摘要 |
Continuous printing collator apparatus for printing, handling, collating and final processing of multiple-page printed items such as business forms, booklets, small newspapers, and magazine is provided which includes structure for storate-in-process and/or drying of elongated, printed webs, and aligns a plurality of such webs in a continuous, in-line non-interrupted operation. The apparatus preferably includes a plurality of elongated, individual, shiftable web-supporting bars oriented for receiving and supporting printed webs in a draped fashion thereon; the bars are mounted on a continuous, track (which may be serpentine, closed loop, or open loop) such that individual webs can be received seriatim and, after all webs have been received and aligned on the bars, the complete set thereof can be further processed. The bars may include respective pins for insertion into corresponding web apertures or other means of holding the webs in position so as to facilitate initial and continuing alignment of the webs. Specialized apparatus for feeding and initial orientation of the webs onto the bars is also disclosed, along with corner-turning mechanism for positive, powered turning of the bars around tight arcuate corners in the track structure without binding of the bars therein. |