Inserting apparatus and method with controlled, master cycle speed-dependent actuator operations

US6718740B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Bell & Howell Mail and Messaging Technologies Company · US

Inventors

• James Robert Rivenbark, Jr. · Raleigh, US
• Keith A. Harshman · Apex, US
• Frank Shinn · Fuquay-Varina, US
• Bradford D. Henry · Cary, US
• Steve W. McCay · Raleigh, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 26, 2001
• Grant date: Apr 13, 2004
• Expiry date: Apr 26, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B43M3/04
• WIPO field: Other consumer goods
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

In an inserting apparatus and method such as the continuous motion type, a motion controller electrically communicates with an encoder, a first motor driving an insert conveyor assembly, a second motor driving an envelope conveyor assembly, and an actuator operatively interfaced with a peripheral device. The motion controller controls insert conveyor assembly speed, envelope conveyor assembly speed, and the rotational position at which the actuator should be activated, based on the encoder signal. Once during every master cycle, the motion controller calculates the actuator activation position, and causes the first actuator to be activated at the calculated first actuator activation position.