U.S. patent application number 13/928814 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-31 for method and apparatus for diverting printed products into three streams.
This patent application is currently assigned to GOSS INTERNATIONAL AMERICAS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is John J. Dowling, David Clarke Pollock, David Elliot Whitten. Invention is credited to John J. Dowling, David Clarke Pollock, David Elliot Whitten.
Application Number | 20130285321 13/928814 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45560812 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130285321 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dowling; John J. ; et
al. |
October 31, 2013 |
Method and Apparatus for Diverting Printed Products into Three
Streams
Abstract
A diverter for receiving printed products in a single stream and
diverting the printed products into a plurality of streams is
provided. The diverter includes a first rotating body rotating
about a first axis and including first, second and third
circumferential sections positioned around the first axis. Each
circumferential section of the first rotating body extends radially
a different distance from the first axis. The diverter also
includes a second rotating body rotating about a second axis and
including first, second and third circumferential sections
positioned around the second axis. Each circumferential section of
the second rotating body extends radially a different distance from
the second axis. The first and second rotating bodies divert the
printed products into three separate streams at a diverting area
between the first and second axes. The diverter also includes a
steeple positioned downstream of the diverting area. A method for
diverting printed products in a folder, a printing press, a method
for adjusting a diverter and a steeple for a diverter are also
provided.
Inventors: |
Dowling; John J.;
(Rollingsford, NH) ; Pollock; David Clarke;
(Somersworth, NH) ; Whitten; David Elliot;
(Barrington, NH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dowling; John J.
Pollock; David Clarke
Whitten; David Elliot |
Rollingsford
Somersworth
Barrington |
NH
NH
NH |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GOSS INTERNATIONAL AMERICAS,
INC.
Durham
NH
|
Family ID: |
45560812 |
Appl. No.: |
13/928814 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13023105 |
Feb 8, 2011 |
8496249 |
|
|
13928814 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
271/314 ;
271/278 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2301/332 20130101;
B65H 2404/1415 20130101; B65H 2404/6591 20130101; B65H 2301/44822
20130101; B65H 29/58 20130101; B65H 2404/611 20130101; B65H
2404/1414 20130101; B65H 2301/44552 20130101; B65H 29/60 20130101;
B65H 29/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
271/314 ;
271/278 |
International
Class: |
B65H 29/60 20060101
B65H029/60 |
Claims
1. A diverter for receiving printed products in a single stream and
diverting the printed products into a plurality of streams
comprising: a first rotating body rotating about a first axis and
including first, second and third circumferential sections
positioned around the first axis, each circumferential section of
the first rotating body extending radially a different distance
from the first axis; a second rotating body rotating about a second
axis and including first, second and third circumferential sections
positioned around the second axis, each circumferential section of
the second rotating body extending radially a different distance
from the second axis, the first and second rotating bodies
diverting the printed products into three separate streams at a
diverting area between the first and second axes; and a steeple
positioned downstream of the diverting area.
2. The diverter recited in claim 1 wherein the steeple is arranged
and configured to assist the first and second rotating bodies to
divert printed products into each of the three different
streams.
3. The diverter recited in claim 2 wherein the steeple includes a
first surface for guiding the printed products along a first of the
three streams, a second surface for guiding the printed products
along a second of the three streams and a third surface for guiding
the printed products along a third of the three streams.
4. The diverter recited in claim 3 wherein the steeple includes a
fourth surface, the third and fourth surfaces defining a slot in
the steeple.
5. The diverter recited in claim 1 wherein the steeple is
stationary.
6. A method for adjusting the diverter recited in claim 1
comprising: diverting printed products with the diverter into three
separate streams, the first rotating body including at least one
first lobe having the first, second and third circumferential
portions of the first rotating body and the second rotating body
including at least one first lobe having the first, second and
third circumferential portions of the second rotating body;
removing the first lobes from the first rotating body and the
second rotating body; providing at least one second lobe on each of
the first and second rotating bodies, the at least one second lobe
of the first rotating body including two circumferential sections
extending radially different distances from the first axis, the at
least one second lobe of the second rotating body including two
circumferential sections extending radially different distances
from the second axis; and diverting printed products with the
diverter into two separate streams.
7. A method for diverting printed products in a folder comprising:
guiding a first printed product from an input stream along a first
surface of a steeple to divert the first printed product to a first
stream; guiding a second printed product from the input stream
along a second surface of the steeple to divert the second printed
product to a second stream; and guiding a third printed product
from the input stream along a third surface of the steeple to
divert the third printed product to a third stream.
8. The method recited in claim 7 wherein the third surface and a
fourth surface of the steeple define a slot in the steeple and the
third printed product is passed through the slot to the third
stream.
9. The method recited in claim 8 wherein the first printed product
is guided along the first surface of the steeple by a first
rotating body, the second printed product is guided along the
second surface of the steeple by a second rotating body and the
third printed product is guided along the third surface of the
steeple by at least the first rotating body.
10. A steeple for a diverter diverting printed products comprising:
a first guide section including a first surface and a second
surface, the first surface arranged and configured for guiding
printed products along a first diverting stream; and a second guide
section including a third surface and a fourth surface, the third
surface arranged and configured for guiding printed products along
a second diverting stream, the second surface and the fourth
surface defining a slot for guiding printed products along a third
diverting stream.
11. A diverter for receiving printed products in a single stream
and diverting the printed products into two streams comprising: a
first rotating body rotating about a first axis and including first
and second circumferential sections positioned around the first
axis, the circumferential sections of the first rotating body
extending radially different distances from the first axis; a
second rotating body rotating about a second axis and including
first and second circumferential sections positioned around the
second axis, the circumferential sections of the second rotating
body extending radially different distances from the second axis,
the first and second rotating bodies diverting the printed products
into two different streams at a diverting area between the first
and second axes; and a steeple positioned downstream of the
diverting area, the steeple including a first guiding surface for
guiding signatures along a first of the two streams and a second
guiding surface for guiding signatures along a second of the two
streams, the second guiding surface arranged and configured as a
first plane perpendicular to a second plane passing through the
first and second axes.
12. The diverter recited in claim 11 wherein the first
circumferential section of the first rotating body extends a
greater radial distance from the first axis than the second
circumferential section of the first rotating body and the first
circumferential section of the second rotating body extends a
greater radial distance from the second axis than the second
circumferential section of the second rotating body, the first and
second rotating bodies being phased with respect to one another
such that the first circumferential section of the first rotating
body aligns with the second circumferential section of the second
rotating body to guide printed products in the first stream and the
second circumferential section of the first rotating body aligns
with the first circumferential section of the second rotating body
to guide printed products in the second stream.
13. The diverter recited in claim 12 wherein the first
circumferential section of the first rotating body extends a
different radial distance from the first axis than the first
circumferential section of the second rotating body extends from
the second axis and the second circumferential section of the first
rotating body extends a different radial distance from the first
axis than the second circumferential section of the second rotating
body extends from the second axis.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/023,105, filed Feb. 8, 2011, the entire disclosure of which
is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
[0002] The present invention relates generally to printing presses
and more specifically to a diverter for diverting printed products
into streams in a printing press folder.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 4,729,282 discloses a sheet diverter for a
pinless folder. A cutter cuts a ribbon into a plurality of
signatures and the signatures are successively introduced into a
plane of the sheet diverter. The sheet diverter includes an
oscillating pair of counter rotating eccentric rolls associated to
create linear reciprocation of a nip formed between the eccentric
rolls and a triangular diverter wedge deflecting a signature to a
selected one of two collation paths.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,713 discloses a sheet diverter for
diverting cut sheets in a stream along diverging paths. The sheet
diverter includes a pair of rotary sheet diverters mounted on
parallel driven shafts, each rotary sheet diverter including one
raised sheet diverting cam portion and one recessed portion. A
tapered guide having a pair of diverging guide surfaces is located
between the rotary sheet diverters at a downstream side thereof. A
first raised sheet diverting cam portion contacts and diverts a
sheet out of the path of the sheets along one of the diverging
guide surfaces of the tapered guide into one of the diverging paths
while the other raised sheet diverting cam portion has been rotated
out of the path of the sheets. The other raised sheet diverting cam
portion may then contact and divert a sheet out of the path of the
sheets along the other diverging guide surface of the tapered guide
into the other diverging path while the first raised sheet
diverting cam portion has been rotated out of the path of the
sheets.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,033 discloses a folder in which printed
products are diverted by directly delivering the printed products
to two fan assemblies. The fan assemblies are phased such that
printed products are alternatingly delivered into a pocket of one
of the fan assemblies and into a pocket of the other of the fan
assemblies.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,976 discloses a diverter mechanism which
includes diverting tapes which are diverted from a position along a
horizontal transport path to a position along an inclined transport
path, and vice versa, by levers which are swivelably mounted on
stationary axes.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A diverter for receiving printed products in a single stream
and diverting the printed products into a plurality of streams is
provided. The diverter includes a first rotating body rotating
about a first axis and including first, second and third
circumferential sections positioned around the first axis. Each
circumferential section of the first rotating body extends radially
a different distance from the first axis. The diverter also
includes a second rotating body rotating about a second axis and
including first, second and third circumferential sections
positioned around the second axis. Each circumferential section of
the second rotating body extends radially a different distance from
the second axis. The diverter also includes a steeple positioned
downstream of the diverting area. The first and second rotating
bodies divert the printed products into three separate streams at a
diverting area between the first and second axes.
[0008] A method for diverting printed products in a folder is also
provided. The method includes guiding a first printed product from
an input stream along a first surface of a steeple to divert the
first printed product to a first stream, guiding a second printed
product from the input stream along a second surface of the steeple
to divert the second printed product to a second stream and guiding
a third printed product from the input stream along a third surface
of the steeple to divert the third printed product to a third
stream.
[0009] A printing press is also provided. The printing press
includes a plurality of printing units printing images on a web, a
folder cutting and folding the web into printed products and a
diverter receiving the printed products in one stream and diverting
the printed products into three separate streams. The diverter
includes a first rotating body and a second rotating body that
cooperate at a diverting area to divert the printed products into
the three separate streams. Each of the rotating bodies includes
circumferential portions of varying radial heights. The diverter
also includes a steeple downstream of the diverting area.
[0010] A method for adjusting a diverter is also provided. The
method includes diverting printed products with the diverter into
three separate streams, the diverter including a first rotating
body and a second rotating body that cooperate at a diverting area
to divert the printed products into the three separate streams,
each of the rotating bodies including at least one first lobe
having circumferential portions of three different radial heights.
The method includes removing the first lobes from the first
rotating body and the second rotating body and providing second
lobes on each of the rotating bodies, each of the second lobes
having circumferential portions of two different radial heights.
The method also includes diverting printed products with the
diverter into two separate streams.
[0011] A steeple for a diverter diverting printed products is
provided. The steeple includes a first guide section including a
first surface and a second surface. The first surface is arranged
and configured for guiding printed products along a first diverting
stream. The steeple also includes a second guide section including
a third surface and a fourth surface. The third surface is arranged
and configured for guiding printed products along a second
diverting stream and the second surface and the fourth surface
define a slot for guiding printed products along a third diverting
stream.
[0012] A diverter for receiving printed products in a single stream
and diverting the printed products into two streams is also
provided. The diverter includes a first rotating body rotating
about a first axis and including first and second circumferential
sections positioned around the first axis. The circumferential
sections of the first rotating body extend radially different
distances from the first axis. The diverter also includes a second
rotating body rotating about a second axis and including first and
second circumferential sections positioned around the second axis.
The circumferential sections of the second rotating body extend
radially different distances from the second axis. The first and
second rotating bodies divert the printed products into two
different streams at a diverting area between the first and second
axes. The diverter also includes a steeple positioned downstream of
the diverting area. The steeple includes a first guiding surface
for guiding signatures along a first of the two streams and a
second guiding surface for guiding signatures along a second of the
two streams. The second guiding surface is arranged and configured
as a first plane perpendicular to a second plane passing through
the first and second axes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The present invention is described below by reference to the
following drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 schematically shows a printing press in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2a shows a diverter in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2b shows a steeple of the diverter shown in FIG. 2a in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a
diverter body along a plane A-A shown in FIG. 2a;
[0018] FIGS. 4a to 4c illustrate how the diverter shown in FIG. 2a
operates to transport signatures into three streams during each
revolution of diverter bodies;
[0019] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view schematically showing the
diverter shown in FIG. 2a diverting signatures into three separate
streams; and
[0020] FIGS. 6a and 6b show the diverter shown in FIG. 2a
configured to divert signatures into two streams.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] FIG. 1 schematically shows a printing press 100 including a
plurality of printing units 10 printing images on a web 12, which
is passed into a folder 50. In folder 50, web 12 is cut into
signatures by a cutting apparatus 14, which may be folded by a
folding apparatus 20. The signatures are then delivered at high
speeds by transport tapes 40, 42 to a diverter 30, which diverts
the signatures into three separate streams.
[0022] FIG. 2a schematically shows a more detailed side view of
diverter 30. Diverter 30 includes rotating diverter bodies 32, 34
having respective surface lobes 36, 38 for diverting incoming
signatures into three separate paths (i.e., triverting). Signatures
are transported to rotating diverter bodies 32, 34 by continuous
opposing transport tapes 40, 42 along a signature input stream and
are output by diverter 30 in three output streams. Transport tapes
40, 42 are guided by respective rollers 70, 72 and tape guiding
portions 62 (FIG. 3) of respective diverter bodies 32, 34 so
transport tapes 40, 42 diverge from one another as transport tapes
40, 42 approach a diverting area 44 formed directly between
respective axes 32a, 34a of diverter bodies 32, 34. A steeple 46
forming three guiding paths or streams is located on the downstream
side of diverting area 44. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a,
steeple 46 is stationary. Steeple 46 may include a first guide
section 47 positioned adjacent diverter body 32 and a second guide
section 49 positioned adjacent diverter body 34, which together
define a slot 66 in steeple 46. Steeple 46 may be formed as two
distinct pieces, with guide sections 47, 49 being separate pieces,
or may be formed as a single piece, with guide sections 47, 49
being joined at outer edges thereof to define slot 66.
[0023] First guide section 47 includes a first outer guiding
surface 47a adjacent the outer surface of diverter body 32 that
guides signatures along a first diverting path between transport
tapes 40 and transport tapes 48. Transport tapes 48 are spaced
axially on and are guided by a guide roller 74, which may be driven
to move transport tapes 48. Second guide section 49 includes a
second outer guiding surface 49a adjacent the outer surface of
diverter body 34 that guides signatures along a second diverting
path between transport tapes 42 and transport tapes 52. Transport
tapes 52 are spaced axially on and are guided by a guide roller 76,
which may be driven to move transport tapes 52. Guide sections 47,
49 may have curved surfaces on sides thereof opposite diverting
area 44 that are shaped to receive respective guide rollers 74, 76
and respective tapes 48, 52 therein. Between guide sections 47, 49,
a third diverting path is delimited by slot 66 in steeple 46 formed
via interior surfaces 47b, 49b of guide sections 47, 49,
respectively. At least one of interior surfaces 47b, 49b guides
signatures along the third diverting path between transport tapes
54, 56. Transport tapes 54, 56 are spaced axially on and are guided
by respective guide rollers 78, 80, which may be driven to move
transport tapes 54, 56, respectively. Guide rollers 78, 80 may also
assist in guiding transport tapes 48, 52, respectively. Guide
surfaces 47a, 49a may be formed with slots therein which portions
of respective lobes 36, 38 (i.e., circumferential portions 36a, 36b
and circumferential portions 38a, 38b) pass through during the
rotation of rotating bodies 32, 34. The slots in guide surfaces
47a, 49a may be aligned with tape guiding portions 62 (FIG. 3) of
respective diverter bodies 32, 34.
[0024] Each guide 47, 49 section includes a respective triangularly
shaped nose 47c, 49c near diverting area 44 for diverting
signatures along the three diverting paths, such that guide
sections 47, 49 increase in height as they extend away from
diverting area 44. Guide surface 47a extends away from nose 47c and
tapers away from slot 66 so that nose 47c may contact signatures
near diverting area 44 and direct signatures along the first
diverting path. Guide surface 47a may extend in a straight path
away from nose 47c or may be concave and extend along a curved path
away from nose 47c. Guide surface 49a extends away from nose 49c
and tapers away from slot 66 so that nose 49c may contact
signatures near diverting area 44 and direct signatures along the
second diverting path. Guide surface 49a may extend in a straight
path away from nose 49c or may be concave and extend along a curved
path away from nose 49c. Slot 66 begins at noses 47c, 49c and
extend to the downstream edges of guide sections 47, 49 so one or
both of noses 47c, 49 may contact signatures and direct the
signatures along the third diverting path.
[0025] Lobes 36, 38 each include three portions that extend
radially different distances from the center axes 32a, 34a of
respective diverter bodies 32, 34 and thus have different radial
heights. With respect to diverter body 32, lobes 36 each include a
first circumferential portion 36a that extends radially a distance
D1 from center axis 32a, a second circumferential portion 36b that
extends radially a distance D2 from center axis 32a and a third
circumferential portion 36c that extends radially a distance D3
from center axis 32a. In this embodiment, first circumferential
portion 36a has the greatest radial height, second circumferential
portion 36b has the next greatest radial height and third
circumferential portion 36c has the smallest radial height (i.e.,
distance D1>distance D2>distance D3). Diverter body 34 is
configured in the same manner with three circumferential portions
38a, 38b, 38c of decreasing radial height.
[0026] Diverter bodies 32, 34 may be driven by a single motor via
gearing or belts, or each motor may be driven by a separate motor.
Rollers 74, 76, 78, 80 may be driven by the same motor as diverter
bodies 32, 34 via gearing or belts or may be driven by one or more
additional motors. A controller is preferably provided for
synchronizing the motor or motors of diverter 30 with motors
driving printing units 10 (FIG. 1) and motors driving components of
folder 50 and if, diverter 30 includes a plurality of motors,
synchronizing the motors of diverter 30 with each other. In another
embodiment, a single motor may drive all of printing units 10, all
the components of folder 50 and all the components of diverter
30.
[0027] FIG. 2b shows a perspective view of steeple 46 according to
an embodiment of the present invention. As discussed above, steeple
46 includes two guide sections 47, 49 defining a slot 66
therebetween. Guide surface 47a is formed of a plurality of
individual fingers or protrusions 47d that extend away from a base
portion 47e. As shown in FIG. 2b, protrusions 47d are triangular in
shape and are shaped such that guide surfaces 47a follow a concave
path away from nose portions 47f of protrusions 47d that form nose
47c (FIG. 2a). Protrusions 47d are axially spaced apart from one
another so as to define slots that lobes 36 may pass through during
the rotation of diverter body 32. Guide section 49 is configured in
the same manner as guide section 47 and is symmetrical to guide
section 47 with respect to slot 66. Accordingly, guide section 49
includes a plurality of individual fingers or protrusions 49d that
are triangular in shape and extend away from a base portion 49e.
Protrusions 49d are also shaped such that guide surfaces 49a follow
a concave path away from nose portions 49f of protrusions 49d that
form nose 49c (FIG. 2a). Protrusions 49d are axially spaced apart
from one another so as to define slots that lobes 38 may pass
through during the rotation of diverter body 34.
[0028] FIG. 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of
diverter body 32 along plane A-A shown in FIG. 2a. As shown in FIG.
3, first circumferential portion 36a is at the top of diverter body
36 and third circumferential portion 36c is at the bottom of
diverter body 32. Diverter body 32 is positioned on a shaft 60
rotatable about axis 32a. Lobes 36 extend over the circumference of
shaft 60 and are axially spaced from one another by tape guiding
portions 62. Tape guiding portions 62 include discs 62a on bearings
62b for supporting tapes such that transport tapes 40 may move on
other surfaces 62c of tape guiding portions 62 independent of the
rotations of shaft 60 and lobes 36.
[0029] FIGS. 4a to 4c illustrate how diverter 30 operates to divert
signatures delivered by transport tapes 40, 42 in one stream into
three separate streams during each revolution of diverter bodies
32, 34.
[0030] FIG. 4a shows diverting bodies 32, 34 cooperating to guide a
signature S along guide surface 47a of steeple 46 and transport
tape 40 and into the transport stream formed by cooperating
transport tapes 40, 48 that merge at roller 74 downstream of guide
section 47. Diverter bodies 32, 34 are phased with respect to one
another such that third circumferential portions 36c are aligned
with first circumferential portions 38a and pass by diverting area
44 at the same time. Circumferential portions 38a, passing through
slots formed in guide section 49, force signature S upward and in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 4a, circumferential portions 36c are
of a radial height that circumferential portions 36c do not contact
signature S. Instead, circumferential portions 36c are relieved
such that circumferential portions 36c allow transport tapes 40 to
grip signature S along with circumferential portions 38a and guide
signature forward along guide surface 47a. In alternative
embodiments, circumferential portions 36c may contact and guide
signature S.
[0031] FIG. 4b shows diverting bodies 32, 34 cooperating to guide a
signature S along guide surface 49a of steeple 46 and transport
tape 42 and into the transport stream formed by cooperating
transport tapes 42, 52 that merge at roller 76 downstream of guide
section 49. Diverter bodies 32, 34 are phased with respect to one
another such that first circumferential portions 36a are aligned
with third circumferential portions 38c and pass by diverting area
44 at the same time. Circumferential portions 36a, passing through
slots formed in guide section 47, force signature S downward and in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 4b, circumferential portions 38c are
of a radial height that circumferential portions 38c do not contact
signature S. Instead, circumferential portions 38c are relieved
such that circumferential portions 38c allow transport tapes 42 to
grip signature S along with circumferential portions 36a and guide
signature forward along guide surface 49a. In alternative
embodiments, circumferential portions 38c may contact and guide
signature S.
[0032] FIG. 4c shows diverting bodies 32, 34 cooperating to guide a
signature S between guide sections 47, 49 of steeple 46 and into
cooperating transport tapes 54, 56. Diverter bodies 32, 34 are
phased with respect to one another such that second circumferential
portions 36b, 38b are aligned with one another and pass by
diverting area 44 at the same time. Circumferential portions 38b
contact signature S and guide signature S along guide surface 49b.
Signature S may be also guided by guide surface 47b, although in
some embodiments, only guide surface 49b may guide signature S. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 4c, circumferential portions 36b may
also contact signature S to prevent signature S from following the
path of guide surface 49a so signature S moves forward into slot 66
between guide sections 47, 49. In this embodiment, transport tapes
40, 42 and transport tapes 54, 56 are spaced apart from one another
and the length of steeple 46 and the positions of rollers 78, 80
are preferably selected such that transport tapes 54, 56 come into
contact with a lead edge of signature S before a trail edge of
signature S is released by transport tapes 54, 56. In other
embodiments, circumferential portions 36b may also contact
signature S so that circumferential portions 36b, 38b grip
signature S and move signature S forward into slot 66 between guide
sections 47, 49. In embodiments where circumferential portions 36b,
38b grip signature S, the length of steeple 46 and the positions of
rollers 78, 80 are preferably selected such that transport tapes
54, 56 come into contact with a lead edge of signature S before a
trail edge of signature S is released by circumferential portions
36b, 38b. In alternative embodiments, additional transport tapes
may be provided along guide surfaces 47b, 49b to assist in the
movement of signature S from diverting area 44 to transport tapes
54, 56 and circumferential portions 36b, 38b may not grip signature
S.
[0033] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view schematically showing one of
each lobes 36, 38 operating with steeple 46 to divert signatures A,
B and C into three separate streams. Other elements of diverter 30
have been omitted for clarity. Lobes 36, 38 are phased for second
circumferential portion 36b and second circumferential portion 38b
to direct signature A into slot 66 between first and second guide
sections 47, 49 of steeple 46 (as shown in FIG. 4c), for third
circumferential portion 36c and first circumferential portion 38a
to direct signature B along the first guide surface 47a (as shown
in FIG. 4a) of first guide section 47 and for first circumferential
portion 36a and third circumferential portion 38c to direct
signature C along the first guide surface 49a (as shown in FIG. 4b)
of second guide section 49.
[0034] FIGS. 6a and 6b show diverter 30 configured to divert
signatures into two streams. In comparison to FIG. 2a, lobes 36, 38
have been removed from diverter bodies 32, 34 and replaced with
lobes 136, 138. Also, guide section 47 of steeple 46 may be removed
so only guide section 49 remains. Transport tapes 40 may also be
removed and replaced with transport tapes 140 that extend parallel
to guide surface 49b of guide section 49 and may be guided by a
guide roller 178. Transport tapes 48, 54 and respective guide
rollers 74, 78 may also be removed, while transport tapes 42, 52,
56 and respective guide rollers 72, 76, 80 may be left in
place.
[0035] Lobes 136, 138 each include two portions that extend
radially different distances from the center axes 32a, 34a of
respective diverter bodies 32, 34. With respect to diverter body
32, lobes 136 each include a first circumferential portion 136a
that extends radially a distance D4 from center axis 32a and a
second circumferential portion 136b that extends radially a
distance D5 from center axis 32a. In this embodiment, first
circumferential portion 136a has a greater radial height than
second circumferential portion 136b (i.e., distance D4>distance
D5). With respect to diverter body 34, lobes 138 each include a
first circumferential portion 138a that extends radially a distance
D6 from center axis 34a and a second circumferential portion 138b
that extends radially a distance D7 from center axis 34a. In this
embodiment, first circumferential portion 138a has a greater radial
height than second circumferential portion 138b (i.e., distance
D6>distance D7). However, in contrast to the similar arrangement
of the radial heights of circumferential portions 36a, 36b, 36c and
circumferential portions 38a, 38b, 38c, respectively, shown in FIG.
2a, first circumferential portions 136a are not necessarily of the
same radial height as first circumferential portions 138a and
second circumferential portions 136b are not necessarily of the
same radial height as second circumferential portions 138b. First
radial portions 136a are preferably the same radial height as first
radial portions 36a, 38a in FIG. 2a (i.e., distance D4=distance
D1), but first radial portions 138a are preferably the same radial
height as second radial portions 36b, 38b in FIG. 2a (i.e.,
distance D5=distance D2). Also the radial height of second radial
portions 136b is preferably less than or equal to the radial height
of second radial portions 36b, 38b in FIG. 2a (i.e., distance
D6.ltoreq.distance D2) and the radial height of second radial
portions 138 is preferably less than or equal to the radial height
of third radial portions 36c, 38c in FIG. 2a (i.e., distance
D7.ltoreq.distance D3). Accordingly, lobes 136, 138 are configured
to direct signatures downward along guide surface 49a of guide
section 49 and parallel along guide surface 49b of guide
section.
[0036] FIG. 6a shows lobes 136, 138 cooperating to guide a
signature S into a first stream along guide surface 49a of steeple
46 and in between transport tapes 42, 52 as transport tapes 42, 52
merge at guide roller 76. Lobes 136, 138 are phased with respect to
one another such that first circumferential portions 136a are
aligned with second circumferential portions 138b and pass by
diverting area 44 at the same time. Circumferential portions 136a
force signature S downward and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6a,
circumferential portions 138b are of a radial height that
circumferential portions 138b do not contact signature S. Instead,
circumferential portions 138b are relieved such that
circumferential portions 138b allow transport tapes 42 to grip
signature S along with circumferential portions 136a and guide
signature forward along guide surface 49a. In alternative
embodiments, circumferential portions 138b may contact and guide
signature S.
[0037] FIG. 6b shows lobes 136, 138 cooperating to guide a
signature S in a second stream along guide surface 49b of steeple
46 and in between transport tapes 140, 56 as transport tapes 140,
56 merge at guide roller 80. Lobes 136, 138 are phased with respect
to one another such that second circumferential portions 136b are
aligned with first circumferential portions 138a and pass by
diverting area 44 at the same time. Circumferential portions 138a
contact signature S and guide signature S along guide surface 49b,
which is arranged and configured as a plane that is perpendicular
to a plane passing through axes 32a, 32b. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 6b, circumferential portions 136b are of a radial height
that circumferential portions 136b do not contact signature S.
Instead, circumferential portions 136b are relieved such that
circumferential portions 136b allow transport tapes 140 to grip
signature S along with circumferential portions 138a and guide
signature forward along guide surface 49a. In an alternative
embodiment, circumferential portions 136b also contact signature S
so that circumferential portions 136b, 138a grip signature S and
move signature S forward along guide surface 49b.
[0038] In the preceding specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments and
examples thereof. It will, however, be evident that various
modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing
from the broader spirit and scope of invention as set forth in the
claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly
to be regarded in an illustrative manner rather than a restrictive
sense.
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