Christopher B Clark

US Patent:

7740553, Jun 22, 2010

Filed:

May 6, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/123617

Inventors:

James A. Salomon - Cheshire CT, US
Donald Surprise - Waterbury CT, US
Christopher D. Clark - Lempster NH, US

Assignee:

Pitney Bowes Inc. - Stamford CT

International Classification:

B65H 1/00
F16H 7/08

US Classification:

474111, 271171

Abstract:

A method and mechanism are provided for controlling the movement of a belt. The arrangement may have a moveable member is coupled to an adjustable member. The members are coupled such that when the moveable member is moved in a first direction the adjustable member is move in a first direction and when the moveable member is moved in a second direction the adjustable member is moved in a second direction. A belt is coupled to the movable member. Movement of the belt in a first direction moves the moveable member in the first direction and movement of said belt in a second direction moves the moveable member in the second direction. A belt tensioner mechanism is connected to the belt so that when the belt moves in the first direction a biasing force is created that drives said belt to move a controlled amount in the second direction when movement of the belt in the first direction is stopped. The arrangement may be employed with a materials feed tray. Side guides for the tray are automatically set correctly for proper feeding from the tray without jamming, skew or off set of the materials.