Patent ID: 6041569
Filing Date: 2000-03-28
Classification: B43M

Abstract:
A mailing machine for printing postage indicia on the upper surface of envelopes passing through the mailing machine with the flaps thereof open and extending generally downwardly from the upper surface of the envelopes, said mailing machine comprising:envelope transport means defining an envelope feed path extending through the mailing machine for transporting envelopes therealong from an infeed location to an outfeed location,a digital ink jet printing device disposed adjacent said outfeed location of said feed path, said printing device including a print head having a plurality of ink jet nozzles disposed in a predetermined plane for depositing ink in a predetermined image pattern on the upper surfaces of said envelopes traveling along said feed path,means defining a registration plane for said upper surfaces of said envelopes being transported along a portion of said feed path adjacent said outfeed location, said registration plane being disposed at a predetermined distance beneath said plane of said ink jet nozzles, andan envelope flap closing device disposed in said portion of said feed path in an upstream direction from said printing device for closing the flaps of said envelopes as they are transported along said portion of said feed path prior to reaching said printing device, said flap closing device including means responsive to varying thicknesses of said envelopes for ensuring that the flaps thereof are effectively closed regardless of the thickness of said envelopes within a predetermined range of thickness.