Collector apparatus and method
US5860643A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 22, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jan 19, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 22, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2301/42266
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A high-capacity collector apparatus and method are provided for collecting sheet articles and advancing collected sheet articles. The collector apparatus includes a stage for collecting a stack of sheet articles advanced thereto wherein the stage is adjustable to accommodate sheet articles of various dimensions or sizes. Pusher/stop members are provided and are operable to stop sheet articles collected in a stack in the stage and to subsequently push the stack of sheet articles from the stage. The pusher/stop members are preferably lug members fixedly attached to a plurality of belts with each belt having one lug member fixedly attached thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the collector apparatus comprises two pairs of independently controlled movable belts each having one lug member attached thereto. The lug members of one pair of belts are adapted for providing a front stop for one stack of sheet articles collected in the stage, and for alternately moving to a rear ready position and then pushing another stack of collected sheet articles from the stage at a predetermined time. Each belt operatively extends around one drive pulley and one idle pulley, and the belts are aligned so t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.