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. The 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 collector 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.