US3395913A - Sheet material distribution system - Google Patents

Sheet material distribution system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3395913A
US3395913A US585896A US58589666A US3395913A US 3395913 A US3395913 A US 3395913A US 585896 A US585896 A US 585896A US 58589666 A US58589666 A US 58589666A US 3395913 A US3395913 A US 3395913A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
sheet
tape
tray
sorter
sheet material
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US585896A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Vecchio George D Del
George H Perry
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.)
Xerox Corp
Original Assignee
Xerox Corp
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
Application filed by Xerox Corp filed Critical Xerox Corp
Priority to US585896A priority Critical patent/US3395913A/en
Priority to GB45384/67A priority patent/GB1193517A/en
Priority to NL6713692A priority patent/NL6713692A/xx
Priority to BE704922D priority patent/BE704922A/xx
Priority to FR124105A priority patent/FR1543565A/fr
Priority to DE19671611259 priority patent/DE1611259A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3395913A publication Critical patent/US3395913A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C3/00—Sorting according to destination
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H29/00—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
    • B65H29/58—Article switches or diverters
    • B65H29/60—Article switches or diverters diverting the stream into alternative paths
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H39/00—Associating, collating, or gathering articles or webs
    • B65H39/10—Associating articles from a single source, to form, e.g. a writing-pad
    • B65H39/11—Associating articles from a single source, to form, e.g. a writing-pad in superposed carriers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2408/00—Specific machines
    • B65H2408/10—Specific machines for handling sheet(s)
    • B65H2408/11—Sorters or machines for sorting articles
    • B65H2408/111—Sorters or machines for sorting articles with stationary location in space of the bins and a diverter per bin
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2408/00—Specific machines
    • B65H2408/10—Specific machines for handling sheet(s)
    • B65H2408/11—Sorters or machines for sorting articles
    • B65H2408/118—Combination of several sorting modules

Definitions

  • a sorter having catch trays for the reception of sheet material.
  • the sorter is adapted to be used individually or operatively linked with a plurality of similar units.
  • the assembly is capable of directing the output of a reproducing machine into the catch trays of the sorter in accordance with a predetermined program.
  • the program is determined by a prepunched tape and read by a programmer to deliver any number of sheets into any catch tray of the sorter units.
  • a sorter or sheet distributing unit adapted to be assembled with a .plurality of similar units one with another in conjunc- 3,395,913 Patented Aug. 6, 1968 ice tion with a sorter controller or programmer for directing the output of a reproducing or printing machine into the units in accordance wtih a predetermined program which may require delivery of any number of sheets to any tray of the sorter units.
  • a sorter controller or programmer for directing the output of a reproducing or printing machine into the units in accordance wtih a predetermined program which may require delivery of any number of sheets to any tray of the sorter units.
  • the program may require that for every engineering change the purchasing department may get 2 copies, production department may get 3 copies, and various engineering groups may get from 5 to 12 copies.
  • a punched tape of such a program list might have 9 names listed, such as purchasing, production, and 7 engineering groups.
  • Each tray of a sorter unit would be assigned to a name and the programmer utilized in the invention could instruct the sorter to deliver copies in the following manner: tray 1 2 copies, tray 2 3 copies, tray 3 0 copies, tray 4 0 copies, tray 5 6 copies, and so on.
  • FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a series of sorter units assembled to form a unitary sheet distributing machine, with one unit out of operative position;
  • FIG. 2 is a rear elevation section of one of the sorter units to better illustrate a drive and diverting mechanism incorporated into each of the sorter units;
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the mechanisms for activating the diverting gates in a diverting mechanism
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a single diverting gate actuator
  • FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of a rotary cam mechanism and switch arrangement for controlling the diverting control mechanism
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a prepunched control tape showing a typical arrangement of control openings indicative of a typical program of copy distribution;
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 are an electrical schematic of the subject invention.
  • each of the sheet distributors includes a plurality of catch trays secured in spaced relation to each other between front and rear frame plates 102 and 103, respectively, by means of tabs at the lower end of a catch plate 111 passing through slots provided in right-hand frame plate 106, with the upper end of the catch tray supported from left-hand frame plate 107.
  • the upper end of catch plate 111 is supported by a lateral portion of support plate 113 secured by its upturned portion to the left-hand frame plate 107 with the lateral portion passing through slots in the frame plate into engagement with the catch plate 111.
  • a deflector plate 114 is suitably secured to the bottom of the lateral portion of support plate 113 to deflect the sheet material downward into the rear of the catch trays.
  • Each catch plate 111 is provided with a plurality of fingers 115 securedto and extending out from the bottom of the catch plate to insure that sheet material passing into an adjacent catch tray will not adhere to the bottom of the upper adjoining catch plate 111 due to the static electrical charges on the sheet material.
  • Each catch plate 111 may be biased against the lateral portion of its adjacent support plate 113 by means of suitable spring tabs secured to the guide fingers 115 and engaging the bottom of the lateral portion of the support plate 113.
  • the endless belt 141 is driven through a friction wheel 144 secured to a timing sprocket 145 rotatably mounted on a shaft 146 secured between front and rear frame plates 102 and 103, respectively, the timing sprocket being driven by an electric motor B-2.
  • Each of the gates 131 is secured to a gate shaft 132 and journaled for rotational movement between front and rear frame plates 102 and 103, respectively.
  • the gates are formed with a concave portion 133 and a flat portion 134 and positioned on the gate shaft 132 within the undercut portion of the drive rollers 121 adjacent to the path of paper movement when the gates are out of deflecting position.
  • the diverting mechanism 130 is actuated as hereinafter described, one ofthe shafts 132 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed in FIG.
  • the cams 151 each having a rise portion 152, are spaced axially and radially along the gate index shaft whereby rotation of the cam shaft will cause the rise portions 152 to pass a given point in a predetermined sequence.
  • This sequential stepping of the rise portions of the cams will sequentially actuate the diverting mechanism by means of the rise portions 1520f the cams oscillating a trip lever 155 for each of the cams and having a. bifurcated end portion engaging the cam surface as seen in FIG. 3.
  • the gate index shaft 153 has secured to its lower end a rotary cam control device 156 having cam portions to control the actuation of a plurality of limit switches labeled LS-14 to LS-24.
  • the limit switches are mounted in cooperative relationship with corresponding switch actuators and are secured upon the control by means of a bracket 157 secured to the rear frame plate to perform a function to be hereinafter described in detail.
  • a paper transport for delivering sheet material to the appropriate catch tray when one distributor is placed in cooperative relation with another distributor or a sheet distributor such as disclosed in copending application Serial No. 574,990 filed August 25, 1966, in the name of J. E. Britt et al.
  • the idler rollers 161 are individually rotatably mounted on a bifurcated bracket 162 supported on tie rods 163, secured to an idler transport frame 165, and biased in a counterclockwise direction, as seen in FIG. 2, to be held in slight pressure contact with the drive feed rollers 121 of another distributor 100 placed in cooperative relation to form a unitary sheet distributing machine.
  • the positioning of the idler transport and, therefore, the idler rollers 161 is determined by suitable brackets securing the transport and the frame plate 106.
  • An end plate 400 is provided to complete a sheet transport adjacent the terminal sheet distributor section (see FIG. 1).
  • An idler transport such as idler transport 160 is supported on the inside of end plate 400 and positioned in cooperative relation with the drive feed rollers 121 and diverting mechanisms 130 of the terminal section in a manner as previously described in regard to idler transport 160.
  • a plurality of parallel guide rails 164 are secured to and positioned on the transport frame 165 such that when a sheet distributor 100 is placed in cooperative relation with another sheet distributor, the path of sheet travel formed thereby will be along the guide rails 164 between the idler rollers 161 and the drive feed rolls 121.
  • the guide rails 164 are channel shaped in cross-section and extend vertically along one side of a sheet distributor as shown in FIG. 2.
  • sheet material is adapted to pass across the top of a sorter unit by means of a horizontal transport and down along the guides 164 into the appropriate catch tray depending upon which of the gates 131 has been actuated.
  • the horizontal idler tarnsport is formed .with a suitable horizontal base. plate to which the parallel guide rails 164 may be secured and is positioned in cooperative relation with gates o f a diverting mechanism 130 to perform the same function as heretofore described with respect to the mechanism 130.
  • a plurality of tie rods are secured in upturned portions of the frame for the transport 170 and support a plurality of horizontally arranged idler rolls 161.
  • the bifurcated portion of the idler roll brackets 162 engage a tie rod 163 and are biased in a clockwise direction, as seen in FIG. 2, through openings in the transport frame into engagement with the drive feed rollers 121 by means of a leaf spring 174 secured to the lower portion of the bifurcated brackets by means of an upturned lip with the other end of the leaf spring secured in a suitable slot provided in spring retaining brackets 175.
  • a diverting mechanism 130 is similar in construction to the diverting mechanisms 130, positioned adpacent the left end of the horizontal transport 170 to control delivery of sheet material to the catch trays of a sorter in which the diverting mechanism is contained or to pass the sheet material to an adjoining sorter for distribution therein.
  • the gates of the diverting mechanisms are rotated whereby the concave surface 133 will be in interference with the path of paper movement.
  • the tape reader head may be provided with a plurality of electrical switches each comprising a feeler switch element and arranged in a line transverse to the movement of the tape wherein each of the feelers is adapted to cooperate with a row or channel of punched holes formed in the tape.
  • a particular feeler element is in alignment with its corresponding hole, contact with another switch element is accomplished to close a circuit for a purpose to be described hereinafter.
  • the portion of the tape 181, shown in FIG. 6, is provided with a plurality of rows or channels and a switch with a feeler element (not shown) associated with each channel.
  • the punch tape is approximately 1 wide, is of 8 channel paper or Mylar with suitable hole spacing and, asshown in FIG. 1, would be in the form of a closed loop. While a closed loop is preferred for the tape form, it will be apparent that the tape may assume any other form, such as straight lengths.
  • the sorter controller SC is also provided with a sorter ON button, a sorter OFF button, and an indicator light and can be arranged so that when the sorter ON button is actuated and a tape is not present in the controller, the distribution machine will be adapted for distributing a single sheet to each of the sorter trays in the distribution machine and upon insertion of a sheet in the last tray of the machine will then commence the operation over again as long as there are additional sheets to be stored; In other words, if no tape is present in the reader, the reader will automatically revert to the simple sort mode of operation wherein the sorter will place one copy in each bin until the copy run ends.
  • a typical distribution pattern has been formed upon the tape 181 which, as previously stated, is preferably of 8 channels and includes a series of equally spaced apertures 185 which serve as a means of permitting the teeth 186 for the sprocket 182 to produce a constant speed and continuous movement of the tape.
  • FIG. 6 for illustrative purposes there is shown a vertical column of eight holes labeled X-1, X-2 and X4 for the first three upper holes and Y-1, Y-2, Y-4, Y-8 and Y-16 for the lower five holes.
  • the logic utilized for receiving the signals produced by the sensed holes is in the binary configuration. Therefore, as will be understood hereinafter, the hole designations and purposes thereof will be described in binary terms.
  • the X-6 caused by holes in the X-2 and X-4 channels, is unrecognized and, for the present description, is utilized to control the beginning of the sort.
  • the next four channels labeled Y1, Y-2, Y-4 and Y-S, or their coded weight in the binary sense, designate the channels that will be used to control the diverting of sheets of paper into the trays of each of the units 100, the number of which for each of the units is shown to be 10.
  • the hole Y-16 which like X6 is not recognized, may be utilized to produce a signal in the reader for effecting termination of the particular sort program.
  • the punched program When the distribution machine is sorting by a program in the first unit, the punched program will utilize a hole in the X-1 channel, for the second unit, a hole in the X-Z channel will be utilized for the second unit and a hole in each of the channels X-l and X-2 designate a third unit.
  • the circuit which is adapted to respond to the sensing of the tape 181 and provide impulse signals for the controlling of energization of the index motor B-3 and thereby control the actuation of the diverting gates 131 is the X-decoder-Y-decoder logic circuit illustrated in FIG. 8 by the reference numeral 189.
  • the circuit 189 is arranged to react to the sensing of the beginning of sort holes 191 formed in the channels X2 and X-4 as a means for commencing programmed distribution in accordance with the program pattern.
  • This line may be considered as the sensing line or position for the reader head 180.
  • the reader 180 may be arranged to drive continuously the sprocket 182 at relatively high speed until the hole 191 is moved to a position to be cooperative with the element 192, whereupon the drive mechanism for the sprocket 182 will stop. -In this latter conditon of the controller SC, the distribution machine is in condition for distribution operation.
  • Distribution is accordance with the taped program is then affected by continuous relatively slower speed driving movement of the sprocket 182 which moves the tape 181 to position the next series of holes into a sensing position which in the illustrated pattern comprises the upper hole 193 and a lower hole 194.
  • the first sorter unit X-l will be brought into action and the first and upper tray Y-1 will receive one sheet of paper that is brought into the nip of the entry rollers for the horizontal transport 170 of the sorter unit.
  • Continual movement of the tape 181 will next bring in the upper hole 195 and the lower hole 196.
  • the sensing of these holes will result in the transporting of another sheet of paper into the second tray of the first sorter unit.
  • hole 204 which is utilized with a suitable switch mechanism such as the type associated with the element 192 to terminate further operation of the sorter programmer SC and thereby etfect a standby condition of the distribution machine by that switchs actuation.
  • the automatic sorter control programmer SC has applied thereto the prepunched tape 181 to control the desired number of sheets in as many catch trays of a distributor unit as desired and to any number of units.
  • the first sheet distributor 100 whether alone or in combination with others is placed in cooperative relationship with a printing or reproducing machine, especially one of the type disclosed in copending application Ser. No. 400,363 filed Sept. 30, 1964, in the names of R.F. Osborne et a1. whereby the machine 8 output is fed into the pinch of the sheet distributor drive rollers 121 and 161 of the horizontal transport 170.
  • An operator places an original document to be reproduced and distributed in accordance with the distribution pattern pre-punched into the tape 181 on the platen 22, closes the cover 21 of the machine of the above-referredto patent application to R. F. Osborne et al., programs the reproducing machine for the desired total number of copies of the original document through the reproducing machine programmer, and depresses the sorter ON button on the sorter control programmer SC.
  • the distribution machine is now in readiness for completely automatic distribution of the copies of the original document.
  • the operator then begins complete reproduction and sorting operation by depressing the start button of the reproducing machine which applies power throughout the machine and to line 47 of the sheet distributor (see circuit diagram of FIG. 7).
  • the automatic sorting controller and distributor are described in operation with the xerographic reproducing machine of the aforementioned copending application, it is not intended to be limited thereto but may be utilized with any source of seriatim fed sheet material and connected to any source of volts, 60 cycle A.C. type of power to provide a command signal and power to start and maintain operation of the sorting controller and dis tributor.
  • the power to line 47 energizes a relay K-1 through a normally closed relay contacts K-19(1A). Energization of K-l relay closes K1(1) contact to apply power through all interlocks that may be provided and which must be closed for machine operation to lines 6 and 14 thereby energizing power relays K-2 and K-20 of the distributor. Power to line 6 is provided through normally closed contacts K-8(3) and K-19(2).
  • Automatic controlled actuation of the diverting and, consequently, automatic sorting by the diverting mechanism is initiated by means of the programmer under the control of the controller SC which includes the prepunched program, the tape 181, and the tape reader 180 which is adapted to produce control signals to the drive and diverting mechanism in each of the sorter units 100.
  • the sheet contacts the actuator arm of count switch LS-7 positioned at the initial entry point to the distributor machine 200.
  • the closing of count switch LS-7 energizes relay K-16 which performs several functions.
  • the energization of relay K-16 causes the normally open contacts K-16(1) to close energizing the relay K-17 which is held energized through normally closed contact M-2(2) provided in the controller SC and the normally open contact K-17(1) which is closed by energization of relay K-17, and the normally closed contact of limit switch LS-8 located in the middle of the horizontal transport of the sheet distributor.
  • the operation of the diverting mechanism 130 and 130' to elfect programmed sorting is controlled by the limit switches LS14 to LS23 actuated by the rotary switching mechanism 156 secured to the lower portion of the cam support shaft 153.
  • the switching mechanism 156 comprises six cams, C1, C2, C3, C4, C-5, and C-6, arranged axially along the shaft 153 such that the first cam, C-1, serves to actuate the limit switch LS18; the second cam, C-Z, the switches LS16, LS20; the third cam, C3, the switches LS17 and LS22; the fourth cam, C4, the switches LS14 and LS19; the fifth cam, C-S, the switches LS15 and LS-21 and the sixth cam, C6, the switches LS17 and LS23.
  • the came C1 is formed with a detent 220 which is cooperable with a spring finger 221 mounted on the frame of the mechanism 156 and normally biased against the periphery of the cam C-1 by a leaf spring 222.
  • the limit switch LS18 is open and, therefore, at all other times during the rotation of the shaft 153, the contact of limit switch LS18 is closed.
  • Each of the other cams is also provided with a detent that is cooperable with spring fingers similar to the finger 221 for actuating the limit switches associated therewith.
  • the switches LS-18, LS20, LS-22, LS-14, LS-15, and LS-17 are arranged one above the other in a single block with the corresponding fingers 220 in alignment in a common line parallel to the shaft 153.
  • the switches LS16, LS17, LS19, LSZl, and LS23 are also arranged in a single block with the corresponding fingers 221 arranged in a line parallel to the index shaft 153 and approximately diametrically opposed to the other line of fingers.
  • the detents 220 for the cams are arranged radially of the shaft 153 such that there is a detent every 30 of the mechanism 156 rotation representing each bin and a position whereby the diverting mechanism 130 is positioned out of interference relationship with the path of paper movement to pass sheet material to an adjoining sheet distributor, unit or sorter 100.
  • the finger 221 for the limit switch LS14 is positioned in the detent of its appropriate cam C-4.
  • the diverting mechanism 131 and the first diverting mechanism 130 are held in interference relationship with the path of paper movement whereby the first sheet entering the sheet distributor unit X-l will be diverted by the diverting mechanism 131' into the vertical transport to be delivered to the first copy catch tray Y-l by the diverting mechanism 130 associated with the first tray.
  • the cam 151 which actuates the diverting mechanism 131 is of the type shown in FIG. 4 but has two dia metrically opposed drop portions 152 and positioned whereby the diverting mechanism 131' is held by the dwell portion in interference relationship with the path of paper movement at all times except at such time when the index shaft is rotated sufficiently for the bifurcated lever arm 155 to fall into either of the drop portions 152'.
  • This movement of the diverting mechanism 131' out of the path of paper movement occurs at one point in time when the first five diverting mechanisms have been actuated, or bypassed and occurs at a second point after the next five mechanisms 130 have been actuated, to deliver a sheet material into an appropriate catch tray.
  • a pulse is provided to the index motor B3 through contacts K10(2) and K12(2) causing the motor to move the rotary switching mechanism 156 sufliciently to close one of the limit switches LS-14 to LS23.
  • This causes the relay K-21 to energize providing a power path through the actuated limit switch and the closed relay contacts K21(1) directly to the index motor B-3 which rotates the cam support shaft 153 until the actuator of that limt switch is moved away from its respective detent of the mechanism 156 and is opened disconnecting power to the index motor.
  • K-10 relay is in series with relay contacts K12(3), the opening of the relay contacts does not cause an immediate deenergization of relay K-10 due to the time delay occasioned by capacitor C-1 and resistor R-l. Therefore, the power flows through the contacts K-12(2) and K10(2) to condition the index motor B3 for energization.
  • the first sheet then of paper produced by the reproduction machine is directed into the first tray in the sorter unit and the cam 0-2 is now in position wherein its detent contains the actuator for the limit switch LS16 thereby conditioning the sorter machine for another reading of the tape 181.
  • the next programmed sorting step is accomplished as the holes and 196 are sensed.
  • the index motor B-3 is again energized by a circuit containing a switch closed by sensing of the hole 196 and the closed switch LS16 in series therewith to produce 30 of rotation of the shaft 153 for actuating the diverting mechanism for the second tray Y-2 which now receives one sheet.
  • the actuator finger for the switch LS16 moves out of the detent in order to open the switch series circuit thereby terminating energization of the motor B-3 circuit.
  • the motor B-3 is again energized to index the shaft another 30 so as to actuate the third tray diverting mechanism to cause transfer of the next sheet into this tray.
  • the index motor B3 is not energized and the shaft 153 is not indexed because while the switch in the controller SC is closed the particular limit switch involved, namely, LS16, remains in the exact condition as previously encountered resulting in the diverting mechanism for the third tray remaining open for causing the next sheet of paper to be directed into this tray.
  • next series of holes on the tape 181 will also cause the next sheet to be directed into the third tray.
  • the next series of holes 201, 202 and 203 will cause indexing of the shaft 153 to eifect the next transported sheet to be directed into the fifth tray.
  • the next and final series of holes for the particular program illustrated will cause the last sheet to be distributed in accordance with the prepunched program to reach the ninth tray in the third module unit.
  • this series of holes includes the hole 204 which will effect end of sorting.
  • the tape 181 When the desired number of copies of an original document have been reproduced on the reproducing machine, the tape 181 will have moved through the area upon which there is a program pre-punched and, as previously stated, with the absence of a hole thereon for the feeler element 192, the controller SC will drive the sprocket 182 until the tape has moved to where the beginning of sorting hole 191 is once again cooperative therewith.
  • the machine is now in condition for a re-run of the same taped program or the removal of the tape and insertion of a new tape.
  • the tape 181 may also contain any number of or multiple programs thereon for a particular length of tape. Each program section of tape would require a different beginning of sort hole arrangement 191 and an end of sorting hole 204.
  • line 108 is energized and switches LS-l to LS6 are actuated.
  • Actuation of limit switch LS-l energizes reset control relay K-S to reset the distributor units.
  • the limit switch LS2 is actuated to close the reset path for the timer M-2 resetting the timer for the next program.
  • limit switch LS-3 is actuated to reset the catch tray portion of the sheet distributor 200 applying power directly to the index motor B-3 from line 14 which causes the diverting mechanisms to be reset.
  • This action covers resetting of the unit 10 for the first tray and power being supplied through the limit switch LS-18 which energizes relay K-21 closing the normally open contact K-21(1) directly applying power to the index motor B-3 until limit switch LS18 is de-actuated by means of its finger actuator moving into the detent on the cam C-1.
  • Limit switch LS-4 energizes the reset relay K-6 for all sheet distributor units to reset each unit by applying power through LS-18 in each unit to drive each index motor B-3 until LS-18 is deactuated.
  • the limit switch LS- is energized closing contact LS-SA to energize the sheet distributor delay shutdown control relay K-13, and I.S5B contacts open to de-ener- 12 gize reset control relay K-S which was previously energized through limit switch LS-1, thereby insuring that enough time elapses prior to sheet distributor shutdown to allow the last sheet emerging from the reproducing machine to arrive at its predetermined destination.
  • the distribution mach'me is adapted to collate or sort reproductions of a document in accordance with a desired program and is capable of sorting so as to efiect distribution that requires a single copy in any one tray, no copies in any one tray or many copies for any particular tray.
  • the controlling circuits are also arranged so that the single sort feature is still available for machine operation and is possible to produce more than one programmed sorting action for one application of a program tape to the reader without requiring attendance by the machine operator. It is also envisioned that the sorting program may be greatly extended and varied by adding any number of sorting units, coupled with a program tape configuration that is capable of multi-unit control.
  • a sheet material distribution system for distributing sheet material into pre-arranged stations in accordance with a predetermined program comprising a plurality of catch trays supported in spaced relation to each other,
  • actuator means to selectively actuate said diverting mechanisms into and from interference relationship with sheet material passed adjacent thereto
  • a reader adapted to receive a pre-programmed recording medium and sense pre-formed information control areas thereon for producing control signals in accordance with these areas
  • an encoder circuit associated with said reader and said actuator means being responsive to said signals for producing actuation of the latter in accordance with said signals for diverting sheet material into said trays or to bypass the same in accordance with the informational areas on said medium to effect the distribution into said trays for the desired number of sheet material.
  • the reader and encoder circuit are adapted to sense a plurality of groups of informational areas upon a pre-programmed recording 6.
  • the reader includes means for permitting single sort operation of the distribution system in the absence of a recording medium in the reader.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Collation Of Sheets And Webs (AREA)
  • Folding Of Thin Sheet-Like Materials, Special Discharging Devices, And Others (AREA)
  • Sewing Machines And Sewing (AREA)
  • Separation, Sorting, Adjustment, Or Bending Of Sheets To Be Conveyed (AREA)
US585896A 1966-10-11 1966-10-11 Sheet material distribution system Expired - Lifetime US3395913A (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US585896A US3395913A (en) 1966-10-11 1966-10-11 Sheet material distribution system
GB45384/67A GB1193517A (en) 1966-10-11 1967-10-05 Sheet Material Distribution System
NL6713692A NL6713692A (de) 1966-10-11 1967-10-09
BE704922D BE704922A (de) 1966-10-11 1967-10-10
FR124105A FR1543565A (fr) 1966-10-11 1967-10-11 Machine distributrice de feuilles
DE19671611259 DE1611259A1 (de) 1966-10-11 1967-10-11 Blattmaterial-Verteilersystem

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US585896A US3395913A (en) 1966-10-11 1966-10-11 Sheet material distribution system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3395913A true US3395913A (en) 1968-08-06

Family

ID=24343415

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US585896A Expired - Lifetime US3395913A (en) 1966-10-11 1966-10-11 Sheet material distribution system

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US3395913A (de)
BE (1) BE704922A (de)
DE (1) DE1611259A1 (de)
GB (1) GB1193517A (de)
NL (1) NL6713692A (de)

Cited By (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3484101A (en) * 1968-01-24 1969-12-16 Xerox Corp Sorting apparatus for documents
US3497207A (en) * 1968-01-24 1970-02-24 Xerox Corp Sorting apparatus for documents
US3638937A (en) * 1969-10-01 1972-02-01 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Collator
US3690643A (en) * 1970-10-21 1972-09-12 Eugene A Anderson Article distributor
US3709480A (en) * 1970-02-18 1973-01-09 Addressograph Multigraph Paper collator and distributor
US3749392A (en) * 1970-04-06 1973-07-31 Ricoh Kk Collator
US3750880A (en) * 1971-06-30 1973-08-07 Licentia Gmbh Distributor for rectangular flat items
US3753560A (en) * 1972-01-03 1973-08-21 Xerox Corp Auxiliary sheet feeder
US3804005A (en) * 1970-01-22 1974-04-16 Addressograph Multigraph Reprography machine controlled by information on master
US3870295A (en) * 1972-12-04 1975-03-11 Xerox Corp Sorter supplement control
US3881716A (en) * 1972-02-17 1975-05-06 Harris Intertype Corp Combined newspaper press and stuffer, and method of forming newspapers therewith
US4214746A (en) * 1979-01-15 1980-07-29 Xerox Corporation Sorting apparatus
US4220325A (en) * 1979-01-15 1980-09-02 Xerox Corporation Sorting apparatus
JPS5831861A (ja) * 1982-07-19 1983-02-24 Canon Inc シ−ト分配装置
US4625954A (en) * 1985-11-26 1986-12-02 Pusey Jon C Sheet feeding apparatus
US5136343A (en) * 1991-08-13 1992-08-04 Xerox Corporation High-volume duplicator having efficient operation in the uncollated duplex mode
US5182607A (en) * 1991-08-13 1993-01-26 Braswell Charles D High-volume duplicator system and method providing efficient tower and duplicator operation and facilitated unloading in the collated duplex mode
US5202738A (en) * 1991-08-13 1993-04-13 Xerox Corporation High-volume duplicator system and method providing efficient system operation in the collated simplex limitless mode
US5248136A (en) * 1991-08-21 1993-09-28 Konica Corporation Sorting apparatus with two sorters
US5499806A (en) * 1993-04-07 1996-03-19 Bourg; Christian-P. Collating machine
US5531430A (en) * 1993-07-27 1996-07-02 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Copying machine with sorter unit

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2445636A (en) * 1940-07-24 1948-07-20 Ibm Record controlled machine

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2445636A (en) * 1940-07-24 1948-07-20 Ibm Record controlled machine

Cited By (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3484101A (en) * 1968-01-24 1969-12-16 Xerox Corp Sorting apparatus for documents
US3497207A (en) * 1968-01-24 1970-02-24 Xerox Corp Sorting apparatus for documents
US3638937A (en) * 1969-10-01 1972-02-01 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Collator
US3804005A (en) * 1970-01-22 1974-04-16 Addressograph Multigraph Reprography machine controlled by information on master
US3709480A (en) * 1970-02-18 1973-01-09 Addressograph Multigraph Paper collator and distributor
US3749392A (en) * 1970-04-06 1973-07-31 Ricoh Kk Collator
US3690643A (en) * 1970-10-21 1972-09-12 Eugene A Anderson Article distributor
US3750880A (en) * 1971-06-30 1973-08-07 Licentia Gmbh Distributor for rectangular flat items
US3753560A (en) * 1972-01-03 1973-08-21 Xerox Corp Auxiliary sheet feeder
US3881716A (en) * 1972-02-17 1975-05-06 Harris Intertype Corp Combined newspaper press and stuffer, and method of forming newspapers therewith
US3870295A (en) * 1972-12-04 1975-03-11 Xerox Corp Sorter supplement control
US4214746A (en) * 1979-01-15 1980-07-29 Xerox Corporation Sorting apparatus
US4220325A (en) * 1979-01-15 1980-09-02 Xerox Corporation Sorting apparatus
JPS5831861A (ja) * 1982-07-19 1983-02-24 Canon Inc シ−ト分配装置
JPS6157262B2 (de) * 1982-07-19 1986-12-05 Canon Kk
US4625954A (en) * 1985-11-26 1986-12-02 Pusey Jon C Sheet feeding apparatus
US5136343A (en) * 1991-08-13 1992-08-04 Xerox Corporation High-volume duplicator having efficient operation in the uncollated duplex mode
US5182607A (en) * 1991-08-13 1993-01-26 Braswell Charles D High-volume duplicator system and method providing efficient tower and duplicator operation and facilitated unloading in the collated duplex mode
US5202738A (en) * 1991-08-13 1993-04-13 Xerox Corporation High-volume duplicator system and method providing efficient system operation in the collated simplex limitless mode
US5248136A (en) * 1991-08-21 1993-09-28 Konica Corporation Sorting apparatus with two sorters
US5499806A (en) * 1993-04-07 1996-03-19 Bourg; Christian-P. Collating machine
US5531430A (en) * 1993-07-27 1996-07-02 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Copying machine with sorter unit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BE704922A (de) 1968-02-15
DE1611259A1 (de) 1970-12-23
GB1193517A (en) 1970-06-03
NL6713692A (de) 1968-04-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3395913A (en) Sheet material distribution system
US3467371A (en) Sheet distributor
EP0038176B1 (de) Seriendrucker für in einer vorherbestimmten Richtung bewegliche Gegenstände
US5039075A (en) Automatic document gathering and personalization system
US4338768A (en) Automatic machine for sorting items of correspondence, particularly magazines, into batches each having a different general destination
US4691914A (en) Sheet receiver
US3618936A (en) Jam detection system for sorting apparatus
US5782332A (en) Device and corresponding method for grouping together random product flows into a single path according to a pre-established and adjustable rate of advance
US3578310A (en) Signature or sheet collating system
US3750880A (en) Distributor for rectangular flat items
GB2209518A (en) Sheet stacking apparatus
US2919917A (en) Sheet distributing machine
US3087612A (en) Document sorting apparatus
EP0247085B1 (de) Dokumentenleitanordnung
US2936556A (en) Mail sorting apparatus
CA1047970A (en) Separator card retriever
US2618386A (en) Record card sorting device
US3446351A (en) Method and apparatus for sorting coded seed bags
US4428572A (en) Combined sheet inverter and sorter
US3586311A (en) Selecting apparatus
US3568815A (en) Outfeed conveyor mechanism of a conveyor system for conveying units such as stacks of publications and the like
US3144948A (en) Collocating machine using a timeposition code
US2133264A (en) Machine for separating, counting, and delivering sheet material
US4006894A (en) Sheet distributing device
US3066798A (en) Arrangement for reading out cards and sorting device therefor