Patent ID: 7862039
Filing Date: 2011-01-04
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A machine, comprising: an elongate conveyor system for transporting items to a hopper; a pivotally-mounted friction belt positioned with respect to said hopper such that an item in said hopper is substantially fully engaged along its length when said pivotally-mounted friction belt is in a fully unpivoted position and such that an item in said hopper is engaged only at a leading end thereof when said pivotally-mounted friction belt is in a fully pivoted position; a printing and drying station where ink is applied to said items and dried; an elongate discharge apparatus; said elongate discharge apparatus including a plurality of longitudinally-spaced apart deflectors for diverting preselected items from a first path of travel to a second path of travel; said elongate discharge apparatus including a plurality of bins, there being as many bins as there are deflectors; said elongate conveyor system and said elongate discharge apparatus being disposed in parallel relation to one another; said printing and drying station being disposed in interconnecting relation to said elongate conveyor system and said elongate discharge apparatus; a first end of said printing and drying station being positioned at a discharge end of said elongate conveyor system; a second end of said printing and drying station being positioned at an input end of said elongate discharge apparatus; said elongate conveyor system, said printing and drying station, and said elongate discharge system collectively forming a square “U”-shaped configuration; whereby an operator of said machine has unimpeded access to said elongate conveyor system, said printing and drying station, and said elongate discharge apparatus.