Abstract: A modular assembly of components is provided for various aspects of high volume mailing. The modular system of components includes a postage meter, having a base with a driving motor and a head driven by the driving motor and operative to apply selected postage to a piece of mail. The postage meter head can be selectively removed from the postage meter base. The modular systems of components further includes at least one accessory selectively mountable to the postage meter base and capable of being driven thereby. The accessory may include an applicator for applying a closure tab, a label or a stamp to an envelope or sheet of material being driven by the postage meter base.

Abstract: A modular assembly of components is provided for various aspects of high volume mailing. The modular system of components includes a postage meter, having a base with a driving motor and a head driven by the driving motor and operative to apply selected postage to a piece of mail. The postage meter head can be selectively removed from the postage meter base. The modular systems of components further includes at least one accessory selectively mountable to the postage meter base and capable of being driven thereby. The accessory may include an applicator for applying a closure tab or label to an envelope or sheet of material being driven by the postage meter base. A closure tab applicator may be operative to move a closure tab into a position to be contacted by a sheet of material, such that momentum of the sheet of material causes the closure tab to wrap around and close the folded sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for continuously and sequentially inserting inserts in envelopes are disclosed. The apparatus includes parallel and adjacent insert and envelope conveyors which continuously move inserts and envelopes at identical speeds. An insert cam is disposed adjacent the insert conveyor and includes a portion which causes each insert to slidably move toward the envelope conveyor at the same time that the inserts are being moved parallel to the envelope conveyor. Envelopes are fed onto the envelope conveyor with their flaps up and adjacent and parallel to the insert conveyor. The flaps are opened by a flap opening cam thereby enabling the inserts to sequentially enter the envelopes as the inserts are slidably moved toward the envelope conveyor. A cam then closes the flap on the inserted envelope and the envelope conveyor ejects the inserted and closed envelopes to appropriate locations for further processing.