Abstract: An envelope hopper (20) is capable of selectively handling stacks of short envelopes (SE), stacks of long envelopes (LE), or stacks of envelopes of intermediate dimensions. The envelope stack rests on a table frame (26) in such a manner that at least a portion of a bottom-most envelope overhangs a breaker plate edge (32). At appropriate points in an machine cycle suction cups (64) rise from below a breaker plate (30) to attract the underside of the overhanging envelope and then fall to deflect the attracted envelope. Rotating arcuate surfaces (202) of segmented rollers (66) thereafter make contact with the underside of the deflected envelope. Cooperating rollers (72) are pivoted into a position to contact the upperside of the deflected envelope, to engage the deflected envelope between the rollers (72) and the driven segmented roller (66), and to apply a pressure which facilitates displacement of the envelope from the stack by the application of rotational motion from the segmented roller (66).

Abstract: Sheets of address labels are scanned to determine when zip code changes occur. When such changes are detected an ultraviolet dye is sprayed by an air brush through a mask onto the first and all successive labels having the changed zip code. When the next zip code change is detected the spraying is terminated until a still further change occurs. The labels are then cut and affixed to envelopes for further detection and sorting into various zip codes for mailing.