Importance

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Abstract

A leading edge of a leading blank in a series of overlapping envelope blanks is fed at a preselected speed into contact with a rotatably mounted backing roller. The backing roller is mounted in a frame and is selectively adjustable between a first position and a second position. A rotatably mounted segment roller is positioned opposite the backing roller. A pull-out segment is a secured to a radial portion of the backing roller. A plurality of longitudinal slots are provided in the surface of the pull-out segment and are selectively connected to a source of negative pressure. The segment roller is driven at a preselected speed greater than the speed of the series of overlapping blank. In a first mode of operation, the backing roller is adjusted to a first position in the frame so that upon rotation, the pull-out segment frictionally engages the leading edge of the leading blank, separating it from the series of overlapping blanks. In a second mode of operation the backing roller is adjusted to a second position so that the pull-out segment is removed from frictional engagement with the leading edge of the leading blank. Negative pressure is exerted through the longitudinal slots. Upon rotation of the segment roller, the negative pressure secures the leading edge of the leading blank to the pull-out segment separating the leading blank from the series of overlapping blanks.

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First Claim