Method and apparatus for folding, stacking and separating continuous forms in a moving web

Apparatus for folding, stacking and separating continuous forms in a moving web, said continuous forms web being prefabricated with regard to width (B), margin line holes (5) and transverse perforations (6) intended for zigzag folding of the web (1) to form it into a stack (35) after it has been provided with print in a printer (2) having a supply of series of preferably personalized forms, wherein each series includes an initial form marked with an address and optionally with a separation mark (11), characterized by the fact that it comprises a first system (8) including feed means for the web (i) which in cooperation with the line holes (5) advance the web in controlled register, and means for cutting the web (1) on electronic command from a sensor (10) which reacts one of the separation mark (11) and an electronic command from the printer (2), and a second system comprising a driven feed device (12-14) for advancing the web (1) and a swinging waddling device (21), said web passing through said waddling device and being formed during the swinging movements thereof into a zigzag folded stack, further means for squeezing and holding down the folded stack (35) and a staking table (29) on which the stack is built up all the means for feeding, folding, stacking and cutting the web being electronically controlled by a computer which usually also cooperates with a printer (2), as a rule directly connected to the apparatus, to produce corresponding start and stop signals,

• setting means being arranged for a setting position for form format in conjunction with the bearings for the squeezing blades (37), the hold-down hooks (46) and fixation points for the lateral guides (58, 59) and the fold guides (60, 61), said setting means being directed to fixed and predetermined positions via electronic signals through pushbutton functions from a control panel common to the entire apparatus.

Apparatus for folding, stacking and separating continuous forms in a running web, said continuous forms being prefabricated with regard to width (B), margin line holes (5) and transverse perforations (6) intended for zigzag folding of the web (1) to form it into a stack (35) after it has been provided with print in a printer (2) having a supply of series of preferably personalized forms, wherein each series includes an initial form marked with an address and optionally with a separation mark (11), characterized by the fact that it comprises a first system (8) having feed means for the web (1) which in conjunction with the line holes (5) advance the web in controlled register, and means for cutting the web (1) on electronic command from a sensor (1) which reacts to the separation mark (11), or, alternatively, on signals from the printer (2), and a second system comprising a driven feed device (12-14) for advancing the web (1), and a swinging waddling device (21), said web passing through the waddling device and being formed during the swinging movements thereof into a zigzag folded stack, further means for squeezing and holding down the folded stack (35), and a stacking table (29) on which the stack is built up, all of said means for feeding, folding, stacking and cutting the web being electronically controlled by a computer which usually also cooperates with a printer (2), as a rule directly connected to the apparatus, to produce corresponding start and stop signals;

• and after a lower cutoff web portion (63) proceeds to a squeezing position (63) said waddling device (21) occupies a position (21) in which it keeps an upper cutoff web portion (64) with a printed area (a') directed upwardly and is controlled to swing to a position 21') in which it keeps the upper cutoff web portion (64) with the printed area (a') directed downwardly, whereby the web (1) is turned so that the printed area (a') of the first page in the stack (35) faces outwardly.