US 4,396,334 A · Sheet stacking apparatus

Abstract

A stack (S) of sheets is formed on a downwardly moving platform (4), the stack being divided into portions (P) each consisting of a predetermined number of sheets. As each alternate portion is completed, that portion is gripped between two plates (5, 20) and moved horizontally so that it is offset relative to the portion next below it. A completed stack containing the required number of portions is separated from the rest of the stack by inserting a divider (40) at the desired position. The platform (4) is then moved to remove those portions below the divider and, at the same time, an auxiliary support (41) moves beneath the divider (40) to support the stack above. The completed stack is removed from the platform (4) which is then raised level with the support (41). The divider (40), support (41) and platform (4) move together so that the stack is again supported on the platform (4).

Claims8

Dependent claims

Apparatus for forming a stack from a succession of sheets with alternate portions of the stack being offset by a uniform amount comprising support means on which a stack is to be formed, means for feeding sheets in succession onto said support means, stop means for arresting lengthwise motion of sheets while sheets are fed onto said support means, gripping means for gripping only a portion of said stack, said gripping means including first and second independent gripper plate means each being movable downwardly with a stack, first means for moving at least one of said gripping plate means to offset a gripped portion of a stack relative to the next adjacent portion of a stack, second means for moving said support means downwards as the stack grows so as to keep the top of the stack at a constant level, and third means for separately moving each gripper plate means vertically upwards.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Sheet stacking apparatus

Life of this patent

Sheet stacking apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims8