Patent ID: 6425223
Filing Date: 2002-07-30
Classification: B43M

Abstract:
A device for lifting a throat of an envelope to a lifted position, comprising:a suction device sealed against the throat by a suction force within the suction device; a mechanical device located adjacent said suction device; a first means for moving the suction device so as to lift the throat to the lifted position; second means for placing the mechanical device under the throat after the throat has been lifted to the lifted position by the suction device so as to mechanically maintain the throat at the lifted position at times when the suction force is removed to permit the insertion of materials into the envelope; and a pitching arm upon which the suction device is mounted, wherein the first means lowers the pitching arm so that the suction device contacts and seals against the throat and raises the pitching arm so that the suction device lifts the throat to the lifted position; wherein the mechanical device includes a finger movably connected to the pitching arm, the finger having a hook which is located adjacent to the suction device and which is movable between a first position under the suction device and a second position removed from the suction device, and wherein the second means is used to move the finger whereby the hook is placed in the first position after the throat has been lifted to the lifted position thereby mechanically maintaining the throat at the lifted position at times when the suction force is removed; wherein the second means comprises a solenoid which is operable in a first state to cause the hook to be placed in the first position under the suction device and in a second state to cause the hook to be placed in the second position removed from the suction device.