Patent ID: 7066462
Filing Date: 2006-06-27
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A method of converting at least one stream of successive sheets into at least one series of stacks of sheets at a stacking station, comprising the steps of: advancing successive sheets of the at least one stream to the stacking station along a predetermined path having a discharge end directly over the stacking station; accumulating the sheets at the stacking station into a growing stack having uppermost sheets constituted by successive sheets of the at least one stream, the uppermost sheets being spaced apart from the discharge end of the predetermined path; changing the level of the discharge end of the predetermined path when necessary to ensure that the distance between the discharge end and successive uppermost sheets of the growing stack remains at least substantially constant; monitoring the distance between the discharge end of the predetermined path and successive uppermost sheets of the growing stack at the stacking station; and comparing the monitored distance with a predetermined distance, said level changing step including changing the level of the discharge end of the predetermined path when the monitored distance departs from the predetermined distance.