WO2023233370A1

WO2023233370A1 - A machinery for aligning and correcting geometry of an intermediate item

Info

Publication number: WO2023233370A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/055690
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sanjay Madhav DANDEKAR; Datta Hari DESHPANDE
Original assignee: Dandekar Sanjay Madhav; Deshpande Datta Hari
Priority date: 2022-06-04
Filing date: 2023-06-02
Publication date: 2023-12-07

Abstract

The present invention provides a machinery (100) for folding an intermediate item (200). machinery includes one or more folding units (30), a conveyor (10), a correcting unit (40), a roller assembly (20), and an error detecting unit (60). The folding unit receives an intermediate item (200). The folding unit performs one or more cross folds. The correcting unit (40) is arranged along the sides of the conveyor (10). The correcting unit includes a first movable jaw (42) and a second movable jaw (44), which are arranged opposite to each other across and along the sides of the conveyor (10). The roller assembly is arranged between the folding unit and the correcting unit. The intermediate item (200') having the predefined geometrical structure has been made to pass through the roller assembly (20) for retaining the predefined geometrical structure, thereby correcting the deformed intermediate item (200).

Description

“A Machinery for aligning and correcting geometry of an Intermediate Item”

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a machinery for folding an intermediate item. More particularly, the present invention relates to a machinery for aligning and correcting a deformed intermediate item made from paper sheets. The intermediate items are outserts and inserts.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Pharmaceutical inserts & outserts are folded paper items having information related to medicines printed thereon (in). Generally, these inserts and outserts are first made as zigzag strips in one direction, and further cross folded to configure intermediate item (200) as disclosed in the patent document US4812195A.

[0003] Referring now to figure 1 shows a schematic view of existing machinery (800z) for folding an intermediate item (200) made from paper. The existing machinery (800z) includes a first folding unit (30z), a conveyor (lOz). The conveyor (lOz) conveys the intermediate items between the first folding unit (30z) and a predefined destination (300z). [0004] The first folding unit (30z) is a knife folding or a roller folding machine. The first folding unit (30z) performs a cross fold operation on the received intermediate item (200) to obtain a second intermediate item (210z).

[0005] An outsert (not shown) made from the existing machinery (800z) is considered to be having efficient folding when the side ends of each segment of the intermediate items are coplanar. More specifically, in the first intermediate item (200z) (refer figure la, lb), sides (202z, 206z) of segments (200zl and 200z2) needs to be in coplanar. Similarly, sides (204z, 208z) of segments (200zl and 200z2) need to be coplanar. Similarly, sides (203z, 205z) of segments (200zl and 200z2) must be in coplanar.

[0006] Similarly, in the second intermediate item (210z) (refer figure 1c, Id), sides (202z, 206z, 212z, 216z) of segments (210zl and 210z2) needs to be in coplanar. Similarly, sides (204z, 208z, 214z, 218z) of segments (210zl and 210z2) must be in coplanar. Similarly, sides (203z, 205z, 213z, 215z) of segments (210zl and 210z2) must be in coplanar.

[0007] Sometimes, the sides of the segments not becoming coplanar is termed as an error. Such intermediate errors are not corrected in the current machineries. Further, the time required for making the final intermediate item is more. Also, these current machineries have a complex construction. [0008] Therefore, there is need for a machinery for aligning and correcting a deformed intermediate item made from paper which overcomes the problems of the prior art.

Objects of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a machinery for aligning and correcting a deformed intermediate item.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a machinery for aligning and correcting a deformed intermediate item, which reduces the overall time for making a final intermediate item (outsert).

[0011] Yet an object of the present invention is to provide a machinery for aligning and correcting a deformed intermediate item, wherein the machinery maintains dimensions of the final intermediate item compared to the existing machineries as per a requirement.

[0012] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a machinery for aligning and correcting a deformed intermediate item, wherein the machinery is simple in construction and easy in operation.

Summary of the invention [0013] The present invention is to provide a machinery for aligning and correcting a deformed intermediate item of an informational item. The informational item can be a paper fold containing information in the form of writeups. In an aspect of the invention, the machinery includes a conveyor, one or more folding units or collection units, a correcting unit and a roller assembly. The machinery is configured/adapted to correct a deformed intermediate item. The deformed intermediate item herein refers to an intermediate item deviated geometrically from the predefined geometry of the intermediate item.

[0014] In the present embodiment, the conveyor is a belt/ “O” Ring conveyor adapted to transfer intermediate items between the folding units or between the folding unit and the collection units. The intermediate item moves on the conveyor continuously without stopping the movement thereof.

[0015] The folding unit is adapted to receive an intermediate item thereto through the inlet of the folding unit. The folding unit is a roller folding machine or a knife folding machine. The folding unit performs one or more cross folds on the intermediate item.

[0016] In one aspect, the correcting unit is configured on a frame arranged across the conveyor. The correcting unit here refers to a unit that corrects the deformed intermediate item to the predefined geometry of the intermediate item. The correcting unit includes a first movable jaw and a second movable jaw. The movable jaws are arranged opposite to each other across and along the sides of the conveyor. In an aspect of the invention, the movable jaws are arranged on the sides of the conveyor with correcting ends of movable jaws facing each other, defining a channel therebetween. The channel here refers to a space having predefined width between the movable jaws and defined to receive the intermediate item therethrough.

[0017] In an aspect, the correcting unit receives the intermediate item having one or more geometric parameters through the channel. The geometric parameter or the predefined geometry of the intermediate item refers to a standard length (LI) and/or an area (Al) and/or a width (Wl) and/or a thickness (Tl) and/or an angle of deflection (DI) of segments of the intermediate item. In the predefined geometry, each segment of the intermediate items has to be coplanar. The deformed intermediate item does not have the segments in coplanar.

[0018] In an aspect, the movable jaws are movably arranged on the frame in such a way that when in an operating condition, the correcting ends of the movable jaws come closer, which reduces the predefined width of the channel.

[0019] In an aspect of the present invention, a prime mover (not shown) is connected to the movable jaws for causing movements of the movable jaws in one or more predefined directions. The prime mover is an electric motor or an engine, pneumatically operated or the like. The prime mover is connected to the controller.

[0020] In one aspect of the invention, each of the movable jaws (is having a first hole. A driving shaft of the prime mover is eccentrically connected to each movable jaws at the first hole for causing one or more movements of the movable jaw when the driving shaft is rotated.

[0021] In another aspect, each of the movable jaws is connected to a reciprocating mechanism (not shown) driven by the prime mover for causing the reciprocating mechanism of the movable jaws. The reciprocating mechanism used can be a crank mechanism or a pneumatic actuator or a rack and a pinion mechanism or a scotch yoke mechanism, or the like. The reciprocating mechanism enables the movable jaws to move from the initial position to the required expected position. A user can vary the required expected position of the movable jaws by varying the parameters of the reciprocating mechanism like seed, stroke length and the like.

[0022] In another aspect, each movable jaws is connected to an oscillating mechanism driven by the prime mover for causing reciprocating mechanism of the movable jaws. The oscillating mechanism used can be a cranks/springs mechanism or a rotating weight mechanism or an electromagnetic mechanism, or the like. Each of the movable jaws are connected to the oscillating mechanism driven by the prime mover for causing reciprocating mechanism of the movable jaws. Each of the movable jaws is moved in a length direction or a width direction or a height direction of the movable jaws or combinations of the directions.

[0023] A controller is connected to the first prime mover and the motor. The controller enables the prime mover and the motor to rotate in a programmed sequence to perform correcting operations and the conveying operation at the same instant.

[0024] Further in an aspect of the invention, the roller assembly having at least one pair of rollers is arranged between the correcting unit and the inlet. Specifically, the roller assembly is arranged adjacent to the correcting unit in such a way that the intermediate item passes through the roller assembly soon after when the intermediate item passes the correcting unit. The roller in the roller assembly is rotatable along the longitudinal direction of the conveyor and on an axis perpendicular to the conveying direction. The intermediate item having the predefined geometrical structure has been made to pass therethrough for retaining the predefined geometrical structure, thereby correcting the deformed intermediate item.

[0025] In an aspect of the invention, the roller assembly is arranged on a frame that extends across the conveyor. In an aspect of the invention, the roller assembly includes one roller arranged on the frame. The roller is positioned above the conveyor belt at an offset distance. The rotating roller presses the intermediate item passes therebetween to retain the predefined geometrical structure. The roller is a cylindrical rotating member rotatable on a shaft arranged on the frame. The roller rotates along a rotational axis when the intermediate item passes through the conveyor and make physical contact with the roller. The roller presses the intermediate item to retain the predefined geometry of the intermediate item. In one aspect of the invention, the roller can be electrically operated.

[0026] In an embodiment, the correcting units also moves continuously to align or correct the deformed edges of the intermediate item. For example, if the intermediate item is deformed or not deformed and moves continuously the the conveyor, the movable jaws of the correcting unit move continuously irrespective of the presence of the intermediate item. When the intermediate item passes through the correcting unit, the movable jaws being moved continuously will correct the deformed intermediate item. In such embodiment, the roller assembly also rotates continuously irrespective of the presence of the intermediate item. When the intermediate item after getting aligned and corrected by the correcting unit passes through the continuously rotating roller assembly to retain the corrected edges of the intermediate item. The roller assembly presses the corrected intermediate item received from the correction unit, thereby preventing further deformation.

[0027] In another embodiment, the movable jaws of the correcting unit move intermittently. In such embodiment, a sensor assembly may be arranged adjacent to the correcting unit to detect the presence of the intermediate item. When the sensor assembly senses the presence of the intermediate item, the movable jaws come closer and narrow down the channel to correct and align the deformed intermediate item. In one aspect, the sensor assembly can identify the deformed intermediate item and correct intermediate item. When the sensor assembly detects the deformed intermediate item, the movable jaws of the correcting unit correct the deformity of the intermediate item. In such embodiment, the roller assembly also rotates continuously irrespective of the presence of the intermediate item. When the intermediate item after getting aligned and corrected by the correcting unit passes through the continuously rotating roller assembly to retain the corrected edges of the intermediate item. The roller assembly presses the corrected intermediate item received from the correction unit, thereby preventing further deformation.

[0028] In another embodiment, the movable jaws of the correcting unit and the roller assembly move intermittently. In such embodiment, a sensor assembly may be arranged adjacent to the correcting unit and the roller assembly to detect the presence of the intermediate item. When the sensor assembly senses the presence of the intermediate item reaching the correcting unit, the movable jaws come closer and narrow down the channel to correct and align the deformed intermediate item.

[0029] In another embodiment, the sensor assembly can identify the deformed intermediate item and correct intermediate item. When the sensor assembly detects the deformed intermediate item, the movable jaws of the correcting unit correct the deformity of the intermediate item. Further, when the sensor assembly arranged near the roller assembly detects the presence of any intermediate item, the rollers rotate and presses the corrected intermediate item received from the correction unit, thereby preventing further deformation. The sensor assembly can be a camera unit or photoelectric sensor or laser based sensors and the like.

[0030] In one aspect of the invention, two rollers are arranged one above the other with a space therebetween. One of the rollers is positioned below the conveyor belt / “ O “ ring and one above the conveyor belt and rotates relatively in the opposite direction. The intermediate item having the predefined geometrical structure has been made to pass between the spaces of the two rollers for retaining the predefined geometrical structure. The roller assembly presses the corrected intermediate item from the correction unit, thereby preventing further deformation.

[0031] In one aspect of the invention, the machinery includes an error detecting unit. The error detecting unit is adapted to detect folding errors in a second intermediate item.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0032] The advantages and features of the present invention will be understood better with reference to the following detailed description of some embodiments of the impact energy absorber and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which;

[0033] Figure 1 shows schematic block diagrams of embodiments of existing machinery for making an informational item (prior art);

[0034] Figures la, lb, 1c, Id show various views of various intermediate items obtained in making an intermediate item using a known method (prior art);

[0035] Figure 2 show a schematic diagram of a machinery for making an intermediate item in accordance with the present invention;

[0036] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate the varying position of the correcting unit to correct the intermediate item;

[0037] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a machinery having a roller assembly arrangement in accordance with the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a machinery having an error detecting unit arrangement in accordance with the present invention; and [0039] Figure 4 shows a schematic block diagram of the machinery with a connection of prime mover and motor in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0040] An embodiment of this invention, illustrating its features, will now be described in detail. The words "comprising, "having, "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.

[0041] The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “an” and “a” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.

[0042] The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.

[0043] The present invention provides a machinery for folding an intermediate item of an informational item. The machinery reduces the overall time for making a final intermediate item. The machinery maintains the dimensions of the final intermediate item as compared to the existing machineries as per requirement. The machinery is simple in construction and easy in operation.

[0044] Referring now to figure 2 and 3, a machinery for making an intermediate item of an informational item in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The informational item is a paper fold containing information in the form of write-ups. The intermediate item (200) is a strip having one or more cross folds (207) thereon. The machinery (100) includes a conveyor (10), one or more folding units (30), a correcting unit (40) and a roller assembly (20). The machinery is configured/adapted to correct a deformed intermediate item (200). The deformed intermediate item (200) herein refers to an intermediate item (200) deviated geometrically from the predefined geometry of the intermediate item. The predefined geometry includes the paper fold having defined geometry of length (LI) and/or an area (Al) and/or a width (Wl) and/or a thickness (Tl) and/or an angle of deflection (DI) of segments of the intermediate item (200). In a predefined geometry, each segment of the intermediate items has to be coplanar. Coplanar here refers to the overlapping of each fold of the intermediate item in a uniform pattern without deviating from the predefined geometry of the intermediate item.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the conveyor (10) is a belt or “O” Ring conveyor adapted to transfer intermediate items (200) between the folding unit (30) or between the folding unit (30) and the collection units. The intermediate item (200) moves on the conveyor (10) without stopping the movement thereof. The conveyor (10) transfers the corrected intermediate item (200') to the folding or collection unit (30) through the inlet (32). The conveyor (10) includes a conveyor path having at least one segment. The segments of the conveyor path are arranged according to the available space for arranging the machinery (100) to configure the conveyor path. The shape of the conveyor path (12) is "L", "U", "Z" or "C" and various shapes. The conveyor (10) is a belt conveyor system or a chain conveyor system, or air conveyor system, or the like. The conveyor is connected to an electric motor for its operation.

[0046] The folding or collection unit (30) is adapted to receive an intermediate item (200) thereto through the inlet (32) of the folding or collection unit (30). The folding unit (30) is a roller folding machine or a knife folding machine. The folding unit (30) performs one or more cross folds on the intermediate item. The direction of the cross fold is perpendicular to the intermediate item centerline (209).

[0047] Referring now to figure 2, the correcting unit (40) is configured on a frame (not shown) arranged across the conveyor (10). The correcting unit (40) here refers to a unit that corrects the deformed intermediate item to the predefined geometry of the intermediate item. The correcting unit (40) includes a first movable jaw (42) and a second movable jaw (44). The movable jaws (42, 44) are arranged opposite to each other across and along the sides of the conveyor (10). In this embodiment, the movable jaws (42, 44) are substantially parallel to each other. The movable jaws (42, 44) are geometrically configured. The movable jaws (42, 44) are arranged on the sides of the conveyor (10) with correcting ends (42a, 44a) of movable jaws facing each other, defining a channel therebetween. The channel here refers to a space having predefined width between the movable jaws (42, 44) and defined to receive the intermediate item therethrough.

[0048] The correcting unit (40) receives the intermediate item (200) having one or more geometric parameters through the channel (46). The geometric parameter or the predefined geometry of the intermediate item (200) refers to a standard length (LI) and/or an area (Al) and/or a width (Wl) and/or a thickness (Tl) and/or an angle of deflection (DI) of segments (205, 203) of the intermediate item (200). In the predefined geometry, each segment of the intermediate items has to be coplanar. The deformed intermediate item does not have the segments in coplanar.

[0049] The movable jaws (42, 44) are movably arranged on the frame in such a way that when in an operating condition, the correcting ends of the movable jaws come closer, which reduces the predefined width of the channel. When the movable jaws (42, 44) are at an initial position, the width of the channel (46) is set to the predefined width. When the movable jaws (42, 44) start moving towards an expected required position, the channel width reduces from the set predefined width to the required width, thereby applying force on the deformed intermediate item (200) passing through the channel for correcting the deformed intermediate item. After correcting the error or deformed intermediate item by applying the force, the movable jaws (42, 44) start moving away from the expected required position.

[0050] When the movable jaws (42, 44) move to the required position, the correcting ends (42a, 44a) come closer to each other and contact the sides of the intermediate item. The correcting ends (42a, 44a) are parallel to each other, and therefore when the correcting ends (42a, 44a) contact the sides of the intermediate item, the segments of the intermediate items align one above the other or overlap to each other or becomes coplanar thereby realign the deformed intermediate item.

[0051] In an aspect of the present invention, a prime mover (45) (not shown) is connected to the movable jaws (42, 44) for causing movements of the movable jaws (42 or 44) in one or more predefined directions (51). The prime mover (45) is an electric motor or an engine, or the prime move (45) is pneumatically operated or the like. The prime mover (45) is connected to the controller (64).

[0052] In one aspect of the invention, each of the movable jaws (42 or 44) has a first hole (42’). A driving shaft of the prime mover (45) is eccentrically connected to each movable jaw (42 or 44) at the first hole (44’) for causing one or more movements of the movable jaw (42 or 44) when the driving shaft is rotated. [0053] In another aspect, each of the movable jaws (42 or 44) is connected to a reciprocating mechanism (not shown) driven by the prime mover (45) for causing the reciprocating mechanism of the movable jaws (42 or 44). The reciprocating mechanism used can be a crank mechanism or a pneumatic actuator or a rack and a pinion mechanism or a scotch yoke mechanism, or the like. The reciprocating mechanism enables the movable jaws (42 or 44) to move from the initial position to the required expected position. A user can vary the required expected position of the movable jaws (42 or 44) by varying the parameters of the reciprocating mechanism like seed, stroke length and the like.

[0054] In another aspect, each movable jaw (42 or 44) is connected to an oscillating mechanism driven by the prime mover (45) for causing reciprocating mechanism of the movable jaws (42 or 44). The oscillating mechanism used can be a cranks/ springs mechanism or a rotating weight mechanism or an electromagnetic mechanism, or the like. Each of the movable jaws (42 or 44) are connected to the oscillating mechanism driven by the prime mover (45) for causing reciprocating mechanism of the movable jaws (42 or 44). Each of the movable jaws (42 or 44) is moved in a length direction or a width direction or a height direction of the movable jaws (42 or 44) or combinations of the directions.

[0055] Geometric dimensions of the movable jaws (42, 44) are configured according to the received intermediate item (200) having one or more geometric parameters. The movable jaws (42, 44) are moved accordingly for applying force on the received intermediate item (200) by the correcting ends (42a, 44a). The correcting ends (42a, 44a) applies force for correcting the received intermediate item (200) to the predefined geometry (200’).

[0056] A controller (64) is connected to the first prime mover (45) and the motor (15). The controller (64) enables the prime mover (45) and the motor (15) to rotate in a programmed sequence to perform correcting operation and the conveying operation at the same instant.

[0057] Further referring to figure 3, the roller assembly (20) having at least one roller is arranged between the correcting unit (40) and the inlet (32). Specifically, the roller assembly (20) is arranged adjacent to the correcting unit (40) in such a way that the intermediate item passes through the roller assembly (20) soon after when the intermediate item (200’) passes the correcting unit (40). The roller in the roller assembly (20) is rotatable along the longitudinal direction of the conveyor (10) and on an axis perpendicular to the conveying direction. The intermediate item having the predefined geometrical structure has been made to pass therethrough for retaining the predefined geometrical structure, thereby correcting the deformed intermediate item (200). In an aspect of the invention, the roller assembly (20) is arranged on a frame that extends across the conveyor (10). In an aspect of the invention, the roller assembly (20) includes one roller arranged on the frame. The roller is positioned above the conveyor belt at an offset distance. The rotating roller presses the intermediate item passes therebetween to retain the predefined geometrical structure. The roller is a cylindrical rotating member rotatable on a shaft arranged on the frame. The roller rotates along a rotational axis when the intermediate item (200’) passes through the conveyor and make physical contact with the roller. The roller presses the intermediate item to retain the predefined geometry of the intermediate item. In one aspect of the invention, the roller can be electrically operated.

[0058] In an embodiment, the correcting unit (40) also moves continuously to align or correct the deformed edges of the intermediate item (200). For example, if the intermediate item (200) is deformed or not deformed and moves continuously through the conveyor (10), the movable jaws (42, 44) of the correcting unit (40) move continuously irrespective of the presence of the intermediate item (200). When the intermediate item (200) passes through the correcting unit (40), the movable jaws (42, 44) being moved continuously will correct the deformed intermediate item (200). In such embodiment, the roller assembly (20) also rotates continuously irrespective of the presence of the intermediate item (200). When the intermediate item (200) after getting aligned and corrected by the correcting unit (40) passes through the continuously rotating roller assembly (20) to retain the corrected edges of the intermediate item (200’) received from the correcting unit (40). The roller assembly (20) presses the corrected intermediate item (200’) received from the correction unit (40), thereby preventing further deformation. [0059] In another embodiment, the movable jaws (42, 44) of the correcting unit (40) move intermittently. In such embodiment, a sensor assembly (not shown) may be arranged adjacent to the correcting unit (40) to detect the presence of the intermediate item (200). When the sensor assembly senses the presence of the intermediate item (200), the movable jaws (42, 44) come closer and narrow down the channel (46) to correct and align the deformed intermediate item (200). In one aspect, the sensor assembly can identify the deformed intermediate item (200) from a plurality of intermediate item. When the sensor assembly detects the deformed intermediate item (200), the movable jaws (42, 44) of the correcting unit (40) correct the deformity of the intermediate item (200). In such embodiment, the roller assembly (20) also rotates continuously irrespective of the presence of the intermediate item (200). When the intermediate item (200) after getting aligned and corrected by the correcting unit (40) passes through the continuously rotating roller assembly (20) to retain the corrected edges of the corrected intermediate item (200’). The roller assembly (20) presses the corrected intermediate item (200’) received from the correction unit (40), thereby preventing further deformation.

[0060] In another embodiment, the movable jaws (42, 44) of the correcting unit (40) and the roller assembly (20) move intermittently. In such embodiment, a sensor assembly (not shown) may be arranged adjacent to the correcting unit (40) and the roller assembly (20) to detect the presence of the intermediate item (200). When the sensor assembly (40) senses the presence of the intermediate item (200) reaching the correcting unit (40), the movable jaws (42, 44) come closer and narrow down the channel (46) to correct and align the deformed intermediate item (200).

[0061] In one aspect, the sensor assembly can identify the deformed intermediate item (200) from a plurality of intermediate item. When the sensor assembly detects the deformed intermediate item (200), the movable jaws (42, 44) of the correcting unit (40) correct the deformity of the intermediate item (200). Further, when the sensor assembly arranged near the roller assembly (20) detects the presence of any intermediate item (200), the rollers rotate and presses the corrected intermediate item (200’) received from the correction unit (40), thereby preventing further deformation. The sensor assembly can be a camera unit or photoelectric sensor or laser based sensors and the like.

[0062] In one aspect of the invention, two rollers are arranged one above the other with a space therebetween. One of the rollers is positioned below the conveyor belt and one above the conveyor belt and rotates relatively in the opposite direction. The intermediate item (200) having the predefined geometrical structure has been made to pass between the spaces of the two rollers for retaining the predefined geometrical structure. The roller assembly (20) presses the corrected intermediate item (200’) from the correction unit (40), thereby preventing further deformation. [0063] More particularly, the roller assembly (50a) is adapted to receive the corrected intermediate item (200’) from a delivery end (48) of the correcting unit (40). The roller assembly (20) has one or more pairs of rollers operated to press the received corrected intermediate item (200') for retaining the predefined geometry (200') while moving towards the folding unit through the inlet (32).

[0064] By way of non-limiting example, the correcting unit (40) receives the intermediate item (200) with both deformed and coplanar or collinear ones. When the segments of the intermediate item are collinear, the width 'W' at a first end and a second end is identical. Similarly, when the segment of the cross folded intermediate item is non-collinear or deformed, the width 'W' at the first end is more or less than at the second end.

[0065] Initially, the correcting ends (42a, 44a) of the movable jaws (42, 44) of the correcting unit (40) are set at a predefined position (P) having a width 'W'. When the correcting ends (42a, 44a) of the movable jaws (42, 44) of the correcting unit (40) are moved to a required expected position (E), the space (46) therebetween is reduced to a required width W'. The W' at the required expected position (E) is equal to the width of the intermediate item 'Wl'. Since the correcting ends (42a, 44a) of the moving jaws (42, 44) are moved towards the intermediate item (200) width 'Wl', the force applied thereby corrects the deformation or error in the intermediate item (200). After correcting the deformed intermediate item, the roller assembly presses the intermediate item to retain the predefined geometry of the intermediate item (200).

[0066] It may be obvious to a person skilled in the art to arrange more than one correcting unit (40) and roller assembly (20) in the machinery (100). By way of non-limiting example, the correcting units (40) and roller assembly (20) may be arranged to correct the deformation in the folding of a second intermediate item folded by the folding unit.

[0067] In one aspect of the invention, the machinery (100b) includes an error detecting unit (60), as shown in figure 3a. The error detecting unit (60) is adapted to detect folding errors in the second intermediate item (210). The detecting unit (60) includes one or more sensors (62), an interface (66) and a memory unit (68). The controller (64) is connected to the sensor (62), the interface and the memory unit. The sensor (62) is a proximity sensor or a linear variable displacement transducer or an ultrasonic sensor, or the like. The folding unit (30) performs a cross fold operation of the received corrected first intermediate item (200’) for making the second intermediate item (210). The sensor (62) detects the error that occurred in the second intermediate item (210). Further, the sensor (62) sends the sensed error to the controller (64). Therefore, based on the sensor feedback, the controller (64) enables the movable jaws (42,44) to reciprocate accordingly for correcting the error of the second intermediate item. The conveyor (10) transfers the second intermediate item (210) to a predefined destination. Based on requirements, a person skilled in the art can increase or decrease the number of error detecting units, having the same configuration as described in the machinery (100).

[0068] Therefore, the present invention has the advantage of providing the machinery (100), which reduces the overall time for making the final intermediate item (200). The machinery (100) maintains dimensions of the final intermediate item (200) as compared to the existing machineries as per requirement. The machinery (100) is simple in construction and easy in operation.

[0069] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilise the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

We Claim: . A machinery (100) for aligning and correcting an intermediate item (200) of an informational item, the intermediate item (200) is a strip having one or more cross folds (207) thereon, the machinery (100) includes one or more folding or collection units (30), a conveyor (10) adapted to transfer the intermediate item (200) between the folding or collection units (30), the folding or collection unit (30) is adapted to receive an intermediate item (200) or final folded intermediate item (200’) thereto through an inlet (32) of the folding or collection unit (30) and performs one or more cross folds thereon, wherein the machinery is adapted to correct a deformed intermediate item (200) while performing the cross folds, characterized in that the machinery (100) comprising: a correcting unit (40) arranged adjacent to the inlet (32), the correcting unit (40) includes a first movable jaw (42) and a second movable jaw (44), the movable jaws (42, 44) are arranged opposite to each other across and along the sides of the conveyor (10), the movable jaws (42, 44) has correcting ends (42a, 44a) facing each other defining a channel (46) therebetween, the correcting unit (40) receives the intermediate item (200) through the channel (46); wherein the movable jaws (42, 44) are geometrically configured and moved for applying force on a deformed intermediate item (200) by the correcting ends (42a, 44a) for correcting the deformed intermediate item (200) to a predefined geometrical structure of the intermediate item (200’) while the intermediate item (200) is moving on the conveyor (10) continuously without stopping the movement thereof; and a roller assembly (20) having at least one pair of rollers arranged between the correcting unit (40) and the inlet (32), the rollers being rotatable along the longitudinal direction of the conveyor (10) and in an axis perpendicular to the conveying direction, wherein the intermediate item (200’) having the predefined geometrical structure has been made to pass therethrough for retaining the predefined geometrical structure thereby correcting the deformed intermediate item (200). The machinery (100) for aligning and correcting an intermediate item (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roller assembly (20) is arranged on a frame that extends across the conveyor (10). The machinery (100) for aligning and correcting an intermediate item (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roller assembly includes at least one pair of rollers arranged on the frame, the roller is positioned above and below the conveyor belt in an offset distance, the rotating roller presses the intermediate item passes therebetween to retain the predefined geometrical structure. The machinery (100) for aligning and correcting an intermediate item (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roller assembly (20) includes at least two rollers arranged one above the other with a space therebetween, one of the roller positioned below the conveyor belt and one above the conveyor belt and rotates relatively in an opposite direction, the intermediate item (200’) having the predefined geometrical structure has been made to pass between the spaces of the two rollers for retaining the predefined geometrical structure. The machinery (100) for aligning and correcting an intermediate item (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a prime mover (not shown) is connected to the movable jaws (42, 44) for causing movements of the movable jaws (42, 44) in one or more predefined directions (51). The machinery (100) for aligning and correcting an intermediate item (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the prime mover is an electric motor or an engine or the prime mover is pneumatically operated. The machinery (100) for aligning and correcting an intermediate item (200) as claimed in claims 1 and 5, wherein each movable jaw (42 or 44) is having a first hole, a driving shaft of the prime mover is eccentrically connected to each movable jaw (42 or 44) at the first hole for causing one or more movements of the movable jaw (42 or 44) when the driving shaft is rotated. The machinery (100) for aligning and correcting an intermediate item (200) as claimed in claims 1 & 5, wherein each movable jaw (42 or 44) is connected to a reciprocating mechanism driven by the prime mover for causing reciprocating mechanism of the movable jaws (42 or 44). The machinery (100) for aligning and correcting an intermediate item (200) as claimed in claims 1 & 5, wherein each movable jaw (42 or 44) is connected to an oscillating mechanism driven by the prime mover for causing reciprocating mechanism of the movable jaws (42 or 44). The machinery (100) for aligning and correcting an intermediate item (200) as claimed in claims 1 & 5, wherein each movable jaw (42 or 44) is moved in a length direction or a width direction or a height direction of the movable jaws (42 or 44) or combinations of the directions. The machinery (100) for aligning and correcting an intermediate item (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the machinery (100) includes one or more error detecting units (60) to detect folding errors in a second intermediate item (210). The machinery (100) for aligning and correcting an intermediate item (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the correcting unit (40) moves continuously to align or correct the deformed edges of the intermediate item (200), wherein when the intermediate item (200) after getting aligned and corrected by the correcting unit (40) passes through a continuously rotating roller assembly (20) to retain the corrected edges of the intermediate item (200). The machinery (100) for aligning and correcting an intermediate item (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movable jaws (42, 44) of the correcting unit (40) move intermittently, wherein when the intermediate item (200) after getting aligned and corrected by the correcting unit (40) passes through the continuously rotating roller assembly (20) to retain the corrected edges of the intermediate item (200’). The machinery (100) for aligning and correcting an intermediate item (200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein a sensor assembly (not shown) is arranged adjacent to the correcting unit (40) to detect the presence of the intermediate item (200), when the sensor assembly senses the presence of the intermediate item (200), the movable jaws (42, 44) come closer and narrow down the channel (46) to correct and align the deformed intermediate item (200) wherein the sensor assembly can identify a deformed intermediate item (200) from a plurality of intermediate item. The machinery (100) for aligning and correcting an intermediate item (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movable jaws (42, 44) of the correcting unit (200) and the roller assembly (20) move intermittently and operates only upon detecting the presence of the intermediate item (200). The machinery (100) for aligning and correcting an intermediate item (200) as claimed in claim 15 wherein a sensor assembly (not shown) is arranged adjacent to the correcting unit (40) and the roller assembly (20) to detect the presence of the intermediate item (200), when the sensor assembly senses the presence of the intermediate item (200) reaching the correcting unit (40), the movable jaws (42, 44) come closer and narrow down the channel (46) to correct and align the deformed intermediate item (200) and when the sensor assembly arranged near the roller assembly (20) detects the presence of any intermediate item (200), the rollers rotate and presses the corrected intermediate item (200’) received from the correction unit (40), thereby preventing further deformation of the intermediate item (200).