Richard W Finnochio

US Patent:

6902162, Jun 7, 2005

Filed:

Jun 19, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/174859

Inventors:

Edward M. Otto - Bethlehem PA, US
John J. Semanick - Bethlehem PA, US
James R. Moser - Easton PA, US
Richard W. Finnochio - Saylorsburg PA, US
Phuong T. Do - Allentown PA, US

Assignee:

Bowe Bell + Howell Company - Durham NC

International Classification:

B65H031/00

US Classification:

271207, 271220, 271223, 271241, 271 301, 271 305, 271 308

Abstract:

A sheet accumulating apparatus accumulates inputted sheets into a stack registered on all sides, wherein the sheets are controlled with minimum contact by components of the apparatus to minimize or eliminate smudging or marking of the sheets. The apparatus can be selectively adjusted to effect over-accumulation or under-accumulation, and can be adjusted to accommodate different sheet sizes. The apparatus comprises an accumulation section defining a sheet feed plane therethrough. An upper ramp is disposed upstream from the accumulation section and is movable into and out of the sheet feed plane. An upper retaining member is linked to the upper ramp and is movable into and out of the sheet feed plane in alternating relation to the upper ramp. A lower ramp is disposed below the upper ramp and is movable into and out of the sheet feed plane in alternating relation to the upper ramp. A lower retaining member is linked to the lower ramp and movable into and out of the sheet feed plane in alternating relation to the upper ramp.

US Patent:

57756899, Jul 7, 1998

Filed:

Nov 22, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/755001

Inventors:

James R. Moser - Easton PA
Donald Dudash - Easton PA
Richard W. Finnochio - Saylorsburg PA
Frank S. Lusk - Walnutport PA

Assignee:

Bell & Howell Mail Processing Systems - Durham NC

International Classification:

B65H 4304

US Classification:

271198

Abstract:

An accumulator apparatus and method are provided for accumulating sheet articles. The accumulator apparatus includes an upper belt system and lower belt system operative for advancing sheet articles in seriatim manner therebetween. Guide rollers are provided at the entrance of the sheet articles between the upper and lower belt systems for guiding the sheet articles therebetween without pinching. Nip rollers are provided downstream from the entry guide rollers for pulling sheet articles into the accumulator apparatus between the guide rollers and the nip rollers. A ramp system operative for deflecting advancing sheet articles is provided downstream from the nip rollers. Sheet articles deflected by the ramp assembly can then be accumulated in an accumulation location where the lower belt system is maintained in a spaced-apart position below the accumulation location such that the lower belt system cannot contact or mark sheet articles accumulated therein. Stop rollers are provided for selectively stopping further advancement of accumulated sheet articles from the accumulation location and for pulling the accumulated sheet articles from the accumulation location to advance the sheet articles from the accumulator apparatus.