Module latching mechanism for mailing machine
First Claim
1. A machine comprising:
- a first module;
a second module; and
a connection device to connect the first module and the second module together, the connection device comprising;
a tongue extending from the first module and comprising a rack;
a cavity formed into the second module for receiving the tongue on the first module;
a spur gear mounted to the second module and engaging the rack of the tongue received into the cavity; and
a mechanism for controlling movement of the spur gear, the mechanism comprising a drive gear meshed with the spur gear and concentrically mounted on one end of a drive shaft and a worm gear mounted concentrically on an opposing end of the drive shaft, wherein rotation of the worm gear causes the spur gear and the drive gear to rotate and cause movement in the rack received into the cavity and separate or bring together the modules as a result of the movement in the rack.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A connection device is provided for meshing of gears on disparate modules, such as those that form a mailing machine. A tongue having a rack can extend from a first module into a cavity formed in the second module. A spur gear is mounted to the second module and can engage the rack of the tongue received into the cavity. A mechanism controls movement of the first spur gear. The mechanism can include a drive gear meshed with the first spur gear and concentrically mounted on one end of a drive shaft with a worm gear mounted concentrically on an opposing end of the drive shaft. Rotation of the worm gear causes the spur gear and the drive gear to rotate and cause movement in the rack received into the cavity and separate or bring together the modules as a result of the movement in the rack.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A machine comprising:
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a first module;
a second module; and
a connection device to connect the first module and the second module together, the connection device comprising;
a tongue extending from the first module and comprising a rack;
a cavity formed into the second module for receiving the tongue on the first module;
a spur gear mounted to the second module and engaging the rack of the tongue received into the cavity; and
a mechanism for controlling movement of the spur gear, the mechanism comprising a drive gear meshed with the spur gear and concentrically mounted on one end of a drive shaft and a worm gear mounted concentrically on an opposing end of the drive shaft, wherein rotation of the worm gear causes the spur gear and the drive gear to rotate and cause movement in the rack received into the cavity and separate or bring together the modules as a result of the movement in the rack. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for assembling modules on a machine, the method comprising:
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setting a drive gear in a home position, wherein the setting includes a predetermined amount of lost motion;
manually aligning a tongue comprising a rack on a first module with a cavity including the drive gear on a second module;
operatively engaging the rack with the drive gear; and
turning a handle to rotate a worm mesh connected to the drive gear thereby causing the gear to rotate and move the rack. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification