Abstract: Flow from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber is regulated by the sleeve valve moving relative to the metering cone fixed in the valve body. The valve is guided in the stainless steel ring molded into the partition between the chambers. The valve is actuated by a hybrid linear actuator. The valve seats on the shoulder or flange and the effects of lift-off of the valve are minimized by the sharp edge on the valve and by the uniform diameter section of the metering cone. The sleeve valve is offset inwardly so the I.D. at the sharp edge is the same as the O.D. where the valve passes through the ring. This prevents loss of control of the valve. The valve hits a stop before the sleeve clears the cone and this prevents the valve from reaching a position in which the actuator and return spring have no effect.

Abstract: A letter feeder including a pair of belts mounted perpendicular to each other for transporting letters positioned thereon, a rotating brush roller and a control assembly both selectively movable to a position to stop a letter being transported by the belts and to separate double letters a selectively operated stop member for controlling the movement of letters from the feeder and a plurality of sensing members for selectively operating the brush roller, the control assembly and the stop member.