Abstract: Sheet stacks (4) removed from a collecting station (1) by a transport gripper (5) are deposited onto a vertically movable depositing table (6) so as to rest against stops (8, 10). The stops (8, 10), which are attached to stationary, horizontally movable pull-out rails (11), have first and second vertical surfaces (8a and 8b) which are interconnected by oblique surfaces (8c), the second surfaces (8b) being set back with respect to the first surfaces (8a). The upper surface of the deposited sheet stack (4) is kept at a functionally correct depositing level by two sensors (17, 18), of which one is associated with the center area and one with the staple area (12, 13). The deposited sheet stack (4) strikes against the first surfaces (8a) with its end face, and is then released by the transport gripper (5). Lowering the depositing table (6) causes the end face of the sheet stack (4) to enter the area of the set-back surfaces (8b), allowing it to rest without hindrance flat on the deposited stack (7).

Abstract: A sheet guidance channel includes a pair of opposite surfaces (2a, 2b) in which are formed elongated raised beads (12) extending in the transport direction (A--A). The elongated raised beads (12) are arranged on the two surfaces (2a, 2b) such that they are arranged in pairs opposite to one another, restricting the height of the sheet guidance channel. Relative to the central axis (M) of the surfaces (2a, 2b), the elongated raised beads (12) are inclined by an angle .alpha. in the transport direction and the elongated raised beads (12) extend in the transport direction (A--A) only over partial areas of the surfaces (2a, 2b).