US 5,489,358 A · Mailing machine including apparatus for selectively moistening and sealing envelopes

Abstract

Apparatus for selectively guiding an envelope having a body and a flap, the apparatus including structure for deflecting the envelope flap from the envelope body, structure for feeding an envelope in a downstream path of travel toward the flap deflecting structure, structure for selectively guiding an envelope out of the path of travel, the guiding structure including a baffle movable between a first position for guiding an envelope away from the flap deflecting structure and a second position for guiding an envelope to the flap deflecting structure, the guiding structure including a solenoid operable for moving the baffle, structure for controlling the guiding structure, the controlling structure including a microprocessor, the solenoid electrically connected to the microprocessor, the controlling structure including a switch electrically connected to the microprocessor, and the microprocessor programmed for causing the solenoid to operate to move the baffle from one of the positions to the other of the positions in response to actuation of the switch.

Claims12

Dependent claims

Apparatus for selectively guiding an envelope having a body and a flap, the apparatus comprising:

a. means for deflecting the envelope flap from the envelope body;
b. means for feeding an envelope in a downstream path of travel toward the flap deflecting means,
c. means for selectively guiding an envelope out of the path of travel, the guiding means including a baffle movable between a first position for guiding an envelope away from the flap deflecting means and a second position for guiding an envelope to the flap deflecting means, the guiding means including a solenoid operable for moving the baffle;
d. means for controlling the guiding means, the controlling means including a microprocessor, the solenoid electrically connected to the microprocessor, the controlling means including a switch electrically connected to the microprocessor, and the microprocessor programmed for causing the solenoid to operate to move the baffle from one of the positions to the other of the positions in response to actuation of the switch.

1 more element

A mailing machine base comprising:

a. apparatus for selectively guiding an envelope having a body and a flap, the apparatus including
i. means for deflecting the envelope flap from the envelope body,
ii. framework,
iii. a roller rotatably connected to the framework and disposed for feeding an envelope in a downstream path of travel toward the flap deflecting means,
iv. a baffle movable into and out of the path of travel,
v. a positioning member connected to the baffle for movement thereof,
vi. a spring connected to the positioning member and biased for exerting a force thereagainst for moving the baffle into the path of travel for guiding the envelope away from the flap deflecting means,
vii. a solenoid connected to the positioning member and operable for movement of the baffle out of the path of travel against the force exerted by the spring for feeding the envelope to the flap deflecting means,
viii. a switch which is manually actuatable for providing a signal;
b. a microprocessor programmed for controlling the mailing machine base, the switch electrically connected to the microprocessor for providing the signal thereto;
c. a power amplifier connected to the microprocessor for operation thereby, and the microprocessor programming causing the power amplifier to operate the solenoid for at least a predetermined time interval after the switch provides the signal to the microprocessor.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Mailing machine including apparatus for selectively moistening and sealing envelopes

Life of this patent

Mailing machine including apparatus for selectively moistening and sealing envelopes

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12