Input hopper apparatus
US5009411A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 1988 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H3/0669
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An input hopper (20) for inputting card members to card processing modules (14) includes a tray (22) for storing the cards which are maintained in a stack by a pusher mechanism (30) having a plate (23) biasing the card stack toward a first end of the tray (22). A notched cam (42) at the first end of the tray (22) rotates and engages the edge of a lead card to separate it from the stack. Rollers (50,52,54) engage the separated card and deliver the card from the input hopper (20). The cam (42) and main roller (50) are driven by a motor (60) and drive linkage (61) including a coiled spring (70) to provide an override to the drive linkage (61) in the event of jamming.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.