JP2513929B2 - Coupon insertion device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus (5) that uses the burster method for positioning coupons from a continuous web (46) at a predetermined time at a predetermined location for insertion is disclosed. Positioning rolls (48, 50) define a bight to receive the leading edge of a coupon (20) and are driven by positioning drive mechanism (58) at a continuous predetermined speed. Feeding roll mechanism (36, 38) located upstream of the positioning rolls (48, 50) in the excess of one coupon length are driven by intermittent feeding drive (56) at a speed substantially less than the speed of the positioning rolls (48, 50). Controller (70) actuates and deactuates the feeding drive mechanism (56) in response to timing device (24, 26) related to the position of a container (10) and coupon sensing device (62) at a sensing position between the positioning rolls (48, 50) and the feeding roll mechanism (36, 38).

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for inserting coupons into containers moving on high volume transport systems. In particular, the invention relates to separating a frontmost coupon from a continuous web and inserting the coupon into the container as the container passes through a predetermined location.

Placing coupons and other leaflets along with products in containers such as breakfast cereals and paper boxes for snacks is commonly used as a means of publicity and sales promotion. Consumers can use the coupon for defined purposes such as discounts, future purchases or refunds. For this reason, many machines are used in the packaging industry today to put coupons into containers.

The above application is only one application of the present invention described in detail below. However, note that the term "coupon" is used in its broadest possible sense, including coupons, cards, sheet certificates, certificates, certificates and everything that can be handled as described below. I want to be done.

Similarly, the term "container" is used in its broadest sense, including all containers such as boxes, open containers, cans, and all coupon accepting containers that may be suitably used in the present invention. It

Generally, the coupon insertion device performs the operation of inserting or arranging one coupon in each of a plurality of containers moving at high speed along a conveyor device or a similar transport system. These containers are positioned at specific locations with respect to the associated mechanism. While known insertion devices work well under certain conditions, they are likely to be unreliable, inflexible, and expensive to manufacture, install, operate and maintain.

Usually, the coupon supply device requires stacking pre-cut coupons that are supplied one by one from the inclined passage. An example of this type of device is U.S. Pat.
There is one disclosed in No. 200. In this device, the pushing member and the feed roller cooperate with each other to extract the coupon at the forefront from the coupons cut and stacked in advance. The coupon will then pass through the downwardly sloping passage to reach the insertion position. However, this configuration requires a separate coupon cutting and stacking step before the coupon insertion step. Another arrangement with a downward tilting tray is U.S. Pat.
No. 179,113. In this device, a reciprocating vacuum head is arranged on a tilt tray, and the coupons are taken out one by one from a stack of pre-cut coupons and placed on a conveyor for transporting the coupons to a container.

Others are equipped with mechanical cutting devices such as, for example, a cutting device for separating each coupon from the continuous web. Such an arrangement is described in U.S. Pat.
No. In this device, a feed drum withdraws the coupons from the web and delivers them to a cutting device for separating the web into individual coupons. The coupons are then placed on a moving package using a conveyor system.

Although prior art devices such as those described above perform well under certain conditions, they are quite complex and often require extra steps for processing coupons.
Furthermore, these devices are prone to blockages when operated at high speeds. For this reason, one coupon cannot be put in each container, or conversely two coupons can be mistakenly put in one container.
There are cases where one or more coupons are inserted. Moreover, many known coupon insertion devices are not able to tolerate changes in container spacing or conveyor feed.
In addition, the known device cannot tolerate changes in the charging position and the size and shape of the container.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved coupon insertion device that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

Similarly, one object of the present invention is to provide a coupon insertion device capable of detecting the position of each of a plurality of containers moving at various speeds and reliably arranging the coupon at those positions at a predetermined time. It is to be.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a coupon insertion device capable of quickly and accurately separating coupons one by one from a continuous web and inserting the coupons into a container.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and unique method of storing coupons and delivering them one by one efficiently and reliably to a predetermined location at a predetermined time.

And further, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a coupon insertion device which can be carried and installed anywhere and can carry out the method unique to the present invention at different coupon insertion locations and routes. .

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the following description, appended claims, and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above objective is accomplished by providing a coupon insertion device that uses a continuous web of separable coupons.
The device is adapted to separate the frontmost coupon from the continuous web in a controlled intermittent motion. The series of coupons are separated from each other by breaks, such as perforations arranged transversely to the web. The front coupon is
It is separated from the web and inserted by a downstream roller that acts as a breaking member that provides tension to separate the coupon.
After separating the coupons, the coupon insertion device guides the coupons into a fast moving container.

The present coupon insertion device includes a support means, a positioning roller means for separating the frontmost coupon from the continuous web and supplying the coupon to a predetermined position, and a feeding means for intermittently advancing the continuous web toward the positioning roller means. Roller means. The locating roll means comprises a pair of rollers that form a bite for receiving the front end of the coupon and are rotatably attached to the support means. Further, the positioning drive means continuously actuates the positioning roller means to move the coupon at a predetermined speed.

The feed roller means comprises a pair of rollers spaced upstream from the positioning roller means by a distance greater than the length of one coupon. The feed roller means is oriented so as to guide the tip of the frontmost coupon into the bite formed by the positioning roller means. The feed driving means intermittently drives the feed roller means to guide the tip of the frontmost coupon to the bite formed by the positioning roller means. Since the feed drive means operates at a speed slower than the predetermined speed of the positioning roller means, when the leading edge of the frontmost coupon is received by the positioning roller means, the frontmost coupon will move to the next position along the breaking portion of the web. Separated from coupon.

A feature of the invention is the use of control means to activate and deactivate the feed drive means. The control means has timing means and detects the position of the moving target or container. The target means of the control means determines a predetermined time for the container to reach the insertion point. Also, the control means receives information from the coupon detection means arranged at the coupon detection position between the positioning roller means and the feed roller means. The coupon detection means detects the presence and absence of the coupon at the coupon detection position. The control means
In order to pull the leading edge coupon on the bite formed by the positioning roller means, the feed drive means is activated at a predetermined time based on the detection of the leading edge coupon at the detection position, which causes the leading edge coupon to be pulled away from the continuous web. The positioning roller means moves the coupon toward a predetermined insertion position at a predetermined speed. When the most advanced coupon leaves the coupon detection position, the coupon detection means detects the absence of the coupon. The control means deactivates the feed drive means based on the sequential detection of the absence of the leading edge coupon and the detection of the next coupon at the coupon detection location.
This allows the insertion device to send coupons to containers moving at various speeds.

Another feature of the invention is to include a coupon web supply means for supplying a continuous web of coupons to the feed roller means. The coupon web supply means has a flexible feed slideway with a body that can be positioned freely and tortuously thereto and an output end that is fixed to a support means that has an input end. The support means of the coupon insertion device are attached by universal means for angularly positioning the coupon insertion device about the joint. The supply means may comprise source means for delivering a flexible downhill output. The source means may comprise means associated with a distribution roller or the like for storing a roll of preformed coupons in the form of a continuous web. The source means may also have an associated dispensing mechanism and storage means for the folded web coupons. Alternatively, another source means may comprise a source roll of unfolded coupons forming a pre-punched or otherwise web. In such a system, if necessary, the folding roll and perforating mechanism receives the web from the source roll and the folded and perforated web is fed through the take-up means to the flexible downhill input end. Accordingly, the coupon insertion device may be positioned to provide insertion of coupons from various sources at various insertion points.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the coupon insertion device of the present invention disposed relative to a transport system with the portion of the device removed for clarity.

2 is a simplified block diagram of the coupon insertion device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the insertion head of the coupon insertion device of FIG. 1 as seen from the front direction.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the mounting arrangement of the coupon insertion device of FIG. 1 as seen from the bottom of the insertion head.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view seen from the side of the insertion head of the coupon insertion device.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a coupon insertion device showing vertical flexibility.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a coupon insertion device showing horizontal flexibility.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart diagram of coupon and package processing steps according to the coupon insertion device and method of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the coupon insertion device of the present invention.

 FIG. 10 is an illustrative view of the coupon insertion device of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a coupon insertion device that uses a molding supply means.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a coupon device having a folded web supply means.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments The following detailed description will enable a more complete understanding of the present invention. However, the following examples are simple examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to such examples. Moreover, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain elements are indicated by graphical symbols or broken views. In some cases, details not necessary for an understanding of the present invention have been omitted, including customary details of construction and assembly.

Generally, the present invention is a method for receiving a continuous web of coupons, pulling the frontmost coupon from the continuous web, and dispensing the coupons into a rapidly moving container at a given time so that it passes a given location. And equipment. The device of the present invention is intended to be incorporated into a complete commercial vessel processing system. The device of the present invention also dispenses coupons to the container at predetermined locations such that the container is already formed or not yet filled or closed.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coupon insertion system of the present invention that includes a device 5. The coupon insertion device 5 is a conveyor system 11 that conveys a large number of containers 10.
It has an adjustable insertion head 8 which is positioned with respect to. The adjustable insertion head 8 is attached to the universal mounting joint 92 at the distal end of the support arm 94. The mounting shaft 94 is attached to the column 6 by the attaching means 13 and the rotary joint 7. The mounting post 6 is carried by the base 14 and carries an electronic controller 70 which provides the logical control for the coupon insertion head 8. The electronic controller 70 is preferably housed in a cabinet that is compatible with the industrial environment.

Further, FIG. 1 shows a coupon reel 9 rotatably attached to a shaft attached to the post 6. The coupon reel 9 provides a housing for a stream of coupons that is placed on a continuous web 46 of the type to be processed for final insertion into the container 10. The first coupon in the series, the most advanced coupon 20, is followed by the next coupon 22. The coupons are spaced apart and connected by weakened portions extending substantially transverse to the web. This weakening can be done by a row of perforations. A row of perforations connects the leading edge of coupon 22 and the trailing edge of leading edge coupon 20, which extends transversely to continuous web 46. Successive coupons are arranged in a similar fashion. In the preferred embodiment, the coupon is approximately the size of a dollar bill folded along a transverse line of the coupon that extends in the longitudinal direction of the web. This shape facilitates insertion by the coupon insertion head 8.

The adjustable insertion head 8 has positioning roller means, shown as a pair of spaced positioning rollers 48 and 50. Positioning rollers 48 and 50 are stepper drive motors.
It is driven at a predetermined rotational speed by the positioning drive means shown as 58. It is also possible to use a servo motor that operates at high speed but is expensive. Adjustable insertion head 8 has feed rollers, shown as a pair of spaced feed rollers 36 and 38, located upstream of positioning rollers 48 and 50. The feed rollers 36 and 38 are positioned by the feed drive means, shown as a stepper drive motor 56, into positioning rollers 48,5.
Driven intermittently at rotational speeds below 0. The feed rollers 36 and 38 pass through a flexible feed slide 88,
The bite formed by the positioning rollers 48, 50 (big
ht), pull the web of coupon 46.

At a given time, the feed rollers 36 and 38 will cause the leading coupon 20
The leading edge of the bite between the positioning rollers 48 and 50 (bi
ght) 49. The positioning rollers 48 and 50 tear off the first coupon 20 from the next succeeding coupon 22 along the perforated cut line and put it in a predetermined position. The photoelectric coupon sensor 62 is arranged between the feed rollers 36 and 38 and the positioning rollers 48 and 50, and supplies the detected coupon position information to the electronic control unit 70.

The coupon insertion head 8 is arranged in relation to a carrier device 11 for carrying containers such as boxes and cartons to the next container processing station. The transport device 11 comprises a conveyor belt 12 mounted on a support roller (one of which is indicated by roller 14). A plurality of containers such as the container 10 move on the conveyor belt 12 in the direction of arrow 15. For mass production, the conveyor belt 12 conveys each container at high speed.

A pair of photoelectric sensors 24 and 26 are located in association with the transport device 11 and send timing information to the electronic controller 70 regarding the position and movement of the container. The electronic control unit 70 processes these timing information and coupon sensor information and activates and deactivates the feed drive means accordingly. Thereby, each coupon is inserted into each container one at a time as each container passes the coupon insertion head 8.

Referring to FIG. 2, the operation of the coupon insertion device according to the present invention is shown in a block diagram. The electronic control unit 70
Information is received from the coupon sensor 62 regarding the presence and absence of coupons at the detection points between the pair of feed rollers 36,38 and the pair of positioning rollers 48,50. Electronic control unit
The coupon position signal received at 70 is shown by line 120. The electronic controller 70 also receives information about the position of the leading container (shown by line 122). Electronic control unit 70
Is preferably microprocessor controlled,
In fact, it may be a personal computer. Electronic control unit
70 performs logic processing and sends start and stop signals to the first step motor controller 126 via line 124. The step motor controller 126 controls the line 12 to control the feed roller driving means (the step motor 56 in this embodiment).
The controlled pulse train shown in 8 is supplied. Step motor 56
In response to a command from the electronic control unit 70,
Start and stop 36 and 38.

Similarly, the electronic controller 70 can provide the start and stop signals shown on line 130 to the second stepper motor controller 132. The stepper motor controller 132 likewise provides a controlled pulse train via line 134 to control the positioning roller drive means such as the stepper motor 58. In the preferred operating mode, the electronic control unit 70
Provides a signal to operate the stepper motor 58 at a continuous speed. This causes the positioning rollers 48 and 50 to rotate at a predetermined continuous speed.

As described above, the electronic control unit 70 can be composed of a personal computer. Step motor controller
126 and 132 are plug-in lamp type pulse generators. This is, for example, a product number VCO-1006 pulse generator manufactured by Servo Systems Company of Montville, NJ (using their step motor drive CMD-40 or CMD-50). A feature of the step motor control devices 126 and 132 is that the step motors 56 and 58 can be rapidly accelerated and rapidly decelerated.

The supporting means of the coupon insertion device is shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. This support means comprises a support substrate 74, two side plates 76 and 8
4, intermediate support plate 80, chute support plate 130, and support end plate 13
It consists of a housing 72 with 2 (Fig. 5). One side plate 7
The 6 is fixed to the support substrate 74 using a plurality of setscrews, one of which is shown as setscrew 78. The set screw 78 penetrates a hole formed in the support substrate 74 and is screwed into a screw hole provided in an edge portion of the side plate 76. The intermediate support plate 80 is secured to the side plate 76 using a plurality of set screws, one of which is shown as set screw 82. The set screw 82 penetrates a hole formed in the side plate 76 and is screwed into a screw hole screwed in an edge portion of the intermediate support plate 80. Similarly, the side plate 84 is secured to the intermediate support plate 80 using a plurality of setscrews, one of which is shown as setscrew 86.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the support end plate 132 includes a screw 1
It is fixed to the support substrate 74 by a plurality of fastening screws such as 34.
The screw 134 penetrates the hole of the support end plate 132 and is screwed into a screw hole provided in the edge portion of the support substrate 74. The chute support plate 130 abuts the support end plate 132, and the set screws 136 and 138 set the end plate 1 in place.
Connected to 32. The chute support plate 130 provides a cradle for the flow of coupons entering the coupon insertion head 8.

3 and 5 further illustrate a coupon web supply means. The coupon web supply means comprises a flexible feed chute 88 that guides the flow of coupons from the continuous web of coupons 46 (FIG. 1). Flexible feed chute 88
Preferred is an enclosed carrier consisting of a flexible conduit (eg, Conduflex from Kabel Shrepp). Flexible feed chute 88 is attached to housing 72 by mounting bracket 138. The mounting bracket 138 includes a flange (not shown), which is fixed to the support end plate 132 by a set screw that is screwed into a screw hole of the support end plate 132.

The feed guide 110 is mounted on the chute support plate 130 to align the flow of coupons entering the coupon insertion head 8. The feed guide 110 is adjustably mounted by a pair of pull screws. The pair of pulling screws sends a slight compressive force against the chute support plate 130 to the guide guide 1
Energized to give to 10. For example, pull screw 14
The 2 and the spring 144 apply a downward force to the feed guide 110. By adjusting the position of the tension screw 142, the feed guide 110
Allow different weight and thickness coupons to pass between the chute support plate 130 and the guide 110.

FIG. 5 further illustrates a coupon sensor means according to the present invention. This coupon sensor means is a positioning roller 4
The presence or absence of a coupon is detected at the detection position between the 8,50 and the feed rollers 36,38. The light reflection sensor 62 is disposed between the feed rollers 36 and 38 and the positioning rollers 48 and 50 by using the bracket 144. The sensor 62 comprises a light source and a detector, which detects the light emitted from the light source when it is reflected by a coupon located at the detection position. One satisfactory light reflection sensor is
A fiber optic sensor by Omron. bracket
The 144 is attached to the side plate 84 with a screw 146 that is screwed into a screw hole of one side plate 84 of the housing 72. The bracket 144 is thereby pivotable about the axis formed by the screws 146, allowing the position of the sensor 62 to be adjusted. Further, bracket 144 includes cooperating hinge portions 144a and 144b.
It can also consist of The hinge portions 144a and 144b are adjustable with respect to the threaded shaft 145, allowing further position adjustment of the sensor 62. The exact placement of the sensing position depends on the unique geometry of the head. The space between the feed rollers 36, 38 and the positioning rollers 48, 50 must always be at least the length of one coupon, and the detection position is the sensor when the leading coupon is cut and accelerated. It must be set so that 62 can respond to the gap between the first coupon and the next coupon. In one embodiment,
The coupon sensor 62 is located approximately 1/4 inch from the perimeter of the positioning rollers 48, 50, and immediately before the coupon reaches the bite portion 49 formed by the rotating positioning rollers 48 and 50, the presence of the coupon is determined. It is supposed to be detected. Coupon sensor 62 has positioning rollers 48 and 50
If located very close to the feed roller drive means, the feed roller drive means will move the leading edge of the coupon to the positioning rollers 48 and 50.
Of course, the feed rollers 36 and 38 cannot be stopped for a sufficient period of time to prevent entry into the bite formed by the. In this case, the system
Intermittent feed control cannot be performed.

3 and 5 further illustrate positioning roller means according to the present invention. The positioning roller means comprises positioning rollers 48 and 50 spaced apart from each other. Positioning roller 48
The bite 49 formed by and 50 pulls on the front edge of the coupon, which is ejected by the positioning rollers 48 and 50 into the required position. Positioning rollers 48 and 50 are rotatably mounted by means of positioning roller shafts 52 and 54 in holes having support surfaces formed in side plates 76 and 84 of housing 72. As best shown in FIG. 4, the positioning roller shaft 52 is adjustable within the slot 146 of the side plate 76. A pair of tension screws, such as tension screw 148, that thread into the slots of side plate 76 apply compressive force to positioning roller shaft 52. As a result, the positioning roller 48 is moved to the respective rollers 48 and
It is adjustable to change the gap between and to allow coupons of different weight and thickness.

3 and 5 both show the feed roller means of the present invention. The feed roller means is a feed roller located upstream of the positioning rollers 46 and 48 exceeding one coupon length.
With 36 and 38. The feed roller 36 is rotatably mounted on the sides 76 and 84 of the housing 72 via the shaft 40, the shaft being fitted in the slots of the sides 76 and 84 having bearing surfaces therein. The feed roller 38 is the feed roller 36
Is positioned from and is rotatably attached to sides 76 and 84 via shaft 42. Shaft 42 likewise fits into slots in sides 76 and 84 having bearing surfaces therein. Shaft 40 is adjustable within a pair of slots, including slot 152, by using a pair of pull screws, such as pull screw 154, which engages a threaded slot formed in side plate 76. The tension screw 154 exerts a downward compressive force on the feed roller shaft 40, which can adjust the gap between the feed rollers 36 and 38.

Preferably, the positioning rollers 50 and 52 and the feed rollers 36 and 38 have the same diameter, with 0.75 inch being most preferred. The rollers in both combinations are made of steel. In the preferred embodiment, one of the feed rollers and one of rollers 50 are closely spaced to ensure practical control of the coupon.

3 and 5 further show the driving means of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 3, a stepper motor 58 for driving the positioning rollers 48 and 50 is shown. The step motor 58 is mounted on the housing by using mounting screws.
Attached to the side 76 of 72, one of the screws is shown as a mounting screw 156 that fits into the threaded hole formed in side 76.

As shown in FIG. 3, the stepper motor 58 has a drive shaft 56.
Is provided. The connected drive chain 102 hangs on the drive sprocket 100 attached to the drive shaft 56 and the driven sprocket 104 attached to the lower positioning roller shaft 54. As a result, the chain 102 transmits torque to the positioning roller shaft 54 and the positioning roller 50. The positioning roller 48 is an idler roller and rotates in the opposite direction from the lower positioning roller 50 to form a bite portion 49. In the preferred embodiment, the gear ratio between the drive sprocket 100 and the driven sprocket 104 is determined by the positioning roller 5
1: 1 for precise control of 0 rotation.

The feed drive means includes a step motor 56 fixed to the side portion 76 of the housing 72. Four mounting screws secure the step motor 56 to the housing 72, including mounting screws 158 that fit into threaded holes formed in the side portions 76. The step motor 56 has a drive shaft 57 that carries a drive sprocket 106. The connected drive chain 108 transmits the torque from the drive shaft 57 to the driven sprocket 98, and the sprocket is sequentially attached to the feed roller shaft 42. Feed roller
36 is an idler roller that rotates in the opposite direction from the lower feed roller 38, which forms the bite portion of the feed roller. The gear ratio between sprocket 106 and sprocket 98 is 1: 1 for proper control to activate and deactivate feed roller 38. Timing belts with associated pulley means can also be used to drive the positioning rollers 50 and 52 and the feed rollers 36 and 38.

The stepper motors 56 and 58 are precisely controllable in both speed and direction. A stepper motor that satisfies this is the Rapid Thin, Model No. 34D-9209A motor manufactured by Computer Devices.
In one embodiment, the stepper motor 58 driving the positioning rollers 48 and 50 was operated at a speed of about 100 revolutions per minute, although the speed of the motor is generally load dependent. Step motor 56 that drives the feed rollers 36 and 38
Must operate intermittently at a speed less than the rotational speed of the positioning roller. For example, the revolution is 50 revolutions per minute in the cited example. The speed of rotation of stepper motors 56 and 58 will vary depending on the application. It is desirable for the motor to have fairly high acceleration and deceleration to achieve more accurate feeding of individual coupons. At low speeds, the activation / deactivation of the motors can be controlled more accurately, but faster placement of coupons is more practical.

While step motors are preferred, servo motors and
DC motors are also used continuously. For example, in an arrangement in which the positioning rollers 50 and 52 rotate continuously, the stepper motor 58 could be replaced by a servomotor that achieves high rotational speeds for the rollers 50 and 52. In this example, the bite portion 49 formed by the locating rollers 50 and 52 increases the pulling force between the leading edge coupon 20 and the subsequent coupon 22 while providing a large linear velocity over the leading edge of the leading edge coupon 20. , Which allows the trailing edge of the most advanced coupon 20 to be more reliably separated from the leading edge of the next coupon along the split tear line. Positioning rollers 50 and 52 will also direct the leading edge coupon 17 into position with increased speed. This construction is particularly useful for dropping the state-of-the-art coupon 20 into a container at an insertion position at a significant distance from the positioning rollers 48 and 50.

4, 6 and 7 show a portable feed head 8 on which the coupon insertion device 5 is arranged, in particular for defining the insertion point.
The adjustment part of is shown. A universal mounting joint 92 is secured to the bottom side of the support plate 74, as shown in FIG. The three equally spaced screws 164 pass through the holes in the universal mounting joint 92 and fit into the screw holes in the support plate 74 to secure the universal mounting joint 92 thereto.

Universal mounting joint 92 is socket 170
Has a ball portion 168 which is compatible with the socket portion 1
It can rotate in all directions inside 70. The shaft 94 extends from an arc-shaped opening 174 provided in the ball portion 168, and can freely swing in the opening. The fixing means 172 fixes the socket portion 170 and the shaft 94 at a desired position. As best shown in FIG. 1, the shaft 94 is pivotally connected to the vertical support 6 of the coupon insertion device.

FIG. 6 shows a combination of universal mounting joint 92 and flexible feed chute 88. As shown in FIG. 1, the coupon insertion head 8 may be positioned vertically by vertically shifting the clamp 7 onto the column 6, and the arm 94 is tilted about the rotary joint 7 to allow the head 8 to move. Support points are defined for.
The head 8 can be positioned in all directions around the support point by the universal joint 170. by this,
The positioning rollers 48 and 50 can be oriented in a desired direction when a conveyor belt type is added. That is, the advantages of a flexible feed chute, such as feed chute 88, become apparent. The feed chute 88 can provide a continuous path for the flow of coupons fed into the insertion head 8 regardless of the orientation of the feed head 8. For example, the coupon insertion head 8 operates in the same manner as when it was oriented downwards to fire the coupon from above towards the insertion position.

Similarly, FIG. 7 shows the horizontal adjustment part of the coupon insertion head 8. This can be accomplished by repositioning the stand 14 or rotating the arm 94 about the stand 6. Similarly, feed chute 88
Provides a continuous path for coupon flow and allows the insertion head to be leveled around universal joint 92.

FIG. 10 illustrates a timing device that works with the present invention. A first photoelectric sensor 24 and a second photoelectric sensor 26 are arranged for the carrier device 11 for transporting the container. The beam produced by the light source provided by the light reflection sensors 24 and 26 has a line 28 and a line transverse to the path of the container.
Shown at 30. In the preferred embodiment, the sensor
24 and 26 operate similarly to coupon sensor 62. The timing signal on line 32 is input by the signal processor 70 when the front edge of the container blocks the beam generated by the first light reflection sensor 24. The container then blocks the beam generated by the second light reflection sensor 26, and the second timing signal on line 34 is input to the signal processor 70.

From these data, signal processor 70 calculates the line speed for each container. Also, a determination of the time it takes for the container to reach a given insertion position is calculated. At an appropriate time, the signal processor 70 issues a command to activate the feed drive means of the device, thereby accelerating the feed rollers 36 and 38 and cutting edge to the bend formed by the positioning rollers 48 and 50. Coupons can be moved.

The timing means further comprises a timing adjustment element to allow the coupon insertion head 8 to change the distance with respect to the positioning rollers 48 and 50 to insert the coupon into the container. The timing adjustment element is software controlled. For example, if the predetermined position for insertion is relatively far from the locating rollers 48 and 50, the timing adjustment element could be the feed rollers 36 and 38.
Reduce the delay in the operation of. The state-of-the-art coupons are consequently moved to the positioning rollers 48 and 50 and separated from the subsequent coupons, to a predetermined position for each insertion before the container reaches the insertion position. Distributed towards.

Other data, including the rotational speeds of stepper motors 56 and 58, are needed to achieve proper and reliable delivery. The rotation speed of the step motor 56 and the feed roller 36,
The rotation speed of 38 must be known to match the timing of the most advanced coupon 20 entering the bite section 49 with the container position. Similarly, the rotational speeds of stepper motor 58 and positioning rollers 48 and 50 must be set to move the leading edge coupon at a known linear speed for successful delivery.

A modification of the timing means is provided with one operating light reflection sensor, for example a light reflection sensor 24. In this structure, the container must be moved at a constant linear velocity. The processor 70 is programmed with velocity data that is matched to the constant velocity of the container. The leading edge of the container
When shutting off the beam generated by the light reflection sensor 24, the timing signal reproduced by the line 32 is received by the processor 70 and indicates the container position. Using the programmed velocity data, the processor 70 causes the determination of the required spacing for the container to reach the predetermined insertion position.

8, 9 and 10 show the operation of the coupon insertion device 5. The signal processor 70 provides logic control for the coupon insertion head 8. The signal processor 70 receives the signal on line 32 from the first light reflection sensor 24 which corresponds to the detection of a container moving in the direction indicated by arrow 15. When the container blocks the beam generated by the second light reflection sensor 26, the signal processor 70 receives the signal on line 34 from the second light reflection sensor 26. From these data, the processor 70 calculates the linear velocity associated with the movement of the container, and thereby the time interval required for the moving container to reach the insertion position. This distance determines the predetermined operating time of the head 8 for the insertion of the cutting edge coupon 20 into the relevant container.

At the appropriate time, the processor 70 operates the line motor 1 via the stepper motor drive 126 to operate the stepper motor 56.
Signal on 28. The step motor 56 is thereby
A curved portion defined by the positioning rollers 48 and 50
Drive feed rollers 36 and 38 that move the most advanced coupon 20 towards 49. The state-of-the-art coupon 20 shuts off the coupon sensor 62 as it is pulled toward the positioning rollers 48 and 50. The sensor 62 provides a signal on line 120 to the processor 70 to indicate the presence of the most advanced coupon 20.

During this operation, the positioning rollers 48 and 50 are driven by the stepper motor 58 at a constant predetermined rotational speed greater than the rotational speed of the feed rollers 36 and 38. The bite portion 49 formed by the positioning rollers 48 and 50 receives the leading edge of the leading edge coupon 20, while the perforation lines separating the trailing edge of the leading edge coupon from the leading edge of the next succeeding coupon are the feed lines. It exists between the rollers 36 and 38 and the detection position defined by the sensor 62. Positioning roller 48
The tension between 50 and 50 and the feed rollers 36 and 38 cuts the leading edge coupon 20 from the next following coupon 22 at the score line 18. The positioning rollers 48 and 50 are then
Quickly distribute the most advanced coupon 20 to the predetermined insertion location. The state-of-the-art coupon 20 is thereby inserted into a suitable container when it blocks the predetermined insertion position,
This results in the light source provided by sensor 62 not being blocked.

When the most advanced coupon 20 is cut from the next coupon 22, the coupon sensor 62 detects that there is no coupon at the sensing position between the feed rollers 36 and 38 and the positioning rollers 48 and 50. Appropriate signal on line 120 to processor 7
Received by 0. Next coupon 22 is the feed roller 3
Continuing to be pulled by 6 and 38, the coupon sensor 62, which provides the appropriate signal to the processor 70, is shut off. Upon intermittent detection of the absence of a coupon followed by the presence of a coupon, the processor 70 sends an appropriate signal via line 128 to stop the stepper motor 56, thereby stopping the feed rollers 36 and 38. To do. Processor 70
Then waits for processing information about the next container passing through the first light reflection sensor 24. The next coupon is then inserted in the manner described above.

In another embodiment of the coupon insertion device, a signal processing device 70 controls a step motor 56 for driving the feed rollers 36 and 38 and a step motor 58 for driving positioning rollers 48 and 50. Provide the appropriate signal to In this mode of operation, the stepper motor 58 is activated during the coupon insertion operation and stopped while the subsequent container reaches a predetermined position for insertion. Maximum energy efficiency and reduced consumption are thereby achieved during slower moving operations. This structure is
Suitable for containers moving at slower speeds.

The signal processor 70 must be programmed to provide the appropriate signals for controlling the stepper motor. At the appropriate time, determined by the timing means, the processor 70 drives the positioning rollers 48 and 50 together with a signal via line 128 to operate the stepper motor 58 which drives the feed rollers 36 and 38. A signal is provided on line 134 to operate the motor 58.
The stepper motor 58 must be activated before the stepper motor 56 is activated to achieve coupon cutting. This is because when the coupon arrives, the locating rollers 48 and 50 must be rotated at a speed sufficient to pull the leading edge of the leading edge coupon onto the bite formed by the locating rollers 48 and 50. is there.

In this regard, a cutting member 51 (shown schematically in dashed lines in FIG. 6) may be placed between the positioning rollers 48 and 50 and the feed rollers 36 and 38. The cutting member has a portion extending generally across the coupon flow path into the feed rollers 36 and 38 and extending into the coupon path 53. It is necessary that the cutting member is slightly beveled and has one side that is taller with respect to the other side. State-of-the-art coupons feed rollers 36 to positioning rollers 48, 50
When pulled by 38 and 38, the coupon moves over the cutting member 51. When the bend formed by the positioning rollers 48 and 50 receives the leading edge 19 of the leading edge coupon 20, the perforation line 18 separating the trailing edge of the leading edge coupon 20 from the leading edge of the next coupon 22 is: It is substantially aligned with the cutting member 51. The tension provided between the positioning rollers 48 and 50 and the feed rollers 36 and 38 is thereby concentrated on one side of the perforation line 18 by the use of cutting members. The trailing edge of the most advanced coupon 20 is more easily cut from subsequent coupons in this manner because cutting occurs at the portion determined by interference from the portion of the cutting member 51 protruding into the coupon passage 53. The protruding cutting member is the positioning roller 48.
And 50 are particularly useful when rotating at relatively slow speeds.

In another mode of operation, the processor 70 steps motor 56 and step motor 58 to disconnect the leading edge coupon from the subsequent coupon in the manner described above.
Operate. The controller 70, in turn, advances the coupon 20
The step motor 58 is quickly decelerated to grab the leading edge coupon 20 between the positioning rollers 48 and 50 in the immobile position before the trailing edge is present in the bite formed by the positioning rollers 48 and 50. Works like. At the appropriate time, processor 70 sends a signal to actuate stepper motor 58 in response to the timing data occurring with respect to container position. Positioning rollers 48 and 50
Is thereby accelerated and dispenses the coupon into the container.
In this mode of operation, the feed rollers 36 and 38 may be activated during the waiting period, while the most advanced coupon 20
To move the next coupon 22 to a position between the positioning rollers 48 and 50 and the feed rollers 36 and 38, the positioning rollers
It is caught at the bend formed by 48 and 50. The coupon advances until the coupon sensor detects the presence of the next coupon 22. In this way, the overall speed of the container processor is increased.

In the preferred embodiment, the coupon supply is held on a roll, such as drum 9, or on a drum.
In another alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the coupon that is inserted into the head 8 is part of a fully integrated system so that a large roll of unfolded coupon 300 is It is fed to the bending, punching and take-up device. The unfolded coupons from the roll 300 are fed to a longitudinal folding machine 302. The product of the folding machine 302 is a longitudinally folded stream 304, which is a perforator.
Delivered to 306. The product 308 of the punch 306 is similar to the web 46 shown in FIG. 1 and is fed to the feed rollers 36, 38 via a take-up system 310. The take-up system 310 is a conventional take-up system, in which the feed rollers 36 and 38 feed intermittently, while the folding machine 30 and the punching machine 306.
Enables a relatively continuous operation of.

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates pre-folded and perforated coupons 46 folded and stacked on tray 314.
The web 46 includes one or more guide rollers 31.
The guide roller 316 is fed to the feed roller 3
Directed to 6,38. The present embodiment then functions in exactly the same way as the system of FIG.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will, of course, be understood that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments because of the technical field of the invention, especially those discussed above. Modifications will be made to those having ordinary skill in the art, and other embodiments of the principles will occur.

Claims (21)

(57) [Claims] 1. A coupon supply device for supplying a coupon to a moving container one at a time when the container passes a predetermined position, each coupon having a front edge and a rear edge. , The coupons are supplied as a continuous stream of coupons in a continuous continuous web, with the trailing edge of the leading edge of the coupons within the web passing through the weakened web portion across the web to Connected to the leading edge of the coupon, and the trailing edge of each successive coupon is also connected to the leading edge of the next coupon in the web via a weakened web portion, the device comprising: Positioning roller means rotatably mounted to the support means and forming a bite for receiving the leading edge of the cutting edge coupon, and rotatably mounted to the support means. A feed roller means disposed at an upstream side from the positioning roller means in the flow direction of the coupon with a distance longer than the length of one coupon, and directed in a direction of guiding the leading edge of the leading edge coupon into the bite portion. A coupon sensor unit arranged between the feed roller unit and the positioning roller unit for detecting the presence or absence of a coupon at a predetermined detection position between the feed roller unit and the positioning roller unit; The leading edge of the leading edge coupon is driven by intermittently driving the positioning roller driving means and the feed roller means for rotating the leading edge coupon toward the predetermined position at a predetermined speed. Moving toward the cutting tool at a speed less than that of the positioning tool, which causes the positioning roller means to move to the cutting edge within the cutting tool. Feed drive means for separating the trailing edge of the leading edge of the coupon from the leading edge of the next coupon when receiving the Pong leading edge to create a gap between the leading edge of the coupon and the next coupon at the detection location; Container sensor means for detecting movement of the container, operatively connected to the coupon sensor means, the container sensor means and the feed drive means, to the moving container when the container passes the predetermined position Control means for controlling the supply of coupons, a detection signal indicating whether or not a coupon exists at the detection position from the coupon sensor means, and a timing indicating the movement of the container from the container sensor means to the predetermined position. And a signal to each of the feed driving means in response to the detection signal and the timing signal. Coupon supply device and a control means for intermittently controlling said feed roller means. 2. A coupon supply device for supplying a coupon to a moving container one at a time when the container passes a predetermined position, each coupon having a front edge and a rear edge. , The coupons are supplied as a continuous stream of coupons in a continuous continuous web, with the trailing edge of the leading edge of the coupons within the web passing through the weakened web portion across the web to Connected to the leading edge of the coupon, and the trailing edge of each successive coupon is also connected to the leading edge of the next coupon in the web via a weakened web portion, the device comprising: Positioning roller means rotatably mounted to the support means and forming a bite for receiving the leading edge of the cutting edge coupon, and rotatably mounted to the support means. A feed roller means disposed at a position distant from the positioning roller means on the upstream side in the flow direction of the coupon, and directed in a direction leading into the front edge of the leading edge coupon and the bite portion, the feed roller means and the Coupon sensor means arranged between the positioning roller means and detecting presence or absence of a coupon at a predetermined detection position between the feed roller means and the positioning roller means; Coupon web feeding means for feeding the continuous web to a roller means, positioning driving means for rotating the positioning roller means, and moving the most advanced coupon toward the predetermined position at a predetermined speed, The feed roller to move the leading edge of the most advanced coupon toward the bite at a speed less than the predetermined speed. Means for driving the means intermittently so that when the positioning roller means receives the leading edge of the leading edge of the coupon in the bite section, the trailing edge of the leading edge of the coupon is separated from the leading edge of the next coupon and the sensing position In the feed driving means for producing a gap between the most advanced coupon and the next coupon, container sensor means for detecting the movement of the container, the coupon sensor means, the container sensor means and the feed driving means. A control means that is operatively connected and that controls the supply of a coupon to a moving container when the container passes the predetermined position, and indicates whether or not a coupon exists at the detection position from the coupon sensor means. The detection signal and the timing signal representing the movement of the container from the container sensor means to the predetermined position are respectively input, and the detection signal is detected. No. coupon supply device including a control means for intermittently controlling the said feed roller means to said feed drive means outputs a signal to the feed drive means in response to said timing signal. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the weakened web portion is formed by a series of perforation lines. 4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said coupon web delivery means is a flexible conduit attached to said support means upstream of said feed roller means. 5. Further comprising locating means attached to said support means for locating the angular position of said flexible conduit with respect to a pivot, said locating means cooperating with said coupon web feeding means, An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the support means is oriented with respect to the predetermined position. 6. Positioning roller means comprising a first pair of rollers mounted to said support means for rotation about an axis transverse to a continuous web of said coupon. The described device. 7. The invention of claim 6 wherein said feed roller means comprises a second pair of rollers mounted to said support means for rotation about an axis transverse to the continuous web of said coupon. The described device. 8. The scope of claim 1, wherein the coupon sensor means includes a first photoelectric sensor that detects whether the coupon is present at the predetermined position and outputs the detection signal to the control means. The device according to. 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container sensor means includes detector means for detecting movement of the container with respect to the predetermined position and outputting the timing signal to the control means. 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the timing signal output by the detector means is a signal relating to the position of the moving container and the rate of change of the position. 11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control means includes means for determining when the moving container reaches the predetermined position. 12. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said detector means comprises a second photoelectric sensor. 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container moves at a speed that changes with respect to the predetermined position. 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the control means includes means for calculating a time when the moving container reaches the predetermined position. 15. A coupon insertion device for supplying a moving container with one coupon at a time when the container passes a predetermined position, wherein each coupon is continuously continuous web. Supplied as an array of arranged coupons, the leading edge of the leading edge of the coupon in the web is connected to the leading edge of the next coupon via a series of perforations, and the trailing edge of each successive coupon is: Also connected in the web to the leading edge of the next coupon via a series of perforation lines, the device comprising: a housing, and a rotatable body about which the housing is rotatable about an axis transverse to the continuous web. A first pair of rollers mounted to form a bite for receiving a leading edge of the leading edge coupon; and a flow of the coupon from the first pair of rollers to the housing. In a direction leading the leading edge of the leading edge of the coupon into the bite section at a distance longer than the length of one coupon and rotatably mounted about an axis transverse to the direction of flow of the coupon. A second pair of directed rollers, a first roller drive means for continuously operating the first pair of rollers to move the leading edge coupon at a predetermined speed, and the second pair. Second roller driving means for intermittently driving the rollers of the leading edge of the leading edge of the coupon toward the bite portion at a speed lower than the predetermined speed along the moving path of the coupon, and It is arranged between the first pair of rollers and the second pair of rollers, and the presence of the coupon at a predetermined detection position on the movement path of the coupon between the first and second pair of rollers is detected. Existence check Then, the first light reflection sensor that outputs a detection signal that indicates the presence or absence of a coupon at the detection position, and the second web of the second pair of rollers that are attached upstream of the second pair of rollers. A flexible conduit for supplying the roller, a second light reflection sensor for detecting a movement of the container with respect to the predetermined position and outputting a timing signal representing the position of the container, the timing signal and the detection signal. According to the second
Of the second roller drive means is stopped after the absence of the next coupon at the detection position is detected and then the presence of the next coupon is detected. Means for controlling the first perforated rollers in the bite portion to receive the leading edge of the coupon at the end of the line of perforations and the second pair of rollers and the sensing position. While separating the trailing edge of the leading edge coupon from the leading edge of the next coupon so that there is no coupon at the sensing location, and the first pair of rollers further includes the leading edge coupon. And a control means for inserting the leading edge coupon into the container at the predetermined position when the coupons are separated from each other. 16. A coupon supply device for supplying one coupon at a time to a moving container when the container passes a predetermined position, each coupon having a front edge and a rear edge. , The coupons are provided as a stream of coupons arranged in a web, where the trailing edge of the most advanced coupon within the web connects to the leading edge of the next coupon via a weakened web portion across the web. , And the trailing edge of each successive coupon is
In the web, also connected to the leading edge of the next coupon via a weakened web portion, the device comprising a support means and a rotatably mounted support means for the cutting edge. Positioning roller means forming a bite for receiving the front edge of the coupon, and rotatably attached to the support means, arranged from the positioning roller means on the upstream side in the flow direction of the coupon. A feed roller means oriented to guide the front edge of the tip coupon into the bite part, and a coupon disposed between the feed roller means and the positioning roller means and between the feed roller means and the positioning roller means. The presence / absence of a coupon is detected at a predetermined detection position on the moving path, and a detection signal indicating the presence / absence of a coupon at the detection position is output. Pon sensor means, positioning drive means for driving the positioning roller means, and moving the most advanced coupon toward the predetermined position at a predetermined speed, and driving the feed roller means, When the leading edge is moved toward the bite portion at a speed lower than the predetermined speed, whereby the positioning drive means receives the leading edge of the coupon leading edge in the bite portion, the feed roller and the detection position are Feed driving means for separating the trailing edge of the most advanced coupon from the leading edge of the next coupon at a position on the movement path of the coupon between the two, and detecting the movement of the container and outputting a timing signal indicating the movement of the container. Detecting that there is no coupon at the detection position by operating the container drive means and the feed drive means in response to the timing signal and the detection signal And a control means for stopping the operation of the feed drive means when it is detected that a coupon is present, and a coupon supply device. 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the positioning drive means is further operated intermittently by the control means in synchronization with the feed drive means. 18. A coupon continuously supplied in the form of an unbroken continuous web, wherein the trailing edge of the leading edge of the coupon within the web passes through a weakened web portion across the web to Connected to the leading edge of the coupon, the trailing edge of each successive coupon has a coupon moving along the coupon that is also connected in the web via a web portion that is also weakened to the leading edge of the next coupon, A coupon supply method for supplying one by one at a time when the container passes a predetermined position, the step of outputting a timing signal related to the movement of the container to the predetermined position; The step of outputting a detection signal related to the presence or absence of a coupon at a predetermined detection position on the coupon moving route, and the continuous web according to the timing signal and the detection signal. Advancing along a path of travel of the pong towards the predetermined position; and while the at least a portion of the leading edge coupon is in the coupon detection position, the leading edge along the weakened web portion. Separating the coupon from the next coupon on the continuous web, and moving the leading edge coupon toward the predetermined position at a predetermined speed such that one of the moving containers can move the leading edge coupon. Supplying the container when passing through a predetermined position, detecting that the next coupon does not exist at the detection position, and subsequently detecting the existence of the next coupon at the detection position, the continuous web Stopping the advance of the coupon, and a coupon supply method including the following. 19. A coupon supply device for supplying a coupon into a moving container at a predetermined insertion position, wherein the coupon has a trailing edge of a first coupon separable from a leading edge of a next coupon. Is provided in the form of an uninterrupted continuous web connected through the device, the apparatus being a coupon advancing means comprising feed roller means and feed drive means for rotating the feed roller means, said feed roller means Is engaged with the continuous web to advance the first coupon of the continuous web to a supply position, and a position of the first coupon with respect to the supply position is detected, Coupon detecting means for outputting a signal indicating a change in the position of one coupon with respect to the supply position, and positioning roller means for engaging with the first coupon at the supply position And rotating the positioning roller means at a predetermined speed so that the trailing edge of the first coupon can be separated from the leading edge of the next coupon when the next coupon is engaged with the feed roller means. Positioning drive means for separating the coupon along at least one of the moving containers at the insertion position, and detecting the movement of the container with respect to the insertion position to detect the movement of the container. Container detecting means for outputting a relevant timing signal, and control means for controlling coupon supply to the container when the moving container passes through the insertion position according to the timing signal and the detection signal, Equipped with a coupon supply device. 20. A coupon insertion device, wherein the coupon is provided in the form of a continuous continuous web in which a trailing edge of the first coupon is separably connected to a leading edge of the next coupon via a separable portion. A coupon supply means, a container advancing means for moving at least one container toward an insertion position, a container detection means for outputting a timing signal indicating a time when the at least one container has passed the insertion position, and the coupon A coupon advancing means for engaging the continuous web of to advance the first coupon of the continuous web to a supply position; and detecting the first coupon at a predetermined detection position associated with the supply position, Coupon detecting means for outputting a detection signal indicating a position change of the first coupon with respect to the supply position; and the first couppo at the supply position. A supply means for separating the first coupon from the next coupon along the separable portion when the next coupon is engaged with the advancing means, the timing signal and the detection signal. Responsive to said coupon advancing means actuating said coupon advancing means to advance said coupon to said supply position relative to said at least one moving container, whereby said supply means separates said leading edge coupon. And a control means for stopping the operation of the coupon advancing means when the forefront coupon deviates from the supply position while supplying it into the at least one container at the insertion position. . 21. A coupon insertion device for supplying a coupon at a predetermined insertion position in a moving container, wherein the coupon has a trailing edge of the first coupon separated from the next coupon before the next coupon. Supplied in the form of an unbroken continuous web detachably connected to the edge, said apparatus comprising coupon advancing means comprising feed roller means and feed drive means for rotating said feed roller means, said feed means Roller advance means for engaging the continuous web to advance the first coupon of the continuous web to a supply position; detecting a position of the first coupon with respect to the supply position; Coupon detection means for outputting a signal indicating a change in the position of the first coupon with respect to the supply position, and positioning roller means for engaging the first coupon at the supply position And rotating the positioning roller means at a predetermined speed so that the trailing edge of the first coupon can be separated from the leading edge of the next coupon when the next coupon is engaged with the feed roller means. Positioning driving means for separating the coupon along at least one portion and supplying the coupon into at least one of the moving containers at the insertion position, and timing for detecting the movement of the container with respect to the movement of the container with respect to the insertion position. Container detection means for outputting a signal, and control means for controlling the supply of coupons to the container when the container passes through the insertion position, wherein the feed drive means is operated in response to the timing signal and the detection is performed. Means for stopping the operation of the feed drive means in response to a signal, and means for operating the supply means in response to the timing signal to engage the leading edge coupon. Coupon inserting apparatus and a control means and means for stopping the operation in response to said coupon sensing signal.