GB1506409A - Extractor for removing the contents from envelopes - Google Patents

Abstract

1506409 Removing contents from envelopes DOCUTRONIX Inc 3 July 1975 [13 Aug 1974] 28026/75 Heading B8C [Also in Division B4] An extractor for removing the contents from an envelope which is opened along one side, comprises transport means 28 which advances an envelope along a path to severing means 30 which engages each envelope and cuts it along a line spaced inwardly from each of two opposed edges to leave the envelope panels connected along only one edge. Separating means 34 engages and releasably holds one of the panels moving it away from the other and from the contents. The severing means 30 preferably cuts through only the lowermost panel and as described comprises a pair of cutter units each including a rotating cutter wheel and associated anvil wheel which together define a nip therebetween, the spacing of the wheels being variable by means which includes a biasing member for biasing the wheels together. Means are also preferably provided for directing the contents away from the severed envelope. As described, the means comprises a fixed deflecting plate 38 which is tangentially arranged to a separating drum which constitutes the separating means. Preferably, conveying means receives each severed envelope from the separating means 34, the conveying means defining first and second paths which terminate at different locations there being provided a coveyer gate 42 which is movable from a first one to a second position manually or by a signal initiated by sensing means 44, so as to cooperate with the conveyer means to divert an envelope along the first or second path respectively. The sensing means 44 senses the thickness of the envelope and, as described, comprises a plurality of spaced photo-electric devices which generate a signal in response to a simultaneous response from the devices. As described a first drive means drives the envelope transport means 28, the severing means 30 and the separating means 34, second drive means driving the conveyer means. A clutch operably connected to the first drive means and operable in response to operation of the gate moving means disables the first drive means to stop the separating means at a predetermined position.