초록 ▼

Continuous forms (e.g. computer paper with individual sheets separated by perforations) of one job are automatically folded and separated from the forms of the next job. Detectable marks are printed within a window onto the first form of one job, or the last of another, in a first mode, or the forms

Continuous forms (e.g. computer paper with individual sheets separated by perforations) of one job are automatically folded and separated from the forms of the next job. Detectable marks are printed within a window onto the first form of one job, or the last of another, in a first mode, or the forms are counted in a second mode. The marks within the window are sensed by an LED sensor, which feeds information to a computer (microprocessor) control. The computer control effects operation of a cutting blade to sever the last form of one job from the first form of the next. The forms are automatically folded in a festooning action by a Bunch folder. Hall effect sensors are mounted for cooperation with notched discs on the same shaft as beaters of the Bunch folder, and function as end of travel limit switches for the folder swing chute, to provide relevant data to the microprocessor for proper operation of the cutting blade.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for automatically separating a continuous flow of business forms into predetermined jobs, each job comprising a plurality of business forms wherein each form is connected by perforations to another form, wherein detectable marks have been applied to at least one form of each job comprising

Apparatus for automatically separating a continuous flow of business forms into predetermined jobs, each job comprising a plurality of business forms wherein each form is connected by perforations to another form, wherein detectable marks have been applied to at least one form of each job comprising: means for transporting the forms in a first direction; folding means for automatically folding the forms at their perforated connections to each other, said folding means comprising a swing chute mounted for oscillating movement about a generally horizontal axis and for receipt of forms therein; a plurality of spirals mounted for rotation about vertical axes and adjacent said swing chute, for receipt of the edges of the forms after engagement by said swing chute; and a plurality of beaters mounted for rotation about at least one axis parallel to said swing chute axis, for acting on the forms to keep them in operative association with said spirals; means for automatically sensing the detectable marks on a form as it travels in the first direction, said means between a position where marks have been applied and said folding means; severing means for automatically selectively severing the forms along a perforation between adjacent forms, during folding; microprocessor controlled control means responsive to said sensing means for initiating operation of said severing means when predetermined detectable marks have been detected by said means; and wherein said control means comprises: first and second notched discs mounted for rotation on a first shaft, said first disc having a pair of notches spaced approximately 18°, and said second disc having a single notch, and means for sensing said disc notches; and an encoder on said shaft, said encoder and said disc sensing means for determining the position of perforations between said forms for zeroing the detection of marks by said mark sensing means and for initiating operation of said severing means when desired.