Document collector, diverter and stager apparatus and method
US5899453A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 1996 |
| Grant date | May 4, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2513/41
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A document collector, stager and diverter apparatus and method are provided for processing sheet articles through a first and second stage. The first stage is adapted for receiving sheet articles advanced thereto and collected therein and includes a first transport mechanism being operative for selectively diverting collected sheet articles in a divert direction opposite to the conveying direction of the sheet articles. Alternately, the first transport mechanism is operative for selectively advancing the collected sheet articles from the first stage to the second stage. In the second stage, sheet articles can be independently processed and held until a predetermined time when they can be advanced from the second stage by a second transport mechanism. The first and second transport mechanisms each preferably includes plastic chains each with plastic lugs thereon. The chains of the first and second transport mechanisms are simultaneously rotatably movable by a motor and gears or pulleys associated therewith.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.