Abstract: A high-speed mail stacking and separating apparatus (29) and method including a stack forming assembly (41) mounted for movement from a stack forming position to a stack releasing position. In the improved stacking apparatus, the stack forming assembly (41) is a low-inertia assembly mounted for movement during the time interval between sequentially adjacent envelopes (42) to positively displace the stack (S) out of the stacking zone (Z) to enable a new stack to be formed. The stack forming assembly (41) includes a pair of counter-rotating star wheels (52,53) having a plurality of Y-shaped arms (56) with one leg (57) of each arm (56) acting as the stack supporting leg and the other leg (58) of each arm (56) acting as the stack impelling leg. A conveyor (43) for conveying the stack (S) from the stack forming assembly (41) to a banding assembly (31) also is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus (21) and method for rapid transport of elastic bands (34) from a band loading station (22) to a band unloading station (23). The apparatus (21) includes a movable arm assembly (24) having a finger (26) thereon dimensioned to loosely receive an elastic band (34) therearound. A drive assembly (36) is coupled to move the arm assembly (24) from the loading (22) to the unloading station (23). The arm assembly (24) is further movable by the drive assembly (36) from a first orientation of the finger (26) to a second orientation of the finger (26) to enable gravity assisted mounting of the band (34) on the finger (26) at the loading station (22) and gravity assisted demounting of the band (34) at the unloading station (23). During the transport of the band (34) between the loading (22) and unloading stations (23), the finger (26) is reoriented along a path maintaining the band (34) on the finger (26) against dynamic forces acting on the band (34) during transport of the arm assembly (24).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting tubular band stock to produce an elastic band and unbonding the abutting edges of the band is disclosed. The apparatus includes a guillotine-type movable blade which cuts transversely across the tubular stock and band engaging surface proximate the blade which is formed to engage the cut band and shift opposite sides of the stock in a direction along the cut to break any bonds formed during the cutting process. The shifting apparatus is provided by a pair of fingers which engage one side of the band and cooperate with an arcuate surface engaging the opposite side of the band to shift two portions of the band next to the ends thereof toward the middle of the band and thereby effect breaking of the bonds. A reversible blade and reversible shear plate, as well as a lubricating structure and assembly for adjusting the band with which is cut also are disclosed.