Pitney Bowes Inc.

Carl L Chapman

Robert J Allen

Thomas M Lyga

John R Masotta

Arthur H DePoi

Aris Ballestrazzi

Michael Roche

Boris Rosenfeld

David K Halden

A system and method for wrapping sheet material to produce finished mailpieces includes an upstream content module, a downstream mailpiece assembly module including a wrapper module adapted to encapsulate content material, and a buffer module interposing the upstream content and downstream assembly modules. The buffer module includes a plurality of buffer gates adapted to convey the content material from an upstream gate to a downstream gate to maintain a threshold pitch distance between successive pieces of content material. A controller is operatively coupled to the modules and controls the conveyance of content material through the buffer gates. More specifically, the controller coordinates the delivery and insertion of content material into the wrapper module to minimize dry-holes, maintain stresses below a threshold level to ensure continued operation, and optimize system throughput.

Inter-machine buffer for mailpiece fabrication system

An envelope with its flap in an open position is driven along a transport path by first transport means ( ) at a first location. When the crease line between the flap and the body of the envelope reaches a predetermined location along the transport path, buckling means ( ) engage the envelope from opposite sides at a second location, spaced apart from the first location, such as to cause the envelope to buckle laterally of the transport path and be partially closed. The buckling envelope with its crease line leading is then received by sealing means ( ), by means of which the envelope fully closed.

Apparatus and method for sealing an envelope

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Monroe, CT, United States of America

Carl L Chapman