Method and apparatus for holding and conveying a batch of envelopes to facilitate the opening of the envelopes
US4356683A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1980 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S83/912
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for opening envelopes by chemically degrading the envelope material at the envelope edges. A chemical degrading agent which functions more effectively when heated is applied to the envelope edges. The envelopes are arranged and aligned in face-to-face relationship to form at least one batch. The batches of envelopes are conveyed around an endless conveying loop oriented in a substantially vertical plane and defining upper and lower horizontal conveying paths. Heating platens are moved against the agent-applied edges of the envelopes to contact the agent-applied edges of the envelopes and to flex the envelopes inwardly of the edges to laterally displace the edges against the platens and transfer heat by conduction to the edges whereby the envelope material is degraded along the edges.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.