Elevator mechanism for the code reader of a mail sorting machine
First Claim
1. In a mail sorting machine having a frame, a reader for reading indicia on envelopes to be sorted, means for conveying the envelopes past the reader, and means for sorting the envelopes in accordance with the indicia thereon, the improvement comprising:
- a platform on which the reader is rigidly mounted;
means for mounting said platform in a substantially horizintal orientation on the frame for up and down movement to adjust the elevation of the reader, said mounting means restricting the platform to only up and down movement;
power means for raising the platform in a first mode of operation and lowering the platform in a second mode of operation;
means for receiving coded input data representative of the desired elevation of the reader;
means for sensing the actual postion of the reader and providing a coded signal representative of said actual position, said sensing means being independent of said power means;
means for comparing said coded input data with said coded signal to compare the actual elevation of the reader with the desired elevation thereof, said comparing means providing a control signal indicative of the comparision between the actual and desired elevation of the reader; and
control means responsive to said control signal for effecting the first mode of said power means when the control signal indicates that the actual elevation is below the desired elevation and the second mode of said power means when the control signal indicates that the actual elevation is above the desired elevation, said control means deactivating said power means when the control signal indicates that the actual elevation conforms with the desired elevation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An elevator for adjusting the elevation of a code reader of a high speed mail sorting machine. The elevator is powered by a reversible DC electric motor which operates an extensible and retractable linear actuator. The actuator connects with a platform on which the reader is mounted. A control circuit for the motor includes a digital comparitor which compares the desired elevation of the reader with the actual elevation sensed by a potentiometer. A transistorized motor drive circuit controlled by the comparitor applies current to the motor in opposite directions to cause extension or retraction of the actuator, depending upon whether the reader is below or above the desired elevation. Upper and lower limit switches limit the range of movement of the reader.
49 Citations
19 Claims
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1. In a mail sorting machine having a frame, a reader for reading indicia on envelopes to be sorted, means for conveying the envelopes past the reader, and means for sorting the envelopes in accordance with the indicia thereon, the improvement comprising:
a platform on which the reader is rigidly mounted; means for mounting said platform in a substantially horizintal orientation on the frame for up and down movement to adjust the elevation of the reader, said mounting means restricting the platform to only up and down movement; power means for raising the platform in a first mode of operation and lowering the platform in a second mode of operation; means for receiving coded input data representative of the desired elevation of the reader; means for sensing the actual postion of the reader and providing a coded signal representative of said actual position, said sensing means being independent of said power means; means for comparing said coded input data with said coded signal to compare the actual elevation of the reader with the desired elevation thereof, said comparing means providing a control signal indicative of the comparision between the actual and desired elevation of the reader; and control means responsive to said control signal for effecting the first mode of said power means when the control signal indicates that the actual elevation is below the desired elevation and the second mode of said power means when the control signal indicates that the actual elevation is above the desired elevation, said control means deactivating said power means when the control signal indicates that the actual elevation conforms with the desired elevation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 4, 6, 7, 15, 19)
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3. means for establishing upper and lower limits of travel of said platform;
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upper limit switch means for deactivating said power means when the platform has reached its upper limit of travel; and lower limit switch means for deactivating said power means when the platform has reached its upper limit of travel. - View Dependent Claims (5)
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- 8. An elevator mechanism for a code reader included in a mail sorting machine to read coded indicia on envelopes for sorting of the envelopes, said elevator mechanism comprising:
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9. a generally planar platform on which the code reader is mounted;
- 10. a pair of upright guide posts for the platform mounted on the mail sorting machine at locations parallel to and offset from one another, each post having a vertical orientation;
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11. means for mounting said platform on said guide posts for up and down movement thereon with the platform oriented horizontally;
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12. an extensible and retractable actuator mounted on the mail sorting machine and having one end connected with said platform at a location substantially midway between the guide posts to raise and lower the platform and code reader when the actuator is extended and retracted, respectively, said actuator being extensible and retractable generally parallel to said guide posts;
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13. power means for controlling said actuator, said power means having a first mode of operation for extending the actuator and a second mode of operation for retracting the actuator;
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14. control means for effecting the first and second modes of said power means to raise and lower the platform and code reader and for deactivating said power means to maintain the platform and code reader stationary.
Specification