Method and device for orienting flat items of mail towards a narrow edge

US7344016B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Rainer Vogel · Teltow, DE
• Michael Schwarzbauer · Konstanz, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 25, 2004
• Grant date: Mar 18, 2008
• Expiry date: Aug 22, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2701/1916
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method and device are disclosed for orienting flat items of mail towards a narrow edge in a U-shaped conveying channel in which they are conveyed in an upright position and without being jammed. Before the items pass the conveying channel for the purpose of alignment, their thickness is measured. The distances of the lateral limit stops or limiting sections are changed by means of adjusting mechanisms for every item of mail in such a manner that at the end of the conveying channel, the item is oriented towards its lower narrow edge by virtue of its own gravity and the distance of the lateral limit stops of the conveying channel from every item of mail during transport through the conveying channel is only wide enough for the item not to collapse at all nor to collapse partially even if its intrinsic stiffness is poor.