Method and apparatus for collating folded printed signatures using conveyors rotating about a central axis
US4684116A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 1986 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2404/32
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Collation of folded printed signatures or sheets is accomplished by a rotating collating cylinder or rotary collator which is rotatably driven about its longitudinal axis of revolution. The rotary collator comprises a plurality of collating conveyors arranged substantially parallel to this longitudinal axis. These collating conveyors are substantially annularly positioned about this longitudinal axis and extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rotary collator. The folded printed signatures or sheets are fed or conveyed by three feeding conveyors or infeed devices and are deposited to straddle the collating conveyors or the respective folded printed signatures or sheets already straddling the collating conveyors. The folded printed signatures or sheets are displaced in the direction of conveyance of the rotary collator while revolving about the longitudinal axis of the rotary collator. The printed signatures or sheets are thus conveyed along a path which has the shape of a helix or coiled spiral. The end products are gripped at a product withdrawal location by a withdrawal conveyor or device and conveyed to a different location.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.