System for multi-stage serpentine-shaped buffer with first turn around area after first plurality of stages and second turn area after second plurality of stages

A method of selectively delaying documents in a document-processing machine, comprising:

• receiving said documents in a serpentine-shaped multi-stage buffer;
• transporting said documents through a first plurality of stages on a first level;
• selectively actuating a first plurality of stop gates, respectively positioned at said first plurality of stages, so as to selectively pause, or not pause, each of said documents at each of said first plurality of stages;
• transporting said documents through a turn-around, whereby the direction in which said documents travel is substantially reversed;
• transporting said documents through a second plurality of stages on a second level;
• and,
• selectively actuating a second plurality of stop gates, respectively positioned at said second plurality of stages, so as to selectively pause, or not pause, each of said documents at each of said second plurality of stages.

A multi-stage buffer for selectively delaying documents in a document-processing machine, comprising:

• a plurality of stages at which documents can be selectively paused;
• a plurality of stop gate means respectively associated with said plurality of stages, each of said stop gate means comprising:
• at least one gate finger means against which a leading edge of at least one of said documents is registered;
• and,
• document-deceleration ramp means upstream from said gate finger means for engaging and decelerating said at least one document prior to registration of said leading edge against said gate finger means.

A multi-stage, serpentine-shaped buffer comprising:

• an entry area for receiving documents;
• a first level comprising a first plurality of document stages;
• a first turn-around for substantially reversing the direction of document travel following said first plurality of stages;
• a second level vertically adjacent to said first level, said second level comprising a second plurality of document stages;
• a second turn-around for substantially reversing the direction of document travel;
• a third level vertically adjacent to said second level;
• and,
• an exit area for discharging documents for downstream processing.