Method and apparatus for feeding inserts selectively

Abstract

Apparatus is provided to feed selected inserts from a plurality of secondary feed stations onto a conveyor device in accordance with the requirements indicated on a primary insert. The primary insert is removed from a stack at a primary insert feed station by a suitable knife type card feeder and is transferred from the stack to a reading station. A reading device such as photoelectric cells or fluidic sensors read the indicia on the primary insert to determine what other inserts are to be included from secondary insert feed stations with the primary insert as the primary insert is inserted into an envelope or the like. Signals are simultaneously transmitted from the reading device through suitable circuitry to control devices for suckers or suction devices associated with each secondary insert feed station. The primary insert is then conveyed by a collating belt or chain that passes beneath the secondary insert feed stations to a discharge station. The secondary insert feed stations each include a stack of preselected secondary inserts and insert removal devices. The signals from the reading device control valve means associated with the suckers at each secondary feed station so that negative pressure is present at the sucker or suction device only when the reading device determines that a particular secondary insert is to be combined with the primary insert. Oscillating rolls at the secondary feed stations engage the inserts displaced by the suckers and transfer the inserts to a conveyor belt. The secondary inserts at the respective feed stations are conveyed in overlapped relation on the conveyor belts to pull-out segments adjacent the collating belt. The collating belt and secondary conveyor belts from the secondary insert feed stations are driven in timed relation and coordinated so that the particular secondary inserts from the secondary insert feed stations are deposited in overlying relation with the primary insert that provided the signals for feeding the particular secondary inserts.