System and method of automatic feeder stack management

US10131513B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• United States Postal Service · US

Inventors

• John W. Brown · Flemington, US
• Edward F. Houston · Bristow, US
• Juan A. Roman · Fairfax, US
• Leung M. Shiu · Harrisburg, US
• Riley H. Mayhall · Germantown, US
• William P. McConnell · Saint Augustine, US
• Matthew G. Good · Eldersburg, US
• Robert E. Hume · Granite, US
• Thomas A. Hillerich · Jeffersontown, US
• Long K. Ha · Frederick, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 13, 2016
• Grant date: Nov 20, 2018
• Expiry date: May 13, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2701/1916
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Embodiments of a system and method for singulating articles in an automatic stack feeder are disclosed. The automatic stack feeder may comprise a pressure sensor on a perforated drive belt assembly configured to sense the pressure exerted by a stack of articles. The sensed pressure may be used to control various portions of the automatic stack feeder, such as a belt or a paddle.