Envelope opening apparatus and method

摘要

Apparatus and method for opening an envelope upon three sides. The apparatus employs a circular rotating wheel which supports a plurality of complementary pairs of paddles which are designed to open at predetermined times to receive an envelope and close upon the envelope in a protective manner. The envelope is first received in the paddles with the leading edge thereof slightly exposed. As the paddles progress in their circular motion, the leading edge is engaged by means which weaken the edge. Thereafter, the paddles are opened and a conveyor below the paddles repositions the envelope between the paddles so as the trailing and bottom edges thereof are slightly exposed. As the paddles progress, the trailing and bottom edges are likewise weakened after which the envelope is discharged to an opening means.