CA2368032C - On-edge stacker - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method of on-edge stacking of envelopes.
The method including: comprising the steps of: receiving and transporting envelopes in and along an upper level of a diverter section; diverting envelopes selectively from the upper level to a lower level of the diverter section;
propelling diverted envelopes from the lower level into spaces between legs of a spider wheel, the step of propelling including the steps of: rotating a paddle arrangement having substantially radially-oriented paddles; engaging trailing edges of envelopes with the paddles; and moving envelopes by the paddles toward the spider wheel; rotating the spider wheel; delivering envelopes from the spaces of said spider wheel onto a conveyor belt on-edge substantially in vertical orientation; and stacking and accumulating envelopes delivered onto the conveyor belt in side-on-side relationship; wherein the step of diverting includes;
selectively opening a divert gate in the floor of the upper level; and intercepting envelopes that are transported during the step of receiving and transporting with the opened the divert gate and thereby directing envelopes to the lower level.

Description

ON-EDGE STALKER
This is a division of copending Canadian Patent Application 2,014,543 filed on April 12, 1990.
1. Field of the Invention:
This invention relates :o apparatus and method for handling high volume mail and, in particular, it relates to in-line rotary inserter devices having a pl.ural.ity of hopper-held insert feeding assemblies positioned along conveyors to dispense inserts onto the conveyors, and having devices for stuffing envelopes with the inserts.

2. Prior Art and Other Considerations:
Many present devices for stuffing inserts into envelopes employ conveyors to convey stack-dispensed inserts to an envelope stuffing device. Multiple inserter devices rely on a plurality of hoppers disposed along conveyors and dispensing inserts onto the conveyor in predetermined manner to achieve collated insert packages that are subsequently inserted into envelopes.
Such equipment is required to operate at increasingly higher celerities with high reliability and shortest possible down-times. Many problems, which either do not exist or which are inconsequential in low-speed operation need to be overcome in high-speed operation. For instance, such problems involve frictional, inertial, and other speed-related effects of moving apparatus components and of handled document materials.
Prior art inserter devices include r r U.S.Pat.Nos.4,043,551 and 4,079,576 to Morrison et al, U.S.Pat.No.4,177,979 to Orsinger et al, U.S.Pat.No.4,649,691 to Buckholz, U.S.Pat.No.3,825,247 to Fernandez-Rana et al, U.S.Pat.No.3,423,900 to Orsinger, U.S.Pat.No.2,621,039 to Kleineberg'et al, and U.S.Pat.No.3,809,385 to Rana.
It is an important feature of the present invention to provide apparatus and method for automatically inserting into envelopes at high celerities a plurality of inserts in predetermined and preprogrammed continuous manner and to further automatically process such insert-filled envelopes through diverting, flap-sealing, turn-over, stacking, and other operations associated therewith, substantially under computer control and supervision, while providing higher production rates than heretofore practically feasible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with principles of the present invention, envelopes are conveyed from a hopper to an inserting station, where envelopes are opened and inserts are inserted therein.
The inserts are furnished by a plurality of modular insert hoppers which are positioned in line above an endless insert conveyor of the pusher pin type. Envelopes having inserts inserted therein are transported to a vacuum-belt transporter/diverter unit and are directed and transported thereby along at least one path that includes a turn-over module, a sealing module, and an on-edge stacking unit.

r 1.

2a The inserter apparatus operates under preprogrammable computer control and supervision. Automatic error handling and visual display of operational status and program information are provided.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an on-edge stacker for stacking envelopes, comprising: means for receiving and transporting envelopes;
means including a conveyor belt for accumulating envelopes;
means for stacking and delivering envelopes to said means for accumulating; and means for diverting envelopes received by said means for receiving and transporting, said means for diverting being operative in diverting envelopes to said means for stacking; wherein said means for receiving and transporting comprises an upper level including means for conveying envelopes therealong; and wherein said means for stacking and delivering comprises stacking spider means for capturing diverted envelopes delivered thereto and for delivering envelopes side-on-side onto said conveyor belt on-edge substantially in vertical orientation; and wherein said means for diverting comprises: a lower level disposed beneath said upper level; a divert gate disposed in said upper level, said divert gate being selectively openable to intercept and to divert envelopes to said lower level; and means for propelling diverted envelopes along said lower level for delivery to said stacking spider means, said means for propelling including a rotatable paddle arrangement having substantially radially oriented paddles, said paddles being 2b operative in engaging trailing edges of envelopes diverted to and disposed in said lower level and propelling the envelopes toward said stacking spider.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided an on-edge starker for stacking envelopes, comprising: means for receiving and transporting envelopes; means including a conveyor belt for accumulating envelopes; means for stacking and delivering envelopes to said means for accumulating; and, means for diverting envelopes received by said means for receiving and transporting, said means for diverting being operative in diverting envelopes to said means for stacking; wherein said means for receiving and transporting comprises an upper level including means for conveying envelopes therealong; and wherein said means for stacking and delivering comprises stacking spider means for capturing diverted envelopes delivered thereto and for delivering envelopes side-on-side onto said conveyor belt on-edge substantially in vertical orientation, said stacking spider means including at least one revolving spider wheel that is driven and suspended in a floating manner so as to be free to move substantially horizontally against a spring-load in a direction away from said means for accumulating; and wherein said means for diverting comprises: a lower level disposed beneath said upper level; a divert gate disposed in said upper level, said divert gate being selectively,openable to intercept and to divert envelopes to said lower level; and means for s 2c propelling diverted envelopes along said lower level for delivery to said stacking spider means.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided an on-edge stacker for stacking envelopes, comprising: means for receiving and transporting envelopes; means including a conveyor belt for accumulating envelopes; means for stacking and delivering envelopes to said means for accumulating; and means for diverting envelopes received by said means for receiving and transporting, said means for diverting being operative in diverting envelopes to said means for stacking; wherein said means for receiving and transporting comprises an upper level including means for conveying envelopes therealong; and wherein said means for stacking and delivering comprises stacking spider means for capturing diverted envelopes delivered thereto and for delivering envelopes side-on-side onto said conveyor belt on-edge substantially in vertical orientation; and wherein said means for diverting comprises:
a lower level disposed beneath said upper level; a divert gate disposed in said upper level, said divert gate being selectively openable to intercept and to divert envelopes to said lower level; and means for propelling diverted envelopes along said lower level for delivery to said stacking spider means; and wherein said stacking spider means includes at least one revolving spider wheel having a plurality of spaces between legs thereof for receiving diverted envelopes delivered thereto, said means for propelling including a 2d rotatable paddle arrangement including substantially radially-oriented paddles, said paddles being operative in engaging the trailing edge of envelopes disposed in said lower level and propelling the envelopes toward said stacking spider, said means for propelling including synchronizing means for controlling the timing of actuation of rotation of said paddles in dependence upon the angular position of said spaces, so dependence upon the angular position of said spaces, so that an envelope is propelled into one of said plurality of spaces.
In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of on-edge stacking of envelopes, comprising the steps of: receiving and transporting envelopes in and along an upper level of a diverter section; diverting envelopes selectively from said upper level to a lower level of said diverter section;
propelling diverted envelopes from said lower level into spaces between legs of a spider wheel, the step of propelling including the steps of: rotating a paddle arrangement having substantially radially-oriented paddles; engaging trailing edges of envelopes with said paddles; and moving envelopes by said paddles toward said spider wheel; rotating said spider wheel; delivering envelopes from said spaces of said spider wheel onto a conveyor belt on-edge substantially in vertical orientation; and stacking and accumulating envelopes delivered onto said conveyor belt in side-on-side relationship; wherein the step of diverting includes;

x Z

2e selectively opening a divert gate in the floor of said upper level; and intercepting envelopes that are transported during the step of receiving and transporting with the opened said divert gate and thereby directing envelopes to said lower level.
In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention a method of on-edge stacking of envelopes, comprising the steps of: receiving and transporting envelopes in and along an upper level of a diverter section; diverting envelopes selectively from said upper level to a lower level of said diverter section; propelling diverted envelopes from said lower level into spaces between legs of a spider wheel;
rotating said spider wheel; delivering envelopes from said spaces of said spider wheel onto a conveyor belt on-edge substantially in vertical orientation; and stacking and accumulating envelopes delivered onto said conveyor belt in side-on-side relationship, the step of stacking and accumulating comprising a step of suspending said spider wheel in floating manner so as to be free to move substantially horizontally against a spring load in a direction away from said conveyor; wherein the step of diverting includes: selectively opening a divert gate in the floor of said upper level; and intercepting envelopes that are transported during the step of receiving and transporting with the opened said divert gate and thereby directing envelopes to said lower level.

2f In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of on-edge stacking of envelopes, comprising the steps of: receiving and transporting envelopes in and along an upper level of a diverter section; diverting envelopes selectively from said upper level to a lower level of said diverter section;
propelling diverted envelopes from said lower level into spaces between legs of a spider wheel; rotating said spider wheel; delivering envelopes from said spaces of said spider wheel onto a conveyor belt on-edge substantially in vertical orientation; and stacking and accumulating envelopes delivered onto said conveyor belt in side-on-side relationship, the step of stacking and accumulating comprising a step of suspending said spider wheel in floating manner so as to be free to move substantially horizontally against a spring load in a direction away from said conveyor;
wherein the step of diverting includes: selectively opening a divert gate in the floor of said upper level; and intercepting envelopes that are transported during the step of receiving and transporting with the opened said divert gate and thereby directing envelopes to said lower level.
In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided an on-edge stacker for stacking envelopes, comprising: means for receiving envelopes; means including a conveyor belt for accumulating envelopes; means for stacking and delivering envelopes to said means for accumulating; and means for propelling o s 2g envelopes from said means for receiving to said means for stacking and delivering; wherein said means for stacking and delivering comprises stacking spider means for capturing envelopes provided by said means for propelling and for delivering envelopes side-on-side onto said conveyor belt on-edge substantially in vertical orientation, said stacking spider means including at least one revolving spider wheel that is driven and suspended in a floating manner so as to be free to move substantially horizontally against a spring-load in a direction away from said means for accumulating.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout different views. The drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles of the invention.
FIG.1 is a schematic diagrammatic plan view of a preferred embodiment of an in-line rotary inserter apparatus according to the present invention;
FIG.1A is a schematic diagrammatic plan view of another preferred embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention;
FIG.2 is a schematic fragmental side elevational view of a main portion of the apparatus shown in FIG.1;
FTG:2A is a schematic fragmental side elevational view of a main portion of the apparatus shown in FIG.1A;
FIG.3 is a schematic partial detail view of a vacuum aripper drum shown in FIGS.2 and 2A;
FIG.3A is a schematic fragmental side elevational detail view of portions of the inserter mechanism of the apparatus, for instance as indicated in FIGS.2 and 2A;
FIG.3B is a schematic top view of a partial detail of an insertion jam detection arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG.3C is a schematic side view of a partial detail of the insertion jam detection arrangement of FIG.3B;
FIG.4 is a schematic partial side elevation view of a speed change device of a modular rotary irlserter station indicated in FIGS.1 and 2A;
FIG.5 is a schematic partial detail side view of an embodiment of an insert thickness sensing arrangement of the invention;
FIG.5A is a schematic partial detail side view of another embodiment of an insert thickness sensing arrangement of the invention;
FIG.6 is a schematic fragmented top view onto a portion of an insert conveying surface of an in-line rotary ins~rter of the invention;

i y FIG.7 is a schematic fragmented side elevational view of a diverter of the present invention;
FIG.8 is a schematic top view of a vacuum belt transporter/diverter unit of the present invention;
FIG.8A is a schematic fragmental vertical section view of a portion of the unit of FIG. B;
FIG.8B is a schematic side view of an envelope scanner as indicated in FIG.8;
FIG.9 is a schematic side elevational view of basic features of an envelope turnover module of the invention;
FIG.9A is an isometric view of basic features of the turnover module shown in FIG.9;
FIG.10 is a schematic partial side elevational view of an envelope sealing module of the invention;
FIG.10A is a schematic partial top view of the embodiment shown in FIG.20;
FIG.11 is a schematic partial fragmented front view and section of a diverter portion of an on-edge stacking unit of the invention;
FIG.12 is a schematic partial fragmented top view of the unit shown in FIG.11;
FIG.13 is a schematic partial fragmented side view and section of an on-edge stacking unit of the invention;
FIG.14 is a schematic partial fragmented top view of the unit shown in FIG.13; and FIG.15 is a schematic partial enlargement of a middle portion of the view in FIG.13, showincx additional details.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
An embodiment of the in-line rotary inserter apparatus is shown in FIG.1 and comprises basically the following subsystems: One or more rotary insert feeder modules 20, 22, 24, 26 for furnishing inserts from insert hoppers, each including an insert thickness detector; an envelope feed r station 30 for furnishing envelopes from an envelope hopper;
an inserting station 32 in which envelopes are inserted with inserts that are collated and conveyed thereto upon a pin conveyor 34 (from insert feeder modules); and, a vacuum belt transporter/diverter unit 36 for transport and selective diversion of inserted envelopes.
The vacuum belt transporter/diverter unit 36 can provide selective diversion and transport to one of two paths. At least one path comprises an envelope turnover module and an envelope sealing module. The other path can be used for alternate delivery of incompletely inserted (faulty) envelopes, buckled envelopes, and the like; or it can be used for selective alternate delivery of unsealed envelopes for further handling. Turnover module and sealing module can be arranged in either order, provided that each is structured accordingly.
For instance, the embodiment shown in FIG.1 provides first for sealing of envelopes delivered from vacuum belt transport/diverter unit 36 to sealing module 38. Sealed envelopes are thereafter delivered to turnover module 40, are turned over therein to flap-down orientation, and are farther conveyed to on-edge stacking/diverter unit 42. The embodiment shown in FIG.1A provides first for turnover of unsealed envelopes in a turnover module 40A which delivers turned over envelopes to a sealing module 38A.
The embodiment of the inline rotary inserter apparatus shown in FIG.1 further comprises an on-edge stacking/diverter unit 42 that receives envelopes and stacks them on edge in an accumulator 44 or passes envelopes on to additional handling equipment 46.
The inserter apparatus shown in FIG.1 further comprises a main computer 50 for operational control, supervision, a.nd coordination of individual units and modules interconnected therewith, a display/control console 52 to display operational information and receive operator input commands, a skew detector arrangement 54 for sensing of misalignments of collated inserts being conveyed to inserting station 32, and an insert diverter 56 for diversion of inserts (for instance in case of errors in, damage to, or misalignments of inserts). Not specifically shown in FIG. 1 is an envelope diverter 33 (FIG. 2) which is provided in a location between envelope feed station 30 and inserting station 32. Envelope diverter 33 is disposed in a lower equipment region (below pin conveyor 34) along the envelope feed path for selective interception of envelopes that have been stigmatized as being faulty. As specific inserts are intended to be inserted into specific envelopes (and are associated therewith), selective diversion of inserts by insert diverter 56 in case of the occurrence of insert fault conditions is associated with interception and diversion of corresponding envelopes in envelope diverter 33 and vice versa. Thusly, if either inserts or associated envelopes are stigmatized as faulty or otherwise desired to be diverted, the corresponding associated envelopes or inserts, respectively, are also diverted in order to avoid empty envelopes or inserts without envelopes being processed and conveyed farther. Therefore, envelope diverter 33 also serves to selectively divert (undex preprogrammed computer control of computer 50) those envelopes for whom intended associated inserts are being diverted by insert diverter 56.
Referring now also to FIG. 2, a main track bed 60 is horizontally disposed in the upper portion of a main base 62.
Main track bed 60 carries, in its upper portion, pin conveyor 34 for receiving in collated manner inserts from insert feeder modules 20, 22, 24, and 26, and for transporting {from left to right) such inserts past skew detector arrangement 54 and insert diverter 56 to inserting station 32. Display/control console 52 is shown adjustably mounted above main track bed 60. Insert feeder modules 120,22,24,26), skew detector 54, insert diverter 56, and inserting station 32 are generally disposed above main track bed 60 in cantilevered bridging manner.
Envelope feed station 30 is disposed on and within main base 62 at the end thereof that is opposite to the end which carries insert feeder modules 20, 22, 24, 25. The upper portion of envelope feed station 30 includes an envelope hopper 66 and a hopper mechanism 68. A transverse pass H4, including first and second sloping walls 70 and 72, is' disposed in upper portion of main base 62 between inserting station 32 and hopper mechanism 68. A fall region 74 is disposed in transverse pass 64. Another embodiment of the inserter apparatus is shown in FIG.2A to comprise a transverse pass 64A having a substantially horizontal surface 70A with a short fall region 74A thereabove, as will be described in detail later in conjunction with FIG.2A.
Envelope feed station 30 comprises envelope hopper 66, hopper mechanism 68 for withdrawing of envelopes from hopper 66 and for feeding of envelopes to a first grippes drum 76, a second grippes drum 78 for transporting envelopes conveyed thereto by first grippes drum 76, a flap opener 80 to open envelope flaps of envelopes transported by second grippes drum 78, and an envelope conveyor device 82, including an adjustable~upper belt device 83, for conveying of envelopes' from second grippes drum 78 to a vacuum grippes drum 84.
Grippes drums 76 and 78 (and their operation) are of generally conventional kind. Envelope diverter 33 is disposed proximate to the delivery end of envelope conveyor device 82 to selectively intercept and divert envelope rejects into a reject catch bin. Vacuum gripper drum 84 delivers envelopes onto main,track bed 60 in readiness for inserting with inserts in inserting station 32.
Flap opener 80 comprises a rotating rotor 88, having a rotary valve arrangement associated therewith for valuing of vacuum to one or more sucker cups 90. Sucker cuo 90 is disposed upon the periphery of rotor 88 whose rotation (and valuing of vacuum to sucker cup 90) is synchronized anal properly phased with the rotation of second qripper drum 76, so that the flap of an envelope transported by second qripper drum 76 past flap opener 80 is momentarily grabbed and opened (unfolded) by sucker cup 90. A plow/sensor device 92 is disposed just downstream from flap opener 80 and intercepts an opened flap and further bends it into the unfolded position as the envelope is transported by and upon second gripper drum 78. Plow/sensor device 92 is eguipped with a photo-sensor to check correct flap opening.and to detect if an envelope is missing at the time it should be, present.
Envelope hopper 66 contains an envelope stack 94.
Envelopes are stacked therein in an orientation as indicated by a typical stacked envelope 96 having a leading edge 100, a trailing edge 102, and an envelope flap 98 folded along trailing edge 102 onto its lower face. Conseguently, .
withdrawal of an envelope from the bottom of stack 94 onto first gripper drum 76 is performed in an attitude and a direction that precludes catching of the flap on the next envelope. Transport of the withdrawn envelope by first gripper drum 76 to second gripper drum 78 results in an orientation of the envelope (upon second gripper drum 78), as it passes by flap opener 80, having unopened flap 98 facing toward flap openex 80. At this time, sucker cup 90 grabs envelope flap 98 by vacuum action and hinges it about g trailing edge 102 into an open position during passage of the envelope. Opened flap 98 is thereupon intercepted by plow/sensor device 92 and thereby further unfolded, whilst sucker cup 90 releases as its vacuum is vented .and valued off in accordance with the operation of the rotary valuing arrangement of rotor 88. ~ .
Subsequently, an envelope is delivered and zelea ed onto envelope conveyor device 82. Envelope conveyor device 82 comprises two driven endless belts that nip therebetween an envelope delivered thereto and that convey it to vacuum gripper drum 84. A typical envelope will be continuously transported from conveyor device 82 to vacuum aripper drum 84.
The two driven belts (comprised in conveyor device 82>
are arranged in such a manner as to permit slippage of~an envelope with respect to the belt~motion if an envelope is stopped by a selectively interposable stop gate 86. Upper belt device 83 is adjustably mounted for this purpose and for accommodation of different thickness envelopes. If an, envelope is intended to be diverted, it is stopped by stop Gate 86 until it ran no longer be gripped by the next grippers (of vacuum gripper drum 84) passing by. Stop gate 86 is moved out of the way of the envelope path at such time and the envelope will be driven by the belts into a reject bin located in envelope diverter 33.
In an alternate embodiment, stop gate 86 is interposed into the path of each envelope to register the envelope in position. Stop gate 86 is moved out of the way to release the envelope at the appropriate instant in time to be gripped by the grippers of vacuum gripper drum 84. To reject and divert an envelope, stop gate 86 is moved out of the way at a time when the envelope can miss and bypass the grippers of the vacuum gripper drum 84, so that the envelope is delivered into the reject envelope bin.

Envelopes delivered onto main track bed 60 are positioned by vacuum grippes drum 84 for the inserting operation in inserting station 32. Following the inserting operation, envelopes are delivered from the inserting station 32 through a nip between a spring-loaded pressure roller arrangement 104 and a driven conveyor belt arrangement 107 that rides about a pulley arrangement 108.
Envelopes are delivered into fall region 74 in the same orientation as received; i.e. with leading edge 100 leading and envelope flap 98 trailing. The envelope falling into fall region 74 is guided by a deflector bar 106 so that it settles aetainst first sloping wall 70 of vacuum belt transporter/diverter unit 36.
Referring now to FIG.3, continuously revolving vacuum grippes drum 84 schematically depicted therein comprises a first and a second face disc 110 and 112 mounted on a drum 116, which in turn is rotatably supported upon a drum axle 118 in accordance with conventional practise. Various mechanisms (not shown here) are included in this assembly, in conventional manner to perform the required customary grippes functions.
Face discs 110 and 112 are provided with a plurality of vacuum holes 121 and 121' open to the discs' peripheries.
Vacuum holes 121 and 121' are disposed about the disc peripheries in a plurality of groups, whereby each group is disposed in a predetermined relationship to the drum grippes mechanism in positions corresponding to locations whereL~pon envelopes are carried. Vacuum is automatically valued to each group before an envelope is released by respective c~rippers on the grippes drum 84. Consequently, an envelope r re~eased'by grippers remains held to vacuum grippes drum 84 upon vacuum holes 121 and 121' until it is properly delivered to its substantially horizontal registered position on main track bed 60.

Referring now to FIG.3A, a fragmented portion of the inserter mechanism of inserting station 32 (FIGS.1 and 2) is shown therein. The various components are disposed in mutual positional relatiozzships representative of an early stage of the inserting operation. FIG.3A depicts pertinent components disposed in the lower region of inserting station 32 as we?_1 as componezzts particularly involved and associated with the inserting operation that are disposed on, in, and beneath the main track bed 60 (FIG.2). The view of FIG.3A represents a region located approximately in the middle of FIG.2 in enlarged form and includes details that have been omitted from FIG.2 for the sake of clarity.
An,upper portion of vacuum gripper drum 84 (FIG.3) is shown here comprised in inserting station 32. Further comprised in inserting station 32 are stop fingers 125', suction cups 125A, a pair of opening fingers 225B mounted on revolvable shafts 125C, insert pushers 126, and spring-loaded drop rollers 126A. A horizontally disposed top plate 1268 having a trailing end 126C is partially shown: Also , indicated here is a leading portion of conveyor belt arrangement 107. An envelope 127 is shown disposed substantially horizontally in a registered position to which it has been delivered by vacuum gripper drum 84. Envelope 127 has a top side 127A, a bottom side 1278, and a flap 1276. Flap 127C is.held open in a slightly downwardly directed orientation by and below trailing end 126C of top plate 1268.
An air nozzle 123 directs a timed blast of compressed air flow over the upper surface of flap 127C into the envelope to assist opening of the envelope prior to the insertion operation. Air flow is valued on as an envelope is delivered to its insertion position. The air flow also serves to force the envelope against its positional registration stops, for Instance against stop fingers 125, w and aids in holding the envelope downwardly. Air floor is shut off once the insertion operation has begun. Also shown here is an insert stack package 198 disposed upon top plate 126B and being propelled by insert pushers 126 toward the right for insertion into envelope 127. Positional registration stops can alternately be provided in form of stop fingers which are raised from.beneath the upper surface of conveyor belt arrangement 107 in appropriately timed manner.
According to more particular aspects of the apparatus and method of the invention, the travel motion of the uppermost tips of insert pushers 126 in the course of a complete insertion cycle is indicated by phantom lines a_,s locus pattern 'L'. Locus pattern 'L' follows approximately an horizontally elongated noose-shaped form. Insert pushers 126 are translated in a vertical plane along locus pattern 'L' without changing angular orientation during the travel motion of an insert cycle. Insert pusher 126 is shown in a position during the beginning of an insertion cycle. Other salient positions are also indicated by dotted lines by pusher position 126', representing a low position near the end of the retraction portion of an insertion cycle, and by pusher position 126", representing the end of the retraction portion and the early beginning of the insertion portion of an insertion cycle. The apex of the travel motion of insert pusher 126 at the point of travel direction reversal on the right end of locus pattern 'L' is designated as insertion end 'I'.
It should be recognized that a plurality of identical components are usually present in appropriately parallel r positions perpendicularly to the plane of the depiction in front of or behind each such component, as is customarv i_n mail handling equipment. For example, there is a plura3_itY
of stop fingers 125, suction cups 125A, insert. pushers 1%6, ~ CA 02368032 2002-O1-30 drop rollers 226A, etc. Moreover, the depiction omits obstructing components that could be detrimental to claxitv of understanding.
As hereinbefore described, vacuum c~ri.pper drum 84 conveys envelopes in a clockwise direction upwardly to a horizontal position, as indicated by envelope 127 in FIG.3A.
Envelope 127 is delivered to this position through a gap between trailing end 126C (of top plate 1268) and the periphery of vacuum gripper drum 84 onto an insertinct station surface. At this time, opening fingers 125B have orientations that are approximately 80 degrees from their shown orientation so that their tips substantially point toward one another. The envelope is stopped when its leading edge is intercepted by stop fingers 125. Stop fingers 125 are automatically rotated into the position shown to stop an envelope, and are rotated out of this position to release an envelope for farther transport by conveyor belt arrangement 107.
As an envelope has been delivered to the insertion , position shown, and air flow into the envelope from nozzle 123 has been initiated, suction cups 125A descend and, having vacuum valued thereto, attach to top side 127A.
Suction cups are then lifted up, lift the envelope's top side 127A and the envelope forms an open pocket.
Opening fingers 125B are now rotated by their shafts 1250 (one finder clockwise and the other one anticlockwise) by approximately 80 degrees into the orientation indicated..
so that their tips slide into the opened pocket of the envelope; i.e. beneath top side 127A. This finger position and orientation is now substantially along and parallel to the internal side edges of the opened envelope: Opening fingers 125B have a substantially rectangular or square channel-shaped thin-walled cross-section, whereby the C-channel is disposed with a side wall facing downwardly ar_d r its open side facing toward the middle of envelope 227 in the orientation shown in order to reliably guide insert stack package 198 into envelope 127 during the subsequent insertion operation. For the latter purpose, opening fingers are cu tomarily also provided with ramp-like leading edges.
As indicated, the height of fingers 125B is somewhat reduced in direction toward their tips and their tips are smoothed and slightly rounded off to avoid sharp edges that might catch on the envelope during finger rotation therein and on inserts during insertion thereof.
Envelope 127 has now been readied for insertion, as hereinabove described, and insert pushers 126, that have risen from beneath top plate 1268 and that have intercepted insert package 198 along its trailing edge, move horizontally toward the right and push insert stack pa.ckac~e 198 between opening fingers 1258 into envelope 127. As indicated by insertion end 'I' of locus pattern 'L', insert pushers 126 push insert stack package 198 to a position vicinal to the hinge line of the enuelope flap 127C.
Thereafter, insert pushers 126 retract along locus pattern 'L', as indicated by arrows thereupon. Vacuum to suction cups 125A is vented and valued off by now and drop rollers 126A descend into the insert-filled envelope 127 and nip it in spring-loaded manner onto driven conveyor belt arrangement 107, whilst stop fingers 125 are pivoted out of the way of the envelope. Other drop rollers can be provided and moved downwardly to nip the envelope in other appropriate locations along the envelope.
Envelope 127 is fractionally engaged by conveyor belt arrangement 107, withdraws from opening fingers 1258, and is r propelled toward the right. Finders 125B are thereafter rotated approxima.tsly by 80 degrees back to the orientation with tips pointing substantially toc~rard one another. The insert-filled envelor~e is delivered into fall region 74 ~7 iFIG.2).
The translational motion of insert pushers specifically along locus pattern 'L' is provided in order to achieve two main objectives; the horizontal straight-line inserting motion and the rearward and simultaneously downwardly curved retraction motion. Insert stack backaaes, beincr conveyed by pin conveyor 34 (FIG.1) in ma,'_n track bed 60 along main tease 62 by pusher pins 196 (FIG.7), are seriatim transported to the approximate region indicated in the location of insez~t stack package 198 disposed upon top plates 1268 in FIG.3A.
Insert pushers 126 must be moved out of the way of_ a next insert stack package being.conveyed to this region and are, therefore, disposed beneath top plates 1268 at that time, as indicated by locus pattern 'L' and, for instance, insert positions 126' and 126" therealong. Thereafter,' insert pushers 126 are translated upwardly and eventually toward the right, so that they are raised through gaps between top plates 2268, engage the trailing edge of ir_sert stack package 198, and push it horizontally to the right into envelope 127, as hereinbefore described:
Once insert package 198 is inserted in envelope 127, insert pushers retract from insertion end 'I' and gradually sink downwardly beneath top plates 1268 along the path indicated by locus pattern 'L'. This rearward and downward retraction, however, must not interfere with the next envelope being delivered upon vacuum qripper drum 84 in clockwise d?rection upwardly. This is an important reason for the downwardly curved path with fast downward and rearward retraction of insert pushers 226, while simultaneously allowing clearance for delivery of the next envelope and, also simultaneously, permitting an early downward retraction of insert pushers to provide clearance fo-r delivery of the next insert stack package. Travel distances and spacings between successive insert packages t a are thusly kept to a minimum.
The described translational motion of insert pushers 126 is provided.by a drive mechanism that comprises a trolley upon which insert pushers are mounted. The trolley is free to travel horizontally upon a trolley bar arrangement which is cam-driven vertically up and down. The horizontal motion of the trolley is provided by an endless chain drive. Appropriate dimensional and phase relationships between these trolley drive arrangements achieve the locus pattern 'L'.
Referring now to FIGS.3B and 3C, an embodiment of an insertion jam detection arrangement is shown therein, in particular with respect to apparatus and method aspects of the invention. The insertion jam detection arrangement is disposed in inserting station 32 (FIGS.1, 2, and 3Ai aid.
broadly, comprises a horizontal and a vertical retroreflective sensing arranaement. More particularly, the horizontal sensing arrangement comprises a photosensor x.28 and a retroreflective target surface 128A. The vertical sensing arrangement comprises a fair of photosensors 1288 and 128C Chidden behind 128B) and a pair of retroreflective target surfaces 128D and 128E that are dist~osed upon the too surface of each of the opening fingers 125B. Target surfaces 128A, 128D, and 128E are of conventionally used retroreflective material, for instance retroreflective adhesive tape or pads as customarily used in conjunction with photosensors. Envelope 127 is shown in the same position as also depicted in FIG.3A, being disposed in inserting station 32 in readiness for insertion. Opening fingers 225B are shown with their tips disposed in the opened pocket of envelope 127.
A horizontal sensing beam 229 is directed by photosensor x28 onto target surface '128A and is reflected back into the photosensor. Photosensor 128 detects any interruption of the beam 129. Beam 129 traverses at least the entire length of envelope 127 slightly above the upper surface of the opened envelope so that an obstruction of the beam in this region will be detected. For example, interruption of the beam 129 will occur as a consequence of malfunctions caused by damaged, misaliqned, and buckled envelopes having been fed to inserting station 32, or by envelot?es having been buckled or curled up by opening fingers 225B, far instance if suction cups 125A malfunction.
Overall, any undesirable lifting up of a porta.on of the envelope 227 into the path of the beam 129 results in detection of a fault conditior_. Beam 129 also senses problems caused by and during insertion of insert stack packages. For instance, jamming by piling up of insert and envelope material will be detected. Sampling of the photosensor signal at appropriate times during the insertion cycle provides signals that are capable of discerning the type of malfunction more specifically.
Vertical sensing beams 129B and 129C are directed by, photosensors 128B and 1280, respectively, toward target surface 128D and 128E, respectively, and are reflected thereby back into the respective photosensars, provided that the beams are not interrupted. In the depictions in FIGS.38 and 3C; opening fingers 125B and therewith target surfaces 128D and 128E have t~~nte.r. ed into thN~ opened pocket ofi envelope 127. Consequently, sensing beams 129B and ~.29.C a.r_e interrupted by the top side of the open envelope 127. , Vertical sensing beams 129B and 1290 primarily serve to detect the presence of a correctly opened envelope (having both fingers 1258 inserted therein) by sampling of the r signals generated by photosensors 228B and 128C at the appropriate time during the insertion operation. It has been found that the insertion jam detection arrangement, as described, is capable of detecting most, if not all, fault r conditions that can potentially occur in the course of insertion. In case of detection of a fault condition, appropriate action is taken automatically under computer control, for example ether by subsequent diversion of jammed material or by stoppage of the equipment and by fault location indication for the machine operator's attention.
Referring to FIG.4, a speed change device. 130 is disposed within each insert feeder module, and serves to selectively change drive speed of the insert feeder operation. In a particular embodiment such speed change is selectable between a normal speed and half speed (in a relationship to the speed of the pin conveyor 34). In general though, other ratios can be used; for instance 1 to 1/3, 1 to 1/4, and the like. Speed change device 130 comprises an angla drive box 132 for driving the mechanism of insert feeder module (for instance 20) via a box axle 234, a box drive shaft 136 upon which a first and a second pulley 138 and 140 are mounted on either side of angle drive box 132, and a first and a second clutch pulley i42 and 144, both pulleys being borne in free-running manner upon a clutch drive shaft 146, and each pulley comprising a clutoh half coaxially disposed therewith; namely a first clutch half~148 being comprised in first clutch pulley 142 and a second clutch half 150 being comprised in second clutch pulley 144.
Further comprised in speed change device 130 is a clutch shaft 152 disposed coaxially upon clutch drive shaft 146 between first and second clutch pulleys 144 and 146.
Clutch shaft 152 is secured to clutch drive shaft 146 or it can be of unitary construction therewith. A double-sided claw clutch 254, including a clutch securing means 156, is borne coaxially slideably upon clutch shaft 152. Claw clutch 154 is selectably securable to clutch shaft 152 by clutch securing means 156 to either enqaae first clutch half 148 1 . CA 02368032 2002-O1-30 (as shown) or second clutch half 150 for drivinct of either first clutch pulley 142 or second clutch pulley 144, respectively. Clutch securing means 156 can be any conventional device used for such purposes (for instance screws) and claw clutch 154 can be slideably keyed upon clutch shaft 252 in conventional manner. Appropriate bearings (not specifically shown here) are provided for box drive shaft 136 and for clutch drive shaft 146. Clutch drive shaft 146 is provided with an inserter drive pulley 158 secured to one end- thereof. An inserter drive belt 160 provides motive power to inserter drive pulley 258 from a here not shown motor-driven jack shaft that is located in main base 62 of the inse_rter apparatus.
First box pulley 238 is connected with first clutch pulley 142 by a first belt 162. Second box pulley 140 is connected with second clutch pulley 244 by a second belt 164. In the embodiment shown in FIG.4, second clutch pulley 144 is one half the diameter of the first clutch pulley 242, while pulleys 238 and 140 are of the same diameter. The shown clutch engagement results in a first drive speed transmitted to angle drive box 132. The alternate selectable clutch engagement results in a drive speed transmitted to angle drive box 132 that is one half of the first drive speed. Other preselectable drive change ratios can be chosen by appropriate relationships between pulley diameters.
The half speed facility is generally preselected when inserts may be difficult to handle at high speeds, as for instance Given by inserts from very thin materia7.s. in such cases, for example, two feeder modules are used to provide the same more difficult to handle inserts, each module operating at one half of the speed of other insert fender modules. This provides the capability of high delivery rate without a need for slow-down of the entire apparatus.

,, CA 02368032 2002-O1-30 Referring now to FIG.5, insert thickness detector 28, disposed in every feeder module (for instance 20), comprises an insert gripper drum disc 266 of an insert gripper drum employed for delivery of inserts from a hbpper to pin conveyor 34. Thickness detector 28 further comprises a detector caliper assembly 168 and a Hall sensor device 1?0.
First and second anvils 172,174 are adjustably secured to a face of drum disc 166 and are spaced apart by 180 degrees.
Peripheral surfaces of anvils 172,174 are flush with or slightly raised above the periphery of insert gripper drum disc 166. Detector caliper assembly 168 comprises a caliper arm 176: a follower roller 178 mounted at one end of arm 176, a permanent magnet 180 mounted at the other end of arm 176, a caliper pivot 182 upon which arm 1.76 is rotatably borne, and a tension anchor spring 184 spring-loading arm 176 so that roller 178 rides upon the periphery of disc 166 and over anvils 174. Spring 184 is anchored to an anchor 18~, that is secured to the module's frame. Caliper pivot 182 ana.
Half sensor device 170 are also secured to the inserter module frame. Hall sensor 170 senses lateral displacement or the magnet 180 and generates a corresponding electrical signal which is a measure of the thickness of an insert passed between disc 166 (or anvils 172,174) and roller 178.
For example, an insert 1.88 is indicated in a proper position while being conveyed by and upon the gripper drum (disc 166).
In operation, the insert gripper drum revolves about its axis carrying inserts gripped upon its periphery and transportsng such inserts in generally conventional manner.
Anvils 172,174 are adjusted to have their peripheral surfaces concentric about the axis of rotation of gripper drum disc 166, as the periphery of the latter may not be sufficiently concentric to serve as a reference. The signal generated by the Hall sensor 170 corresponds to the radius followed by follower roller 178 about the axis of rotation of disc 156. Consequently, the signal from the Hall sensor provides a measure of insert thickness calipered between roller 178 and an anvil.
Anvils 172 and 174 are not required in another embodiment, wherein the Hall sensor provides reference signals corresponding to disc periphery radii in insert-carrying locations in absence of inserts thereupon. These reference signals axe computer-stored and compared with th~~
insert thickness signals obtained when an insert is presenv::.
Consequently, lack of concentricity of the periphery of di.5c 166 is compensated.
Insert thickness detector 28 is used in insert feeder modules particularly as a so-called "miss and double detector" to detect faulty equipment operation such as giv:n by an absence of an insert or the presence of more than on<,:
insert thickness. In general, Hall sensor signals are compared with preset limits, corresponding to thickness ranges, to allow for permissible thickness variations and tolerable dimensional structural changes.
Yet another embodiment of an insert thickness detectc?:, designated by the numeral 28A, is shown in FIG.5A. An inse?:-t gripper drum 166A and a caliper assembly 168A are borne an~~
mounted on a common frame structure 167. Caliper assembly 1&8A comprises a fixed Hall sensor device 170.and caliper arm 176A. The latter is pivotably borne upon a caliper pivot 182A which is mounted in a fixed position with respect to frame structure 167. Caliper arm 176A has a follower roller 178 freely rotatably mounted at one end thereof. The other end of caliper arm 176A is provided faith a permanet magnet 180 whose magnetic field is sensed by Hall sensor device 1.7 0 .
A pulley 171, mounted on the axle of the insert grippr~r drum 166A, is commonly driven at the same angular velocity J, as the insert qripper drum. A further pulley 173 is freely rotatably borne upon a shaft that is mounted in a fixed position with respect to common frame stxucture 167. Pul~..ey 173 is driven .f.rom pulley 171 via a belt 173A. A nrecis?_<:~n.
caliper roll 1738 is coaxially mounted with pulley 173 anal driven thereby. A point on the periphery of r..alioer roli_ i73B is always disposed so as to substantially coincide with a cylindrical surface within which falls the periphery o.f_ the insert gripper drum 166A. Caliper roll 1738 and follower roller 178 are both disposed in substantially the same vertical plane which is 7_ocated on one side and in the vicinity of one face of insert gripper drum 166A. The nip formed between roll 173B and roller 178 intercepts overhanging portions of inserts being transported upon drum 166A. In absence of inserts being calipered, follower roller 178 contacts caliper roll 173B and is driven thereby. This contact is enforced by spring loading of caliper arm 176A by torsion spring 184A.
The transmission ratio between drum 166A, pulleys 171 and 173, and caliper roll 173B is such that the peripheral velocities of insert cxripper drum 1.66A and caliper roll '! 73B
are identical. Belt 173A is resa_liently elastic, particularly along its length, in order to accomodate velocity fluctuations between the two pulleys.
In operation, when an insert, for instance indicated.
insert 288, is transported upon insert gripper drum 166A.
the insert is also nipped between caliper roll 1738 and follower roller.178, and is driven thereby substantially at the speed of the aripper drum periphery. Follower roller i78 is displaced by the insert thickness, and magnet 180 is correspondingly displaced from its reference position aloncr Hall sensor device 17~J. The difference between the hal7_ sensor signals in absence and in presence of a nipped insert provides an accurate measure of insert thickness. As inserts extend beyond both rides of the insert qripper drum into the nip region between caliper roll 1738 and follower roller 178, lack of concentricity, vibration, and other aripper drum periphery deviations do not affect the measurement, because caliper roll 173B is rigidly borne in the .frame.
structure of the apparatus and is not subject to errors due to such causes. The elasticity of belt 173A facilitates also calipering of relatively thick inserts, as the belt will stretch to adapt to corresponding fluctuations in velocity of caliper roll 1738.
Referring now particularly to FTG.6 in conjur_ction with FIGS.2: 1A and 2, 2A, skew detector arrangement 54 is disposed on and above main track bed 60 and comprises ~ skew detector bridge 190 having a plurality of downwardly-J_ookin photosensors mounted therein. A plurality o.f retrorefl.ectors 192 is disposed below skew detector bridge 190 upon the upper surface of main track bed 60. Skew detector bridaP 7.9t?
is indicated in dotted lines in FIG.6. Fin conveyor 34 (indicated by dash lines? is disposed beneath the surface.oi main track bed 60 and comprises, in two parallel rows, a plurality of egui-spaced upwardly-pointing pusher pips x_96 (two of which are shown here) which protrude above the main track bed through slots 194 and which move therein along the track bed. A typical insert stack package 198 (indicated by phantom lines) is shown as it is pushed along the surface of track bed 60 by pusher pins 196, being conveyed thereby from inserter modules to envelope inserting station 32.
Photosensors in skew detector bridge 190 are directed toward retroreflectors 192 so that the presence of an insert stack is sensed. In particular, the sensing operation is timed in synchronism with the conveying motion of pin conveyor 34. Broadly the apparatus and method of the present invention provides f.or sensing of leading and trailing edges of _i_nsert stark par_k.aoe 198 in a plurality of transverse ' ~ CA 02368032 2002-O1-30 locations across main track bed 60 over retroreflectors 192.
More particularly, detected signal levels. of individual photosensors are compared for transversal incidence timing by sensing of relative obstruction of re~roreflector areas by insert stack package edges. In a more specific embodiment, these signal are evaluated in dependence on machine speed, thusTy establishing limiting tolerance leve~_v for permissible skew and other misalignments as a function of machine speed. Limiting tolerance levels are preprogrammable in order to provide allowance for differeW.
insert materials and, particularly, to establish automatic rejection thresholds for insert stack package skew and misalignment.
Referring now to FIG.7, an insert diverter 56 is depicted in side elevation as it is disposed upon main base 62. Also indicated here is a pusher pin 196 of pin conveyor 34 as it pushes insert stack package 198 along upper surfac<=
of main track bed 60 (from left to right). Broadly, insert diverter 56 comprises a diverter housing 200, an insert reject catch tray 202, and a divert pulley system 204.
Although disposed within main base 62, a selectively positionable two-position reject gate 206 including, its actuating mechanism is a part of insert diverter 56. In a more particular embodiment of the invention, divert pulley system 204 comprises a motor-driven divert drive roller/pulley 208, a motor-driven belt drive pulley 210, and a triple pulley belt arrangement 222 including an endless divert belt 214. Belt arrangement 212 comprises a floating idler pulley 216 which is carried by a here not shown lever-that freely pivots about the axis of belt drive pulley 210 and that is spring loaded in a clockwise direction against an adjustable stop. This lever also carries an idler lever pivot 222 which is linked by a here not shown link to the axle of a take-up pulley 218. This link is spring loaded ' c CA 02368032 2002-O1-30 about the axis of pivot 222 in counter-clockwise direction to keep divert bei.t 214 tensioned. A fixed idler pulley 220 is borne in fixed pos~.tion within housing 200. Resiliently tensioned divert belt 214 is driven by belt drive pul)_w 210. It should be understood that a plurality of substantially identical components is disposed in spaced parallel arrangement perpendicularly to the plane of the depiction, as is customary in sheet material handling mechanisms.
In operation, the apparatus and method of the invention provides for diversion of an insert stack package when reject Gate 206 is raised to its upward reject position 224 .from its by-pass position below the surface of main track bed 60. The insert stack package (such as package 198, for example) is consequently pushed onto reject aate 206 by the normal conveying motion from pusher pins 196. The insert package is thuslv auided into a reject nip recrion 228 between divert belt 214 and divert drive roller!pulley 208.
The package is grabbed in nip region 228 and lifted upuTardly away from the path of pusher pins 196, is carried about roiler/pulley 208, and is thereby transferred into reject catch tray 202. Reject gate 206 is thereafter returned to its by-pass position 226. Positioning of reject gate 206 is performed in conventional manner, for example by a spring-loaded solenoid in response to appropriate energizing signals that are, for example, supplied from main computer 50 (or from a subsystem thereof_). Insert stack packages , stigmatized as faulty (for example misaligned or skewed) are thusly diverted.
Another preferred embodiment of the in-line rotary r inserter apparatus is shown diagrammatically in FIG.1A. The left hand portion of FIG.1A is identical to the left portion of FIG.1 (includincr also envelope feed station 30 and a vacuum belt transporter/diverter unit), but differs from FIG.1 in that unit 36, now designated 36A; is somewhat modified. Unit 36A now feeds (toward the right) a turnover module 40A via a diverter section 47A. Turnover module 40A, iri turn feeds a ,sealing module 38A which is further connected to and feeds a postage meter module 49A via a lift gate section 48A. On-edge stacking/diverter unit 42, fed from postage meter module 49A, is substantially the same as unit 42 shown in FIG.1 (and FIGS.11-15) and can be further connected to additional handling equipment a6.
Diverter section 47A can be substantially similar to the device depicted in FIG.7 and as described in conjunction therewith, although other diverters can be employed instead.
Diverter section 47A serves to divert unsealed envelopes either for normal operation processing reasons or when fault conditions occur.
Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIG.2A tfor instance also in conjunction with FIG.1A), it Will be seen that the depiction is in many respects substantially identical to FIG:2, except that the vacuum belt transporter/diverter unit, now designated with the numeral 36A, comprises a transverse pass 64A having a substantially horizontal surface 70A with a short fall region 74A
thereabove. Further in this embodiment, the envelope conveyor device, now designated with the numeral 82A, includes an upper belt device 83A following a somewhat different belt path (than device 83 of FIG.2), anal the envelope .diverter, nova designated caith the numeral 33A, includes a deflector and belt device 86A (and excludes stop gate 86 of FIG.2). The embodiment of FIG.2A will be described hereinafter only in regard to those aspects differing significantly from the aspects of FIG.2. In other respects, reference should be made to foregoing detail descriptions given in conjunction with FIG.2.

Vacuum belt transporter/dive.rter unit 36 ~f FIG.2 can.
feed other modules or subsystems as depicted, for instance.
in FIG.1A and, similarly, vacuum belt transporter/diverter 36A of FIG.2A can feed other modules or subsystems as depicted, for instance, in FIG.1, provided suitable transition means are interposed to adapt the r_espectivelv sloping and horizontal envelope orientations along the envelope transfer delivery path.
Referring to FIG.2A, envelope conveyor device 82A
comprises a pair of driven endless belts disposed one above the other. Upper belt device 83A includes a generally straight lower portion in nipping contact with the upper portion of the lower belt. An upper portion of the upper belt device 83A is partially carried and driven by a pulley having substantially the same diameter as second aripper drum 78 and forming a part thereof, as indicated in FIG.2A.
Envelopes are delivered by and upon second gripper drum 78 to the nip between upper belt device 83A and the t7pper portion of the lower belt, and axe transported thereby toward the left.into proximity of.vacuum gripper drum 84 ~.n readiness for pick-up by appropriate grippers of drum 8~.
According to an ambodiment of the invention, an envelope div.erter 33A comprises a deflector and belt device 86A and an envelope reject bin 85C. Deflector anal belt device 86A of the diverter 33A is disposed in the region between envelope conveyor device 82A ar_d vacuum qripper drum 84, and comprises a deflector 85 and an endless belt 85E
driven about a pair of pulleys. The axle of_ the upper pulley serves also as pivot 85A about which deflector 85 is selectively pivotable between two positions. In accordance with the apparatus and method of the present invention, deflector 85, in the position indicated, offers an upper deflector surface to envelopes delivered thereto, so that an envelope resting upon this upper deflector surface can ba picked up by the next grippers of vacuum gripper drum 84.
peflector 85 is pivoted into the other position anticlockwise by a small angle so that the night-hand- scoop-like face of deflector 85 scoops and diverts therealong a delivered envelope downwardly. The leading edge of a thusly downwardly deflected envelope will contact the right-hand side of belt 858, and will be driven thereby farther dpwnwardly until it falls into bin 85C. The envelope diverter 33A serves to selectively divert envelopes (for_ instance, reject or faulty envelopes) before they oan reach inserting station 32.
FIGS.8, 8A, and 8B depict detail aspects of vacuum belt transporter/diverter unit 36A and show a delivery end portion of conveyor belt arrangement 107 for conveying from inserting station 32 envelopes filled with inserts. FIG. BA
shows additional details in the~short fall region 74A of the transverse pass 64A in a partial side view similar to the view of this region Given in FIG.2A. Conveyor belt arrangement 107 conveys envelopes into fall region 74A of, transverse pass 64A and deposits envelopes onto surface 70A
of vacuum belt transporter/diverter unit 36A.
In broad aspects of embodiments, vacuum belt transporter/diverter unit 36A comprises surface 70A of a support structure for the unit, first and second parallel vacuum belts 232 and 234 having a plurality of vacuum openings 236 disposed in a region therebetween in surface 70A (or in a block mounted~in surface 70A), at least one Guide rail 238 and one adjustable rail.. 240, and a mountino bar 242 fixed on surface 70A. In more particular aspects, vacuum belt transporter/d~verter unit 36A further comprises a pair of fall brushes 244 disposed in the vicinity of ar..d above the delivery end of conveyor belt arrangement 107, at least one adjustable spring-loaded pressure roll unit 246, and at least one drive pressure roll 248 spring loaded against a driven ro7.1 that. is disposed beneath surface 70A.
In more particular ~..~~,ects, vacuum belt transporter/divert-ea~
unit 36A includes a monitoring photosensor 250 a.nd a raised envelope scanner 252, a deflector 254 includi_na b_r_,'_stles 254A disposed upon the deflector's lower surface, and br usb.
arrangements 255 included in adjustable pressure roll ~_,.n~t 246.
It should be recognized that vacuum belt transporter/diverter unit 36A is substantially symmetrical about a vertical plane disposed through the mZddle of conveyor belt arrangement 107, although the depiction in FIG.8 shows one side partly fragmented.
In respect to further apparatus and method aspects of the invention, first and second vacuum belts 232 and 234 are driven endless belts having their upper surface disposed substantially slightly above surface 70A; so that an envelope can be transported upon these belts. In particular, an envelope delivered by conveyor belt arrangEment 107 onto these belts i T1 t.~ae region alcove vacuum openings 236 c1 i ngs securely to the belts by the action pf vacuum fed. via vacuu?r~
openings 236 ( from a vacuum source here not shoran.) . A. tr,,,~s1_v delivered envelope is deflected downHTardly by fa1_1_ brushes 244 and by deflector 254, and is stopped by rai7_ 240.
Bristles 254A are oriented in direction of the envelope delivery movement and serve to reduce envelope bounce upon delivery. Rail 240 provides for registration of~ an enve:Lop edge, and is repositionable by adjustable fasten.in!~ means 256 to accommodate different size envelopes.
Guide rails 238, curved alon_a, their leading ends, serve to guide opposed envelope edges into definite positional registration therealong and along rail 24. Pressure roll units 246 each comprise an idler roller mounted in a spring-loaded crank device whose position is relocatable by a block 257 along an adjustment r ail 257A. Units 246 also include ~rushes~255 mounted thereon with bristles directed downwardly and angled to facilitate delivery of envelopes thereunder. Brushes 255 serve to push envelopes onto belts 232 and 234, particularly as envelopes ale transported by the belts toward one or the other side and away from the region of vacuum openings 236. Idler rollers of pressure roll units 246 are positioned above and spring loaded onto belt 234. Pressure roll units are adjustably relocatable t~_~
accommodate different envelope sizes, so that envelopes transported by belts 232 and 234 are engaged by the nip between the idler roll and belt 234 before they leave the influence of vacuum in the region of vacuum openings 236, and so that envelopes remain engaged in this nip at least until they are transported in the nip between drive pressure roll 248 and a driven roll therebeneath. Drive pressure ro_1 248 is an idler roll mounted upon a crank arm, and is spri_.g loaded against the driven roll therebeneath:
A monitoring photosensor 250 is shown in surface 70A cry the left side of drive pressure roll 248 for purposes of sensing and monitoring envelopes being delivered to farthe-_=:
equipment. Sensor 250 facilitates supervisory and control functions of multiple subunit arrangements, for instance, via computer 50.
In respect to further more particular aspects of embodiments of an apparatus of the invention and a method of operating the apparatus, FIG.8B shows details of a raised envelope scanner 252 (also indicated in FIG.8). Raised envelope scannex 252 comprises a beam emitter 258 generatirxg a light beam 258A and includes a beam pick-up 259 arranged in line therewith. Emitter 258 emits beam 258A angled across a corner formed between surface 70A and guide rails 238 through slots 260 (in rail 238) and 260A (in surface -70A).
Beam 258 is intercepted by an envelope transported through vacuum belt transporter/diverter unit 36A, provided the envelope is correctly registered between rails 238 and 240 and provided that its inserts are properly fully inserted.
Th is is indicated by envelope 261 (in dashed lines) ha,W_nc~
flan 261A raised. If inserts are, for instance, incomplet~lv inserted. and protrude past the flap hinge edge, the en~7e1_ope flap is stiffened in a mote horizontal orientation.
Consequently, such an envelope is not disposed upon surf_acF
70A in the vicinity of Guide rail 238 subsequently to its delivery to and during transport by vacuum belt transporter/diverter unit 36A, and it will not be scanned while passing by raised envelope scanner 252. Such an envelope may ride with its stiffened flap upon rail 238.
Other faulty envelopes, such as for example having damaged, bulged, improperly folded or other insert faults can also result in absence of a interception by scanner 252. Thus scanner 252 serves to detect such malfunctions.
In operation of vacuum belt transporter/diverter unit 36A, an insert-filled envelope is delivered with flap-edcte trailing by conveyor belt arrangement 107 onto vacuum belts 232 and 23,4. Vacuum is fed to the bottom of the envelObe Via vacuum openings 236 to pull the envelope onto the belts, and the envelope is transported on and by the belts either to the right or to the left, depending on the diract,'_on of belt.
motion. The envelope is further transported to the side of the unit and to farther equipment through a nip between drive pressure roll. 248 and a driven roller therebeneath. A
reversing gearing and clutch arrangement can be provided to reverse the drive to vacuum belts 232 and 234 and to thusly facilitate selectlVe quick change over and diversion of envelopes to the right or the left. For example, as indicated in FIG.1A, vacuum belt transporterldiverter unit 36A can deliver insert-filled er_velopes via a reject diverter section 47A to a turnover module 40A and farther to a sealing module 38A.

Referring row to FIGS.9 and 9A, key aspects of tur~?oVer module 40A depicted therein comprise a module frame and housin_q 262, idler pulleys ?63, 264, and 265, and a driven pulley 266. All four pulleys are disposed substantially in the same plane and are rotatably borne. PulleysW65 and 266 have their centers d~_sposed in fixed positions with respect to housing 262. In a particular embodiment, pulleys 263 and 264 revolve about horizontal axles which are spring-loaded downwardly. These axles can move by a small distance substantially vertically between stops in the spring-loaded range. One stop is set to provide a fixed smallest gap between upper and lower pulleys. The other stop is adjustable to provide a maximum gap between upper and lo~ler pulleys. For instance, axles of pulleys 263 and 264 are first axles of_ approximately horizontally oriented sprinn-loaded cranks whose second axles are rotatably borne in module frame and housing 262. The angle of spring-loaded crank rotation is limited by and between the two stops.
An endless flat belt 267 is carried in figure-eight form by the four pulleys in such a way that~the mutually contacting cross-over belt portions form a one hundred and eighty degree twist about one another in the stretch between the left pulleys (263, 266) and the right pulleys (264, 265). In a particular embodiment of the invention, endless flat belt 267 is produced by twisting a~straight flat belt by seven hundred and twenty degrees and by joining the ends to one another. As carried upon the four pulleys, mutually contacting cross-over belt portions twist in clockwise direction about one another to provide clockwise turnover of envelopes, as indicated in FIG.9A by arrow 268, when envelopes are transported from right to left through turnover module 40A. In illustration of the method of.
operating the tuxzzover module, a typical entering envelope 269 is shown in. phantom 1a_nes being de?ivered to the nin o.f D

the cross-over belt portions. A typical egressina envelope 269' is shown in phantom lines being delivered from the nip of the cross-over belt portions, having been turned from a flap-urn to a flan-down orientation.
The fixed smallest gap between. upper and lower_ pulleys is set to facilitate nipping and transport passage bet~ePn the belt portions of a thinnest envelope to be handled. The other stop is adjusted to a gap between upper and lower pulleys to facilitate nipping and transport passage between the belt portions of the thickest envelope to be handled:
Referring now to FIGS 10 and 10A, features of sealing module 38A shown therein comprise a first belt conveyor 270 and a second belt convevar 272 upon which envelotaes axe conveyed, a flap moistening section 274, a flap sealing section 276, and a frame structure 278 on which the various components are mounted. A typical envelope 280 is shown (in phantom lines) as it is delivered from turnover module 40A
to flap moistening section 274. Envelope 280 is oriented substantially in a horizontal plane having its still open, flap oriented substantially vertically and pointing do~anwardly .
Broadly, flap moistening section 274 comprises a spray nozzle 282 for issuing of a water spray onto the inner surf ace of f laps of envelopes that intercept the spray tal-~ i. le being conveyed through flap moistening sect~_on 274. The spray is particularly directed at th.e gummed portion of envelope flaps, and is provided preferably in form of a fan pattern that has a well-defined fan angle and pattern thickness extent in order to reduce moistening of other than flap surfaces of an envelope. In a particular embodiment.
the fan pattern is preferably oriented in a generally lateral and vertical plane, but can be alternately oriented in other generally lateral planes. For example, suitable spray nozzles can be of a conventional shear type having a ' ~ CA 02368032 2002-O1-30 slit exit and providing high liquid shear forces to break u~
flow into droplet spray. In a particular alternate embodiment, spray nozzles are advantageously of a fluidic oscillator type which break up flow into~relatively well-defined droplet spray patterns. An appropriate nozzle of tY_~=
latter type is described, for instance in U.S.Patent 4,184,636.
First belt conveyor 270 comprises a driven endless belt arrangement having an upper belt surface 284 oriented substantially horizontally for conveying of envelopes through sealing module 38A. Disposed at least in the regior_ of flap moistening section 274, a plurality of pressure rolls 286 is spring loaded onto upper belt surface 284 to form a nip for nipping and thereby more securely conveying envelopes through sealing module 38A. Second belt conveyor 272, commonly driven with first belt conveyor at the same speed, is provided with pressure rolls 290 for exerting of pressure onto a moistened and folded closed flap of an envelope whilst the envelope is conveyed under rolls 290 or top of belt conveyor 272.
A closing guide 292 is disposed in a region that lead:.
into flap sealing section 276. Guide 292 serves to intercede moistened envelope flaps and to bend the flaps upwardly into substantially closed orientation, so that the flap can be sealed subsequently by compression action between second belt 272 and pressure rolls 286, as an envelope is conveyea through flap sealing section 276. As indicated in FTGS.10 and 10A, guide 292 has a compound shape, being curved both downwardly and laterally in direction toward an incoming envelope, and is disposed entirely beneath the horizontal envelope conveying plane (given by the upper surface of second conveyor belt 2?2). Guide 292 intercepts and slides along the outer surface of an envelope flap fed thereto, while gradually pushing the flap into its closed " ~ CA 02368032 2002-O1-30 position.
In a method of operation of sealing module 38A, envelopes are fed thereto seriatim in the orientation and position shown by typical envelope 280. As an envelope is conveyed by first belt 270 (toward the left) past spray nozzle 282., its flap is moistened over its gummed region by spray from this nozzle and, while the envelope is conveVad farther to the left into the nip between second belt 272 and pressure rolls 290, the flap is closed by closing guide 29?...
Thereafter, rolls 290 in combination with belt 272 seal the flap while the envelope is conveyed to the left hand side of the sealing module and delivered therefrom to farther equipment. A photosensor 294 can be provided to detect ingress of an envelope in order to actuate a solenoid waive to feed water to nozzle 282 during passage of the enve)o~~e, so that water is sprayed. only when a flap requires moistening. Alternately, spraying can be continuous while a continuous stream of seratim envelopes is conveyed.
It should be recognized that the generally vertical , orientation of the downwardly pointed envelope flap during the spray moistening operation is particularly advantageous.
For all practical purposes, this orientation avoids wetting of the envelope body and of inserts contained therein.
Moreover, spray droplets that miss a flap or that bounce off or flow down on the flap cannot wet the envelope. The latter droplets are collected in a here not specifically shown tray with appropriate wall shields and are drained away. It should be further recognized that nozzle 282 (and its operating pressure) is preferably chosen to provide a spray with droplet sizes above those which~could form a s significant proportion of floating mist in order to minimize moistening of machine parts. Consequently, preferable droplet sizes are chosen to be above approximately 100 microns, and are preferably substantially in a xange above i r about 200 microns and larger.
Sealed envelopes are delivered by sealing module 38A, for instance, to a lift gate sect.ior~ 48A that i.s indicated in FIG.1A. Lift crate section 48A is provided far passin~c sealed envelopes delivered thereto onward to postage meter module 49A (FIG.1A). Lift Gate section 48A includes a transport conveyor mechanism of conventional kind and is arranged to facilitate lifting and 'tilting of its structure out of the way to permit, for instance,, a machine operator to pass from one to the other side of the equipment when operation is interrupted. Envelopes delivered by lift gate 48A are processed in postage meter module 49A and are delivered therefrom to on-edge stacking/diverter unit 42.
Postage meter module 49A is a conventional apparatus as customarily employed in mass-processing of mailable articles, and will not be further described herein.
deferring now to FTGS.12-25, on-edge stackina/diverter unit 42 is depicted therein. FIGS.11_, 12, and 14 include frac~mental depictions of turnover module 40 (for instance, as indicated in FIG.1) which delivers envelopes to on-edge stacking/diverter unit 42. It should be understood that, in alternate embodiments of the invent?_on, turnover module 40 can be replaced by other system modules that can deliver envelopes to unit 42. In particular also, this reference to module 40 is intended to alternately also refer to postage meter module 49A, for instance in an arrangement as indicated in FIG.1A.
In broadest aspects of an embodiment of the apparatus and the method of the invention, on-edge stacking/diverter unit 42 cox~prises a dlverter section 350 to selectively pass on or divert envelopes, a starker section 352 for stacking of diverted envelopes and including a stacking spider 353, and accumulator 44 for accumulating stacked envelopes.

' ' CA 02368032 2002-O1-30 Ln more particular aspects of an embodiment, re.ferr_incr now to FIGS.11 and 12, diverter section 350 comprises a base structure 354 (common also ~~~ith stacker section 352?, an upper level 356 for receiving, diverting, and passing on of envelopes delivered thereto, and a lower level 358 to which envelopes are diverted for stacking.
Upper level 356 comprises a plurality of conventional prassure rollers 360 that provide pressure onto envelobes against a drivE roll 362 and a drive belt 364 which thuslv convey envel open upon. upper level (to the r?_ght ) . Fu.rthe?_ comprised in the floor of upr~er level 356 is.a selectively operable hinged divert crate 366 that is shown in its closed position flush with the floor: of upper level 356 and. whose open position is indicated by dashed lines. Additiona7_ly, the floor of upper level 356 comprises a photosensor 368 for sensing of envelopes leaving toward the right side to subsequent envelope handling equipment, a rear wall 370 and an adjustable alianer 372; the latter t.wo servincr for alignment of envelopes therebetween, being adjustable to different envelope widths. Aligner 372 is provided with a partial cutout above divert gate 366 to permit opening of the latter. Above the floor of lower level 358, in the vicinity of the hinge of gate 366, i.s disposed a guide strip 373 to guide downwardly diverted envelopes onto the floor.
Guide strip 373 is, for example, of Teflon or other low-friction material to promote downwardly sliding deflection of envelopes along its lower surface.
Lower level 358 comprises selectably operable adjustable length-stops 374 and 376 that are ganged together for common~positional shifts along rear wall 370 to provide selectable envelope offset in stacking. Further, lower leVp'_ 358 comprises an adjustable align.er 372' that is ganged with aligner 372. Aligner 372' is spaced from the floor of IoTaer Level 358 to form an opening adeauate to clear envelopes propelled therethrough. Further comprised in and beneath the floor of lower level 358 is a photosensor 378 for detection of envelopes diverted thereupon, a pair or rotatable na.ddles 380 mounted upon a common shaft that is borne beneath t4~e floor of lower level 358, and an upper and a lower pair of rotating nip rolls 382 and 384, respectively, each pair being borne upon a separate shaft. One of the pair of n?_n rolls is motor-driven, so that a nipped envelope is transported toward stacking spider 353.
A curved arm 385 of resilient flat spring material is freely pivotably disposed in the envelope path between nip rolls 382,384 and stacking spider 353, as indicated in FIGS.13 and 14, so that an envelope propelled along this path is restrained from bouncing (and possibly misaligning) once it has left the nip of the rolls. Arm 385 is secured to a pivotable mount 386. Mount 386 is mounted within the structure of the lower level 358. Arm 385 is held in the position shown by its weight and allows an envelope to sass slidinaly thereunder.
Paddles 380 arm selectively commonly rotatabla in increments of 180 degrees with respect to the position shown in FIG.13 by a motor via a conventional solenoid-actuatabJ_e one-half revolution clutch in response to appropr.~.ate control signals. When rotated, ends of paddles 380 prot_rv.;,de and move through appropriate clearance slots in floor of Lower level 358 so that their motion propels an envelope disposed thereupon into the nip between rolls 382 and 384.
For example, an envelope 388 (shown in phantom lines in FIG.11) falls from upper level 356 to lower level 358, having been diverted by gate 3&&. this envelope is then indicated as envelope 388' (in FIG.13) subseauent to its diversion and disposed upon the floor of level 358. A
subsequent selective operation of paddles 380 (clockwise) propels envelope 388' to the right.

Referring now also to FIGS.1.3 and 14, in further particular aspects of the invention, sticker section 352 comprises a horizontally slidably adjustable table 390 that is partially borne :in and upon base structure 354 in a telescoping manner, and stacking spider 353 which is borne in table 390 and which is motor-driven via a selectively energizable clutch in clockwise direction. Spider 353 includes a timing disc revolving commonly therewith and a photosensor sensing the position of the disc (not shown here). As will be described hereinafter in more detail, stacking snider 353 is borne in table 390 in floating manner, being free to move for a short distance in a substantially horizontal plane away from aCCUr~ulator 44.
Stack_in~x spider 353 is sp_rina-loaded toward accumulator a_4, Table 390 includes an upper surface 392 and a stackina~
surface 394. Upper surface 392 is disposed at substantiallv the same level as or slightly lower than the surface of the floor of lower level 358. Stackinct surface 394 is disposed at a lower level- than upper surface 392 and adjoins a downwardly curved extension thereof.
Stacking spider 353 further comprises a pair of parallel spider wheels 396 and 396' commonly mounted and driven by a shaft 398. Spider wheels are identical in shape, having disposed about their peripheries a plurality of equally spaced spider leas 400 of generally sawtooth-like shape in a trailing orientation in respect to their normal clockwise direction Qf rotation. Spaces between spider leers 400 axe such that a stuffed envelope can easily be disposed therein, as indicated for example by envelope 402. Spacing between spider wheels 39H and 396' is somewhat less than the length of the shortest envelope that is reauired r_o be handled by the equipment. Slidable adjustment of table 390 is provided for adaptation of the eauipment to different size envelopes, in particular to different widths and it _s, therefore, ganged to the adjustment of aligners 372 and 372', as indicated by dotted lines of gang connection 404 (FIG.13).
Accumulator 44 is substantially a conventional stack accumulator device that is customarily used to accumulate flit articles, such as documents, envelopes; and the like side-on-side in vertical orientaticzr_.
Accumulator 44 is borne on table 390 and comprises a powered conveyor belt arrangement 406 having its upper surface disposed slightly above stacking surface 394. It comprises a back plate arrangement 408 that includes an L-shaped back plate 410 having permanent magnets 412 attached to its bottom surface for repositionable attachment seating upon the upper surface of the belt of belt arrangement 406. Back plate 410, in the manner of a "magnetic bookend", can be removed and replaced.
for instance for removal of an envelope stack. Alternately, other back plate arrangements of conventional type can be used, as for instance a back plate slideably (with relatively high friction) and hingeably borr:e upon a rod suspended on a side above an accumulating stack (above belt arrangement 406). The latter arrangement allows upward.hinging of the back plate about the rod for removal of stack 414. Powered conveyor bE:'_t arrangement 406 facilitates orderly accumulation of a stack by incrementally moving on-edge stacked envelopes in unison in response tt~
increasing stack thickness detected by a photosensor. This photosensor detects horizontal movement of stacking spider 353 due to increase of stack thickness.
When only short stacks of envelopes are to be handled in accumulator 44, conveyor belt arrangement 406 need not be powered, but can be free-running. In this case, sensing of stack accumulation is not needed and stacking spider 353 need not be arranged in the indicated floating manner.
Envelope stack 414 has an offset portion 416 disposed therein to illustrate the result of the hereinabove described selectable envelope offset capability comprised in lower level 358. For instance, to distinguish a particular set of diverted envelopes (for example by specific zip codes), the indicated offset capability is provided so th~:t offset portion 414 rnay be recoanizad and selectively h.andLed subseauentl y to i is _a.ccumulation.
Referring now to FIG.15, further particular aspects of an embodiment of the apparatus and method of the inver_tion are shown. Stacking spider 353 is suspended in a floating manner as it is borne in table 390, and is provided by a floating drive suspension arrangement 500. Spider wheels 396 are borne on and. revolved by shaft 398. Arrangement 500 serves to drive and suspend shaft 398 so that stacking spider 353 is tree to move for a short distance in a substantially horizontal direction toward the left and away from stacking surface 394 (toward which it is spring loaded?.
Arrangement 500 comprises a worm reducer gearbox 502.
The output of Qearbox 502 is provided via shaft 398. Gearbox 502, driven by an input shaft 504, is supported via rocker arm means 506 whose one end is securely mounted within table 390. Additionally, gearbox 502 is supported in spring-loaded manner by spring loadincr means 508. Means 508 combri.ses a~
guide rod 600 that is secured, at one end thereof, to a post &02. Post 602 is rigidly affixed to table 390. The free end.
of rod 600 extends through a clearance hoJ_e in a brar_ket 504 that is rigidly attached to or is apart of the housing of gearbox 502. A compression spring 606 is threaded over guide rod 600 and, in pre-compressed manner, extends betiaeen post 602 and bracket 604 and thusly forces gearbox 502 toward the right. A mechanical stop in form of a stop collar 607 limits the possible travel distance of gearbox 502 toward the right. Stop collar 607 is secured to the free end of rod 600 and contacts bracket 604 at the limit of floating travel of gearbox 502.
Input shaft 504 is coupled via a pin coupling 608 to drive axle 700. Axle 700 extends through and is borne by post 602 in an appropriate bearin~x therein. A drive pulley r 702, that is attached to the end of axle 700, is driven via a belt (not shown hers) by a drive mechanism. Pin coupling 608 couples the rotation of axle 700 to input shaft 504, while permitting axial displacement (as well as a small amount of angular misalignment) therebetween.
It will be understood that rocker arm means 506 comprises at least two parallel rocker arms or a unitary rocker arm having adequate bearing lengths and rigidity to provide the required support for gearbox 502. This support m>>.st avoid substantial anctular and axial displacement of shaft 398; in other words, skewing and rocking motions of solder wheels 396 must be avoided.
With reference to FIGS.11 through 15, in operation of on-edge stacking/diverter unit 42, envelopes axe seriatim delivered thereto in horizontal orientation and in alicrn.ment substantially along rear wall 370 upon the floor of upper level 356. If divert gate 366 is in its closed position, envelopes are conveyed toward the right for delivery to farther equipment. If divert gate has been opened, for instance by a solenoid, an envelope is diverted to Lower level 358, as indicated by envelope 388. Guide strip 373 aids in the proper diversion. Envelope 388 falls onto the floor of lower level 358, as indicated by envelope 388' (FIG.13), in the region between length-stops 374 and 376 and between rear wall 370 and aligner 372'.
Subsequently actuated clockwise rotation of paddles 380 propels envelope 388' toward and into the nip between rolls 382,384 and, thereby, into a space between spider legs 400.
Once an envelope has settled in spider wheels 396 and is carried in~.tially upwardly thereby, arm 385 pivots upwardly, being lifted by the envelope disposed thereunder, slides along and out of the way of the envelope, and thereafter pivot back by gravity. Moreover, the action of arm 385 ensures that a delivered envelope does not bounce or otherwise move out .f_rom its proper location between spider leas 400 durino the initial onward movement.
Appropriate timing of actuation of paddles 380 to assure that an envelope is propelled into a spare between legs 400 is obtained ~by the action of the timinG'disc and photosensor arrangement of stacking spider 353. EnerGization of the clutch to paddles 380 is inhibited at such times when a propelled envelope would impinge upon a spider lea 400. -Spider wheels 396,396' carry envelopes to stacking surface 394 and deposit them edge-on. Additionally, trailing edges and tips of spider legs continue to push deposited envelopes side-on-side onto the accumulating envelope stack 414.
Referring now also particularly to FIG.15, in response to increasing stack pressure, spider wheels 396 move back resiliewtly (to the left) by the action of the floating drive suspension arrangement 500, allowing stack 424 to increase in thickness. A photosensor 706 secured to the floating body of Gearbox 502 is partially obstructed by a statior_ary flag 708. The drive of conveyor belt arrangement 406 is energized in response to sensing of flag 708 by photosensor 706, and belt arrangement 406 incrementa)..ly moves the accumulated stack 414 toward the right. Gonseouent stack pressure relief allows spider wheels 396 to fallow.
When flag 708 is no-longer detected by photosensor 706, the drive of belt arrangement 406 is deenergized. As a result.
stack pressure is maintained within appropriate limits and-orderly stacking is provided, regardless of the thickness of an accumulating stack.
In general, various photasensors provide signals fo_r tracking of handled envelopes and inserts throughout the apparatus assembly. Interdependent control of various actuations under supervision of main computer 50 (and subsidiary controls and microprocessors) is provided r dd throughout the in-line rotary inserter device of the invention. The various sensors particularly also facilitate asynchronous operation in further handling of envelopes that have had inserts inserted therein. Whereas synchronous operation may be utilized, asynchronous handling capability is preferred in view of the advantages offered. It will be understood in this respect that transporting of inserts and envelopes to inserting station 32 is a substantially synchronous operation to the extent that appropriate timing of arrival of mutually associated envelopes and inserts at inserting station 32 is essential.
Referring now again to FIGS.1 and 1A, main computer 50 is interconnected with subsystems a_nd subunits, also including power supplies, drive motors, pumps and blowers, sensors, detectors, actuators, display stations, control stations, and other electrically operated and electrical signal-generating components either directly of via subsidiary or intermediate control and supervisory units.
The latter can include microprocessors to automatically control and supervise the operation of individual units in preprogrammed manner under the overall control of computer 50. Far example, sensing of malfunctions, damaged, defective or misaligned items, and consequent diversion and rejection thereof, as well as compensation therefor in subsequent operation, is automatically handled. by main computer 50 in preprogrammed manner, as the computer tracks inserts and envelopes individually sequentially and associatively with their associated complementary counterparts.
Moreover, main computer 50 provides auxiliary system control functions, such as, for example, automatic start-L~.p (and shut-down) sequencing of power and particularly of motor power supplies for reducing power surges and consumption (and noise). In this respect, computer 50 controls selective powering-up of a plural ity of pumps f<:~-.r.

' e. CA 02368032 2002-O1-30 air, vacuum, and water in appropriate sections in accordance uTith particular momentary demand, and computer 50 further controls automatic cycling of pumps, selective shut-down of motors consequent to timed inact~_vzties, shut-down of malfunctioning subsystems, and the like. Individual malfunction display and reset control stations for individual inser_ter modules and other subsystems are located in~the vicinity of corresponding units and are interconnected with computer 50. Whereas central overriding control by computer 50 is provided through display/control console 52, individual local malfunction display and reset stations are provided in appropriately interlocked manner for local operator convenience, to localize malfunctions, and to direct and assure local attention by operators in case of malfunctions.
In brief recapitulation of the general overal l operation of the in-line rotary inserter device, inserts are fed from a plurality of inserter modules onto a moving pin conveyor whereupon one or more inserts are accumulated in~
insert stack packages that are conveyed. to an inserting station. Envelopes are fed to the inserting station, are inserted therein.. with insert stack packages, and are transported faither through sealing and turnover modules.
Sealed and turned-over envelopes are stacked ir_ at ~_east. one accumulator. Prior to being stacked, sealed and tur_n.ed-cwN.r_ envelopes can be conveyed. through a postage meter modul_~::: for-appropriate metering (franking).
Wh le the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be, understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (21)

CLAIMS:

1. ~An on-edge stacker for stacking envelopes, comprising:
means for receiving and transporting envelopes;
means including a conveyor belt for accumulating envelopes;
means for stacking and delivering envelopes to said means for accumulating; and means for diverting envelopes received by said means for receiving and transporting, said means for diverting being operative in diverting envelopes to said means for. stacking;
wherein said means for receiving and transporting comprises an upper level including means for conveying envelopes therealong; and wherein said means for stacking and delivering comprises stacking spider means for capturing diverted envelopes delivered thereto and for delivering envelopes side-on-side onto said conveyor belt on-edge substantially in vertical orientation; and wherein said means for diverting comprises:
a lower level disposed beneath said upper level;
a divert gate disposed in said upper level, said divert gate being selectively openable to intercept and to divert envelopes to said lower level; and means for propelling diverted envelopes in a direction along said lower level for delivery to said stacking spider means, said means for propelling including a rotatable paddle arrangement having substantially radially oriented paddles, said paddles being operative in engaging trailing edges of envelopes diverted to and disposed in said lower level and propelling the envelopes toward said stacking spider means.

2. The on-edge stacker according to claim 1, wherein said means for stacking and delivering includes means for selectively offsetting envelopes laterally with respect to the direction of propelling to said stacking spider means.

3. The on-edge stacker of claim 2, wherein said means for selectively offsetting includes ganged length stops that are commonly selectively off-setable.

4. The on-edge stacker of claim 1, wherein said means for propelling further includes at least one pair of nip rolls having a nip therebetween, said nip rolls being operative in nipping and driving envelopes propelled thereto into said stacking spider means.

5. The on-edge stacker according to claim 1, wherein said conveyor belt is unpowered and free-running.

6. The on-edge stacker according to claim 1, wherein said conveyor belt is controllably intermittently driven.

7. An on-edge stacker for stacking envelopes, comprising:
means for receiving and transporting envelopes;

means including a conveyor belt for accumulating envelopes;
means for stacking and delivering envelopes to said means for accumulating; and, means for diverting envelopes received by said means for receiving and transporting, said means for diverting being operative in diverting envelopes to said means for stacking;
wherein said means for receiving and transporting comprises an upper level including means for conveying envelopes therealong; and wherein said means for stacking and delivering comprises stacking spider means for capturing diverted envelopes delivered thereto and for delivering envelopes side-on-side onto said conveyor belt on-edge substantially in vertical orientation, said stacking spider means including at least one revolving spider wheel that is driven and suspended in a floating manner so as to be free to move substantially horizontally against a spring-load in a direction away from said means for accumulating; and wherein said means for diverting comprises:
a lower level disposed beneath said upper level;
a divert gate disposed in said upper level, said divert gate being selectively openable to intercept and to divert envelopes to said lower level; and means for propelling diverted envelopes along said lower level for delivery to said stacking spider means.

8. The on-edge stacker of claim 7, wherein said stacking spider means further comprises a floating drive suspension, said floating drive suspension including:
a gearbox for driving and suspending said at least one revolving spider wheel;
means for suspending said gearbox in a floating manner;
means for spring-loading said gearbox away from said means for accumulating;
means for driving said gearbox including means for coupling said means for driving to said gearbox;
means for detecting displacement of said gearbox in a direction away from said means for accumulating; and means for energizing and de-energizing and driving and stopping, respectively, said conveyor belt as a consequence of detection by said means for detecting an increase and a decrease, respectively, in displacement of said gearbox from said means for accumulating.

9. The on-edge stacker of claim 8, wherein said means for detecting includes a photosensor.

10. An on-edge stacker for stacking envelopes, comprising:
means for receiving and transporting envelopes;
means including a conveyor belt for accumulating envelopes;
means for stacking and delivering envelopes to said means for accumulating; and means for diverting envelopes received by said means for receiving and transporting, said means for diverting being operative in diverting envelopes to said means for stacking;
wherein said means for receiving and transporting comprises an upper level including means for conveying envelopes therealong; and wherein said means for stacking and delivering comprises stacking spider means for capturing diverted envelopes delivered thereto and for delivering envelopes side-on-side onto said conveyor belt on-edge substantially in vertical orientation; and wherein said means for diverting comprises:
a lower level disposed beneath said upper level;
a divert gate disposed in said upper level, said divert gate being selectively openable to intercept and t:o divert envelopes to said lower level; and means for propelling diverted envelopes in a direction along said lower level for delivery to said stacking spider means; and wherein said stacking spider means includes at least one revolving spider wheel having a plurality of spaces between legs thereof for receiving diverted envelopes delivered thereto, said means for propelling including a rotatable paddle arrangement including substantially radially-oriented paddles, said paddles being operative in engaging a trailing edge of envelopes disposed in said lower level and propelling the envelopes toward said stacking spider, said means for propelling including synchronizing means for controlling timing of actuation of rotation of said paddles in dependence upon an angular position of said spaces, so that the envelopes are propelled into one of said plurality of spaces.

11. A method of on-edge stacking of envelopes, comprising the steps of:
receiving and transporting envelopes in and along an upper level of a diverter section;
diverting envelopes selectively from said upper level to a lower level of said diverter section;
propelling diverted envelopes from said lower level into spaces between legs of a spider wheel, the step of propelling including the steps of:
rotating a paddle arrangement having substantially radially-oriented paddles;
engaging trailing edges of envelopes with said paddles;
and moving envelopes by said paddles toward said spider wheel;
rotating said spider wheel;
delivering envelopes from said spaces of said spider wheel onto a conveyor belt on-edge substantially in vertical orientation; and stacking and accumulating envelopes delivered onto said conveyor belt in side-on-side relationship;
wherein the step of diverting includes;

selectively opening a divert gate in the floor of said upper level; and intercepting envelopes that are transported during the step of receiving and transporting with the opened said divert gate and thereby directing envelopes to said lower level.

12. The method according to claim 11, further including a step of selectively offsetting envelopes laterally with respect to the direction of propelling prior to effecting the step of propelling.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of moving includes the step of nipping envelopes between at least one pair of nip rolls and thereby driving envelopes into said spaces.

14. The method according to claim 11, further including the step of synchronizing the step of propelling with the step of rotating by controlling timing of actuation of the step of propelling in dependence upon the angular position of spaces between legs of said spider wheel, so that the step of propelling effects propelling of an envelope into one of said spaces.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of stacking and accumulating includes a step of intermittently driving said conveyor belt.

16. A method of on-edge stacking of envelopes, comprising the steps of:
receiving and transporting envelopes in and along an upper level of a diverter section;
diverting envelopes selectively from said upper level to a lower level of said diverter section;
propelling diverted envelopes from said lower level into spaces between legs of a spider wheel;
rotating said spider wheel;
delivering envelopes from said spaces of said spider wheel onto a conveyor belt on-edge substantially in vertical orientation; and stacking and accumulating envelopes delivered onto said conveyor belt in side-on-side relationship, the step of stacking and accumulating comprising a step of suspending said spider wheel in floating manner so as to be free to move substantially horizontally against a spring load in a direction away from said conveyor;
wherein the step of diverting includes:
selectively opening a divert gate in the floor of said upper level; and intercepting envelopes that are transported during the step of receiving and transporting with the opened said divert gate and thereby directing envelopes to said lower level.

17. The method of claim 16, further including the steps of:
exerting back pressure onto said spider wheel by the increase in thickness of an envelope stack during the step of stacking and accumulating;
increasing displacement of said spider wheel from said conveyor belt as a consequence of the step of exerting back pressure;
detecting said increase in displacement effected during said step of increasing;
driving said conveyor belt as a consequence of the step of detecting said increase, said driving being effected in a direction so as to decrease said displacement;
detecting a decrease in displacement effected during the step of driving; and stopping the step of driving as a consequence of the step of detecting said decrease.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the steps of detecting are effected by photosensor means.

19. An on-edge stacker for stacking envelopes, comprising:
means for receiving envelopes;
means including a conveyor belt for accumulating envelopes;

means for stacking and delivering envelopes to said means for accumulating; and means for propelling envelopes from said means for receiving to said means for stacking and delivering;
wherein said means for stacking and delivering comprises stacking spider means for capturing envelopes provided by said means for propelling and for delivering envelopes side-on-side onto said conveyor belt on-edge substantially in vertical orientation, said stacking spider means including at least one revolving spider wheel that is driven and suspended in a floating manner so as to be free to move substantially horizontally against a spring-load in a direction away from said means for accumulating.

20. The on-edge stacker according to claim 19, wherein said means for receiving includes means for selectively offsetting envelopes laterally with respect to the direction of propelling to said means for stacking and delivering.

21. The on-edge stacker of claim 19, wherein said stacking spider means further comprises a floating drive suspension, said floating drive suspension including:
a gearbox for driving and suspending said at least one revolving spider wheel;
means for suspending said gearbox in floating manner;
means for spring-loading said gearbox away from said means for accumulating;

means for driving said gearbox including means for coupling said means for driving to said gearbox;
means for detecting displacement of said gearbox in a direction away from said means for accumulating;
means for energizing and de-energizing and driving and stopping, respectively, said conveyor belt as a consequence of detection by said means for detecting an increase and a decrease in displacement of said gearbox from said means for accumulating.