Paper hold-down device for collector

In a sheet collecting and stacking apparatus having support means for collecting a plurality of sheets in stacked relation, an entrance at one side of said support means, and feeding means for feeding sheets through said entrance and into superimposed relation with previous sheets stacked on said support means, said feeding means being mounted for movement from a first position out of alignment with said entrance to a second position aligned with said entrance when a sheet is to be fed therethrough, an improved sheet hold-down device for holding the trailing edge of the sheets of the stack down at said entrance to prevent obstruction thereof and permit feeding of the next sheet therethrough and into said superimposed relation with said stack, said hold-down device comprising:

• a. a sheet hold-down arm;
• b. support means for supporting the hold-down arm for movement between a first standby position spaced from the trailing edge of the stack and a second operative position disposed in overlying relation with the trailing edge of the stack and in underlying relation to the path of feeding of the next sheet onto said stack;
• and
• c. actuator means for effecting movement of the hold-down arm between said first and second positions, said actuaor means including:
• 1. a first part operatively connected to said hold-down arm, and
• 2. a second part opertively connected to said feeding means for movement therewih, said first part being disposed in the path of movement of the second part for contact thereby as said feeding means moves into its second position aligned with said entrance to actuate said hold-down arm and cause movement thereof from said first position to said second position.