Apparatus and method for separating multiple webs of documents having the capability for orderly shut-down and re-start of operation

A system for orderly shut-down and restart of a multi-web inserter system of the type wherein control information is imprinted on the sprocket strips of control forms included in a first web, said control information is scanned and said sprocket strips removed from said web prior to separation of said web into discrete forms, comprising:

• (a) first web module means for;
• receiving said first web;
• scanning said sprocket strips for said control information;
• removing said sprocket strips;
• storing and retransmitting said control information to supervisory control means for the control of said inserter means in accordance with said control information;
• separating said web into said discrete forms;
• forming accumulations of said forms;
• feeding said accumulations for further operations by said system;
• (b) a second web module means for receiving a second web;
• separating said second web into second discrete forms;
• forming second accumulations of said second discrete forms,
• feeding said second accumulations synchronously with said first accumulations for further operations by said system;
• (c) supervisory control means, including non-volatile memory means, for receiving said retransmitted control information and generating signals for control of said inserter system in accordance therewith;
• said supervisory control means being responsive to a shut-down signal to complete operations in accordance with said retransmitted control information associated with control forms which have been separated from said first web;
• receive from said first web module means said control information associated with unseparated control forms from which said sprocket strips have been removed;
• store said information associated with said unseparated control forms in said non-volatile memory;
• halt operation of said system;
• and,
• said supervisory control means being further responsive to a restart signal to read said stored information from said non-volatile memory and restart operations in accordance with said stored information.