US4015841A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sorter
Assignee: Xerox Ltd
•
Filing: 1976-05-24
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Granted: 1977-04-05
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Expires: 1996-05-24
Abstract
Abstract A sorting apparatus for collating sheets into sets. The sheets are conveyed along a desired path and a plurality of sheet receiving bins are arranged along the path. Guide members associated with each of the bins are arranged to sequentially remove a sheet from the conveyor and guide it into its respective bin. The guide members are actuated by a drive system which includes a cam comprising a web having a cam surface with at least one discontinuity and follower members associated with each of the guide members in responsive engagement with the cam surface. The discontinuities can comprise slots, holes, or notches in the web. The web may be wound up on a take-up reel or it can comprise an endless type belt.
Inventors
- 👤 Sakae Mitsumasu
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 18:26
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65H; B65H29/00; B65H29/58; B65H29/60; B65H39/00; B65H39/10; B65H39/115; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/18; Y10T74/18056; Y10T74/18152
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
200 words
In a sorting apparatus for collating sheets into sets comprising: means for conveying said sheets along a desired path; a plurality of sheet receiving bins arranged along said path; means for distributing said sheets from said conveying means sequentially into said sheet receiving bins, said distributing means including a plurality of movable guide members associated with said bins for removing sheets from said conveying means and guiding them into said bins, and means for moving sequentially each of said guide members between a first position wherein said guide member will remove a sheet from said conveying means and guide it into a bin associated with said guide member and a second position wherein said guide member will not remove a sheet from said conveying means; the improvement wherein said means for moving said guide members includes: a cam comprising a web having a cam surface with at least one discontinuity therein; and at least one follower member connected to each of said guide members, each of said follower members being arranged to responsively engage said cam surface; whereby said follower members sequentially move said guide members between said first and second positions responsive to said discontinuity in said cam surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
200 words
In a sorting apparatus for collating sheets into sets comprising: means for conveying said sheets along a desired path; a plurality of sheet receiving bins arranged along said path; means for distributing said sheets from said conveying means sequentially into said sheet receiving bins, said distributing means including a plurality of movable guide members associated with said bins for removing sheets from said conveying means and guiding them into said bins, and means for moving sequentially each of said guide members between a first position wherein said guide member will remove a sheet from said conveying means and guide it into a bin associated with said guide member and a second position wherein said guide member will not remove a sheet from said conveying means; the improvement wherein said means for moving said guide members includes: a cam comprising a web having a cam surface with at least one discontinuity therein; and at least one follower member connected to each of said guide members, each of said follower members being arranged to responsively engage said cam surface; whereby said follower members sequentially move said guide members between said first and second positions responsive to said discontinuity in said cam surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said discontinuity comprises a hole in said web.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said discontinuity comprises a notch in said web.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said web comprises an endless belt.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein each of said guide members are supported upon a shaft and wherein said follower members comprise a lever, one end of which is secured to said shaft and the other end of which engages said cam surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said means for moving said guide members includes a take-up drum for winding up said web and means for selectively driving said drum to wind and unwind said web therefrom.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus as in claim 6, wherein said selective drive means includes solenoid actuating means for selectively driving said take-up drum.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
73 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said guide members comprises first guide members and further including second guide members receiving said sheets from said first guide members for distributing sheets into one of two adjacent bins, said second guide members being movable between a first position wherein sheets are distributed into a first of said two bins, and a second position wherein sheets are distributed into a second of said two bins.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2661209A
Cited
US3586311A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-04-04 | 1980-10-04 | 1981-04-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-04-04 | 1984-10-04 | 1985-04-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-04-04 | 1988-10-04 | 1989-04-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |