Abstract: A banknote stacking and sorting module comprises a banknote clamping and conveying sub-module, which comprises a clamping mechanism and a vertical reciprocating mechanism thereof. Clamping mechanism comprises bearing plate, support, cam, clamping rod and clamping spring. Cam is rotatably mounted on support. Clamping rod comprises clamping end, transmission end and hinged part between clamping end and transmission end. Hinged part of clamping rod is hinged on support. Cam engages with transmission end of clamping rod and can drive clamping rod in rotation around second rotary shaft between released position and clamped position. One end of clamping spring is fixed on support and the other end is connected to clamping end of clamping rod so as to provide to clamping rod an elastic force for clamping banknotes.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming bundles of printed products includes a lift element that moves vertically inside a holding area. The printed products are deposited on the lift element when the lift element is in an upper position. The lift moves the deposited printed products downward into the holding area so that the printed products are in position to subsequently be compressed into a bundle by pressing the printed products with an upward movement against a pressing element. The lift transports the compressed bundle to a lower position in the holding area where the lift element moves out of the holding area to a position in which the bundle is released to drop onto a support element. The lift element thereafter is moveable from the lower position to the upper position for the depositing of additional printed products. An ejection element conveys the compressed bundle out of the holding area.

Abstract: In a method and device for depalletizing stack containers, the stacked containers are supported by at least one support base, and the stacked containers on the support base are frictionally engaged and lifted on two opposite sides thereof.

Abstract: A grabber accessory for attachment to a prime mover is described, and may include a stanchion, pivotable arm having a proximate end attached to the stanchion to form a pivot point of the arm and a distal end extending generally transverse to the stanchion and terminating in at least one downward tine, and hydraulic cylinder attached between an upper end of the stanchion and a surface of the arm between the proximate and distal ends. The hydraulic cylinder may be configured to raise and lower the arm under hydraulic control from a main hydraulic feed of the prime mover. The accessory further includes a pair of vertically spaced clamping assemblies attaching a lower portion of the stanchion to frame member surfaces of the prime mover so as to secure the accessory in an upright position.

Abstract: An infeed station has a stack feeder and a first and second chamber, which can each receive stacks from the stack feeder. The stacks can be conveyed in the chambers and can be transferred to a stack gripper with the conveyors assigned to the first chamber and the second chamber. First centering units serve to center the stacks in the first chamber, and second centering units serve to center the stacks in the second chamber. Third conveyors are arranged between the first and second conveyors. The first and second centering units can be shifted relative to each other so that the third conveyors are positioned in the first or second chamber, and the chamber with the third conveyors is much wider than the other chamber. The infeed station can be changed between double infeed with parallel processing of two stacks and single infeed with processing of only one stack of relatively great width at a time.

Abstract: The invention relates to collecting and conveying devices for stacks of sheets (3), comprising a collecting station (1) in which a corresponding number of sheet stacks (3) are formed simultaneously from several imbricated flows (2) of sheets which are guided adjacent to each other, a transversal transporter (4) which is arranged at a distance behind the collecting station (1) for transporting the finished stack of sheets (3) in a manner transversal to the direction of transport of the sheets in the collecting station (1) and a transfer device (5) which is used to transport the stack of sheets (3) from the collecting station (1) to the transversal transporter (4). According to the invention, a carriage (9) that can be displaced over a given path in a manner that is synchronous with the transversal support (4) is arranged adjacent thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring panels from a stack of generally upstanding panels to a lying position on a receiving surface. The apparatus comprises a pulling device having a tool end adapted to be releasably connected to a surface of a panel of the stack in a contacting position. The pulling device is actuatable to displace the tool end to the contacting position. An actuator member operatively supports the pulling device so as to displace the pulling device away from the panel, to pull the panel away from the stack by actuation of the actuator member to create a gap between the panel and the stack. A pushing device has a portion adapted to be inserted in the gap in a pushing position. The pushing device is operatively supported by the actuator member, whereby the pushing device in the pushing position pushes the panel away from the stack.

Abstract: A device is used for transporting a horizontal stack from a stack support to an intermediate deposit, where the stack is formed in a gathering device with upright, lined-up signatures. The device is comprised of a horizontally and vertically displaceable clamp arranged above the stack support, wherein the clamp compresses the stack at the ends and transfers a strapped stack from the stack support to an adjacent intermediate deposit.

Abstract: Devices and methods for holding a tray stack having a plurality of trays configured to carry and store microelectronic devices. Several devices in accordance with the present invention are particularly applicable to carrying a stack of JEDEC trays that have been loaded with a plurality of microelectronic devices. In one embodiment, the device is a tray retainer including a guide structure configured to allow the tray stack to move in a direction of a load/unload path, and to restrict lateral movement of the tray stack with respect to the load/unload path. The guide structure can have a first end, a second end, and an opening at least proximate to the second end. The guide structure, for example, can have first and second channel sections extending in the direction of the load/unload path. The second channel section can also face the first channel section. The tray retainer can also include a cross-member and a moveable retaining element.

Abstract: Sheets held by a sheet transfer mechanism are supplied from a supply unit to an aligning unit, and aligned with each other by the aligning unit. Thereafter, corners of the sheets are cut off by first and second cutting units, and then the sheets are vertically inverted by an inverting unit. Then, the sheets are turned into a given direction by a turning unit, and supplied to a discharge unit, from which the sheets are discharged.

Abstract: The invention is a method and a device for blocking a stack of stacked objects. A device for blocking in accordance with the invention includes two opposed side walls which engage the stack, a pressing device which has at least two pressing elements opposite one another which contact the stack, between which elements of the stack are compressed while contacting the side walls, and charging electrodes which charge the stack, and wherein the charging electrodes are located in at least one of the pressing elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gripping and transport clamp mounted at an end of a robotic arm. The clamp has a support member mounted at the end of the robotic arm and two lower pressing plates and one upper pressing plate mounted on the support member. A sensor is used to detect a reaction force being exerted on the first pressing plate upon displacement thereof. An actuator inserts the first lower pressing plate under the object to be gripped in response to a detection of the reaction force by the sensor. The second lower pressing plate under the first pressing plate moves between a retracted position and an extended position by means of an actuator mounted between the second lower pressing plate and the support member. It is also inserted under the object to be gripped. An actuator moves the upper pressing plate towards the object for gripping it between the plates. A controller receives detection signals from the sensor and operates the actuators.

Abstract: This invention includes a weighted apparatus for gently holding an existing stack of paper at opposite sides thereof so that a new job may be deposited over the existing stack without degrading the stacking quality of the existing stack. The apparatus may be readily incorporated into many existing paper handling devices which have a paper output tray which is upwardly and downwardly movable in a vertical direction. The apparatus includes a mirror-image pair of paper hold mechanisms, each of which secures a single edge of the existing stack. Each mechanism includes an arm having a longitudinally-oriented slot in a laminar upper end portion thereof and a guide pin anchored to the frame of the paper handling device which passes through the slot. The arm is retained on the pin between a pair of flanged collets. The collets limit movement of the arm within a plane, while the pin constrains the arm to movement along the length of the slot.

Abstract: A device for transporting stacked printed products has a support on which the printed products are stacked to form a stack. A conveying device is arranged downstream of the support in a conveying-effecting manner. A reversible pushing device acts on a back side of the stack and transfers the stack from the support to the conveying device. The conveying device has a traction device and at least two deflecting rollers, wherein the traction device circulates about the at least two deflecting rollers and provides a conveying path for the stack. The conveying device has also a substantially horizontal guide table adjoining the traction device at both ends. At least an upstream end of the traction device in a conveying direction of the conveying path is positioned approximately at the level of the support. The traction device forms a conveying plane together with guide table.

Abstract: An integrated stacker for positioning materials in a stack, compressing the stack and positioning and sealing a strap onto itself around the stacked and compressed materials includes a frame, a conveyor mounted to the frame, and a stacking assembly mounted to the frame. The stacking assembly includes a feed for feeding the materials onto the stack. The stacker further includes aligning arms operably connected to the frame for aligning the materials on the stack, a compression section mounted to the frame for compressing the stack of materials and a strapper section mounted to the frame. The strapper section includes a strap chute for conveying the strap around the compressed stack of material, a feed head for tensioning the strap and a welding head for sealing the strap material onto itself. The strap chute defines a strap path. The feed head, welding head and strap chute are mounted to a bracket that is mounted to the frame along a portion of the strap path.

Abstract: A method of picking up stacks (3) of blanks by means of a gripping device (1) having a gripper (13, 14, 15) hinged to a frame (11) and equipped with a first gripping member (15) having a free end (P); and actuating means (30, 41; 24, 25) for opening and closing the gripper (13, 14, 15); the method providing for pressing the free end (P) on a support (F) on which a stack (3) for pickup rests, and feeding the free end (P) along the support (F) and beneath the stack (3) while pressing the free end (P) against the support (F).

Abstract: A method and system for aligning a moving stack of sheets. A pair of cams, positioned on opposite sides of the moving stack, rotate synchronously to each other but in opposite directions. When the stack approaches the cams, the distance between the outer surfaces of the cams is wider to the stack width to receive the stack. As the stack moves forward further, the distance between the cam surfaces is reduced so as to allow the cam surfaces push the sheets toward a center line until the distance between the cam surfaces is substantially equal to the width of the sheets. In a sheet collator where sheets are moved by a plurality of finger pairs which are linked to a moving chain, the cam can also be linked to the moving chain so that their rotation is synchronous to motion of the stacks.

Abstract: A device for pushing a stack of printed products from a table on which the stack is stacked has a stacking receptacle provided on the table and receiving the printed products for stacking. The stacking receptacle is defined by four lateral edges of the printed products and has two opposed lateral guide walls viewed in a pushing direction of pushing out the stack of printed products. The guide walls each have vertical guide rails moveable along the guide walls in the pushing direction. The guide rails on the opposed guide walls are positioned opposite one another in guide rail pairs forming a forward receptacle boundary and a rearward receptacle boundary in the pushing direction. The rearward receptacle boundary in the pushing direction is a pushing device for the stack of printed products.

Abstract: A load turning device specifically designed to turn paper in a work and turn printing process includes a pair of slides mounted on a pair of parallel tracks. To turn the paper stack, the paper turner is positioned so that a first slide is under the pallet on which the paper stack rests. The second slide is lowered to rest on top of the paper stack, and the slides are locked in position relative to each other. The paper turner is then turned, using wheels to support the weight, until the stack is in a horizontal position. The slides and the paper stack are then moved to the opposite end of the tracks. The paper turner is again rotated until it is in a vertical orientation, rotated 180° from its original position. The printed sides of the paper are now facing downward, and the paper is ready to be loaded into the printing press.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically loading tires into a tire transport frame is disclosed. The system stacks a plurality of tires in a herringbone pattern within a tire transport frame. The tire transport frame provides a structure that maintains the stacked tires in a stable, compressed state. Further, the tire transport frame may be adapted to withstand external loads so that multiple tire transport frames may be stacked atop one another for long term storage of tires. Further, the loaded tire transport frames may be easily loaded by forklift into a vessel for storage and/or transportation without requiring significant expenditures of manual labor, time, space, or cost. As a result, the instant invention enables significant improvements in reliability, cost, and capacity in the storage and/or transportation of tires.

Abstract: A sod-collecting apparatus, comprising a collecting platform for supporting juxtaposed rows of coiled sods, a feed conveyor for feeding coiled sods, and a conveyor belt downstream of the feed conveyor, the conveyor belt extending along the collecting platform, wherein the feed conveyor and the conveyor belt are arranged for displacing the coiled sods on the conveyor belt along the collecting platform in a direction parallel to an axial body axis of coiled sods located on the conveyor belt, with a positioning structure for stopping each individual sod on the conveyor belt in at least one predetermined position along the collecting platform.

Abstract: A plurality of flat substantially similar articles such as meat patties which have been formed from an elongated cylindrical stuffed casing are deposited onto a conveyor and then advanced in a co-planer relationship to an accumulator station and a series of lifting stages where predetermined numbers of articles are divided into individual groups and each group of articles is moved onto a carrier member and advanced one at a time to a stacking station. There the articles of each succeeding group are deposited onto the articles of each preceding group until a predetermined number of groups of articles have been vertically stacked after which the entire stack is released onto a conveyor for further processing. The lifting stations prevent the articles from being pressed together or shingling one on top the other thereby avoiding article damage during processing.

Abstract: A device for transporting stacked printed products has a support on which the printed products are stacked to form a stack. A conveying device is arranged downstream of the support in a conveying-effecting manner. A reversible pushing device acts on a back side of the stack and transfers the stack from the support to the conveying device. The conveying device has a traction device and at least two deflecting rollers, wherein the traction device circulates about the at least two deflecting rollers and provides a conveying path for the stack. The conveying device has also a substantially horizontal guide table adjoining the traction device at both ends. At least an upstream end of the traction device in a conveying direction of the conveying path is positioned approximately at the level of the support. The traction device forms a conveying plane together with guide table.

Abstract: A device for stacking folding-box tubes demonstrates a vertically-adjustable elevating platform. First temporary bearing means, which can be pulled out of or advanced into the stacking well, are located above the elevating platform. Another set of temporary bearing means can be pulled out of the stacking well as well as moved downward within the stacking well. The second bearing means also press a completed stack together in order to be able to thread it between a conveying device of a holding-down appliance. The first temporary bearing means provide for uninterrupted stacking within the stacking well while the elevating platform, together with the second bearing device, are busy carrying the stack away.

Abstract: A method of moving a plurality of tortilla stacks from a counter-stacker machine to a packaging area comprises the steps of receiving a stack of tortillas at a location elevationally above a loading zone, sensing an initial position of a conveyor block in fixed spacial relationship with the loading zone, sensing a moving position of the conveyor block in relation to the initial position, determining that the block has entered the loading zone, and moving the stack of tortillas on to the conveyor block.

Abstract: On a lifter table (23) a pallet (2) is first deposited in a lower position and then following lifting of this table (23) the pallet (2) is precisely aligned by suitable apparatus (40). Thereafter reams of paper are deposited on the pallet (2) by a conveyor (50) and the topmost reams in each case precisely aligned relative to the pallet (2) by the same apparatus (40) in each case such that their edge faces are located set back relative to those of the pallet (2). Thereby precisely congruent stacks are achieved in fast operation.

Abstract: A depalletizing machine for unpacking pallets, each defined by a number of stacked layers of products; each layer having a number of parallel, side by side rows of products; the machine having a work platform on which the packed pallets are positioned; a linear input conveyor for successively feeding the packed pallets onto the work platform; a linear output conveyor for conveying off the machine a succession of single products ready for use by other machines; and a separating head for successively transferring a given number of rows of products from the top of the stationary pallet on the work platform to the linear output conveyor; the given number of rows of products being less than the number of rows of products defining each layer in the pallet.

Abstract: A tortilla stack transfer system for moving a plurality of tortilla stacks from a counter-stacker machine to a packaging area comprises a plurality of transfer finger sets, a plurality of transfer stack supports corresponding to the transfer finger sets, a plurality of finger set actuators adapted to move each of the transfer finger sets from a loaded position to an unloaded position, a transfer conveyor located elevationally below the transfer finger sets and carrying a plurality of conveyor blocks, a block position detector, a conveyor position counter, and a processor in electrical communication with the finger set actuators, the block position detector, and the conveyor position counter.

Abstract: A sheet-receiving device has multiple sheet receiving faces on which to receive different print jobs. The print faces are positioned in tandem with respect to each other. Sheets ejected from an apparatus are ejected onto a first of the multiple faces and remain their until moved. If another print job is to be printed, the operator may move the first print job from the first sheet receiving face to the second sheet receiving face simply by sliding the first print job to the second sheet receiving face. The first print job snaps into place, and curled edges of upper sheets in the first print job are blocked by a barrier between the first and second sheet receiving face so that sheets in the first print job do not interfere with the reception of sheets in the second print job.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for making and stacking bundles of corrugated folded boxes into accurate loads.

Abstract: An apparatus for the vertical stacking of printed products has a precollecting device with a collecting shaft and a precollecting support, with at least two stacking baskets being arranged on a carousel. The apparatus is provided with a first holding down device and with a second holding down device on the carousel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming stacks of items, e.g. stacked newspapers, periodicals or the like, on a tray for further conveyance in the direction of transport, where the stack is taken further by a cross assembler to a compacting tunnel, where there is a blocking device for the stack with at least one charging device with charging electrodes in the direction of transport on both sides near the stack, in which the charging device for electrostatically charging the objects is fitted in the cross assembler.

Abstract: A plate feeding and handling apparatus (10) that includes an improved plate feeder (32) and pick-up (36) that more effectively feed and remove plates from a stack of plates is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system which includes a method and apparatus for the removal of carton bundles from where they are stacked, such as on pallets, re-positions the carton bundles relative to a carton holding structure such as a hopper, removes the restraining strap(s) from each bundle and feeds the bundle or cartons onto a hopper.

Abstract: A machine and process is described for squaring sheets stacked in a bundle supported along a plane. The bundle includes a leading bundle end, a trailing bundle end and opposed bundle sides. The machine includes a frame with a leading end stop mounted by a stop actuator mounting to position the leading end stop across the plane to engage the leading end of the bundle. A trailing end tamper is mounted to a trailing end actuator on the frame for movement to engage and urge the bundle against the leading end stop and align the sheets along the leading and trailing ends of the bundle. A pair of side plates are mounted by a side plate actuator assembly for movement to (a) engage and align sheets along the bundle sides and (b) position the bundle at a prescribed position on the plane.

Abstract: A plate handling apparatus (10) including a plate feeder (12) for sequentially advancing a stack of plates (11) and a pick-up assembly (14) for successively removing the forwardmost plate from the stack is disclosed. The plate feeder (12) includes a conveyor (18), a pair of clutches (22,24), and a crank assembly (26) for moving the stack a first distance toward the pick-up assembly and for subsequently moving the stack a second, slightly shorter distance away from the pick-up assembly before the pick-up assembly removes the forwardmost plate from the stack. This consecutively feeds the stack of plates towards the pick-up assembly so that the forwardmost plate in the stack can be removed from the stack by the pick-up assembly. This also provides a gap between the stack of plates and the pick-up assembly immediately before the pick-up assembly removes the forwardmost plate from the stack for preventing the removed plate from striking the remaining plates in the stack.

Abstract: A method of building and stretch wrapping loads of layers of load units that includes the steps of providing at least one layer of load units in a load building and wrapping area, applying horizontal compression to the at least one layer, subsequently applying vertical compression to the at least one layer while applying the horizontal compression, releasing the horizontal compression while retaining the vertical compression, rotating the at least one layer relative to a packaging material dispenser to apply packaging material around the at least one layer while retaining the vertical compression, and releasing the vertical compression.

Abstract: Banknotes emerging from a checking machine are caused to advance singly in succession along an outfeed duct of which the runout connects with a stacking channel; the banknotes come to rest on a companion element operating along the channel and capable of movement between a first receiving position, in which the banknotes are allowed to accumulate until formed into a group of given number that corresponds to one stack, and a second release position within the operating compass of a compactor with hinged arms, of which the function is to compress and hold the stack against the companion element. The compacted stack of banknotes is picked up finally by a gripper and transferred from the companion element to a bundling machine, which binds it with a wrapping band.

Abstract: A device to stack and collect banknotes with the possibility of returning them. It comprises conveyors (18) to take every banknote at the level of the inlet (12) and to drag the buntnote and spread it on a support surface (14) over a central opening (14'), and a presser (19), set by the central opening of the support surface (14), that can be moved from a raised position over the support surface to a first work level causing the passage of every banknote under the support surface between, the presser and holders (17); and to a second work level to cause the banknotes to be discharged below the holders. The device moreover comprises a mechanism to return the banknotes after horizontal movements of the support surface (14).

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for forming, on a conveyor table (7), a stack (6) of stacked objects, such as, for example, newspapers, magazines or the like, which stack is to be conveyed in the conveying direction. The stack is to be conveyed in the conveying direction. The stack is conveyed to a further, different workstation, for example, whilst being conveyed from a cross boom to a shrink-wrapping unit. The invention is characterized in that the stack has a blocking arrangement which comprises at least one charging electrode (11, 12) disposed in the conveying direction on both sides adjacent the stack and at least one contact roller (16) above the stack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stacking newspapers is disclosed which obviates the need to fasten individual stacks. Once ejected from a stacking device, stacks of newspapers pass through an assembly station where they are arranged into groups of three, called slugs, and compressed. The slug then enters a collector where a layer consisting of four slugs is positioned on a sliding table. This positioning requires lateral movement of slugs. Lateral support is provided throughout this movement to prevent the stacks from toppling over. Once a full layer has been accumulated, the sliding table is retracted, and the layer of newspapers falls onto a floating table below. This floating table, which serves as the bottom floor of the container in which it is housed, is automatically lowered by discrete amounts as layers are received. Extendible cylinders located below the collector vertically move the floating table.

Abstract: A garment stacker for stacking garments in a garment stack. The apparatus includes a stacking tray having a support tray for supporting garments placed thereon in a garment stack and a tray actuator for adjusting the position of the support tray. A rotary stacker is positioned adjacent the stacking tray, wherein the rotary stacker repeatedly moves between a loading and an unloading position to successively stack garments on the stacking tray in a garment stack. A controller directs the tray actuator to position the support tray upwards when the rotary stacker is in the unloading position so as to press the garment stack between the stacking tray and rotary stacker. An unloader moves the garment stack from the stacking tray after a garment stack has been formed thereon.

Abstract: In a device for the automatic forming of packs of trimmed metal sheets for armatures of electrical machinery or the like, the pack (P') is formed by the controlled drop of a sheet stack (P) housed in a tubular magazine (1) open at the bottom. The pack is dropped against an underlying collection bottom (2) which is brought to a predefined distance from the lower end of the magazine (1). A tightening clamp (3,4) at the lower end of the magazine (1) blocks the stack (P) against a further gravity drop after its descent against the collection bottom (2). A subsequent first lowering of the bottom (2) to separate the pack (P') from the overlying stack, by virtue of a detachment device (22, 122), is followed by a detachment from the lower sheet (L') of the stack (P) of a possible sheet (L) which is mistakenly and temporarily held against the lower sheet (L') of the stack (P) but belongs to the overlying pack (P').

Abstract: Apparatus for expelling air from between the sheets of stacks of superimposed sheets has a conveyor which advances successive stacks of a series of stacks along a horizontal first path from a stack assembling first station toward a second station. The conveyor employs a reciprocable carriage for one or more tongs which engage the front end portion of fresh stack at the first station and entrain the stack toward the second station. A roller is mounted in a conveyance for repeated movement with the conveyance along a downwardly sloping second path from a raised position above and away from the first path to a lowered position of engagement with successive stacks which are being advanced toward the second station.

Abstract: The subject is a device for guiding and holding down of sheets supplied singly by a conveyor device to a sheet stack formed in a storage container, said device comprising a two-armed lever pivotably mounted about a bearing point located above the sheet conveying track.

Abstract: Device for automatically filling a container for collecting flat objects, such as mail envelopes, including a receiving location where the envelopes are delivered one by one, preferably in a vertical position and stood up on their edge, from a conveyor, in particular with driving belts pinching the envelopes between them until the moment when they are released into the location in order progressively to form a stack, this location including at least one and preferably two opposite parallel jogging edges extending perpendicularly to the planes of the successive envelopes in the stack formed between these edges, and a horizontal bearing sole, the first envelope in the stack furthermore being pressed against a moving stop which moves in a horizontal direction as the stack is formed, wherein the bearing sole consists of two retractable flaps placed facing one another in the same horizontal plane in order to support the stack of envelopes, these flaps being mounted so that they can pivot about two parallel axles a

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for feeding, bundling and transporting a stream of sheets, such as printed sheets in signature form. A vertical stacking machine stacks a stream of signatures and then clamps, compresses and straps the signatures into a bundle for transportation and delivery. The machine has a pair of improved bar clamps for preventing sheet drift during compression and strapping. The clamps attach each bar to a driving mechanism in a cantilevered fashion. Each bar is only attached to the driving mechanism at the top and/or the center portion of the bar. The opposite, bottom end of each bar is free of attachment to the driving mechanism. As a result, a critical obstruction is removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting the appearance of each of a plurality of vertically stacked load stages each stage having a load placed on a pallet. Each of the vertically stacked load stages is separated independently of the other, and each separated load stage is corrected.

Abstract: A system for conveying folded web and forming discrete stacks of folded web comprising a conveyor that receives a stack of folded output web from a web folder and separator. The conveyor drives the web from an upstream end, adjacent the web folder and separator, to a downstream end. A supporting surface, which can comprise a plurality of pivoting rails biased by a spring, selectively supports the web remote from and off of the conveyor so that a compressed stack can be formed adjacent the folder and separator. At selected times, the stack is moved by the supporting surface into communication with the folder and separator so that it can be conveyed downstream. An elevator platform can be located at the downstream location for receiving successive stacks thereon. The elevator ascends and descends so that the tops of the successive stacks are aligned with the conveyor for receipt of a further stack thereon.

Abstract: A sheet post-processing apparatus includes at least one tray for stacking discharged sheets; a stacker, disposed adjacent to the tray, for receiving a set of sheets from the tray; a controller operable in one of a first mode in which the set of sheets is transferred to the stacker and a second mode in which the set of sheets remains on the tray; and a retractor for retracting the stacker by relative movement between the tray and the stacker when the second mode is selected.