Vacuum drum document handling system for an insertion device

摘要

In accordance with the present invention a vacuum and belt document handling system comprises first structure for transporting individual documents along a document path in a first direction, second structure downstream from the first structure for transporting the individual documents in a second direction along the document path, and a vacuum drum having a peripheral section located between the first and second structure. The vacuum drum includes a plurality of non-rotating sections having stationary vacuum ports at the peripheral section and further includes a plurality of pulleys, each of which support an upper reach of an endless belt at the peripheral section of the vacuum drum between the first and second structure. The system further comprises a plenum shaft to which the non-rotating section of the vacuum drum is fixedly secured and the pulleys are rotatably secured. The plenum shaft is connected to a vacuum source and the stationary vacuum ports are connected to holes in the plenum shaft. The plenum shaft includes a valve assembly for valving the vacuum on and off.