Unstrapping apparatus
AssigneeDe La Rue Systems Limited
InventorsTrevor J. Conner, Michael G. Jackson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Unstrapping apparatus for removing a strap (2) from a pack of sheets (1) initially contained in the strap is described. The apparatus comprises an input station including a blade (31) for cutting the strap (2) and a hook (59) for engaging the cut strap and carrying the strap to an association station (72). A feed transfer module (79) passes the unstrapped sheets to a doubles detect system and an authentication system (81, 83) for sorting the sheets into acceptable and unacceptable sheets. Unfit sheets, as determined by the doubles detect and authentication systems (81, 83) are transported to the association station (72) where they are stapled by a stapler (73) with the strap (2).
Claims12
Unstrapping apparatus for removing a strap from a pack of sheets initially contained in said strap comprising an input station and an association station,
- said input station including separation means for separating said strap from said sheets;
- means for sorting said sheets into acceptable and unacceptable sheets;
- feed means for passing unstrapped sheets to said sorting means;
- first transport means for transporting said unacceptable sheets, as determined by said sorting means, to said association station;
- and second transport means having at least one hook for engaging said strap, and rotatable to carry said strap from said input station to said association station;
- and
- said association station including means for associating said unacceptable sheets with said strap at said association station.
Unstrapping apparatus for removing a strap from a pack of sheets initially contained in said strap, said apparatus comprising a hopper for storing packs of sheets;
- an input station and an association station;
- conveying means for conveying said packs from said hopper to said input station, said input station having a blade defining a cutting edge whereby said cutting edge cuts through said strap as said pack is conveyed by said conveying means, and wherein said input station includes three hooks mounted on a rotating wheel, and a cam fixed relatively to said hooks, said hooks including a cam follower engaging said cam and having means for urging said cam follower into engagement with said cam, wherein said cam is shaped such that said hooks move away from said wheel as said hooks approach said input station;
- feed means for passing said unstrapped sheets to means for sorting said sheets into acceptable and unacceptable sheets;
- and stapling means at said association station for stapling said strap to said unacceptable sheets.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.