Automatic system for the formation and distribution of layers of groups of sheets

A machine for the formation and distribution of layers of groups of sheets, characterized in that it comprises a preparatory unit, formed by two horizontal planes placed at the same level, one after the other in longitudinal direction with respect to the machine and each of which comprises motor driven conveyor means, the motor driven means of the first one of said planes being able to be made to rotate in both directions in order to cause the groups of sheets to advance towards or move away from the second plane, said groups of sheets arriving on said first plane from a group of sheets production or formation machine, placed upstream, while the motor driven means of said second plane may be caused to rotate only in the direction which moves away from the first plane the groups of sheets which the second plane receives from the first, electric sensor control means being provided to start moving the motor driven means of the second plane only when a group of sheets is reaching it and to stop them when the group of sheets has passed completely over the second plane, said preparatory unit further comprising a stopping member, movable vertically over said second plane between a lowered position which stops the groups of sheets arriving on said second plane in order to be formed into a layer, and a raised position which allows feeding, downstream of said second plane, of the formed layer, said stopping member further being capable of sliding along fixed guides of the second plane and capable of being fastened at a distance from the separation area between the first and second planes, such to allow feeding to said second plane, of the desired number of groups of sheets for the layer to be formed, said control means further controlling the vertical movement of said stopping member as well as starting of the motor driven means of the first plane in the direction which moves the group of sheets away from the second plane as soon as the formation of the layer on said second plane has ended.