(19)
(11) EP 1 371 586 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
20.10.2004 Bulletin 2004/43

(43) Date of publication A2:
17.12.2003 Bulletin 2003/51

(21) Application number: 03013331.8

(22) Date of filing: 13.06.2003
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B65H 15/00, B65H 29/12
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR
Designated Extension States:
AL LT LV MK

(30) Priority: 13.06.2002 US 388945 P
31.07.2002 US 209019

(71) Applicant: PITNEY BOWES INC.
Stamford Connecticut 06926-0700 (US)

(72) Inventor:
  • Auerbach, David R.
    West Redding, Connecticut 06896 (US)

(74) Representative: HOFFMANN - EITLE 
Patent- und Rechtsanwälte Arabellastrasse 4
81925 München
81925 München (DE)

   


(54) Envelope transport turn module and ramp for an output portion of an inserter system


(57) An apparatus and method for changing the orientation, height and direction of envelopes (7) conveyed in an inserter system. The invention reorienting horizontally transported envelopes (7) to a vertical position. The envelopes (7) then being transported around a turning arrangement (1) comprised of a length of driven belt (13) urged against a large diameter idler wheel (14). A turning guide (26) serves to aid the envelopes (7) through the turning arrangement (1). A ramp module (2) comprised of nips having toroidal outer circumferences (201) elevate the vertical envelopes (7). The envelopes (7) finally are turned 180 degrees to be sorted into sorting bins (40). The overall arrangement of the invention results in an output sub-system of an inserter system with a shortened footprint and ergonomically desirable layout. Also, features of the invention provide that envelopes avoid damage and jamming and that recently closed envelope flaps do not inadvertently open.






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