Patent ID: 6022186
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
A separator for separating stacks of books having justified sheets comprising:a stacking location for receiving at least a first book of sheets and a second book of sheets, the second book being located above the first book and having a first offset edge that extends beyond an adjacent edge of the first book, thereby forming an overhanging edge;a pair of first side supports each including corner-engaging support members that maintain the first offset edge at a predetermined elevation;a first lifting support that engages and lifts a portion of the first offset edge between the first side supports to an elevation different than the predetermined elevation of the first offset edge adjacent each of the first side supports to define a first space at the portion between the first book and the second book;a first separation assembly that enters the first space and that moves between each of the first book and the second book; anda moving support in engagement with the first book that moves away from the first book as the first separation assembly moves between each of the first book and the second book to, thereby, deposit the first book at a lower separated position remote from the second book.