Sheet conveying apparatus
US11858776B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 21, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2801/21
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A conveying apparatus for feeding sheets into a processing apparatus is discloses which comprises a plurality of nips within which sheets are gripped and driven along a conveying direction towards the processing apparatus, each nip being defined between a respective drive wheel and an opposing reaction surface. The drive wheels are omni-wheels configured to apply a frictional force to advance the sheets in the conveying direction while permitting free movement of the sheets in a direction transverse to the conveying direction, the reaction surfaces permitting free movement of the sheets in the transverse direction, and an elongate guide is arranged on one side of the conveying apparatus, to extend generally parallel to the conveying direction, the conveying apparatus being configured to urge conveyed sheets in the transverse direction into contact with the guide. A control system is provided to move the guide generally in the transverse direction in dependence upon sensed fiducials on the conveyed sheets, to ensure correct alignment of the sheets in the transverse direction with respect to the processing apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.