Importance

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Abstract

Sheets that arrive one after another in a horizontal travel direction at a relatively high input speed at an input station are stacked by first displacing the sheets transversely downward as they pass the input station, and then braking the downwardly displaced sheets so that they move in the direction at an output speed that is substantially lower than the input speed. The sheets are then stopped so that they settle downward on a stack in the bin. Since the sheets move downward somewhat before they are braked, the trailing edge of the braked sheet is below the leading edge of the following sheet. In other words a leading edge of a sheet passing through the input station extends in the direction downstream past a trailing edge of the sheet is braked. The sheets are braked by gripping their trailing edges and retarding their downstream movement. This gripping can be effected by suction or, in the case of ferromagnetic sheets, magnetically. The sheets are stopped by engaging their leading edges by a downstream side of a stacking bin. An air cushion is formed under the braked sheets so they settle gently downward onto the stack. Similarly an air cushion is formed above the braked sheets and under the sheets in the input station. The air cushions are formed by projecting jets of air downstream in the direction between the sheets.

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First Claim