Abstract: A system for automatic positioning, wrapper and strap cutting, wrapper removal, wrapper and strap takeaway, and debundled stack positioning and delivery of bound mail pieces, magazines, catalogs, brochures and other similar flat items (collectively “bundles”) for subsequent sorting and processing, all without damaging the contents within the bundle. Incoming bundles are supported on two supporting plates configured to move horizontally toward and away from each other, and spaced to expose a portion of the bottom surface of the bundle. A cutting device cuts the wrapping and straps on the exposed bottom portion of the bundle, and the supporting plates are moved away from each other to increase the spacing. As the spacing is increased gripping devices atop both supporting plates grab and pull the cat edges of the wrapping, until the bundle falls through to a holding device.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for automatically removing wrapping and straps from a bundle of items.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for synthesizing combinatorial materials libraries using pyrolysis techniques. In certain embodiments, the methods involve varying the precursors and/or reactant gases in an operating pyrolysis unit to continuously vary the resulting nanoparticle composition and collecting different nanoparticles at different locations on a substrate using a spatially addressable particle collector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for synthesizing combinatorial materials libraries using pyrolysis techniques. In certain embodiments, the methods involve varying the precursors and/or reactant gases in an operating pyrolysis unit to continuously vary the resulting nanoparticle composition and collecting different nanoparticles at different locations on a substrate using a spatially addressable particle collector.