Patent · US Expired

Sorting apparatus

US5011131A · kind A · utility

2Cited by
16References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 3, 1989
Grant dateApr 30, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 3, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65H2408/112
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A sorting device includes a plurality of shelves placed one above the other in a frame, each adapted to receive a printing plate in sorted fashion. Located in front of the insertion opening of the shelves is a transport device for moving the printing plates along the shelves, preferably from top to bottom. Between the transport device and the shelves is a sorting carriage which can travel along the shelves and which includes a pivotable flap which operates to deflect the printing plates from the transport device to a desired shelf. To allow the printing plates to be introduced into the shelves, while keeping the shelves placed close together, the shelves are pivotally mounted at their lower edges and the sorting carriage is provided with a tappet for engaging the shelf located above the selected shelf, to lift the upper shelves and thereby enlarge the insertion opening. The arrangement is especially suitable for sorting so-called "flexoplates" and flexible offset plates.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.