Abstract: The present invention pertains to the object of substantially increasing the performance of an envelope-stuffing machine. While EP-A-0 504 114 discloses the use of rotating elements for opening the envelopes and for grasping the envelope flaps for this purpose, the present invention suggests that the opening and grasping of the envelopes (20) be performed in one conveying plane (13), and the introduction of the envelope contents (21) be performed in a conveying plane (12) arranged offset in relation thereto at another level, and that a link chain (10) with a plurality of spreading members (9) be provided between them, which is movable at right angles to the conveying planes (12, 13) and keeps the envelopes (20) picked up by the spreading members (9) ready at another point for the introduction of the envelope contents (21) and discharges them.

Abstract: A system for affixing cards to a form and folding the form with the cards attached. The system includes a card affixer for affixing cards to any location on a form having a form transporting mechanism for moving the form, a carriage for receiving and holding a card, a carriage translating mechanism for moving the carriage across the width of the form transporting mechanism and a pressing mechanism for pressing the card against the form. The system also includes a form folder for precisely folding forms with the cards already attached. The form folder includes a form guide structure having at least one scoring edge, a form transfer mechanism, a roller unit, a roller translating mechanism and a roller rotating mechanism.

Abstract: A first roller and its companion plate comprise structures for moving an envelope into a framework, and a second roller and its companion plate comprise structure for moving a document into the envelope, while the envelope is held open for insertion of the document. Switching devices detect the entry of the envelope and document and cause a gearing arrangement to rotate the rollers, to move the envelope to a document-receiving disposition within the framework, and to move the document into the envelope.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting sheet materials into an envelope. The apparatus includes: a deck for supporting an envelope and sheet material to be inserted into the envelope, the deck having an upstream and a downstream end; an inserting station located at the downstream end of the deck; a retractable stop extending through the deck at the inserting station; an upstream and a downstream pulley located substantially below the deck at the inserting station, the upstream pulley located upstream of the stop and the downstream pulley located downstream of the stop; a belt trained over the upstream and downstream pulleys for continuously urging the envelope against the stop; a device to continuously drive the belt; a device for feeding envelopes onto the deck against the stop; and a device for inserting the sheet material into the envelope when the envelope is resting against the stop.

Abstract: A gusseted envelope or box making apparatus and method including the use of a tractor feed unit (11) which perforates the web stock (5) prior to a subsequent printing step capable of printing on either side of the web (5). At least one thermal print head (61) precisely activates thermal ribbon (57) which is accurately registered with the web (5) by means of pin feed holes (16,17). A product conveyor (74) manipulates the product (75) so as to automatically load the box or envelope (69) thus manufactured and printed. A multipart form (141) is disclosed including a continuous envelope (167), return reply envelope (173) and enclosed coupon (166) which may all be imprinted with unique customer information (161). The complete form (141) is folded and inserted into a parent envelope (167) by a series of vacuum plates (376) and insertion rams (392).

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for making an envelope from ordinary size, readily available, writing paper. Preferably, the apparatus is a compact desk-top size machine that can be combined with any common office printer, such as a laser printer, or even be incorporated thereinto to form a single machine. The apparatus enables the provision of a system for integrating and simplifying office computerized printing of letters and addressing of envelopes, by using a single paper tray whereby, for example, following the printing of a letter on one or more sheets of paper, the subsequently fed final sheet of paper from the paper tray is routed to the envelope making apparatus, perhaps after the printing of an address on the final sheet, whereby an envelope is created.

Abstract: An envelope ejecting apparatus is disclosed for use in an inserting machine in which envelopes are fed successively in one direction along a feed path to a first location and then are moved incrementally in a reverse direction to an insert receiving position at which envelope throat opening devices open the throats of the envelopes so that insert material can be fed thereinto. The envelope ejecting apparatus is connected to the throat opening devices for operation therewith and also to the means for feeding the envelopes in the reverse direction, and there is a control means operatively interconnected between the envelope throat opening means and the envelope ejecting means for preventing the envelope ejecting means from ejecting the envelope until it is positioned at the insert receiving position and insert material has been inserted thereinto.

Abstract: An inserting system for inserting documents into an envelope. The system comprises: an inserting chassis; a device to convey documents from an upstream location on the chassis to a downstream location on the chassis; an insertion station for inserting the documents into a waiting envelope; a feeder located adjacent the inserter chassis for feeding documents to the conveying device, the feeder having a hopper for storing the documents; a forms unwinder located adjacent the feeder, the unwinder having a pivotable support arm; a roll of shingled documents mounted on the support arm; a device for unwinding the roll and separating each succeeding document seriatim; and a device for feeding the separated documents into the feeder hopper. In an alternative embodiment of the instant invention, the foregoing elements of the invention are the same except that the unwinder is used to store and unwind envelopes.

Abstract: A mail enclosing and sealing apparatus (50) in which an envelope (1, 200) is pulled out from an envelope guide (54) in an envelope hopper (52) which stacks the envelopes one by one, the envelope being fed to a gripper means (60) displaced on an envelope transferring belt (58) being driven intermittently, and transferred under the movement of the belt (58) while being held by the gripper means (60), with a flap portion being opened at a given position (S2), and is then transferred to a further position (S3), with the envelope (1, 200) being opened by an opening means (62), and an enclosure (66) transferred from an other route (64) being enclosed in the envelope, then the envelope (1, 200) with the enclosure (66) is transferred to a further position (S4), then said envelope (1, 200) being displaced in a direction crossing the flow of the belt (58) and route (64) to be sealed; wherein the position adjustment of the opening means (62) and the adjustment of the side guide widthwise direction control axis (90) for

Abstract: A system and a method for sealing a flapless envelope are provided. The sealing system has a translating station for moving the flapless envelope via a conveyor, an opening station for opening an end of a flapless envelope by means of suction and a sealing station for moistenable adhesive on the flapless envelope to thereby seal the flapless envelope. The method has the steps of lifting a top sheet of the flapless envelope using a plurality of suction tubes, holding a bottom sheet of the flapless envelope using a suction controlled bottom plate, applying a fluid onto an adhesive on the bottom sheet of the flapless envelope and squeezing the top sheet to the bottom sheet to seal the flapless envelope.

Abstract: An envelope opening mechanism for an inserter apparatus comprises post-like abutments (25) against which envelopes (10) are successively fed, with the hinge edge leading, over a guide surface (22) with an inclined portion (24), to initiate envelope flap opening movement by buckling of the envelope. Additionally or instead, the posts (25) can be movable downwardly to engage head portions (27) thereof with the flap portion. The envelopes are then fed in the direction of the hinge edge past an edge member (30) shaped to enter between the envelope flap and body portions and to complete the flap opening movement into alignment with the body portion for reception of insert material at an insert station (9).

Abstract: A system for forming and sealing envelopes stuffs each envelope with an insert. Envelope blanks are received and fed to an envelope former. The envelope former partially forms the envelope blanks with a sealed longitudinal end and an open longitudinal end. Insert blanks are fed and are formed into inserts. The inserts are moved along longitudinal axes and into the open longitudinal ends of the partially formed envelope blanks parallel to the envelope longitudinal axes.

Abstract: An apparatus for properly positioning envelopes in an envelope inserting machine for receiving insert material is disclosed in which the envelope positioning apparatus feeds a first envelope along a prescribed feed path to a predetermined location which is beyond the normal location at which the throat of the envelope can be opened so that the envelope can receive a package of insert material, and then feeds the envelope in a reverse direction until a throat opening device is effective to open the throat of the first envelope.

Abstract: An inserter machine has means for feeding an envelope withdrawn from a storage tray to a flap device 44 capable of opening the envelope flap and forwarding the envelope along a deck 42 with its base edge leading and its open flap trailing. Encoder means 60, 108 are connected for rotation in synchronization with one or more rolls forming part of the forwarding means. The machine also has a means 80 for disconnecting drive to the envelope to stop the envelope at a stuffing station, and a wetter arrangement 116, 118 whereby the envelope flap can be wetted prior to sealing. An envelope stop 128 is provided in a flap closure mechanism 126, 120, 142; the stop being adjustable in position without operator intervention in response to information provided by the encoder means 66, 108 or by data fed in by a user via a keyboard on the machine.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder for a folding and/or inserting machine has a document entry surmounted by at least two loading bins adapted to cooperate with the document entry in various modes of operation, individually or in combination, using a set of sensors and drive units and controlled by a programmed microprocessor of a control circuit via an input/output interface circuit in the feeder.

Abstract: A mailed business-solicitation letter personalized with an intended recipient's address at one selected location and his/her name at a second selected location, which is embodied in a cardboard mailing enclosure to provide an external display of the mailing address to assist in the delivery thereof and to present the name as a personalized salutation of the letter, to thereby contribute to obviating the stigma of unsolicited "junk" mail.

Abstract: A device is provided to combine printed products that are supplied to a folded envelope. A rotating conveying member is equipped with receiving pockets that are distributed over its circumference and can be closed and opened. The receiving pockets have an associated charging station for the envelopes and a supplying station for the enclosures on the opposite side of the conveying member as well as a subsequently connected removal station, with the charging station and the supplying station being connected by means of an undercut conveying region of the conveying member.

Abstract: An insert carriage having a manipulating member attached thereto for inserting an enclosure into an envelope is arranged reciprocally in the direction of said envelope. By moving said insert carriage, said manipulating member may be reciprocated between the basic position and the position of the fold line of said envelope which is the inserting position. A carriage motor for driving said insert carriage is provided. A control unit is provided, said control unit comprising a variable amount inputting section adapted to input the variable amount is respect to the inserting position of the manipulating member in conformity with the thickness or quality of paper of said envelope, a memory section adapted to store said variable amount and a CPU section adapted to controllably drive said carriage motor in accordance with the variable amount store in said memory section to adjust the inserting position of said manipulating member.

Abstract: A main conveyor for conveying a succession of orders in a main direction past a transfer location is associated with an upwardly open holder pocket at the transfer location defining a vertical transfer plane. A plurality of openable transfer clips on an endless conveyor element are displaceable past the pocket with the clips moving vertically upward in the transfer plane as they pass the pocket. A pair of belts having juxtaposed stretches and spanned over a pair of downstream rollers spaced to one side of the transfer plane immediately above the pocket drop literature packs one after the other from between the rollers and belts into the pocket. A cam arrangement opens the clips as they approach the pocket and closes them generally when they reach the pocket for gripping the packs and lifting them out of the pocket.

Abstract: An on-the-fly envelope stuffing apparatus has an envelope feeder comprising a pair of parallel feed belts for underlying the back panel of the envelope and a laterally aligned medial feed belt for overlying the front panel of the envelope. The medial feed belt descends below the level of the parallel feed belts in the downstream direction. An envelope fed lengthwise through the belts is bent so that the envelope flap is partially opened. This allows interposition of a flap guide to fully open the envelope. The envelope feeder dispenses the envelopes serially to an envelope conveyor. An endless tray conveyor parallels the envelope conveyor. Each tray supports an insert stack against which arms on the tray rest. As the trays move downstream in synchronism with envelopes on the envelope conveyor, each tray is cammed toward an envelope so that the arms enter the opening of the envelope.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention apparatus for inserting enclosures into an envelope comprises an insertion section and an envelope staging section located upstream and below the insertion section. The envelope staging section includes structure for holding and forwarding an envelope fed from an envelope feeder. Envelope transport structure transports an envelope forwarded from the envelope staging section to the insertion section. The envelope transport structure includes a vacuum deck located at the insertion section and a vacuum drum located between the envelope staging section and the vacuum deck. The envelope transport structure further includes a plurality of envelope transport belts operating in cooperation with the vacuum drum and the vacuum deck. A plurality of backstops are located at the downstream end of the insertion section. A pivoting sucker bar assembly lifts open a top panel of the envelope when the envelope is against the backstops.

Abstract: An on-the-fly envelope stuffing apparatus has an envelope conveyor and an endless tray conveyor running in synchronism. Each tray supports an insert stack. A web pivotally mounted to the tray has rigid members which rest against the stack of inserts. Fingers are pivotally mounted to the web and biased such that the free ends of the fingers are canted toward each other. A protuberance on the tray underlies the inserts and projects beyond the front edge of the tray. As a tray moves downstream in synchronism with an envelope, the tray is cammed towards the envelope so that the protuberance enters the opening of the envelope and passes over any window in the envelope. Additionally, the ends of the rigid members enter the envelope. A pusher on the tray then pushes the inserts towards the envelope and also presses against the fingers so that they move towards the side edges of the envelope.

Abstract: An envelope stuffing device in which no moving parts are required for opening the mouth of an envelope for the insertion of inserts therein. The stuffing device has a plurality of leaf springs, two of which are adjacent the ends of an envelope and are located directly above openings within a floor of the device. Other leaf springs are located intermediate the ends of an envelope, so that when the flap of the envelope is in registration with the leaf springs, the outer leaf springs push down on the end of the envelope and the intermediate leaf springs hold the flap on the floor, thereby causing the mouth of the envelope to open. The device includes a conveying mechanism for placing inserts into to envelope when the mouth of the envelope is open.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for inserting a document into an envelope. The apparatus comprises a rotating assembly which includes a document tranferring means. In first position of the rotating assembly, an envelope is fed and a document is fed to the transferring means. While the assembly is rotated to a second position, the document is being conveyed to the envelope and inserted therein. The envelope is then discharged and the assembly is rotated back to its first position.

Abstract: An enclosure inserting and sealing machine of the type in which, envelopes received in an envelope hopper are delivered one by one sequentially with each envelope being centered by an envelope centering mechanism in the widthwise direction of the envelope relative to the envelope delivering line. The envelope delivered is opened at the position of an envelope opening mechanism with the front and rear sides of the envelope being respectively sucked by suction caps of the envelope opening mechanism. Enclosures such as a paper, a letter and the like are inserted into the opened flap of the envelope. At least the suction cap of the rear side of the envelope is formed in a pair in the widthwise direction of the envelope. A suction position centering mechanism is provided to drive the pair of suction caps in the widthwise direction of the envelope thereby centering the suction caps. A linkage mechanism is provided to link and drive the suction position mechanism with the envelope centering mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanism for releasably latching an assembly which is pivotable between first and second side frame members in a machine, comprises a pivot rod mounted transversely between the first and second side members and pivotally biased away from the assembly. First and second levers are rigidly secured to the pivot rod at opposite ends of the pivot rod, and first and second latching members are independently and pivotally mounted to the first and second side frame members adjacent to the first and second levers respectively. The first and second latching members are biased towards the assembly. Each of the first and second latching members includes a notch for receiving a connecting rod in the assembly. Each of the first and second levers includes a guide pin for urging the first and second latching members away from the assembly when the first and second levers pivot towards the assembly.

Abstract: In the enclosure inserting apparatus comprising structure for conveying an envelope along a flap unfolding path to an enclosure inserting location, structure for unfolding the flap of the envelope as the envelope is conveyed along the flap unfolding path to the enclosure inserting location, structure for holding the flap-unfolded envelope open at the enclosure inserting location, and structure for moving an enclosure along an enclosure feed path to the held-open envelope and inserting the enclosure into the held-open envelope, wherein the flap unfolding structure comprises structure for engaging the flap of an envelope moved therepast, and the flap unfolding path includes a gap having a width determined by a distance between the envelope conveying structure and the engaging structure, the improvement comprises a flapper blade adjustably mounted to the engaging structure for adjusting the width of the gap.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting material into an envelope in which a first conveyor supplies insert material and a second conveyor supplies envelopes to an insert station. The flap of the envelope is opened while being carried by the second conveyor to the insert station. The insert station includes a kicker or pusher to move the insert material into the envelope. The second conveyor removes the envelope containing inserted material from the insert station and carries it to a flap moistener, a flap closer, and finally to a receptacle or chute.

Abstract: The envelope is always moved in a direction perpendicular to the fold of the flap thereof. In the course of the moving path the moving direction of the envelope is turned over by means of reverse roller 15, the flap is folded and the opening of the envelope is expanded while the envelope is being halted at the content-inserting portion. In this state the content such as a letter etc. is inserted from the expanded opening of the envelope. Then after the gummed flap is damped, the flap is folded and sealed. Thus, the movement of the envelope can be simplified and the enclosing and sealing apparatus can be reduced in size.

Abstract: An insertion station for a mail-handling machine includes a driving lever 25 and a means for swivelling the driving lever 25 back-and-forth according to an operating cycle. Axle members 18, 19 have a cam 20 mounted therebetween and a spring 26 extends between the driving lever 25 and the cam. A base plate 1 includes grooves 2, 3, 4 and finger-roller guides 28 have front and rear ends mounted above the base plate. Insertion ramps 35, 36, 37 are located below the rear ends of the finger-roller guides; and, inserting arm means 8, 9, 10 and 14, 15, 16 have fingers 5, 6, 7 and finger rollers 27, 38, 39 attached thereto.

Abstract: In an envelope stuffing apparatus which has an enclosure inserting station and includes a deck, side guides mounted on the deck at the inserting station, structure for delivering the envelope in a path of travel to the inserting station, structure for opening the envelope, and structure inserting an enclosure into the envelope and for removing the envelope from the inserting station, and wherein said opening structure includes structure for supporting the flap of the envelope above the deck, there is an improvement in the envelope opening structure. The improvement comprises two throat openers insertable into the envelope for stripping apart from each other the front and back panels of the envelope. Each throat opener includes a side guide member for guiding the enclosure into the envelope and further including a ramp member for guiding the enclosure from the deck into the envelope.

Abstract: A device for feeding and stuffing envelopes opens the flap (2) of the bottom envelope (3) of a stack (1) with a rotating opener claw (5, 6, 7 ). As soon as the flap is sufficiently open, it is seized by two rotating transport elements (8, 9) and pressed against two conveyor rollers (10, 11). The opener claws (5, 6, 7) and the conveyor elements (8, 9) are disposed on the same shaft (4), but are supported and driven independently of each other. The opener claws are only operated from a coupling (12) when a packing operation is to be carried out. The conveyor elements (8, 9) and the conveyor rollers (10, 11) run continuously. Two pairs of conveyor rollers (17, 18, 19, 20) convey the envelope towards a packing trap (13). As soon as the flap (2) of the envelope (3) is positioned below a hold down roller (21), the latter begins to descend. Simultaneously, the packing trap (13) begins to pivot towards the envelope and the envelope (3) is drawn onto the packing trap (13).

Abstract: A rotatable guide finger for opening an envelope prior to insertion of documents into the envelope. The finger includes a pivotable arm and a sidewall defining a channel. The sidewall extends downstream from the pivotable arm and has an upper and a lower sidewall portion, each of the sidewall portions including an arc having a radius of about 0.16 inches and a line at an angle of about fifty degrees to a horizontal radius to the arc.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting one or more documents into a waiting envelope. The apparatus includes: a supporting frame; a device mounted in the frame for holding the envelope; a movable, endless belt rotatably mounted in the frame for transporting one or more documents into the waiting envelope; and a datum guide plate secured to the frame above the movable belt. The movable belt includes an upper reach which is biased toward the datum guide plate.

Abstract: In an envelope stuffing apparatus which has an enclosure inserting station and includes a deck at the inserting station, side guides coupled to the deck, structure for delivering an enclosure along the deck, structure for feeding an envelope to the inserting station, structure for opening the envelope, and structure for inserting an enclosure into the envelope and for removing the envelope from the inserting station, and wherein said opening structure includes structure for supporting the flap of the envelope above the deck, there is an improvement in the inserting structure for handling different style envelopes. The improvement comprises an adjustable section of the deck comprising a center deck plate adjustably mounted for being positioned adjacent to a specific throat opening of the envelope. The center deck plate is on a horizontal plane slightly higher than a plane of horizontal members of a pair of throat openers.

Abstract: A method and appaaratus for selective high-speed insertion of sheets from a plurality of webs into envelopes provides a mechanism for folding and inserting sheets into preformed envelopes. Preformed envelopes are provided for folding and inserting from a source that may be a roll. A plurality of sheets are fed for folding and inserting into envelopes. A leading sheet from each of the webs is selectively driven and cut at a collection point for folding and inserting. The selecting of sheets for feeding and cutting may be accomplished by means of a CPU that may include a bar code detection system disposed along each of the webs. A system for widening the openings of envelopes to facilitate insertion of contents may also be included. This system may comprise a strip along each of the envelopes is a stream that includes a folded section within each opening or may comprise tabs disposed along an opening side of each envelope.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling and sealing an envelope is provided and consists of a housing having an angled front panel and an exhaust port. A mechanism is on the housing for retaining an open flap of the envelope to the angled front panel below the exhaust port. A blower within the housing is for blowing air through the exhaust port and into the envelope so that it can be filled. Another mechanism is on the housing for wetting glue on the flap of the envelope so that the evenlope can be sealed.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting an evelope including a body having opposed front and back wall portions defining a bottom edge, wherein the envelope includes a flap wall portion extending from the front wall portion and defining therewith a crease edge extending parallel to the bottom edge for folding the flap wall portion in overlaying relationship with the back wall portion, and wherein the front and back wall portions define parallel-spaced side edges extending between the crease and bottom edges, the apparatus comprising: first structure for conveying the envelope in a first direction wherein the front and flap wall portions thereof are upwardly oriented, the first conveying structure including first structure for aligning one envelope side edge in the first direction; second structure for conveying the envelope in a second direction wherein the front and flap wall portions thereof are downwardly oriented, the second conveying structure including second structure for aligning the one envelope side edge in the

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for flapping envelopes and inserting enclosures into the flapped envelopes. The apparatus is constructed so that parts thereof may be easily moved to substantially fully expose the enclosure feed path, as well as the envelope flap unfolding path and the upstream end of the location at which an envelope is held open and enclosures inserted therein, thereby facilitating removal of jammed envelopes and enclosures. The components for unfolding the envelope flap are provided as an assembly movably mounted with respect to the enclosure transporter. This allows that entire flap unfolding assembly to be moved away from an enclosure transporter, thereby providing access to the enclosure feed path and to the upstream end of a queuing station. The flap unfolding assembly includes two frames which may be pivoted apart to provide access to the flap unfolding path.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing sealed postal mails or other sealed envelope assemblies using a discrete envelope blanks split from an envelope-forming continuous sheet, an intermediate element split from an intermediate element-forming continuous sheet and additional inserting elements, both having sizes adapted to be enclosed within the envelope blank. The apparatus includes a reader for reading an encoded data preliminarily printed on the intermediate elements that produces an output signal corresponding to the number of insert sheet elements to be enclosed together with the intermediate elements. A grouping station is provided for stacking the insert sheets successively supplied to be enclosed together with the intermediate elements. The grouping station is activated in response to the output signal from the reader. A feeder is provided for feeding a selective collection of inserting elements and intermediate elements from the grouping station to an envelope folding.

Abstract: An envelope transport means for driving an envelope in an inserter machine is disclosed. The transport means includes a driven roller, an idler roller which moves into and out of engagement with the driven roller, and a clamp for holding the envelope against movement. An actuator causes engagement and disengagement of the rollers and clamping and unclamping of the clamp means. The actuator is movable between a transport position (rollers and clamp means unclamped) and an insert portion (rollers disengaged clamp means clamped).

Abstract: An insertion machine includes an insertion station (44) whereat groups of items are stuffed into an envelope held open at an envelope opening station (49). The insertion station comprises an cam (212)-driven carriage (202) which linearly reciprocates in a direction (480) toward and away from the envelope opening station (49). The carriage (202) carries a plurality of selectively mounted, selectively rotatable pusher fingers (204). The pusher fingers (204) have a profile suitable for shoving items along a partially inclined insertion plate surface 403 and into an opened envelope. The pusher fingers (204) are selectively rotatable to an operative orientation (720) and to an inoperative orientation (722) under the supervision of a controller (205). Jam detectors (550, 552) are provided proximate reciprocating entry fingers (500, 502) which move when a jam occurs in the inserting process. Should a jam occur, the pusher fingers (204) are controlled to rotate to their inoperative orientation (722).

Abstract: A device for opening envelope bodies so that they can be filled has opening fingers coupled to actuator means for moving the fingers between a retracted position and an opening position in front of each envelope in a filling position. The device includes a preassembled assembly (30) formed on a "finger" shaft (35) which carries the fingers (30) which are mounted to rotate freely thereon and which are positioned longitudinally therealong and retained resiliently by abutment means, and secondly a guide plate (10) mounted relative to the assembly (30) to oppose the abutment means by constituting a sliding surface for the fingers when they are actuated. The device is applicable to processing mail.

Abstract: A device for automatically inserting packs of photographic negatives and prints into respective pockets of a series of envelopes includes separate guides for supporting and guiding the negatives and prints toward the envelopes, which are supported by a conveyor having intermittent forward and retrograde movement. The device includes a pair of blades which engage the pockets when the envelopes are moved rearward, and then are raised to open the pocket, to permit the automatic insertion.

Abstract: The machine comprises a quasi-closed frame constituted by a top frame (5A) hinged to a bottom frame )5B), a first path (10) for mail and a second path (20) for empty envelopes running through the top frame (5A), a third path 30) for filled envelopes running between the top and bottom frames, a folding module (11) and a filling module (31) each having one portion of their paths in the top frame and the remaining portion in the bottom frame and directly coupling the first path and the second path to the filling module on the third path. The machine is applicable to processing mail.

Abstract: An insertion machine includes an insertion station (44) whereat groups of items are stuffed into an envelope held open at an envelope opening station (49). The insertion station comprises a cam (212)-driven carriage (202) which linearly reciprocates in a direction (480) toward and away from the envelope opening station (49). The carriage (202) carries a plurality of selectively mounted, selectively rotatable pusher fingers (204). The pusher fingers (204) have a profile suitable for shoving items along a partially inclined insertion plate surface 403 and into an opened envelope. The pusher fingers (204) are selectively rotatable to an operative orientation (720) and to an inoperative orientation (722) under the supervision of a controller (205). Jam detectors (550, 552) are provided proximate reciprocating entry fingers (500, 502) which move when a jam occurs in the inserting process. Should a jam occur, the pusher fingers (204) are controlled to rotate to their inoperative orientation (722).

Abstract: Numbers of similar, loaded envelopes having side edge folds and end edge folds joining two rectangular panels are arranged in a stack in a drawer-like portable holder having a side opening. The drawer is installed with the envelopes disposed as a vertical stack in an elevator compartment. An elevator platform at the bottom of the stack is urged upwardly. Each successive top envelope is transferred from the stack to rollers that impel the envelope forcibly against a barrier wall to jog the load against a side edge fold. Cutters sever the other side edge fold and both end edge folds. A vacuum cup moves one of the panels to engage between stripper rollers that draw the entire envelope and the load apart. Conveyors take the separated envelope to a trash receiver and take the load to a receiver tray. There are various electrical driving, timing and performance checking devices, some optically responsive.

Abstract: The device comprises control evacuation means (40) mounted substantially level with the envelope inlet into the insertion station (1) and tilting means (43, 44) for tilting the filled envelope, with the tilting means being controlled to take up a low tilting position in which they push down said filled envelope around the inlet to the insertion station, after which it is evacuated. The resulting insertion machine is made compact and is accurately controlled during each insertion cycle by a single driving cam shaft (52, 55) including a coding disk for determining successive angular positions.

Abstract: A control device for controlling the advance and the positioning of envelopes in an insertion machine includes a stepper motor (27) coupled in common both to means (20) for transferring empty envelopes towards said insertion station, and to means (40) for transferring filled envelopes to be ejected, and a circuit (70) for controlling and governing the speed of the motor, causing said motor to be driven on the basis of clock signals generated by a clock circuit (62) synchronously with mechanical commands within the machine, and governing the speed of the motor on the basis of defined numbers of motor steps as detected counting from the moment that an envelope ceases to go past an intermediate point on the transfer path, as determined by a detector (29). The invention is applicable to automatic mail processing.

Abstract: A device for inserting sheets into envelopes has a fixed insertion station receiving empty envelopes and a fixed sheet inlet station, which stations are spaced apart from each other, together with a carriage for transferring sheets therebetween and driven between a retracted position beneath the sheet inlet station and an engaged position in an envelope present at the insertion station. The sheet insertion device is characterized in that it includes sheet grasping and pushing fingers (35) fixed to the carriage (33) and projecting slightly above the sheet inlet station (32), together with holding-down fingers (37) mounted above the inlet station and actuated to move between a retracted position and a holding-down position in which they hold a sheet down against the inlet station. The invention is applicable to automatically processing mail.