SEPARATOR HAVING A BLADE

Abstract

A feeder module for feeding envelopes into a mail handling machine, which feeder module has, from upstream to downstream relative to a direction of advance of the mail items, a tray for receiving a stack of envelopes, a device for selecting said envelopes one-by-one, a separator having an active separation zone formed by a sharp cutting portion for separating the envelop flaps from the envelope bodies, and a moistener for moistening the flaps separated in this way.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention appear more clearly from the following description given by way of non-limiting indication and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a feeder including a separator of the invention; and

FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrammatic views showing the principle of processing an envelope that is improperly closed with the separator of FIG. 1.

Claims

1. A feeder module for feeding envelopes into a mail handling machine, which feeder module has, from upstream to downstream relative to a direction of advance of the mail items, a tray for receiving a stack of envelopes, a device for selecting said envelopes one-by-one, a separator for separating the envelop flaps from the envelope bodies, and a moistener for moistening the flaps separated in this way, wherein said separator has an active separation zone formed by a sharp cutting portion.

2. A feeder module according to claim 1, wherein said sharp cutting portion has a sharp edge disposed immediately below the top level of a conveyor table for conveying envelopes.

3. A feeder module according to claim 1, wherein said sharp cutting portion is formed by a steel or ceramic blade.

4. A feeder module according to claim 1, wherein said cutting portion is detachable from a rigid portion of the separator.

5. A feeder module according to claim 4, wherein said sharp cutting portion is connected to said rigid portion by removable fastener means of the runner, hinge, or rail type, for example.

6. A feeder module according to claim 5, wherein said removable fastener means are constituted by a screw.