COLLECTOR APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

A high-capacity collector apparatus (10) and method are provided for collecting sheet articles and advancing collected sheet articles. The collector apparatus includes a stage (50) for collecting a stack of sheet articles (S) advanced thereto wherein the stage is adjustable to accommodate sheet articles of various dimensions or sizes. Pusher/stop members are provided and are operable to stop sheet articles collected in a stack in the stage and to subsequently push the stack of sheet articles from the stage. T he pusher/stop members are preferably lug members (L1, L2, L3, L4) fixedely attached to a plurality of belts (B1, B2, B3, B4) with each belt having one lug member fixedly attached thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the collecto r apparatus comprises two pairs of independently controlled movable belts each having one lug member attached thereto. The lug members of one pair of belts are adapted for providing a front stop for one stack of sheet articles collected in the stage, and for alternately moving to a rear ready position and then pushing another stack of collected sheet articles from the stage at a predetermined time.