Importance

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Abstract

An improved envelope opener comprising first, second and third shear stations for shearing three edges of an envelope in sequence one edge at a time. Each shear station sequentially aligns the envelope by contacting the edge to be sheared, shears the contacted edge, and then releases the envelope. Each shear station includes a self-sharpening and self-aligning anvil assembly comprising a pivotable anvil which is spring-urged to an adjustable home position. The home position of the anvil is adjusted by means of a rotatable eccentric stop. During a shearing operation, the anvil is pivoted away from and then back towards the home position. An overly thick envelope will keep the anvil pivoted away from the home position to avoid a jam condition at the shear station. A peel back station downstream of the last shear station peels back the top panel of the envelope to expose the contents thereof. The peel back station comprises a pivotable gate, a support rod, and a pivotable separation roller and an exit roller both of which are pivotable upwardly. The support rod is disposed in proximity to the gate stop, and the gate and rod support an envelope in the station as the envelope panels are first peeled back and then transported through the station. The separation and exit rollers are pivoted upwardly by an overly thick envelope, to enable the envelope to pass through the peel back station without causing a jam condition.

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First Claim