Abstract: In an arrangement for separation of items bearing printed matter, in particular letters deposited on edge behind one another in a letter stack, supplied laterally from the letter stack to a separation apparatus and then to a subsequent apparatus such as a postage meter machine, a pre-separation stage is provided before the separation apparatus. The letters are arranged between a spring-mounted pressure clip and a drive roller, as well as a guide plate. The pre-separation stage loosens the letter stack and permits a simple, reliable letter-by-letter separation of the letters from the letter stack. The pre-separation stage includes at least one drive roller having an outer contour with at least one projection extending over the length of the roller parallel to its axis of rotation. The curve of the jacket of the drive roller protrudes through the opening of the guide plate far enough so that at least one projection protrudes from the opening.

Abstract: A device for printing stock standing on one edge, in particular a piece of mail in a postage meter and/or addressing machine, includes a guide plate for the stock which is inclined relative to the vertical and has a recessed region for a printing device. A rotating conveyor has a conveying plane which extends orthogonal to the guide plate and on which the stock stands on one edge and is transported in one direction while resting against the guide plate. The recessed region includes at least one cutout and a region of the guide plate downstream of the cutout is so far recessed from a bearing surface for the stock that there is no contact with the latter in this location. This ensures sufficient penetration time for the ink and prevents smearing of the printed image. The printing device is an ink jet printing device which is stationary during printing and which has a nozzle plane that extends parallel to the guide plate. The guide plate is inclined a maximum of 45.degree. from vertical.

Abstract: The invention concerns a postage meter with an electrothermal printing device by means of which value indications and/or graphics are printed onto a postage item moved past it at a predetermined speed by the transfer of color particles in a graphic forming distribution from a carrier web (114), which carrier web is heated by means of a thermal print head in correspondence to the graphic forming distribution and is driven past the printing device, with a counterpressure element (116) standing oppositely to the thermal print head (110). As the counterpressure element a counterpressure roll (116) is provided which is movable in a direction perpendicular to the printing surface, which counterpressure roll is so yieldingly supported on a shaft arranged parallel to the printing ledge (112) of the thermal print head (110) that its contact face with the postage item can take on different angles to the printing ledge (112) in a plane containing the printing ledge (112) and the shaft (130).

Abstract: A device for lifting flaps of envelopes at feed inlets of an envelope sealing machine includes a perforated suction plate having edges, and a separating plate having edges and being disposed downstream of the suction plate in an envelope feed direction. The suction plate and the separating plate are associated with a feed inlet of an envelope sealing machine. One of the edges of the suction plate is underneath one of the edges of the separating plate.

Abstract: A moistening device for the application of a liquid to gummed surfaces of envelope or letter flaps includes a reservoir for liquid. A sponge is disposed on a support. A brush holder is resiliently disposed above the reservoir. A brush is held by the brush holder and has bristles resting on the sponge for soaking with the liquid. An absorptive strip is disposed above the brush for storage of the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring letter closing devices in mail handling machines in mail handling lines includes transport rollers receiving envelopes. A holding-down device is downstream of the transport rollers in envelope transport direction. A plow plate is downstream of the holding-down device. A deflector is disposed between the holding-down defice and the plow plate. A closing device is downstream of the plow plate. A relection light gate is disposed underneath the plow plate. The plow plate has a reflecting surface forming part of the reflection light gate.

Abstract: An automatic feed device for postal franking machines includes a feed tray, a device for transporting mail on the feed tray and a drive of the transporting device. A separating head in the form of a structural unit includes brake levers separating mail and pressure rollers, holding-down devices and a manual actuating lever transporting mail. Guide shafts support the separating head during displacement of the separating head into a housing from an operating position outside the housing. A detent shaft and a slide lock the separating head in the operating position. A microswitch coupled with the slide controls the drive of the transporting device.