Vertical accumulator/stacker
OwnerRobert A. Ellisinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An accumulator for business forms is easily inserted into, or removed from, a path of continuous format, zig-zag business forms being fed from one business form handling machine (such as a folder) to another (such as a mailing machine like an inserter). A barrier having drive belts on one face is movable from a position allowing forms to pass under it, to a barrier position in which the forms engage the barrier and are slowly driven up the barrier until they bend over by their own weight onto a shelf. The forms are also driven along a shelf into contact with a stop, and a stack of forms is formed on the shelf. By handling the forms in this way the forms are creased along the perforations between the continuous forms (making subsequent separation easier) and prevented from developing a curl.
Claims23
A business form handling machine operatively connected between first and second other business form handling machines, comprising:
- a business form conveyance surface extending in a first plane, and relatively stationary;
- first and second side elements disposed on opposite sides of said conveyance surface;
- a forms accumulating backstop;
- and
- means for mounting said backstop to said side elements for movement between first and second positive positions, said first position one in which said backstop is generally parallel to said conveyance surface and spaced a substantial distance therefrom so that business forms may be conveyed on said conveyance surface between said conveyance surface and said backstop, and said second position one in which said backstop is generally perpendicular to said conveyance surface so that business forms on said conveyance surface will be conveyed into contact with said backstop.
A business form handling machine operatively connected between first and second other business form machines, comprising:
- a business forms conveyance surface extending in a first plane, and relatively stationary;
- first and second side elements disposed on opposite sides of said conveyance surface;
- and
- a forms accumulating backstop mounted to said side elements and positionable in a position in which said backstop is generally perpendicular to said conveyance surface so that business forms on said conveyance surface will be conveyed into contact with said backstop;
- said backstop having a first face;
- and a plurality of first conveying elements disposed on said first face for conveying business forms engaging said first face away from said conveyance surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.