Method and apparatus for forming a stream of partly overlapping paper sheets

摘要

A cross cutter subdivides a continuous paper web into a file of discrete randomly distributed satisfactory and unsatisfactory sheets which are advanced by a first transporting unit at an elevated first speed into the variable-width clearance between two superimposed conveyors of a second transporting unit which are driven at a lower second speed so that the sheets which enter the clearance are converted into a scalloped stream. Unsatisfactory sheets are removed from the first transporting unit and the width of the clearance is reduced in response to segregation of an unsatisfactory sheet or two or more successive unsatisfactory sheets to prevent the next-following satisfactory sheet from advancing through the clearance without deceleration by the two conveyors. The width of the clearance is restored to its original value in response to the passage of a preselected number of satisfactory sheets into the range of the second transporting unit following the segregation of one or more unsatisfactory sheets from the first transporting unit.