Bell + Howell Company

Bowe Bell + Howell Company

Bowe Bell & Howell

Matthias Emanuel

Wilfried Hahn

An apparatus is provided for processing mail items transported in a stream on a transport section. The apparatus includes a weighing system which is accessible via the transport section. The weighing system includes a distributor device which divides the stream of mail items into two paths, the paths being joined together again by way of a combining device. A weighing section is provided in the first of the two paths for the automatic weight determination of the mail items, and the second path is configured to bypass the weighing section, with no weighing taking place in the bypass. In other embodiments, a calming/settling section is provided immediately prior to or after the weighing section. The mail items are transported in a clamped manner on one edge over the weighing section, whereas in the settling section, the mail items are transported on one edge while leaning against one of the lateral guide belts.

Apparatus for processing mail items and weighing module with settling section

The disclosed concepts provide for a method and apparatus for processing batched items, which may comprise a multitude of flats, e.g., letters. The individual items are conveyed in a row and abut against a band conveyor with one edge. They are at least partially resting against and overlapping each other in a shingle-like manner. The overlapping flats are further separated (fanned out) by guiding mechanisms on each side of the overlapping flats that accelerate and decelerate as necessary.

Growing community of inventors

Ober-Mörlen, Germany

Matthias Emanuel