Apparatus for diverting groups of paper sheets or the like to processing machine

Apparatus for intermittently delivering sheets to a plurality of consuming machines including a first machine and a second machine, comprising transporting means defining a predetermined path for advancement of successive sheets, particularly a series of groups of sheets, said transporting means including a preceding, a next-following, a third and a fourth sheet advancing section each having a sheet-discharging end, said third and fourth sections being respectively located downstream of said next-following section and said third section and said second machine being located downstream of said first machine, as considered in the direction of advancement of sheets along said path;

• a first switch provided at the discharging end of said next-following section;
• means for moving said switch between a first position in which said switch diverts sheets from said path into said consuming machine and a second position in which said switch guides sheets from said next-following section into said third section;
• means for temporary storage of sheets adjacent to said first consuming machine;
• a second switch disposed between said preceding and next-following sections;
• means for moving said second switch betweeen a first position in which said second switch guides sheets from said preceding section into said next-following section and a second position in which said second switch diverts sheets leaving said preceding section into said storage means;
• a third switch at the discharging end of said fourth section;
• means for moving said third switch to and from a position in which said third switch diverts sheets from said path into said second consuming machine;
• second means for temporary storage of sheets adjacent to said second machine;
• a fourth switch between said third and fourth sections;
• and means for moving said fourth switch between first and second positions in which said fourth switch respectively guides sheets from said third into said fourth section and directs sheets into said second storage means.

Apparatus for intermittently delivering sheets to at least one consuming machine, comprising transporting means defining a predetermined path for advancement of successive sheets, particularly a series of groups of sheets, said transporting means including a preceding and a next-following sheet advancing section each having a sheet-discharging end;

• a first switch provided at the discharging end of said next-following section;
• means for moving said switch to and from a position in which said switch diverts sheets from said path into said consuming machine;
• means for temporary storage of sheets adjacent to said consuming machine;
• a second switch disposed between said preceding and next-following sections;
• means for moving said second switch between a first position in which said second switch guides sheets from said preceding section into said next-following section and a second position in which said second switch diverts sheets leaving said preceding section into said storage means;
• means for receiving the surplus of sheets from said path;
• an additional switch provided in said transporting means ahead of said preceding section, as considered in the direction of movement of sheets along said path;
• and means for moving said additional switch between first and second positions in which said additional switch respectively guides sheets toward said preceding station and diverts sheets into said receiving means.