Sheet set separation using folded strips

摘要

Apparatus and a method are disclosed for associating a strip with a set of stacked sheets. The strip, which may be paper tape, is positioned intersecting a path along which a set of sheets such as paper sheets is advanced. The sheet set is advanced towards the strip so that the downstream edge of the sheet set engages the strip with portions of the strip extending substantially beyond opposed major sides of the sheet set. The strip is then folded at least once to the sheet set adjacent the downstream edge of the sheet set with the strip portions extending generally adjacent the major sides of the sheet set. The strip is folded by advancing the sheet set and the strip through a nip. The strip is indexed from a roll to the position in the path of the sheet set. The strip is tensioned and is drawn against a knife edge as the sheet set advances through the nip to sever the strip from the roll.