The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 16, 2010
Filed:
Jun. 20, 2006
Robert J. Allen, Shelton, CT (US);
Thomas M. Lyga, Southbury, CT (US);
Neil F. Baldino, Sandy Hook, CT (US);
Robert J. Allen, Shelton, CT (US);
Thomas M. Lyga, Southbury, CT (US);
Neil F. Baldino, Sandy Hook, CT (US);
Pitney Bowes Inc., Stamford, CT (US);
Abstract
A method and system for closing opened envelopes flaps against the envelope body includes transporting an envelope in a first direction and parking the envelope in a first parked position. An envelope flap closing mechanism is moved to commence the movement of the envelope flap toward said envelope body. The envelope flap is closed against the envelope body while transporting the envelope in a second direction toward a second parked position. The flap closing mechanism may be moveable from a lower position to an upper position. The envelope flap closing system may include a first transport path of travel for envelopes to be moved seriatim in a first direction from an entrance point to an exit point. A moveable flap closing mechanism is mounted along the path of travel for movement between a lower position and an upper position. The flap closing mechanism has an upper guide surface and a lower guide surface The flap closing mechanism upper guide surface provides a guide surface as part of the first path of travel for envelopes being transported in the first direction when said flap closing mechanism is in said lower position. The flap closing mechanism lower guide surface provides a guide surface as part of a second path of travel for envelopes being transported in a second direction when the flap closing mechanism is in the upper position.