Apparatus for transforming a stream of overlapping paper sheets into a staple of sheets

US4172531A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Grapha-Holding AG · CH

Inventor

• Hans Muller · Sandhausen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 17, 1976
• Grant date: Oct 30, 1979
• Expiry date: Dec 17, 1996

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2404/311
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Apparatus for conversion of a stream of partly overlapping sheets into a row of fully overlapping sheets has a first conveyor which transports a growing row of sheets at right angles to the planes of sheets, and a composite second conveyor which defines a downwardly extending path wherein successive sheets of the stream descend onto the first conveyor to accumulate between spaced-apart distancing elements of the first conveyor. The advancement of successive sheets all the way onto the first conveyor is assisted and promoted by oscillating fingers which engage the oncoming sheets immediately above the first conveyor and intermittently push such sheet in the direction of forward movement of the growing row to provide room for the oncoming sheet. A fully assembled row is lifted by a carriage and its outermost sheets, or suitable rigid panels which are inserted at the outer sides of the outermost sheets, are engaged by the jaws of a trolley which transports the row to a further processing station in a bookbinding machine. The panels can be inserted by hand or automatically; in the latter instance, the distancing elements are slotted and cooperate with slotted displacing members which e…