Patent ID: 6120427
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
Apparatus for folding and accumulating paper sheets, comprising:a folding assembly for folding the paper sheets, having a feed end and a discharge end;an accumulating section adjacent said discharge end of said folding section, said accumulating section for accumulating folded sheets in a configuration simulating a booklet;an automatically operated stop mounted in association with said accumulating section for selectively precluding release of, or releasing, a plurality of folded sheets in a configuration simulating a booklet from said accumulator section; andwherein said folding assembly comprises:a movable bar having a plurality of first pulleys mounted thereto for rotation about substantially parallel horizontal axes, said movable bar having a first feed end and a second discharge end;a substantially horizontal stationary element having a plurality of second pulleys mounted thereto for rotation about substantially parallel horizontal axes, parallel to the axes of said first pulleys, and for cooperating with said first pulleys;a pivot for mounting said movable bar for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal axis parallel to the axes of said pulleys, adjacent said first end of said bar so that the weight of said bar and said first pulleys biases said first pulleys toward operative association with said second pulleys; andmeans for feeding sheets to be folded into operative association with said pulleys adjacent said first end of said bar.