Envelope flap moistening apparatus

Envelope flap moistening apparatus for use in a machine for feeding an envelope having a flap in a predetermined downstream path of travel, the apparatus comprising:

• a. an elongate horizontally-extending stripper blade including a trailing edge longitudinally-extending transverse to the path of travel, the stripper blade including a lower elongate hinge segment and an upper elongate hinge segment, each of the stripper blade hinge segments transversely-extending from the stripper blade trailing edge;
• b. an elongate applicator retainer including a leading edge longitudinally-extending transverse to the path of travel, the retainer including an upper elongate hinge segment and a lower elongate hinge segment, each of the retainer hinge segments transversely-extending from the retainer leading edge;
• c. the upper hinge segments and lower hinge segments respectively cooperatively configured for engagement with one another and for maintaining the retainer in a predetermined position of alignment with the stripper blade;
• and
• d. a moisture applicator, the applicator including a pad made of a fluid wicking material for applying moisture to an envelope flap.