Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
262 words
Apparatus for forming a vertical stack from folded printing products sequentially conveyed along a path with the folds in the leading position, said apparatus comprising conveyor means (1, 2) for defining the path and for conveying the products (P) sequentially therealong: stop means (6a, 6b, 6c) interposed in the path and toward which the products move support means (8) adjacent said stop means for receiving the sequentially conveyed printing products in a vertical stack with the folds abutting said stop means: pressing means (14-20) operatively associated with said stop means, said pressing means including at least three groups of presser members (14, 14') arranged in spaced relationship along said stop means and across said path; said presser member groups having drive means (21) for driving said presser members in an endless path, said path having a first upper position in which said presser members overlie the product stack, a second, lower position in which said presser members contact and press the stack on the support means, and having a portion in which said presser members have a component of motion, when in contact with the stack, drawing the product toward the stop means; the movements of said presser member groups being phase shifted with respect to each other such that one group returns from the lower position to the upper position when a second group overlies the product stack and a third group presses the stack: and control means coupled to said conveyor means and drive means for synchronizing the supply of the printing products with the operation of said pressing means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
262 words
Apparatus for forming a vertical stack from folded printing products sequentially conveyed along a path with the folds in the leading position, said apparatus comprising conveyor means (1, 2) for defining the path and for conveying the products (P) sequentially therealong: stop means (6a, 6b, 6c) interposed in the path and toward which the products move support means (8) adjacent said stop means for receiving the sequentially conveyed printing products in a vertical stack with the folds abutting said stop means: pressing means (14-20) operatively associated with said stop means, said pressing means including at least three groups of presser members (14, 14') arranged in spaced relationship along said stop means and across said path; said presser member groups having drive means (21) for driving said presser members in an endless path, said path having a first upper position in which said presser members overlie the product stack, a second, lower position in which said presser members contact and press the stack on the support means, and having a portion in which said presser members have a component of motion, when in contact with the stack, drawing the product toward the stop means; the movements of said presser member groups being phase shifted with respect to each other such that one group returns from the lower position to the upper position when a second group overlies the product stack and a third group presses the stack: and control means coupled to said conveyor means and drive means for synchronizing the supply of the printing products with the operation of said pressing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein a presser member group includes a presser body (14a) coupled to said drive means (21) and having a pressing finger (14b) contacting and pressing the printing products.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
86 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said drive means includes a pair of synchronously rotating shafts (17, 18) having eccentrics (15, 16) mounted thereon, said eccentrics being rotatably mounted in said presser body (14a) such that the free end of the presser member finger (14) describes, in a plane perpendicular to the edge of the stack abutting said stop means, a circular path (K), the eccentric direction of said eccentrics (15, 16) for different presser member groups being circumferentially shifted with respect to each other.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein each group of presser members comprises two presser members (14, 14').
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein at least those areas of the presser members (14) coming into contact with the printing products (P) are coated with a low friction coating (19).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus as in claim 1 including a detector (25) for detecting the printing products (P) conveyed toward said stop means, the output of said detector being connected to said control means for controlling said drive means for said pressing means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said apparatus has a machine frame, wherein said conveyor means defines a planar path, wherein said support means is adapted to be lowered with respect to the planar path and with respect to said pressing means (14), and wherein said support means is resiliently supported in said machine frame (5).
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said conveyor means (1, 2) includes a conveyor (2) positioned above the vertical stack.