Method for inverting a folded collation

A method for half folding a collation of at least one sheet in a folding station having a folding roller assembly, a first fold plate assembly and a second fold plate assembly downstream of the folding roller assembly and the first fold plate assembly, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a stop member in the second fold plate assembly movable at least between a distal position away from the folding roller assembly and a proximal in proximity to the folding roller assembly;
• providing a control system coupled to the stop member in the second fold plate assembly and operative to move the stop member between its distal and proximal positions;
• providing a sensing element in the second fold plate assembly and in communication with the control system;
• conveying the collation to the first fold plate assembly such that a leading edge portion of the collation is disposed in the first fold plate assembly and a mid-point portion of the collation is in engagement with the folding roller assembly;
• conveying the collation through the folding roller assembly to the second fold plate assembly such that the mid-point portion of the collation is caused to be folded in the folding roller assembly, which folded portion is conveyed to, and abuts against the stop member in the second fold plate assembly;
• and
• sensing entry of the collation in the second fold plate assembly with the sensing element so as to affect the stop member to move from the distal position to the proximal position with a signal from the control system so as to cause the collation to convey out of the second fold plate assembly and folding station.