Abstract: Apparatus for accumulating paper sheets singulated from a paper sheet feeder on a registration deck. The apparatus includes: a sheet feeder for feeding the topmost paper sheet from a stack of paper sheets; an accumulator having an accumulation deck for receiving the sheets of paper from the sheet feeder; a registration stop for stopping the advance of the paper sheets along the accumulation deck; a deflector downstream of the sheet feeder and above the accumulation deck; and a pair of top and bottom rollers defining a nip, the nip being located adjacent, upstream and above the deflector and downstream of the sheet feeder.

Abstract: An automatic article stacking system wherein a plurality of articles to be stacked are arranged in layers prior to being stacked. The layers are advantageously arranged horizontally orthogonal to one another so as to enhance the stability of the stack. A measurement system is provided for determining whether any of the articles exceeds a predetermined size limit. In one embodiment which is arranged for stacking egg cartons, a determination that the egg carton exceeds the predetermined size limit signifies that the egg carton is open and, therefore, not in a form suitable for stacking. The open egg carton is conveyed under an elevator which accumulates the articles to be stacked, and to a discharge area. Thus, closed egg cartons are accumulated in layers and stacked. Successive layers of articles are stacked under prior stacked layers.

Abstract: A machine for automatically opening oppositely disposed handles or bails which are collapsed into and onto the bottom of continuously moving bakery baskets or trays. A pair of air cylinder-actuated, pivotally mounted, arcuate shaped lift arms partially lift the bails at a first station. A pair of fixed, sloped plow bars lift the moving bails a further partial amount at a second station. The opening of the bails is completed by a pair of air cylinder-actuated cam surfaced fixtures at a third station, readying the baskets for loading.