EP0626330A2 - Apparat zur Behandlung von Lagen - Google Patents

Apparat zur Behandlung von Lagen Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0626330A2
EP0626330A2 EP94104246A EP94104246A EP0626330A2 EP 0626330 A2 EP0626330 A2 EP 0626330A2 EP 94104246 A EP94104246 A EP 94104246A EP 94104246 A EP94104246 A EP 94104246A EP 0626330 A2 EP0626330 A2 EP 0626330A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
signatures
stack
pusher element
rail
carriage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP94104246A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0626330B1 (de
EP0626330A3 (de
Inventor
Stephen R. Kleinhen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Original Assignee
Multigraphics Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US08/066,901 external-priority patent/US5392700A/en
Application filed by Multigraphics Inc filed Critical Multigraphics Inc
Publication of EP0626330A2 publication Critical patent/EP0626330A2/de
Publication of EP0626330A3 publication Critical patent/EP0626330A3/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0626330B1 publication Critical patent/EP0626330B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H31/00—Pile receivers
    • B65H31/30—Arrangements for removing completed piles
    • B65H31/3081—Arrangements for removing completed piles by acting on edge of the pile for moving it along a surface, e.g. by pushing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
    • B65H2301/40—Type of handling process
    • B65H2301/42—Piling, depiling, handling piles
    • B65H2301/421—Forming a pile
    • B65H2301/4211—Forming a pile of articles alternatively overturned, or swivelled from a certain angle
    • B65H2301/42112—Forming a pile of articles alternatively overturned, or swivelled from a certain angle swivelled from 180°
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
    • B65H2301/40—Type of handling process
    • B65H2301/42—Piling, depiling, handling piles
    • B65H2301/422—Handling piles, sets or stacks of articles
    • B65H2301/4226—Delivering, advancing piles
    • B65H2301/42266—Delivering, advancing piles by acting on edge of the pile for moving it along a surface, e.g. pushing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2402/00—Constructional details of the handling apparatus
    • B65H2402/30—Supports; Subassemblies; Mountings thereof
    • B65H2402/35—Supports; Subassemblies; Mountings thereof rotating around an axis
    • B65H2402/351—Turntables

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a new and improved apparatus for use in handling signatures and more specifically to an apparatus which conveys stacks of signatures from a platform.
  • An apparatus which receives signatures, forms groups or intermediate stacks of signatures and deposits the intermediate stacks of signatures on a main stack of signatures is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,068,567, issued January 17, 1978 and entitled "Combined Ejector-Gate Means for Rotatable Table of an Article Counter-Stacker".
  • the apparatus disclosed in this patent includes a stacker which receives newspapers. The newspapers are stacked on cooperating pairs of upwardly angled blades carried on endless chains.
  • a stack supporting table is disposed beneath the stacker and receives stacks of newspapers from the stacker.
  • the stack supporting table disposed beneath the stacker of the apparatus disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 4,068,567, is rotatable to offset relatively thick folded edge portions of newspapers received from the stacker.
  • a pair of combination gate and ejector mechanisms have bars which are moved by a pair of chains to engage the ends of stacks of newspapers on the turntable. The bars push the stack of newspapers onto roller conveyors.
  • Apparatus for use in forming stacks of signatures is also disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,532,230; 3,599,807; 4,183,704; and 4,678,387.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,611,533 issued September 16, 1986 and entitled "Tying Apparatus”.
  • This apparatus includes an inlet conveyor which receives signatures in a lapped stream.
  • the lapped stream of signatures is formed into a loose stack and deposited at a central station in the apparatus.
  • a shuttle assembly sequentially moves loose stacks of signatures from the central station to either a right tying station or a left tying station.
  • the loose stacks of signatures are bound or tied at the tying stations by strapping machines.
  • the bound or tied stacks of signatures are then delivered to a receiving station.
  • the present invention relates to a new and improved apparatus for use in handling signatures.
  • the apparatus may include longitudinally extending signature support elements, referred to herein as slats.
  • One of the slats of a first plurality of slats cooperates with one of the slats of a second plurality of slats to support signatures.
  • a jogger assembly may be used to jog signatures supported by the slats.
  • a platform may be disposed beneath the slats and jogger assembly to receive the signatures.
  • An improved conveyor assembly has pusher elements which sequentially engage stacks of signatures to push them from the platform.
  • the pusher elements may move the stacks of signatures into a strapper assembly or other apparatus.
  • a leading end portion of the stack of signatures engages a registration surface.
  • a pusher element presses the signatures against the registration surface to align opposite ends of the stack of signatures and to locate the stack of signatures relative to the strapper assembly or other apparatus. After the strapper assembly has tied the stack of signatures, the pusher element pushes the stack of signatures away from a tying station in the strapper assembly.
  • FIG. 1 An apparatus 10 for use in handling signatures is illustrated schematically in Fig. 1.
  • the apparatus 10 receives signatures 12 (Fig. 2) from an infeed conveyor 14 in a stream 16.
  • the signatures 12 are conducted in the stream 16 with folded edge portions of the signatures leading and open edge portions of the signatures trailing.
  • the signatures 12 are advantageously formed into a group or intermediate stack 18 in a stacker assembly 20.
  • While the group or intermediate stack 18 of signatures is supported in the stacker assembly 20, it is preferred to have a jogger assembly 24 (Figs. 1) jog the group or intermediate stack (Fig. 2) of signatures to align opposite edge portions of the signatures in the intermediate stack of signatures.
  • the jogger assembly 24 (Fig. 1) is continuously operated to align the edge portions of the signatures.
  • the group or intermediate stack of signatures is deposited onto a receiving platform, which, in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, is a turntable 26 (Figs. 2 and 3).
  • the group or intermediate stack 18 of signatures is received on a main stack 28 (Fig. 2) of signatures on the turntable 26.
  • the turntable 26 rotates the main stack 28 through one-half of a revolution.
  • the relatively thick folded edge portions of the signatures in the groups or intermediate stacks are offset from each other.
  • the main stack 28 of signatures being composed of layers of signatures having folded edge portions in one layer of signatures offset by 180° from the folded edge portions of the next succeeding layer of signatures. Therefore, the upper side of the main stack 28 of signatures is generally horizontal so that the main stack of signatures is relatively stable.
  • An improved conveyor assembly 30, constructed and operated in accordance with one of the features of the invention, is provided to sequentially move main stacks 28 of signatures from the turntable 26 to a strapper assembly 31 (Fig. 5).
  • a strapper assembly 31 Fig. 5
  • the main stack is removed from the turntable 26 for tying in the strapper assembly 31.
  • the conveyor assembly 30 may be used to sequentially move stacks 28 of signatures to apparatus other than the strapper assembly 31 if desired.
  • a main stack 28 of signatures can be completely removed from the turntable 26 in substantially less time then is required to form a group or intermediate stack 18 of signatures. It is contemplated that it may be desired to eliminate the accumulation of groups or intermediate stacks 18 on the turntable 26 and the formation of a relatively large main stack 28. If this is the case, the turntable 26 may be replaced by a stationary platform.
  • the conveyor assembly 30 would be operated to move each group or intermediate stack 18 off of the platform in turn to the strapper assembly 31 or other apparatus before the next succeeding group or intermediate stack is received on the platform.
  • the infeed conveyor 14 (Fig. 2) feeds signatures 12 to the stacker assembly 20 in a stream 16 with folded edge portions of the signatures leading.
  • the signatures 12 are supported in the stacker assembly 20 until sufficient signatures have accumulated to form an intermediate stack 18 of a desired size.
  • a completed intermediate stack 18 of signatures is then transferred from the stacker assembly 20 to the turntable 26 and a next succeeding intermediate stack of signatures started without interrupting the stream 16 of signatures.
  • the stacker assembly 20 includes a first plurality 32 (Fig. 1) of longitudinally extending signature support elements 34, hereinafter referred to as slats.
  • the stacker assembly 20 also includes a second plurality 36 of slats 34.
  • Each of the slats 34 of the first plurality 32 of slats is moved along a circuitous path by a first drive assembly 38.
  • Each of the slats 34 of the second plurality 36 of slats is moved along a circuitous path by a second drive assembly 40.
  • the first drive assembly 38 moves each of the slats 34 in the first plurality 32 of slats along a first circuitous path, which has been indicated at 44 in Fig. 1.
  • the first circuitous path 44 has a vertical left or outer run 46 along which the slats 34 of the first plurality 32 of slats move vertically upwardly.
  • the circuitous path 44 has a vertical right or inner run 48 along which the slats 34 of the first plurality 32 of slots move vertically downwardly.
  • a lower semi-circular connector portion 52 interconnects the lower ends of the outer and inner runs 46 and 48 of the circuitous path 44.
  • a semi-circular upper section 54 interconnects the upper ends of the outer and inner runs 46 and 48.
  • the first drive assembly 38 is operable to intermittently move the slats 34 in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. 1) along the circuitous path 44 between a loading position, indicated at 58 in Figs. 1 and 3, an intermediate position indicated at 60 in Figs. 1 and 3, and a standby position indicated at 62 in Figs. 1 and 3.
  • the first drive assembly 38 is operable to quickly index the slats 34 between loading position 58, intermediate position 60 and standby position 62.
  • the longitudinal central axes of the slats 34 are maintained horizontal and parallel to each other at all times during movement of the slats along the first circuitous path 44 (Fig. 1).
  • a flat front side surface 66 on the slat 34 is horizontal and faces upwardly.
  • the flat front side surface 66 of the slat is also horizontal.
  • the front side surface 66 of the slat 34 faces downwardly (see Figs. 1 and 3).
  • the flat front side surface 66 on the slat 34 is sloped at an angle of approximately 45° to a horizontal plane (Fig. 3).
  • the first drive assembly 38 includes a pair of flexible drive elements or chains 74 and 76 (Figs. 1 and 2).
  • the chains 74 and 76 move along a circuitous path which is of the same size and orientation as the circuitous path 44 and which is coextensive with a portion of the circuitous path 44. It should be understood that although chains 74 and 76 have been used in the first drive assembly 38, it is contemplated that the chains 74 and 76 could be replaced by a single relatively wide belt if desired. Of course, a pair of belts could also be used if desired.
  • the chains 74 and 76 extend around upper and lower sprocket wheel assemblies 80 and 82 (Figs. 1 and 2).
  • the upper sprocket wheel assembly 80 includes a pair of sprockets 86 and 88 (Fig. 4) which are interconnected by a cylindrical hub 90.
  • the lower sprocket wheel assembly 82 has the same construction as the upper sprocket wheel assembly 80.
  • the sprocket wheel assemblies 80 and 82 are rotatable about horizonal axes which are disposed in a vertical plane.
  • the inner end portions 72 of the slats 34 are fixedly connected to the chains 74 and 76 (Figs. 2).
  • the chains 74 and 76 support the slats 34 in a cantilevered relationship.
  • the slats 34 extend horizontally outwardly from the chains 74 and 76 to free end portions.
  • the chains 74 and 76 move along the circuitous path 44 to move the inner end portions 72 of the slats 34 along the circuitous path.
  • the slats 34 in the second plurality 36 of slats are moved along a continuous circuitous path indicated schematically at 94 in Fig. 1.
  • the continuous circuitous path 94 has the same configuration and orientation as the continuous circuitous path 44.
  • the slats 34 are moved along the continuous circuitous path 94 in a counterclockwise direction between a loading position 98, an intermediate position 100 and a standby position 102 (Figs. 1 and 3). These positions correspond to and are horizontally aligned with the loading position 58, intermediate position 60 and standby position 62 for the first plurality 32 of slats 34.
  • the longitudinal axes of the slats 34 are maintained horizontal and parallel to the longitudinal axes of the slats 34 in the first plurality 32 of slats.
  • a flat front side surface 66 (Figs. 1 and 3) of the slat is horizontal and faces upwardly.
  • the front surface 66 is still horizontal. However, at this time, the front surface 66 faces downwardly.
  • the surface 66 slopes at an angle of approximately 45° to a horizontal plane.
  • a slat 34 which is at the loading position 58 has a horizontal front side surface 66 which is disposed in the same plane as the horizontal front side Surface of a slat at the loading position 98 (Fig. 3).
  • the slats 34 at the loading positions 58 and 98 are spaced apart by a horizontal distance which is less than the length of a folded edge portion of a signature 12.
  • the signatures 12 are fed into the stacker assembly 20 at a location which is above the slats 34 at the loading positions 58 and 98 (Figs. 2 and 3). Therefore, the signatures are supported on the upwardly facing coplanar front side surfaces 66 of the slats 34 at the loading positions 58 and 98 (Fig. 3).
  • the first and second drive assemblies 38 and 40 are operated to quickly index the slats 34 along the circuitous paths 44 and 94 (Fig. 1).
  • the slats 34 move downwardly from the loading positions 58 and 98, they are moved away from each other and rotated to deposit an intermediate stack 18 on the main stack 28 of signatures on the turntable 26.
  • the vertical outer runs of the circuitous paths 44 and 94 are spaced apart by a horizontal distance which is greater than the length of the folded edge portions of the signatures 12 (Figs. 1, 2 and 3).
  • the second drive assembly 40 has the same construction as the first drive assembly 38 and is connected with the slats 34 of the second plurality 36 of slats in the same manner as in which the first drive assembly 38 is connected with the slats of the first plurality 32 of slats.
  • the second drive assembly 40 includes a pair of chains 110 and 112 (Fig. 1) corresponding to the chains 74 and 76 in the first drive assembly 38.
  • the chains 110 and 112 along a circuitous path which is of the same size and orientation as the circuitous path 94 and which is coextensive with a portion of the circuitous path 94.
  • the chains 110 and 112 in the second drive assembly 40 extend around upper and lower sprocket wheel assemblies 116 and 118.
  • the sprocket wheel assemblies 116 and 118 are rotatable about horizontal axes.
  • the horizontal axes about which the sprocket wheel assemblies 116 and 118 rotate are disposed in a vertical plane which is parallel to a vertical plane containing horizontal axes about which the upper and lower sprocket wheel assemblies 80 and 82 of the first drive assembly 38 are rotatable.
  • the end portions 72 of the slats 34 of the second plurality 36 of slats are connected with the chains 110 and 112 in the same manner as previously described for the slats of the first plurality 32 of slats.
  • the slats 34 of the second plurality 36 of slats are supported in a cantilevered relationship from the chains 110 and 112 with their longitudinal central axes horizontal and parallel to each other.
  • the longitudinal axes of the slats 34 in the second plurality 36 of slats are maintained in a parallel relationship with the horizontal longitudinal axes of the slats in the first plurality 32 of slats and with the horizontal axes about which the sprocket wheel assemblies 80, 82, 116 and 118 rotate during movement of the slats along the circuitous paths 44 and 94 (Fig. 1).
  • the slats 34 in the first plurality 32 of slats and drive chains 74 and 76 move in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. 1) around the circuitous path 46.
  • the slats 34 in the second plurality 36 of slats and drive chains 110 and 112 move in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. 1) around the circuitous path 94. Movement of the slats 34 in the first plurality 32 of slats is coordinated with the movement of the slats in the second plurality 36 of slats.
  • the slats 34 in the first and second pluralities 32 and 36 of slats simultaneously move downward toward the loading positions 58 and 98 with the front side surfaces 66 of the slats horizontal and disposed in the same plane. This enables a slat 34 in the first plurality 32 of slats and a slat 34 in the second plurality 36 of slats to cooperate with each other to lower signatures as the two slats move downwardly to their respective loading positions 58 and 98.
  • the slats are stationary and cooperate with each other to support the signatures while an intermediate stack 18 of signatures 12 of a desired size is accumulated on the two slats.
  • a main drive system 128 (Figs. 1, 2 and 3) is connected with the drive assemblies 38 and 40.
  • the main drive system 128 includes a main drive motor 130 (Fig. 1) which is connected with the drive assemblies 38 and 40 through a single revolution clutch 132.
  • the single revolution clutch 132 (Figs. 2 and 3) drives a main drive belt 134.
  • the drive belt 134 is intermittently driven to operate the drive assemblies 38 and 40.
  • Operation of the drive assemblies 38 and 40 simultaneously indexes the slats 34 in the first plurality 32 of slats and the slats in the second plurality of slats 36 between the loading positions 58 and 98, intermediate positions 60 and 100 and standby positions 62 and 102 (Fig. 3).
  • the slats 34 are indexed by the drive assemblies 38 and 40 along the circuitous paths 44 and 94 (Fig. 1).
  • the slats 34 are then stopped while an intermediate stack 18 (Fig. 3) of signatures accumulates on a pair of slats 34 disposed at the loading positions 58 and 98.
  • the single revolution clutch 132 effects operation of the drive assemblies 38 and 40 to again index the slats 34.
  • the slats 34 can be readily moved into the stream 16 (Fig. 2) of signatures 12 from the infeed conveyor 14 with minimum disturbance. This is because the slats 34 are of a relatively small width as measured on the front side surfaces 66 and perpendicular to the longitudinal central axes of the slats.
  • single revolution clutch 132 was obtained from Warner Electric and was a Super CB-6 wrap spring clutch. Warner Electric has a place of business at Beloit, Illinois. It should also be understood that an intermittent drive mechanism other than a single revolution clutch could be used if desired.
  • the stacker assembly 20 could have many different constructions, the stacker assembly is constructed and operated in the manner disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. , filed March 19, 1993 By Stephen R. Kleinhen and entitled “Apparatus for Stacking Signatures" (Attorney Docket No. PSH-2000, Mailing Label No. GB149430138).
  • the jogger assembly 24 (Fig. 1) cooperates with the stacker assembly 20 to jog an intermediate stack 18 of signatures while the intermediate stack of signatures is supported by slats 34.
  • the jogger assembly 24 includes a pair of side plates 142 and 144.
  • the side plate 142 extends into the central portion of the circuitous path 44 (Fig. 1).
  • the side plate 144 extends into the central portion of the circuitous path 94.
  • the slats 34 in the first plurality 32 of slats are moved around the side plate 142 along the continuous circuitous path 44 by the first drive assembly 38.
  • the slats 34 in the second plurality 36 of slats are moved around the side plate 144 along the continuous circuitous path 94 by the second drive assembly 40.
  • the loading positions 58 and 98 (Fig. 3) and the vertical inner runs of the circuitous paths 44 and 94 (Fig. 1) are disposed between the side plates 142 and 144.
  • the side plate 142 of the jogger assembly 24 includes a vertical side section 148 (Fig. 1).
  • the side section 148 extends parallel to the longitudinal axes of the slats 34 of the first plurality 32 of slats.
  • the side section 148 of the jogger side plate 142 has a flat vertical side surface 152 (Fig. 1) which extends parallel to the longitudinal axes of the slats 34 of the first plurality 32 of slats.
  • the side surface 152 of the jogger side plate 142 is engageable with one end of an intermediate stack 18 of signatures supported in the stacker assembly 20.
  • the side surface 152 is reciprocated toward and away from the end of the intermediate stack 18 of signatures to jog the end portions of the signatures into alignment with each other.
  • a vertical end section 156 of the jogger side plate 142 extends perpendicular to the side section 148.
  • the end section 156 of the side plate 142 has a flat vertical side surface 158 which is engageable with a side of the intermediate stack 18 of signatures.
  • the side surface 158 on the end section 156 engages the side of the intermediate stack 18 of signatures.
  • the side surface 158 is reciprocated toward and away from the side of the intermediate stack 18 of signatures to jog the folded edge portions of the signatures into alignment with each other.
  • the side plate 144 of the jogger assembly 24 has a construction which is similar to the construction of the side plate 142.
  • the side plate 144 includes a side section 168 having a flat vertical side surface 172.
  • the side surface 172 on the side section 168 extends parallel to the side surface 152 on the side section 148 of the jogger side plate 142.
  • the side surface 172 on the side section 168 of the jogger side plate 144 is parallel to the longitudinal axes of the slats 34 in the second group 36 of slats throughout movement of the slats along the circuitous path 94 (Fig. 1).
  • the vertical portions of the circuitous paths 44 and 94 along which the slats 34 move downwardly are disposed between the jogger side plates 142 and 144.
  • An end section 176 on the jogger side plate 144 extends perpendicular to the side section 168.
  • the end section 176 has a flat vertical side surface 178 disposed in the same plane as the vertical side surface 158 on the end section 156 of the side plate 142.
  • the side surface 178 is reciprocated toward and away from the side of the intermediate stack 18 of signatures to jog the folded edge portions the signatures into alignment with each other.
  • the flat side surface 172 (Fig. 1) on the side section 168 is engageable with an end of an intermediate stack 18 opposite from the end which is engaged by the side surface 152 on the side section 148 of the side plate 142.
  • the side surface 178 disposed on the end section 176 of the side plate 144 is engageable with the side surface of the intermediate stack 18 of signatures which is the same as the side surface of the intermediate stack which is engaged by the side surface 158 on the end section 156.
  • the folded edge portions of the signatures 12 are engaged by the end sections 156 and 176.
  • the jogger assembly 24 has a pair of back plates 184 and 186 (Fig. 1).
  • the back plates 184 and 186 are disposed outwardly from free end portions of the cantilevered slats 34 disposed at the loading positions 58 and 98.
  • the back plate 184 has an end section 188 with a flat vertical side surface 190 (Fig. 1) which extends parallel to the flat side surface 158 on the end section 156 of the side plate 142.
  • the side surface 190 on the end section 188 of the back jogger plate 184 is engageable with a side of an intermediate stack 18 of signatures supported by the stacker assembly 20.
  • the side surface 190 on the jogger back plate 124 is reciprocated toward and away from the side of the intermediate stack 18 opposite from the folded edge portions of the signatures 12 to jog the open edge portions of the signatures into alignment with each other.
  • the jogger back plate 186 has an end section 194 with a flat vertical side surface 196.
  • the side surface 196 on the end section 194 of the jogger plate 186 is disposed in the same vertical plane as the side surface 190 on the end section 188 of the jogger back plate 184.
  • the side surface 196 is engageable with the same side of an intermediate stack 18 of signatures as is the side surface 190.
  • the side surface 196 on the jogger back plate 186 is reciprocated toward and away from the side of the intermediate stack 18 opposite from the folded edge portions of the signatures 12 to jog the open edge portions of the signatures into alignment.
  • the side surfaces 190 and 196 on the jogger back plates 184 and 186 are engageable with a side of an intermediate stack 18 opposite from a side engaged by the side surfaces 158 and 178 on the jogger side plates 148 and 168.
  • the side surface 196 on the jogger back plate 186 extends parallel to the side surface 178 on the end section 176 of the jogger side plate 144 and to the vertical plane 124.
  • the side surfaces 190 and 196 on the jogger back plates 184 and 186 are disposed in a vertical plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the slats 34 in the loader assembly 20 and parallel to the vertical plane 124.
  • a pair of drive assemblies are provided to oscillate the jogger plates 142, 144, 184 and 186.
  • the drive assemblies effect movement of the side sections 148 and 168 (Fig. 1) of the jogger side plates 142 and 144 toward and away from opposite ends of an intermediate stack of signatures supported by the stacker assembly 20.
  • the drive assemblies effect movement of the end sections 156 and 176 of the jogger side plates 142 and 144 toward and away from the side of the intermediate stack 18 which extends between the opposite ends of the stack.
  • the jogger side plates 142 and 144 are reciprocated toward and away from the jogger back plates 84 and 86.
  • the jogger side plates 142 and 144 are also reciprocated toward and away from each other. This enables the jogger side plates 142 and 144 to align signature edges at opposite ends of an intermediate stack and along one side of an intermediate stack closest to the vertical plane 124.
  • the jogger back plates 184 and 186 cooperate with the side plates 142 and 144 to align edges of signatures on opposite sides of an intermediate stack of signatures supported in the stacker assembly 20.
  • drive assemblies for the jogger plates 142, 144, 184 and 186 could have many different constructions, the drive assemblies are constructed and operated in the manner disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. , filed March 19, 1993 by Stephen R. Kleinhen and entitled "Apparatus for Stacking Signatures" (Attorney Docket No. PSH-2000, Mailing Label No. GB 149439138).
  • the turntable 26 is disposed beneath the slats 34 of the stacker assembly 20 and the jogger plates 142, 144, 184 and 186 of the jogger assembly 24.
  • the turntable 26 receives groups or intermediate stacks 18 of signatures (Fig. 2) from the stacker assembly 20.
  • the turntable 26 rotates a main stack 28 through one-half of a revolution to offset the folded edges of an intermediate stack 18 from the folded edges of the next succeeding intermediate stack. This results in the main stack being relatively level and stable.
  • the turntable 26 has a rotatable circular platform 234 (Fig. 2).
  • a pair of upstanding, parallel guide walls 236 and 238 (Fig. 1) are disposed on the platform 234.
  • the guide walls 236 and 238 engage a main stack 28 of signatures to hold the stack in position on the platform 234 during rotation of the platform.
  • the walls 236 and 238 also engage opposite sides of a main stack 28 of signatures to guide the initial portion of movement of the main stack 28 off of the turntable 26 by the conveyor assembly 30.
  • pivotal end walls or flaps may be mounted at opposite ends of the guide walls 236 and 238 to retain the main stack 28 of signatures against movement relative to the turntable 26.
  • the end wall or flaps (not shown) may be pivoted relative to the guide walls 236 and 238 by suitable pneumatic piston and cylinder assemblies to move the flaps to an open position to enable a stack 28 of signatures to be moved from between the guide walls 236 and 238.
  • a drive assembly 242 (Fig. 1) is connected to a central portion of the platform 234 (Figs. 2 and 3).
  • the drive assembly 242 is operable to rotate the platform 234 about a vertical axis which extends through the center of an intermediate stack 18 supported in the stacker assembly 20.
  • the platform 234 is rotatable about a vertical central axis 244 (Figs. 2 and 3) which extends through the center of the main stack 28 and through the center of the intermediate stack 18 supported by the stacker assembly 20 above the turntable 26.
  • the vertical central axis 244 of the circular turntable platform 234 is disposed midway between the circuitous paths 44 and 94 and midway between a pair of slats 34 disposed at the loading positions 58 and 98 (Fig. 3).
  • the central axis 244 of the turntable 26 extends parallel to the vertical side surfaces 152 and 172 (Fig. 1) on the side sections 148 and 168 of the jogger side plates 142 and 144.
  • the central axis 244 of the turntable is disposed midway between the side surfaces 152 and 172 on the jogger side plates 142 and 144.
  • central axis 244 of the turntable 26 extends parallel to and is disposed midway between the side surfaces on the end sections 156 and 176 of the jogger side plates 142 and 144 and the side surfaces 190 and 196 on the jogger back plates 184 and 186.
  • the platform 234 has a flat circular upwardly facing side surface 248 which is disposed in a horizontal plane and extends parallel to the longitudinal axes of the slats 34 in the stacker assembly 20 (Fig. 2).
  • the flat upper side surface 248 of the turntable 26 supports the main stack 28 of signatures for rotation about the central axis 244 of the turntable.
  • the drive assembly 242 is operable to rotate the turntable 26 about the central axis 244 to offset the folded edge portions of succeeding groups or intermediate stacks 18 of signatures deposited on the main stack 28 of signatures on the turntable 26.
  • the drive assembly 242 is operable to rotate the platform 234 through 180° immediately after one group or intermediate stack 18 of signatures is deposited on the turntable 26 and before the next succeeding intermediate stack is deposited on the turntable.
  • the drive assembly 242 (Fig. 1) could be constructed in such a manner as to sequentially rotate the turntable through 180° increments in the same direction, the drive assembly is constructed so as to sequentially rotate the turntable through 180° increments in opposite directions.
  • the drive assembly 242 rotates the platform 234 in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. 1) through 180° before one group or intermediate stack 18 of signatures is deposited on the platform.
  • the drive assembly 242 then rotates the platform 234 through 180° in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. 1) before the next succeeding group or intermediate stack 18 of signatures is deposited on the platform.
  • the turntable may be replaced by a stationary platform or the turntable drive assembly 242 may be temporarily rendered inactive.
  • the turntable drive assembly 242 could have many different constructions. However, the turntable drive assembly 242 is constructed and operated in the manner disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent Application Serial No. , filed March 19, 1993 by Stephen R. Kleinhen and entitled "Apparatus for Stacking Signatures" (Attorney Docket No. PSH-2000, Mailing Label No. GB149430138).
  • the conveyor assembly 30 is operable to move a stack 28 of signatures from the turntable 26 to a work or tying station 300 (Figs. 5 and 6) in the strapper assembly 31.
  • the conveyor assembly 30 presses the leading end of a stack 28 against registration surfaces 304 and 306 in the strapper assembly 31 to align the leading edge portions of the signatures (Fig. 7) and position the stack relative to the tying station 300.
  • the strapper assembly 31 is then operated to tie a band 310 (Fig. 8) around the stack 28 of signatures.
  • the conveyor assembly 30 then moves the tied stack of signatures away from the work or tying station 300 in the strapper assembly 31.
  • the conveyor assembly 30 includes a unit 314 and a unit 316 (Figs. 1, 2, 4, and 5).
  • the units 314 and 316 of the conveyor 30 are disposed above the turntable 26 and below the stacker assembly 20 and jogger assembly 24 (Fig. 1).
  • the units 314 and 316 cooperate to sequentially move main stacks 28 of signatures to the strapper assembly 31.
  • the unit 316 of the conveyor assembly 30 will move a first stack 28a (Fig. 5) from the turntable 26 along a linear discharge path to the strapper assembly 31 (Fig. 7).
  • the unit 314 of the conveyor assembly 30 will move the next succeeding stack 28b from the turntable 26 along the discharge path to the strapper assembly 31.
  • the units 314 and 316 of the conveyor assembly 30 include a pair of parallel linear rails 322 and 324.
  • the rails 322 and 324 extend parallel to the discharge path along which the stacks 28 of signatures are moved to the strapper assembly 31.
  • the rails 322 and 324 have longitudinal central axes which extend perpendicular to the longitudinal central axes of the slats 34 (Fig. 1) in the first and second pluralities 32 and 36 of slats.
  • the longitudinal central axes of the rails 322 and 324 extend perpendicular to the side surfaces 152 and 172 on the side plates 142 and 144 in the jogger assembly 24.
  • the longitudinal central axes of the rails 322 and 324 extend parallel to flat vertical inner side surfaces 326 and 328 on the guide walls 236 and 238.
  • Pusher elements 338 and 340 are connected with the carriages 332 and 334 for movement therewith along the rails 322 and 324.
  • the pusher elements 338 and 340 are movable relative to the carriages 332 and 334 between extended and retracted positions.
  • the conveyor assembly 30 is described herein as moving a stack 28 of signatures toward the right (as viewed in Figs. 5-8) from the turntable platform 234, the direction of operation of the conveyor assembly could be reversed to move a stack of signatures toward the left. It is preferred to use the conveyor assembly 30 to sequentially move stacks of signatures into the strapper assembly 31. However, the conveyor assembly 30 could be used to move stacks of signatures in other known stack processing devices, such as a trimmer.
  • the pusher element 338 When the pusher element 338 is in the extended position shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the pusher element 338 extends outwardly from the carriage 332. When the pusher element 338 is in the retracted position (Figs. 4, 5 and 6), the pusher element 338 does not extend as far outward from the carriage 332. Similarly, when the pusher element 340 is in the extended position (Figs. 4-8), the pusher element 340 extends outward from the carriage 334. When the pusher element 340 is in the retracted position, the pusher element 340 is adjacent to the rail 324 in the same manner as in which the pusher element 338 is adjacent to the rail 322 when the pusher element 338 is retracted (Fig. 4).
  • Suitable rollers are provided on the carriages 332 and 334 to guide movement of the carriages along the rails 322 and 324 and to guide movement of the pusher elements 338 and 340 relative to the carriages.
  • guide rollers 344 on the upper side of the carriages 332 and 334 (Fig. 4) guide movement of the carriages along the rails 322 and 324.
  • Guide rollers 346 on the lower sides of the carriages 332 and 334 guide movement of the pusher elements 338 and 340 relative to the carriages.
  • the pusher elements 338 and 340 When the pusher elements 338 and 340 are in their extended positions, they are utilized to sequentially push stacks 28 of signatures from the turntable 26 into the strapper assembly 31.
  • the extended pusher element 340 is movable along the track 324 into engagement with the left (as viewed in Fig. 5) end portion of the stack 28a.
  • the extended pusher element 340 along the track 324 Fig. 6
  • pushes the stack 28a of signatures into the strapper assembly 31 Fig. 7).
  • the leading or right (as viewed in Fig. 7) end portion of the stack 28a engages the registration surfaces 304 and 306 in the strapper assembly 31. Movement of the pusher element 340 is then interrupted. This positions the stack 28a relative to the strapper assembly 31. In addition, engagement of the leading end portion of the stack 28a with the registration surfaces 304 and 306 tends to move any misaligned signatures in the stack into alignment. At the same time, engagement of the pusher element 340 with the trailing end portion of the stack 28a tends to further promote movement of any misaligned signatures into alignment.
  • the stationary pusher element 340 Cooperation between the stationary pusher element 340 and the registration surfaces 304 and 306 ensures that the signatures in the stack 28a are in alignment when the band 310 (Fig. 8) is applied to the stack by the strapper assembly 31.
  • the pusher element 340 continues to move forward to push the tied stack 28a at least part way out of the strapper assembly 31 (Fig. 8).
  • the pusher element 340 remains in engagement with the stack 28a from the time the pusher element engages the stack on the turntable 26 until the stack is pushed out of the strapper assembly 31.
  • the pusher element 340 pushes a stack 28a of signatures out of the strapper assembly 31, the pusher element is moved to its retracted position.
  • the pusher element 340 is moved to a position closely adjacent to the rail 324, in the manner shown for the pusher element 338 in Figs. 4 and 5.
  • the pusher element is then moved back (leftwardly as viewed in Fig. 8) along the rail 324.
  • the pusher element 340 When the pusher element 340 has moved to the left (as viewed in Fig. 5) of the turntable 26, the pusher element is again extended. The extended pusher element 340 is then moved back toward the right to the initial or home position shown in Fig. 5. When the pusher element 340 is stopped at the initial or home position (Fig. 5), the pusher element is in its extended position and is adjacent to the turntable 26 in readiness to engage a next succeeding stack of signatures.
  • the pusher element 338 moves along the rail 322 in the same manner as in which the pusher element 340 moves along the rail 324.
  • the pusher element 338 is moved to the right (as viewed in Figs. 7 and 8) along the rail 322 with the pusher element 338 is in its extended position. This pushes the next succeeding stack 28b of signatures into the strapper assembly 31.
  • the pusher element 338 pushes the stack away from the tying station 300. Only one pusher element 338 or 340 engages a stack 28 at a time.
  • the pusher element 338 (Figs. 1, 2 and 4) includes a horizontal transverse section 350 which is engaged by the carriage 332.
  • the pusher element 338 has a vertical main section 352 which extends downwardly from the transverse section 350.
  • the main section 352 of the pusher element is engageable with a stack of signatures.
  • the pusher element 340 has the same construction as the pusher element 338.
  • the pusher element 340 has a horizontal transverse section 356 which is engaged by the carriage 334.
  • a vertical main section 358 extends downwardly from the transverse section 356.
  • the main section 358 of the pusher element 340 is engageable with a stack of signatures.
  • Lower end portions of the main sections 352 and 358 (Fig. 2) of the pusher elements 338 and 340 are sequentially moved along a channel 362 which extends across the center of the turntable 26 into the strapper assembly 31.
  • the channel 362 is disposed midway between and extends parallel to the rails 322 and 324 (Fig. 5).
  • the stack 28 of signatures is supported beneath the stacker 20 on raised surfaces 364 and 366 on the turntable platform 234.
  • the stack 28 of signatures is held on the turntable platform 234 in a rectangular chamber 368 formed by the side walls 236 and 238.
  • the central axis 244 (Figs. 2 and 3) of the turntable 26 extends through the center of the chamber 368 and is disposed halfway between the rails 322 and 324.
  • the lower end portion of the main section 352 or 358 of a pusher element 338 or 340 which engages a stack 28 of signatures extends into the channel 362 (Fig. 2) to be certain that the lowermost signature in the stack 28 is engaged by the pusher element.
  • the lower end portion of the main section 358 of the pusher element 340 is shown in Fig. 2 aligned with the channel 362.
  • the pusher element 340 is moved along the rail 324 to push a stack 28 of signatures, the lower end portion of the main section 358 of the pusher element will move along the channel 362.
  • the pusher element 338 cooperates with the channel 362 in the same manner as the pusher element 340.
  • the units 314 and 316 of the conveyor assembly 30 have drive assemblies 370 and 372 (Fig. 4) which are sequentially operable to move the pusher elements 338 and 340 and carriages 332 and 334 along the rails 322 and 324.
  • the drive assembly 370 includes a continuous chain 376 which extends around a pair of sprocket wheels 378 and 380 which are rotatable about vertical axes.
  • a reversible electric motor 382 is connected with the sprocket wheel 378 by a drive belt 384 to rotate the sprocket wheel 378 to thereby move the chain 376 along a continuous circuitous path.
  • a connector assembly 388 pivotally interconnects an end of the transverse section 350 of the pusher element 338 and the chain 376.
  • the connector assembly 388 includes a generally rectangular base 392 (Fig. 4) which is secured to the chain 376.
  • An upstanding pin 394 extends through an opening in the transverse section 350 of the pusher element 338.
  • the base 392 and pin 394 are pivotal relative to the transverse section 350 of the pusher element 358.
  • the drive assembly 372 includes a continuous chain 398 which extends around a pair of sprocket wheels 402 and 404 which are rotatable about vertical axes by a reversible electric drive motor 406.
  • the drive motor 406 is connected with the sprocket wheel 404 by a drive belt 408.
  • a connector assembly 412 (Fig. 4) interconnects the chain 398 and the pusher element 340.
  • the connector assembly 412 includes a generally rectangular base 414 which is connected to the chain 398.
  • An upstanding pin 416 pivotally connects the transverse 414 with the base section 356 of the pusher element 340.
  • the chain 376 moves the connector assembly 388 toward the left along a linear run 422 to move the pusher element 338 and carriage 332 toward the left (as viewed in Fig. 4) with the pusher element retracted.
  • the linear runs 422 and 426 of the chain 376 extend parallel to the rail 322.
  • the connector assembly 388 reaches the sprocket wheel 378 at the left end portion of the linear run 422, the connector element moves along an arcuate run 424 of the chain 336 which extends around the sprocket wheel 378. As this occurs, the connector assembly 388 moves toward the rail 322 and the pusher element 338 is extended.
  • the chain 398 (Fig. 4) in the drive assembly 372 moves the connector assembly 412 along a continuous circuitous path having a linear run 432 which extends parallel to the rail 324.
  • the pusher element 340 and carriage 334 are moved from a position adjacent to the left end (as viewed in Fig. 4) of the rail 324 to a position disposed adjacent to the right end of the rail as the motor 406 is operated to rotate the sprocket wheel 404 in a clockwise direction.
  • the extended pusher element 340 pushes a stack 28 toward the strapper assembly 31.
  • An arcuate run 434 of the continuous chain 398 extends around the sprocket wheel 404 and connects the linear run 432 with a second linear run 436.
  • the linear runs 432 and 436 extend parallel to the rail 324.
  • An arcuate run 440 of the chain 398 extends around the left (as viewed in Fig. 4) sprocket wheel 402 and interconnects the linear runs 436 and 432.
  • the connector assembly 412 moves the pusher element 340 from the retracted position to the extended position.
  • the connector assembly 412 is then moved through a short distance along the linear run 432 to the initial or home position (Fig. 5) for the pusher element 340.
  • the strapper assembly 31 includes guide walls 444, 446, 448 and 450 (Fig. 5) which engage side surfaces of a stack 28 of signatures to position the stacks of signatures relative to a strap chute 452.
  • the strap chute 452 has a generally U-shaped cross section.
  • the strap chute 452 extends along a path having a generally rectangular configuration.
  • the strap chute 452 opens inwardly and extends completely around the tying station 300.
  • a strap feed mechanism is operable to feed a strap or band 310 (Fig. 8) around the stack 28. Once the strap has been fed around the stack 28, the strap feed mechanism 454 pulls the strap tight and interconnects the ends of the strap.
  • the strapper assembly 31 could have many different constructions, in one specific embodiment of the invention, the strapper assembly 31 was a Model JP-80 MFX supplied by Ovalstrapping Inc. having a place of business at 710 8th Street, Hoquiam, Washington 98550. Of course, other known strapper assemblies provided by other manufacturers could be utilized if desired.
  • the registration surfaces 304 and 306 are disposed on doors or flaps 470 and 472 in the strapper assembly 31. When the doors 470 and 472 are in their closed positions (Figs. 5, 6 and 7), the registration surfaces 304 and 306 are parallel to the side surfaces 152 and 172 on the jogger side plates 142 and 144.
  • the doors 470 and 472 are pivotal, by a suitable mechanism (not shown), from the closed position of Fig. 7 to the open position of Fig. 8.
  • the infeed conveyor 14 (Fig. 2) conducts a continuous stream 16 of signatures 12 to the stacker assembly 20 with folded edge portions of the signatures leading.
  • the folded edge portions of the signatures impact against the end sections 156 and 176 (Fig. 1) on the jogger side plates 142 and 144.
  • Opposite ends of the signatures 12 are engaged by the side surfaces 152 and 172 on the jogger side plates 142 and 144. This aligns the incoming signatures 12 with a partially formed group or intermediate stack 18 (Fig. 2) of signatures supported on a pair of slats 34 at the loading positions 58 and 98 (Fig. 3).
  • the signatures 12 then move downward toward the upper end of the partially formed group or intermediate stack 18 of signatures. As the signatures 12 move downward, the open trailing edge portions of the signatures engage the end sections 188 and 194 (Fig. 1) on the jogger back plates 184 and 186. The end sections 188 and 194 on the back plates 184 and 186 cause the signatures to move into firm abutting engagement with the end sections 156 and 176 on the jogger side plates 142 and 144.
  • the turntable drive assembly 242 rotates the turntable platform 234 through 180°. Rotation of the turntable platform 234 results in the folded edge portions of the immediately preceding group or intermediate stack 18 of signatures being moved from a position disposed to the left (as viewed in Fig. 2) of the central axis 244 of the turntable 26 to a position to the right of the turntable axis.
  • the folded edge portions of the uppermost group or intermediate stack 18 of signatures on the main stack 28 are moved from a position directly beneath the folded edge portions of the group or intermediate stack 18 of signatures being accumulated in the stacker assembly 20 to a position to the right (as viewed in Fig. 2) of the axis 244 and immediately beneath the open edge portions of the signatures being accumulated in the intermediate stack 18 in the stacker assembly 20.
  • the side sections 148 and 168 (Fig. 1) of the jogger side plates 142 and 144 are continuously impacted against opposite ends of the intermediate stack 18 of signatures.
  • the end sections 156 and 176 on the jogger side plates 142 and 144 are continuously impacted against the folded edges of the signatures 12 on one side of the group or intermediate stack 18 of signatures.
  • the end sections 188 and 194 of the jogger back plates 184 and 186 are continuously impacted against the open edges of the signatures 12 on an opposite side of the group or intermediate stack 18 of signatures.
  • the single revolution clutch 132 in the main drive system 128 is engaged.
  • the main drive system 128 then operates the drive assembly 38 to index the slats 34 of the first plurality 32 of slats in a clockwise direction along the first circuitous path 44 (Fig. 1).
  • the main drive system 128 operates the drive assembly 40 to index the slats 34 in the second plurality 36 of slats in a counterclockwise direction along the second circuitous path 94.
  • the jogger assembly 24 continuously jogs the ends and sides of the intermediate stack to maintain the signatures 12 in alignment with each other.
  • the jogger assembly 24 functions to promote alignment of the signatures 12 from the time the signatures are fed into the upper portion of the stacker assembly 20, through the formation of an group or intermediate stack 18, and through at least a portion of the depositing of the intermediate stack on the turntable 26.
  • the guide walls 236 and 238 maintain the signatures 12 in alignment as they are deposited on the turntable platform 234.
  • the main drive system 128 is operable to quickly move the slats 34 downwardly from their standby positions 62 and 102 to a position in which the front surfaces 66 of the slats are immediately beneath the standby positions 62 and 102 and are disposed in a common horizontal plane. Since the slats 34 are relatively long and narrow, the slats can easily move into the stream 16 of signatures with minimal interference.
  • the slats 34 are quickly moved to the loading positions 58 and 98 with their upwardly facing front side surfaces 66 disposed in a common horizontal plane.
  • the operation of the main drive system 128 is then interrupted and the slats 34 remain stationary at the loading positions 58 and 98.
  • the next succeeding slats are moved along the circuitous paths 44 and 94 from the intermediate positions 60 and 100 to the standby positions 62 and 102.
  • the turntable drive assembly 242 is again operated.
  • the turntable platform 234 is then rotated back through 180° in a clockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. 1). This results in the folded edge portions of succeeding intermediate stacks 18 of signatures accumulating in the main stack 28 of signatures with their folded edge portions offset by 180° relative to each other.
  • rotation of the turntable 26 may be eliminated and the stacks of signatures accumulated on a stationary platform 234.
  • the conveyor assembly 30 may be in the condition shown in Fig. 5.
  • the pusher element 340 and carriage 334 are stationary in their home or initial position adjacent to the left (as viewed in Fig. 5) end of the rail 324.
  • the pusher element 340 is in the extended position for movement into engagement with the next succeeding stack 28a of signatures.
  • the pusher element 338 is retracted and is being moved leftwardly (as viewed in Fig. 5) along the rail 322 by the drive assembly 370.
  • the motor 406 (Fig. 4) in the drive assembly 372 (Fig. 5) begins to move the carriage 334 and the extended pusher element 340 toward the right. As this happens, the lower end of the downwardly extending main section 358 of the pusher element 340 enters the channel 362 (Fig. 2).
  • the pusher element 338 will have moved leftwardly along the rail 322 from the position shown in Fig. 5 to the position shown in Fig. 6 by the drive assembly 370. During this movement of the pusher element 338, it is in the retracted position. Therefore, the downwardly extending main section 352 (Fig. 4) of the pusher element 338 moves between the rail 322 and an outer side of the guide wall 236 (Fig. 2). At this time, the downwardly extending main section 352 of the pusher element 338 is disposed outside of the channel 362.
  • the connector assembly 388 moves around the sprocket wheel 378. As this occurs, the pusher element 338 is moved from the retracted position of Fig. 6 to the extended position of Fig. 7. As the pusher element 338 is extended, the main section 352 of the pusher element 358 moves into alignment with the channel 362.
  • the pusher element 340 is pushing the stack 28a along a discharge path toward the strapper assembly 31.
  • the trailing portion of the stack is still between the guide walls 236 and 238.
  • the leading portion of the stack 28a will have moved between the guide walls 444 and 448 in the strapper assembly 31.
  • the guide walls 236 and 238 on the turntable 26 are spaced from the guide walls 444 and 448 of the strapper assembly 31 by a distance which is less than the length of the stack 28a.
  • the drive assembly 332 stops the forward movement of the pusher element 340 in the position shown in Fig. 7 with the stack 28a in engagement with the registration surfaces 304 and 306.
  • the strapper assembly 31 is then operated to compress and band the stack 28a in a known manner. As this is occurring, the doors 470 and 472 on which the registration surfaces 304 and 306 are disposed are pivoted from the closed position of Fig. 7 to the open position of Fig. 8.
  • the drive assembly 372 Upon completion of the tying or strapping of the stack 28a, the drive assembly 372 is operated to move the pusher element 340 to push the tied stack 28a away from the tying station 300 in the strapper assembly 31.
  • the drive assembly 372 moves the pusher element 340 toward the right to push the leading or rightward end portion of the tied stack 28a out of the tying station 300 onto suitable conveyor (not shown) which continues the movement of the stack 28a out of the strapper assembly 31 to a receiving location.
  • suitable conveyor not shown
  • the connector assembly 412 moves around the sprocket wheel 404 and moves the pusher element from the extended position of Fig. 8 to the retracted position. As this occurs, the main section 358 of the pusher element 340 moves through a space 476 between the strap chute 452 and the side wall 448. As the connector assembly 412 moves rightwardly (as viewed in Fig. 8) around the sprocket wheel 404, the pusher element 340 continues to push the tied stack 28a out of the strapper assembly 31.
  • the drive assembly 370 moves the pusher element 338 forward to engage the next succeeding stack 28b of signatures.
  • the pusher element 338 begins to push the stack 28b of signatures forwardly toward the strapper assembly 31
  • the retracted pusher element 340 will have been moved back toward the sprocket wheel 402. Therefore, there is no possibility of interference between the next succeeding stack 28b of signatures and the pusher element 340.
  • the stack 28b of signatures is moved forwardly into engagement with the registration surfaces 304 and 306 in the strapper assembly 31 by the pusher element 338 in the same manner as previously explained in conjunction with the pusher element 340 and the preceding stack 28a of signatures.
  • the pusher elements 338 and 340 alternate in pushing stacks of signatures from the turntable 26 into the strapper assembly 31 at a rate which is determined by the rate of operation of the stacker assembly 20.
  • the direction of operation of the conveyor assembly 30 may be reversed to move the stacks 28 of signatures leftwardly (as viewed in Figs. 5-8) from the turntable platform 234.
  • the direction of operation of the motors 382 and 406 (Fig. 4) can be reversed. This enables the conveyor assembly 30 to be used to push stacks of signatures rightwardly (Figs. 5-8) from the turntable platform 234 to the strapper assembly 31 or leftwardly from the turntable platform to a second strapper assembly (not shown).
  • the conveyor assembly 30 may be used with stack processing assemblies other than the strapper assembly 31.
  • the conveyor assembly 30 could be used to sequentially move stacks of signatures to a work station in any desired type of stack processing apparatus.
  • the conveyor assembly 30 advantageously receives signatures from the stacker assembly 20 and jogger assembly 24, it is contemplated that the conveyor assembly 30 could receive signatures from many different types of apparatus. It is also contemplated that the platform 234 could be stationary if desired.
  • the present invention relates to a new and improved apparatus 10 for use in handling signatures.
  • the apparatus 10 may include longitudinally extending signature support elements 34, referred to herein as slats.
  • One of the slats 34 of a first plurality 32 of slats cooperates with one of the slats of a second plurality 36 of slats to support signatures 12.
  • a jogger assembly 24 is operable to jog signatures supported by the slats 34.
  • a platform 234 is disposed beneath the slats and jogger assembly to receive the signatures.
  • An improved conveyor assembly 30 has pusher elements 338 and 340 which sequentially engage stacks 28 of signatures to push them from the platform 234.
  • the pusher elements 338 and 340 may move the stacks 28 of signatures into a strapper assembly 31 or other apparatus.
  • a leading end portion of the stack of signatures engages a registration surface 304 and 306.
  • a pusher element 338 or 340 presses the signatures against the registration surface 304 and 306 to align opposite ends of the stack 28 of signatures and to locate the stack of signatures relative to the strapper assembly 31 or other apparatus.
  • the pusher element 338 or 340 pushes the tied stack of signatures away from the tying station 300 in the strapper assembly 31.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pile Receivers (AREA)
EP19940104246 1993-05-24 1994-03-18 Apparat zur Behandlung von Lagen Expired - Lifetime EP0626330B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/066,901 US5392700A (en) 1993-03-19 1993-05-24 Apparatus for use in handling signatures
US66901 1997-11-20

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EP0626330A2 true EP0626330A2 (de) 1994-11-30
EP0626330A3 EP0626330A3 (de) 1995-02-08
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EP0829441A1 (de) * 1996-09-11 1998-03-18 Grapha-Holding Ag Vorrichtung zum Ausstossen gestapelter Druckbogen
EP0895954A2 (de) * 1997-08-04 1999-02-10 Gämmerler AG Kreuzleger
EP0919501A2 (de) * 1997-11-26 1999-06-02 Segbert GmbH & Co. KG Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten, Abpressen und Ausstossen von Paketen lose gestapelter Druckerzeugnisse
EP1844864A2 (de) * 2006-04-14 2007-10-17 Mag Systèmes Automatische Umschlagshandhabungsvorrichtung
EP2192067A1 (de) * 2008-11-28 2010-06-02 Müller Martini Holding AG Stapelvorrichtung für Druckprodukte
WO2012038013A1 (fr) * 2010-09-22 2012-03-29 Bobst Sa Dispositif de transport de paquets pour machine de cerclage
US8356967B2 (en) 2010-03-15 2013-01-22 Gammtech Corporation Stacker, stacking system or assembly and method for stacking

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CH645857A5 (en) * 1980-05-14 1984-10-31 Ferag Ag Manually loadable apparatus for feeding stacks of sheet-like products to a processing station
GB2165224A (en) * 1984-10-01 1986-04-09 Grapha Holding Ag Stacking and transporting printed sheets
US4611533A (en) * 1985-06-27 1986-09-16 Harris Graphics Corporation Tying apparatus
DE3816239A1 (de) * 1987-05-13 1988-11-24 Rom Srl Maschine zum formen von heftlagen und aehnlichen erzeugnissen

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US2964160A (en) * 1957-12-19 1960-12-13 Bulletin Company Machine for advancing articles
US3260191A (en) * 1964-10-08 1966-07-12 Miner Machine Company Bundle tie feeder
FR1498021A (fr) * 1966-10-28 1967-10-13 Bunn Co B Appareil pour lier automatiquement, plus particulièrement des articles sensiblement plats
CH645857A5 (en) * 1980-05-14 1984-10-31 Ferag Ag Manually loadable apparatus for feeding stacks of sheet-like products to a processing station
GB2165224A (en) * 1984-10-01 1986-04-09 Grapha Holding Ag Stacking and transporting printed sheets
US4611533A (en) * 1985-06-27 1986-09-16 Harris Graphics Corporation Tying apparatus
DE3816239A1 (de) * 1987-05-13 1988-11-24 Rom Srl Maschine zum formen von heftlagen und aehnlichen erzeugnissen

Cited By (17)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0829441A1 (de) * 1996-09-11 1998-03-18 Grapha-Holding Ag Vorrichtung zum Ausstossen gestapelter Druckbogen
US6074161A (en) * 1996-09-11 2000-06-13 Grapha-Holding Ag Apparatus for pushing out stacked signatures
EP0895954A2 (de) * 1997-08-04 1999-02-10 Gämmerler AG Kreuzleger
EP0895954A3 (de) * 1997-08-04 1999-10-13 Gämmerler AG Kreuzleger
US6149149A (en) * 1997-08-04 2000-11-21 Gammerler Ag Cross stacker
EP0919501A2 (de) * 1997-11-26 1999-06-02 Segbert GmbH & Co. KG Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten, Abpressen und Ausstossen von Paketen lose gestapelter Druckerzeugnisse
EP0919501A3 (de) * 1997-11-26 2000-08-16 Segbert GmbH & Co. KG Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten, Abpressen und Ausstossen von Paketen lose gestapelter Druckerzeugnisse
FR2899877A1 (fr) * 2006-04-14 2007-10-19 Mag Systemes Soc Par Actions S Dispositif de manutention automatique des enveloppes
EP1844864A2 (de) * 2006-04-14 2007-10-17 Mag Systèmes Automatische Umschlagshandhabungsvorrichtung
EP1844864A3 (de) * 2006-04-14 2007-10-24 Mag Systèmes Automatische Umschlagshandhabungsvorrichtung
US7926242B2 (en) 2006-04-14 2011-04-19 MAG Systemes SAS Automatic envelope handling device
EP2192067A1 (de) * 2008-11-28 2010-06-02 Müller Martini Holding AG Stapelvorrichtung für Druckprodukte
US8573920B2 (en) 2008-11-28 2013-11-05 Mueller Martini Holding Ag Stacking device for print products
CN101746637B (zh) * 2008-11-28 2015-06-03 米勒·马蒂尼控股公司 用于印刷制品的堆垛装置
US8356967B2 (en) 2010-03-15 2013-01-22 Gammtech Corporation Stacker, stacking system or assembly and method for stacking
WO2012038013A1 (fr) * 2010-09-22 2012-03-29 Bobst Sa Dispositif de transport de paquets pour machine de cerclage
US8978870B2 (en) 2010-09-22 2015-03-17 Bobst Mex Sa Device for conveying bundles for a strapping machine

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Publication number Publication date
DE69412178T2 (de) 1999-02-04
DE69412178D1 (de) 1998-09-10
EP0626330B1 (de) 1998-08-05
EP0626330A3 (de) 1995-02-08

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