Package making – Methods – Filling preformed receptacle
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-21
2001-06-05
Kim, Eugene (Department: 3721)
Package making
Methods
Filling preformed receptacle
C053S492000, C053S381500, C053S381700, C053S569000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240710
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates generally to an envelope packing apparatus, and in particular, to a stage and thread assembly for use in a high speed envelope packing apparatus. Specifically, the present invention relates to an assembly that continuously receives at high speeds, envelopes from the side with the envelope flap open, precisely aligns and positions the envelopes, moves the aligned envelopes in a direction perpendicular to the direction of entry, and stages or positions the envelopes above a threading roller so they can be threaded on a packing plate.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The stage and thread assembly known as the refeed, disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/734,632, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference, had to singulate an envelope off a stack of ten to twenty envelopes and then present it to the threading roller for threading on the packing plate and insertion of material into the envelope. This design has a number of drawbacks.
For example, the stacking of envelopes prior to refeeding, in an area referred to as the understack, was very difficult to regulate at any constant height or number. This made it very difficult for the refeed apparatus to singulate an envelope therefrom with any consistency. Further, the prompter device which was used to pull envelopes off the top of the stack consisted of a threaded belt mounted above the stack. The prompter was turned on when it was time to pull an envelope from the stack; however, the belt often slipped on the envelope, thus missing the window of opportunity for the next insertion. Finally, the device which presented the envelope to the threading roller, known as the singulator, was very inconsistent in such presentation because the angle the envelopes entered the singulator varied due to an ever changing height of the stack of envelopes.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a stage and thread assembly for use in a high speed envelope packing apparatus. The assembly receives from the side, a single envelope with flap open. The assembly precisely aligns and positions the envelope in a pre-stage area via a plurality of entry ramps, continuously running belts, and back stops so as to rectify any misalignment. Once positioned in the pre-stage area, the apparatus stages the envelope in a position above the thread roller so that it can be threaded on the packing plate for insertion. The staging of the envelope is achieved via a plurality of rollers including, d-rollers, flipper rollers, and stage rollers. The envelope is staged in a direction perpendicular to the direction of entry of the envelope.
Accordingly, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide an improved stage and thread apparatus for a high speed envelope packing apparatus.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which can receive envelopes with flap open from the side and precisely align the same, rectifying any misalignment.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which can receive envelopes with flap open from the side and precisely align the same, and then move the same in a direction perpendicular to the direction of entry.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which can receive envelopes with flap open from the side and precisely align the same, and then move the same in a direction perpendicular to the direction of entry to stage the envelope above a thread roller.
Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, from the claims, and from the accompanying drawings in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5081825 (1992-01-01), Mrozinski
patent: 5168689 (1992-12-01), Macelis
patent: 5251425 (1993-10-01), Kern
patent: 5255498 (1993-10-01), Hotchkiss et al.
patent: 5327705 (1994-07-01), Defigueiredo
patent: 5511357 (1996-04-01), Ricketts et al.
patent: 5911668 (1999-06-01), Auerbach et al.
Button Kevin
Corradini John
McLean Douglas
Bell & Howell Mail
Kim Eugene
Patula & Associates P.C.
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