US3848868A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sheet sorting apparatus
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1973-03-09
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Granted: 1974-11-19
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Expires: 1993-03-09
Abstract
Abstract Sorting apparatus for collating both simplex and duplex copies from a copying machine in which tray assemblies are opened and fed sheets by reciprocating apparatus moved past the tray assemblies. Tray assemblies are hinged at one end to pivot through an arc of about 15* when engaged by camming member of reciprocating apparatus. Deflector fingers are operatively associated with reciprocating apparatus to deflect sheet from transport as tray assembly is pivoted opened.
Inventors
- 👤 D Stemmle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 07:28
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65H; B65H29/00; B65H29/58; B65H29/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
Sorting apparatus comprising: a frame; an array of tray members arranged in a column each pivotally supported by said frame at one end thereof on a pivot axis; conveyor means for conveying sheets past an inlet of the array of tray members; and actuating means operatively associated with said conveyor means and moving in the same direction therewith, said actuating means including camming means rotatable on an axis extending in the direction which said actuating means is moved for pivoting each of said tray members into an opened position and deflecting a sheet into the opened tray member at predetermined positions along the array of tray members.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
Sorting apparatus comprising: a frame; an array of tray members arranged in a column each pivotally supported by said frame at one end thereof on a pivot axis; conveyor means for conveying sheets past an inlet of the array of tray members; and actuating means operatively associated with said conveyor means and moving in the same direction therewith, said actuating means including camming means rotatable on an axis extending in the direction which said actuating means is moved for pivoting each of said tray members into an opened position and deflecting a sheet into the opened tray member at predetermined positions along the array of tray members.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said tray members are arranged in groups in which spacing between groups is greater than spacing between tray members.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, including inverter means positioned upstream from said conveyor means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
160 words
Sorting apparatus comprising: a frame; an array of tray members arranged in a column each pivotally supported by said frame at one end thereof on a pivot axis; conveyor means for conveying sheets past an inlet of the array of tray members; actuating means operatively associated with said conveyor means and moving in the same direction therewith, said actuating means including camming means rotatable on an axis extending in the direction, which said actuating means is moved for pivoting each of said tray members into an opened position and deflecting a sheet into the opened tray member at predetermined positions along the array of tray members; and wherein said actuating means includes a cam shaft member formed with a spiral groove, and camming means mounted on said shaft member for movement along said spiral groove, said camming means having a spiral groove formed therein which engages a cam follower positioned at the inlet side of each of said tray members.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
160 words
Sorting apparatus comprising: a frame; an array of tray members arranged in a column each pivotally supported by said frame at one end thereof on a pivot axis; conveyor means for conveying sheets past an inlet of the array of tray members; actuating means operatively associated with said conveyor means and moving in the same direction therewith, said actuating means including camming means rotatable on an axis extending in the direction, which said actuating means is moved for pivoting each of said tray members into an opened position and deflecting a sheet into the opened tray member at predetermined positions along the array of tray members; and wherein said actuating means includes a cam shaft member formed with a spiral groove, and camming means mounted on said shaft member for movement along said spiral groove, said camming means having a spiral groove formed therein which engages a cam follower positioned at the inlet side of each of said tray members.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
187 words
Sorting apparatus comprising: a frame; an array of tray members arranged in a column each pivotally supported by said frame at one end thereof on a pivot axis; conveyor means for conveying sheets past an inlet of the array of tray members; actuating means operatively associated with said conveyor means and moving in the same direction therewith, said actuating means including camming means rotatable on an axis extending in the direction, which said actuating means is moved for pivoting each of said tray members into an opened position and deFlecting a sheet into the opened tray member at predetermined positions along the array of tray members, wherein said actuating means includes a cam shaft member formed with a spiral groove, and camming means mounted on said shaft member for movement along said spiral groove, said camming means having a spiral groove formed therein which engages a cam follower positioned at the inlet side of each of said tray members, and wherein said actuating means includes a plurality of deflector finger members connected to a support member carried in said spiral groove formed on said cam shaft member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
187 words
Sorting apparatus comprising: a frame; an array of tray members arranged in a column each pivotally supported by said frame at one end thereof on a pivot axis; conveyor means for conveying sheets past an inlet of the array of tray members; actuating means operatively associated with said conveyor means and moving in the same direction therewith, said actuating means including camming means rotatable on an axis extending in the direction, which said actuating means is moved for pivoting each of said tray members into an opened position and deFlecting a sheet into the opened tray member at predetermined positions along the array of tray members, wherein said actuating means includes a cam shaft member formed with a spiral groove, and camming means mounted on said shaft member for movement along said spiral groove, said camming means having a spiral groove formed therein which engages a cam follower positioned at the inlet side of each of said tray members, and wherein said actuating means includes a plurality of deflector finger members connected to a support member carried in said spiral groove formed on said cam shaft member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3774902A
Cited
US3788640A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-11-18 | 1978-05-20 | 1978-11-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-18 | 1982-05-20 | 1982-11-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-18 | 1986-05-20 | 1986-11-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |