Abstract: Methods and systems to control stacked hexapod platforms for use as tools, which function with both high accuracy and high precision are provided. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include a convergence of modern control theory, and machine learning. Furthermore, some embodiments provide control algorithms to carry out autonomous in-space assembly operations using assemblers. Some embodiments provide methods and systems which combine long-reach low precision manipulators and smaller, high-precision assembler with interchangeable tools.

Abstract: A sheet accumulating apparatus accumulates inputted sheets into a stack registered on all sides, wherein the sheets are controlled with minimum contact by components of the apparatus to minimize or eliminate smudging or marking of the sheets. The apparatus can be selectively adjusted to effect over-accumulation or under-accumulation, and can be adjusted to accommodate different sheet sizes. The apparatus comprises an accumulation section defining a sheet feed plane therethrough. An upper ramp is disposed upstream from the accumulation section and is movable into and out of the sheet feed plane. An upper retaining member is linked to the upper ramp and is movable into and out of the sheet feed plane in alternating relation to the upper ramp. A lower ramp is disposed below the upper ramp and is movable into and out of the sheet feed plane in alternating relation to the upper ramp.

Abstract: A sheet accumulating apparatus accumulates inputted sheets into a stack registered on all sides, wherein the sheets are controlled with minimum contact by components of the apparatus to minimize or eliminate smudging or marking of the sheets. The apparatus can be selectively adjusted to effect over-accumulation or under-accumulation, and can be adjusted to accommodate different sheet sizes. The apparatus comprises an accumulation section defining a sheet feed plane therethrough. An upper ramp is disposed upstream from the accumulation section and is movable into and out of the sheet feed plane. An upper retaining member is linked to the upper ramp and is movable into and out of the sheet feed plane in alternating relation to the upper ramp. A lower ramp is disposed below the upper ramp and is movable into and out of the sheet feed plane in alternating relation to the upper ramp.

Abstract: A fold roller locking adjustment mechanism for a folder, and in particular a buckle folder. The invention eliminates unintended changes to roller gap in a buckle folder by reducing the effect of machine forces on the fold roller support and adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: In a method of continuously feeding sheets, a top-sheet pick-up device and a feed table for feeding stacks of sheets to the pick-up device are provided. A stack of sheets are placed on the feed table and fed towards the pick-up device. When it is detected that the uppermost sheets are positioned under the pick-up device, the pick-up device separates the uppermost sheet from the stack. The feed table continues to feed the stack toward the pick-up device by moving additional sheets into position under the pick-up device when no sheet is detected under the pick-up device. Also provided are a feed table including an angle bracket for registering and shingling sheets, and a method of converting a non-continuous high-capacity top-sheet feeder having a top-sheet pick-up device into a continuous high-capacity top-sheet feeder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for verifying the number of articles, preferably intended to be credit, debit, or similar cards, in a carrier is described. Though different embodiments are possible, the preferred embodiment comprises a caliper apparatus and microcontroller electrically linked to an inserter machine controller. The controller of the inserting machine is also electrically linked with an indicia reader mounted at the entrance to the inserter machine. The indicia read is found on the carrier and represents a machine readable representation of the number of articles that should be found in the carrier.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus and method for selectively inverting, staging and selectively advancing or diverting sheet material along a predetermined conveying path. The apparatus has a pair of support plates with space between the plates for passage of sheet material and a nip roller mechanism operatively connected to the support plates for advancing the sheet material. A rotation mechanism selectively simultaneously rotates the support plates as sheet material is positioned between the plates. The rotation mechanism selectively inverts the sheet material and positions the sheet material for advancement by the nip rollers from between the support plates along the predetermined conveying path.

Abstract: A collector apparatus and method are provided for collecting sheet articles and advancing collected sheet articles therefrom. The collector apparatus includes a collector plate having a surface for receiving one or more sheet articles thereon to collect the sheet articles. At least one stop bracket is movable through an opening defined through the collector plate to provide a stop for collected sheet articles and to allow collected sheet articles to be further advanced from their collection position. At least one upper idler drop roller is spacedly positioned above and movable toward the collector plate surface.

Abstract: A high-capacity collector apparatus and method are provided for collecting sheet articles and advancing collected sheet articles. The collector apparatus includes a stage for collecting a stack of sheet articles advanced thereto wherein the stage is adjustable to accommodate sheet articles of various dimensions or sizes. Pusher/stop members are provided and are operable to stop sheet articles collected in a stack in the stage and to subsequently push the stack of sheet articles from the stage. The pusher/stop members are preferably lug members fixedly attached to a plurality of belts with each belt having one lug member fixedly attached thereto.In a preferred embodiment, the collector apparatus comprises two pairs of independently controlled movable belts each having one lug member attached thereto.

Abstract: An accumulator apparatus and method are provided for accumulating sheet articles. The accumulator apparatus includes an upper belt system and lower belt system operative for advancing sheet articles in seriatim manner therebetween. Guide rollers are provided at the entrance of the sheet articles between the upper and lower belt systems for guiding the sheet articles therebetween without pinching. Nip rollers are provided downstream from the entry guide rollers for pulling sheet articles into the accumulator apparatus between the guide rollers and the nip rollers. A ramp system operative for deflecting advancing sheet articles is provided downstream from the nip rollers. Sheet articles deflected by the ramp assembly can then be accumulated in an accumulation location where the lower belt system is maintained in a spaced-apart position below the accumulation location such that the lower belt system cannot contact or mark sheet articles accumulated therein.

Abstract: A turnover-sequencer staging apparatus for sheets comprises: a receiver, a turnover-sequencer, and a staging segment. The receiving device receives at least two side-by-side sheets and supplies these to the turnover-sequencer wherein the sheets are overturned and rerouted in a substantially orthogonal direction, the relationship between sheets having been converted to sequential whereby the sheets become disposed seriatim and imbricated. The overturned and rerouted seriatim-imbricated sheets are selectively de-imbricated in the staging segment by separation of selected consecutive sheets. Separation is effected by braking or stopping of the conveying motion of the trailing one of two consecutive sheets. In other embodiments, separation can be accomplished by changing the speed of conveying of one of two consecutive sheets; either by speeding up of the leading sheet or by slowing down of the trailing sheet.

Abstract: A method for in-plane separation of side-by-side parallel sheet articles that are transported along mutually-laterally-adjacent, in-plane paths, the method comprising: feeding unconnected sheet articles parallel to one another to mutually divergent belt arrangements that are driven at the same speed; conveying the sheet articles in a common plane divergently in relation to one another through the divergent belt arrangements and thereby irrotationally separating the sheet articles in the common plane and conveying the articles to a transporter; transporting the sheet articles and selectively stopping them by and in collectors of the transporter; collecting the selectively-stopped sheet articles in the collectors; and selectively releasing and thereby delivering stopped sheet articles for further handling.

Abstract: A sheet separator device for side-by-side parallel sheet articles being handled and conveyed in sheet handling machines comprises first and second endless belt arrangements for conveying sheet articles in nips between belts, wherein first and second belt arrangements are divergently disposed in relationship to one another so that sheet articles entering respectively thereinto in a common plane in side-by-side parallel relationship are conveyed thereby along respective divergent paths. Sheet articles exiting from divergent first and second endless belt arrangements, respectively, are farther conveyed in a common plane along side-by-side parallel paths which are separated by a larger distance than the original distance between sheet articles entering the first and second endless belt arrangements.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling sheets in a hopper, whereby the stack of sheets is partially supported at various elevations along the stack so that only a portion of the weight of the stack bears downwardly on the sheet removal devices. The stack support members are movable into and out of supporting position relative to the stack, by virtue of a solenoid or the like, for passing a discrete lower portion of the stack down to the take-off device, and a feeler is provided for sensing the need for passing more sheets downwardly, in accordance with the rate of removing the sheets from the bottom of the stack.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying folded sheets along a raceway and in an inverted V-shaped position and moving the sheets to an elevating conveyor which turns the sheets onto their sides where the sheets can then be further moved into a trimmer or stacked or the like. The apparatus provides for safe and accurate transport of the sheets and for movement at a constant velocity so that the sheets can be moved at the high speed of the printing press which is producing these sheets. Also, an orbital type of device is utilized for picking up the sheets from the raceway and like conveyor while maintaining the sheets in their horizontal orientation and then presenting the sheets to the vertical elevating conveyor, all without upsetting the relationship between the sheets in the multiplicity of folded sheets such as a signature.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying folded sheets along a raceway and in an inverted V-shaped position and moving the sheets to an elevating conveyor which turns the sheets onto their sides where the sheets can then be further moved into a trimmer or stacked or the like. The apparatus provides for safe and accurate transport of the sheets and for movement at a constant velocity so that the sheets can be moved at the high speed of the printing press which is producing these sheets. Also, an orbital type of device is utilized for picking up the sheets from the raceway and like conveyor while maintaining the sheets in their horizontal orientation and then presenting the sheets to the vertical elevating conveyor, all without upsetting the relationship between the sheets in the multiplicity of folded sheets such as a signature.

Abstract: Improved thermal batteries operating at elevated temperatures include a molten metal anode in which a foraminous substrate is filled with the anode metal and contained in a housing having an impervious metal portion and a porous refractory fiber portion, the porous portion being in sealing engagement against the metal portion.

Abstract: A mixture of iodine with a poly-2-vinylpyridine.I.sub.2 or a poly-2-vinylquinoline.I.sub.2 charge transfer complex is an improved cathode material of a plastic state and in conjunction with a metal anode, for example lithium, provides primary cells with improved capacity and performance characteristics.