Abstract An envelope folder including a feed mechanism, a scoring mechanism, a folding mechanism, and a delivery mechanism. The feed mechanism includes a separator arm for separating a single envelope blank from the bottom of a stack of blanks, and for urging the envelope blank against a rotary vacuum drum. The separator arm includes rollers for rolling over the surface of the vacuum drum and the envelope blank transferred to the vacuum drum. The scoring mechanism includes scoring blades which are adjustable toward and away from each other, and which are supported at various points along their lengths. The folding mechanism comprises a pair of rollers which urge each successive envelope blank to a predetermined position, releases the envelope blank, and grasps the envelope blank again and moves it in a different direction to effect a fold on the score line on the envelope. The delivery mechanism includes a disc defining curved slots for receiving envelopes and carrying the envelopes to a stacking station, and an endless belt extending around the axle of the disc and movable toward the stacking station to gradually urge the envelopes out of their respective slots as they approach the stacking station.
In a machine of the type utilized for the manufacture of envelopes, the improvement comprising means for accommodating envelope blanks in a feed pile, separating means for separating a portion of the bottom envelope blank from the feed pile, means movable into the space between the bottom envelope blank and the feed pile to move the envelope toward a vacuum drum, and roller means movable toward engagement with the vacuum drum for positively biasing the bottom envelope blank into engagement with the surface of the vacuum drum, so that rotation of the vacuum drum withdraws the bottom envelope from the feed pile.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
In a machine of the type utilized for the manufacture of envelopes, the improvement comprising means for accommodating envelope blanks in a feed pile, separating means for separating a portion of the bottom envelope blank from the feed pile, means movable into the space between the bottom envelope blank and the feed pile to move the envelope toward a vacuum drum, and roller means movable toward engagement with the vacuum drum for positively biasing the bottom envelope blank into engagement with the surface of the vacuum drum, so that rotation of the vacuum drum withdraws the bottom envelope from the feed pile.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said roller means is constructed to remain in engagement with and roll over the surface of the bottom envelope blank as the vacuum drum withdraws the bottom envelope blank from the feed pile.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
92 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said separating means comprises a vacuum arm movable toward and away from the bottom envelope blank for applying a vacuum to the bottom envelope blank and separating the bottom envelope blank from the feed pile, and wherein said separating means further includes a retaining hook movable in a direction generally parallel to the plane of the bottom envelope blank for alternately supporting and releasing the bottom envelope blank of the feed pile adjacent in the area of the bottom envelope blank engaged by the vacuum arm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
77 words
The invention of claim 3 wherein said meAns movable into the space between the bottom envelope blank and the feed pile is constructed and arranged to move in a direction generally parallel to the planes of the envelopes of the feed pile until it enters the space between the bottom envelope blank and the feed pile and then move in a direction generally toward the vacuum drum until the envelope blank is grasped by the vacuum drum.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said vacuum drum is constructed and arranged to rotate in a direction such that the bottom envelope travels with the vacuum drum first in a downward direction and then around the bottom of the vacuum drum.