US3887088A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for forming a vertical stack of signatures
Assignee: AB Dick Co
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Filing: 1974-03-18
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Granted: 1975-06-03
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Expires: 1994-03-18
Abstract
Abstract A vertical stack of signatures is formed by first forming a dense, shingled array of signatures on a support means including first and second support surfaces oriented to define an included, obtuse angle. With the support means in a first position and the first surface extending generally horizontal, the signatures are positioned thereon in seriatim order leaning against the second surface and having one of their peripheral edges resting on the first surface. After the dense, shingled array is formed, the support means are shifted to move the dense, shingled array to a position wherein the second support means extends generally horizontally. Subsequently, a force is applied to the signatures'' peripheral edges in engagement with the first surface to shift the edges in vertical alignment relative to the second surface. Additionally, guide and stop means are provided to engage the peripheral edges opposite the edges against which the force is applied to assure the desired vertical alignment. In the particular embodiment disclosed, the dense, shingled array is formed by a pair of spaced conveyor belts from a loose, shingled stream of signatures. The belts include inclined members whhich deflect the leading edge of the signatures in an upward direction and moves them into position on the aforementioned support means.
Inventors
- 👤 Victoriano Fernandez-Rana
- 👤 Carlton V Hageman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 06:29
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65H; B65H31/00; B65H31/30; B65H31/3081; B65H31/34; B65H2301/00; B65H2301/40; B65H2301/42; B65H2301/421; B65H2301/4214; B65H2301/42144; B65H2301/422; B65H2301/4226; B65H2301/42266
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
Apparatus for forming a dense, shingled array of signatures into a vertical stack comprising: support means mounted in a first position for supporting signatures in a dense, shingled relationship including an inclIned support surface against which a side surface of the signatures rest and a lower support for engaging the lower edges of the signatures; actuating means for moving said support means from said first position to a second position wherein said inclined support surface extends generally horizontally; and, pusher means operable at least when said support means is in said second position for applying a force against the edges engaging said lower support to bring the lower edges into generally vertical alignment relative to said inclined support surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
Apparatus for forming a dense, shingled array of signatures into a vertical stack comprising: support means mounted in a first position for supporting signatures in a dense, shingled relationship including an inclIned support surface against which a side surface of the signatures rest and a lower support for engaging the lower edges of the signatures; actuating means for moving said support means from said first position to a second position wherein said inclined support surface extends generally horizontally; and, pusher means operable at least when said support means is in said second position for applying a force against the edges engaging said lower support to bring the lower edges into generally vertical alignment relative to said inclined support surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
119 words
Apparatus for forming a dense, shingled array of signatures into a vertical stack comprising: support means mounted in a first position for supporting signatures in a dense, shingled relationship including an inclIned support surface against which a side surface of the signatures rest and a lower support for engaging the lower edges of the signatures; actuating means for moving said support means from said first position to a second position wherein said inclined support surface extends generally horizontally; and, pusher means operable at least when said support means is in said second position for applying a force against the edges engaging said lower support to bring the lower edges into generally vertical alignment relative to said inclined support surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
119 words
Apparatus for forming a dense, shingled array of signatures into a vertical stack comprising: support means mounted in a first position for supporting signatures in a dense, shingled relationship including an inclIned support surface against which a side surface of the signatures rest and a lower support for engaging the lower edges of the signatures; actuating means for moving said support means from said first position to a second position wherein said inclined support surface extends generally horizontally; and, pusher means operable at least when said support means is in said second position for applying a force against the edges engaging said lower support to bring the lower edges into generally vertical alignment relative to said inclined support surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the support means is carried on mounting means which require said actuating means to move said support means in a generally arcuate path between said first position and said second position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said inclined surface and said lower surface are positively interconnected for simultaneous movement between said first and second positions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said pusher means is mounted on and movable with said support means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said lower support includes a pair of spaced support surfaces and wherein said pusher means is mounted between said spaced support surfaces.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said pusher means is arcuately movable about an axis which is generally parallel to said inclined surface.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including a generally, vertically-extending locating surface to engage the upper edges of said signatures when said pusher means is operated to bring said lower edges into vertical alignment relative to said inclined support surface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including transfer means operable to transfer the signatures off the inclined support surface after said pusher means has brought the lower edges into generally vertical alignment.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said pusher means includes an elongated bar member carried by said support means and power means for moving said bar member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including means for forming a dense shingle on said support means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
154 words
Apparatus for forming a dense, shingled array of signatures into a generally aligned stack comprising: support means including first and second support surfaces positioned to define an obtuse angle therebetween, said first surface adapted to engage and support edges of the signatures of a dense, shingled array of signatures, and the second surface adapted to support the side surface of a first of said signatures with the remaining signatures positioned in seriatim order and leaning against and laterally supported by each preceding signature; actuating means for moving the support means from a first position for receiving the dense shingle to a second position wherein said signatures are supported primarily on said second surface; and, pusher means operable when said support means are in said second position for applying a force against the edges of said signatures engaging said first support surface to bring said edges into generally vertical alignment relative to said second surface.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
154 words
Apparatus for forming a dense, shingled array of signatures into a generally aligned stack comprising: support means including first and second support surfaces positioned to define an obtuse angle therebetween, said first surface adapted to engage and support edges of the signatures of a dense, shingled array of signatures, and the second surface adapted to support the side surface of a first of said signatures with the remaining signatures positioned in seriatim order and leaning against and laterally supported by each preceding signature; actuating means for moving the support means from a first position for receiving the dense shingle to a second position wherein said signatures are supported primarily on said second surface; and, pusher means operable when said support means are in said second position for applying a force against the edges of said signatures engaging said first support surface to bring said edges into generally vertical alignment relative to said second surface.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
47 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said pusher means includes a member movable from a first position outside the obtuse included angle between said first and second support surfaces to a second position which generally perpendicular to the second support surface and within said included surface.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 11 including conveying means for supplying signatures to said support means while said support means is in said first position.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein said conveying means comprise a pair of conveying belts extending in parallel along opposite sides of said support means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 14 including means on said conveying belts for deflecting upwardly the leading edge of signatures supplied thereto and supportinG said signatures until they are in position on said support means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein said means for deflecting the leading edge of said signatures include guide members inclined at an angle corresponding to the angle of inclination of said second support surface.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
157 words
A method of forming a plurality of signatures into an aligned stack comprising the steps of: a. providing first and second support surfaces and orienting them relative to one another to form an included, obtuse angle; b. positioning said support surfaces in a first position for receiving a dense shingle and placing a plurality of signatures on said support surfaces to form a dense shingle in which said signatures each have a peripheral edge engaged with and resting on said first surface with a first of said signatures leaning against and laterally supported by said second surface and the remaining signatures positioned in seriatim order and leaning against and laterally supported by each preceding signature; c. moving said support surfaces with the dense shingle supported thereon to a second position and applying a force to the peripheral edges engaged with said first surface to bring said peripheral edges into generally vertical alignment relative to said second surface.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
157 words
A method of forming a plurality of signatures into an aligned stack comprising the steps of: a. providing first and second support surfaces and orienting them relative to one another to form an included, obtuse angle; b. positioning said support surfaces in a first position for receiving a dense shingle and placing a plurality of signatures on said support surfaces to form a dense shingle in which said signatures each have a peripheral edge engaged with and resting on said first surface with a first of said signatures leaning against and laterally supported by said second surface and the remaining signatures positioned in seriatim order and leaning against and laterally supported by each preceding signature; c. moving said support surfaces with the dense shingle supported thereon to a second position and applying a force to the peripheral edges engaged with said first surface to bring said peripheral edges into generally vertical alignment relative to said second surface.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method as defined in claim 17 including the steps of selecting the first position so that said first surface extends generally horizontally and said second surface extends upwardly therefrom, and selecting the second position so that said second surface extends generally horizontally.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as defined in claim 18 including the step of maintaining the relative orientation of said first and second support surfaces constant during movement from said first position to said second position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-06-02 | 1978-12-02 | 1979-06-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-06-02 | 1982-12-02 | 1983-06-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-06-02 | 1986-12-02 | 1987-06-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |