Sorter/stapler with horizontal bin opening

Abstract

In a sorter for sorting sheets fed from a sequential source of sheets, with a closely vertically spaced array of sorter bins, and apparatus to vertically move the array of sorter bins relative to the source of sheets for sequentially loading individual sheets into individual sorter bins, the improvement including partially horizontally displacing one individual sorter bin at a time from the superposed array, in coordination with the vertical movement, towards the source of sheets to provide an enlarged bin entry opening without requiring any change in the vertical spacing between the bins, and subsequently horizontally moving a bin so displaced back into vertically superposed alignment with the other bins of the array. Also disclosed is stapling sheets sorted into the bins, wherein the same system for partially horizontally displacing the sorter bins also functions to move one displaced bin at a time into the stapler for stapling the sheets sorted in that bin without removal therefrom. The system for partially horizontally displacing the sorter bins may utilize individual pins connecting with respective individual sorter bins in a substantially vertically aligned array and an open jaw actuating system through which the array of pins is movable, which open jaw is adapted to engage and horizontally move a selected pin therein. An alternative cam track system with a horizontal displacement transition therein is also disclosed for this function.