Abstract: A stack of sheets or blanks are supported for individual high speed feeding from the bottom of the stack on a table positioned adjacent to a feed cylinder. An air blast from a pivotal nozzle deflects the leading edge of the bottom blank downwardly into engagement by suction force with the surface of the feed cylinder. Rotation of the feed cylinder separates the bottom blank from the stack. A plurality of rocker arms are then oscillated forwardly into the gap between the stack and the separated bottom blank. The rocker arms are independently, rotatably supported transverse to the leading edge of the stack. The position of the rocker arms is adjustable to support the stack as determined by the die cut configuration of the blanks. A fast cam actuates oscillation of centrally positioned rocker arms beneath the central portion of the stack leading edge with an accompanying blast of air between the bottom blank and the stack.

Abstract: An envelope forming apparatus has a vacuum table with apertures through which a vacuum is applied onto the surface of the vacuum table. A series of parallel endless belts move across the vacuum table and transport an envelope blank across the vacuum table. The vacuum through the apertures in the vacuum table holds the blank on the belts as they move across the vacuum table and as the blank is folded by a plowshare folder located relative to the vacuum table. Alternatively, a single wide belt with apertures may be substituted for the series of parallel belts.

Abstract: A signature inserter for a saddle gathering machine including a rotatable extractor drum for extracting a signature from a hopper and carrying it to a stop position on the periphery of the drum. A reciprocating dipper contacts the lower cut edge of the signature and moves the cut edge into a gripping position beside a transfer drum. A wiper vane mounted for rotation in a path adjacent the extractor and transfer drums wipes the lower edge of the signature onto the dipper and then rotates away from the signature. Grippers associated with the transfer drum grip the lower edge of the signature and carry it away from the extractor drum toward an opener drum. The transfer drum and opener drum cooperate to spread the signature and deposit it upon a saddle.