Method and apparatus for opening folded newspapers

Claim 1

A method of opening folded newspapers for a stuffer that are individually deposited into separate conveyor receptacles of the type having first and second cooperating panel members defining a pocket with a generally V-shaped cross-sectional configuration, which includes the steps of: (a) moving the opposed groups of cut edges of a folded newspaper from contact with a first panel member into contact with the second panel member; (b) applying vacuum gripping members to the exterior of the folded newspaper; (c) pivoting the gripping vacuum members away from each other to form a center opening; (d) pivoting a separator arm into said center opening for engaging and holding one of the groups of cut edges in contact with the second panel; (e) discontinuing activation of said gripping member while pivoting the separator arm, and returning the other group of cut edges into contact with the first panel member.

Claim 2

A method of opening folded newspapers for a stuffer that are individually deposited into separate conveyor receptacles of the type having first and second cooperating panel members defining a pocket with a generally V-shaped cross-sectional configuration, which includes the steps of: (a) moving the opposed groups of cut edges of a folded newspaper from contact with a first panel member into contact with the second panel member; (b) applying vacuum gripping members to the exterior of the folded newspaper; (c) pivoting the gripping vacuum members away from each other to form a center opening; (d) pivoting a separator arm into said center opening for engaging and holding one of the groups of cut edges in contact with the second panel; (e) discontinuing activation of said gripping member while pivoting the separator arm, and returning the other group of cut edges into contact with the first panel member.

Claim 4

A device for opening folded newspapers for a stuffer that are individually deposited into separator conveyor receptacles of the type having first and second cooperating panel members defining a pocket with a generally v-shaped cross-sectional configuration, said device comprising: (a) means supported on the first panel member for moving opposed groups of cut edges of folded newspaper from the first panel into contact with the second panel which moving means includes: (i) a plate member pivotally attached to the first panel member within the pocket, (ii) a cam controlled follower member operatively connected to said plate member for pivoting the latter toward and away from the second panel member as required, (iii) a horizontal shaft rotatably mounted on the first panel member in operative association with said cam controlled follower, (iv) a pair of upwardly extending arms having first ends fixed on said horizontal shaft and the opposed ends pivotally connected to said plate member; (b) means operatively associated with the bottom of each pocket for separating the opposed groups of cut edges to define a center opening in the newspaper adjacent to its folded edge, wherein said separating means includes; (i) a cam controlled follower member pivotably attached to the pocket; (ii) a drive gear attached to one end of said follower member, (iii) a pair of opposed gear controlled lever members operatively connected to said drive gear, (iv) vacuum controlled suction grips fixed on the free ends of said lever members for movement (c) means pivotally mounted adjacent the side of panel members for entering said center opening to engage and hold one group of cut edges in contact with the second of said panel members while the other returns to engage said first panel member.

Claim 5

A device for opening folded newspapers for a stuffer that are individually deposited into separator conveyor receptacles of the type having first and second cooperating panel members defining a pocket with a generally v-shaped cross-sectional configuration, said device comprising: (a) means supported on the first panel member for moving opposed groups of cut edges of folded newspaper from the first panel into contact with the second panel which moving means includes: (i) a plate member pivotally attached to the first panel member within the pocket, (ii) a cam controlled follower member operatively connected to said plate member for pivoting the latter toward and away from the second panel member as required, (iii) a horizontal shaft rotatably mounted on the first panel member in operative association with said cam controlled follower, (iv) a pair of upwardly extending arms having first ends fixed on said horizontal shaft and the opposed ends pivotally connected to said plate member; (b) means operatively associated with the bottom of each pocket for separating the opposed groups of cut edges to define a center opening in the newspaper adjacent to its folded edge, wherein said separating means includes; (i) a cam controlled follower member pivotably attached to the pocket; (ii) a drive gear attached to one end of said follower member, (iii) a pair of opposed gear controlled lever members operatively connected to said drive gear, (iv) vacuum controlled suction grips fixed on the free ends of said lever members for movement (c) means pivotally mounted adjacent the side of panel members for entering said center opening to engage and hold one group of cut edges in contact with the second of said panel members while the other returns to engage said first panel member.

Claim 7

A device for opening folded newspapers for a stuffer that are individually deposited into separate conveyor receptacles of the type having first and second cooperating panel members defining a pocket with a generally V-shaped cross sectional configuration, said device comprising: (a) means supported on the first panel member for moving opposed groups of cut edges of a folded newspaper therefrom into contact with the second panel member; (b) means operatively associated with the bottom of each pocket for separating the opposed groups of cut edges to define a center opening in the newspaper adjacent its folded edge; and (c) an opener arm having drive means including: (i) a support shaft for rotatably supporting said opener arm; (ii) a rack and pinion gear combination operatively connected to said support shaft; (iii) means defining a cam engaging follower mounted on said rack for preventing movement of the latter and rotation of said support shaft; and (iv) means for moving said rack and pinion to effect rotation of said support shaft and and actuation of said opener arm upon lack of cam engagement by said cam engaging follower.

Claim 8

A device for opening folded newspapers for a stuffer that are individually deposited into separate conveyor receptacles of the type having first and second cooperating panel members defining a pocket with a generally V-shaped cross sectional configuration, said device comprising: (a) means supported on the first panel member for moving opposed groups of cut edges of a folded newspaper therefrom into contact with the second panel member; (b) means operatively associated with the bottom of each pocket for separating the opposed groups of cut edges to define a center opening in the newspaper adjacent its folded edge; and (c) an opener arm having drive means including: (i) a support shaft for rotatably supporting said opener arm; (ii) a rack and pinion gear combination operatively connected to said support shaft; (iii) means defining a cam engaging follower mounted on said rack for preventing movement of the latter and rotation of said support shaft; and (iv) means for moving said rack and pinion to effect rotation of said support shaft and and actuation of said opener arm upon lack of cam engagement by said cam engaging follower.