Method and apparatus for synchronizing a document feeder with a mail sorting conveyor
US5954330A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2701/1916
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus and method of synchronizing entry of a mailpiece from a mail feeder into a designated mailpiece location of a mail sorting conveyor. The method includes the steps of establishing a symmetric speed versus time profile around a send signal. In a first case, when the mailpiece stops before receiving the send signal, the method further includes following the speed versus time profile to accelerate to a merge speed for merging the mailpiece with the designated mail location of the sorting conveyor. In a second case, when the send signal arrives before the mailpiece reaches the stop position, holding the mailpiece at a constant speed across the speed versus time profile until the position of the mailpiece intersects an opposing side of the speed versus time profile and then following the speed versus time profile to accelerate the mailpiece to a merge speed for merging the mailpiece within the designated mail location of the sorting conveyor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.