Abstract: A conveyor system is provided including a conveyor and a plurality of functional trays that are removably attachable to the conveyor. Each tray includes a plate having first and second dimensions that are orthogonal to each other, and the plate includes a coupler configured to be removably attached to the conveyor with the second dimension of the plate being in parallel with a moving direction of the conveyor. The plurality of functional trays include one or more of an envelope-opening mechanism, an item-pushing mechanism, an envelope-closing mechanism, an item-wrapping mechanism, and a tray-height-adjustment mechanism. For example, the item-pushing mechanism includes a pusher slidably coupled to the plate, and a linear actuator configured to move the pusher relative to the plate along the first dimension so as to push an item off the functional tray.

Abstract: A device for inserting sheets into an envelope comprises a holding device supporting the envelope. A support portion of the holding device is inserted into the envelope. The support portion has a fixed orientation and position relative to a feed device. The device further comprises a mechanism for preparing the envelope for accommodating the support portion of the holding device. The mechanism is upstream of the holding device and comprises a first interaction device, acting onto the envelope in a first direction during feeding of the envelope and a second interaction device downstream of the first interaction device, acting onto the envelope in a second, opposite direction. The second interaction device comprises at least one cam on a rotatable shaft. By rotation the shaft and cam may be brought into an interaction position, with the envelope, or an inactive position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting an object into an envelope in which the envelopes are stacked in a stacker. An envelope flap of the envelope is grasped by a lip on a rotary cam to open the envelope. The envelope flap of the envelope is brought into and maintained in contact with a surface of the rotary cam. The envelope is then pulled, via the envelope flap, so as to place and maintain the envelope in contact with the surface of the rotary cam. The rotary cam reverses the envelope to move the envelope into an inserting area where the envelope is detached from the surface of the rotary cam. An object is then inserted into the envelope and the envelope is then removed from the inserting area.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a document into an envelope. The apparatus includes a mechanism for holding an envelope at an insert station; pivotally mounted fingers for opening the envelope; and a platform for guiding the document over the fingers and into the envelope. The platform is pivoted at an upstream end and upwardly spring biased so that the platform is depressed against the spring bias, by an amount dependent on the weight of the insert document moving over, so that a light insert document follows a path which subtends a steeper angle to the horizontal compared to a heavy insert document.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting one or more goods into a moving cover includes a cover transport, and at least one separating device configured to engage with a first part of the cover and to maintain the first part of the cover separate from a second part of the cover during at least a part of the movement of the cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic device which is used to envelope small items and which can be used to perform very-high-speed enveloping. The inventive device comprises a frame (11) having the following components mounted thereto, namely: a storage bin (12) containing a pile of stacked envelopes (15) which are disposed such that they can be removed one by one from the base of the bin, and a control drum (13) which is associated with a rotary cam (14). The aforementioned control drum (13) is arranged such as to move the envelopes (15) individually and successively from the storage bin (12) towards an area where a document is inserted therein and such as to open the envelope when the rotary cam (14) has unfolded the flap of same. The documents (30) to be inserted into the envelopes (15) are conveyed by way of cogs (32) which are solidly connected to a continuously-moving transport chain (31).

Abstract: An automatic sheet laminating apparatus includes a first sheet input tray, a second sheet input tray, a plurality of transfer roller assemblies, a separating roller assembly, a braking sensor, a braking element, a laminating module, and a control unit. The first sheet input tray is used for placing a pouch including a first film and a second film. The second sheet input tray is used for placing a sheet article. The separating roller assembly includes a separating driving roller and a separating follower roller. When the pouch is detected by the braking sensor, the braking element stops rotation of the separating follower roller. After a first predetermined time period, the separating follower roller is rotated again. As such, the rear ends of the first film and the second film are separated from each other, so that the sheet article could be inserted between the first film and the second film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inserting sheets into an envelope, comprising a holding device (11) for holding the envelope, transport means (15) for feeding the sheets to be inserted to the holding device (11), a feed device (7, 8, 9) for feeding the envelope to the holding device (11), along a feed direction, and a removal device (8, 22) for removing the filled envelope from the holding device (11), along a removal direction. The invention is characterized in that the feed device (7, 8, 9) and the removal device (8, 22) are disposed relative to the holding device (11) in such a manner that a first angle between the feed device and a main surface of the holding device (11) and a second angle between the removal direction and the main surface of the holding device (11) are predetermined in a fixed manner and are different from each other. The invention allows to simplify the construction of the device, thereby reducing its technical complexity and failure proneness.

Abstract: Inserter with a folding assembly for folding documents, an envelope holder for each time holding an envelope in a stuffing position in or against a surface, a document transport path for transporting documents from the folding assembly, around one of the folding rollers to the stuffing position, and a flap hold-open element on a first side of the document transport path for holding open a flap of an envelope held in the envelope holder. A most downstream guide of the document transport path on the first side of the document transport path is situated opposite one of the folding rollers for guiding documents between that folding roller and that guide, so that documents are driven to the stuffing position by said one of the folding rollers (8).

Abstract: A mailing machine is provided for processing mailpiece envelopes including a housing having a transport deck adapted to convey an envelope along a feed path and a receiving station. The mailing machine is reconfigurable to perform one of two mailpiece processing operations by alternately selecting or activating one of two mailpiece modules/assemblies. A first processing module/assembly is disposed along the feed path and is operative to moisten a glue line disposed along an envelope flap during the first mailpiece processing operation. The second processing module assembly is disposed along the feed path and is adapted to cut and open an edge of the envelope during the second mailpiece processing operation. Further, a mechanism for interchangeably receiving one of the first and second the processing modules/assemblies within the receiving station to perform the processing operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting an object into an envelope in which the envelopes are stacked in a stacker. An envelope flap of the envelope is grasped by a lip on a rotary cam to open the envelope. The envelope flap of the envelope is brought into and maintained in contact with a surface of the rotary cam. The envelope is then pulled, via the envelope flap, so as to place and maintain the envelope in contact with the surface of the rotary cam. The rotary cam reverses the envelope to move the envelope into an inserting area where the envelope is detached from the surface of the rotary cam. An object is then inserted into the envelope and the envelope is then removed from the inserting area.

Abstract: This invention relates to a separator for separating envelope flaps from envelope bodies, of which the active separation zone is formed by a supple part which comprises a peripheral edge arranged at the level of an envelope conveyor deck.

Abstract: An inserting machine with an assembly (7) for unfolding a flap (8) of an envelope (9), including: a scraper (20) with a sharp scraping end (21) and an envelope carrier (23-26) as well as a drive (27, 29) for moving the holder portion (18) and the scraper (20) relative to each other, such that the holder portion (18) with the fold edge (17) in trailing position scrapes along the scraping end (21), the scraper (20) scrapes the flap (8) in the area of its free edge (19) off the holder portion (18), and pivots the flap (8) open about the fold edge (17). The scraping end (21) moves along a circulation path (30), of which a first portion (31) extends in a direction towards the fold edge (17) over the holder portion (18) of the envelope (9) and of which a second, contiguous portion (32) diverges from the holder portion (18) of the envelope (9).

Abstract: Inserter with a stuffing assembly for each time inserting a document into an envelope in the stuffing position. In the operating position, a document feeder or the exit for outputting finished mail items is situated at the front side of the housing, and the envelope holder is accessible exclusively from a rear side of the housing. The housing has at least one foot or feet for supporting the housing via the foot or feet with respect to a supporting surface on which the apparatus stands. The foot is or, respectively, feet are arranged for allowing the rotation of the housing between the operating position and a loading position while the housing rests on the supporting surface via the foot or feet, and for keeping the housing supported in said positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting documents (2) having at least one guide strip (13, 14) which is reciprocable between a retracted position and a projecting position in which it reaches further into the stuffing position than in the retracted position for guiding into an envelope (11) in the stuffing position at least one document (2) coming from the document transport path (1).

Abstract: A high-speed envelope transport and packing system includes a conveyor for conveying an open envelope having a flap, a packing station for inserting an object into a conveyed open envelope, and a bending member disposed upstream of the packing station. The bending member is configured to impart a bend in a conveyed open envelope by displacing a center portion of the envelope relative to widthwise distal end portions of the envelope and to maintain a bend in the envelope until the open envelope is gripped by a gripping device in such a manner as to provide access to an interior of the open envelope or until an object is at least partially inserted into an interior of the open envelope.

Abstract: A device for separating flaps in a feeder of a mail handling machine, said device comprising blower means disposed under a conveyor table for conveying the mail items through the feeder, which blower means generate a flow of air directed towards the inside of the flap, and said conveyor table for conveying the mail items is spaced apart from a referencing wall by a distance D equal to at least the largest width of flap to be stuck down by a moistener device of the feeder, and over a length L equal to at least the largest length of flap to be stuck down by said moistener device.

Abstract: In an envelope-filling machine, a clear and simplified construction of the drive system is achieved for the enclosure-collating path, for the enclosure-feeding stations and for the parts of the envelope-filling station, in that a drive motor and a step-down gear mechanism, a bevel gear mechanism and a step-by-step motion linkage are arranged in a row along a main shaft which extends in the longitudinal direction of the machine and is arranged so as to be offset out of the region below the enclosure cassettes of the enclosure-feeding station, and the main shaft is guided through the step-down gear mechanism and the bevel gear mechanism as far as a coupling point for a crank mechanism in order to actuate a pivoting shaft which is common to the gripper arms of the enclosure-feeding stations.

Abstract: Device (11) for the automatic inserting of printed products or sheets (12) in individual envelopes (13), where the individual printed products or sheets (12) are fed by one or more feeders and the envelopes (13) are arranged piled up in a storage container (16) equipped with at least one gripping element (17, 18, 19) for feeding an individual envelope (13) between a first upper conveyor belt (20) and a first lower conveyor belt (21) facing each other to define a feeding group of the envelope (13) towards an inserting of products into envelopes zone, also foreseeing a second upper conveyor belt (15) and a second lower conveyor belt (14) facing each other to advance the printed products or sheets (12) one after the other, a nozzle (22) being associated with the first conveyor belts (20, 21) for opening and flipping back a tab (24) of the envelope (13) taken out from the storage container (16), the second conveyor belt (14) foreseeing an end (37) that can move forwards and backwards with respect to a sucked conv

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method of automatically stuffing folder pockets includes providing a folder with one or more pockets; providing one or more inserts which can be of differing sizes; the accumulation of the one or more inserts in a stack for insertion into the one or more pockets of the folder; opening the one or more pockets of the folder; and the insertion of the accumulated stack of the one or more inserts into the one or more folder pockets. Predetermined inserts can be selectively processed and stuffed into selected folder pockets. An embodiment also can fold the folder, producing a final product of a stuffed folder ready for distribution.

Abstract: An adjustable stripper/moistener system for a mailing system is provided. The stripper blade and moistening assembly are adjustable in a direction transverse to the movement of a mail piece being passed through the mailing machine. By allowing the stripper blade to move with respect to the feed deck, the position of the stripper blade can be optimally set to reliably strip different size and shape flaps from different types of envelopes. Additionally, by allowing the moistening assembly to move in conjunction with the stripper blade, there is better control of the amount and location of deposition of the moistening fluid on the envelope flap, thereby preventing possible damage to the envelope or its contents. The position of the stripper blade and moistening assembly may be manually adjustable by an operator, or automatically adjusted based on an input or sensed profile of the envelope flap.

Abstract: A device to lift a throat of an envelope to spread open the envelope. The device comprises a suction cup mounted to a pitching arm; a hook movably mounted adjacent to the suction cup; means for lowering the pitching arm to allow the suction cup to seal with the throat with a suction force, and raising the pitching arm to allow the suction cup to lift the throat; and an actuation device for placing the hook under the throat after the throat has been lifted by the suction cup so as to mechanically maintain the lifted position of the throat. Accordingly, the method of maintaining the lifted position of a throat includes the steps of: 1) positioning the suction cup over the throat; 2) pressing the suction cup against the throat to seal with the throat; 3) raising the suction cup to lift the throat; and 4) placing the hook under the lifted throat to mechanically maintain the lifted position of the throat.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises a method and apparatus of detecting edges. Light directed from any angle at a smooth surface will not cast a shadow regardless of the printing on the surface. Light cast at an appropriate angle on a stepped surface casts a shadow. The apparatus and method of the present invention cast light from several directions/sources while focusing on one location. If the same level of gray is detected from all sources, there is no shadow and hence the location is not an edge. If the result of one or more of the light sources is a darker image than the others, there is indication of an edge by the presence of a shadow. The use of edge detection in an insertion machine can help to decrease the amount of user adjustment needed to operate the machine using various sizes of envelopes.

Abstract: An envelope stripping apparatus is disclosed for opening and holding open the flaps of envelopes or mail processed in a mailing machine or other envelope-processing machine. The flaps of the envelopes are held down against a vacuum plenum during transport of the envelope. The envelopes are fed along the feeding path towards a moistening device while the flap is stripped and held by the vacuum plenum. An arrangement of the plenum apertures is such that stiffer portions of the flaps have more vacuum applied than those that are of lesser area, or at the extreme end of the flap. A second arrangement of the envelope flaps will cause additional holding of the end of the flap if it is a larger envelope with a greater area at the end such as a square flap.

Abstract: A mail inserter for inserting a mail into an envelope having a flap and a throat, including: an envelope entry; an envelope carrier, provided downstream of the envelope entry; an envelope retainer, provided at the downstream of the envelope carrier; a mail entry, for advancing the mail into the mail inserter; a mail carrier, provided downstream of the mail entry; a sealer, provided downstream of the envelope retainer; wherein the envelope entry, envelope carrier, envelope retainer and sealer jointly form an envelope path, and the mail entry and the mail carrier jointly form a mail path that merges into the envelope path after the mail carrier.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus and methods for guiding a mail piece traversing a mailing machine. A multi-ski guide can include an inner ski with one or more contact bumps positioned to engage a mail piece prior to its edge encountering a stripper blade. The multi-ski guide can be attached to a take away idler shaft located just prior to the stripping blade. A spring can provide a normal force holding the multi-ski guide down onto the top of the stripping blade. The multi-ski guide can contact the stripping blade with a contact bump. In addition, one or more inner skis can include mail piece guiding contact bumps. Idler segments can be interspersed between the skis included in the multi-ski guide such that the idler segments can guide and straighten a mail piece approaching the stripper blade.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus and methods for guiding a mail piece traversing a mailing machine. A multi-ski guide can include an inner ski with one or more contact bumps positioned to engage a mail piece prior to its edge encountering a stripper blade. The multi-ski guide can be attached to a take away idler shaft located just prior to the stripping blade. A spring can provide a normal force holding the multi-ski guide down onto the top of the stripping blade. The multi-ski guide can contact the stripping blade with a contact bump. In addition, one or more inner skis can include mail piece guiding contact bumps. Idler segments can be interspersed between the skis included in the multi-ski guide such that the idler segments can guide and straighten a mail piece approaching the stripper blade.

Abstract: Improvements in high-speed machines for inserting sheets into envelopes include a first apparatus for pre-opening envelopes after they are pulled from a hopper and before a blade-like envelope flap opener fully opens them. The first apparatus includes a roller and a roller housing having a top part that defines a small space between them through which a flap-including longitudinal edge of an envelope passes. The edge is constrained to form a curvature as it passes through the small space, causing the flap to open at least to some extent. A second improvement in pre-openers includes a cut out formed in an envelope support plate and a rigid deflector positioned in the path of the envelopes as they leave the hopper. The envelope flaps are partly opened as they are deflected below the plane of the support plate. A third improvement includes a plurality of vacuum dishes formed in an envelope-supporting plate.

Abstract: Improvements in high-speed machines for inserting sheets into envelopes include a first apparatus for pre-opening envelopes after they are pulled from a hopper and before a blade-like envelope flap opener fully opens them. The first apparatus includes a roller and a roller housing having a top part that defines a small space between them through which a flap-including longitudinal edge of an envelope passes. The edge is constrained to form a curvature as it passes through the small space, causing the flap to open at least to some extent. A second improvement in pre-openers includes a cut out formed in an envelope support plate and a rigid deflector positioned in the path of the envelopes as they leave the hopper. The envelope flaps are partly opened as they are deflected below the plane of the support plate. A third improvement includes a plurality of vacuum dishes formed in an envelope-supporting plate.

Abstract: An envelope stripping apparatus is disclosed for opening and holding open the flaps of envelopes or mail processed in a mailing machine or other envelope-processing machine. The flaps of the envelopes are held down against a vacuum plenum during transport of the envelope. The envelopes are fed along the feeding path towards a moistening device while the flap is stripped and held by the vacuum plenum. An arrangement of the plenum apertures is such that stiffer portions of the flaps have more vacuum applied than those that are of lesser area, or at the extreme end of the flap. A second arrangement of the envelope flaps will cause additional holding of the end of the flap if it is a larger envelope with a greater area at the end such as a square flap.

Abstract: An envelope stripping apparatus is disclosed for opening and holding open the flaps of envelopes or mail processed in a mailing machine or other envelope-processing machine. The flaps of the envelopes are held down against a vacuum plenum during transport of the envelope. The envelopes are fed along the feeding path towards a moistening device while the flap is stripped and held by the vacuum plenum. An arrangement of the plenum apertures is such that stiffer portions of the flaps have more vacuum applied than those that are of lesser area, or at the extreme end of the flap. A second arrangement of the envelope flaps will cause additional holding of the end of the flap if it is a larger envelope with a greater area at the end such as a square flap.

Abstract: A system for the automated insertion of documents into envelopes. The system includes a plurality of individual document feeding devices that feed individual documents from an assembled stack onto a moving document conveyor. Each of the document feeding devices includes a suction device that pulls the lowermost document into contact with a discharge nip formed between a pair of opposed rotating belts. After being deposited onto the document conveyor, each of the documents enters into a pusher assembly in which each of the documents is accelerated and pushed into an open envelope positioned adjacent to the discharge end of the document conveyor. The stack of opened envelopes is fed by the combination of an envelope feeding device and an envelope conveyor section. The envelope feeding device receives a stack of closed envelopes and feeds and opens each envelope before it is stacked adjacent to the discharge of the document conveyor.

Abstract: Improvements in high-speed machines for inserting sheets into envelopes include a first apparatus for pre-opening envelopes after they are pulled from a hopper and before a blade-like envelope flap opener fully opens them. The first apparatus includes a roller and a roller housing having a top part that defines a small space between them through which a flap-including longitudinal edge of an envelope passes. The edge is constrained to form a curvature as it passes through the small space, causing the flap to open at least to some extent. A second improvement in pre-openers includes a cut out formed in an envelope support plate and a rigid deflector positioned in the path of the envelopes as they leave the hopper. The envelope flaps are partly opened as they are deflected below the plane of the support plate. A third improvement includes a plurality of vacuum dishes formed in an envelope-supporting plate.

Abstract: A device to lift a throat of an envelope to spread open the envelope. The device comprises a suction cup mounted to a pitching arm; a hook movably mounted adjacent to the suction cup; means for lowering the pitching arm to allow the suction cup to seal with the throat with a suction force, and raising the pitching arm to allow the suction cup to lift the throat; and an actuation device for placing the hook under the throat after the throat has been lifted by the suction cup so as to mechanically maintain the lifted position of the throat. Accordingly, the method of maintaining the lifted position of a throat includes the steps of: 1) positioning the suction cup over the throat; 2) pressing the suction cup against the throat to seal with the throat; 3) raising the suction cup to lift the throat; and 4) placing the hook under the lifted throat to mechanically maintain the lifted position of the throat.

Abstract: A mailing machine including a base, a registration wall and a stripper blade. The base includes a deck defining a deck plane along which an envelope having an envelope body, an envelope flap and a top edge may be fed in a path of travel. The registration wall is located substantially perpendicular to the deck and parallel to the path of travel and along which the envelope top edge may be aligned during feeding. The stripper blade is located upstream in the path of travel from the deck, the stripper blade including a knife edge that is raised above the deck plane for separating the envelope flap from the envelope body.

Abstract: A stage and thread assembly is disclosed for use in a high speed envelope packing apparatus. The assembly receives from the side, a single envelope with flap open. The assembly precisely aligns and positions the envelope in a pre-stage area via a plurality of entry ramps, continuously running belts, and back stops, correcting any misalignment. Once positioned in the pre-stage area, the apparatus stages the envelope in a position above the thread roller of the high speed packing apparatus so that the envelope can be threaded on the packing plate for insertion of material into the envelope. The staging of the envelope is achieved via a plurality of rollers including, d-rollers, flipper rollers, and stage rollers. The envelope is staged in a direction perpendicular to the direction of entry of the envelope.