Abstract: A rotating separator disk is movable between sheet material articles in a stack of sheet material articles. A variable speed drive which is connected with the separator disk and rotates the separator disk. The variable speed drive is operable to vary the speed of rotation of the separator disk between a high speed and a low speed during each revolution of the separator disk. First and second restrictor members engage a sheet material article in the stack of sheet material articles. A suction applicator head is operable to disengage one sheet material article from the first restrictor member. A leading edge of the rotating separator disk is then moved between the one sheet material article and an adjacent sheet material article. As this occurs, the speed of rotation of the separator disk is increased and the one sheet material article is disengaged from the second restrictor member by the separator disk.

Abstract: A calipering assembly (40) is provided for use along a collating conveyor (14) having collated assemblages (20) thereon. The calipering assembly comprises a movable member (60) in the form of a wheel having an outer circumferential surface which engages a collated assemblage when the member is moved toward a collated assemblage. The outer circumferential surface of the member includes a light reflective surface portion (83) against which light (37) is directed and then reflected (38). A light sensor (39) senses the reflected light from the light reflective surface portion of the outer circumferential surface of the member. A processor (44) cooperates with the light sensor to provide a signal (42) which varies as a function of the thickness of the collated assemblage.

Abstract: A sheet material feed drum has a plurality of grippers which are spaced apart by a first distance, measured along the periphery of the feed drum. Sheet material is transferred from the feed drum to a conveyor. The conveyor has a plurality of pusher elements which are spaced apart by a second distance which is less than the first distance. The pusher elements are moved at a slower speed than the grippers. An apparatus is provided to reduce the speed of movement of the sheet material to match the speed of movement of the pusher elements. In one embodiment, the apparatus for changing the speed of movement of the sheet material includes a ring member which is rotatable about a central axis of the feed drum. The ring member is moved at a slower speed than the grippers. A presser roll engages the ring member to define a nip through which the sheet material is conducted. In another embodiment, a wheel is rotatable about an axis which extends through the feed drum.