Apparatus and method for positioning objects/mailpieces
First Claim
1. An apparatus for positioning objects at a desired reference position, comprising:
- a sensor for determining the length of each object from a leading to a trailing edge thereof and issuing signals indicative of length;
a transport mechanism for transporting the object, the transport mechanism including a positionable drive element, anda processor, responsive to the length signal, for issuing a position signal to the positionable drive element, the drive element operative to release the object upon reaching the desired reference position.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for positioning objects at a desired reference position, including a sensor for determining the length of each object/mailpiece from a leading to a trailing edge, a transport mechanism having a positionable drive element for transporting the object/mailpiece, and a controller or processor for controlling the position of the drive element to release the object/mailpiece at a desired reference position. The described embodiments of the invention relate to positioning an object/mailpiece in a clamp assembly of a mixed mail sorter. The jaws of the clamp assembly are separated to receive the object/mailpiece by a pair of spiral cams. The spiral cams interpose and engage tabs of each jaw to open and close the clamp assembly as they concomitantly effect translation of the clamp assembly linearly past the positioning apparatus. The apparatus and method ensures predictable conveyance and release of objects/mailpieces while being manipulated by automated handling equipment.
99 Citations
27 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for positioning objects at a desired reference position, comprising:
-
a sensor for determining the length of each object from a leading to a trailing edge thereof and issuing signals indicative of length; a transport mechanism for transporting the object, the transport mechanism including a positionable drive element, and a processor, responsive to the length signal, for issuing a position signal to the positionable drive element, the drive element operative to release the object upon reaching the desired reference position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. A system for transporting and positioning mailpieces of variable size into a clamp assembly, comprising:
-
a drive mechanism including a pair of rotating spiral cams engaging the jaws of the clamp assembly, the spiral cams effecting separation and closure of the clamp assembly jaws; a mailpiece length sensor for determining the length of each mailpiece from a leading to a trailing edge thereof and issuing a signal indicative of the length of each mailpiece; a transport mechanism for transporting the mailpiece toward the clamp assembly, the variable velocity transport mechanism including a positionable drive element, a processor, responsive to the length signal, for issuing a position signal to the positionable drive element, the drive element operative to move in response to the position signal and release the mailpiece to a desired reference position within the jaws of the clamp assembly. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
-
18. A method for positioning an object to a reference position, the object having a leading and trailing edge, including the steps of:
-
transporting the object; measuring a length dimension between the leading and trailing edges of the object during transport; calculating a desired position for a positionable drive element; moving the positionable drive element to the desired position to release the object upon reaching the desired reference position. - View Dependent Claims (19, 21)
-
-
20. The method according to step 18 wherein the object defines an area centroid and further comprising the step of positioning the object such that the area centroid is aligned with respect to the reference position.
-
22. A method for transporting and positioning mailpieces of variable length dimension into a clamp assembly, comprising the steps of:
-
feeding mailpieces to a transport mechanism; transporting the mailpieces; measuring a length dimension between a leading and trailing edge of each mailpiece during transport; providing a plurality of clamp assemblies each having a pair of separable jaws; separating the jaws of each clamp assembly to receive each mailpiece; calculating a desired position for a positionable drive element; moving the positionable drive element to the desired position to release the mailpiece upon reaching the desired reference position. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
-
Specification