Abstract: The present invention is directed, in a general aspect, to a nudger for a mixed mail feeder and in particular to an apparatus and method for detecting high stack forces in a stack of mixed mail. The apparatus generally comprises an anti-lean sensor for detecting whether the mailpiece is positioned without improper lean and a stack force sensor for detecting high stack forces at the nudger wall. The method generally comprises the steps of sensing whether the mailpiece is positioned without improper lean and whether the stack of mailpieces is leaning on the nudger wall causing a high stack force which is detrimental to feeding the mailpieces. If high stack forces are present, the apparatus will work to straighten the stack. If the stack does not straighten, the operator is signaled to reorient the stack of mailpieces.

Abstract: The disclosed sorting device, within a conveyor of plate-like workpieces, comprises a first lower rear conveyor (40) ending in a front wheel or roller (42) driven in rotation. It also comprises a second lower front conveyor (50) located behind the first and beginning with a rear wheel or roller (52) driven in rotation. It is also provided with compression device (30, 35) for pressing the plate-like workpieces against the lower conveyors, and a sorter (60) interposed between the front roller (42) of the first conveyor (40) and the rear roller (52) of the second conveyor (50), the sorter (60) having, in cross section, a corner facing the upstream or feed end of the conveyor, with a first side parallel to the normal path of the conveyors, and a second slanted side along an ejection path passing between the first and second lower conveyors. The device also comprises deflection means (26, 32) situated slightly above the front half of the front wheel or roller (42) of the first conveyor (40).

Abstract: The device includes a container (301) and a dispenser head (302) including a central channel (314) closed by a side wall (312) and open on both ends. The side wall (312) includes at least one auxiliary channel (345). The dispenser head (302) includes a reservoir (322) containing a additive (304). A piston (351) is disposed in the reservoir (322) and is arranged to slide in a sealed manner, the piston (351) separating the additive (304) from the substance (303) that serves to propel it outside the cap and which originates in the container. The side wall (312) of the central channel, at its end located on the side of the outlet, includes passages formed by cuts (345), and a dispenser spout (357) is mounted to rotate on the corresponding end of the cap. The spout (357) includes size modifying passages for the free cross section of the passages (345) depending on the angular position of the spout.