Abstract: Sheet counting apparatus includes a set of rotatably mounted suction spindles mounted for movement past a stack of sheets to be counted. A vacuum is connected to the spindles. As a suction spindle passes the stack, the vacuum is supplied to the spindle so that the topmost sheet is deflected from its initial position. A monitor monitors the number of deflected sheets by monitoring the degree of vacuum within the suction spindle passing the stack. The monitor increments a count on each occasion when the monitored vacuum exceeds a predetermined level threshold for a predetermined time.

Abstract: Sheet counting apparatus comprises a sheet support (2-4) for holding a stack of sheets (13) to be counted. A sheet feed device (14) moves the sheets individually from a first position to a second position while they remain held together in the stack (13). A counter (23) monitors movement of the sheet as it is moved from the first position to the second position, and increments a count when such movement is detected.

Abstract: A sheet dispensing apparatus includes at least one pair of sheet stores, and a transport system for transporting sheets from the stores to a dispense position. The transport system includes, for each pair of sheet stores, a common feed member which, upon relative movement between the common feed member and the stores, can be moved between a pair of feed positions in each of which it engages a sheet in a respective one of the pair of stores so as to enable sheet(s) to be withdrawn from the corresponding store. The common feed member is able to take up also a neutral position in which, even if actuated, no sheets are fed from either store.

Abstract: A conveying arrangement includes a path selector including a selector slide that is selectively positionable at first and second positions, thereby connecting a first conveyor path with a first further conveyor path or a second further conveyor path. The selector slide is actuated by a guide arm that moves the slide from the first position to the second position, and vice versa. The selector slide is locked firmly in at least one of the positions by a locking arm that is moved to and from a locking position by the guide arm. The selector slide may have a fixed pin that interacts with a first recess or aperture formed in the locking arm, and the recess may have first and second pin-receiving end positions corresponding to the first and second positions of the selector slide. The guide arm may be pivotally mounted and have a second recess or aperture that actuates the fixed pin and a locking-arm actuating guide pin that interacts with a camming surface on the locking arm.