Systems, devices, and methods for automatic unwrapping of bundles
US9162788B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2012 |
| Grant date | Oct 20, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B69/0025
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for automatic positioning, wrapper and strap cutting, wrapper removal, wrapper and strap takeaway, and debundled stack positioning and delivery of bound mail pieces, magazines, catalogs, brochures and other similar flat items (collectively “bundles”) for subsequent sorting and processing, all without damaging the contents within the bundle. Incoming bundles are supported on two supporting plates configured to move horizontally toward and away from each other, and spaced to expose a portion of the bottom surface of the bundle. A cutting device cuts the wrapping and straps on the exposed bottom portion of the bundle, and the supporting plates are moved away from each other to increase the spacing. As the spacing is increased gripping devices atop both supporting plates grab and pull the cat edges of the wrapping, until the bundle falls through to a holding device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.