Abstract: A method and apparatus for exposing the contents of envelopes for removal in which a horizontal stack of envelopes is advanced towards the suction roller. The envelopes have previously been opened along a top longitudinal edge and two vertical side edges. As each envelope reaches the suction roller, it is caused to adhere to the roller by suction. The roller is subsequently rotated through approximately 90.degree. so that the leading panel of the envelope is "peeled" away from the contents and the envelope is lifted partially from the stack, permitting the contents to be withdrawn. The roller is subsequently turned in the opposite direction to eject the empty envelope downwardly.

Abstract: Batches of envelopes that have previously been opened along one edge are simultaneously emptied of their contents by securing the envelopes to a support by their edges opposite to the open edges, using a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and vibrating the support to dislodge the contents. A tray positioned below the envelopes is progressively lowered so that the contents are laid into the tray in an orderly fashion, and in sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing staples from paper, card and like sheet-form material is disclosed. The apparatus includes an anvil which deflects downwardly the leading end portion of a sheet inserted into the apparatus. A staple in the incoming sheet abuts against a tongue which causes the tongue to pivot rearwardly. The tongue is then moved towards the anvil to indent the paper adjacent the staple and orient the staple against the front face of the tongue. Next, the tongue is returned to a vertical position and the staple is pressed upwardly into a relieved portion of a rotary knife. The knife then slices off the top of the staple and removes the sliced off portion. Remaining portions of the staple are stripped from the paper as it is withdrawn from the apparatus.

Abstract: An improvement in mail processing equipment is provided in which items of mail are presented to operators at stations adjacent a continuous transporter. An operator works at any desired pace because items of mail are presented repeatedly until removed by the operator.

Abstract: The invention provides mail processing equipment which receives opened items of mail for moving these items individually past several stations. Each item is first gripped in a mail carrier which moves longitudinally and which is rotated as it moves to take up a position in which the carrier and item of mail face transversely. Once the rotation is completed the item is released for ready removal as it passes the station. A mail transporter is also provided to carry items of mail individually past the stations and which returns the items to these stations for a second pass in the event that the items are not removed at the first pass. After the envelope has had the contents removed, the ennvelope is handled automatically in an envelope transporter but is available to the operator until such time as a further envelope is entered into the envelope transporter. Consequently, if there is difficulty with the contents of a particular envelope, the operator can retrieve the envelope for further use.