Abstract: A machine for processing mail comprises a mechanical jogging device between an unstacking head (3) and a conveyor path (1) for conveying a stack (2) of postal items. The jogging device comprises inclined rollers (8) rotated so that a postal item of the stack, on arriving vertically over the rollers, is capable of dropping edge-on, under the action of gravity, onto the rollers and of being driven towards a jogging margin (7) while simultaneously being moved towards the unstacking head by the effect of the rollers rotating so that its free face comes substantially into contact against the unstacking head.

Abstract: An unstacking apparatus including a first suction nozzle (7) and a second suction nozzle (8) that are disposed on one side of an alignment plate (3), a perforated endless belt (6) continuously advancing past the suction nozzles and the free face of the first item in a stack of items, a passage forming an outlet between the alignment plate and the belt, at least one sensor (17, 18, 19) disposed on the other side of the alignment plate, and a microcomputer (10) for actuating one of the nozzles in an unstacking cycle. A microcomputer is organized so as to detect that a first item in the stack is backwardly misaligned by monitoring the operation of one of the suction nozzles during the unstacking cycle, and so as to trigger a realignment cycle in response to such detection, during which realignment cycle the nozzles are actuated alternately.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for feeding a stack of flat articles on edge, especially mail items, to a de-stacker head provided with a support surface, the device comprising a main feed magazine in which the stack is disposed and a plate pushing the rear of the stack. A secondary feed magazine is introduced between the main magazine and the support surface of the de-stacker head, the secondary magazine having an upwardly inclined transfer surface, its edge adjacent to the support surface of the de-stacker head being higher than the latter.

Abstract: A device for feeding flat pieces of mail from a stack of mail pieces in edgewise abutment with a registration wall has a feeder for feeding pieces of mail off the stack which is located in front of the first mail piece on the stack. The feeding feeder effects translation of the pieces of mail at a speed V.sub.1 perpendicular to the stack 1. A transfer feeder transfers the piece of mail fed off the stack at a speed V.sub.2. An anti double feed device is disposed between the two feeders. The anti double feed device is a retention device acting on a face of the piece of mail as soon as such piece of mail is taken hold of by the transfer feeder and having a retentive force which is lower than the translation force of the transfer feeder. The speed V.sub.1 of the translation first feeder is lower than the speed V.sub.2 of the transfer feeder.