Fanfold sheet feeder having stack positioner

Abstract

Apparatus for feeding stacks of fanfold sheets is comprised of a belt conveyor, a positioner, and a splicer. The conveyor feeds stacks deposited thereon by the positioner toward the discharge end. The postioner is comprised of a U-shape bin which receives fanfold stacks and then turns them over and deposits them at a desired position along the length of the conveyor belt. In one embodiment, the stacks are lifted from the floor level. In another, the positioner translates along the base of the conveyor and includes a mechanism which automatically locks the positioner in place during loading. A splicer is positioned over the belt. Header and footer ends of adjacent stacks are run to the splicer where they are precisely clamped and then adhesively joined together, on the top side or underside, as desired. The conveyor has a sensor and drive system which automatically advances stacks toward the discharge end and signals the operator when there is a need to reload. The conveyor belt is powered by a timing belt drive system where the timing belt runs around the conveyor belt roller, to both frictionally engage the conveyor belt and cause it to crown up.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.