Method for sorting form stacks in storage systems and a device for carrying out the method

Method for sorting form stacks in a storage system and removing the form stacks from the storage system, a web (1) of forms ready for printing being fed through a printer (3), preferably a high-speed printer in which the form web (1) is printed, the forms (2) obtained being stacked to provide form stacks (8), each form stack (8) being provided with a marking for identification thereof, each form stack (8) being continuously fed to the storage system (11) for sorting and storage therein at the same or substantially the same speed as they are obtained, characterized by

• identifying each form stack (8) with regard to the identity received during manufacture thereof;
• storing the information received regarding the identity of the form stack (8);
• comparing the information received regarding the identity of the form stack (8) with stored information regarding the identities of one or more form stacks (8) sorted in the storage system (11);
• sorting form stacks (8) with a certain identity in such compartments in the storage system (11) containing a form stack or form stacks (8) with the same identity if, during the identity comparison, it is determined that there is/are one or more form stacks (8) with the same identity in a certain compartment in the storage system (1);
• sorting form stacks (8) with a certain identity in a free compartment in the storage system (11) if, during the identity comparison, it is determined that there is/are not one or more form stacks (8) with the same identity in the storage system;
• and
• removing stored identity information when a form stack or form stacks (8) with this stored identity information is/are removed from the storage system (11).

Device for sorting form stacks in a storage system and removing the form stacks from the storage system, a printer (3) being provided for printing a continuous web (1) of forms, the forms being stacked into form stacks (8) in a device (7) adapted therefor, the form stacks (8) being transported continuously to the storage system (11) for continuous sorting into compartments (14 and/or 15) therein, the storage system (11) being provided in a cabinet (16) in which the compartments (14 and/or 15) are arranged, characterized in that

• a transport device (46) is provided to continuously transport the form stacks (8) into the cabinet (16);
• a movable sorting device (20) is mounted in the cabinet (16) for receiving form stacks (8) from the transport device (46) and continuously sort the form stacks (8) in the compartments (14 and/or 15);
• the cabinet (16) can be closed such that form stacks (8) stored therein are inaccessible to unauthorized removal from the cabinet (16);
• and
• the form stacks (8) are removable from the cabinet (16) only by means of a code and/or key provided therefor.