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Sheet collating apparatus and method

  • US 4,720,960 A
  • Filed: 02/04/1986
  • Issued: 01/26/1988
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/04/1986
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of collating sheets into sets from stacks of sheets wherein the number of sheets in each collated set may be greater than the number of stacks which can be supported within the collating machine comprising the steps of:

  • supporting a predetermined number of stacks of sorted sheets in a collating machine having a predetermined number of trays for supporting the stacks;

    sequentially advancing sheets from the trays to mechanisms for sheet transport while transporting the advanced sheets to thereby collate the sheets into preliminary sets;

    sequentially transporting the preliminary collated sets to a terminal point;

    receiving and storing a plurality of preliminary collated sets in a hopper for set storage adjacent the terminal point;

    moving the preliminary collated sets from the hopper for set storage to one of the trays;

    supporting the preliminary collated sets in its tray;

    supporting a predetermined number of additional stacks of sorted sheets in others of the trays;

    sequentially advancing preliminary collated sets from its tray to the mechanisms for sheet transport and sequentially advancing additional sheets from the others of the trays to the mechanisms for sheet transport while transporting the advanced preliminary collated sets and additional sheets whereby preliminary collated sets and additional sheets are collated into final collated sets; and

    transporting the final collated sets sequentially to the terminal point.

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