Patent ID: 6928795
Filing Date: 2005-08-16
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for handling envelopes and thereafter placing the envelopes in a container, the apparatus comprising: a conveyor defining a path along which the envelopes are delivered to a first portion of an envelope loading area to form a stack of envelopes; a control system adapted to receive a signal from an envelope counter, wherein when a pre-determined number of envelopes have been delivered to the stack at the first portion of the envelope loading area, the control system actuates a combined envelope dividing and movement mechanism to firstly divide from the stack a number of envelopes which equals the predetermined number of envelopes and secondly moves, in the same direction of travel as that of the said path, the pre-determined number of envelopes toward a second portion of the envelope loading area located closer to the container; a card insertion mechanism located to the side of, and just prior to, the second portion of the envelope loading area, the card insertion mechanism being capable of providing a card at each end of the pre-determined number of envelopes; and a grabbing member comprising at least two moveable grabbing arms, the arms being moveable from a first configuration to a second configuration, the arms being moved toward one another from the first configuration to the second configuration such that the arms are capable of grabbing the cards at each end of the pre-determined number of envelopes, the grabbing member having a movement mechanism associated therewith such that the grabbing member is capable of firstly grabbing the cards at each end of the pre-determined number of envelopes, secondly lifting the said cards and envelopes, thirdly moving the cards and envelopes in the same direction of travel as that of the said path and fourthly lowering the cards and envelopes into the container.