GB155052A - A new or improved machine for mechanically sealing envelopes and the like and affixing the stamp thereto - Google Patents

Abstract

155,052. Cardwell, T. Sept. 22, 1919. Closing envelopes.- The envelopes are placed in an adjustable hopper 12 flap downwards so that the flap is engaged by the front a of a reciprocating carrier 16 on its forward journey. The flap is pressed by a roller 25 upon a moist pad 21 on the carrier. A roller 28 is connected by a lost motion with the carrier and in the extreme forward position moves clear of a spring-pressed gripper 35. As the carrier recedes, the envelope is detained by the gripper until the latter is depressed by the roller taking up the motion of the carrier, when the roller presses upon the flap of the envelope and closes it. Spring fingers 34 then cause the envelopes to fall upon an inclined wall 38 and to be placed in an upright position parallel to a pad 40. The latter is carried by a sliding rack 41. The wall 38 is reciprocated by a handle 17, by means of which the whole of the mechanism is operated, and as the closed envelopes accumulate the rack is pushed out against the tension of a spring. Stamp-applying.-This is done during the flapclosing action of the roller 28. The stamps are in strip form on a spool 43 and are fed forward by fingers 45 carried by a saddle piece 46, Fig. 6, reciprocated by means of a lever actuated by the wall 38. The affixing is effected by a presser 54 carried by a yoke 55 pivoted at 56. The foremost stamp is supported by a plate 53 which is moved aside prior to the descent of the presser; when this occurs the stamp is pressed upon a moist pad 66, which is then withdrawn and the further descent of the presser applies the stamp to the envelope beneath. An arm 60 bearing a cutter 64 continues to descend against the pressure of a spring 62 and the strip is severed, being held by a claw 65 on one side and by the envelope on the other. A handle 81 is provided to enable the stampaffixing device to be put out of action when it is not required by interrupting the mechanical connexion between the shaft 20 about which the handle 17 moves and the arm 60. Automatic means for putting the stamping device out of action unless an envelope is in position on the carrier comprises a plunger adapted to pass into a gap in the edge of the carrier in its furthest forward position. If an envelope is in position to back the plunger the mechanism is engaged but not otherwise.