Patent ID: 6105957
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
A buckle accumulator, comprising:an input feed system for feeding a plurality of sheets in a path of travel into the buckle accumulator, each of the plurality of sheets having a leading edge and a trailing edge;an output feed system located downstream in the path of travel from the input feed system for feeding a stack of sheets out of the buckle accumulator, the lead edge for each of the plurality of sheets being substantially unrestrained between the input feed system and the output feed system;a receiving space located adjacent the path of travel between the input feed system and the output feed system for accepting the plurality of sheets one at a time to create the stack; anda deflector mounted in proximity to the receiving space for selectively actuating between a first position out of contact with a first sheet previously accumulated in the receiving space and a second position in contact with the first sheet, the first sheet having a first configuration when the deflector is in the first position and a second configuration when the deflector is in the second position; andwherein:the deflector is in the second position when the lead edge of a second sheet is between the input feed system and the output feed system so that a portion of the first sheet in the second configuration forms a guide proximate to the receiving space and adjacent the path of travel to assist the lead edge of the second sheet in following the path of travel and entering the output feed system.