Apparatus and method for separating a stream of lapped signatures into discrete batches
US5141219A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 8, 1989 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H33/16
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for separating a stream of signatures into discrete batches includes an infeed conveyor transporting signatures at a constant velocity V.sub.1, an outfeed conveyor transporting signatures at a higher constant velocity V.sub.2, and a plurality of parallel endless belts disposed between the infeed and outfeed conveyors. The plurality of parallel belts each include a raised portion for engaging and transporting signatures. Each belt is independently driven, and the belts are positioned with the raised portions staggered to engage successive portions of the incoming stream of signature. Each belt is driven alternatively at speeds V.sub.1 and V.sub.2, first matching the infeed velocity and then matching the outfeed velocity. As each successive raised portion fully engages a portion of signatures, it is accelerated to V.sub.2, thus introducing a gap between that portion of signatures and the remainder of the stream, which is engaged by the raised portion of the succeeding belt traveling at V.sub.1, thus creating a discrete batch. This process continues, repeatedly and successively with each of the belts, thus continuously creating a stream of discrete batches of la…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.