Patent ID: 7748426

Claim:
An envelope closing mechanism, comprising: a guide bounding an envelope transport path; a transport structure for moving the envelope in at least one transport direction along the transport path; a deflector for urging a flap of an envelope connected along a fold to an envelope body of the envelope from the transport path; and a moistener for moistening at least a portion of the flap of an envelope at a position on a first side of the transport path and spaced from the transport path; wherein the deflector is movable between a position of rest on a second side of the transport path located opposite the moistener, and a deflecting position on said first side of the transport path for urging at least a portion of the flap of the envelope against the moistener, in which deflecting position the deflector leaves the transport path free for allowing the envelope to pass the deflector during transport along the transport path on a side of the deflector facing away from the moistener; and wherein the transport structure is controllable for transporting the envelope from a position in which the flap of the envelope extends between the moistener and the deflector in the deflecting position, with said fold leading and following the transport path along the deflector in the deflecting position.