Apparatus for applying a degrading chemical to envelopes

Abstract

A method and apparatus is disclosed in which a plurality of envelopes are arranged and aligned in face-to-face relationship to form at least one batch of envelopes with at least a first edge of each envelope in the batch disposed substantially in a common plane and with a second edge of each envelope normal to the first edge and disposed substantially in a common plane. The first edges of the envelope are sprayed with a liquid envelope material degrading agent that functions more effectively when heated. The spraying is effected in a substantially planar fan spray pattern that is substantially parallel to the plane of the envelopes. The spray is moved along the batch in a direction normal to the planes of the envelopes to apply the agent to the first edges. The second edges of the envelopes are also sprayed with the liquid agent with a substantially planar fan spray pattern oriented substantially transversely to the planes of the envelopes. The spray is moved along the batch of envelopes in a direction generally parallel to the planes of the envelopes to apply the agent to the edges of the envelopes along the entire length of the envelopes. Planar heating platens are moved against the sprayed edges to bend the envelope inwardly and transfer heat to the envelope edges.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.