Patent ID: 8544833
Filing Date: 2013-10-01
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for separating a stack of folded sheets, disposed in a stacking region extending along a folded sheet path defining a downstream direction, into packs having a desired number of folded sheets, wherein the folded sheets in the stack have successive folds in the stack alternatively disposed on opposite sides of the folded sheet path with each fold joining two successive panels opening from one another on the opposite side of the folded sheet path to form an opening between successive folds, the apparatus comprising: first, second, third and fourth count fingers configured and operatively connected for sequential insertion, starting with the first count finger and ending with the fourth count finger, into the stack to separate the stack, between the second and third count fingers into a completed pack downstream from the second count finger and further into a next pack upstream from the third count finger; wherein: each of the count fingers is fixedly attached to a separate endless drive member for independent movement along a separate closed count finger path having a working segment thereof disposed in a portion of the count finger path extending substantially parallel to the folded sheet path along at least a portion of the stacking region; the first and third count fingers being attached to first and third count finger endless drive members disposed on a first transverse side of the stacking region. with the working segment of the closed count finger path for the first count finger endless drive member being disposed in a substantially parallel side-by-side operating relationship to the working segment of the closed count finger path for the third count finger endless drive member; and the second and fourth count fingers being attached to second and fourth count finger endless drive members disposed on a second opposite transverse side of the stacking region, with the working segment of the closed count finger path for the second count finger endless drive member being disposed in a substantially parallel side-by-side operating relationship to the working segment of the closed count finger path for the fourth count finger endless drive member.