Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Specific application – apparatus or process – Article handling
Reexamination Certificate
2003-12-29
2004-12-07
Crawford, Gene O. (Department: 3651)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Specific application, apparatus or process
Article handling
C700S219000, C700S223000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06829521
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to logs of printed products having thereon a programmable identification which is accessible to provide product information such as product identification and orientation, and relates to methods for producing such logs and methods for utilizing such logs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As used in the printing industry, a log is a stack of typically unbound printed products such as signatures that are contained on each end of the stack with an end board. The signatures and end boards are then strapped to create a unified structure that can be transported with a device such as a forklift or crane. Such a log makes transporting quantities of signatures more efficient. In use, the logs are transported to and loaded onto a log loader of a binding line where the log is unstrapped and end boards removed. The signatures are then feedable to the binding line.
When transporting and loading a log onto a log loader of a binding line, errors can occurs such as the log of signature being delivered to the wrong log loader or such as the log of signatures being loaded onto the log loader in an incorrect orientation. Different types and models of log loaders require different signature orientations, i.e., spine leading, lap leading, etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a log of printed products which include thereon a programmable identification that is readable to provide information regarding the printed products that compose the log. The information readable from the log ensures that further processing of the log is conducted without errors or is conducted more efficiently.
In one embodiment of the invention, the log is composed of unbound printed products such as signatures. When the log of signatures is created, the programmable identification is programmed to include information such as signature identification and orientation. When needed, the log is transported to a binding line and loaded onto a log loader by a lifting device such as a crane and bundle clamp. One or both of the bundle clamp and log loader have a reader thereon to read the identification on the log. The accessed information eliminates errors by ensuring that the log is loaded onto the correct log loader and loaded in the correct orientation.
In another embodiment of the invention, the log is composed of bound printed products such as magazine, catalogs, books, direct mail pieces, or the like. The log has thereon a programmable identification which is readable to provide information regarding the contents of the log such as product type, orientation, postal destination, end of pallet, or the like. The identification is readable during subsequent transporting or processing of the log to reduce handling errors and increase processing efficiency.
The invention includes methods for producing logs of printed products having thereon a programmable identification containing readable information relating to the printed products that compose the log as well as methods for utilizing or further processing such logs. In particular, the invention also includes a method for forming a log of bound printed products.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims, and drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3839636 (1974-10-01), Worrall
patent: 4141492 (1979-02-01), Michel et al.
patent: 4541763 (1985-09-01), Chandhoke et al.
patent: 4750132 (1988-06-01), Pessina et al.
patent: 5092829 (1992-03-01), Gerber
patent: 5138817 (1992-08-01), Mowry et al.
patent: 5174454 (1992-12-01), Parkander
patent: 5338149 (1994-08-01), Wiseman
patent: 5383130 (1995-01-01), Kalisiak
patent: 5458323 (1995-10-01), Magee et al.
patent: 5505585 (1996-04-01), Hubbard
patent: 5613669 (1997-03-01), Grueninger
patent: 5772391 (1998-06-01), Sjogren et al.
patent: 5918879 (1999-07-01), Steinhilber
patent: 6192295 (2001-02-01), Gunther
patent: 6259369 (2001-07-01), Monico
patent: 6400272 (2002-06-01), Holtzman et al.
patent: 6519503 (2003-02-01), Paterson et al.
Anderson Edward J.
Geres John C.
Graushar William T.
Crawford Gene O.
Michael & Best & Friedrich LLP
Quad Graphics, Inc.
LandOfFree
Printed products does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Printed products, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Printed products will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3289027