Abstract: The present invention provides for a two tier gate device that is adapted to be removably secured to an existing mail sorting machine. The two tier gate device of the present invention includes a first gate and a second gate. The first gate is secured to the conventional mail sorting machine while the second tier is attached to the first tier so that the front end of the second gate is co-planar with the first tier while the second end of the second tier is off-set with the first tier. By providing for this design and configuration, the two tier gate device of the present invention will prevent flats, large letters, magazines, catalogs, or other various documents from turning sideways, rolling up, and to eventually jam the machine, while still enabling the pusher finer on the conventional machine to pass the gate device without interference.

Abstract: Electrostatic printing or coating apparatus including a main drum for transporting developer mix to an application or printing zone and having permanent magnet segments mounted within the drum for attracting developer mix to its exterior surface. An electric field is produced in the printing zone to provide movement of developer particles toward the article to be printed or coated and a field producing electrode is mounted within the drum adjacent the printing zone. A container conveyor extends past the printing zone to provide positioning of container portions to be coated, and a further drum having interior permanent magnet segment is positioned to remove developer mix from the main drum. The further drum may be rotated in the rotational direction opposite that of the main drum to reduce developer turbulence.

Abstract: Apparatus for stirring developer mixtures including ferromagnetic particles. Developer is located within a magnetic field created by either permanent or electromagnets. The field intensity is variably controlled and the time-rate for decreasing the field intensity is controlled.