Collating station for inserting machine

Abstract

A collating station is disclosed for a machine intended to insert first and second documents into an envelope. Prior to the insertion operation, the first and second documents are advanced serially in a common plane. At a predetermined location, each first document is intercepted and lifted above the common plane and moved to a holding platform spaced above the common plane. The holding platform has a transverse terminal edge downstream from where the first document comes to rest. Thereupon, the first document resting on the holding platform and a following second document which continues to advance along the common plane as the first document travels toward the holding platform are advanced together in a parallel spaced relationship, toward a downstream station. As the documents are advanced, the first document drops off the terminal edge of the holding platform and onto the second document thereby completing the collating operation. Additionally, movement of the first document is positively controlled as it is guided to locations above the common plane, thereby assuring proper collation of the first and second documents. The desired sequence of events can be achieved by means of a variable computer control, or by a fixed timing sequence built into the machine, or by sensors and associated activating devices, or by a combination of these expedients.