Apparatus for preparing batches of sheets

摘要

A drop table (40) is used for accumulating a desired number of sheets of items in a bundle and then dropping the bundle onto a conveyor belt. The drop table (40) has a plurality of rods (60) acting as a floor in a collection box (45). When the drop table (40) receives a signal from a sheet feeder (20) that the number of items desired is in the bundle the rods (60) are withdrawn from beneath the collection box (45) and the bundle drops to a conveyor belt. The rods (60) are then moved back into position for receiving more sheets to form another bundle and the drop table (40) signals the sheet feeding machine (20) to send more sheets to the collection box (45). The collection box may have a vibrating jogger (130) to align the sheets into a squared bundle on one axis and a tamping foot (142) to align the sheets into a squared bundle on a second axis. The drop table (40) can accumulate sheets in a squared bundle quickly without jamming and release the bundle onto a conveyor below the collection box (45). <IMAGE>