When sealed by the machine, the flaps of the envelopes are folded tightly and securely sealed. The moistening device is so constructed that the amount of moisture passing under each flap is regulated to a nicety, preventing envelopes sticking together on account of too much water being applied. Coincident with the sealing of an envelope, the stamp is applied. Every envelope passing through the machine is stamped; as a result, none are returned from the postoffice for lack of postage.
Fig. 25. The Mailometer
Mailing Machine
Mailometer Co.
A special counting device automatically counts the stamps as applied, the counter being in full view of the operator. This means an absolute check on the postage account. The stamps are locked in a glass case and, by moving a lever, the stamp mechanism can be thrown out of operation. It can only be made to apply stamps again by unlocking the case, which places the stamps absolutely under the control of one person.
After being sealed and counted, the envelopes pass to a stacker, all facing one way so that they can be tied in bundles for sending to the postoffice. This is a point worthy of consideration where dispatch in getting mail out is of importance. Envelopes of any size up to twelve inches are handled, and by throwing off the sealing device, mailing cards can be stamped.
The machine referred to is shown in Fig. 25. In operation, the mail is gathered and placed on the rack shown at the top of the machine, with the flap of each envelope overlapping the one next to it. The operator, taking a bunch of about twenty-five envelopes from the rack, holds them lightly against the feed rolls at the left of the machine. The automatic feed separates the envelopes, permitting only one at a time to pass its flap over a metal disc which revolves in water. As the envelope is advanced, the stamps are fed forward, cut off, moistened, and rolled upon the passing envelope. The stamps used in the machine are put up in continuous-ribbon form, wound on a reel, there being 3000 stamps on a reel. Until the government supplies stamps in this form, they are being supplied by the manufacturers, who have arranged with the government to make them to their order.
Letter-Printing Machines. The present extensive use of circular or form letters is made possible by the use of letter-printing machines. To write all of the letters on a typewriter is out of the question, owing to the cost. Consequently, concerns doing any considerable circularizing have resorted to imitation typewritten letters.
Fig. 26. The Multigraph Cylinder Printing Machine
American Multigraph Sales Co.