Processing a stream of imbricated printed products into successive stacks

A system for stacking products, wherein each product comprises at least one connected edge, comprising:

• a plurality of identical product stacking bins wherein each stacking bin includes product size adjustment means;
• means for receiving a plurality of overlapping products in a stream from a product source;
• means for periodically gapping the stream so as to create a plurality of stacker streams, each stacker stream comprising a plurality of overlapping products;
• means for periodically diverting one of the stacker streams to one of the stacking bins, the diverting means comprising a wedge connected to an actuating means coplanar to the receiving means;
• and
• a control processor for providing control signals to the gapping means and the diverting means.

In a system having a gapper, and a plurality of substantially identical adjustable stacking bins and diverters, wherein each diverter comprises a wedge and an actuating device, a method of forming a plurality of product stacks from an imbricated product stream, wherein each product comprises at least one connected edge, the method comprising the steps of:

• adjusting the size of the stacking bins according to the size of he product;
• accumulating products from the product stream in a first one of the stacking bins, thereby forming a first stack;
• activating a first one of the diverters at a first predetermined point in the product stream;
• translating linear motion of the first diverter activating device to rotational motion of the wedge;
• conveying a portion of the product stream downstream of the first activated diverter, said portion comprising imbricated products,
• accumulating products from the product stream portion in a second one of the stacking bins, thereby forming a second stack;
• actuating the gapper to gap the product stream at a second predetermined point in the product stream;
• activating a second one of the diverters at a third predetermined point in the product stream;
• translating linear motion of the second diverter activating device to rotational motion of the wedge;
• conveying a portion of the product stream downstream of the second activated diverter;
• and
• accumulating products from the product stream in a third one of the stacking bins, thereby forming a third stack.