Method and apparatus for holding and conveying a batch of envelopes to facilitate the opening of the envelopes

DETAILED DESCRIPTION According to the preferred form of the present invention, an agent for degrading the edges of envelopes that functions more effectively when heated is applied to the edges of envelopes.
The agent is of the type that functions more effectively when heated.
The envelopes are arranged and aligned in face-to-face relationship to form at least one batch.
Each batch is conveyed around an endless conveying loop that is oriented in a substantially vertical plane defining upper and lower horizontal paths.
At least one substantially planar heating platen is moved against the agent-applied edges of the envelopes to flex the envelopes inwardly of the edges to laterally displace the edges against the platen and transfer heat by conduction to the edges whereby the envelope material is degraded along the edges.
The degrading agent may be applied individually to each envelope or may be applied to batches of envelopes at one time.
The agent may be applied before the envelope batches are conveyed in a location from the conveying apparatus.
Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and of one embodiment thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.