Signature stacker
US5338149A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 1990 |
| Grant date | Aug 16, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2402/351
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A signature stream is intercepted by a bucket unlatched from the intercept position. The buckets are moved by drive chains. A spring assembly maintains tension upon the drive chains and spring loads the bucket in the "home" position, providing a detent action upon this bucket to accelerate the bucket and also provide a force for drop-out of the bucket. A bucket cam follower guides the bucket to move from a normal path to the "home" position. A microprocessor selectively halts each bucket during downward movement to reduce free fall time of signatures. A zero force cam engaged by the bucket cam follower counteracts the force otherwise applied to the chains by variable weight signatures on the bucket to maintain uniform tension on the chains. Circular cams move the free ends of the tines increasingly faster to orient the signature stack horizontally before the bucket withdraws from beneath the batch. Oscillating paddles jog the sides and corners of the signatures during stacking to form a neat batch. A turntable is rotated 180.degree. after receiving each signature batch. Chain driven pusher rods mounted independently of the rotatable turntable pass through a gap in the turntable to …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.