Abstract: An apparatus is provided for accumulating discrete paper or film objects traveling in a machine direction. A first accumulator element of the apparatus is rotatable about a first axis of rotation. A second accumulator element is disposed in confronting relationship with the first accumulator element and has a first, generally flat surface, and a first arcuate surface. Both of these surfaces are rotatable about the first axis of rotation and the first accumulator element has a first angular position that defines a first gap relative to the second accumulator element for receiving the objects there between. The first accumulator element has a second angular position that defines a second gap relative to the second accumulator element for moving the objects in the machine direction, with the second gap being smaller than the first gap.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying envelopes traveling in a travel direction in a generally upright orientation. The apparatus includes a first pair of conveyor assemblies disposed opposite one another and configured to engage lateral edges of the envelopes, and configured to move the envelopes in the travel direction. The apparatus includes a second pair of conveyor assemblies disposed opposite one another and positioned downstream of the first pair of conveyor assemblies in the travel direction, with the second pair of conveyor assemblies being configured to move the envelopes in the travel direction independently of the first pair of conveyor assemblies.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for transporting a paper or film discrete object in a machine direction. A top engaging portion contacts a first side of the object and a bottom engaging portion contacts a second side of the object opposite the first side and respectively cooperates with the top engaging portion to grip and move the object in the machine direction. At least one of the top engaging portion or the bottom engaging portion includes a plurality of deflectable elements for engaging the object.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for accumulating discrete paper or film objects traveling in a machine direction. A first accumulator element of the apparatus is rotatable about a first axis of rotation. A second accumulator element is disposed in confronting relationship with the first accumulator element and has a first, generally flat surface, and a first arcuate surface. Both of these surfaces are rotatable about the first axis of rotation and the first accumulator element has a first angular position that defines a first gap relative to the second accumulator element for receiving the objects there between. The first accumulator element has a second angular position that defines a second gap relative to the second accumulator element for moving the objects in the machine direction, with the second gap being smaller than the first gap.

Abstract: An apparatus transports a discrete paper or film object in a machine direction for insertion into an envelope. A guide assembly of the apparatus includes opposed first and second channels facing one another for guiding the object in the machine direction, with the channels extending upwardly to thereby define an uphill path of travel for the object. A drive apparatus includes engaging elements for moving the object along the first and second channels. At least one support element holds the object against the guide assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a paper or film object or a stack of such objects into an envelope. A feeding apparatus moves the object toward an insertion station and a vacuum drum has a surface adapted to engage and move the envelope toward the insertion station. A ramp element is coupled to the vacuum drum and is adapted to support a leading portion of the envelope as the envelope moves with the vacuum drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing envelopes. A support plates and a pressure sensing lever support a stack of envelopes in a generally upright orientation. The pressure sensing lever pivots in accordance with pressure exerted by the stack of envelopes. A feeding apparatus is operatively coupled to a sensor such that pivotal movement of the pressure sensing lever is detected by the sensor and the feeding apparatus changes the pressure exerted against the stack of envelopes.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing envelopes. A support plates and a pressure sensing lever support a stack of envelopes in a generally upright orientation. The pressure sensing lever pivots in accordance with pressure exerted by the stack of envelopes. A feeding apparatus is operatively coupled to a sensor such that pivotal movement of the pressure sensing lever is detected by the sensor and the feeding apparatus changes the pressure exerted against the stack of envelopes.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying envelopes traveling in a travel direction in a generally upright orientation. The apparatus includes a first pair of conveyor assemblies disposed opposite one another and configured to engage lateral edges of the envelopes, and configured to move the envelopes in the travel direction. The apparatus includes a second pair of conveyor assemblies disposed opposite one another and positioned downstream of the first pair of conveyor assemblies in the travel direction, with the second pair of conveyor assemblies being configured to move the envelopes in the travel direction independently of the first pair of conveyor assemblies.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for transporting a paper or film discrete object in a machine direction. A top engaging portion contacts a first side of the object and a bottom engaging portion contacts a second side of the object opposite the first side and respectively cooperates with the top engaging portion to grip and move the object in the machine direction. At least one of the top engaging portion or the bottom engaging portion includes a plurality of deflectable elements for engaging the object.

Abstract: An apparatus transports a discrete paper or film object in a machine direction for insertion into an envelope. A guide assembly of the apparatus includes opposed first and second channels facing one another for guiding the object in the machine direction, with the channels extending upwardly to thereby define an uphill path of travel for the object. A drive apparatus includes engaging elements for moving the object along the first and second channels. At least one support element holds the object against the guide assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a paper or film object or a stack of such objects into an envelope. A feeding apparatus moves the object toward an insertion station and a vacuum drum has a surface adapted to engage and move the envelope toward the insertion station. A ramp element is coupled to the vacuum drum and is adapted to support a leading portion of the envelope as the envelope moves With the vacuum drum.