Right angle turn (RAT) module for conveying mailpiece collations

A right angle turn module for a mailpiece inserter, the right angle turn module operative to process multi-sheet collations, comprising:

• opposed belt segments defining a conveyance channel for capturing multi-sheet collations therebetween and for conveying multi-sheet collations from an input end to an output end of the conveyance channel, the opposed belt segments defining an inclined section, a first re-directing bend, a second re-directing bend and a twist section disposed between the first and second re-directing bends;
• the inclined section operative to raise the elevation of the multi-sheet collation from the input end to the first re-directing bend and maintain a substantially co-planar spatial relationship with respect to the input and output ends;
• the first re-directing bend including a rolling element for re-directing the opposed belt segments about a first axis of rotation;
• the second re-directing bend including a rolling element for re-directing the opposed belt segments about a second axis of rotation;
• the first and second axes of rotation being orthogonal to each other to effect the twist section therebetween;
• an anti-twist guide circumscribing the twist section and including a spiral-shaped guide surface operative to engage a leading edge portion of each multi-sheet collation and maintain alignment of the multi-sheet collation for subsequent insertion into a mailpiece envelope;
• and
• a mechanism for driving the opposed belt segments about the first and second re-directing bends to convey the multi-sheet collations from the input to output ends and effect a right angle turn of the multi-sheet collations.

A method for re-directing multi-sheet collations in a mailpiece creation device;

• comprising the steps of:
• capturing a multi-sheet collations between opposed belt segments, the opposed segments defining a conveyance channel;
• re-directing the opposed belt segments over a first rolling element having a first axis of rotation;
• re-directing the opposed belt segments over a second rolling element having a second axis of rotation, the second rolling element re-directing the opposed belt segments through an angle α;
• arranging the first and second rotational axes of the first and second rolling elements in a parallel plane and at right angles to effect a twist section between the first and second rolling elements;
• driving the opposed belt segments about the first and second rolling elements to convey the multi-sheet collations from an input end to and output end of the conveyance channel and effect a right angle turn of the multi-sheet collation;
• and
• guiding a leading edge portion of the multi-sheet collation about an anti-skew guide having spiral-shaped guide surfaces to prevent skewing of the multi-sheet collation.