Apparatus and methods for restacking fanfolded continuous form paper

Abstract

The paper stacker includes a pair of pivoted generally L-shaped elements disposed above a vertically movable paper tray. The elements pivotally depend such that their lower paper support legs are normally inclined and terminate at free edges in a roller. Upon upward movement of the tray and stacking initial sheets of fan-folded paper on the tray, the sheets engage the undersides of the elements to pivot the elements and, hence, the lower legs into generally horizontal positions whereby paper may be stacked on the horizonally disposed support legs of the elements. Upon reaching a predetermined stack height, the tray moves downwardly away from the elements, enabling the paper carried thereby to fall through the opening onto the tray. Upward movement of the tray then engages the underside of the elements to compress the paper stacked on the tray and, upon slight downward displacement of the tray, enable further stacking of paper on the elements whereby the cycle of stacking paper on the elements, releasing paper from the elements onto the tray and compressing the paper on the tray may be repeated.