Abstract: A crane system sheet feeder method and apparatus employed for depositing collections of bundles of sheets in locations related to specific ones of sheet feeders, such that each collection of bundles can be utilized by an overhead crane to deliver the individual bundles to a specific one of the sheet feeders in accordance with the supply of sheets on that feeder. The bundles are initially bound, and the overhead crane has apparatus for removing the binding and removing the end boards from the bundles so that the bundles are deposited in the feeders free of any bindings.

Abstract: A sheet stacker with a separator plate having a movable stacker table with a stack supporter thereon. A first drive means is utilized for alternately lowering the separator plate and the stacker table, and a second drive means is utilized for alternately raising the separator plate and the stacker table. The second drive means is constantly running and two clutches are respectively interposed between the drive means and the plate and table and that second drive means is constantly running and is overcome by the downward drive means, but is effective upon suitable alternate actuation of the two clutches for the plate and the table.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for stacking bundles of sheets from a pick-up station and onto a pallet and with an overhead crane system. The bundle is produced by a stacker where the crane system picks up the bundle and moves the bundle overhead and deposits the bundle onto a pallet where a collection of bundles is assembled. An electric system is employed for energizing a pick-up clamp and lifting it overhead, and electric elements are utilized for displacing the clamp to the location of the pallet for the deposit of the bundle onto the pallet. Also, a pallet or skid hopper and supply apparatus are employed for continuously presenting the pallet to a location where the bundles are placed onto the pallet, and the loaded pallet is then automatically removed from that location. The method and apparatus of this invention also comprises moving bundles of sheets from a pickup station and to remote locations, such as sheet feeders.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of conveying a sheet in a turning action to alter its path of movement. The operator has the option of conveying the sheet through a bump turn mode or a flow turn mode. In the bump turn mode, the original sheet leading edge on a first conveyor is not the leading edge on the second conveyor but instead the sheet side edge becomes the leading edge. In the flow turn mode, the operator can drive the conveyor members of the first conveyor so that the sheet is rotated ninety degrees on the first conveyor and is then deposited onto the second conveyor so that the sheet leading edge on the first conveyor is also the leading edge on the second conveyor. The apparatus consists of a first conveyor and a second conveyor with the first conveyor having individually driven members for the optional modes mentioned.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling the speed of the conveyor on which a stack of sheets is being collected. A first conveyor moves a stream of sheets into a stacker and onto a second conveyor which moves the stack away from the incoming stream. The stream is moved around a drum which forms a part of the first conveyor and a second conveyor receives the stack and moves at a speed which accommodates the growth of the stack. A sensor detects the thickness of the stream of sheets, and another sensor detects the speed of the first conveyor, and the two sensings are transmitted to the drive for the second conveyor so that the second conveyor is moved at an automatic and appropriate speed to accommodate the incoming stream of sheets.

Abstract: An item accumulator and conveyor for accumulating a row of items and then conveying it off to one side for collection and stacking of the row. A first conveyor brings the items to two other conveyors, or to one conveyor having two sections. One of the two sections supports the items at one elevation and accumulates them in a row, and conveyor supports then permit the first section to lower and thereby transfer the items to the second section at a lower level, and the second section then moves the items off to one side. The two conveyor sections include movable support members and they may be at a declining angle so that the items can move under the force of gravity.