Double-document detection arrangement
AssigneeUnisys Corporation
InventorsZhongtai Chen, Ronald G. Shell, Randy C. Keller, J. Michael Spall
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for differentiating and separating multiple overlapped like documents from single like items, transported along a track comprising a suction device applying opposed vacuum forces to separate the documents at a separation station. Measuring and analyzing the resulting pressure differentials within the suction system by a pressure sensor to indicate whether single or multiple documents are passing.
Claims11
An item processing apparatus with a station for separating multiple planar items from single like items, which are transported along a track past said station where the items are first subjected to opposed vacuum means supplied from a prescribed vacuum-generating system, to separate them;
- and where their state, whether single or multiple, is then determined by pressure sensor means for measuring and analyzing the resulting pressure differentials within said vacuum-generating system;
- and wherein said system is, in turn, provided with cyclonic filter means which also functions as suction pump means for removing and storing dust and debris entrained within the vacuum-forming air flow, this cyclonic filter means providing a constant vacuum-airflow regardless of the nature or quantity of debris removed and collected;
- said vacuum-generating system being also provided with pressure sensor means to indicate whether single or multiple items are passing and also with fail-safe means to warn of vacuum failure.
A separation array for separating multiple, possibly-overlapped items transported along track means of an item processing apparatus;
- said array including separation means where said items are first subjected to opposed suction and vacuum forces from a suction system including suction means to separate them at a separation-station, and wherein the state of the items, whether single or multiple, is then determined by sensor means for measuring and analyzing the resulting pressure differentials within said suction system;
- this system also including cyclonic separator means for helping said suction system to maintain a relatively constant vacuum-generating airflow regardless of the nature or quantity of debris therein and whether any debris is to be removed at all.
An item processing apparatus including separation means for separating multiple like items from one another as they are transported along a track, said separation means subjecting the items to opposed vacuum forces from a vacuum-generating suction system, to separate them;
- and also including sensor means for detecting whether items are "single" or "multiple" by measuring and analyzing the resulting pressure differentials within said vacuum-generating suction system;
- said suction system including suction means to generate the vacuum forces, and, cyclonic separator means to supplement said suction system and help it to generate said vacuum forces and to help provide a constant vacuum-airflow regardless of the nature or quantity of debris in the airflow or whether any debris is to be removed at all.
Separator apparatus for on-the-fly detection and separation of multiple like, planar items transported along a track of an item processor, said apparatus including vacuum means where the items are first subjected to opposed vacuum forces from a suction source of a vacuum-generator system, to separate multiple overlapped items;
- and sensor means for measuring and analyzing resulting pressure differentials taken within said vacuum-generator system;
- this generator system including cyclonic separator means upstream of said suction source, for helping said suction source to provide constant vacuum-forming airflow regardless of the nature or quantity of any debris to be removed, if any.
Separator apparatus for differentiating and separating multiple overlapped like items from single like items, transported along track means, said apparatus including a suction station where said items are first subjected to opposed vacuum forces of a suction flow from suction means to separate them, said station further including sensor means where the state of the items, whether single or multiple, is then determined;
- said suction means including cyclonic filter means adapted for providing a relatively constant, vacuum-generating airflow to supplement said suction flow regardless of the nature or quantity of any debris removed from said suction flow, if any.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.