Moistening System for Envelopes that Reduces Clogging Caused By Contaminants
AssigneePitney Bowes Inc.
InventorMichael S. Ryan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A moistening system that significantly reduces the problems caused by contaminants in the moistening fluid is provided. The catch basin of a moistening system is provided with a filter that reduces the amount of contaminants contained in the recycled moistening fluid. Additionally, the moistening fluid is buffered with an acid that acts to dissolve the paper filler and other soluble debris that may be introduced into the moistening fluid, thereby significantly decreasing any blinding of components of the moistening system that would otherwise reduce the flow rate of the moistening fluid through the system. These ensure that sufficient moistening fluid is applied to the envelope flaps, which results in consistent and complete sealing of the envelope flaps.
Claims18
A moistening system for moistening an envelope flap for sealing of an envelope, the moistening system comprising:
- a reservoir to hold moistening fluid;
- a pump device coupled to the reservoir by a supply tube;
- a moistening device coupled to the pump, the pump providing moistening fluid to the moistening device, the moistening device applying the moistening fluid to a flap of the envelope passing through the moistening system;
- a well located beneath the moistening device to collect moistening fluid discharged by the moistening device that is not carried away by the envelope, the well being coupled to the supply tube;
- a filter to filter the collected moistening fluid that enters the supply tube from the well;
- and
- the moistening fluid including an acid buffer, such that the moistening fluid has an acidic pH value, to dissolve paper filler contained in the moistening fluid in the well,
- wherein dissolving of the paper filler reduces clogging of the filter and moistening device that can be caused by the paper filler.
A moistening system for moistening an envelope flap for sealing of an envelope, the moistening system comprising:
- a reservoir to hold moistening fluid;
- a well coupled to the reservoir by a supply tube;
- a moistening device for applying the moistening fluid to a flap of the envelope passing through the moistening system, the moistening device being located above the well such that the well collects moistening fluid discharged by the moistening device that is not carried away by the envelope;
- a wick to provide moistening fluid from the well to the moistening device;
- and
- the moistening fluid including an acid buffer, such that the moistening fluid has an acidic pH value, to dissolve paper filler contained in the moistening fluid in the well,
- wherein dissolving of the paper filler reduces clogging of the wick and moistening device that can be caused by the paper filler.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.