Am International Incorporated

Daniel A Tucker

Andrew D Bruce

The present provides a new and improved apparatus for verifying the operation of a signature hopper of a collator. The hopper includes a rotary drum for transporting a signature from a storage bin to a feed location on a raceway having a moving conveyor. Two reflectors are secured to the drum. A first, miss reflector, is located so as to be covered by a signature during a normal feed operation. A second, miss verify reflector, is located so as not to be covered by a signature during a normal feed operation. An optical sensor directs a beam of light toward the drum and monitors for light reflected by the reflectors. A controller determines when the sensor should receive a reflected beam from the miss verify reflector. A warning signal is generated if no light is reflected from the miss verify reflector when it is expected.

Method and apparatus for controlling a collator

Apparatus for sensing a double thickness of a sheet-like product being conveyed past the apparatus by a feed device comprises a roll positionable adjacent the feed device. The roll has a perimeter partially defining a gap in the path of movement of the product. A support structure supports the roll for rotation relative thereto and for movement away from the path. A sensor senses movement of said roll away from said path. A caliper member is supported adjacent to the support structure. The support structure is mounted for adjustment to a position in which the gap has a width which is greater than the thickness of the product and less than the thickness of two products in response to positioning the product between the support structure and the caliper member. An adjustable member is movable to hold the support structure in the position to which it is move in response to positioning of the product between the support structure and the caliper member.

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Plattsburgh, NY, United States of America

Daniel A Tucker