Material or article handling – Article reorienting device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-21
2001-08-28
Olszewski, Robert P. (Department: 2167)
Material or article handling
Article reorienting device
C414S757000, C414S816000, C198S401000, C198S414000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06280136
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present application is directed to an apparatus used for turning bundles as encountered in the mailroom industry. That is, bundles of printed product, such as newspapers in individual bundles, are advanced downstream in a processing line. Typically, a bundle turn assembly is located between adjacent strapping machines where a strap is placed about a completed bundle in one direction, the bundle rotated through ninety degrees, and a strap then applied to the bundle in a perpendicular direction. Thus, it is necessary to detect the location of the bundle as it proceeds downstream. The bundle is then stopped, rotated, and advanced downstream to the next work station. Of course, it will be appreciated that the invention may find application in other areas and for related environments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is provided an assembly for turning bundles that includes a receiving surface adapted to receive bundles from an upstream station and advance the bundles toward a stop. A lift mechanism lifts and rotates the bundle through approximately ninety degrees. A drive assembly then removes the bundle from the surface and advances it toward a downstream station.
A sensor is preferably provided to detect movement of the bundle toward the surface. A timing sequence is initiated in response to a signal from the sensor. The bundle is slowed over the surface so that the bundle does not contact the stop at high speed. The stop is then retracted after the bundle is stopped and a portion of the surface is lifted and rotated through approximately ninety degrees to re-orient the bundle. The bundle is then advanced from the surface toward a downstream station.
The lift and rotate mechanism is preferably a ring that engages a lower surface of the bundle an d engages the bundle over an annular area during the lift and rotation movement.
A benefit of the invention resides in the ability to accurately receive, stop, rotate, and advance the bundle from the surface.
Another benefit of the invention is found in the simplified structure that performs the bundle rotation.
Still other features and benefits of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description.
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patent: 35 13 381 (1986-10-01), None
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Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich & McKee LLP
O'Connor Gerald J.
Olszewski Robert P.
Total Mailroom Support, Inc
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