US3815325A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Mechanism for opening envelopes
Assignee: THOR DAHL INC US
•
Filing: 1972-06-14
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Granted: 1974-06-11
•
Expires: 1992-06-14
Abstract
Abstract A machine for opening envelopes chemically which automatically loads a number of pre-treated envelopes onto a specially constructed tray; applies a developing solution thereto; and mechanically separates those areas of the envelopes which have been treated to open the envelopes.
Inventors
- 👤 R Berger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 16:22
CPC Classifications
B; B43; B43M; B43M7/00; B43M7/004; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S83/00; Y10S83/912
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 30
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
A mechanism for opening a plurality of envelopes in a stack, each envelope having a pair of opposed panels, said mechanism comprising means on the mechanism for applying a chemical to a portion of each envelope to deteriorate a portion of the envelope adjacent the edges thereof, means for applying heat to the envelopes in said stack to cure the said portion, and means on said mechanism for separating the two panels of each envelope along said deteriorated portions, and moving means for moving said stacks of envelopes past said chemical applying means, said curing means, and said separating means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
100 words
A mechanism for opening a plurality of envelopes in a stack, each envelope having a pair of opposed panels, said mechanism comprising means on the mechanism for applying a chemical to a portion of each envelope to deteriorate a portion of the envelope adjacent the edges thereof, means for applying heat to the envelopes in said stack to cure the said portion, and means on said mechanism for separating the two panels of each envelope along said deteriorated portions, and moving means for moving said stacks of envelopes past said chemical applying means, said curing means, and said separating means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said envelope is moved by the moving means relative to a drying station immediately after the chemical is applied.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the envelope is moved past a curing station after the drying section.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 3, wherein said chemical applying means comprises means for spraying the envelope with a chemical.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 4, wherein said spraying means comprises a plurality of spraying heads.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein said spraying heads are positioned above the envelope and along the side edges thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 6, wherein said drying station comprises a manifold for directing warm air against the envelope.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 7, wherein baffles are provided along the top and side edges of the envelope to direct the air directly against the envelope.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 8, wherein said curing section comprises heaters along the top and sides therein.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 9, wherein said separating section comprises rotatable brushes adapted to brush against the top and side edges of the envElope.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 10, wherein a vacuum section is provided to remove loose material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 11, wherein said vacuum section comprises openings adjacent the brushing section and is comprised of a filter and a settling tank.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 12, wherein said mechanism comprises a tunnel having front and rear walls and openings therein to accomodate the envelope.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 13, wherein doors are provided to close the openings.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 14, wherein switches are provided operable by said doors to prevent operating of the mechanism until the doors are closed.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 15, wherein switches are provided along the path of the envelope to prevent the mechanism from operating until the envelope is in proper position.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 16, wherein a stop is provided operable by the switches to prevent the envelope from moving through until the doors are closed.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 17, wherein said envelopes are adapted to be mounted in a tray movable through the mechanism.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
38 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 18, wherein the side walls of the tray are pivotally mounted so as to be unable to enter the opening in the front wall until they are in the upward envelope-holding position.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 19, wherein said tray is movable on wheels.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 20, wherein the tray has an aligning mechanism depending therefrom adapted to move relative to a guiding means in the mechanism.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
30 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 21, wherein said tray has a finger depending therefrom adapted to be engaged by a drive mechanism to move the tray through the tunnel.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
29 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 22, wherein a chain sprocket is provided comprising a plurality of drive fingers extending therefrom to engage the finger depending from the tray.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 23, wherein said finger is pivotally mounted for movement in one direction.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
26 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 24, wherein the tray is provided with a movable rear follower plate to hold the envelope in an upright position.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 25, wherein locking means are provided to lock the follower plate in position.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 26, wherein the follower plate is adapted to move in tracks on the tray.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
21 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 27, wherein said locking mechanism is a pivoted lever having a toe and a heel.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
25 words
A mechanism as claimed in claim 28, wherein a U-shaped element extends downwardly from the tray and wherein the walls are mounted on the element.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-06-10 | 1977-12-10 | 1978-06-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-10 | 1981-12-10 | 1982-06-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-10 | 1985-12-10 | 1986-06-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |