Method of operating a folder

Abstract

A method of operating a folder comprising a plurality of sequentially arranged folding units. At least one folding unit is provided with a sheet detector arranged upstream of a sheet abutment and at least one lateral guide. Apart from automatic and single stroke modes of operation, a further mode of operation for the set-up or "make-ready" of the folder is provided, in which (1) the drive of the folder is run at a reduced speed within a predetermined speed range, for example, 50-60 m/min.; (2) upon detecting a supplied sheet, the sheet detector supplies a switch "off" signal to the drive so that the sheet movement is retarded short of the guide of the respective folder unit and comes to rest; (3) the sheet is then moved at a further-reduced speed toward the sheet abutment of the respective folder unit; and (4) in a phase between a stationary state of the sheet until the sheet arrives at the sheet abutment, the guide is set to suit the size and folding shape requirements of the supplied sheet.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.