Patent · US Expired

Accumulator system for foldable sheet-like material

US6378751B1 · kind B1 · utility

2Cited by
17References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 15, 2000
Grant dateApr 30, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 10, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65H2408/212
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An accumulator system for foldable sheet-like material. The system includes an accumulator bin having a pair of sidewalls, a pair of end walls, a bottom wall, and an open top. An infeed mechanism conveys the material to the accumulator bin. A chute receives the material from the infeed mechanism and guides the material inside the chute. In a first state, the chute is stationary and the system operates in a steady-state condition with a loop in the material between the infeed mechanism and an outfeed mechanism. In a second state, the outfeed mechanism is shut off and the chute is capable of reciprocating such that the material is guided toward the bottom wall of the bin. The reciprocating motion of the chute causes the material to be folded endwise in alternating fashion.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.