US3902711A

US3902711A - Sheet delivery apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3902711A
Application number: US430733A
Authority: US
Inventors: Franz N Lenoir
Original assignee: MILLER PRINTING MACHINERY Co
Current assignee: MILLER PRINTING EQUIPMENT Corp A CORP OF DE
Priority date: 1973-01-22
Filing date: 1974-01-04
Publication date: 1975-09-02
Anticipated expiration: 1992-09-02
Also published as: DE2302955A1; CH568914A5

Abstract

A sheet delivery apparatus for continuously discharging sheets from a printing press includes a pair of laterally spaced rails horizontally mounted to the press frame and positioned between a delivery chain and delivery platform of a printing press delivery unit. A plurality of transverse rods are slidably positioned for longitudinal movement within channels of the spaced rails. A network of diagonally extending rods are connected in underlying relationship to the transverse rods and together therewith form a horizontally extensible frame arranged to extend and retract between the spaced rails. A roller is mounted in parallel relationship to the front end portion of the extensible frame, and a flexible belt attached at one end to the press frame is positioned in overlying relation with the extensible frame and extends around the roller with the other end portion wound around a cylinder rotatably mounted to the press frame. A pneumatic piston cylinder device is secured to the press frame and includes a piston rod that is secured to the rear transverse rod of the extensible frame. Actuation of the cylinder extends the piston rod outwardly to move the rear transverse rod longitudinally and through the connected diagonal rods moves the remaining transverse rods longitudinally to extend the frame and position the belt in sheet receiving position beneath the delivery chain. Processed sheets released from the delivery chain are deposited on the belt during unloading of the delivery platform. After the delivery platform is returned to sheet receiving position, the piston rod is retracted, and the transverse rods, together with the diagonal rods, move rearwardly to thereby retract the extensible frame permitting sheets released by the delivery chain to be deposited in a pile on the delivery platform.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Lenoir [4-5] Sept. 2, 1975 SHEET DELIVERY APPARATUS [75] Inventor: Franz N. Lenoir, Marcinelle,

Hainaut, Belgium [73] Assignee: Miller Printing Machinery C0.,

Pittsburgh, Pa.

[22] Filed: Jan. 4, 1974 [21] Appl. N0.: 430,733

Primary Examiner-Richard A. Schacher Assistant Examiner-Bruce H. Stoner, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or FirmStanley J. Price, Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT A sheet delivery apparatus for continuously discharging sheets from a printing press includes a pair of laterally spaced rails horizontally mounted to the press frame and positioned between a delivery chain and delivery platform of a printing press delivery unit. A plurality of transverse rods are slidably positioned for longitudinal movement within channels of the spaced rails. A network of diagonally extending rods are connected in underlying relationship to the transverse rods and together therewith form a horizontally extensible frame arranged to extend and retract between the spaced rails. A roller is mounted in parallel relationship to the front end portion of the extensible frame, and a flexible belt attached at one end to the press frame is positioned in overlying relation with the extensible frame and extends around the roller with the other end portion wound around a cylinder rotatably mounted to the press frame. A pneumatic piston cylinder device is secured to the press frame and includes a piston rod that is secured to the rear transverse rod of the extensible frame. Actuation of the cylinder extends the piston rod outwardly to move the rear transverse rod longitudinally and through the connected diagonal rods moves the remaining transverse rods longitudinally to extend the frame and position the belt in sheet receiving position beneath the delivery chain. Processed sheets released from the delivery chain are deposited on the belt during unloading of the delivery platform. After the delivery platform is returned to sheet receiving position, the piston rod is retracted, and the transverse rods, together with the diagonal rods, move rearwardly to thereby retract the extensible frame permitting sheets released by the delivery chain to be deposited in a pile on the delivery platform.

8 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEK? SEP ZISYS sum 2 OF 7 SHEET DELIVERY APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION I. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a sheet delivery apparatus for continuously discharging sheets from a sheet processing machine and more particularly to an apparatus for continuously operating a sheet processing machine while intermittently positioning the sheet delivery apparatus in position to receive processed sheets.

2. Description of the Prior Art At the delivery unit of a sheet processing machine, such as a printing press, provision must be made to collect processed sheets delivered from the printing press during the interval in which the sheet delivery platform is removed from the delivery unit during the exchange or unloading of the delivery platform.

In known sheet processing machines, a delivery unit is provided in which two guide rails are mounted adjacent the delivery chains in underlying relation therewith, A rack device is manually operated between the guide rails so that the sheets fall on the rack during the exchange of the delivery platform having a full load of sheets. Once the delivery platform is returned to its original position beneath the delivery unit, the rack is retracted and the sheets collected thereon are removed to once again permit collection of the sheets on the delivery platform. However, a problem is presented in that at the precise moment at which the rack is to be introduced into the path of the falling sheets, the rack must be operated to receive the sheets so as not to damage the sheets.

Other sheet delivery units associated with sheet processing machines provide lateral guide rails arranged beneath the delivery chain within the path of the sheets as they are discharged from the delivery chain. Rod members fabricated from a material such as rubber having a relatively high coefficient of friction are arranged in overlying relationship with the lateral rails.

Rollers positioned in close relationship to one another are introduced into the guide rails by a chain driven by a motor during the exchange of a full delivery table. The frictional engagement of the rollers within the guide rails permits the rollers to rotate uniformly in the same direction. With this arrangement, there is little or no relative movement between the upper side of the receiver element and the sheet received thereon. However, after continuous operation of this device, the rotatably mounted rollers begin to wear, providing nonuniform frictional contact between the rollers and the rods, resulting in relative movement between the upper side of the receiver element and a processed sheet deposited thereon. There is needto provide a sheet delivery apparatus which permits continuous operation of a sheet processing machine during the interval in which the delivery table is unloaded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION platform is positioned beneath the delivery chains and is arranged to receive sheets released by the gripper devices. An extensible frame having a front end portion and a rear end portion is mounted on the sheet processing machine between the delivery chains and adjustable platform. A receivingdevice is supported by the extensible frame to receive sheets released by the gripper devices. An actuating mechanism is provided for extending and retracting the extensible frame together with the receiving device to position the receiving device beneath the endless chains for receiving sheets released by the gripper devices when the adjustable platform is removed from beneath the delivery chains to thereby permit continuous operation of the sheet processing machine. 1

The extensible frame includes a pair of laterally spaced rails mounted horizontally on the frame of the sheet processing machine above the adjustable platform. The rails have channels extending the length thereof. A plurality of spaced transverse rods are positioned between the rails and are arranged for longitudinal movement within the channels thereof. A network of spaced diagonal rods are positioned in underlying relationship with the transverse rods and are pinned intermediately to the midpoint of the transverse rods with the end portions of the diagonal rods slidably connected to the transverse rods. The slidable connection between the diagonal rods and transverse rods permits the diagonal rods to move on the transverse rods. Displacement of the rear transverse rod is transmitted through the diagonal rods to the remaining transverse rods to move the transverse rods longitudinally between the spaced rails and thereby extend or retract the extensible frame.

The extensible frame is extended and retracted by means of a fluid actuated cylinder. A piston rod positioned within the cylinder extends outwardly therefrom with the end portion thereof rigidly linked to the rear transverse rod of the extensible frame, Actuation of the cylinder extends the rod outwardly to move the rear transverse rod longitudinally forward between the laterally spaced rails. Longitudinal movement of the rear transverse rod pivots the diagonal rods at their pinned connection to the transverse rods to provide for longitudinal movement of the transverse rods and extension of the extensible frame between the rails to position the extensible frame beneath the delivery chains.

In a second embodiment of the invention, an endless chain is rotatably mounted on and positioned parallel to that extensible frame/The endless chain is reeved about a pairof sprockets mounted to the extensible frame, and one of the sprockets is rotated in a preselected direction by a power transmission unit. The endless chain is linked to one of the transverse rods, preferably the front transverse rod, so that rotation of the sprocket in a given direction will extend and retract the w front transverse rod' and the other transverse rods, to-

delivery apparatuswhich intermittentlyreceives sheets delivered from the delivery unit of a sheet processing machine when the delivery platform is removed from beneath the delivery unit for unloading.

These and other objects of this'invention will be more completely described and disclosed in the following specification, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the sheet delivery apparatus, illustrating the extensible frame mounted on a printing press frame adjacent the sheet delivery platform therefor.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the extensible frame mounted on' the printing press, illustrating the pneumatic cylinder device for extending and retracting the frame members.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view in elevation, illustrating the connection of the pneumatic cylinder device to the extensible frame and the belt positioned over the extensible frame.

FIG. 4 is a view in section taken along the line IV--IV of FIG. 3, illustrating the rear transverse rod mounted for longitudinal movement in the channel of the rail member.

FIG. 5 is a view in section similar to FIG. 4, illustrating the front transverse rod mounted for longitudinal movement in the channel of the rail member.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation partially in section of another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the driven endless chain rotatably mounted to the extensible frame for extending and retracting the transverse and diagonal rods.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation partially in section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, illustrating the driven endless chain rotatably mounted on a sprocket positioned at the forward end portion of the extensible frame.

FIG. 8 is a fragmented top plan view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, illustrating the manner in which the driven endless chain may be connected to the extensible frame to extend and retract the transverse and diagonal rods of the extensible frame. 7

FIG. 9 is a view in side elevation of the power transmission drivingly connected to the endless chain for rotating the chain to extend and retract the extensible frameas illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE'PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, and particularly FIG. 1, there is illustrated a sheet delivery apparatus that is positioned adjacent the delivery end of a sheet processing printing press. For purposes of illustration and example, the sheet delivery apparatus is shown in combination with a printing press but is operatively adaptable for use with other sheet processing machines, such as a cutter and creaser. Gripper devices I engage the processed sheets and convey the sheets forwardly in the direction indicated by the arrow 2 on a rotatably mounted endless delivery chain 3 to a position overlying a delivery platform 4. The delivery platform 4 is vertically adjustable in the direction indicated by the arrow 5. As the front edge of the processed sheet is conveyed toward the delivery platform 4, the front edge gripper device 1 releases the front edge of the processed sheet. The front edge of the processed-sheet remains engaged by the tail edge gripper device I until the sheet is in'substantially overlying relation with the pile of sheets collected on the delivery platform 4. The front edge of the sheet is then released by the tail edge gripper device 1 permitting the sheet to be deposited on the pile of sheets. The delivery platform 4 is vibrated in a well-known manner to maintain register of the pile of sheets thereon.

Horizontally mounted in underlying relation with delivery chain 3 and elevated above the delivery platform 4 at a position generally designated by the numeral'6 is an extensible frame 7 cantilevered to the printing press frame. A flexible belt 8, preferably fabricated from a plastic or fabric material, is secured at position 9 to the printing press frame and extends over the upper surface of the extensible frame 7. The belt 8 is reeved around the roller 10 rotatably mounted to and in parallel relationship with the front end portion of the extensible frame 7 and extends below the frame over the surface of the roller guide 11 to a wind-up cylinder 12. The belt 8 is wound in a continuous roll on the wind-up cylinder 12 which is rotatably mounted to the printing press frame. The cylinder 12 includes a tensioning device that maintains a preselected tension in the belt 8 in the direction indicated by the arrow 13.

The frame 7 is illustrated in retracted position in FIG. 1 and by means to be explained hereinbelow the frame 7 is extended in the direction indicated by arrow 14 so that the roller 10 is displaced from its initial position to position 15 for receiving sheets released by the gripper devices 1 of the delivery chain 3. As the frame 7 extends, additional portions of the belt 8 are fed from the cylinder 12 until the frame 7 comes to rest at position 15. The belt 8 is positioned to receive thereon the printed sheets released by the gripper devices 1 during the interval when the delivery platform 4 is exchanged for unloading. The tensioning device associated with the wind-up cylinder 12 maintains a preselected tension in the supporting belt 8 as the belt is fed from the cylinder. With this arrangement, substantially no relative movement exists between the belt 8 and the sheets deposited thereon as the frame 7 and the supporting belt 8 are extended and retracted.

The present invention is not limited to conventional sheet processing printing presses, but is adaptable to receive sheets released from the gripper devices 1 of a delivery chain 16 associated with a reciprocating cutter, also illustrated in FIG. 1. Both

delivery chains

3 and 16 are rotatably driven by sprockets l7 and are guided over guide rollers 18 mounted to the machine frame.

In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 2 5, the extensible frame 7 includes a pair of laterally spaced rails 19 rigidly supported by the printing press frame. Longitudinal channel members are formed integral with the rails 19, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. A pneumatic piston cylinder device 20 is mounted at one end to the printing press frame and includes a piston rod 21 which projects outwardly from the other end of the cylinder 20. The piston rod 21 is pinned to a vertical plate member 22 that is secured to the rear transverse rod 23. The transverse rod 23 is one of a plurality of spaced, parallel transverse rods comprising the extensible frame 7. The end portions of the transverse rods are slidably positioned in the channels of the rails 19 to permit longitudinal movement of the transverse rods therebetween.

In operation, when the delivery platform 4 is positioned beneath the delivery unit for receiving sheets released from the delivery chain 3, the extensible frame 7 together with the belt 8 is retracted to permit the processed sheets released from the gripper devices 1 to fall in a pile upon the delivery platform 4. The delivery platform 4 is available only to accept materials intermittently even though the printing press operates continuously. For the intervals in which the delivery platform 4 is exchanged for unloading, it is necessary for compensation to be made in the sheet delivery system in order to avoid intermittent shutdowns of the printing press. Therefore, to avoid interruption of the printing press operation when the delivery platform 4 is not in position beneath the delivery unit, the pneumatic cylinder 20 is actuated to extend the piston rod 21 and thereby extend the frame 7 to position the belt 8 beneath the delivery chain 3 in the path of the sheets released therefrom.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a wind-up cylinder 25 is secured to a shaft rotatably mounted to the printing press frame and positioned adjacent to the extensible frame 7. The flexible belt 8 is wound around the wind-up cylinder 25, and a suitable tensioning device maintains a preselected tension in the belt. The belt 8 is fed from the cylinder 25 below the frame 7, passes around the roller 10, and extends in overlying relationship with the frame 7 to position 9 where the end of belt 8 is secured to the printing press frame. Extension of the piston rod 21 connected to the transverse rod 23 through the vertical plate member 22 moves the transverse rod 23 together with the remaining transverse rods positioned within the channels of the rails 19 forwardly until the front transverse rod 26 is positioned at the front end portion of the frame 7, as shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the arrangement for mounting the rear transverse rod 23 and the front transverse rod 26 within the channels of the rails 19. The ball bearing 27 is secured by bolt means to the rear transverse rod 23 and is arranged for rotation on the horizontal surface of the rail channel. Rotation of the ball bearing 27 permits the rear transverse rod 23 to move longitudinally in the channel upon actuation of the pneumatic cylinder 20. In a similar fashion, the ball bearing 28 is pinned to the front transverse rod 26 for rotational movement on the vertical surface of the rail channel thereby providing for longitudinal movement of the front transverse rod 26 between the rails 19 upon actuation of the pneumatic cylinder 20.

FIGS. 6 9 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention for extending and retracting the transverse rods between the rails 19. A pair of driven endless chains 29 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 8) are rotatably mounted to the extensible frame 7 and extend parallel to and outboard of the rails 19. A pneumatic piston-cylinder unit 30, shown in FIG. 9, provides for rotational movement ofa shaft 39 upon which a pair of sprockets 32 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 8) are mounted adjacent the front end portion of the rails 19. A second pair ofsprockets 31 are rotatably mounted to the rear end of the rails 19. A pair of endless chains 29 reeved about the sprockets 31 and 32'are arranged to rotate in a predetermined direction upon rotation of the sprockets 32 on the shaft 39. The endless chains 29 are rigidly linked to one of the transverse rods so that rotation of the endless chains 29 in a given direction will extend or retract the plurality of trans verse rods linked together in a manner explained hereinbelow.

In FIG. 8 the front transverse rod 26 is rigidly linked to the endless chain 29 by a plate member 33. Accordingly, actuation of the pneumatic piston-cylinder unit rotates the sprocket 32 and moves the chain '29, together with the rod 26, in a predetermined direction. As indicated in FIG. 7, counterclockwise rotation of the sprocket 32 moves the chain 29 in the direction indicated by the arrowr34 to retract the front transverse rod 26 together with the remaining rods so that the sheets released by the gripper l are deposited in a pile on the delivery platform 4.

Referring to FIG. 9, there isillustrated the power transmission for rotating the endless chains 29 which includes the pneumatic piston'cylinder unit generally designated by the numeral 30. Rotation of the lever 35 introduces compressed air into the unit 30 and displaces a piston arranged for reciprocal travel within the unit 30 from its initial position. A rack (not shown) is connected to the piston and meshes with a pinion gear secured to the shaft 36 for rotation therewith. Thus, the linear displacement of the piston within the unit 30 is converted by the rack and pinion combination to provide rotational movement of the shaft 36. The shaft 36 is drivingly connected to the output shaft 38 through the transmission gearing mechanism generally designated by the numeral 37. The output shaft 38 is, in turn, drivingly connected to the shaft 39 to rotate the sprocket 32. Accordingly, with this arrangement, rotation of the lever 35 in a given direction actuates the pneumatic piston-cylinder unit 30 to transmit rotation through the sprocket 32 to the endless chain 29 reeved therearound.

counterclockwise rotation of the sprocket 32 and the endless chain 29 moves the front transverse rod 26, connected to the endless chain 29 through the link plate 33, forwardly between the rails l9. Forward movement of the front transverse rod 26 and the remaining transverse rods linked thereto extends the frame 7 to feed the belt 8 from the cylinder 25 into position for receiving sheets discharged by the gripper devices l. Rotation of the chain 29 in the opposite direction moves the front transverse rod 26 and the remaining transverse rods rearwardly between the rails 19 to thereby remove the frame 7 and the belt 8 from position beneath the delivery chains 3 when the delivery platform 4 is returned to position beneath the delivery chains 3 for receiving discharged sheets.

FIG. 6 illustrates the extensible frame 7 in its retracted position with the cylindrical member 10 positioned in substantially overlying relationship with the guide roller 11 and the transverse rods positioned in close adjacency between the rails 19. Actuation of the pneumatic piston-cylinder unit 30 rotates the chain 29 to advance the transverse rods forwardly between the rails 19. The cylindrical'member 10 is then positioned adjacent the sprocket 32 as shown in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is illustrated the linkage between the transverse rods of the extensible frame 7 in which a network of parallel spaced diagonally extending rods 41 are pinned at their end portions to slides 40 that are arranged for substantially frictionless movement in the direction indicated by the arrow 43 on the spaced transverse rods 42 positioned between the front and rear

transverse rods

26 and 23.

Each of the diagonal rods 41 are pivotally connected at their midpoint to a corresponding intersecting diagonal rod 4l'and are rigidly secured to the midpoint of the respective transverse rods by the link 45. With this arrangement, the midpoint of each of the diagonal rods 41 is fixedly connected to a transverse rod 42 on the longitudinal axis 44 of the frame 7 with the diagonal rod end portions arranged to reciprocate on the transverse rods '42. Thus, longitudinal displacement of the front transverse rod 26 or the rear transverse rod 23 will move the end portion of the respective diagonal rod 41, connected to either transverse rod, toward and away from the axis 44 in the direction indicated by the arrow 43 with the midpoint of the diagonal rod pivoting about the axis 44. Then movement of the diagonal rod 41 connected to the front transverse rod 26 or the rear transverse rod 23 is transmitted through the link 45 to the remaining transverse rods 42 and diagonal rods 41 so that the diagonal rods 41 slide on the transverse rods 42 which move longitudinally between the rails 19.

To position the frame 7 beneath the delivery chain 3 for receiving sheets discharged by the grippers l, the shaft 39 and sprocket 32 are rotated in a clockwise direction to move link plate 33 forwardly with the chain 29 which rotates about the sprocket 32. As described above, forward movement of the front transverse rod 26 is transmitted to the remaining transverse rods 42 through the diagonal rods 41 to thereby expand the extensible frame 7. Expansion of the extensible frame 7 moves the belt 8, supported at the front end portion of the frame 7 by the roller 10, into sheet receiving position beneath the delivery chain 3.

To retract the frame 7 once the delivery platform 4 has returned to sheet receiving position beneath the delivery chain 3, the sprocket 34 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, moving the link plate 33 rearwardly together with the front transverse rod 26 connected thereto. The rearward movement of the front transverse rod 26 is transmitted to the diagonal rods 41 which move in parallel relationship on the transverse rods 42 away from the axis 44 as the diagonal rods 41 pivot about their connection to the rods 42 on the axis 44. Thus, the remaining transverse rods 42 move rearwardly between the rails 19 to thereby retract the extensible frame 7. Retraction of the extensible frame 7 removes the roller and the belt 8 from sheet receiving position beneath the delivery chains 3.

It will be apparent from the hereinabove described embodiments of the present invention that the sheet delivery apparatus provides for continuous discharge of processed sheets from the delivery unit of a printing press without interruption during the unloading of the delivery platform. For the intervals when the platform is not available to receive sheets released from the delivery chains, extension of the frame by movement of the transverse and diagonal rods between the lateral rails moves the belt into position for receiving the released sheets. Thus, the sheet delivery apparatus intermittently receives processed sheets from the delivery unit when the delivery platform is not in sheet receiving position. In this manner the delivery platform may be exchanged for unloading without stopping the sheet processing operation.

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, I have explained the principle, preferred construction and mode of operation of my invention and have illus trated and described'what I now consider to represent its best embodiments. However, it should be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described.

I claim:

1. In a sheet delivery apparatus for continuously discharging sheets from a sheet processing machine having an endless delivery chain rotatably mounted on the frame of said sheet processing machine,

a plurality of sheet gripper devices connected to said delivery chain,

a vertically adjustable platform positioned beneath said delivery chain and arranged to receive sheets released by said gripper devices, and

the improvement comprising,

an extensible frame having a front end portion and a rear end portion mounted on said sheet processing machine frame between said delivery chain and said platform,

said extensible frame having a pair of laterally spaced rails having channels extending the length thereof,

a plurality of spaced transverse rods extending between said rails and arranged for longitudinal movement in said channels,

a plurality of spaced diagonal rods underlying said transverse rods,

means for connecting said transverse rods to said diagonal rods to permit slidable movement of said diagonal rods on said transverse rods,

means supported by said extensible frame for receiving sheets released by said gripper devices, and

means for extending and retracting said extensible frame together with said receiving means to position said receiving means beneath said delivery chain to receive sheets released by said gripper devices when said platform is removed from beneath said delivery chain.

2. In a sheet delivery apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said connecting means includes,

a pair of link members positioned oppositely on the end portions of a plurality of said transverse rods and arranged for slidable movement thereon,

said plurality of diagonal rods having end portions pinned respectively to said link members on said transverse rod end portions and arranged to move with said link members, and

each of said plurality of said diagonal rods having a midpoint positioned in underlying relationship with and pivotally connected to the respective midpoint of each of said transverse rods.

'3. In a sheet delivery apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said extending and retracting means includes,

a fluid actuated cylinder mounted on said sheet processing machine frame,

a piston rod positioned in said cylinder and having one end portion to one of said transverse rods adjacent the rear end portion of said extensible frame, and I said piston rod arranged to extend outwardly from said cylinder upon actuation thereof and move said transverse rod adjacent the rear portion of said extensible frame and move said extensible frame together with said sheet receiving means into sheet receiving position beneath said delivery chain.

United States Patent [191 Dorer [4 1 Sept. 2, 1975 ENVELOPE FEEDER [73] Assignee: Mathias Bauerle Gmbll, St.

Georgen, Germany 22 Filed: Mar. 25, 1974 21 App]. No.: 454,251

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data I Germany 2322278 Primary Examiner+Richard A. Schacher Assistant Examiner-Bruce lI-l. Stoner, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or Firm-So1 L. Goldstein ABSTRACT An envelope feeder for feeding a single envelope at a time from the bottom of a stack of envelopes to a filling station of an envelope stuffing machine includes a substantially V-shaped hopper for holding a stack of envelopes in a substantially vertical position. A feed roller is provided at the bottom of the stack and is in contact feeding engagement with the face of the lower-most envelope in the stack. Positioned immediately in front of the envelope to be fed from the hopper there is provided a separator means comprising an upper retard member and a lower transport roller in engagement with the retard member for separating and advancing the envelope fed from the hopper by the feed roller. Adjusting means is also provided for positioning the retard member with respect to the transport roller such that the nip therebetween can be varied to accommodate the particular thickness of the envelopes being fed.

8 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure

Claims

1. In a sheet delivery apparatus for continuously discharging sheets from a sheet processing machine having an endless delivery chain rotatably mounted on the frame of said sheet processing machine, a plurality of sheet gripper devices connected to said delivery chain, a vertically adjustable platform positioned beneath said delivery chain and arranged to receive sheets released by said gripper devices, and the improvement comprising, an extensible frame having a front end portion and a rear end portion mounted on said sheet processing machine frame between said delivery chain and said platform, said extensible frame having a pair of laterally spaced rails having channels extending the length thereof, a plurality of spaced transverse rods extending between said rails and arranged for longitudinal movement in said channels, a plurality of spaced diagonal rods underlying said transverse rods, means for connecting said transverse rods to said diagonal rods to permit slidable movement of said diagonal rods on said transverse rods, means supported by said extensible frame for receiving sheets released by said gripper devices, and means for Extending and retracting said extensible frame together with said receiving means to position said receiving means beneath said delivery chain to receive sheets released by said gripper devices when said platform is removed from beneath said delivery chain.

2. In a sheet delivery apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said connecting means includes, a pair of link members positioned oppositely on the end portions of a plurality of said transverse rods and arranged for slidable movement thereon, said plurality of diagonal rods having end portions pinned respectively to said link members on said transverse rod end portions and arranged to move with said link members, and each of said plurality of said diagonal rods having a midpoint positioned in underlying relationship with and pivotally connected to the respective midpoint of each of said transverse rods.

3. In a sheet delivery apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said extending and retracting means includes, a fluid actuated cylinder mounted on said sheet processing machine frame, a piston rod positioned in said cylinder and having one end portion to one of said transverse rods adjacent the rear end portion of said extensible frame, and said piston rod arranged to extend outwardly from said cylinder upon actuation thereof and move said transverse rod adjacent the rear portion of said extensible frame and move said extensible frame together with said sheet receiving means into sheet receiving position beneath said delivery chain.

4. In a sheet delivery apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said extending and retracting means includes, a pair of sprocket wheels rotatably mounted on said extensible frame front end and rear end portions, respectively, an endless chain reeved about said sprocket wheels and positioned parallel to said extensible frame, power means for rotating one of said sprocket wheels and said endless chain in a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction, and means for rigidly linking said endless chain to said front end portion of said extensible frame so that rotation of said endless chain in one direction extends said extensible frame and rotation of said endless chain in the opposite direction retracts said extensible frame.

5. In a sheet delivery apparatus as set forth in claim 4 in which said linking means includes, a plate having one end portion secured to said extensible frame front end portion and the other end portion connected to said endless chain so that movement of said endless chain is transmitted to said extensible frame front end portion.

6. In a sheet delivery apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said sheet receiving means includes, a first cylinder rotatably mounted in parallel relationship to said extensible frame front end portion and movable therewith, a second cylinder rotatably mounted to said sheet processing machine frame, and a belt having one end portion secured to said sheet processing machine frame and arranged to extend horizontally above said extensible frame, over the surface of said first cylinder and horizontally below said extensible frame with the other end portion of said belt wound around said second cylinder.

7. In a sheet delivery apparatus as set forth in claim 6 which includes, said belt arranged to unwind on said second cylinder as said extensible frame extends to position beneath said delivery chain so that sheets released by said gripper devices are deposited on said belt.

8. In a sheet delivery apparatus as set forth in claim 7 which includes, means provided on said second cylinder for maintaining a preselected tension in said belt.