Article transport apparatus
US5813327A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 26, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 29, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 26, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07B2017/00685
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for transporting a mailpiece. The apparatus comprises an assembly for feeding the mailpieces in a path of travel; a sensor assembly for determining the length of the mailpieces; and a controller in operative communication with the sensor assembly and the feeding assembly, the controller for adjusting the gap between a first mailpiece having a measured length and a second mailpiece to: (i) establish a fixed pitch between the first mailpiece and the second mailpiece if the measure length is equal to or less than a predetermined value, or (ii) establish a fixed gap between the first mailpiece and the second mailpiece if the measure length is greater than the predetermined value. The method comprises the steps of feeding the mailpieces in a path of travel; determining the length of the mailpieces; and adjusting the gap between a first mailpiece having a determined length and a second mailpiece to establish a fixed pitch between the first mailpiece and the second mailpiece if the determined length is equal to or less than a predetermined value.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.