Patent ID: 7188460

Claim:
An insertion station apparatus operative to insert an enclosure collation into an open end of an envelope, the insertion station having a deck with a transport mechanism for conveying an envelope into an insertion location and then away from the insertion location, an opening mechanism for opening an envelope, the opening mechanism comprising: a suction device operatively connected to a suction assembly, the suction assembly having a first control mechanism controlled by a first electrical control signal and a transport system for moving the suction device into at least a first position for engaging the envelope in a closed position and a second position for engaging the envelope in an open position; the suction device for applying vacuum to a top portion of the envelope; and a vacuum disengage assist system for applying positive gas pressure while the suction device is in the second position for disengaging the vacuum applied to the top portion of the envelope wherein the positive gas pressure is removed before the suction device is moved from the second position, wherein the vacuum disengage assist system includes a second control mechanism controlled by a second electrical control signal applied before the envelope is conveyed away from the insertion station, wherein the second electrical control signal is actuated independently of the first control signal and wherein an actuation time between the actuation of the first electrical control signal and the second electrical control signal is adjustable.