Patent ID: 6527501
Filing Date: 2003-03-04
Classification: B65H,Y10S

Abstract:
Apparatus for gathering successive sheets of a series of sheets into growing stacks and for removing fully grown stacks from a receptacle at a stacking station, comprising:means for conveying successive sheets of the series of sheets in a first direction into the receptacle to thus accumulate in the receptacle a growing stack of overlying sheets; front and rear abutments for the sheets of a stack in said receptacle, said abutments being spaced apart from each other in said first direction and said front abutment being movable relative to said receptacle between operative and inoperative positions, wherein said conveying means is arranged to deliver to said receptacle sheets having different lengths and said rear abutment is adjustable to conform the spacing of said abutments from each other to the lengths of sheets being conveyed to said receptacle; means for withdrawing fully grown stacks from the receptacle in said first direction when said front abutment is in the inoperative position; means for transporting withdrawn stacks in a second direction, wherein the second direction is different from the first direction; and means for adjusting said rear abutment in and counter to said first direction.