Method and apparatus for sheet and carton blank aligning using caster effect
US8915497B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 2014 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2701/1764
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved apparatus and method for properly orienting and aligning flat sheets or strip material, such as in the form of folding carton blanks, on a conveying system such as used in carton folders/gluers is disclosed. A moving sheet is engaged on at least one surface by plural non-driven movable casters oriented at an angle relative to the sheet's intended direction of travel, or target direction. The casters apply a lateral force to the sheet so that a linear lateral edge of the sheet is brought into contact with an adjacent guide member aligned with the target direction, with the sheet assuming a predetermined orientation relative to the target direction. Each caster is resiliently biased such as by a spring at a predetermined angle relative to the target direction. With the sheet's lateral edge in intimate contact with the guide member, the moving sheet is in the aforementioned predetermined orientation relative to, and is displaced in, the target direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.