US4171744A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Document classifier
Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc
•
Filing: 1977-05-17
•
Granted: 1979-10-23
•
Expires: 1997-05-17
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to the classification of a stream of documents, such as mixed mail pieces, into size and orientation of categories for subsequent processing. The apparatus includes a laser beam which scans a conveying belt upon which the documents are placed. Appropriate circuitry is provided so that a determination may be made as to the length and width of the document being conveyed across the belt. Downstream from the belt is a segregation system in which the various sizes of documents are segregated according to size in response to the determination of the circuitry.
Inventors
- 👤 David W. Hubbard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 12:12
CPC Classifications
B; B07; B07C; B07C1/00; B07C1/10; B07C1/14; B07C5/00; B07C5/04; B07C5/10; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S209/00; Y10S209/90
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
Apparatus for classifying a stream of mixed documents into size and orientation categories comprising: a continuous belt; means for depositing documents upon said belt; laser means located above said belt for repeatedly sweeping a laser beam laterally across said belt; sensing means located above said belt for sensing light reflected from documents disposed upon said belt; logic means for determining the duration of light received by said sensor means during a sweep of said laser beam and for determining the number of sweeps in which light is sensed; and means for classifying mail pieces in response to said logic means determination.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
Apparatus for classifying a stream of mixed documents into size and orientation categories comprising: a continuous belt; means for depositing documents upon said belt; laser means located above said belt for repeatedly sweeping a laser beam laterally across said belt; sensing means located above said belt for sensing light reflected from documents disposed upon said belt; logic means for determining the duration of light received by said sensor means during a sweep of said laser beam and for determining the number of sweeps in which light is sensed; and means for classifying mail pieces in response to said logic means determination.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said belt is inclined at an angle relative to the horizontal and a guide rail is located along the lower longitudinal edge of said belt.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including a second sensing means for sensing the presence of a laser beam at a longitudinal location of said belt, said second sensing means being in electrical connection with said logic means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including means for rotating a document 90 degrees relative to the horizontal in response to the determination of said logic means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for classifying mail pieces comprises a conveyor located downstream from said belt, a plurality of gates located within the path of said conveyor and in electrical connection with said logic means and a receptacle located adjacent each gate to receive documents therein upon enablement of its associated gate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said laser means comprises a laser, a multi-faceted mirror spaced relative to said laser and means for rotating said mirror, the axis of said mirror extending longitudinally relative to said belt.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-10-22 | 1983-04-23 | 1983-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-10-22 | 1987-04-23 | 1987-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-10-22 | 1991-04-23 | 1991-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |