Devices for accelerating sheets in gathering machines

Abstract

A gathering machine wherein the platforms for deposition of sheets prior to accumulation into piles on the horizontal track of the conveyor system are of adjustable width so as to properly confine and guide wider or narrower sheets. Each sheet which rests on a platform is accelerated prior to removal from the platform by the oncoming prong of a series of equidistant prongs on an endless chain which forms part of the conveyor system. The accelerating devices are elongated elastic bars having rectangular sheet-engaging undersides which bear against the upper sides of sheets on the respective platforms and accelerate the sheets in the direction of travel of the oncoming prongs shortly before the sheets are engaged by the prongs. The platforms carry recessed idler rollers below the respective accelerating devices to reduce friction between the sheets and the platforms during acceleration of the sheets by the undersides of the accelerating devices. The drives for the accelerating devices receive motion from a main shaft which drives transfer wheels serving to remove sheets from discrete magazines and to advance the sheets in directions toward the respective platforms. During the last stage of travel of sheets from the magazines onto the respective platforms, the sheets are guided by pairs of endless belts one of which serves to orbit the respective accelerating device along an endless path and receives motion from the main shaft.