by an envelope closing device. The envelope inserting and closing apparatus and method are designed for use in a high speed electronic finishing system.

Abstract: A backstop member for use in an insertion station operative to insert an enclosure collation into an open end of an envelope. The insertion station having a deck with a transport mechanism for conveying an envelope, an opening mechanism for opening an envelope and a backstop member mounted below the deck for stopping the envelope in the insertion station preparatory to insertion of the enclosure collation. The backstop member includes an elongate stopping portion having a substantially planar surface configured to abut against and prevent travel of an envelope in the insertion station being driven by the transport mechanism when the elongate stopping portion is caused to extend above the deck. The backstop member also provides a cam portion having an ellipsoid configuration dimensioned to cause a portion of the envelope being driven by the deck transport mechanism to travel over the ellipsoid configuration and away from the deck in the insertion station when the cam portion is caused to extend above the deck.

Abstract: For use with an envelope inserter, a sheet packet hold-down apparatus, comprising a stopping mechanism or guide for stopping the leading edge of the sheets, a hold-down button of substantially hemispherical shape, wherein the hold down button is positioned before the stopping mechanism or guide, a bias device for resiliently supporting the hold-down button, and a conveyor apparatus for transporting the sheets to the stopping mechanism or guide.

Abstract: An insertion station for inserting enclosure collations into an envelope, the insertion station including a deck and at least two transport belts having a top surface disposed atop the top surface of the deck for conveying an envelope along a direction of travel. A plurality of vacuum ports are arranged between the at least two transport belts wherein vacuum is continuously present at each vacuum port. An elongate rib member is provided upstanding from the deck and extending between the at least two transport belts and adjacent the plurality of vacuum ports, the rib member being configured to support a portion of the envelope that is disposed between the at least two transport belts.

Abstract: This device reduces the size of the gap between the apex of the flap opener blade and the drive roller. The above increases the probability that the flap of the envelope would be opened. The foregoing was accomplished by removing segments of the apex of the flap opener blade to allow clearance for the envelope and/or drive roller. Thus, the nominal position of the apex of the flap opener blade was moved closer to the drive roller which reduced the gap between the apex of the flap opener blade and drive roller. Consequently, the chance that the envelope flap would be closed was reduced.

Abstract: An envelope throat opening mechanism for an envelope inserting machine includes a pair of envelope throat opening claw assemblies mounted adjacent an envelope inserting position for opening the outer ends of an envelope disposed in the envelope inserting position to permit insert material to be inserted into the envelope. An envelope throat opening tongue assembly is also disposed adjacent the envelope inserting position and in substantial alignment with the center of an envelope, the tongue assembly having a tongue mounted therein for movement into the throat of the envelope adjacent the center thereof to ensure that the center portion of the throat is opened sufficiently to permit the insert material to be inserted into the envelope.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling and packaging mail items, comprising a transport track which includes an endless conveyor with mail item forwarding projections and a conveyor drive, as well as at least one feeding device with a feeding device drive, which feeding device is arranged above and in-line with the transport track for the purpose of feeding documents, such as for instance supplements, the feeding device comprising a feeding device delivery gap located some distance above a transport surface formed by the transport track, characterized by a document guiding device arranged downstream of the feeding device delivery gap, which document guiding device comprises a first endless conveyor and a second endless conveyor each having a portion of a transport part in mutual abutment and thus forming a document guiding path bounded by a document guiding path infeed gap and a document guiding path delivery gap, with a drive of the first and the second endless conveyor being independent of the feeding device drive, an

Abstract: An envelope inserting machine has a feed path for envelopes which includes an envelope inserting position and means for feeding successive envelopes to that position. Envelope throat opening claw assemblies have claws that maintain the throat of an envelope at the inserting position open to receive a collation of insert material from a collation feeding mechanism adjacent the envelope inserting position. A microprocessor control means actuates the throat opening claw assemblies to release the upper edge of the envelope and substantially simultaneously actuates the envelope feeding means to move the envelope in a rearward direction momentarily, either after the collation is substantially fully inserted into the envelope or while it is still being inserted, to ensure that the collation is inserted sufficiently to bring the trailing edge of the collation beyond the crease line between the front panel of the envelope and the flap.

Abstract: A sealing device, for use in a mailing machine having a moistener for applying moistening fluid to flaps of envelopes being transported through the mailing machine, includes a first device, having a first surface, for applying pressure to a moistened envelope flap via the first surface; and a second device, having a second surface opposite the first surface, for applying pressure to the moistened envelope flap via the second surface. The first and second surfaces operatively cooperate together to apply pressure to and seal the moistened envelope flap. Furthermore, in the inventive device, moistening fluid is transferred on to the first surface from the moistened flap during sealing of the moistened flap by the first and second surfaces, and the first and second surfaces are aligned relative to each other such that at times when the moistened envelope is transported away from the sealing device moistening fluid is not transferred from the first surface to the second surface.

Abstract: An envelope throat opening mechanism for an envelope inserting machine includes a pair of envelope throat opening claw assemblies mounted adjacent an envelope inserting position for opening the outer ends of an envelope disposed in the envelope inserting position to permit insert material to be inserted into the envelope. An envelope throat opening tongue assembly is also disposed adjacent the envelope inserting position and in substantial alignment with the center of an envelope, the tongue assembly having a tongue mounted therein for movement into the throat of the envelope adjacent the center thereof to ensure that the center portion of the throat is opened sufficiently to permit the insert material to be inserted into the envelope.

Abstract: The present invention is an envelope sheet capable of being automatically printed and formed into a standard business envelope using a high-speed separate sheet printer in line with high-speed separate sheet folding and pressure sealing equipment. The present envelope sheet comprises a front panel connected to a back panel along a bottom fold line, to a closing flap along a top fold line, to a left-side flap along a left-side fold line and to a right-side flat along a right-side fold line. The front panel, back panel, closing flap and both side flaps each have an upper surface and a lower surface. The back panel is adhered to the left-side and right-side flaps with a latent adhesive sandwiched therebetween. The present invention also includes a method and apparatus for automatically printing and forming an envelope from the present envelope sheet, as well as automatically stuffing the envelope while it is being formed.

Abstract: An inserting apparatus comprises an envelope holder for holding an envelope in a filling position, a document feed path and a flap holder for holding a flap of an envelope in an open position. On the side of the document supply path where the flap holder is also located, the most downstream roller is formed by a return pulley of a conveyor belt. Owing to a conveyor belt being trained over the most downstream roller on that side of the document feed path where the flap holder is also located, a small roller can be used without this leading to run-in problems. The documents are moreover forcefully advanced at the end of the document feed path into a nip between two rollers.

Abstract: This invention provides utilizes a centering device located in the accumulation portion of mail production equipment to reduce jamming caused by the insertion of material into an open envelope. The apparatus of this invention is located in the accumulation area of production mail equipment before the inserter. The apparatus of this invention includes: two guides; a solenoid and a flexible wire cable. Two centering guides are actuated through a solenoid and move to a predetermined center position to align and deskew the accumulated enclosure contents (which may include printed and pre-printed folded sheets, business reply envelopes and other insert material). A flexible wire cable is used to provide highly efficient transfer of motion from the solenoid to the centering guides.

Abstract: A system for coordinating an operational speed of an envelope inserter receiving incoming packets containing a predetermined number of document pages with an interval of time required to generate each incoming packet. A printer generates the document pages within each of the packets and a computer coordinates the operational speed of the envelope inserter with the interval of time required by the printer to generate each incoming packet.

Abstract: An envelope opening apparatus for mail assembly operations which employs timed intermittent bursts of compressed air or other gas. One or more gas jets are used in association with an inserter arm, and envelopes are sequentially conveyed past the inserter arm and gas jets. As each envelope is positioned adjacent to the inserter arm and gas jets, a controller computer activates a control valve, supplying compressed air to the gas jets, which direct a blast of air at the envelope, opening the envelope to form a pocket suitable for insertion thereinto of mail materials.