Abstract: A method for compiling and processing a plurality of differently printed groups of sheets into collated sets is disclosed, and wherein each of the printed sheets has an indicium printed thereon at a predetermined location, and with the predetermined location for the sheets of each group being different from the location of the indicia on the sheets of the other groups. A sheet from each of the groups is sequentially deposited onto predetermined spaced locations of an advancing conveyor to form collated sets, and a sensor is provided for scanning each sheet as it moves to the conveyor to detect whether an indicium is present at the proper predetermined location, and such that the sensor is adapted to identify an improperly collated sheet as well as a missing sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for compiling and processing a plurality of differently printed groups of sheets into collated sets is disclosed, and wherein each of the printed sheets has an indicium thereon at a predetermined location and with the predetermined location on the printed sheets for each group being different from the location of the indicium on the other group of sheets. Feeder structure is provided for sequentially depositing a sheet from each of the groups onto predetermined spaced locations of an advancing conveyor and sensors are mounted along the path of the feeder structure for detecting whether an indicium is present at the proper predetermined location on each of the withdrawn sheets, and such that the sensors are adapted to identify an improperly collated sheet as well as a missing sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for merging two separate streams of flat paper products or the like into a single stream of such products are disclosed, and wherein first and second longitudinally extending belt conveyors are provided within a frame. A drive is operatively connected to each of said first and second belt conveyors for advancing the same at corresponding speeds. Each belt conveyor has an entry end and a discharge end at opposing ends of said frame, with the two conveyors being vertically and laterally inclined with respect to each other such that the discharge end of one conveyor is vertically above and longitudinally aligned with the discharge end of the other belt conveyor. A deflection conveyor is positioned above the discharge end of the upper belt conveyor so as to downwardly deflect onto the lower belt conveyor those paper products conveyed on the upper belt conveyor.