GB1594981A

GB1594981A - Counting apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB1594981A
Application number: GB611177A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Vacuumatic Ltd
Current assignee: Vacuumatic Ltd
Priority date: 1978-05-04
Filing date: 1978-05-04
Publication date: 1981-08-05

Description

(54) IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO COUNTING APPARATUS (71) We, VACUUMATIC LIMITED, a British Company, of Harwich, Essex, Cho 12 4LP, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- This invention relates to sheet counting apparatus.

According to the present invention there is provided sheet counting apparatus including means for detecting sheets and for providing a count signal whenever a sheet is detected; a counter responsive to the count signal and including means for providing an output signal whenever the counter reaches a predetermined count or one of a plurality of predetermined counts; at least one actuable means for performing an operation including a relay the energisation of which initiates the operation; a first switch responsive to the output signal to close on receipt of the output signal; and a second switch responsive to the detecting means to close on the detection of a sheet; the arrangement being such that the first relay is energised when and only when said first and second switches are both closed.

The detecting means may be constituted by a sheet counting head. For example the counting head may be of the type shown in our United Kingdom Patent Specifications Nos. 1455108, 1455109 and 1455110.

In the case where the sheet counting head is operated by an A C motor, the actuable means for performing an operation may comprise braking means for braking the motor. In that case, the relay may be arranged to connect, in use, a source of direct current across the motor to brake the motor, such that the counting head is stopped before the next sheet is detected.

In this case the apparatus may further comprise means responsive to the output signal for disconnecting, in use, the motor from a driving alternating current source before the direct current source is connected across the motor. The means for connecting the direct current source and the means for disconnecting the motor from the alternating current source may include at least one further relay.

The coil of said further relay for disconnecting the motor from the alternating current source may be connected in series with said first switch.

Said second switch may be formed by one or more switches connected in series with the counter, the arrangement being such that when the switch is closed or all the switches are closed, as the case may be, a count signal is provided.

The coil of the first-mentioned relay for connecting the direct current source to the motor may be connected in series with said first switch. A reed relay having a normally open switch may be connected in series with the coil of the first relay for connecting the direct current source to the motor, in which case the coil of the reed relay may be connected in series between said first switch and said second switch.

Said first relay for connecting the direct current source to the motor may have a further normally open switch which is connected in parallel with said second switch such that after the coil of the first relay for connecting has been energised by the closing of said first switch and said second switch the coil remains energised until said first switch is subsequently opened whatever the state of said second switch.

A variable resistance may be connected in series between the coil of the reed relay and said second switch, the arrangement being such that the switching of the switch of the reed relay, and hence the switching of said further switch of the first relay for connecting the direct current can be advanced or retarded by varying the value of the variable resistance.

In the case where there are a plurality of actuable means for performing an operation, at least one of said actuable means may comprise means for inserting indicating elements into a stack of sheets being counted whenever a predetermined number of sheets has been counted.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a circuit diagram of a control circuit for use with counting apparatus; Figure 2a shows a first modification of one part of the circuit of Figure 1; and Figure 2b shows a second modification of the part of the circuit of Figure 1.

The counting apparatus, with which the circuit of Figure l is to be used, is of the type having a motor driven counting head comprising a rotary wiping pin and an oscillating suction blade havmg a suction aperture, which counts a sheet when the wiping pin passes through a predetermined point in its path and the suction aperture of the suction blade is simultaneously closed by a part of the sheet being counted. The counting head is driveable along the corner of a stack of paper. Counting apparatus of this type is described in our U.K. Patent Specifications Nos: 1455108, 1455109 and 1455110.

Referring to the drawing a motor 10, which is arranged to operate the counting head (not shown), is connected in parallel with an alternating current source 11 by lines 12 and 13, each of which has a respective changeover switch 14 and a normally closed switch 15 connected in series therein. Line 12 also contains an on/off switch 16.

In normal use the switch 16 is closed and the motor 10 operates the counting head (not shown) as it is driven along the side of a stack of paper by a further motor (not shown). The corner of each sheet is initially lifted by the suction blade (not shown) and it is then wiped to the other side of the blade by a wiping pin (not shown) as is described in our previously mentioned patent specifications.

Each time the wiping pin passes through a predetermined point in its path it closes a switch 17, and each time a sheet closes the suction aperture (not shown) of the suction blade (not shown) a switch 18 is closed. The switches 17 and 18 are connected in series with a counter 19 between rails 20 and 21 to which a D C voltage is applied by a full wave rectifying bridge 22, which is connected across the secondary coil 23 of a transformer 24, the primary 25 of which is connected in parallel with the alternating current source 11.

Thus when both of switches 17 and 18 are dosed the counter 19 is instantaneously placed in the circuit with the bridge 22 and hence experiences a voltage pulse, which causes the counter 19 to count one (sheet).

The count can either be an additive count or a subtractive count. In the latter case the counter 19 is initially set at a required total, say one hundred, and each count reduces that number by one. The counter 19 can be arranged to supply an output signal, whenever the count reaches a predetermined number, say one. Previously this output signal has been used to stop the counting head (not shown). However with the standard of counter normally fitted in sheet counters, the timing of this output signal can vary greatly and sometimes the counting operation is stopped before the hundredth sheet has been wiped to the back of the suction blade (not shown) and sometimes after the hundred and first has been counted.

In the described apparatus the output signal from the counter 19 is fed to a coil (not shown) which is arranged to close, when deenergised, a switch 26 which is connected in series with relay coils 27 and 28 and reed switch coil 50. Coil 50 is further connected in series with switches 17 and 18 in a first circuit and with a switch 29 in a second circuit. The switch 29 is arranged to close when the coil 27 is energised, and the two changeover switches 14 are arranged to change over from the positions shown in full lines to those shown in dotted lines. The first circuit also includes a variable resistance 30 and a diode 31. The coil 27 is connected in series with a normally open reed switch 51 which is controlled by coil 50.

The coil 28 is arranged to open switches 15 when it is energised.

The third terminals 32 and 33 of the switches 14 are connected to opposite sides of a capacitor 34, which in turn is connected in parallel with a full wave rectifying bridge 35.

In use the bridge 35 is supplied with current by a transformer 36, the primary 37 of which is connected across the alternating current source 11 via the switch 16 and one of the switches 15.

A further switch 38 is connected in series with a coil 39 between rails 20 and 21.

In operation the counter 19 counts downwardly from a predetermined number, in response to each simnltaneous closing of switches 17 and 18, until the count reads 1.

An output signal is then delivered by the counter 19 to the coil (not shown), which controls switch 26 closing switch 26 and causing current to flow through coil 28. The energisation of the coil 28 causes switches 15 to open disconnecting the motor 10 and the transformer 36 from the alternating current source 11. At this stage both the first and second circuits which include coil 50 are open circuit because the switch 18 has opened before the switch 26 was closed and the switch 29 will not close until the coil 27 is energised. The circuit containing coil 27 is open circuit, at this stage, because the switch 51 will not close until coil 50 is energised.

The motor 10 will then free-wheel, for one or more cycles, operating the counting head (not shown), until the counting head (not shown) engages the next sheet closing switches 17 and 18 simultaneously.

The closure of switches 17 and 18 completes the first circuit including the coil 50, causing the coil 50 to be energised, hence causing the switch 51 to close and coil 27 to be energised. Once the coil 27 is energised the switch 29 is closed, maintaining the energisation of the coil 50, and hence coil 27, whatever the state of switches 17 and 18.

Energisation of coil 27 further causes switches 14 to change over to connect the motor 10 across the capacitor 34, via terminals 32 and 33, which discharges a direct current through the motor 10 abruptly braking the motor 10, and hence the operation of the counting head (not shown). It is well known to brake an A C electric motor by the application of direct current.

The timing of the braking of the motor 10 is controlled by the closing of the switch 18, which occurs at a precisely known part of the cycle of the counting head (not shown). It is thus possible to arrange the apparatus to stop at a precise point in its cycle, e.g. the point at which the sheet which closed switch 18 is wiped. The time taken for the coil 50 to energise sufficiently to switch switch 51, and hence the timing of the energisation of coil 27, can be adjusted by varying the variable resistance 30. This facility is particularly useful when the apparatus is being set up for use with a particular thickness of paper, as different thicknesses of paper take different lengths of time to be wiped onto the back of the suction blade (not shown). The apparatus can be reset by closing switch 38, which energises coil 39, which in turn causes switch 26 to open.

It will be appreciated that many other functions other than the braking of the motor 10 could be performed under the control of the coil 27. For instance a coloured. strip could be inserted in a stack every time a number of, say fifty, sheets were counted.

Further the counter could be arranged to provide a succession of output signals at different predetermined counts. The output signals could be used to successively enable one actuable means such as the coil 27 and its associated switches or they could be used to enable a plurality of actuable means performing the same or different operations.

Figure 2a shows a first modification which may be used for part A of the circuit. In this modification switch 29 is dispensed with leaving coil 27 to operate contacts 14 alone.

Coil 50 is maintained energised by the current flowing through switch 51. Figure 2b shows an even simpler version of the circuit in which coil 50 is arranged to close switch 51 and contacts 14.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. Sheet counting apparatus including means for detecting sheets and for providing a count signal whenever a sheet is detected; a counter responsive to the count signal and including means for providing an output signal whenever the counter reaches a predetermined count or one of a plurality of predetermined counts; at least one actuable means for performing an operation including a relay the energisation of which initiates the operation; a first switch responsive to the output signal to close on receipt of the output signal; and a second switch responsive to the detecting means to close on the detection of a sheet; the arrangement being such that the first relay is energised when and only when said first and second switches are both closed.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the detecting means includes a sheet counting head.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the sheet counting head is operated by an A.C. motor and wherein said actuable means for performing an operation comprises braking means for braking the motor.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the relay is arranged to connect, in use, a source of direct current across the motor to brake the motor, such that the counting head is stopped before the next sheet is detected.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 further comprising means responsive to the output signal for disconnecting, in use, the motor from a driving alternating current source before the direct current source is connected across the motor.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the means for disconnecting the motor from the alternating current source includes at least one further relay.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the coil of said further relay for disconnecting the motor from the alternating current source is connected in series with said first switch.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claims 2 to 7 wherein said second switch is formed by one or more switches in series with the counter such that when the switch is closed or all of the switches are closed, as the case may be, a count signal is provided.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7 or claim 8 as dependent on claim 4 wherein the coil of the first mentioned relay for connecting the direct current source to the motor is connected in series with said first switch.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 further comprising a reed relay having a normally open switch connected in series

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. open circuit, at this stage, because the switch 51 will not close until coil 50 is energised. The motor 10 will then free-wheel, for one or more cycles, operating the counting head (not shown), until the counting head (not shown) engages the next sheet closing switches 17 and 18 simultaneously. The closure of switches 17 and 18 completes the first circuit including the coil 50, causing the coil 50 to be energised, hence causing the switch 51 to close and coil 27 to be energised. Once the coil 27 is energised the switch 29 is closed, maintaining the energisation of the coil 50, and hence coil 27, whatever the state of switches 17 and 18. Energisation of coil 27 further causes switches 14 to change over to connect the motor 10 across the capacitor 34, via terminals 32 and 33, which discharges a direct current through the motor 10 abruptly braking the motor 10, and hence the operation of the counting head (not shown). It is well known to brake an A C electric motor by the application of direct current. The timing of the braking of the motor 10 is controlled by the closing of the switch 18, which occurs at a precisely known part of the cycle of the counting head (not shown). It is thus possible to arrange the apparatus to stop at a precise point in its cycle, e.g. the point at which the sheet which closed switch 18 is wiped. The time taken for the coil 50 to energise sufficiently to switch switch 51, and hence the timing of the energisation of coil 27, can be adjusted by varying the variable resistance 30. This facility is particularly useful when the apparatus is being set up for use with a particular thickness of paper, as different thicknesses of paper take different lengths of time to be wiped onto the back of the suction blade (not shown). The apparatus can be reset by closing switch 38, which energises coil 39, which in turn causes switch 26 to open. It will be appreciated that many other functions other than the braking of the motor 10 could be performed under the control of the coil 27. For instance a coloured. strip could be inserted in a stack every time a number of, say fifty, sheets were counted. Further the counter could be arranged to provide a succession of output signals at different predetermined counts. The output signals could be used to successively enable one actuable means such as the coil 27 and its associated switches or they could be used to enable a plurality of actuable means performing the same or different operations. Figure 2a shows a first modification which may be used for part A of the circuit. In this modification switch 29 is dispensed with leaving coil 27 to operate contacts 14 alone. Coil 50 is maintained energised by the current flowing through switch 51. Figure 2b shows an even simpler version of the circuit in which coil 50 is arranged to close switch 51 and contacts 14. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. Sheet counting apparatus including means for detecting sheets and for providing a count signal whenever a sheet is detected; a counter responsive to the count signal and including means for providing an output signal whenever the counter reaches a predetermined count or one of a plurality of predetermined counts; at least one actuable means for performing an operation including a relay the energisation of which initiates the operation; a first switch responsive to the output signal to close on receipt of the output signal; and a second switch responsive to the detecting means to close on the detection of a sheet; the arrangement being such that the first relay is energised when and only when said first and second switches are both closed.

with a coil of the first relay for connecting the direct current source to the motor. the coil of the reed relay being connected in series between said first switch and said second switch.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said first relay for connecting the direct current source to the motor has a further normally open switch which is connected in parallel with said second switch such that after the coil of the first relay for connecting the direct current source has been energised by the closing of said first switch and said second switch, the coil remains energised until said first switch is subsequently opened whatever the state of said second switch.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 further comprising a variable resistance connected in series between the coil of the reed relay and said second switch, the arrangement being such that the switching of the switch of the reed relay and hence the switching of said further switch of the first relay for connecting the direct current can be advanced or retarded by varying the value of the variable resistance.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein there are a plurality of actuable means for performing an operation, at least one of which comprises means for inserting indicating elements into a stack of sheets being counted whenever a predetermined number of sheets has-been counted.

14. Counting apparatus including a control circuit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings or in Figure 1 as modified by Figure 2a or Figure 2b of the accompanying drawings.