Abstract: A strip assembly comprising an elongated support strip, either rolled or folded, and at least one second strip superimposed on the support strip, the second strip having transverse slits formed therein at equal intervals, each slit extending only partly across the central portion of the second strip, leaving edge portions of the second strip connected and leaving substantially the entire support strip connected. By severing the edge portions, the second strip can be separated into individual sheets, leaving the support strip attached in the central region. The second strip can be provided with a coating of reproduction material on the back surface thereof so that data can be printed on the sheets of both strips, forming a plurality of individual receipt slips and a continuous information-bearing strip usable for accounting purposes. The support strip can be provided with holes near the ends of the slits to reduce the criticality of location of the severing operation.

Abstract: An automatic unloading apparatus is adapted for use in unloading mail from a container and delivering such unloaded mail to a mail sorting machine separator. The mail is initially provided in an open topped container having openings or apertures formed at the lower forward end thereof. The unloading apparatus includes blades which can pass through the openings or apertures into the container and beneath the mail therein. The unloading apparatus also includes fingers movable perpendicularly through the blades and a movable carriage upon which the blades and fingers are mounted. After the fingers are raised to act as a forward stop for the mail, the blades are raised to remove the mail from the container. The carriage moves forwardly to deliver the removed mail to the sorting machine separator and then moves rearwardly to discharge the empty container.