Abstract: In a high speed mail sorting machine, a mechanism for feeding envelopes one at a time to a pickoff device such as a vacuum belt system. The envelopes are loaded onto a floor panel which inclines from side to side. A chain conveyor moves the envelope supply along the floor panel with each envelope having its lower edge traveling on the floor and one side edge travelling along an inclined side panel. The envelopes are successively discharged from the inclined floor onto a conveyor belt which is driven transversely to the floor and at a greater speed than the chain conveyor. The speed difference causes the envelopes to spread out as they travel downstream. The conveyor belt loads the envelopes onto a driven roller having a spiral groove which feeds the individual envelopes flatly against the vacuum belts of the envelope pickoff device.

Abstract: A speed control system for an envelope feeding mechanism used to feed envelopes to a pickoff device in a high speed mail sorting machine. The feeding mechanism includes a pair of toothed belts which convey the envelopes along an inclined surface. The side edges of the envelopes are received by a third toothed belt which is driven at an elevated position along a side panel. The belts are driven by a multiple speed electric motor controlled by electronic circuitry which automatically decrements or increments the motor speed if the envelopes are bunched together too tightly or too loosely. If the speed is decremented and the envelopes are still tightly bunched, the drive motor is stopped by a shutoff circuit which operates independently of the speed control circuit.

Abstract: A pivotal swing plate for stacking sorted envelopes on edge in the storage section of a high speed mail sorting machine. A sleeve on each swing plate fits on an upright post to pivotally mount the swing plate in the path of incoming sorted envelopes. The swing plate is angled relative to the envelopes and serves both as a side support and back plate for holding the envelopes in a stack. The incoming envelopes progressively pivot the plates open, and a ramp and pin mechanism maintains each swing plate against the leading edges of the envelopes to retain them on edge in the envelope stack.

Abstract: A high speed mail sorting machine which includes an improved screw conveyor in the magazine section and an improved pick off device for separating the individual envelopes from one another. The screw conveyor includes four driven rollers having spiral grooves for receiving the lower edges of the envelopes to convey them along the rollers. A pair of raised rollers with spiral grooves maintain the envelopes in a vertical orientation as they are conveyed along the lower rollers. The pick off device includes a conveyor belt and a relatively strong vacuum box which draws the leading envelope against the belt. An opposing vacuum box of lesser intensity draws any stuck envelopes away from the leading envelope to assure separation. The opposing vacuum box has a beveled surface which effects a staggered shingle arrangement of any extra envelopes adhering to the leading envelope.

Abstract: A double belt conveyor for a high speed mail sorting machine. The belts are arranged with confronting surfaces thereof spaced apart in vertical planes to convey mail articles in a vertical orientation. The belts have flexible fingers which deform to accommodate mail articles of varying thickness between the belts.

Abstract: The envelope feeder apparatus of the present invention is suitable for use with conventional mail sorting machines. The envelope feeder apparatus is capable of receiving a supply of envelopes on a feeder magazine which is incorporated into the body of the apparatus. The individual envelopes are picked off in succession at a feeder station by means of a suction device which operates in combination with a pair of conveying belts having a friction surface facing the incoming envelopes. The suction device acts through holes in the conveying belts to draw the lead envelope against the friction surface of the conveying belts for separation of the lead envelope from the rest of the supply. The separated envelope is then conveyed through an arcuate path and introduced into a transport channel which is positioned parallel to the feeder magazine of the apparatus.

Abstract: The mail sorting machine of the present invention is capable of receiving a supply of envelopes in a magazine from which the individual envelopes are picked off in succession by means of a suction device operating in combination with a pair of conveying belts having a friction surface facing the incoming envelopes. The suction device acts through holes in the conveying belts to draw the lead envelope against the friction surface of the conveying belts for separation of this envelope from the rest of the supply. The separated envelope is then transferred to a read station where a reading device reads a sort code imprinted on the envelope. The envelope is then provided to the storage section of the machine where it is directed to its designated sorting bin. The storage section of the machine is provided with a plurality of diverter mechanisms which are arranged in pairs to form a guideway through which the envelopes are directed.