Patent · US Expired

Elevator tray position control apparatus

US5017972A · kind A · utility

52Cited by
12References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 30, 1990
Grant dateMay 21, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 30, 2010

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65H31/18
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for maintaining the outermost surface of a stack of sheets at a selected elevation of the type having a stacking tray for holding the stack, a drive system adapted to move the tray, a position sensor for detecting the position of the outermost sheet of the stack, and a drive controller for controlling the drive system in response to signals received from the position sensor. The drive controller utilizing signals generated by a travel limit sensor, whereby the sensor indicates, with an active signal, the presence of the stacking tray at either a first or a second travel limit position. The drive controller further utilizing signals generated by a motion sensor, whereby the sensor signal is indicative of displacement of the stacking tray. The apparatus further including a sensor actuating apparatus, operatively connected to the stacking tray, for actuating the travel limit and motion sensors. The sensor actuating apparatus including means for actuating the travel limit sensor when the stacking tray is in either a first or a second travel limit position. The sensor actuating apparatus further including means for periodically actuating the motion sensor in response to mov…

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