Transport system

Abstract

A method for controlling a variable speed transport system for moving a plurality of documentary items at a predetermined speed, acceleration and deceleration the method comprising: determining a mass of each pack of documents; using the determined mass to determine a maximum speed, acceleration and deceleration; and adjusting the predetermined speed acceleration and deceleration in dependence upon the determined maximum speed, acceleration and deceleration.

1 . A method for controlling a variable speed transport system in a paper handling apparatus for moving a plurality of packs of document items, the method comprising:
 determining a mass of each item;   using the determined mass to derive a maximum speed of transport for each item; and   adjusting the speed of transport in dependence upon the determined maximum speed   wherein the mass of each item is determined from a setting of a separator module in the paper handling apparatus.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  further comprising using the determined mass of each item to derive a maximum acceleration rate for each item and adjusting the acceleration rate of an item in dependence upon the determined maximum acceleration rate. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1  further comprising using the determined mass of each item to derive a maximum deceleration rate for each item and adjusting the deceleration rate of an item in dependence upon the determined maximum deceleration rate. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the separator module setting is determined by weighing each pack. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the separator module setting is determined by weighing each document. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the separator module setting is determined by manual input of the mass of each of the items. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the separator module setting is determined by manual input of the dimensions of the item. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the separator module setting is determined by manual input of parameters identifying the type of document in the item. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the derivation of the maximum speed of transport of each item is dependent upon document tracking information from sensors. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein the derivation of the maximum acceleration rate of each item is dependent upon document tracking information from sensors. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 3  wherein the derivation of the maximum deceleration rate of each item is dependent upon document tracking information from sensors. 
     
     
         12 . A variable speed transport system for moving a plurality of document items in a paper handling apparatus, the system comprising:
 a module for determining a mass of a document item from a setting of a separator module in a paper handling apparatus;   a module for using the determined mass to derive a maximum speed for that item of transport; and   a module for adjusting the speed of transport of that item in dependence upon the derived maximum speed.   
     
     
         13 . A transport system according to  claim 12  further comprising:
 a module for using the determined mass of an item being transported to derive a maximum acceleration rate for that item; and 
 a module for adjusting the acceleration rate of that item in dependence upon the derived maximum acceleration rate. 
 
     
     
         14 . A transport system according to  claim 13  further comprising a module for using the determined mass of an item to derive a maximum deceleration rate for that item and a module for adjusting the deceleration rate of that item in dependence upon the derived maximum deceleration rate. 
     
     
         15 . A transport system according to  claim 13  further comprising sensors for obtaining document tracking information from at least one item being transported. 
     
     
         16 . A document handling apparatus comprising a transport system according to  claim 13 , the apparatus further comprising:
 a hopper for storing documentary items to be transported;   a separator module for taking items individually out of the hopper;   a control for adjusting a setting of the separator module; and   a module for determining the mass of the item in the hopper from the setting of the separator module.