Kenneth S Mielcarek

US Patent:

52937976, Mar 15, 1994

Filed:

Dec 22, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/455267

Inventors:

Michael H. Spalding - De Pere WI
Frederick A. Benjamin - Howard WI
Kenneth S. Mielcarek - Pulaski WI

Assignee:

John Brown, Inc. - Oconto Falls WI

International Classification:

B65H 2960

US Classification:

83107

Abstract:

A sheet diverter apparatus diverts sheets into alternate paths by guiding the leading portion of each sheet through a gap in a horizontal conveyor into alternate diverter belt conveyor units where the sheet is firmly grasped for transfer. The one conveyor unit is a horizontal unit having a top belt conveyor and a bottom belt conveyor, one of which is offset downstream to form a diverting gap. A diverter is located to successively rotate through the gap and divert the alternate sheet into the angulated conveyor unit. In an upwardly angulated conveyor, the horizontal moving sheet is supported by the bottom conveyor belt of the horizontal unit. In a downward angulated conveyor unit, the length of the gap is selected to maintain sheet flow across a gap in the plane of the sheet. The top conveyor of the horizontal unit assists the support of the horizontal sheet. The linear or surface speed of the diverter cam is greater than the linear speed of the sheet.