Patent Publication Number: US-7214176-B2

Title: Folding machine with removable plate

Description:
The present invention pertains to a paper-folding machine, and in particular a paper-folding machine having at least one removable plate. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Paper folding machines are known that provide for C-folds, Z-folds and half-folds. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,094, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses the processing of paper sheets to provide different types of folds. In the Z-fold format, a paper sheet is folded twice to form three sections with the ends of the sheet along opposite sides of the center section. In a C-fold format, the sheet is folded twice with its ends inward and overlapping each other to form three sections. In a half-fold format with a paper sheet is folded once to form two sections. The sheets can also be folded with or without inserts inserted therein. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B  a prior-art folding apparatus  12  is shown set up to form a paper sheet with a Z-fold. The folding apparatus  12  has a supply device  42 , a folding device  44  and an output device  46 . The supply device  42  accepts a paper sheet  28  from a conveyor system with the document  18  in flat condition with an insert  26  thereon. The trailing edges of the document  18  and insert  26  are aligned to form a trailing edge  48  of the paper sheet  28  spaced from a leading edge  50  thereof. The supply device  42  includes a supply guide  52  with a supply conveyor  54  thereabove. The supply conveyor  54  has two pusher devices  56  thereon moving in the clockwise direction in  FIG. 1A . One of the pusher devices  56  engages the trailing edge  48  of the paper sheet  28  to move the paper sheet  28  into a nip  58  formed by cooperating upper and lower rollers  60 ,  62  of the folding device  44  with the trailing edge of the document  18  and insert aligned as indicated by position  5   a  in  FIG. 1B . The upper roller  60  continually rotates clockwise while the lower roller  62  continually rotates counterclockwise, as viewed in  FIG. 1A , to accept the paper sheet  28  from the supply device  42 . 
   Along the path of the paper sheet  28  through the folding apparatus  12 , the folding device  44  has first, second and third stations  64 ,  66 ,  68 , respectively. Various operations can be performed at these stations, depending upon how the folding device  44  is arranged, to fold the paper sheet  28  in one of the Z-fold, C-fold or half-fold formats. 
   In  FIG. 1A , the folding device  44  has been set up to perform a Z-fold on the paper sheet  28 . To perform a Z-fold on the paper sheet  28 , the first station  64  is set up with a diverting device  70  and a buckle plate  72 . The diverting device  70  is for diverting the leading edge  50  of the paper sheet  28  as the paper sheet  28  moves in a first path (see position  5   a ) and changing a direction of movement of the leading edge  50  to a second path (see position  5   b ) into the buckle plate  72 . The diverting device  70  is moveable between an operative position (shown in solid line in  FIG. 1A ) in the first path of the paper sheet  28  as the leading edge  50  thereof exits from the conveyor system and an inoperative position (shown in phantom line in  FIG. 1A ) spaced from the first path of the paper sheet  28 . 
   The buckle plate  72  has an adjustable stop  74  positionable by the user depending upon the size of the paper sheet  28 . After the paper sheet  28  enters the buckle plate  72 , the diverting device  70  moves to its inoperative position shown in phantom line in  FIG. 1A . This movement is accomplished pneumatically and is controlled by a computer processing unit which is signalled by an appropriately located sensor (not shown) to detect the passage of the leading edge  50  of the paper sheet  28 . With the diverting device  70  in its inoperative position, the leading edge  50  will engage the adjustable stop  74  to stop further movement of the paper sheet  28  in the second path. However, the cooperating rollers  60 ,  62  continue to drive the paper sheet  28  causing an intermediate portion of the paper sheet  28  between the leading and trailing edges  50 ,  48  thereof to engage a nip  76  formed by cooperating upper and lower rollers  78 , 80 . The upper roller  78  continually rotates clockwise while the lower roller  80  continually rotates counterclockwise, as viewed in  FIG. 1A , to accept the paper sheet  28  and create a first folded edge  82  therein as shown at position  5   c  as the paper sheet  28  is drawn through the nip  76  in a third path. 
   At the second station  66 , a buckle plate  84  has been set up to accept the paper sheet  28  coming from the cooperating rollers  78 ,  80  in the third path. The buckle plate  84  has an adjustable stop  86  in the third path for stopping movement of the folded edge  82  of the paper sheet  28  along the third path as shown in position  5   d . After the folded edge  82  of the paper sheet  28  is stopped, the cooperating rollers  78 , 80  drive the intermediate portion of the paper sheet  28  between a nip  88  formed between the lower roller  80  and a roller  90  (position  5   e ). The roller  90  is continually driven in a clockwise direction, as viewed in  FIG. 1A . The rollers  80 ,  90  draw the paper sheet  28  through the nip  88  in a fourth path to create a folded edge  92  at the intermediate portion of the paper sheet  28  between the folded edge  82  and the trailing edge  48  thereof (position  5   e ). 
   As the paper sheet  28  enters the third station  68 , a first bypass device  91  located in the fourth path after the nip  88  deflects the paper sheet  28  into a nip  94  formed between the roller  90  and a roller  96 . The roller  96  is continually driven in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in  FIG. 1A . The rollers  90 ,  96  draw the paper sheet  28  through the nip  94  sending the paper sheet  28  into the output device  46 . The output device  46  includes an output guide  98  and an output conveyor  100  designed to deliver the paper sheet  28  to the enveloper as shown by position  5   f . Thus, a Z-folded paper sheet is formed. 
   In  FIGS. 2A and 2B  the folding apparatus  12  is arranged to provide C-folding. It should be noted that a second bypass device  102  has been mounted at the second station  66  while a buckle plate  104  has been mounted in the third station  68 . The buckle plate  104  has an adjustable stop  106  positionable by the user depending upon the size of the paper sheet  28 . After the paper sheet  28  enters the folding apparatus  12 , the diverting device  70  diverts the leading edge  50  of the paper sheet  28  as the paper sheet  28  moves in a first path (see position  6   a ) and changes a direction of movement of the leading edge  50  to a second path (see position  6   b ) into the buckle plate  72 . The diverting device  70  moves from its operative position (shown in solid line in  FIG. 2A ) in the first path of the paper sheet  28  as the leading edge  50  thereof exits from the conveyor system, to its inoperative position (shown in phantom line in  FIG. 2A ) spaced from the first path of the paper sheet  28 . With the diverting device  70  in its inoperative position, the leading edge  50  will engage the adjustable stop  74  to stop further movement of the leading edge  50  of the paper sheet  28  in the second path. The cooperating rollers  60 , 62  continue to drive the paper sheet  28  causing an intermediate portion of the paper sheet  28  between the leading and trailing edges  50 ,  48  thereof to engage the nip  76  formed by cooperating upper and lower rollers  78 , 80  to create a first folded edge  82  therein as the paper sheet  28  is drawn through the nip  76  in a third path. 
   At the second station  66 , the second bypass device  102  has been set up to accept the paper sheet  28  coming from the cooperating rollers  78 ,  80  in the third path. The second bypass device  102  located in the third path after the nip  76  deflects the paper sheet  28  into the nip  88  formed between the rollers  80 ,  90  (position  6   c ). 
   At the third station  68 , the paper sheet  28  enters the buckle plate  104  travelling in a fourth path (position  6   d ). When the folded edge  82  of the paper sheet  28  engages the adjustable stop  106 , further movement thereof in the fourth path is stopped. However, the cooperating rollers  90 , 96  drive the intermediate portion of the paper sheet  28  between the nip  94 , the rollers  90 , 96  drawing the paper sheet  28  through the nip  94  in a fifth path to create a folded edge  108  at the intermediate portion of the paper sheet  28  between the folded edge  82  and the trailing edge  48  thereof. The paper sheet  28  is delivered into the output device  46 . Thus, a C-folded paper sheet is formed. 
   In  FIGS. 3A and 3B  the folding apparatus  12  is arranged to provide half-folding with a thru feed. It should be noted that the second bypass device  102  has been mounted at the second station  66  while the first bypass device  91  has been mounted in the third station  68 . After the paper sheet  28  enters the folding apparatus  12 , the diverting device  70  diverts the leading edge  50  of the paper sheet  28  as the paper sheet  28  moves in a first path (see position  7   a ) and changes a direction of movement of the leading edge  50  to a second path (see position  7   b ) into the buckle plate  72 . The diverting device  70  moves from its operative position (shown in solid line in  FIG. 3A ) in the first path of the paper sheet  28  as the leading edge  50  thereof exits from the conveying station to its inoperative position (shown in phantom line in  FIG. 3A ) spaced from the first path of the paper sheet  28 . With the diverting device  70  in its inoperative position, the leading edge  50  will engage the adjustable stop  74  to stop further movement of the leading edge  50  of the paper sheet  28  in the second path. The cooperating rollers  60 ,  62  continue to drive the paper sheet  28  causing the intermediate portion of the paper sheet  28  between the leading and trailing edges  50 ,  48  thereof to engage the nip  76  formed by cooperating upper and lower rollers  78 ,  80  to create a folded edge  110  therein as the paper sheet  28  is drawn through the nip  76  in a third path. 
   At the second station  66 , the output conveyor  100  has been set up to accept the paper sheet  28  coming from the cooperating rollers  78 ,  80  in the third path. The second bypass device  102  located in the third path after the nip  76  deflects the paper sheet  28  into a fourth path between the nip  88  formed by the rollers  80 ,  90  (position  7   c ). 
   As the paper sheet  28  enters the third station  68 , the first bypass device  91  located in the fourth path after the nip  88  deflects the paper sheet  28  into the nip  94  formed between the roller  90  and a roller  96  (position  7   e ). The rollers  90 ,  96  draw the paper sheet  28  through the nip  94  sending the paper sheet  28  into the output device  46 . Thus, a half-folded paper sheet is formed. 
   In  FIGS. 4A and 4B  the folding apparatus  12  is arranged to provide half-folding with a downward feed direction. This format of folding cannot be accomplished with an insert forming part of the paper sheet  28 , i.e., the paper sheet  28  is insertless. It should be noted that the buckle plate  84  has been mounted at the second station  66  while the bypass device  91  has been mounted in the third station  68 . Also, the diverting device  70  and buckle plate  72  have been removed. Alternatively, the diverting device  70  can merely be placed in its inoperative position. After the paper sheet  28  enters the folding apparatus  12 , the cooperating rollers  60 ,  62  move the paper sheet  28  in a first path (see position  8   a ) to engage the nip  76  formed by cooperating upper and lower rollers  78 ,  80 . 
   As the paper sheet  28  is drawn through the nip  76 , the buckle plate  84  at the second station  66  accepts the paper sheet  28  coming from the cooperating rollers  78 ,  80 . The adjustable stop  86  stops the movement of the leading edge  50  of the paper sheet  28  as shown in position  8   c . After the paper sheet  28  is stopped, the cooperating rollers  78 ,  80  drive the intermediate portion of the paper sheet  28  between the nip  88  formed between the rollers  80 ,  90 . The rollers  80 ,  90  draw the paper sheet  28  through the nip  88  to create a folded edge  112  at the intermediate portion of the paper sheet  28 . 
   As the paper sheet  28  enters the third station  68 , the first bypass device  91  located after the nip  88  deflects the paper sheet  28  into the nip  94  formed between the rollers  90 ,  96  (position  8   d ). The rollers  90 ,  96  drawing the paper sheet  28  through the nip  94  sending the paper sheet  28  into the output device  46 . Thus, a half-folded paper sheet is formed. 
   In  FIGS. 5A and 5B  the folding apparatus  12  is arranged to provide half-folding with an upward feed direction. This format of folding cannot be accomplished with an insert forming part of the paper sheet  28 , i.e., the paper sheet  28  is insertless. It should be noted that the second bypass device  102  has been mounted at the second station  66  while the buckle plate  104  has been mounted in the third station  68 . Also, the diverting device  70  and buckle plate  72  have been removed. Alternatively, the diverting device  70  can merely be placed in its inoperative position. After the paper sheet  28  enters the folding apparatus  12 , the cooperating rollers  60 ,  62  move the paper sheet  28  in a first path (see position  9   a ) to engage the nip  76  formed by cooperating upper and lower rollers  78 ,  80 . 
   As the paper sheet  28  is drawn through the nip  76 , the bypass device  102  at the second station  66  located after the nip  76  deflects the paper sheet  28  into the nip  88  formed between the rollers  80 ,  90  (position  9   b ). At the third station  68 , the paper sheet  28  enters the buckle plate  104  (position  9   c ). When the paper sheet  28  engages the adjustable stop  106 , further movement of the leading edge  50  is stopped. However, the cooperating rollers  90 ,  96  drive the intermediate portion of the paper sheet  28  between the nip  94 . The rollers  90 ,  96  drawing the paper sheet  28  through the nip  94  to create a folded edge  114  at the intermediate portion of the paper sheet  28 . The paper sheet  28  is delivered into the output device  46 . Thus, a half-folded paper sheet is formed. 
   Such known folding machines as discussed above require complicated and expensive electronic controls and sensors in order to provide for the proper processing of the paper sheets. As well, such known folding machines have many plates and other components that must be disassembled when repair or cleaning of the internal parts of the machine is required or to alleviate paper jams. As such plates may be very heavy, operators of the machine may find it difficult to remove the plates, even after disassembly is accomplished. 
   Therefore, there is desired a paper folding machine that provides for all of the above described folding functions, but provides for inexpensive, uncomplicated processing mechanisms while allowing for easy access to the internal parts of the folding machine when cleaning or repairs are necessary. There is also desired automatic mechanical means for processing different sizes and types of paper sheets. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The above disadvantages are overcome by the present invention that provides for a folding machine comprising a housing having an upper opening, a processing area including a split table disposed in the housing having a first removable plate and a second removable plate accessible through the upper opening, a paper input area adjacent the first plate and a paper output area adjacent the second plate. In an embodiment, the split table includes a first fold plate and a second fold plate and the first removable plate is removably attached to the first fold plate and the second removable plate is removably attached to the second fold plate. In an embodiment, the split table is formed generally in a V-shape. In an embodiment, a main roller is disposed between the first and second fold plates. 
   In an embodiment, the main roller is mounted at the vertex formed by the V-shaped first and second fold plates. In an embodiment, the first and second fold plates include a paper stop for processing paper sheets received therein. In an embodiment, the first and second removable plates include paper sizing indicia. In an embodiment, the first and second removable plates include type-of-fold indicia. In an embodiment, the first and second fold plates include an adjuster. In an embodiment, the adjuster provides for adjustment of the paper stop according to the type-of-fold indicia and/or paper size indicia provided by the corresponding removable plate. In an embodiment, the adjuster provides for a fold including one of a C-shaped, D-shaped, G-shaped or Z-shaped fold. 
   In an embodiment, the adjuster provides for adjustment of the paper size or fold type processed by the paper stop. In an embodiment, the adjusters are each slidingly mounted within a slot formed in each of the first and second fold plates. In an embodiment, the adjuster controls the position of the paper stop and an indicia indicator attached thereto. In an embodiment, the fold deflector includes a rigid finger including a stop surface against which a paper sheet abuts in order to fold the sheet. 
   In an alternate form of the invention a paper folding machine is provided comprising a housing, a lower fold plate disposed within the housing, the lower fold plate providing a work area, a paper stop adjustably mounted to the lower fold plate, an upper plate removably mounted to the lower fold plate and partially enclosing the work area, a roller for advancing paper into the work area and the paper sheet contacting the fold plate in order to fold the paper and an output area for receiving the folded paper. 
   In an embodiment, the folding machine further comprises an adjuster connected to the paper stop, a slot formed in the upper plate for receiving the adjuster therethrough so that the paper stop may be adjusted from outside the work area without removing the upper plate and the upper plate may be easily removed without requiring disassembly of the adjuster or paper stop. In an embodiment, the slot is arranged vertically along the upper plate. In an embodiment, fold indicia may be provided on the upper plate adjacent the slot in order to identify the positioning of the adjuster. In an embodiment, the machine further comprises a split table having a first side and a second side wherein the first side includes a first lower fold plate and a first upper plate and the second side includes a second lower fold plate and a second upper plate mounted thereto. 
   In an embodiment, the machine includes a central roller disposed between the first lower fold plate and the second lower fold plate for feeding paper between the first side and second side of the split table. In an embodiment, an input table is adjacent the first side and an output table is adjacent the second side. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its constructions and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated. 
       FIG. 1A  is a fragmentary, diagrammatic, side elevational view of a prior-art folding apparatus set up to create a Z-folded product; 
       FIG. 1B  is a schematic diagrammatic view of the product as it is processed through the apparatus of  FIG. 1A  to create a Z-folded product; 
       FIG. 2A  is a view similar to  FIG. 1A , with the apparatus set up to create a C-folded product; 
       FIG. 2B  is a schematic diagrammatic view of the product as it is processed through the apparatus of  FIG. 2A  to create a C-folded product; 
       FIG. 3A  is a view similar to  FIG. 1A  with the apparatus set up to create a half-folded product utilizing a thru feed path; 
       FIG. 3B  is a schematic diagrammatic view of the product as it is processed through the apparatus of  FIG. 3A  to create a half-folded product; 
       FIG. 4A  is a view similar to  FIG. 1A  with the apparatus set up to create a half-folded product utilizing a downwardly directed fold path; 
       FIG. 4B  is a schematic diagrammatic view of the product as it is processed through the apparatus of  FIG. 4A  to create a half-folded product; 
       FIG. 5A  is a view similar to  FIG. 1A  with the apparatus set up to create a half-folded product utilizing an upwardly directed fold path; 
       FIG. 5B  is a schematic diagrammatic view of the product as it is processed through the apparatus of  FIG. 5A  to create a half-folded product; and 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a folding machine of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of the folding machine of  FIG. 6  showing an upper plate of the folding machine removed; 
       FIG. 8A  is a plan view of a first plate of the folding machine of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8B  is a plan view of a second plate of the folding machine of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a fragmentary, perspective view of the folding machine of  FIG. 6  showing the paper supply plate of the folding machine; 
       FIG. 10  is a fragmentary, perspective view of the folding machine of  FIG. 6  showing the stacking plate and stacking arm of the folding machine; 
       FIG. 11  is a side elevational diagrammatic view of the folding machine of  FIG. 6  depicting multiple positioning of the stacking arm; 
       FIG. 12  is an enlarged perspective view of a roller cartridge for use in the folding machine of  FIG. 6 ; and 
       FIG. 13  is an enlarged plan view of an alternate embodiment of a roller cartridge for use in the folding machine of  FIG. 6 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The present invention is described with respect to  FIGS. 6–13 . Like numerals for like elements are used throughout all  FIGS. 6–13 . A paper-folding machine  210  is provided having a housing  215  including a first sidewall  216  and a second sidewall  217 . The housing  215  forms an upper opening  218 . A V-shaped upper split table  220  provides a paper processing area that is disposed between the first sidewall  216  and second sidewall  217  and is accessible through the upper opening  218 . The split table  220  is formed by lower fold plates  222   a, b  and upper removable plates  224   a, b . In an embodiment, a first upper removable plate  224   a  is disposed on first lower fold plate  222   a  forming a right side work area, pocket or chamber  221   a  and a second upper removable plate  224   b  is disposed on a second lower fold plate  222   b  forming a left side work area, pocket or chamber  221   b  ( FIG. 7 ). 
   First slots  225   a, b  are formed in the upper plates  224   a, b . First slot  225   c  ( FIG. 7 ) is formed in the lower plate  222   a, b . Second slots  227   a, b  are also formed in the upper plates  224   a, b . First chutes  231   a, b  are formed on one side of the slot  225   a, b  and second chutes  232   a, b  are formed on the opposite side of the slot  225   a, b . Corresponding to the chutes  232   a, b  and formed on the lower fold plates  222   a, b  are first channels  234   a, b  and second channels  236   a, b . Disposed behind the lower fold plate  222   a, b  are paper stops  240   a, b  that in an embodiment are each mounted on an adjustment rod, explained further below. Each paper stop  240   a, b  includes an adjuster  242   a, b  that protrudes through slots  225   a, b , respectively. Fingers  244   a, b ,  246   a, b  are disposed on the paper stop  240   a, b  and protrude through the channels  234   a, b , and  236   a, b , respectively. In an embodiment, the fingers  244   a, b ,  246   a, b  are integrally formed with the major surface of the paper stop  240   a, b  and protrude at a right angle therefrom. In an embodiment, the paper stop  240   a, b  may be formed of a polymer material. 
   The adjuster  242   a, b , in an embodiment, is a lever which may be moved between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. The adjuster lever  242   a, b  may be grabbed between an operator&#39;s fingers and in the unlocked condition may slide the paper stop  240   a, b  along the plates  222   a, b , and  224   a, b  so that the fingers  244   a, b ,  246   a, b  simultaneously move along channels  234   a, b ,  236   a, b . In an embodiment, each adjuster  242   a, b  includes a lever and a tab  239   a, b  mounted to the paper stop  240   a, b . The adjuster lever  242   a  pivots between a locked condition, parallel to the plane of the paper stop (as shown in  FIG. 7 ) and an unlocked condition, perpendicular to the plane of the paper stop and parallel to the tab (as shown in  FIG. 6  and also perpendicular lever  242   b  in  FIG. 7 ). An actuator  243   b  ( FIG. 7 ) attached to the lever  242   b , engages an adjustment rod  261   a, b  when the lever  242   b  is in a locked condition in order to lock the paper stop  240   a, b  in a predetermined position along the adjustment rod  261   a, b . Pivoting the lever  242   a, b  to the unlocked condition causes the actuator  243   b  to release from the adjustment rod  261   a, b , so that the paper stop  240   a, b  may be slid up and down along the adjustment rod  261   a, b  and along the slots  225   a, b, c . In an embodiment, when the lever  242   a, b  is in its unlocked, perpendicular condition, a user may simultaneously grasp the lever  242   a, b  and tab  239   a, b  between his/her fingers in order to adjust the paper stop  240   a, b  along the lower fold plates  222   a, b.    
   During operation of the folding machine, paper may abut the fingers  244   a, b ,  246   a, b  of the paper stop  240   a, b  at predetermined locations, arrived at by moving the adjuster  242   a, b . The fingers  244   a, b ,  246   a, b  include stop surfaces that act to deflect, buckle or stop paper sheets circulating in the folding machine  210  in order to form a nip at the side of the sheet opposite the stop surface, in order to fold the sheets at predetermined locations and fold types. In an embodiment, paper sheets are processed first in left pocket  221   b  and secondly in right pocket  221   a . The folds are formed and paper sheets are processed generally as discussed above for  FIGS. 1A–5B . In an embodiment, the paper stop  240   a, b  may have both a folding function and an adjustment function. In an alternate embodiment, the paper stop  240   a, b  may only act to fold paper sheets and a separate component acts as an adjustment bar for adjusting the positioning of the paper stop. A sound deadening medium  248   a, b  such as a sound deadening paper or acoustic foam is located under the lower fold plates  222   a, b.    
   A roller cover  250  is located between the plates  222   a, b ,  224   a, b  and in an embodiment, is attached to the upper plate  224   b . Located under the roller cover ( FIG. 7 ) is a feeding mechanism, for example, a main roller  252 . A main roller gear  253  ( FIG. 6 ) is attached to the main roller  252 . A secondary roller  254  is located adjacent to the main roller  252  and a secondary roller wheel  255  is attached thereto. As well, a tertiary roller  256  ( FIG. 10 ) is provided and includes a tertiary roller gear  257  ( FIG. 6 ). These rollers act to propel the paper sheets between the fold plates  222   a, b ,  224   a, b  and to form nips in order to fold the paper sheets. 
   An adjustment knob  260   a, b  is mounted at the terminal end of each upper plate  224   a, b . Whereas the adjusters  242   a, b  provide for large or gross adjustment of the paper stops  240   a, b ; the adjustment knobs  260   a, b  provide for fine adjustment of the paper stops  240   a, b . In an embodiment, by rotating the knobs  260   a, b  either clockwise or counterclockwise the paper stops  240   a, b  may be adjusted by millimeter increments to adjust for different paper weights/bond types. Each adjustment knob  260   a, b  is attached to adjustment rods  261   a, b , respectively, upon which the paper stop  240   a, b  is mounted. In an embodiment, the adjustment rod  261   a, b  is mounted adjacent to the lower fold plate  222   a, b  and extends between the terminal edge  262   a, b  and proximal edge  263   a, b  of the lower fold plates  222   a, b  (as shown in  FIG. 10 ). In an embodiment, the paper stop includes a means for threadingly receiving threaded portions of the adjustment rod  261   a, b  so that upon rotation of the knob  260   a, b , the paper stop  240   a, b  will be moved incrementally either up or down along the lower fold plate  222   a, b.    
   A quick-coupling mechanism, for example, attachment levers  265   a, b  are also provided at the terminal end of the upper plates  224   a, b . The attachment lever  265   a, b , in an embodiment, is a pivoting lever which has a locked and unlocked condition. The upper plates  224   a, b  may be quickly and easily mounted on the lower fold plates  222   a, b  and secured thereto by locking the attachment levers  265   a, b . In an embodiment, each attachment lever  265   a, b  has a swell latch having an expander  266   b  (see  FIG. 8 ) that latches within an aperture  267   b  at the terminal edge  262   b  of each lower fold plate  222   a, b  when the pivoting lever  265   a, b  is in its locked condition positioned horizontal to the edge of the upper plate  224   a, b  (as shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  8 ,  10 ). To unlatch the attachment lever  265   a, b  and move it to its unlocked condition, a pivot lever  265   a, b  is grasped between a user&#39;s fingers and moved to a position vertical to the edge  262   a, b  ( FIG. 6 ) of the upper plate  224   a, b , which causes an expander  266   b  ( FIG. 8 ) to unlatch from an aperture  267   b  formed at the terminal edge  262   b  of the lower fold plate  222   b , so that upon continued pulling on the pivot lever  265   a, b  by a user&#39;s fingers, the upper plate  224   a, b  may be quickly removed from the lower fold plate  222   a, b . For example, each expander  266   b  may include a resilient sleeve  268   b  having a hook  269   b  ( FIG. 8 ) inside so that the sleeve  268   b  is caused to expand by movement of the hook  269   b  when the attachment lever  265   a, b  is in its locked condition. The sleeve  268   b  may be contracted by movement of the hook  269   b  when the attachment lever  265   a, b  is in its unlocked condition. Thus, for each attachment lever  265   a, b  a two-step removal process is provided, consisting of 1) unlocking the adjustment lever  265   a, b  and 2) removing the upper plate  224   a, b  from the lower plate  222   a, b . Other known fasteners may also be used for the adjustment lever  265   a, b . Thus, the present invention provides for upper plates  224   a, b  that are quickly and easily removable and reattachable to the folding machine  210 . 
   In an embodiment, the upper plate  224   a, b  contains few components and is very lightweight. In an embodiment, each upper plate  224   a, b  is made of metal and weighs less than 5 lbs. Thus, when repair of the machine  210 , is required, the upper plates  224   a, b  can be quickly and easily removed so that the main roller  252  and the paper stops  240   a, b  may be exposed. These are areas where cleaning is required and paper jams may frequently occur that can be quickly and easily rectified with the construction of the present invention. The construction of the plates  222   a, b ,  224   a, b  having slots  225   a, b, c ,  227   a, b  allow for access to the adjuster  242   a, b  and indicator  272   a, b  from above the upper plates  224   a, b , even though such structures are not carried by the upper plates  224   a, b . Because these elements  242   a, b ,  272   a, b , and the paper stops  240   a, b  are supported by the lower fold plate  222   a, b ; the upper plate  224   a, b  is lightweight and can be quickly and easily removed. This construction also allows for the lower plates  222   a, b , in an embodiment, to be welded to the housing  120  and side walls  216 ,  217  to provide for a very rigid folding machine structure that allows for the processing of paper sheets with precise, square folds. 
   As shown in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8  the upper plates  224   a, b  include type of fold indicia and paper size indicia  270   a, b . In an embodiment, the type of fold and paper size indicia  270   a, b  are numbers and letters printed on the face of the upper plate  224   a, b  adjacent the slots  227   a, b . In an embodiment, the indicia may be printed directly onto the plate or attached by a label or decal. Protruding through the slots  227   a, b  and adjacent the indicia  270   a, b  are indicia indicators  272   a, b  which, in an embodiment, are attached to the paper stop  240   a, b . Upon movement of the paper stop  240   a, b , the indicia indicator  272   a, b  simultaneously moves and provides an indication of the type of fold or size of fold that the location of the paper stop  240   a, b  will provide in that specified position. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8   b , the top indicia “17 Z” indicates that a Z-type fold with 17 inch paper will be provided for, when the paper stop  240   b  is moved to the upper most position. For example, the indicia  270   b  indicate “14 Z” (Z-type fold with 14 inch paper), “11 Z” (Z-type fold with 11 inch paper), “14 D” (D-type fold with 14 inch paper), “17 C” (C-type or Correspondence fold with 17 inch paper), “14 C” (Correspondence fold with 14 inch paper), “17 G” (G-type fold with 17 inch paper), “11 C” (Correspondence fold with 11 inch paper), “14 G” (G-type or gate fold with 14 inch paper), and “11 G” (G-type fold with 11 inch paper). Other indicia and other sequencing of the indicia may be provided. In an embodiment, the upper left side pocket  221   b  and plates  222   b  and plates  224   b  are not used to provide half folds. In order to adjust the machine to provide half folds the paper stop  240   b  is moved to the bottom of the plate in order to act as a deflector from the first fold pocket so that paper sheets go directly to the second or right side fold pocket  221   a  of the fold plate  222   a  ( FIG. 8   a ) where half folds may occur. In an embodiment, the indicia  270   a  of the upper plate  224   a  will include half fold and gate fold indicia for 17″, 14″ and 11″ size sheets, a D-type or double parallel fold position for 14 inch sheets as well as the indicia  270   a , described above for C-type and Z-type folds. It is noted that the arrangement of the indicia  270   a  on the first removable plate  224   a  is organized differently than the indicia  270   b  on the second removable plate  224   b  because the position of the paper stop  240   a, b  in order to accomplish such fold types varies from the right side fold pocket  221   a  to the left side fold pocket  221   b.    
   Turning to  FIG. 9 , a supply plate or input table  280  provides a paper input feeding or receiving area having paper width guides  282   a, b . In an embodiment, the supply plate  280  may be adjustable upward and downward. Mounted between the first and second sidewall  216 ,  217  is a paper supply roller  284 . The roller  284  includes wheels  286  for injecting paper sheets  288  into the fold machine  210 . Protruding from the second sidewall  217  are a power gear  290 , a drive mechanism  292 , a central drive gear  294  and a control panel  296  for controlling the operation of the folding machine  210 . 
   Turning to  FIG. 10 , a stacking plate or table  300  provides a paper output area including a first belt  301 , second belt  302  and third belt  303  for pulling paper from the folding machine  210  and for stacking folded sheets on the stacking plate  300 . The stacking plate  300  is pivotally mounted between the sidewalls  216 ,  217  via pin  304  received in channel  305 . A stacking arm  310  is provided which includes a pivot arm  312 , support arm  134  and stacking rollers  316   a, b  attached to the support arm  314  by a rod  318 . The stacking arm  310  operates in order to help compress the finished folded sheets (not shown) and to help stack them on the stacking plate  300 . The stacking arm  310  is automatically adjusted in order to position the rollers  316   a, b  in the proper position on the stacking plate  300  according to the size of the paper being ejected from the machine  210  and according to the positioning of the paper stop  40   a, b.    
   A housing frame  320  is provided between the first sidewall  216  and second sidewall  217 . Attached to the housing frame  320  is a hinge  322 . Attached to the hinge  322  is the pivot arm  312 . Within the pivot arm is provided a slide track  326 . In an embodiment a sliding or adjustment arm  324  is attached to the pivot arm  312  via a bearing slider  326  mounted in a track of the pivot arm  312  providing a pivot joint  328 . At the end opposite the pivot joint  328 , the sliding arm is attached to a paper stop box  330 . In an embodiment, the paper stop box  330  includes threaded bores which receive threaded portions of the rod  261   a  therethrough. The paper stop box  130  is also attached to the paper stop  240   a.    
   Operation of the stacking arm  310  will be discussed with respect to  FIGS. 10 and 11 . When the paper stop  240   a  is adjusted via the adjuster  242   a, b  ( FIG. 6 ,  9 ) discussed above, it will simultaneously move the paper stop box  330  up and down along the rod  260   a , which will simultaneously cause the sliding arm  324  to move. Movement of the sliding arm  324 ,  324 ′ will cause the bearing slider  326  to slide along the track formed in the pivot arm  312  which will cause the pivot arm  312 ,  312 ′ to pivot. The stacking arm  310  may be moved inward so that the pivot arm  312  is positioned towards tertiary roller  256  and outward so that the pivot arm  312 ′ is positioned towards the stacking plate  300 . Such pivoting of the pivot arm  312 ,  312 ′ causes the support arm  314 ,  314 ′ to be in an inward position  314  and an outward position  314 ′ that simultaneously moves the roller  116   a , closer in towards first belt  301  or to a position  316   a ′ further out on the stacking plate  300  towards its terminal end. (Although  FIG. 6  only depicts two positions of the stacking arm  310 , it is to be understood that multiple positions may be provided during continuous movement of the arm  310 .) 
   For example, when a small sheet or small fold type is requested, such as “8.5×14 D”, as shown on  FIG. 8   a , the paper stop  240   a  is located towards the bottom of the plate  224   a . As shown in  FIG. 10 , this position will draw the pivot arm  312  closer into the machine, towards the tertiary roller  256 . Simultaneously, the stacking rollers  316   a, b  will also be moved inward, in order to be positioned to receive the shorter “8.5×14 D” type sheets exiting the machine on the first belt  301 . When a larger type fold or larger sheet size is being processed by the machine, the paper stop  240   a , will be positioned towards the upper terminal end of the upper plate  224   a , for example, at the “11×17 half, gate” designation, as shown on  FIG. 8   a . This positioning of the paper stop  240   a  will cause the sliding arm  324 ′ to move the pivot arm  312 ′ and the stacking roller  316   a ′ outward in order to position it further down the stacking plate  300  to receive the longer “11×17 half, gate” type sheets which will extend further down on the stacking plate  300 . Therefore, it may be understood that when the machine is adjusted for the specified fold types or paper sizes by movement of the paper stop  240   a , the stacking arm  310  is also automatically adjusted for the stacking of the specified folded papers when they exit the folding machine at the stacking plate  300 . Such positioning of the stacking arm  310  and rollers  316   a, b  will provide for neatly shingled, stacked paper sheets on the stacking tray  300 . 
   In an embodiment, the stacking arm  310  may include a quick release  328  so that the arm  310  may be disengaged from the paper stop  240   a  and the arm  310  may be operated independently. For example, if a non-standard paper size or paper fold is being processed by the machine  210 , it may be desirable to be able to independently set the stacking arm  310  in particular positions on the stacking plate  300 , that would not be provided automatically if the arm  310  were attached to the paper stop  240   a . In an embodiment, the pivot joint  328  may have associated with it, a quick release pin  329  inserted between the sliding arm  324  and the pivot arm  312 . A ring  331  attached to the pin  329  may be pulled to quickly remove the pin  329  so that the pivot arm  312  is disengaged and detached from the sliding arm  324 . After release of the pin  329 , the stacking arm  310  may be positioned independently from the paper stop  240 , to which the sliding arm  324  is attached. In an embodiment the pin  329  will be attached to the housing via a tether, so that the pin  329  cannot be misplaced after removal from the pivot arm  312 . A tension knob  327  may be rotated in order to hold the stacking arm  310  in a desired position after manual adjustment. 
   Turning to  FIG. 12 , a first roller cartridge  330  is disclosed.  FIG. 12  depicts an enlarged view of the roller  256 , that is also shown in  FIG. 10 . The cartridge includes a frame  332   a, b  and the tertiary roller  256  is mounted therebetween. A pair of feed rollers  334 ,  336  are also mounted between the frame  332   a, b  on either side of the tertiary roller  256 . Each of the feed rollers  334 ,  336  include wheels  337 ,  338 ,  339  which help to maintain paper sheets in contact with the tertiary roller  256  in order to help the paper sheets feed therethrough. A guide plate  340  is mounted to and extends between the frame  332   a, b  and also helps to guide paper sheets through the rollers  256 ,  334 ,  336 . 
   Attached to the frame  332   a, b  are mounting members  341 ,  342 . In an embodiment, the mounting members  341 ,  342  form U-shaped hooks which help to mount the cartridge  330  within a paper folding machine. As well, each of the frames  332   a, b  includes a tab  345  having an aperture  347  formed therein. In an embodiment, upon mounting of the first cartridge  330  within the paper folding machine  210 , the frames  332   a, b  are aligned with the sidewalls  216 ,  217  so that the mounting members  341 ,  342  are mounted over posts protruding from the sidewalls  216 ,  217 . Simultaneously, the aperture  347  is aligned with a hole in the wall  216 ,  217  so that a fastener  348  may be inserted therethrough in order to secure the cartridge  330  within the housing of the paper folding machine. In an alternate embodiment, the cartridge  330  may be mounted permanently within the paper folding machine such as by welding the frame  332   a, b  to the sidewalls  216 ,  217 . 
   Turning to  FIG. 13 , an alternate embodiment of a second cartridge  350  is shown. The second cartridge  350  includes a frame  352   a, b  and a guide plate  354  which are similar to the frame and guide plate discussed above for  FIG. 12 . Mounted between the frame  352   a, b  are a feed roller  355  and cutting rollers  361 ,  362 . The first cutting roller  361  includes cutting wheels  363 ,  364  which engage cutting wheels  365 ,  366  respectively which are mounted on the second cutting roller  362 . In an embodiment, the cutting wheels  363 ,  364  include annular blades  367   a, b  which engage annular grooves  368   a, b , respectively, on the corresponding cutting wheels  365 ,  366 . Paper sheets are fed through each of these wheels  363 ,  364 ,  365 ,  366  and the paper sheets are slit by the blades  367   a, b . Each of the wheels  363 ,  364 ,  365 ,  366  are adjustable along the rollers  361 ,  362 , respectively. For example, a fastener  370 , such as a screw, having an Allen wrench receptacle is provided, so that the wheels  363 ,  364 ,  365 ,  366  may be positioned and locked in place by tightening the fastener  370 . By sliding the wheels  363 ,  364 ,  365 ,  366  along the length of the shaft of cutting rollers  361 ,  362 , a multitude of positions for slits may be provided on the paper sheets fed therethrough. 
   In an alternate embodiment, the cutting wheels  363 ,  364 ,  365 ,  366  may be replaced by other types of wheels which may provide for serrations, perforations or other processing of paper sheets. The second cartridge  350  may also be replaceable and have mounting members and apertures as discussed for the first cartridge  330  of  FIG. 12 . As well, in an embodiment, the second cartridge  350  may be interchangeable with the first cartridge  330  and other cartridges having other processing futures such as for perforation or cutting. Therefore, it may be understood that the processing of paper in the paper folding machine may be quickly and easily altered by interchanging the first cartridge  330  with the second cartridge  350  and other types of cartridges. In an embodiment, simply by removing the stacking arm  310 , shown in  FIG. 10 , the first cartridge  330  may be removed and replaced with second cartridge  350 . In an embodiment, when a cartridge such as second cartridge  350  is mounted within the paper folding machine, a deflector must be provided in the fold plates so that unfolded paper sheets are received by the second cartridge  350  in order to more easily split, cut or perforate the paper sheets. In an embodiment, a split fold pocket will receive the paper sheets from the fold plate  22   b . In a further embodiment, only the cutting rollers  361 ,  362  may be removable. 
   The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants&#39; contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.