Abstract: A method and an apparatus are for forming open-edge V-shaped notches (32) in a binding margin (42) of large-format sheets (11) such as shop drawings or construction plans for example, so that after the sheets have been folded the notches (32) are aligned in registration with binding holes (46) also provided in the binding margin. A cutting and crosswise folding table (20) is provided at the top of a folding machine, and stamping tools (22) are provided at an edge of the table. The large-format sheets are continuously, sequentially output from a device such as a plotter, and fed to the folding machine, where the sheets are folded lengthwise and transported onto the table (20). There, the notches are cut in the binding margin by the stamping tools. The binding holes may be simultaneously formed. Thereafter, a crosswise folding beam (65) folds the sheet in a crosswise direction.

Abstract: In order to select certain sheet sizes or formats for a rotation by 90.degree. in the plane of the sheet, sensors are provided which sense the presence of a sheet on a supply and turning table. The sensors provide a respective signal for the control of a sheet turning mechanism. After turning the sheets are fed in the proper positional orientation to further processing, for example, in a folding apparatus. The turning mechanism also performs a sheet lifting and lowering operation. The sheet transport out of the turning mechanism is performed at a speed higher than the speed of the sheets travelling into or onto the turning mechanism to provide the time necessary for the sheet turning operation which takes place in three steps: sheet lifting, sheet turning, and sheet lowering in response to a control signal from the sensors which determine what sheet format needs to be reoriented.

Abstract: A plotter (1) provides, in accordance with command inputs, drawings on a web (2) of predetermined width; the drawings may have different sizes or formats, and are provided by the plotter for optimal distribution of the sheets across the width (B) of the web. These drawings are placed on the web in groups, and the web is then cut longitudinally as well as transversely to provide the individual sheets which are fed on a separating table. The separating table is provided with longitudinal and transverse feeding systems (6, 56, 14, 24, 61, 63, 15, 15'), and with electric eyes or opto-electric gates (10-13) which, selectively, control longitudinal and transverse feeding apparatus to move the sheets against a reference or alignment rail (25) from where they are then fed sequentially, individually, to a folding apparatus (5). The systems permits automatic cutting and folding of drawing sheets, for example, from a web in accordance with the formats of the sheets, which are known from the plotter program.

Abstract: To fold large sheets of different sizes with different folding patterns, in zig-zag folds, the sheets are introduced into a folding system having first, second and third belts (5, 6, 10) which, between the first, second and third belt define a folding gap. The belts are driven, respectively, in selected directions of rotation to fold a sheet in a zig-zag pattern. A control system (35) having a memory (50) with folding patterns stored therein, is responsive to a sheet-length signal derived, for example, from a printer (75). A stepping motor moves a sheet, in accordance with a selected program stored in the memory, to form the fold based on the length of the sheet. Prior to folding sheet a maybe end-for-end a sheet is flung upwardly in a reversing gap (46) whereupon the sheet is transported by paper removal rollers (44, 48) and transport belts (55, 63) to sheet supply rollers (3) of the folding apparatus.

Abstract: Rectangular drawings of standard dimensions or formats can be automatically cut out of a continuous paper or plastic web (1) by a transverse cutter (9) and a plurality of longitudinal cutters (26), as directed by coding (20) on the edge of the web. The cut-off strips (23) of scrap made by transverse cutter (9) are directed away by a movable deflector (13). Additional deflectors (62) are provided downstream, in web motion direction D, of the longitudinal cutters (26) and serve to separate the scraps (23, 25) produced by the longitudinal cutters from the drawing forms (A0-A4) which have been trimmed on all four sides. Thus, manual separation of the drawings from the surrounding scrap is obviated.

Abstract: An arrangement for automatically feeding sheets of paper of varying rectangular formats into an automatic zigzag folding machine allows sheets to be processed whose lower edge of the printed side is on the opposite side. Processing can take place in the same machines together with regular sheets, and the results are the same. For this purpose the sheets are inverted about an axis at a right angle to the direction of advancement by use of the feeding channel, and the sequence of the folding machine is changed to work in reverse order.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting single flexible sheets having different rectangular formats in succession to an automatic device for further processing.