Patent ID: 6254093
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
A sheet diverter for diverting a signature to one of a plurality of collation paths and adapted for cooperative association with a cutting device in a pinless folder wherein a web is cut into a plurality of individual signatures, the sheet diverter comprising:a primary signature control means including a first nip defined by rollers and tapes;an oscillating diverter guide mechanism for directing the lateral disposition of the leading edge of a signature to one of the plurality of collation paths;a diverter wedge separating the plurality of collation paths, the diverter wedge being located downstream of the first nip, the diverter wedge including an elongated bar having a longitudinal axis and a generally triangular cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis, the bar including a base, a vertex edge opposite the base, planar diversion surfaces diverging from the vertex edge, an air inlet port connectable to a source of pressurized air, a plurality of air discharge ports connected to the air inlet port and intersecting one of the planar diversion surfaces; anda secondary signature control means including a second nip defined by rollers and tapes, wherein the second nip is located downstream of the diverter wedge and is offset from the plane defined by one of the planar diversion surfaces, wherein pressurized air through the air discharge ports directs the leading edge of the signature to the second nip, and wherein the distance through the diverter between the first nip and the second nip is greater than the length of the signature to be diverted, such that a trailing edge of the signature is released from the first nip so that the primary signature control means no longer has control over movement of the signature before the leading edge of the signature reaches the second nip and the secondary signature control means takes over control of the movement of the signature.