Envelope flap opener
US5125215A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jun 30, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 29, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2513/40
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An envelope flap opener comprises a revolving gripper drum for conveying envelopes thereupon in flap-up orientation with flap edge trailing and a revolving rotor disposed vicinally to the gripper drum, the rotor having at least one sucker cup extending from its periphery. Vacuum is valved to the sucker cup at a time when an envelope is conveyed upon the gripper drum past the rotor, the sucker cup grabs and opens the envelope flap, and subsequently the flap is released. Prior to release of the flap, a plow device intercepts the flap and further unfolds it. The plow device includes a photo-sensor for checking of proper flap opening and for detecting missing envelopes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.