Patent ID: 6293076
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: B43M

Abstract:
In an envelope inserting station where envelopes are spread open for material insertion or extraction, wherein the envelope has a width and a throat having a throat profile, an apparatus for lifting the throat of the envelope, said apparatus comprising:a base section pivotably mounted on a first shaft;a carriage movably mounted on the base section;means for moving the carriage in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the first shaft;a first and a second pivot arm, each arm having a first end and an opposing second end, the first and second pivot arms pivotably mounted on the carriage at the first end, with the second end extending outward from the carriage;a suction device mounted on the second end of each of the first and second pivot arms;means for rotating the first and second pivot arms in opposing directions so as to position the suction devices over the throat of the envelope according to the width and the throat profile of the envelope;means for pitching the base section about the first shaft to cause the suction devices to contact the throat of the envelope or to move away from the envelope; andmeans for entering information regarding the width and the throat profile of the envelope and means for computing the locations of the suction devices responsive to the information, wherein the rotating means positioning the suction devices in accordance with the locations so computed.