System for multi-stage serpentine-shaped buffer with first turn around area after first plurality of stages and second turn area after second plurality of stages

US5761535A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Bell & Howell Phillipsburg Company · US

Inventors

• Leonard Neifert · Apex, US
• David P. Nyffenegger · Bethlehem, US
• Harry C. Noll, Jr. · Whitehall, US
• Steve W. McCay · Raleigh, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 4, 1996
• Grant date: Jun 2, 1998
• Expiry date: Jan 4, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2404/722
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A multi-stage, serpentine-shaped buffer has an entry area for receiving documents, a first level comprising a first plurality of document stages, a first turn-around for substantially reversing the direction of document travel following said first plurality of stages, a second level vertically adjacent to said first level, said second level comprising a second plurality of document stages, a second turn-around for substantially reversing the direction of document travel, and a third level vertically adjacent to said second level, said third level comprising a third plurality of document stages.