METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TRANSFERRING STACKED SHEET MATERIAL
Systems and methods for handling sheet material, for example, signatures or inserts, are provided. Individual systems and methods for loading and jogging stacks of sheet material are combined with systems and methods for transferring sheet material whereby the mishandling or misfeeding of sheet material is minimized or reduced. The loading and jogging aspects are characterized by pivotally mounted receptacles or bins that facilitate introducing sheet material to a conveyor. The transferring aspects include automated transfer devices adapted to grip and position stacks of sheet material, for example, into a hopper feeding a disk feeder. These automated systems and their combination minimizes or prevents the mishandling of sheet material whereby the processing of sheet material is enhanced compared to conventional systems and methods.
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The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for handling sheet material. More particularly, the present invention relates to hopper loaders adapted to introducing sheet material to collating conveyor feeding devices and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe binding and printing industries often rely on high-speed sheet material handling systems for printing, collating, binding, and otherwise handling sheet material, for example, sheets of paper. This sheet material, for example, individual sheets, newspapers, magazines, inserts and “onserts” (that is, sheet material used when collating newspapers), books, brochures, and the like, is typically, fed to and accumulated in containers or “magazines” or “hoppers” and withdrawn from the magazines or hoppers for further processing.
One particular sheet material that is handled in the binding and printing industry is what is known in the art as a “signature.” A signature typically comprises two or more sheets of paper that may be folded to form a spine, that is a “spine fold”. Signatures may contain four or more pages of text or graphics, for example, 30 or more pages of text or graphics.
In the manufacture of books, it is common to assemble the book on a collecting conveyor by sequentially withdrawing signatures from magazines, or hoppers, containing stacks of signatures. In producing a book, typically, a plurality of serially-arranged hoppers, separating devices, and feeders are employed for gathering and collating the printed sheets of, for example, signatures. Typically, the separating devices separate and withdraw the sheet material from the hoppers and feed the sheet material to a rotating drum. The rotating drum then feeds the sheet material to a conveyor that collects and transfers the separated printed sheets for collation, binding, or other handling. The separation of the sheet material from the stacked sheet material is typically effected by a rotating disk separator. The separation of the sheet material by the disk separator is typically aided by a suction device, for example, a device known in the art as a “sucker”. One typical disk-type separator is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,229 B1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The disk separator separates and feeds the sheet material to a rotating drum that accepts and retains the sheet material and conveys it to the conveyor. The disk separator, typically with the aid of the suction device, deflects the edge of the lower-most article of sheet material in the hopper stack. When the sheets to be withdrawn from the hopper are in the form of signatures, the deflected edge is typically the spine fold portion of the signature. The rotating drum positioned below the disk separator typically includes some means of retaining the sheet material as it rotates, for example, devices known in the art as “grippers”. The conveyor that receives the sheet material is typically a horizontal conveyor. This horizontal conveyor may also receive sheet material from other, typically serially-positioned, feeding drums. A common drive mechanism typically drives and synchronizes the operation of the separator, suckers, feed drum, grippers, and the conveyer.
The throughput of such systems is dependent upon on how closely together the sheet material is spaced, and on how fast the sheet material is moved. Accordingly, the throughput of such systems may be optimized by spacing the sheet material as closely together as possible and by maximizing the speed of operation of each of the components. One important factor in the operation of disk-type separators is the alignment of the sheet material with the separator disk. Since the disk separators of such devices rotate at high speed and typically “bite into” the stack of sheet material in the hopper, misalignment of the sheet material and the disk can cause misfeeds, jamming, or even damage to the equipment.
According to prior art methods, sheet material typically fed to the hopper that feeds the disk separate by means of some form of conveyor. Typically, the conveyor feeds the sheet material to the hopper such that the sheet material forms a uniform stack in the hopper. Forming a uniform stack of sheet material in the hopper helps to ensure that the sheet material is uniformly stacked so that the sheet material can be engaged and separated by the rotating disk separator. The formation of a non-uniform or misaligned stack of sheet material in the hopper can interfere with the uniform separation of the sheet material by the disk separator and, in the worst case, cause jamming of the sheet material and disruption of the production facility. Thus, the uniform alignment of the stacked sheet material is highly desired by the operator.
In prior art sheet material handling systems, the sheet material or signatures is typically fed to the hopper from which the sheet material is with drawn by the drum conveyor by means of belt conveyor system, often referred to as a “hopper loader, ” for example, the 750 hopper loader provided by Prim Hall Enterprises of Plattsburgh, N.Y. In the prior art, hopper loaders typically include a loading station where sheet material or signatures are introduced to the hopper loader for transfer by the hopper loader to the hopper. During loading, for example, manual loading, the stacks of signatures are typically aligned with each other to minimize misfeeding and ensure proper operation of the hopper loader and drum feeder. This alignment of signatures is typically practiced by agitating or “jogging” a set of signatures within a bin or receptacle to align the signatures along a common surface of the bin. This jogging is typically performed manually during loading. Though prior art loading and jogging mechanisms have been effective in inbreeding signatures to hopper loaders, there exists a need in the art to improve the efficiency of loading and jogging, for example, to remove the human operator from the jogging process and improving the alignment of the signatures being transferred by the hopper loader. Aspects of the present invention provide improved signature loading and jogging devices.
Signature feeding by a hopper loader is typically characterized by the feeding and discharging of overlapping material in the form a “shingle” in which each signature is conveyed with adjacent signatures with their leading edges displaced a relatively uniform amount. These over-lapping, shingle-fed signatures are typically accumulated and aligned, for example, against a “backguide,” for example, the backguide disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,014,184 (the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein), prior to being withdrawn from the hopper by the disk feeder and drum feeder. Though the hopper loader feeder has proven to be an effective means of introducing sheet material or signatures to hoppers, any improvement in the feeding efficiency and alignment of signatures in the hopper would be welcome in the art. Aspects of the present invention provide such an improvement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides various systems and methods for handling stacked sheet material; for example, for introducing sheet material, such as, signatures, to drum feeder and a collating conveyor. One aspect of the invention is a method for transferring stacked sheet material to an individual sheet material conveyor, the method including positioning a stack of sheet material in a first position, the first position having a first surface at a first elevation; gripping the stack of sheet material in the first position with a translatable gripping device; transferring the gripping device and gripped stack of sheet material from the first position to a second position laterally disposed from the first position, the second position having a second surface at a second elevation, lower than the first elevation; and introducing individual sheet material from the stack of sheet material to the individual sheet material conveyor. In one aspect, gripping the stack of sheet material comprises compressing the stack of sheeting material between two opposing surfaces, for example, by means of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.
Another aspect of the invention is a system for transferring stacked sheet material to an individual sheet material conveyor, the system including a first position having a first surface at a first elevation adapted to receive a stack of sheet material; a second position laterally disposed from the first position and having a second surface at a second elevation, the second position located to introduce individual sheet material to the individual sheet material conveyor; a transfer device including means for grasping the stack of sheet material in the first position; and means for transferring the stack of sheet material from the first position to the second position whereby the individual sheets in the stack of sheet material can be introduced to the individual sheet material conveyor. In one aspect, the means for grasping the stack of sheet material comprises two opposing surfaces adapted to engage the stack of sheet material; for example, the system may include at least one fluid cylinder assembly adapted to translate at least one of the two opposing surfaces.
Another aspect of the invention is a system for transferring individual sheet material to a rotatable drum conveyor, the drum conveyor having a rotatable disk feeder, the system including a conveyor adapted to transfer stacked sheet material to a first position having a first surface at a first elevation; a transfer device including two opposing surfaces adapted to engage the stack of sheet material in the first position; means for translating at least one of the two opposing surfaces whereby the stack of sheet material is grasped by the two opposing surfaces; and a translatable assembly supporting the two opposing surfaces; and means for transferring the transfer device whereby the stack of sheet material is transferred from the first position to a second position laterally disposed from the first position wherein the individual sheets in the stack of sheet material can be introduced to the drum conveyor by the disk feeder. In one aspect, the second position may be at a second elevation lower than the first elevation. In another aspect, the transfer device may be adapted to lower the stack of sheet material onto the second position.
A further aspect of the invention is a system for handling sheet material including a receptacle adapted to receive a plurality of pieces of sheet material, the receptacle pivotally mounted above a conveyor; an agitating device mounted to the receptacle, the agitating device adapted to agitate the receptacle whereby at least some of the pieces of sheet material become aligned along an inside surface of the receptacle; and means for pivoting the receptacle from a first position where the pieces of sheet material can be received to a second position where the pieces of sheet material can be displaced from the receptacle by the conveyor. In one aspect, the means for pivoting the receptacle comprises at least one fluid driven cylinder having a first end mounted to a rigid support and a second end mounted to the receptacle. In another aspect, the conveyor comprises a plurality of translating guides adapted to contact and transfer the pieces of sheet material, and wherein the receptacle comprises at least one slot adapted to receive the plurality of translating guides. In one aspect, the system includes at least two agitating devices, for example, one driven electrically and one driven by a fluid.
A still further aspect of the invention is a method for handling sheet material including introducing a plurality of pieces of sheet material to a receptacle, the receptacle pivotally mounted above a conveyor; agitating the receptacle whereby at least some of the pieces of sheet material become aligned along an inside surface of the receptacle; and pivoting the receptacle from a first position, where the pieces of sheet material can be introduced, to a second position, where the pieces of sheet material can be removed from the receptacle by the conveyor. In one aspect, pivoting the receptacle comprises actuating at least one fluid driven cylinder having a first end mounted to a rigid support and a second end mounted to the receptacle. In another aspect, the the conveyor comprises a plurality of translating guides adapted to contact and translate the pieces of sheet material, and wherein the method further comprises removing the pieces of material from the receptacle by contacting the pieces of material with the translating guides.
An even further aspect of the invention is a hopper loader system adapted to load individual sheet material to a rotatable drum conveyor, the drum conveyor having a rotatable disk feeder, the system including a pivotally mounted receptacle adapted to receive a stack of sheet material; an agitating device mounted to the receptacle, the agitating device adapted to agitate the receptacle whereby at least some of the pieces of sheet material in the stack of sheet material become aligned along an inside surface of the receptacle; means for pivoting the receptacle from a first position where the stack of sheet material can be received to a second position where the stack of sheet material can be displaced from the receptacle; a conveyor adapted to displace the stack of sheet material from the receptacle and transfer the stack of sheet material to a third position; and a transfer device adapted to transfer the stack of sheet material from the third position to a fourth position laterally disposed from the first position wherein the pieces of the stack of sheet material can be introduced to the drum conveyor by the disk feeder.
And finally, a further aspect of the invention is a method of introducing sheet material to a disk feeder, the method including introducing a stack of pieces of sheet material to a pivotally mounted receptacle; agitating the receptacle whereby at least some of the pieces of sheet material in the stack of sheet material become aligned along an inside surface of the receptacle; pivoting the receptacle from a first position, where the stack of sheet material can be introduced, to a second position, where the stack of sheet material can be removed from the receptacle; transferring the stack of sheet material from the receptacle to a third position; gripping the stack of sheet material in the third position with a translatable gripping device; transferring the gripping device and gripped stack of sheet material from the first position to a second position laterally disposed from the first position, the second position; and introducing individual sheet material from the stack of sheet material to the disk feeder.
These and other aspects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description of aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Sheet material loading and jogging system 12 may be any loading and jogging system adapted to receive stacks 26 of sheet material 24, jog or otherwise vibrate or agitate sheet material 24 to align at least some of the sheet material 24, and transfer sheet material 24 to conveying system 14. Sheet material 24 may include, but is not limited to, individual sheets, signatures, newspapers, magazines, books, booklets, brochures, inserts, or onserts, among other types of sheet material. As shown in
Loading and jogging system 12 typically introduces stacks 26 to conveying system 14 having a conveyor 29 (discussed below) having a plurality of translating guides 30 that transfer the stacks 26 of sheet material 24 to transfer system 16. Details of one transfer system 16 according to one aspect of the invention are illustrated and described below with respect to
Sheet material transfer system 14 may be any system adapted to receive stacks 26 of sheet material 24 from jogging system 12 and transfer stacks 26 to sheet material handling system 16. As shown in
Transfer system 16 includes a sheet material transfer device 40. Transfer device 40 includes a means for grasping stack 26 in first position 36 and a means for transferring stack 26 from first position 36 to second position 38 whereby the individual sheets 24 in stack 26 may be introduced to an individual sheet material conveyor, for example, to a drum conveyor (not shown). In
As shown in
In one aspect, at least one of the opposing surfaces 42, 44 is translatable, that is, translatable in the direction toward the opposing surface whereby stack 26 can be grasped between opposing surfaces 42, 44. Though the translation of at least one surface 42, 44, may be effected by many different means, according to one aspect of the invention, at least one of surfaces 42, 44 is translated by means of at least one fluid cylinder, for example, a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.
As shown in
According to aspects of the invention, at least one of first surface 42 and second surface 44 are translatable whereby stack 26 grasped there between may be transferred from first position 36 to second position 38. In one aspect, cylinder blocks 47 and 57 may be translatable. In another aspect, as shown in
As shown in
Handling system 16 may include one or more guide plates or bars 84 positioned to guide stacks 26, for example, from above, as stacks 26 are introduced to system 16 and as stacks 26 are translated from first position 36 to second position 38. As shown in
As shown in
Handling system 16 may include sensors, actuators, and motors to effectively control the operation of handling system 16. The sensors, motors, and actuators may be monitored and controlled by a central processing unit (not shown) or distributed processing units (not shown). In one aspect, handling system 16 may include at a least one, but typically, a plurality of optical detectors or “photo-eyes.” Among other things, these optical detectors may be located to sense the presence or absence of stacks 26 as stacks 26 are introduced to first position 36, transferred, and introduced to second position 38. For example, as shown in
As shown in
In
As shown in
As shown in
As shown most clearly in
As shown, conveyor 29 may be oriented at an angle Θ to the horizontal, for example, whereby conveyor 29 transfers stacks 26 from a lower elevation, for example, where the stacks 26 are loaded, to an upper elevation, where stacks 26 are discharged from conveyor 29, for example, to transfer system 14 shown in
According to aspects of the invention, receptacles 25 include an agitating device 136 mounted to each receptacle 25. Agitating device 136 is adapted to agitate receptacle 25 whereby at least some of pieces of sheet material 24 are agitated whereby they become aligned along an inside surface of receptacle 25, for example, aligned along an inside lateral surface of one of sides 141 of receptacle 25. Though many types of agitating devices may be provided, in the aspect shown in
In
Loading and jogging system 12 also includes means 150 for pivoting receptacle 25 from a first position (indicated by arrow 152 in
As discussed above, chain 130 may typically include a plurality of translating guides or pusher plates 134 adapted to be translated by chain 130, to contact stacks 26, and convey stacks 26 along conveyor 29. In one aspect, receptacles 25 may include at least one slot 170 adapted to receive the plurality of translating guides 134. When the receptacles 25 are in second position 154, translating guides 134 are adapted to contact and transfer stacks 26, pass through slots 170, and avoid contact with receptacle 25. In this aspect, the translating guides 134 driven by chain 130 displace or remove the stacks 26 of sheet material 24 from receptacle 25 and translate the stacks 26 along conveyor 29, for example, along the surface 178 of conveyor 29.
As shown in
According to aspects of the present invention, hopper loader 10 shown in
Prior to, during, or after the loading of a stack 26 in to receptacle 25, conveyor 29 having conveying belt 130 and pusher plates 30, 134 may be energized wherein conveyor 29 and pusher plates 30, 134 begin moving. During or after agitation of receptacle 25 by at least one of jogging devices 136 and 180, means 150 for pivoting receptacle 25 lowers receptacle 25 onto conveyor 29 where pusher plates 30, 134 contact stack 26 and displace stack 26 from receptacle 25. Pusher plates 30, 134 pass through slots 170 in receptacle 25 while displacing stack 26. According to one aspect of the invention, when a plurality of receptacles 25 are provided, the positioning of receptacles 25 by means 150 may typically be timed to prevent stacks 26 from contact other receptacles 25 while stacks 26 are being transferred by conveyor 29. After stack 26 has been displaced from receptacle 25, for example, as determined by a sensor, for instance, a photo-eye, the means 150 for pivoting receptacle 25 may elevate receptacle 25 into position 152 to await further loading of a stack 26 and the process is repeated.
As shown most clearly in
The operation of and timing of the individual components of hopper loader 10 may be controlled, monitored, and regulated by a conventional control system (not shown). For example, a control system may be provided to monitor and detect the presence of stacks 26 in a plurality of locations in hopper loader 10. The control system may include numerous sensors, for example, speed sensors, position sensors, load sensors, and the like, to assist in monitoring and controlling the operation of hopper loader 10. The control system may typically include a user interface, for example, a touch screen, and means for outputting operation or performance data, for example, a video screen or a printer. In one aspect, the control system may include numerous alarms, such as, lights, sirens, or bells, to advise the operator of unsafe or off-spec conditions.
It will be apparent to those in the art that aspects of the invention provide an improved hopper loading device having enhanced material handling capability that can minimize or prevent misfeeds and interruptions in process throughput. Aspects of the invention provide automated jogging and loading systems that can minimize or prevent the mishandling of sheet material as it is introduced to the hopper loader, and a material transfer system that minimizes or prevents mishandling of sheet material as it is introduced to the hopper. Thus, aspects of the present invention can provide a marked improvement in prior art methods of handling sheet material that can dramatically improve the throughput and efficiency of sheet material handling systems such as collators and feeders.
While several aspects of the present invention have been described and depicted herein, alternative aspects may be effected by those skilled in the art to accomplish the same objectives. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such alternative aspects as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A method for transferring stacked sheet material to an individual sheet material conveyor, the method comprising:
- positioning a stack of sheet material in a first position, the first position having a first surface at a first elevation;
- gripping the stack of sheet material in the first position with a translatable gripping device;
- transferring the gripping device and gripped stack of sheet material from the first position to a second position laterally disposed from the first position, the second position having a second surface at a second elevation, lower than the first elevation; and
- introducing individual sheet material from the stack of sheet material to the individual sheet material conveyor.
2. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising conveying the stack of sheet material to the first position.
3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein gripping the stack of sheet material comprises compressing the stack of sheeting material between two opposing surfaces.
4. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein gripping the stack of sheet material further comprises translating at least one of the two opposing surfaces toward the stack of sheet material.
5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein transferring the gripping device and gripped stack of sheet material comprises transferring the translatable gripping device.
6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein introducing individual sheet material from the stack of sheet material to the individual sheet material conveyor comprises positioning the stack of sheet material whereby individual sheet material is engagable by a rotatable disk conveyor.
7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the individual sheet material conveyor comprises a rotatable drum conveyor.
8. A system for transferring stacked sheet material to an individual sheet material conveyor, the system comprising:
- a first position having a first surface at a first elevation adapted to receive a stack of sheet material;
- a second position laterally disposed from the first position and having a second surface at a second elevation, the second position located to introduce individual sheet material to the individual sheet material conveyor;
- a transfer device comprising: means for grasping the stack of sheet material in the first position; and means for transferring the stack of sheet material from the first position to the second position whereby the individual sheets in the stack of sheet material can be introduced to the individual sheet material conveyor.
9. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the means for grasping the stack of sheet material comprises two opposing surfaces adapted to engage the stack of sheet material.
10. The system as recited in claim 9, wherein the means for grasping the stack of sheet material further comprises at least one fluid cylinder assembly adapted to translate at least one of the two opposing surfaces.
11. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the at least one fluid cylinder assembly comprises at least one of a hydraulic cylinder assembly and a pneumatic cylinder assembly.
12. The system as recited in claim 8, wherein the means for transferring the stack of sheet material comprises a translatable support structure adapted to support the means for grasping the stack of sheet material, the translatable support structuring comprising a plurality of wheels adapted to engage a wheel rail.
13. The system as recited in claim 12, wherein the means for transferring comprises means for translating the translatable support structure.
14. The system as recited in claim 13, wherein the means for translating the translatable support structure comprises a chain conveyor adapted to engage the support structure.
15. A system for transferring individual sheet material to a rotatable drum conveyor, the drum conveyor having a rotatable disk feeder, the system comprising:
- a conveyor adapted to transfer stacked sheet material to a first position having a first surface at a first elevation;
- a transfer device comprising: two opposing surfaces adapted to engage the stack of sheet material in the first position; means for translating at least one of the two opposing surfaces whereby the stack of sheet material is grasped by the two opposing surfaces; and a translatable assembly supporting the two opposing surfaces; and
- means for transferring the transfer device whereby the stack of sheet material is transferred from the first position to a second position laterally disposed from the first position wherein the individual sheets in the stack of sheet material can be introduced to the drum conveyor by the disk feeder.
16. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein the second position comprises a second elevation lower than the first elevation.
17. The system as recited in claim 16, wherein the transfer device is aspated to lower the stack of sheet material onto the second position.
18. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein the translatable assembly comprises a plurality of wheels adapted to support the translatable assembly.
19. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein the means for translating at least one of the two opposing surfaces comprises at least one fluid-driven cylinder.
20. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein the means for transferring the transfer device comprises one of a drive belt and a drive chain.
21. A system for handling sheet material comprising:
- a receptacle adapted to receive a plurality of pieces of sheet material, the receptacle pivotally mounted above a conveyor;
- an agitating device mounted to the receptacle, the agitating device adapted to agitate the receptacle whereby at least some of the pieces of sheet material become aligned along an inside surface of the receptacle; and
- means for pivoting the receptacle from a first position where the pieces of sheet material can be received to a second position where the pieces of sheet material can be displaced from the receptacle by the conveyor.
22. The system as recited in claim 21, wherein the means for pivoting the receptacle comprises at least one fluid driven cylinder having a first end mounted to a rigid support and a second end mounted to the receptacle.
23. The system as recited in claim 21, wherein the conveyor comprises a plurality of translating guides adapted to contact and transfer the pieces of sheet material, and wherein the receptacle comprises at least one slot adapted to receive the plurality of translating guides.
24. The system as recited in claim 21, wherein the conveyor comprises a plurality of translating guides adapted to contact and displace the pieces of sheet material, and wherein the second position comprises a position where at least one of the plurality of translating guides contacts and displaces the pieces of sheet material from the receptacle.
25. The system as recited in claim 21, wherein the receptacle comprises a rectangular receptacle having an open top for receiving pieces of sheet material and a closed bottom.
26. The system as recited in claim 25, wherein the system further comprises a plurality of bars mounted to the receptacle, the bars having a distal end pivotally mounted to a rigid structure.
27. The system as recited in claim 25, wherein the inside surface of the receptacle comprises an inside lateral surface of the rectangular receptacle.
28. The system as recited in claim 21, wherein the agitating device comprises an electric motor.
29. The system as recited in claim 21, wherein the system comprises a plurality of receptacles adapted to receive a plurality of pieces of sheet material, each of the plurality of receptacles pivotally mounted above the conveyor.
30. The system as recited in claim 21, wherein the agitating device comprises a first agitating device, and wherein the system further comprises a second agitating device, different from the first agitating device, the second agitating device adapted to agitate the receptacle.
31. A method for handling sheet material comprising:
- introducing a plurality of pieces of sheet material to a receptacle, the receptacle pivotally mounted above a conveyor;
- agitating the receptacle whereby at least some of the pieces of sheet material become aligned along an inside surface of the receptacle; and
- pivoting the receptacle from a first position, where the pieces of sheet material can be introduced, to a second position, where the pieces of sheet material can be removed from the receptacle by the conveyor.
32. The method as recited in claim 31, pivoting the receptacle comprises actuating at least one fluid driven cylinder having a first end mounted to a rigid support and a second end mounted to the receptacle.
33. The method as recited in claim 31, wherein the conveyor comprises a plurality of translating guides adapted to contact and translate the pieces of sheet material, and wherein the method further comprises removing the pieces of material from the receptacle by contacting the pieces of material with the translating guides.
34. The method as recited in claim 31, wherein the receptacle comprises a rectangular receptacle having an open top, and wherein introducing the plurality of pieces of sheet material to the receptacle comprises introducing the plurality of pieces of sheet material to the open top of the rectangular receptacle.
35. The method as recited in claim 34, wherein the rectangular receptacle comprises at least one inside lateral surface, and wherein agitating the receptacle comprises agitating the rectangular receptacle wherein at least some of the pieces of sheet material become aligned along the inside lateral surface of the rectangular receptacle.
36. The method as recited in claim 31, wherein agitating the receptacle comprises agitating the receptacle with an electric motor mounted to the receptacle.
37. The method as recited in claim 31, wherein
- introducing the plurality of pieces of sheet material to a receptacle comprises introducing the plurality of pieces of sheet material to a plurality of receptacles, each pivotally mounted above the conveyor;
- wherein agitating the receptacle comprises agitating the plurality of receptacles; and
- wherein pivoting the receptacle comprises pivoting a plurality of the receptacles from a first position to a second position.
38. The method as recited in claim 31, wherein agitating the receptacle comprises agitating the receptacle with an electric motor mounted to the receptacle, and wherein the method further comprises agitating the receptacle with a fluid-driven cylinder.
39. A hopper loader system adapted to load individual sheet material to a rotatable drum conveyor, the drum conveyor having a rotatable disk feeder, the system comprising:
- a pivotally mounted receptacle adapted to receive a stack of sheet material;
- an agitating device mounted to the receptacle, the agitating device adapted to agitate the receptacle whereby at least some of the pieces of sheet material in the stack of sheet material become aligned along an inside surface of the receptacle;
- means for pivoting the receptacle from a first position where the stack of sheet material can be received to a second position where the stack of sheet material can be displaced from the receptacle;
- a conveyor adapted to displace the stack of sheet material from the receptacle and transfer the stack of sheet material to a third position; and
- a transfer device adapted to transfer the stack of sheet material from the third position to a fourth position laterally disposed from the first position wherein the pieces of the stack of sheet material can be introduced to the drum conveyor by the disk feeder.
40. A method of introducing sheet material to a disk feeder, the method comprising:
- introducing a stack of pieces of sheet material to a pivotally mounted receptacle;
- agitating the receptacle whereby at least some of the piece of sheet material in the stack of sheet material become aligned along an inside surface of the receptacle;
- pivoting the receptacle from a first position, where the stack of sheet material can be introduced, to a second position, where the stack of sheet material can be removed from the receptacle;
- transferring the stack of sheet material from the receptacle to a third position;
- gripping the stack of sheet material in the third position with a translatable gripping device;
- transferring the gripping device and gripped stack of sheet material from the first position to a second position laterally disposed from the first position, the second position; and
- introducing individual sheet material from the stack of sheet material to the disk feeder.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 12, 2007
Publication Date: Dec 18, 2008
Applicant: PRIM HALL ENTERPRISES, INC. (Plattsburgh, NY)
Inventor: Michael GLEASON (Saint Aubans, VT)
Application Number: 11/761,717
International Classification: B65H 5/00 (20060101);