Patent ID: 6113344
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
A method for separating books of sheets in a stack of books wherein each book in the stack is stacked with an edge offset relative to an adjacent book, thereby defining alternating offset edges in the stack, comprising the steps of:stacking a lowest book and a book adjacent the lowest book in a stack;engaging an overhanging edge of a book adjacent a lowest book in the stack with side supports and lifting a portion of the edge of the book between the side supports to an elevation higher than an elevation of the edge adjacent the side supports;supporting a bottom face of the lowest book at a suspended elevation;directing a separation assembly into a space defined between the side supports by the lifting step and concurrently removing support from at least a corner of the lowest book adjacent one of the side supports to further define the space, wherein the corner moves to a location below the suspended elevation; andsuccessively removing support from the bottom face of the lowest book as the separation assembly moves into engagement with the book adjacent the lowest book to thereby deposit the lowest book at a remote elevation lower than the suspended elevation while the book adjacent the lowest book is concurrently taken out of contact with the lowest book to be supported by the separation assembly.