Apparatus and method for stacking and separating sheets discharged from a starwheel assembly

Abstract

An apparatus and method for creating stacks of sheets. In some embodiments, the sheets separated are those in or issuing from a starwheel assembly. The present invention includes a first separator finger that is inserted between two adjacent sheets to separate first and second sheets. The first separator finger retains the first sheet upstream to begin a first stack upstream of the first separator finger and allows the second sheet to complete another stack downstream of the first separator finger. In some embodiments, the first separator finger is inserted between the two adjacent sheets in a closed position and, after the first separator finger is inserted, the first separator finger moves to an open position to create a gap between the first and second stacks.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to apparatuses and methods for stacking and separating sheets discharged from a starwheel assembly, and more specifically to apparatuses and methods for stacking and separating discharged sheets without interrupting the flow of discharged sheets from the starwheel assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Many stacking devices are used to continuously create stacks of sheet products. In one common stacking device, the sheets are fed from a feeding system to the top of a wheel that is rotated about a wheel axis. The wheel includes a plurality of spiraled wheel blades or fins that project in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation. The sheets are fed between two adjacent fins and are rotated within the wheel to a lower position where the paper is stripped from the wheel by a barrier. The stripped sheets fall away from the wheel onto a stacking plate located at the bottom of a stacking box. Different separators have been developed to separate two adjacent sheets being discharged from the wheel. The two adjacent sheets include a sheet that completes the stack of a specified number located in the stacking box and another sheet that begins a new stack on the separator.

[0004] For example, some stacking devices rotate a separator about an axis that is displaced from the wheel axis but within the periphery of the wheel. The separator is rotated into a position between a first fed sheet that has just been fed into the wheel and an adjacent second sheet that will be fed into the wheel behind the separator as the wheel and separator rotate in the same direction. The separator rotates to the stacking position where the separator allows the first fed sheet to complete the stack located in the stacking box and supports the second fed sheet to begin a new stack at a position above the stacking plate of the stacking box. The separator accumulates additional sheets of the new stack to allow the completed stack to be sent to downstream operations, such as a packaging or bundling unit. When the stacking plate of the stacking box is cleared and ready to receive the new sheets accumulated by the separator, the separator rotates through the stacking box causing the sheets to fall onto the stacking plate located at the bottom of the stacking box.

[0005] In the above-described device, the separator can strike the sheets that are not fully seated between the blades because the travel path of the separator intersects with the travel path of the blades. This undesirable contact is caused by rotating the separator about a different rotational axis than the wheel axis which causes portions of the path traveled by the separator to intersect the path traveled by the sheets carried on the wheel.

[0006] Another type of conventional stacking device rotates a separator about the same axis as the wheel axis. The separator is coupled by an arm to the wheel axis, however the separator is at all times located outside a cylindrical volume that is defined by the periphery of the wheel. The separator rotates to a stacking position between a first sheet has been discharged from the wheel into the stacking box and a second sheet that is still located within the wheel. The separator allows the first sheet to fall to complete the stack located on a stacking plate in the stacking box while the separator supports the second sheet above the completed stack as it is discharged from the wheel. The separator will support additional sheets while the stacking plate moves the completed stack to another location. The separator is limited to supporting only as many sheets as space permits because the separator is located a fixed distance from the periphery of the wheel. After the stacking plate returns to the stacking box and the stacking box is ready to accept the partially completed stack from the separator, the separator is rotated about the common axis. As the separator is rotated the barrier will strip the sheets from the separator and the sheets will fall onto the stacking plate that is located at the bottom of the stacking box.

[0007] Another type of conventional separating device includes a separator that rotates about the wheel axis and moves radially away from the wheel axis once it is in the stacking position in order to accumulate additional sheets. The separator is rotated into a position between a first sheet that has just been fed into the wheel and a second sheet that will be fed into the wheel behind the separator as the wheel and separator rotate at the same speed about the common axis. The separator is rotated with the wheel until the separator is located at the stacking position beneath the wheel. The separator allows the first sheet to fall and complete the stack positioned on the stacking plate of the stacking box and supports the second sheet to begin the new stack on the separator. The separator finger moves radially away from the wheel to support additional sheets. Moving away from the wheel creates additional space to allow the separator to support more sheets than would be possible with a separator that did not move radially from the wheel. The stacking plate therefore has more time to move the completed stack because the separator can support an increased number of sheets before they must be transferred onto the stacking plate of the stacking box. When the stacking plate returns to the stacking box and is ready to accept the stack from the separator, the separator will rotate causing the barrier to push the sheets from the separator. The sheets then fall onto the stacking plate that is located at the bottom of the stacking box.

[0008] Separators that are rotatably connected to the wheel axis often require a complex design that is limited in space about the axis of rotation of the wheel. The complexity of this configuration increases the cost of manufacturing and assembly costs associated with the separator. Inaccessibility of the components of such an intricate and compact design also tends to increase the maintenance and repair costs of the separator.

[0009] Known separators used with starwheel assemblies are typically employed to separate sheets discharged from the bottom of a starwheel, thereby vertically stacking the sheets. In this configuration, the stacks normally only need to be supported from the bottom of the stack, such as by the separator itself or by a separate stacking plate or other support. Stacks produced in this manner are commonly referred to as “down packs” or “small packs”, and typically contain from ten to one hundred napkins per stack (although other stack counts are possible).

[0010] In other cases, separators are employed to separate sheets discharged laterally from starwheel assemblies, thereby stacking the sheets horizontally with each of the sheets being vertically oriented. Stacks generated from sheets discharged laterally from starwheel assemblies are typically supported at both ends of the stack and along the bottom edge of the stack. Stacks produced in this manner are commonly referred to as “bulk packs” and typically contain several hundred napkins, often between 250 and 600 napkins (although other stack counts are possible).

[0011] Historically, it has proven to be more difficult to separate a continuous horizontal stream of sheets into stacks of sheets because the stacks must be supported from both ends of the stack while being moved from the starwheel. One known method employed to overcome this difficulty is to use a stacking apparatus having two starwheel assemblies fed sheets from two respective infeed conveyors. The stacking apparatus also includes a diverter upstream of the feed conveyors and starwheel assemblies in order to selectively direct an incoming stream of sheets to one of the two infeed conveyors. In operation, one starwheel assembly is fed sheets from one infeed conveyor until a stack of a desired number of sheets is created. The diverter is then activated to redirect the incoming stream of sheets to the other infeed conveyor and into the other starwheel assembly so that the completed stack can be removed without interfering with additional sheets that would otherwise be discharged from the starwheel. This method of separating a continuous horizontal stream of stacked sheets is disadvantageous because it requires two starwheel assemblies—only one of which is operated at a given time. As a result, this method increases machinery cost, maintenance, and the amount of floor space required for such machinery.

[0012] In light of the above design requirements and limitations, a need exists for an apparatus and method for discharging sheets from a starwheel assembly and separating the sheets with a separator that controllably moves between two adjacent sheets within the starwheel without adversely affecting the position or movement of the sheets within the starwheel assembly, a separator that can move efficiently to enable the use of a simpler and less costly machine design, a separator that is mounted to the frame outside of a cylindrical volume defined by the periphery of the wheel to simplify the design and manufacture, a separator that creates and allows removal of stacks from a continuous stream of discharged sheets, and a relatively simple separator design that can lower separator manufacturing, maintenance, and/or repair costs, and a manner in which to stack and separate sheets laterally discharged from a starwheel assembly. Each preferred embodiment of the present invention achieves one or more of these results.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus and method are employed for discharging sheets from a starwheel assembly utilized for creating stacks of a desired number of sheets without interrupting the rotation of the starwheel assembly. Some embodiments of the present invention preferably separate sheets such that one separated sheet is allowed to complete a stack and the other separated sheet is supported by a separator to begin a new stack. Preferably, the completed stack is transported away from the starwheel assembly as the new stack supports additional sheets that are discharged from the starwheel assembly. More preferably, the new stack will move to provide clearance from the starwheel assembly to accumulate the additionally discharged sheets. The apparatus for discharging sheets preferably allows for cyclical repetition of the separation of the sheets, the stacking of the sheets, and the transportation of the stacks such that the continual rotation of the starwheel assembly is not interrupted.

[0014] In some highly preferred embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus for discharging sheets from a starwheel assembly includes a barrier and a first separator finger. Preferably, the barrier is positioned adjacent to the starwheel assembly to discharge the sheets from the starwheel assembly. The first separator finger is movable and is preferably inserted between two adjacent sheets to separate a first sheet of the two adjacent sheets from a second sheet of the two adjacent sheets. Preferably, the first separator finger retains a first sheet of the two adjacent sheets upstream to begin a first stack upstream of the first separator finger and allows the second sheet of the two adjacent sheets to complete another stack downstream of the first separator finger.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first separator finger includes a first finger portion and a second finger portion movable relative to the first finger portion from a closed position to an open position, whereby the first separator finger is insertable between two adjacent sheets when the finger portions are in the closed position and, after the first separator finger is inserted, the finger portions are movable to the open position to create a gap between the first and second stacks. The finger portions can be substantially aligned in the closed position and can be separated by a distance in the open position.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus for stacking discharged sheets from a starwheel assembly includes a second separator finger that can work in cooperation with the first separator finger and can move from a retracted position with respect to the first stack to an extended position within the gap between the first and second stacks to receive the first stack from the first separator finger and to retain the first stack upstream of the second separator finger.

[0017] The apparatus for discharging sheets from a starwheel assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a support arm having first and second support fingers, the support arm being movable such that the first support finger moves from a retracted position with respect to a first stack of sheets to an extended position within a gap between the first stack and a second stack of sheets to receive the first stack from a first separator finger and to retain the first stack downstream of the first support finger. In some cases, the support arm is movable such that the second support finger is movable from a retracted position with respect to the first stack of sheets to an extended position adjacent the downstream end of the first stack to receive the first stack and to retain the first stack upstream of the second support finger. The support arm can support the first stack between the first and second support fingers and can move the first stack to a conveyor for moving the first stack to downstream operations.

[0018] More information and a better understanding of the present invention can be achieved by reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be noted that the invention as disclosed in the accompanying drawings is illustrated by way of example only. The various elements and combinations of elements described below and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged and organized differently to result in embodiments which are still within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for stacking sheets discharged from a starwheel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a top view taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1, illustrating a first separator finger in the stacking position and a second separator finger in the starting position;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, illustrating the second separator finger in the stacking position and the first separator finger in the starting position;

[0023] FIGS. 4-11 are cross-section views taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 2, illustrating the progressive motion of the first separator finger and the second separator finger to create vertical stacks of sheets;

[0024] FIGS. 12-18 are cross-section views of an apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the progressive motion of a first separator finger and a movable conveyor to create vertical stacks of sheets;

[0025] FIGS. 19-22 are enlarged cross-section views similar to FIG. 4, illustrating the movement of a separator finger being inserted between adjacent sheets within the starwheel assembly;

[0026] FIG. 22A is a side view of an apparatus for stacking sheets discharged from a starwheel assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 23 is a schematic view of the control system of the stacking apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 24 graphically illustrates the speed and position of the separator finger;

[0029] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a conveyor system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view of a first and second conveyor used in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 25;

[0031] FIG. 27 is a top view of the first and second conveyor shown in FIG. 26;

[0032] FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of an apparatus for stacking sheets discharged from a starwheel assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 29 is a side view of a first separator finger of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 28; and

[0034] FIGS. 30-38 are side elevational views of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 28, illustrating the movement of the first separator finger for creating horizontal stacks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus for stacking sheets 10 that are discharged from a starwheel assembly 14 embodying features of the present invention. The stacking apparatus 10 includes a frame (not shown) and a starwheel assembly 14. The starwheel assembly 14 rotates to accept sheets from a feeding system 16 and discharges the accepted sheets in another location. The starwheel assembly 14 preferably includes a shaft 18 and a plurality of starwheels 20. The shaft 18 is rotatably coupled to the frame about an axis 22 and is rotated by a motor (not shown) either directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more gears, belts, chains, and the like driven by the motor, folding rolls, or other associated equipment).

[0036] Each starwheel 20 is preferably coupled to the shaft 18 such that the rotational axis 22 of the shaft 18 is located at the center of each starwheel 20. Preferably, each starwheel 20 is disk shaped and generally defines a diameter and a thickness. Alternatively, one or more starwheels 20 can comprise rods or other elongated structures of a generally star-shaped structure. Still other starwheel shapes are possible, each having a number of slots, grooves, recesses, or other types of apertures capable of receiving sheets of product therein for transport as the starwheels rotate. In some highly preferred embodiments, each starwheel 20 is preferably the same size and thickness.

[0037] Each starwheel 20 of the starwheel assembly 14 preferably includes a plurality of fins 24 that project from the center of each starwheel 20. More preferably, each fin 24 includes a base 26 and a tip 28. The tip 28 is positioned at a farther radial distance from the center of the starwheel 20 than the base 26. The fins 24 are preferably the same uniform thickness as the starwheel 20. The fins 24 are preferably widest at the base 26 and narrow to a point at the tip 28. In addition, the fins 24 preferably spiral in a uniform direction opposite to the direction of rotation and overlap with adjacent fins 24 such that slots 30 are formed between two adjacent fins 24. Each slot 30 preferably spirals in the same direction as the direction of the fins 24, and is narrowest adjacent to the base 26 of the fin 24 and widest at the tip 28 of the fin 24. The slots 30 receive the sheets from the feeding system 16 and support the sheets within the starwheel assembly 14 until a force causes the sheets to be removed from the slots 30.

[0038] The size, shape, and number of fins 24 included on each starwheel 20 can be varied. For example, each starwheel 20 can include as few as two fins 24 and as many as structurally possible. In some embodiments, the starwheels have between 8 and 16 fins. For example, good performance is achieved by employing starwheels having 12 fins. The fins 24 can also project straight from the body of the starwheel 20 or can be partially straight and partially curved. The fins 24 can have a uniform width or can even become wider instead of tapering as they extend away from the center of the starwheel 20. The fins 24 can also be thinner or thicker than the thickness of the starwheel 20. The configuration of the slots 30 are also variable to the extent the slots 30 are dependent upon the shape and number of the fins 24.

[0039] The starwheel assembly 14 is not limited to having any particular number of starwheels 20, and can include one starwheel 20, two starwheels 20, or more than two starwheels 20 as may be required to support and convey larger sized sheets. When the starwheel assembly 14 includes more than one starwheel 20, it is preferable that each starwheel 20 includes the same number and configuration of fins 24 and slots 30. Even more preferably, each starwheel 20 is coupled to the shaft 18 such that the fins 24 and slots 30 are oriented in the same angular position relative to the axis 22 (or preferably at least at substantially the same angular position in order to properly receive sheet product between the fins 24 of multiple starwheels 20). It should be noted that the starwheels can be different shapes, sizes or thicknesses as desired.

[0040] The stacking apparatus 10 also includes a barrier 32 that contacts sheets that are within the slots 30 as the starwheel assembly 14 rotates. The barrier 32 provides a force against one end of the sheet such that the sheet discharges from the starwheel assembly 14 as the fin 24 on which the sheet rests continues to rotate past the barrier 32. The barrier 32 is preferably stationary and preferably extends in a radial direction below the axis 22 of rotation. The barrier 32 alternatively can be positioned at any angular location within the starwheel assembly 14. The barrier 32 can also be any shape that can provide a contact surface or point against which the sheets within the starwheel assembly 14 abut, such as a pin, rod, plate, wedge, or tensioned wire.

[0041] In some embodiments, the barrier has a curved shape so that sheets abutting the barrier 32 are decelerated as they are moved radially out of the starwheels 20. More specifically, the barrier 32 can present a convex or concave surface to the sheets and against or along with the sheets ride as they are rotated in the starwheel assembly 14, thereby providing improved discharge results in which the sheets are less likely to misfeed and cause jams. In this manner, the circumferential speed of the sheets in the starwheel assembly 14 (which can be significant based upon the rotational speed of the starwheel assembly) can be reduced prior to sheet ejection. By way of example only, a curved barrier 32 is illustrated in FIG. 22A, and has a concave shape facing approaching sheets in the starwheel assembly 14. As can be seen with reference to FIG. 22A, the forward end of a sheet approaching the curved barrier 32 contacts the barrier 32 at a reduced angle (compared to the barrier illustrated in FIGS. 1-22), thereby causing the sheet to decelerate as the sheet is conveyed along the curved barrier. By virtue of the barrier's shape, the speed of the sheet in a direction about the axis of rotation 22 of the starwheel assembly 14 is reduced prior to the sheet's ejection from its slot 30 as described above.

[0042] Although the concave curved barrier 32 illustrated in FIG. 22A provides good sheet deceleration results, it should be noted that other barrier shapes can be employed for decelerating sheets in the starwheel assembly 14. For example, the barrier 32 can have a concave shape in which a sheet in the starwheel assembly contacts a part of the barrier at less than 90 degrees and then advances along a convex portion of the barrier prior to eventually being discharged completely from its slot 30. As another example, the barrier 32 can be straight and can be positioned to contact approaching sheets at less than 90 degrees (i.e. at a shallower angle than that illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-22). In still other embodiments, the barrier 32 has a plurality of flat and/or curved portions in which sheets contacting and riding along the barrier 32 are decelerated in any desired manner prior to being ejected from the starwheel assembly 14.

[0043] In some embodiments such as those illustrated in FIGS. 1-22, the barrier 32 is substantially aligned with and/or extends from the axis of rotation 22 of the starwheel assembly 14. However, in some cases improved performance is possible by employing a barrier 32 that is located off-center with respect to the starwheel assembly 14 (i.e., wherein the barrier 32 does not radially extend from the starwheel axis 22). For example, the barrier 32 can be located further downstream from the position illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-22, such as a vertical barrier located within the starwheel assembly 14 to the left of the barrier position shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-22. As another example, the barrier 32 can be located at such a downstream position, but can be oriented at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane. In such exemplary embodiments, improved sheet discharge can result when larger sheets are run in the starwheel assembly 14—sheets that could otherwise be discharged from the starwheel assembly 14 in a less controlled manner at an angle with respect to horizontal.

[0044] If desired, the barrier 32 can also be moveable to discharge sheets from different angular positions about the axis 22 of the starwheel assembly 14 and/or to present the barrier 32 at different angular orientations with respect to approaching sheets in the starwheel assembly 14.

[0045] The barrier 32 is preferably coupled to the frame and is positioned between adjacent starwheels 20. In some embodiments having multiple starwheels 20 for conveying sheets, there can be fewer or more barriers 32 than spaces between starwheels 20. Accordingly, more than one barrier 32 or no barrier 32 can be located between adjacent starwheels 20 in the starwheel assembly 14. However, at least one barrier 32 is preferably located between or adjacent to each starwheel 20 or starwheel set used to receive and convey a sheet. The barrier 32 preferably can be mounted to the frame through a linkage (not shown) or through any other structure capable of holding the barrier 32 in place. Preferably, all of the barriers 32 located between adjacent starwheels 20 of the starwheel assembly 14 are connected by a common support 36 which is connected to the frame. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the linkage extends to the outside of the starwheel assembly 14. Alternatively, the barrier 32 can be coupled to the shaft 18 in a conventional manner such that the barrier 32 does not rotate with the shaft 18. This can be accomplished by providing a non-rotating collar about the rotating shaft 18. Also, the barrier 32 can be weighted and mounted by a bearing that is connected to the rotating shaft 18 such that the barrier 32 is rotatable relative to the shaft 18 and biased by gravity toward the depending position.

[0046] It should be noted that throughout the specification and claims herein, when an element is said to be “within” the starwheel assembly 14, it does not necessarily mean that the element is positioned within the slot 30 of the starwheel 20 on the starwheel assembly 14. Instead, something is “within” the starwheel assembly 14 when the element or a substantial portion of the element is partially or fully located within a cylindrical volume that is defined by the periphery of the starwheel 20 or starwheels 20 of the starwheel assembly 14 and that projects in a direction that is parallel to the axis 22 of rotation. Likewise, when an element is described as being “outside” of the starwheel assembly 14, the element or a substantial portion of the element is located outside of the cylindrical volume. By way of example, the farthest radially extending point located on the fins 24 during rotation of the starwheel or starwheels 20 are located within the starwheel assembly 14.

[0047] The barrier 32 in part defines an area referred to as the drop-zone. The drop-zone is defined by an area projecting from the starwheel assembly axis 22 in which the sheets are discharged from the starwheel assembly 14 and stacked in a stack. Preferably, the drop-zone encompasses the area on the upstream side of the barrier 32. More preferably, the drop-zone extends a radial distance past the circumference of the starwheel assembly 14 that is greater than or substantially equal to the height of a stack of sheets.

[0048] The stacking apparatus 10 is not required to be oriented such that the barrier 32 is located directly below the axis 22 of the starwheel assembly 14 and the feeding system 16 is positioned directly above the starwheel assembly 14. The feeding system 16 and the barrier 32 can be positioned at any angular location about the axis 22 independent of each other. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 4-10, the feeding system 16 can be positioned to insert the sheets into the starwheel assembly 14 at a ten o'clock position of the starwheel assembly 14 and the barrier 32 can be positioned in a three o'clock position of the starwheel assembly such that sheets can be discharged from the starwheel assembly 14 in a vertical orientation and stacked in a horizontal direction. In some embodiments, the feeding system 16 and barrier 32 are positioned so that sheets are discharged in a horizontal direction. An example of such an embodiment is described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 28-38.

[0049] It should be noted that throughout the specification and claims herein, when sheets are identified as forming a “stack,” this does not necessarily mean that the stack is vertically oriented. Instead, the stack can be horizontally oriented or oriented at any angle between horizontal and vertical orientations and on a downward or an upward slope.

[0050] The stacking apparatus 10 includes a movable separator finger 38 that separates adjacent sheets within the starwheel assembly 14. In some highly preferred embodiments such as those shown in the figures, the separator finger 38 is movable into and out of the drop-zone. The separator finger 38 is preferably coupled at one end to a linkage (not shown) that is coupled to the frame at a position located outside of the starwheel assembly 14. The linkage is preferably adapted to move the separator finger 38 in two dimensions defining a plane that is perpendicular to the axis 22 of rotation. The linkage and separator finger 38 can be actuated to move in this manner using a number of elements and devices well known to those skilled in the art, each of which falls within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0051] For example, the separator finger 38 can be connected to a horizontal actuator and a vertical actuator so that the separator finger 38 can be movable through a range of positions in a plane. The range of positions can be defined by the ranges of movement of the vertical and horizontal actuators and/or by the limitations of movement placed upon these actuators by conventional controller coupled thereto. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that by controlling the vertical and horizontal actuators, the separator finger 38 can preferably be placed in any position in the aforementioned plane and can preferably be moved through any desired path in the plane. Although such a range of movement is highly preferred, this range of movement can be limited in any fashion in other embodiments as desired (e.g., limited from a region in the plane, limited horizontally or vertically, and the like. In some preferred embodiments, the separator finger 38 is movable through a quadrangular path by actuation of the vertical and horizontal actuators. In other embodiments, the separator finger 38 is movable through a closed path defining a triangular or other polygonal shape, an ellipse, circle, oval, or other curved path (including unusually shaped or complex curved paths), a path having any combination of straight and curved portions, and the like.

[0052] The area bounded by the path of motion of the separator finger 38 preferably intersects the cylindrical volume of the starwheel assembly 14 so that the separator finger 38 is allowed to move within the starwheel assembly 14. Also, the separator finger 38 can be moved by actuating either the vertical or horizontal actuators in a series of actuations, by actuating the vertical and horizontal actuators at the same time or at substantially the same time, or by actuating either or both of these actuators as needed to generate the desired direction and path of finger movement.

[0053] The actuators are preferably conventional in nature, such as ball screws, linear bearings, motor-driven belts, chains, or cables, magnetic rails, linear motors, rack and pinion assemblies, hydraulic or pneumatic pistons, solenoids, or the like. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that still other elements and assemblies for moving the separator finger 38 through a desired path are possible and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, the separator finger 38 is capable of moving (via the actuators connected thereto) through a programmed series of movements, velocities, and accelerations in multiple directions as will be discussed further below.

[0054] In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the separator finger 38 includes a plurality of fingers 42 that extend in parallel directions relative to each other. The fingers 42 preferably are or include straight rectangular bars that are connected together by a cross member 44. For example, in some embodiments such as that shown in FIGS. 1-22, the working end of each finger 42 is a substantially straight rectangular bar extending from a portion of the finger 42 connected to a cross member 44 at an angle to form an L-shaped finger (although any other finger shape is possible, such as a finger that is substantially straight along its entire length, a Z-shaped finger, and the like). In addition, each of the fingers 42 can have any cross-sectional shape desired, such as a round, rectangular, oval, semi- or partially circular, triangular or other shape.

[0055] The fingers 42 are preferably spaced such that when the separator finger 38 is inserted into the starwheel assembly 14 at least one finger 42 is located between adjacent starwheels 20. The separator finger 38 can also include at least one finger 42 that is positioned outside of the end starwheel 20 (or at least one finger 42 positioned outside each end of the starwheel 20). The fingers 42 of the separator finger 38 are configured to support the sheets that are discharged from the starwheel assembly 14.

[0056] Alternatively, the separator finger 38 can include as few as a single finger 42 that is insertable between two adjacent starwheels 20 of the starwheel assembly 14. In some embodiments, two or more separator fingers 42 are received between adjacent starwheels 20 of the starwheel assembly 14. If a single starwheel 20 is used in the starwheel assembly 14, one or more fingers 42 can be positioned outside of the starwheel 20 in an even or uneven manner. As long as at least one finger 38 is employed as described herein, any number of fingers 38 (including no fingers 38) can be received within each space defined between adjacent starwheels 20 in the starwheel assembly 14 and outboard of the end starwheels 20 in the starwheel assembly 14. The fingers 38 can occupy each space between the starwheels 20 or can occupy the spaces between the starwheels 20 in any pattern or in no pattern as desired.

[0057] The shape of the fingers 42 can vary to support the sheets discharged from the starwheel assembly 14. For example, the finger 42 can be a pin, a horizontal plate, a rod, a beam or the like. The fingers 42 can also be curved, bent, angled or any combination thereof.

[0058] In some embodiments of the invention, the stacking apparatus 10 includes a second separator finger 46 for preferably separating adjacent sheets within the starwheel assembly 14 independent of the first separator finger 38. The second separator finger 46 preferably includes a linkage (not shown), fingers 50, and a cross member 52 similar to the first separator finger 38. The second separator finger 46 is preferably moveable into and out of the drop-zone. Preferably, the second separator finger 46 is similarly attached to the frame and is capable of two dimensional movements that can be the same as the first separator finger 38. In alternate embodiments, the separator finger 46 is capable of a different type of movement than the first separator finger 38. The first and second separator fingers 38, 46 are preferably movable independent of each other and are capable of overlapping motions (with reference to the side view of the apparatus as shown in FIGS. 4-11 and 19-22) without interference. The first and second separator fingers 38, 46 can have different configurations. For example, the separator fingers 38, 46 can include different sized fingers or include different numbers of fingers.

[0059] The barrier 32, the first separator finger 38, and the second separator finger 46 are mounted such that overlapping movement between the first separator finger 42, the second separator finger 38, 46, and the barrier 32 can be accomplished without interference. Preferably, this is accomplished by mounting the fingers 42, 50 of the first and second separator fingers 38, 46 to cross-members 44, 52 that are positioned outside of the range of overlapping motion and positioning the fingers 42, 50 such that they are spaced at different lateral locations from the barriers 32 and each other.

[0060] Preferably, as viewed from FIGS. 2 and 3, the fingers 42 of the first separator finger 38, the fingers 50 of the second separator finger 46, and the barrier 32 are spaced apart laterally between adjacent starwheels 20. For example, the fingers 42 of the first separator finger 38 can be positioned on one side of each space between the starwheels 20, with the fingers 50 of the second separator finger 46 positioned on the other side of each space between the starwheels 20, and the barrier 32 positioned between the fingers 42, 50 of the first and second separator fingers 38, 46. In one highly preferred embodiment, the fingers 42, 50 of the first and second separator fingers 38, 46 are positioned on one side of each space between the starwheels 20, and the barrier 32 is positioned on the other side of each space between the starwheels 20. In some embodiments, those spaces of the starwheel assembly 14 nearest the ends of the starwheel assembly 14 have fingers 42, 50 located on the outboard side of the spaces for increased sheet support.

[0061] The relative order of the fingers 42, 50 and the barrier 32 can be varied between the adjacent starwheels 20. In addition, any combination or number of fingers 42, 50 and barriers 32 can be present within each space between adjacent starwheels 20. For example, for a starwheel assembly 14 consisting of a series of many starwheels 20, a finger 42 of the first separator finger 38 can be positioned between alternating adjacent starwheels 20 and the fingers 50 of the second separator finger 46 can be positioned between the remaining adjacent starwheels 20. Although any combination or variation of elements between adjacent starwheels 20 is within the scope of the present invention, it is preferred to position the fingers 42, 50 of a single separator finger 38, 46 close enough together so that the sheets can be supported on the separator finger 38 without significant sag between the fingers 42, 50. In a similar fashion, it is preferred to have the barriers 32 spaced apart from each other along the length of the starwheel assembly 14 such that the sheets are evenly stripped from the starwheel assembly 14.

[0062] It should be noted that although the barrier 32 and the first and second separator fingers 38, 46 are described as separate elements, a barrier 32 can instead be connected directly to each of the separator fingers 38, 46. As an example, a separator finger 38 can include a barrier 32 that projects vertically from the finger 42 such that when the separator finger 38 is inserted through the starwheel assembly 14, the barrier 32 will strip the sheets from the starwheel assembly 14. The barrier 32 that is mounted to the separator finger 38 can be long enough to extend within the starwheel assembly 14 even as the separator finger 38 is moved radially away from the starwheel assembly axis 22 to accommodate additional sheets. In some embodiments employing such a barrier 32, sheets can be discharged from the finger 42, 50 by passing the fingers between a number of conveyors (e.g., belt conveyors, tabletop conveyors, and the like). Other manners of removing stacks from the fingers 42, 50 are possible and will be described in greater detail below.

[0063] The stacking apparatus 10 can include a conveyor 54 that receives the stack from the separator finger 38 and moves the stack away from the starwheel assembly axis 22. The conveyor 54 is preferably a conveyor belt that is configured to allow the separator finger 38 to deposit the stack onto the conveyor 54 and to retract from the conveyor 54 such that the stack remains supported by the conveyor 54. Preferably, this can be accomplished by a series of grooves within the belt that are located at the same distances apart as the fingers 42 on the separator finger 38. By way of this configuration, the separator finger 38 supports the stack until it is lowered into the recesses at which time the stack is transferred to the conveyor 54 which will then support the stack. The recesses can be formed integrally with the belt or can be voids in the conveyer 54, thereby separating the conveyor 54 into a plurality of smaller belts. The fingers 42 of the separator finger 38 can preferably pass through the gaps between the segmented conveyor 54 in order to transfer the stack from the separator finger 38 to the conveyor 54. The conveyor 54 need not be a conveyor belt, but instead can be anything that can move the stack away from the starwheel assembly axis 22 such as a bucket, plate, box, arm, or support that is movable by other methods of conveyance known to those skilled in the art.

[0064] The stack can be transferred onto the conveyor 54 from the separator finger 38 by mechanisms that work independently of the conveyor 54. In one highly preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the barrier 32 projects downward such that the barrier 32 will strip the stack from the separator finger 38 when the separator finger 38 retracts from the front of the barrier 32 to behind the barrier 32 allowing the stack to drop onto the conveyor 54. Alternatively, one or more movable projections can be employed to sweep across the fingers 42 to eject the stack onto the conveyor 54. In addition, a conventional mechanism such as robotic grips or fingers can be used to grab the stack from the separator finger 38 and move the stack onto the conveyor 54. Other manners of removing the stack from the fingers 42 are possible and would be recognized by one having ordinary skill in the art.

[0065] FIG. 23 illustrates a control system for the apparatus 10, and particularly for controlling the movement of the separator fingers 38, 46. The control system 110 includes a controller 112. The controller 112 of one preferred embodiment is an ORION model controller produced by ORMEC Systems Corporation of Rochester, N.Y. providing centralized control of the apparatus 10. In another preferred embodiment (not shown) the controller is a ControlLogix model controller produced by Allen-Bradley Corporation of Milwaukee, Wis. Other commercially available or custom designed controllers can be easily substituted for these controllers and are considered as being within the scope of the invention such as, for example, various centralized and/or distributed control systems well-known to those skilled in the art.

[0066] In one preferred embodiment, the controller 112 includes a central processing unit 114 and a series of four axis cards 116, 118, 120, 122 connected to the central processing unit 114 via a communications bus 124. The control system 110 preferably includes an encoder 126 connected to the first axis card 116. The encoder 126 provides information to the controller 112 relating to the position of the starwheel 20. Preferably, the control system 110 also includes a vertical drive motor 128 for the first separator finger 38. The vertical drive motor 128 is preferably connected to the first axis card 116 through a data link 130 and electrical drive unit (not shown). Drive and control signals are transmitted from the controller 112 through the axis card 116 and the data link 130 to the vertical drive motor 128 to control operation of the motor 128, and through the motor 128, provide vertical motion control of the first separator finger 38. The vertical drive motor 128 is connected to the first separator finger 38 through an appropriate linkage (which is only shown schematically in FIG. 23).

[0067] The control system 110 also preferably includes a horizontal drive motor 132 for the first separator finger 38. The horizontal drive motor 132 is preferably connected to the second axis card 118 through a data link 134 and electrical drive unit (not shown). Drive and control signals are transmitted from the controller 112 through the second axis card 118 and the data link 134 to the horizontal drive motor 132 to control operation of the motor 132, and through the motor 132, provide horizontal motion control of the first separator finger 38. The horizontal drive motor 132 is connected to the first separator finger 38 through an appropriate linkage (which is only shown schematically in FIG. 23). As described in greater detail below with respect to the overall operation of the stacking apparatus 10, the horizontal and vertical drive motors 132, 128, in cooperation with the controller 112, preferably provide independent (i.e., asynchronous) vertical and horizontal control of the separator finger 38.

[0068] The control system 110 also preferably includes a vertical drive motor 136 connected to the second separator finger 46 through the second axis card 118 and the corresponding data link 138 and electrical drive unit (not shown), and a horizontal drive motor 140 connected to the second separator finger 46 through a third axis card 120 and corresponding data link 142 and electrical drive unit (not shown). The second horizontal and vertical drive motors 140, 136 preferably cooperate with the controller 112 to provide independent, (i.e., asynchronous) vertical and horizontal control of the second separator finger 46.

[0069] In some preferred embodiments such as that shown in the figures, the control system 110 also includes an encoder 144 connected to the fourth axis card 122 of the controller 112 and a motor 146 for a wrapper unit (not shown) connected to the fourth axis card 122. The encoder 144 and motor 146 receive signals from the controller 112 to coordinate the operation of the wrapper unit with the stacking apparatus 10. The motor 146 is preferably a belt drive motor, but can provide driving power in any other manner (including without limitation by chain or cable drives, by suitable gearing, by direct or gearbox connection to the wrapper unit, and the like). Like the other motors 128, 132, 136, 140, the wrapper unit motor 146 can be any conventional type of driving unit, such as an electric motor, an engine, a hydraulic motor, and the like.

[0070] Although the above-described control system for the stacking apparatus 10 is most preferred, it should be noted that other control systems can be employed to perform the same vertical and horizontal finger positioning control functions. For example, PC-based control systems can be directly or indirectly connected to motors 128, 132, 136, 140 (or pneumatic or hydraulic valves in those embodiments employing pneumatic or hydraulic actuators to move the fingers 38, 46, solenoids in those embodiments employing electrical solenoids to move the fingers 38, 46, and the like). In some embodiments, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders are actuatable to move the fingers 38, 46 horizontally and/or vertically as just described. As another example, the motors 128, 132, 136, 140 can be digital drive motors each having a controller connected to a main controller. The main controller can provide driving instructions to one or more of the digital drives, which can in turn provide driving instructions to one or more of the other digital drives as desired. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that still other types of control systems can be employed to drive the fingers 128, 136 as described herein, each one of which falls within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0071] The operation of a preferred embodiment of the stacking apparatus 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 4-11 and 24. FIGS. 4-11 illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment as viewed from the side of the starwheel assembly 14 and FIG. 24 graphically illustrates the horizontal and vertical motion characteristics of the separator finger 38 as it moves through its cycle. Specifically, FIG. 24 illustrates the horizontal speed and horizontal position of the separator finger 38 and the independently controlled vertical speed and vertical position of the separator finger 38 for 2 cycles (i.e., 2 seconds through 7 seconds and 7 seconds through 12 seconds). It should be noted that the inches referred to in the “Vertical Position” graph of FIG. 24 are inches below a vertical starting position of the separator finger 38, while the inches referred to in the “Horizontal Position” graph of FIG. 24 are inches laterally beyond a horizontal starting position of the separator finger 38. The two cycles illustrated represent a highly preferred motion profile generating superior results for stack separation in the starwheel assembly 14. Although this profile is highly preferred, it should be noted that other motion profiles (e.g., different horizontal and vertical positions and paths, different horizontal and vertical speeds, etc.) can instead be used as desired. For example, in the exemplary finger motion illustrated in FIG. 24, the separator finger 38 moves horizontally and vertically simultaneously, such as when the separator finger 38 is extended horizontally while lowering in the starwheel assembly 14. In other embodiments, such as in some cases where relatively small stacks of sheets are being generated and/or in cases where either or both separator finger actuators 128, 132 are pneumatic or hydraulic actuators.

[0072] FIG. 4 illustrates the first separator finger 38 positioned in a starting position with the starwheel assembly 14 continuously rotating in a clockwise direction (FIG. 24, at 2 seconds). The starting position is located within the starwheel assembly 14 and adjacent to the barrier 32 such that the finger 38 does not intersect the rotating slots 30. Although not required, the separator finger 38 in some embodiments is located entirely downstream of the barrier 32 in this starting position.

[0073] The feeding system 16 preferably inserts a sheet into each of the slots 30 on the starwheels 20. The sheets are preferably fed into the slots 30 by the feeding system 16 such that each sheet positioned against the crotch of the slot 30 between two adjacent fins 24. The feeding system 16 is timed with the rotation of the starwheel assembly 14 such that the sheets from the feeding system 16 are inserted into successive slots 30 on the starwheels 20 while both the feeding system 16 and the starwheel assembly 14 run at substantially constant speeds. It is, however, not necessary that every slot 30 on the starwheel assembly 14 be fed with a sheet. Rather, any number of slots 30 can remain empty between fed sheets within the starwheel assembly 14. In fact, as little as one sheet can be fed per rotation of the starwheel assembly 14.

[0074] The fins 24 support the sheet in the slots 30 as the starwheel assembly 14 rotates. The sheets preferably slide into the slots 30 until they contact the bottom of the slots 30. The sheets then rotate with the starwheel assembly 14 until the radially inward ends of the sheets contact the barrier 32 at a contact point 58 on the barrier 32. The barrier 32 causes the sheet to be stripped from the slot 30 of the starwheel 20. The contact point 58 between the barrier 32 and the sheet moves downward away from the axis 22 of the starwheel assembly 14 as the starwheel assembly 14 rotates until the entire sheet is pushed out of its respective slot 30. It should be noted that the barrier 32 does not move the sheet out of the slot 30, but instead holds the sheet stationary as the starwheel assembly 14 continues to rotate, thereby stripping the sheet from the starwheel assembly 14. After the sheet is stripped from the starwheel assembly 14 by the barrier 32, the sheet is free to fall under the weight of gravity to begin, continue, or complete a stack of sheets. In other embodiments where the apparatus is oriented in different manners, the sheets can be stacked radially in other directions without the assistance of gravity.

[0075] Referring to the FIGS. 5-7, enlarged detailed FIGS. 19-22, and FIG. 24, the first separator finger 38 is inserted between two adjacent sheets located within the rotating starwheel assembly 14 to separate a last sheet of a stack from the first sheet of a new stack (FIG. 24, beginning at 2.5 seconds). Once inserted between the slots 30, the separator finger 38 preferably moves against the direction of rotation and downward until the separator finger 38 is outside the starwheel assembly 14 and in a position to support a discharged sheet (FIG. 24, at 3 seconds). The separator finger 38 preferably moves from a position that is downstream of the barrier 32.

[0076] With combined reference to FIGS. 4-7, it should be noted that the starting position of the separator finger 38 illustrated in FIG. 4 is shown by way of example only, and that other starting positions of the separator finger are possible. In some embodiments, the separator finger 38 can be moved horizontally or at an angle through the barrier 32 and between two adjacent sheets located within the rotating starwheel assembly 14 in a manner similar to that described above.

[0077] The separator finger 38 can be translated, rotated, or can have any combination of such movement through a linear and/or curved path. Although the paths taken by the individual fingers of the separator finger 38 preferably lie substantially or entirely within respective planes, all or part of each finger can move out of such a plane if desired. In any case, the separator finger 38 preferably follows a path of motion through the starwheel assembly 14 between adjacent slots 30 in the starwheels 20. The two adjacent slots 30 include a downstream slot 30A located ahead of the separator finger 38 in the direction of rotation and an upstream slot 30B behind the separator finger 38 in the direction of rotation of the starwheel assembly 14.

[0078] The path of motion of the separator finger 38 is important so as not to interfere with the sheets that are rotating within the starwheel assembly 14. In particular, the separator finger 38 preferably moves in accordance with the following procedure: (i) the tip 28 of the separator finger 38 is inserted between the adjacent slots 30 against the direction of rotation of the starwheel assembly 14 (FIGS. 19 and 20); (ii) the tip 28 of the slot 30 remains between the two adjacent slots 30 as the separator finger 38 continues to move until the separator finger 38 is outside of the starwheel assembly 14 (FIGS. 21 and 22); (iii) once inserted between the adjacent slots 30, the top surface of the separator finger 38 remains lower than the lowest point of the upstream slot 30; and (iv) the bottom surface of the separator finger 38 remains above the uppermost point of the downstream slot 30 that is located to the right of the barrier 32. The movement of the separator finger 38 is dependent upon the rotational speed of the starwheel assembly 14 and is timed to prevent interference with the sheets within the slots 30.

[0079] As illustrated in FIGS. 19-22, the first separator finger 38 is inserted between the downstream slot 30A and the upstream slot 30B and as a result between sheet 56A and sheet 56B respectively. The starwheel assembly 14 continues to rotate and the first separator finger 38 continues to move through the starwheel assembly 14 as described above. The barrier 32 will force the sheet 56A out of the downstream slot 30A such that the sheet 56A will fall and complete the stack 56A below. The insertion of the first separator finger 38 is preferably programmed such that the sheet 56A will be the last sheet of a desired stack size (e.g., the 100th sheet of a 100 count stack). The separator finger 38 continues to move completely out of the starwheel assembly 14 into a stacking position where the separator finger 38 preferably supports the sheet 56B which has been discharged from the upstream slot 30B by the barrier 32. The sheet 56B is the first sheet of a new stack 60B that will begin to be built upon the first separator finger 38 (e.g., the 1st sheet of a new stack of 100 sheets).

[0080] In some embodiments of the present invention, the separator finger 38 has a shape that enables the separator finger 38 to be inserted between sheets in the starwheel assembly 14 with reduced interference. For example, at relatively high speeds and/or in cases where the space between adjacent sheets in the starwheel assembly 14 is relatively low (such as for starwheels 20 having larger numbers of starwheel slots 30), the separator finger 38 can be shaped to better facilitate finger insertion. With reference to FIG. 22A, an exemplary embodiment of such a separator finger is illustrated in two different positions. In contrast to the substantially straight separator fingers 38 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-22, the separator 38 in FIGS. 22A is curved and has a concave surface facing sheets rotating toward the separator finger 38 (e.g., concave toward the axis 22 of the starwheel assembly 14). The curved shape of the separator finger 42 enables the separator fingers 42 to be inserted between approaching sheets in adjacent starwheel slots 30.

[0081] In some embodiments, at least part of each separator finger 38 has a radius of curvature that is the same or substantially the same as that of the starwheel slots 30. In other embodiments, this radius of curvature can be larger or smaller as desired. Also, the curved separator finger 38 need not necessarily have a curved portion with a constant radius. Specifically, the curved separator finger 38 can have any curved shape (with any constant or non-constant radius) providing reduced interference with sheets in the starwheel assembly 14.

[0082] Although a curved separator finger 38 can provide superior separation results, it should be noted that the separator finger 38 can have other non-flat shapes that are also well-suited for insertion between sheets in the starwheel assembly 14. For example, the tip or forward end of each separator finger 42 can be at an angle with respect to the rear end, such as by being bent or formed with such an angle. As another example, the rear end of each separator finger 42 can be at an angle with respect to the tip or forward end. In this regard, each separator finger 42 can have two or more segments or portions that are at angles with respect to one another along the length of the separator finger 42 to provide a reduced-interference finger shape.

[0083] With reference to FIGS. 8-11, additional discharged sheets fall to the stack 60B on the first separator finger 38. Preferably, the separator finger 38 gradually moves radially away from the axis 22 of rotation to provide adequate clearance from the starwheel assembly 14 for the additional sheets (FIG. 24, between 3 seconds and 5 seconds). The additionally stacked sheets therefore preferably fall onto the partially completed stack 60B the same distance from the starwheel assembly 14 as a result of the first separator finger 38 moving radially away from the axis 22 and the stack increasing. In other embodiments, the separator finger 38 instead moves to a position permitting additional sheets to be stacked thereon without gradual movement of the separator finger 38 away from the axis 22 of rotation. Accordingly, a separator finger that is held stationary to support additional sheets after it moves through the starwheel assembly is within the scope of the present invention.

[0084] The operation of the second separator finger 46 will now be discussed in detail, but will not be shown specifically in the drawings as the second separator finger 46 preferably progresses through similar movement as the first separator finger 42 described above and shown in FIGS. 4-11. The second separator finger 42 will preferably follow the movements and accelerations of the first separator finger 38 shown in FIG. 24, except that the second separator finger will be 180 degrees out of phase (i.e., offset by 3.5 seconds for the illustrated embodiment). The second separator finger 46 is moved to the starting position as the additional sheets are being stacked on the stack 60B that is supported by the first separator finger 38. The second separator finger 46 is inserted between two adjacent slots 30 such that the downstream slot 30C possesses the sheet 56C that will complete the stack 60B on the first separator finger 38 (e.g., the 100th sheet) and the upstream slot 30D possesses the first sheet 56D of a new stack (e.g., the 1st sheet) (FIG. 11). The second separator finger 46 moves through the starwheel assembly 14 to the stacking position. The second separator finger 46 allows the sheet 56C to fall and complete the stack 60B supported by the first separator finger 38 and supports the sheet 56D that is stripped from the starwheel assembly 14 by the barrier 32. The second separator finger 46 moves radially away from the starwheel assembly axis 22 to provide additional space to accommodate additional discharged sheets on the stack.

[0085] After the second separator finger 46 interrupts stacking of discharged sheets onto the first separator finger 38, the first separator finger 38 preferably moves toward the conveyor 54. The stack 60B is then transferred to the conveyor 54, after or during which time the first separator finger 38 moves away from the conveyor 54 (FIG. 24, between 5.5 and 6 seconds). The stack 60B can be transferred to the conveyor 54 in any of the manners described above. In the illustrated preferred embodiment for example, the stack 60B is transferred by drawing the first separator finger 38 through the barrier 32. The first separator finger 38 then preferably returns to the starting position to repeat the cycle when the downstream slot of two adjacent slots 30 includes the last sheet that will complete the stack on the second separator finger 46 (FIG. 24, between 6 seconds and 7 seconds). The conveyor 54 moves the stack 60B away from the starwheel assembly axis 22 to create room for the next stack to be placed on the conveyor 54 by the second separator finger 46.

[0086] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-11, the first separator finger 38 and the second separator finger 46 work in succession to stack discharged sheets from the starwheel assembly 14 and transfer the stack of a preferably predetermined number to a conveyor 54 without interrupting the rotation of the starwheel assembly 14. The first and second separator fingers 38, 46 repeatedly progress through the same motions separated by a period of time that is determined by the time needed to reach a desired stacking height. For example, when the desired stack size is small, the separator fingers 38, 46 can be in constant motion such that the separator fingers 38, 46 move directly through the starting position and between two adjacent sheets without pausing. Alternatively, if the stack height is a large number, each separator finger 38, 46 can pause in the starting position until the last sheet that completes a partially completed stack needs to be separated from a new sheet that begins a new stack on the inserted separator finger.

[0087] In an alternative embodiment, the second separator finger 46 preferably operates to receive partially completed stacks from the first separator finger 38. During operation of this embodiment, the first separator finger 38 preferably transfers the partially completed stack to the second separator finger 46 and then returns to the starting position. The second separator finger 46 preferably moves radially away from the starwheel axis 22 in order to accumulate additional sheets on the partially completed stack. Once the desired number of sheets have been stacked on the second separator finger 46, the first separator finger 38 is re-inserted between two adjacent slots 30 such that the downstream slot 30 possesses the sheet that will complete the stack on the second separator finger 46. The first separator finger 38 then preferably begins moving radially away from the starwheel axis 22 to accumulate additional sheets while the second separator finger 46 moves to transfer the completed stack onto the conveyor 54. After the stack is transferred, the conveyor 54 preferably moves the stack away from the starwheel assembly 14 and the second separator finger 46 moves toward the starwheel axis 22 to again receive the partially completed stack from the first separator finger 38.

[0088] It should be noted that at extremely high speeds (i.e., above 80% of the maximum rated speed for the illustrated embodiment), the fingers 42, 50 on the separator fingers 38, 46 can experience slight deformations and amplified vibrations due to high acceleration and deceleration forces. To reduce such effects, the fingers 42, 50 on the separator fingers 38, 46 can include constrained layers of damping material. In one preferred embodiment, the separator fingers 38, 46 have a relatively lightweight, high strength layer of composite damping material (sandwiched between layers of substantially resilient material defining the majority of the separator fingers 38, 46) to dampen the vibrations caused by operation at such high speeds. By way of example only, the separator fingers are made at least partially of aluminum, and each have a 0.002″ thick layer of viscoelastic damping material (e.g., ISD 112 viscoelastic polymer manufactured by 3M®) sandwiched between the finger and a 0.015″ thick constraining layer of steel, although other constraining layer materials can instead be used. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that still other constrained layer damper materials and constructions are possible, each falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0089] It should be noted that either or both fingers 38, 46 can be made of aluminum, steel, or other metal, fiberglass, plastic, UHMw, composite material, and the like, any of which can have a damping material layer and a constraining layer as just described.

[0090] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-18, the stacking apparatus 10 includes a single separator finger 38 and a movable conveyor 62. The separator finger 38 and the movable conveyor 62 work in succession to consistently stack discharged sheets from the starwheel assembly 14 and move the stack on the movable conveyor 62 away from the starwheel assembly axis 22, without interrupting the rotation of the starwheel assembly 14. The movable conveyor 62 moves towards the starwheel assembly axis 22 to receive the stack from the separator finger 38 and away from the starwheel assembly axis 22 to accumulate additional sheets that are discharged from the starwheel assembly 14. The movable conveyor 62 includes a first conveyor belt 64 that is rotatably coupled to a second conveyor belt 66, but can take any form of conveyor as described above with reference to conveyor belt 54, including a single conveyor belt translatable and/or rotatable with respect to the starwheels 20. In each alternative case, the conveyor 62 is preferably movable toward and away from the starwheel assembly axis 22. The second conveyor belt 66 is preferably pivotally coupled to the frame such that the first conveyor belt 64 is movable by the second conveyor belt 66. It is not necessary that the movable conveyor 62 be a series of conveyor belts (as discussed above, the movable conveyor 62 can take other forms).

[0091] Although a movable conveyor 62 is highly preferred to enable the stack to be transferred from the separator finger 38 to the movable belt 62 without significant disturbance, the conveyor 62 need not necessarily move in some embodiments. For example, for relatively short count stacks, the conveyor 62 can be located closer to the starwheel assembly 14 and need not move (or even be movable) toward and away from the starwheel assembly 14.

[0092] The operation of this embodiment of the stacking apparatus 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 12-18. During operation of this embodiment, the separator finger 38 begins in the starting position as shown in FIG. 12 and is inserted between two adjacent slots 30 in a similar manner as described above. After the separator finger 38 is moved outside of the starwheel assembly 14 (FIG. 13), the separator finger 38 supports the first sheet 56B and preferably moves radially away from the starwheel assembly axis 22 to accept additional discharged sheets (FIGS. 13-16).

[0093] Referring to FIG. 17, the movable conveyor 62 moves toward the starwheel assembly axis 22 to receive the stack B from the separator finger 38. As shown in FIG. 18, the separator finger 38 retracts from the movable conveyor 62 to transfer the partially completed stack 60B on the movable conveyor 62. The movable conveyor 62 preferably moves radially away from the starwheel assembly axis 22 to provide additional clearance to accommodate additional discharged sheets. In such embodiments, the discharged sheets will preferably fall approximately the same distance to the top of the partially completed stack as the movable conveyor 62 moves away from the starwheel assembly axis 22 and the stack 60B size increases. In similar fashion to that shown in FIGS. 12-13, the separator finger 38 moves back into the starting position and is inserted between two adjacent slots 30 such that the downstream slot 30 possesses the sheet 56 that will complete the stack 60 on the movable conveyor 62.

[0094] Similar to FIG. 14, once the stack 60 on the movable conveyor 62 is completed by the last sheet 56 and the separator finger 38 begins building a new stack 60, the movable conveyor 62 moves the stack 60 away from the starwheel assembly axis 22. After the stack 60 is moved away (e.g., FIGS. 15 and 16), the movable conveyor 62 can be moved toward the starwheel assembly axis 22 to again receive the partially completed stack 60 from the separator finger 38 (e.g., FIGS. 17 and 18).

[0095] It is possible for the movable conveyor 62 to start moving toward the starwheel assembly axis 22 while the movable conveyor 62 is moving a stack away from the starwheel assembly axis 22. This dual motion can be necessary when the stack heights are so small that there is minimal time between when the stack is completed on the movable conveyor 62 and when the movable conveyor 62 must receive the new partially completed stack from the separator finger 38. Alternatively, pausing between such motions of the movable conveyor 62 is possible when the stack height is sufficiently large to extend the cycle time of the stacking apparatus 10.

[0096] An important advantage provided by the separator fingers 38, 46 of the present invention results from the use of vertical and horizontal actuators (e.g., vertical and horizontal drive motors 128, 132, 136, 140) to control movement of the separation fingers 38, 46. Conventional separator elements and devices are constrained to move in a set manner. For example, some conventional separator elements can only move through a fixed path, such as a path determined by the path of a chain conveyor or a rotational path determined by the axis about which a separator finger rotates. The user is therefore either unable to change the manner in which the separator element or device moves or can only do so by shutting down the machine, disassembling a significant part of the machine, starting the machine, testing the machine's operation as adjusted, and repeating these steps until acceptable separator operation is achieved. In those cases where different types of product are often stacked and separated, this procedure is burdensome and time consuming.

[0097] In contrast, the separator fingers 38, 46 in some preferred embodiments of the present invention are independently controllable in horizontal and vertical directions as described above. With such control, the separator fingers 38, 46 can preferably be moved through any path limited by the range of actuation of the vertical and horizontal separator finger actuators. As described above, the vertical and horizontal drive motors 128, 132, 136, 140 of the separator fingers 38, 46 are preferably controlled by a controller 112 of a control system 110. This control system 110 is preferably operable by a user to change the manner in which the vertical and horizontal drive motors 128, 132, 136, 140 operate and therefore to change the path and movement of the separator fingers 38, 46.

[0098] Preferably, the separator fingers 38, 46 of the present invention are movable through a range of positions in a plane (and more preferably, through an infinite range of positions in the plane), and can be controlled to move through different paths in the plane as desired by a user. The separator fingers 38, 40 are therefore mechanically unconstrained to move in the plane and can be constrained by control of the vertical and horizontal actuators to move through any one of a number of desired paths based upon the operation of the starwheel assembly 14 and the type of product being run. Because separator finger motion can be changed by changing the actuation time and speed of the horizontal and vertical actuators driving the separator fingers 38, 46, the motion of the separator fingers 38, 46 can be quickly and easily adjusted by changing the associated program for each separator finger 38, 46, and in some embodiments can be automatically adjusted according to preprogrammed settings of the controller 112. In some preferred embodiments, the programs that control the motion of the separator fingers 38, 46 can even be changed during operation of the starwheel assembly 14.

[0099] By employing separator fingers 38, 46 that are movable in any selected path in a range of motion as described above, the stacking apparatus 10 of the present invention is capable of producing a large number of different package sizes and types with little or no machine downtime or changeover. For example, in some embodiments, the fingers 38, 46 can be controlled to produce stacks of product in any number desired from a 16-count stack to a 100 count stack. Different ranges of product counts are possible depending at least partially upon system speed. Such control is enabled by control over the starwheel assembly speed and/or the path and speed of the separator fingers 38, 46 driven by the drive motors 128, 132, 136, 140. In some highly preferred embodiments, the product count per stack can be quickly changed under control of the controller, such as by user selection of a preprogrammed setting, program, or other set of commands for the controller to follow.

[0100] In some highly preferred embodiments of the present invention, two separator fingers 38, 46 are each driven independently by actuators in a manner as described above. Independent control over multiple separator fingers 38, 46 enables relatively complex movement of the separator fingers 38, 46 relative to one another and relative to stacks of product being built. For example, where two separator fingers 38, 46 operate as described above with reference to FIGS. 4-11 and 19-22, one finger 38, 46 can be moved to be inserted between sheets of product 56A, 56B in the starwheel(s) 20 while another of the fingers 46, 38 moves in a significantly different manner to permit additional sheets of product to be stacked thereupon. Independent movement and control of the two separation fingers 46, 38 as described above enables such movement.

[0101] Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 25 and is preferably capable of producing multiple stacks of product from multiple starwheels 20 rotating about a common starwheel axis 22. Only two starwheels 20 are shown in FIG. 25 for the sake of simplicity. The stacks of product are preferably aligned or substantially aligned along the starwheel assembly 14 in the same or similar manner as described above with regard to the preferred embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-24. However, such aligned stacks of product can be produced in any other manner desired from any other upstream equipment. In the case of the starwheel assemblies 14, the stacks of product can be transferred to the conveyors in any of the manners described above with regard to the starwheel assemblies illustrated in FIGS. 1-24.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, this embodiment preferably includes a first conveyor 68 and a second conveyor 70, although in some embodiments both conveyors 68, 70 can be replaced by a single conveyor if desired. Multiple conveyors 68, 70 (such as a conveyor 68, 70 for each location of stacked sheets from the starwheel assembly 14) can provide advantages such as improved control of stack positions in downstream operations as will be described below. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 25-27, the spacing between the conveyors 68, 70 need not necessarily be the same as the spacing between paddles 90 of a downstream paddle conveyor 82 described in greater detail below. Accordingly, in order to insure proper transfer of sheet stacks 60A, 60B from the conveyors 68, 70 to the downstream paddle conveyor 82 without misfeeds caused by interference with the paddles 90, the conveyors 68, 70 are run at different speeds as will be described below. This manner of insuring proper stack transfer can be employed in any case where stacks 60A, 60B on two or more conveyors 68, 70 are transferred to another conveyor running at an angle with respect to the conveyors 68, 70, regardless of type of conveyor to which the stacks 60A, 60B are transferred (e.g., belt, bucket, chain, tabletop, and the like) and regardless of the type of elements (if any) on the conveyor to which the stacks 60A, 60B are transferred. In some cases however, the conveyors 68, 70 can run at the same speed, such as when the distance between the paddles 90 of the paddle conveyor 82 is substantially the same as the distance between the conveyors 68, 70.

[0103] The first conveyor 68 is aligned with a first starwheel assembly 14A and the second conveyor 70 is aligned with a second starwheel assembly 14B such that the first conveyor 68 receives completed stacks from the first stacking apparatus 10A and the second conveyor 70 receives completed stacks from the second stacking apparatus 10B. For purposes of description and illustration, each stacking apparatus 10A, 10B and each starwheel assembly 14A, 14B preferably includes the same elements described above with regard to the starwheel assembly embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-24, and share a common pivot about which the starwheels 20 rotate. Each stacking apparatus 10A, 10B and starwheel assembly 14A, 14B can have any number of starwheels 20 as described in greater detail above (only one is shown in FIG. 25 for each stacking apparatus 10A, 10B and starwheel assembly 14A, 14B).

[0104] As mentioned earlier, the conveyors 68, 70 preferably receive the stacks from the stacking apparatuses 10A, 10B by any of the methods described above with respect to the other embodiments. The first conveyor 68 moves at a first speed and the second conveyor 70 moves at a second speed that is slower than the first speed of the first conveyor 68. The first and second conveyors 68, 70 are similar to those described in prior embodiments and are preferably driven by a common motor 72, although dedicated motors 72 driving the first and second conveyors 68, 70 at different speeds are also possible. The conveyors 68, 70 can be driven by an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, an internal combustion engine, by other driven equipment, and the like.

[0105] The first conveyor 68 and the second conveyor 70 are preferably coupled to the motor 72 by a first gear 74 and a second gear 76, respectively, such that the first conveyor 68 moves faster than the second conveyor 70. The first and second gears 74, 76 are preferably coupled to motor output gears 78A, 78B by belts 80A, 80B. The speed differential can be accomplished by a speed reducer located between the motor 72 and the second gear 76, a speed accelerator located between the motor 72 and the first gear 74, or a larger first gear 74 compared to the second gear 76. Any of these methods have the effect of creating different gear ratios between the first conveyor 68 and the second conveyor 70 such that the speed of the first conveyor 68 is different from the speed of the second conveyor 70. Likewise, the conveyors 68, 70 and the motor 72 need not be coupled by gears, but instead the motor 72 can be coupled to the conveyors 68, 70 by other methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as by belts, chains, sprockets, cables, and the like. Any driving device, assembly, or mechanism operable to drive two conveyors 68, 70 at different speeds can be used as an alternative to the gear system described above and illustrated in FIG. 26.

[0106] A paddle conveyor 82 is preferably used in combination with multiple stacking apparatuses 10A, 10B. The paddle conveyor 82 is preferably located at downstream ends 86A, 86B of the first and second conveyors 68, 70 such that movement of the conveyors 68, 70 transfers the completed stacks from the downstream ends 86A, 86B of the conveyors 68, 70 to the paddle conveyor 82 near the downstream ends 86A, 86B of the conveyors 68, 70. Although not required, the paddle conveyor 82 can include a backstop 88 that stops the momentum of the stacks and prevents the transferred stacks from sliding past the paddle conveyor 82.

[0107] In some cases, such as at relatively high operating speeds or where the stacks 60A, 60B are transferred to the paddle conveyor 82 at higher force and/or speed, the surface of the paddle conveyor 82 can have a higher friction in order to prevent stacks 60A, 60B from bouncing off of the backstop 88. Such a surface can be provided by selecting the material of the paddle conveyor 82 to be a higher-friction material (e.g., a rubber or urethane surface, a knurled, embossed, ribbed, or roughened surface, etc.) by attaching high-friction pads, strips, or other elements to the paddle conveyor 82, and the like. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that still other paddle conveyor surfaces and materials can be employed to slow stacks 60A, 60B transferred to the paddle conveyor 82.

[0108] The paddle conveyor 82 preferably includes a plurality of paddles 90 that move transversely relative to the direction of movement of the conveyors 68, 70. The first conveyor 68 is preferably located in the downstream direction of the paddles 90 from the second conveyor 70 such that the paddles 90 will move past the downstream end 86B of the second conveyor 70 before the paddles 90 will move past the downstream end 86A of the first conveyor 68. The paddles 90 each preferably include a stem 92 that extends through a slot 94 in the paddle conveyor 82 and a pusher 96 that is connected to the stem 92 such that the pusher 96 contacts the stack and moves the stack in the direction of the paddles 90. The stems 92 of the paddles 90 are preferably connected to a paddle belt 98 below the paddle conveyor 82 such that the paddles 90 continuously raise up on an upstream end 100 of the paddle conveyor 82, move over the length of the paddle conveyor 82 to contact the stacks, and lower on the downstream end 102 of the paddle conveyor 82 to unload the stacks. The paddles 90 then preferably rotate below the paddle conveyor 82 along the length of the paddle belt 98 and return to the upstream end 100.

[0109] The operation of this preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 25-27. Initially, the first stacking apparatus 10A discharges a first stack 60A onto the upstream end 86A of the first conveyor 68 and the second stacking apparatus 10B discharges a second stack 60B on the upstream end 86B of the second conveyor 70 at substantially the same time. The conveyors 68, 70 move the stacks 60A, 60B from the upstream ends 84A, 84B to the downstream ends 86A, 86B such that the second stack 60B′ is moved toward the downstream end 86B of the second conveyor 70 at a speed that is less than the speed of the first stack 60A′. This speed differential permits the paddle conveyor 82 to receive and transport stacks of product away from the conveyors 68, 70 without interference between the stacks. By way of example only, such interference can otherwise result by employing a paddle conveyor 82 having paddles 90 spaced a shorter distance than the distance between centerlines of the conveyors 68, 70 (a possible design selection based upon downstream equipment, desired paddle conveyor speeds, and other considerations). The conveyors 68, 70 convey the stacks 60A, 60B to the paddle conveyor 82 where the stacks 60A, 60B preferably contact a backstop 88 to retain the stacks 60A, 60B on the paddle conveyor 82.

[0110] A number of different conventional devices and structures can be employed to improve the transfer of stacks 60A, 60B from the conveyors 68, 70 to the paddle conveyor 82. By way of example only, an air table (not shown) can be positioned between the downstream ends 86A, 86B of the conveyors 68, 70 and the paddle conveyor 82 in order to reduce friction beneath the stacks 60A, 60B and to allow the stacks 60A, 60B to more easily slide onto the paddle conveyor 82. Alternatively, part or all of the paddle conveyor 82 itself can be an air table provided with fluid under pressure (supplied to the surface of the table through apertures in the paddle conveyor 82) to perform this same function. In another embodiment, at least part of the paddle conveyor and/or at least part of the conveyors 68, 70 can be inclined to encourage stacks 60A, 60B to slide onto the paddle conveyor 82 from the conveyors 68, 70. In yet another embodiment, one or more driven or idler rolls can be located between the conveyors 68, 70 and the paddle conveyor 82. In other embodiments, one or more fingers, arms, plates, paddles, or other devices driven in any conventional manner can be actuated to sweep, push, pull, or otherwise move stacks 60A, 60B from the downstream ends 86A, 86B of the conveyors 68, 70 onto the paddle conveyor 82. Any other conveying device or system capable of transferring product between conveyors can be used to transfer the stacks 60A, 60B as described above.

[0111] After the first stack 60A″ has been received on the paddle conveyor 82 (in some preferred embodiments, after a side of the first stack 60A″ contacts the backstop 88), a first paddle 104 of the plurality of paddles 90 pushes the first stack 60A′″ in the downstream direction of the paddles 90. Preferably, after the first paddle 104 passes the second conveyor 70 and the second stack 60B″ can be transferred to the paddle conveyor 82 without interfering with the first paddle 104, the second stack 60B′″ moves onto the paddle conveyor 82. Preferably in a manner similar to the first stack 60A, a second paddle 106 of the plurality of paddles 90 preferably pushes the second stack 60B′″ in the downstream direction of the paddles 90. The conveyors 68, 70 and the paddles 104, 106 are preferably timed such that the second paddle 106 immediately follows the first paddle 104. However, the second paddle 106 can follow the first paddle 104 at any desired time after passage of the first paddle 104. Both of the stacks 60A′″, 60B′″ move downstream with the paddles 60A′″, 60B′″ until they are unloaded off of the downstream end 102 of the paddle conveyor 82 to be delivered to downstream operations (for example, to a wrapping apparatus, not shown).

[0112] Although the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 25-27 is shown comprising two stacking apparatuses 10A, 10B and two conveyors 68, 70 that move at different speeds, it is within the scope of the present invention to include more than two stacking apparatuses and more than two corresponding conveyors. The conveyors preferably move at different speeds to create a separation between the stacks at the downstream ends 86 of the conveyors so that the paddles 90 are allowed to move a single stack at a time without interfering with another stack.

[0113] The embodiments described herein and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. For example, the conveyor assembly described above and illustrated in FIGS. 25-27 preferably employs belt conveyors 68, 70 moving stacks 60A, 60B from the starwheels 20 and a paddle conveyor 82, 104, 106 moving stacks 60A, 60B from the belt conveyors 68, 70. Although belt conveyors 68, 70 and a paddle conveyor 82, 104, 106 are preferred, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other types of conveyors and conveying equipment can be employed to perform the same function (conveying two or more stacks of product away from a location and toward a conveyor at different speeds to enable the stacks to reach the conveyor at different times and to be carried away by the conveyor without interference between the stacks). Most preferably, the conveyors used to transport the stacks at different speeds move the stacks in a parallel or substantially parallel manner. Any conventional conveyor apparatus can be employed for this purpose (including those described above with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-27), including without limitation belt, chain, tabletop, paddle, and bucket conveyors driven in any conventional manner. Similarly, although a paddle conveyor is preferred for transporting stacks 60A, 60B from the conveyors run at different speeds, any conventional conveyor apparatus such as those described above can be employed in place of the paddle conveyor 82, 104, 106.

[0114] Although the separator fingers 38, 46 are preferably driven by horizontal and vertical actuators (e.g., horizontal and vertical drive motors 128, 132, 136, 140 in some preferred embodiments) to enable the separator fingers 38, 46 to move in two dimensions, it should be noted that the actuators need not necessarily be horizontal and vertical to perform this function. Regardless of the type of actuators employed to move the separator fingers 38, 46, the actuators can be oriented in any other desired manner to facilitate two-dimensional movement of the separator fingers 38, 46. The separator fingers 38, 46 have vertical and horizontal ranges of motion in those cases where the actuators are oriented to move the separator fingers 48 in purely vertical and horizontal directions and in those cases where the actuators are oriented in other manners (e.g., diagonal actuation of the separator fingers 38, 46 still defines horizontal and vertical ranges of motion because the fingers 38, 46 are movable in some horizontal range and in some vertical range). Therefore, as used herein and in the appended claims, the terms “horizontal range of motion” and “vertical range of motion” are defined by purely horizontal and vertical motion, respectively, as well as any motion having horizontal and vertical components, respectively.

[0115] One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any path of separator finger motion can be generated by actuation of either actuator or by simultaneous, substantially simultaneous, or staggered actuation of two or more actuators connected to the separator fingers 38, 46.

[0116] The paths of motion taken by the separator fingers 38, 46 in the present invention can be purely linear, such as three, four, or more connected straight or substantially straight paths of the separator fingers 38, 46. Alternatively, any one or more (or even all) of the paths of motion can be curved as desired and as needed to properly insert the separator fingers 38, 46 between the sheets of product in the starwheels 20 as described above and to retract the separator fingers 38, 46 as also described above. In one preferred embodiment for example, the separator fingers 38, 46 follow a quadrangular path (four paths joined by four discrete angles) which can be defined by purely straight lines of motion. In other preferred embodiments, the separator fingers 38, 46 follow a curved or complex path having any number of straight portions.

[0117] FIG. 28 illustrates an additional embodiment of the present invention including a stacking apparatus 10 that is oriented to discharge sheets 56 horizontally from the starwheel assembly 14 with the sheets 56 vertically oriented. The embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 28-38 has a number of features similar to the embodiments described above, such as the starwheel assembly 14, the barrier 32, and alternative embodiments thereof. Accordingly, with the exception of those elements, features, and functions described below that are mutually inconsistent with those of the embodiments described earlier, the above description applies equally to the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 28-38.

[0118] Although the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 28-38 is illustrated in an orientation for stacking sheets horizontally, it should be noted that this embodiment (and the alternatives thereof described below) can be employed for stacking sheets in any orientation, including vertical orientations and orientations between vertical and horizontal orientations. In the orientation illustrated in FIGS. 28-38, the barrier 32 discharges sheets 56 from the starwheel assembly 14 and supports the discharged sheets 56 as the discharged sheets 56 form horizontally extending stacks 60.

[0119] With additional reference to FIG. 29, in some embodiments the first separator finger 38 is similar to the first separator finger 38 described above with reference to the other embodiments of the present invention, except that the separator finger 38 includes a first finger portion 152 and a second finger portion 154 movable relative to the first finger portion 152 between an open position and a closed position. The first finger portion 152 can include a first set of fingers 42A and the second finger portion 154 can include a second set of fingers 42B. In some embodiments, the fingers 42A are substantially aligned with the fingers 42B in the closed position, and at least part of the fingers 42A (e.g., the tips thereof) are separated by a distance from the fingers 42B in the open position. Although the separator finger 38 can have equal numbers of fingers 42A, 42B across the first separator finger 38 in which the fingers 42A, 42B alternate across the first separator finger 38, it is within the scope of the present invention to have unequal numbers of fingers 42A, 42B and/or fingers 42A, 42B in any other repeating or non-repeating order across the first separator finger 38.

[0120] As mentioned above, in some embodiments the fingers 42A, 42B of the separator finger 38 are substantially aligned in the closed position of the separator finger 38. When in this state, the separator finger 38 can be inserted between sheets in or issuing from the starwheels 20 as will be described in greater detail below. Accordingly, the term “substantially aligned” as used herein and in the appended claims means that the fingers 42A, 42B of the separator finger 38 are sufficiently aligned to be inserted between adjacent sheets in or issuing from the starwheels 20. As an example, the fingers 42A, 42B can be separated by a distance in the closed position and still be considered substantially aligned as long as the fingers 42A, 42B are insertable between sheets in or issuing from the starwheels 20 and can be separated by a greater relative distance defining an open position. In the open position of the separator finger 38, the fingers 42A, 42B are separated from each other by a greater distance than when in the closed position.

[0121] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 29, the first separator finger 38 includes a bracket 156 and a shaft 158 coupled to the bracket 156. The first finger portion 152 is coupled to the bracket 156 and the second finger portion 154 is rotatably coupled to the shaft 158 to allow the second finger portion 154 to rotate relative to the first finger portion 152 about the shaft 158. In other embodiments, the first finger portion 152 is coupled to a frame, housing, beam, or other element of the first separator finger 38 suitable to provide a mounting location for the first finger portion 152. Any other rotatable connection can be employed for rotatably mounting the second finger portion 154, including without limitation one or more pins or posts, a hinge joint, and the like.

[0122] The first separator finger 38 in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 28-38 also includes a pneumatic actuator 160 coupled to the bracket 156 (or other portion of the first separator finger 38) at one end and coupled to the second finger portion 154 at another end. In some embodiments, the pneumatic actuator 160 is pivotably coupled to the second finger and/or bracket 156. The actuator 160 is movable between an extended position where the finger portions 152, 154 are in the open position and a retracted position where the finger portions 152, 154 are in the closed position.

[0123] Although the illustrated embodiment rotates the second finger portion 154 relative to the first finger portion 152, the first finger portion 152 could alternatively move relative to the second finger portion 154. Likewise, the first finger portion 152 and the second finger portion 154 could both move relative to each other by a suitable connection(s) to the actuator 160. In addition, the finger portions 152, 154 are not required to rotate relative to each other, and instead can translate relative to each other along a linear or non-linear path, or can move with a combination of rotation and translation. Other arrangements are capable of moving the finger portions 152, 154 relative to each other and are considered to be part of the present invention. For example, the first finger portion 152 and the second finger portion 154 can be moved relative to each other by other conventional actuators (such as ball screws, motor-driven belts, chains or cables, linear motors, rack and pinion assemblies, hydraulic or pneumatic pistons, solenoids, or the like) coupled to the first and/or second finger portions 152, 154.

[0124] Although the second separator finger 46 can be the same or similar to the first separator finger 38 just described, in some embodiments such as that shown in FIGS. 28-38, the second separator finger 46 is similar to the second separator finger 46 (and the alternatives thereto) described above with respect to the earlier-described embodiments of the present invention.

[0125] The stacking apparatus 10 in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 28-38 also includes a movable support arm 162 having a linkage (not shown) similar to that of the first and second separator fingers 38, 46 described above for two-dimensional movements. The support arm 162 and the first and second separator fingers 38, 46 can be movable independent of each other and can be capable of overlapping motions (with reference to the side view of the apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 30-38) without interference with each other and the barrier 32 to the extent required for the operation of the stacking apparatus 10 described below. To this end, the support arm 162, barrier 32, and the first and second separator fingers 38, 46 can have or include comb-like shapes enabling relative movement of these elements without interference with each other.

[0126] The support arm 162 in the illustrated embodiment includes first and second support fingers 164, 166 that extend from the support arm 162. The first and second support fingers 164, 166 can each be defined by a set of fingers, tines, or other elongated elements 168 that are movable at least partially through the barrier 32 and with respect to the first and/or second separator finger 38, 46. These fingers 168 can take any form, including those described above with reference to the fingers 42, 50 of the first and second separator fingers 38, 46.

[0127] The first and second support fingers are separated by a distance and can be adjustable to vary the distance between the support fingers 164, 166. For example, at least one of the support fingers 164, 166 can be selectively clamped, pinned, bolted, or otherwise secured to the support arm 162 in two or more positions along the support arm 162 in order to allow for adjustment relative to the support arm 162. Either or both fingers 164, 166 can be slidable along the support arm 162 between and to the two or more positions, can be detached and reattached to the support arm 162 at the two or more positions, or can be secured to the support arm 162 in the two positions in any other manner.

[0128] Having this described the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 28-38, the operation of this embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 30-38, which illustrate different stages of operation of the starwheel assembly 14 as viewed from the side of the starwheel assembly 14.

[0129] FIG. 30 illustrates the first separator finger 38 in a starting position with the starwheel assembly 14 continuously rotating in a clockwise direction. As stated above with respect to the earlier-described embodiments, the sheets 56 rotate with the starwheel assembly 14 until the radially inward ends of the sheets 56 contact the barrier 32, which causes the sheets 56 to be stripped from the slots 30 of the starwheels 20. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 28-38, the sheets 56 do not fall under the force of gravity, but instead are stacked in a horizontal direction and are supported by the barrier 32.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 31, the first separator finger 38 in its closed position is inserted between two adjacent sheets 56A, 56B located within the rotating starwheel assembly 14 in order to separate a last sheet 56A of a stack 60A from the first sheet 56B of a new stack 60B. Alternatively, the first separator finger 38 can be inserted within adjacent sheets 56A, 56B that have already issued from the starwheels 20 or are in the process of doing so. With reference again to the embodiment of FIGS. 28-38, once inserted between the slots 30, the separator finger 38 preferably moves against the direction of rotation and radially outward until the separator finger 38 is outside the starwheel assembly 14. In this position, the separator finger 38 retains the first sheet 56B upstream of the first separator finger 38 to begin a new stack 60B and retains or permits the last sheet 56A downstream of the first separator finger 38 to complete the stack 60A. If not already done, the support arm 162 can be moved closer to the starwheel assembly 14 in preparation of receiving the stack 60A.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 32, after the first separator finger 38 has been inserted into the stream of sheets 56, the separator finger 38 is actuated to its open position to create a gap 170 between the completed stack 60A and the stack 60B being built. At the same time, additional discharged sheets 56 continue to build upstream of the first separator finger 38. In some embodiments, the second finger portion 154 slightly compresses the stack 60A against the second separator finger 46 at the end of the stack 60A, although the first separator finger 38 can instead or in addition compress the sheets 56 upstream of the first separator finger 38 depending upon whether the first finger portion 152 instead or also moves when the first separator finger 38 is actuated to its open position as mentioned above.

[0132] In some embodiments, the first separator finger 38 moves radially away from the axis of rotation 22 of the starwheels 20 to provide adequate clearance from the starwheel assembly 14 for additional sheets 56 stacked upon the first separator finger 38. The additionally stacked sheets 56 can therefore move onto the partially completed stack 60B the same or nearly the same distance from the starwheel assembly 14 as a result of the first separator finger 38 moving radially away from the axis 22 while the stack 60B increases in size. In other embodiments, the first separator finger 38 remains in a location for a period of time while sheets 56 are stacked between the first separator finger 38 and the starwheels 20.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 33, the support arm 162 moves to an extended position where the first support finger 164 is inserted within the gap 170 between the stacks 60A, 60B to retain the stack 60A downstream of the first separator finger 38 and where the second support finger 166 is moved adjacent to the downstream end of the stack 60A and the second separator finger 46 to retain the stack 60A upstream of the second support finger 46.

[0134] With reference to FIG. 34 of the illustrated embodiment, the second separator finger 46 moves to a retracted position below the barrier 32, transferring the completed stack 60A to the second support finger 46. After the second separator finger 46 is removed, the support arm 162 in FIG. 35 can move downstream with the stack 60A supported between the first and second support fingers 164, 166. As the support arm 162 moves, the stack 60A can slide along the barrier 32 toward a conveyor (not shown). In addition, the second separator finger 46 moves to a position adjacent to the first separator finger 38.

[0135] With reference to FIG. 36, the second separator finger 46 is inserted between the first and second finger portions 152, 154 to retain the stack 60B upstream of the second separator finger 46. If desired, the support arm 162 can move the completed stack 60A further toward the conveyor past a paddle gate 172. The paddle gate 172 is movable to a position in the path of stacks passing to downstream operations, such as by being translated behind the completed stack 60A or by being pivoted to this position. In some embodiments, the paddle gate 172 has fingers 174 similar to the fingers 42, 50, or otherwise takes a comb-like shape. Alternatively, the paddle gate 172 is defined by one or more beams, rods, bars, plates, or other elements movable behind the completed stack 60A when moved sufficiently away from the starwheels 20. In some embodiments, a conveyor (not shown in FIGS. 30-38) is located downstream of the paddle gate 172, and can take any of the forms described above with reference to the other embodiments of the present invention. For example, completed stacks 60A can be transferred to a conveyor (e.g., a paddle conveyor such as that described above with reference to FIGS. 25-27) running at an angle with respect to the barrier 32, in which case it can be desirable to employ a paddle gate 172 which is flat or otherwise permits completed stacks 60A to slide along the paddle gate 172 as they are transported away to downstream operations.

[0136] As illustrated in FIG. 37, the first separator finger 38 can be retracted below the barrier 32 to transfer the building stack 60B to the second separator finger 46. The paddle gate 172 is moved (e.g., rotated) to a position behind the completed stack 60A to maintain the stack 60A on the conveyor. In addition, the support arm 162 is retracted below the conveyor to transfer the stack 60A to the conveyor.

[0137] In FIG. 38, the second separator finger 46 moves radially away from the starwheel assembly axis 22 to provide additional space to accommodate additional discharged sheets 56 on the stack 60B (although such movement is not required in some embodiments and applications). The support arm 162 and the first separator finger 38 move back to their starting positions (see FIG. 30) to repeat the separator cycle when the appropriate number of sheets 56 have been discharged on the stack 60B retained by the second separator finger 46.

[0138] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 30-38, the first separator finger 38, the second separator finger 46, and the support arm 162 move to stack discharged sheets 56 from the starwheel assembly 14 and transfer completed stacks 60 of desired sizes or sheet counts to a conveyor (not shown) without interrupting the rotation of the starwheel assembly 14.

[0139] The embodiment described above and illustrated in FIGS. 28-38 is presented by way of example only and is not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0140] For example, the first separator finger 38 and second separator finger 46 in the embodiment of FIGS. 28-38 can both include first and second finger portions 152, 154 movable relative to each other as described above with reference to the first separator finger 38. In such embodiments, the second separator finger 46 can move through the starwheel assembly 14 to separate the next set of adjacent sheets 56 rather than receive the stack 60 from the first separator finger 38 as described above. Then, after the second separator finger 46 is inserted between the adjacent sheets 56, the second separator finger 46 can be actuated to its open position to create a gap 170 allowing the support arm 162 to receive the completed stack 60 from the first and second separator fingers 38, 46.

[0141] In other embodiments, the second separator finger 46 is eliminated. In such embodiments, the paddle gate 172 (or any other movable element or elements performing the function of retaining the upstream stack 60, such as a frame, one or more finger, bars, rods, plates, and the like), can be employed to support the downstream end of the stack 60. Specifically, the stack 60 can be built adjacent to the first separator finger 38 and can be transferred to the paddle gate 172 moved downward to retain the stack 60 upstream of the paddle gate 172. After the stack 60 is transferred, the first separator finger 38 can return to the starwheel assembly 14 to separate another set of adjacent sheets 56 and move into an open position to create a gap 170. The first support finger 164 can receive the stack 60 from the first separator finger 38 within the gap 170, while the second support finger 166 can receive the stack 60 from the paddle gate 172. The paddle gate 172 can then be rotated out of the way to allow the support arm 162 to move the stack 60 toward the conveyor or to other downstream operations. Although the paddle gate 172 can be mounted for movement away from the starwheels 20 as the stack 60 is built, the paddle gate 172 in some embodiments remains stationary for at least part of the stack-building process while sheets 56 are compressed between the paddle gate 172 and the starwheels 20. Alternatively, the second separator finger 46 could be used in such embodiments to receive the stack 60 from the first separator finger 38 and then transfer the stack 60 to the paddle gate 172.

[0142] Although the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 28-36 employs one or more separation fingers 38, 46 capable of being moved to opened and closed positions, such fingers 38, 46 are not required to practice the present invention. For example, in some embodiments (such as the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 28-36), the fingers 38, 46 can be sufficiently thick to provide a gap for insertion of other fingers (e.g., support fingers 164, 166), and/or the slots 30 in the starwheels 20 can be sufficiently spaced to enable insertion of thicker fingers 38, 46 between adjacent sheets in the starwheels 20.

Claims

1. An apparatus for creating stacks of sheets discharged from a starwheel assembly, comprising: a barrier located at least partially within the starwheel assembly to discharge sheets from the starwheel assembly; and a first separator finger movable from a retracted position with respect to the sheets to an extended position between first and second adjacent sheets, the first separator finger movable to retain the first sheet upstream of the first separator finger beginning a first stack and to separate the first sheet from the second sheet completing a second stack downstream of the first separator finger, the first separator finger including a first portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion from a closed position to an open position in which at least part of the first and second finger portions are separated to create a gap between the first and second stacks.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first support finger movable from a retracted position with respect to the first stack to an extended position within the gap between the first and second stacks to retain the second stack downstream of the first support finger.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first separator finger is movable from the retracted position with respect to the sheets within the starwheel to an extended position between first and second adjacent sheets within the starwheel.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first separator finger is movable within a cylindrical volume defined by a periphery of the starwheel assembly.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first separator finger includes an actuator coupled to the first and second portions of the first separator finger, the actuator actuatable to move at least one of the first and second portions of the first separator finger relative to another of the first and second portions of the first separator finger.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a second separator finger movable independently of the first separator finger.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second separator finger is movable from a retracted position with respect to the first stack to an extended position within the gap between the first and second stacks to receive the first stack from the first separator finger and retain the first stack upstream of the second separator finger.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first separator finger is movable away from the starwheel assembly to accommodate additional discharged sheets on the first stack.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first separator finger is retractable from between the first and second sheets and is movable in a closed position of the second portion to an extended position between third and fourth adjacent sheets, the first separator finger movable to retain the third sheet upstream of the first separator finger to begin a third stack upstream of the first separator finger and to separate the third sheet from the fourth sheet completing the first stack and retaining the first stack downstream of the first separator finger, the second portion of the first separator finger movable to an open position to create a gap between the first and third stacks.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a first support finger movable from a retracted position with respect to the first stack to an extended position within the gap between the first and third stacks to receive the first stack from the first separator finger and to retain the first stack downstream of the first support finger; and a second support finger movable from a retracted position with respect to the first stack to an extended position adjacent the first sheet to receive the first stack from the second separator finger and to retain the first stack upstream of the second support finger.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first and second support fingers are coupled to a support arm.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first and second support fingers are separated by a distance, the second support finger being adjustable along at least part of the support arm to adjust the distance between the first and second support fingers.

13. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a first actuator coupled to the first separator finger, the first actuator actuatable to move the first separator finger; and a second actuator coupled to the second separator finger, the second actuator actuatable to move the second separator finger, wherein the first and second actuators are controllable independently of one another to move the first and second separator fingers independently of one another.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the barrier extends radially outward from a rotational axis of the starwheel assembly.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first separator finger is oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the barrier.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the starwheel rotates in a direction, the first separator finger being movable opposite to the direction of rotation of the starwheel assembly.

17. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second separator finger is movable away from the starwheel assembly to accommodate additional discharged sheets on the first stack.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the separator finger has a length, the separator finger being curved along at least part of the length of the separator finger.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the separator finger has a concave shape facing sheets in the starwheel assembly upstream of the separator finger.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the barrier has a length, the barrier being curved along at least part of the length of the barrier.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the barrier has a concave shape facing sheets in the starwheel assembly upstream of the separator finger.

22. A method of creating stacks of sheets discharged from a starwheel assembly, the method comprising: providing a first separator finger including a first portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion; feeding sheets to the starwheel assembly; discharging sheets from the starwheel assembly with a barrier; inserting the first separator finger between two adjacent sheets to retain a first sheet of the two adjacent sheets upstream of the first separator finger; separating the first sheet from a second sheet of the two adjacent sheets to complete a second stack downstream of the first separator finger; stacking sheets from the starwheel assembly to define a first stack upstream of the first separator finger; and separating the first and second finger portions to create a gap between the first and second stacks.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: inserting a first support finger within the gap between the first and second stacks to retain the second stack downstream of the first support finger.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein inserting the first separator finger includes inserting the first separator finger between two adjacent sheets within the starwheel assembly.

25. The method of claim 22, further comprising: moving a second separator finger from a retracted position with respect to the first stack to an extended position within the gap between the first and second stacks to receive the first stack from the first separator finger and retain the first stack upstream of the second separator finger.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein moving the second separator finger includes moving the second separator finger away from the starwheel assembly to retain additional discharged sheets on the first stack upstream of the second separator finger after the second separator finger receives the first stack.

27. The method of claim 25, further comprising: withdrawing the first separator finger from the two adjacent sheets; and reinserting the first separator finger between a second set of two adjacent sheets to retain a third sheet of the second set of two adjacent sheets upstream of the first separator finger to begin a third stack upstream of the first separator finger and to separate the third sheet from a fourth sheet of the second set of two adjacent sheets to complete the first stack downstream of the first separator finger; retaining the first stack downstream of the first separation finger; and separating the first and second portions of the first separation finger to create a gap between the first and third stacks.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising: inserting a first support finger within the gap between the first and third stacks to receive the first stack from the first separator finger and to retain the first stack downstream of the first support finger; and inserting a second support finger adjacent the first sheet to receive the first stack from the second separator finger and to retain the first stack upstream of the second support finger.

29. The method of claim 22, wherein inserting the first separator finger further includes actuating a first actuator coupled to the first separator finger and actuating a second actuator coupled to the first separator finger, the first and second actuators actuatable to move the first separator finger in different directions.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the first and second actuators are independently controllable.

31. The method of claim 22, wherein separating the first and second finger portions includes compressing the second stack with one of the first and second finger portions.

32. An apparatus for creating stacks of discharged sheets, the apparatus comprising: a separator finger movable into a stream of discharged sheets to retain a first stack of sheets upstream of the separator finger and a second stack of sheets downstream of the separator finger, the separator finger including a first portion, a second portion movable relative to the first portion from a closed position in which the first and second portions are substantially aligned to an open position in which at least part of the first and second portions are separated to create a gap between the first and second stacks, a vertical range of motion, and a horizontal range of motion, a first actuator coupled to the separator finger to move the separator finger in a first direction; a second actuator coupled to the separator finger to move the separator finger in a second direction; and a controller coupled to the first and second actuators, the first and second actuators actuatable under control of the controller to move the separator finger in a separator finger path.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the separator finger includes an third actuator coupled to at least one of the first and second portions, the third actuator actuatable to move at least one of the first and second portions relative to another of the first and second portions.

34. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising: a support finger movable from a retracted position with respect to the second stack to an extended position within the gap to retain the second stack downstream of the first support finger.

35. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the first and second actuators are independently controllable by the controller to move the separator finger.

36. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the separator finger is movable by the first and second actuators to any location within an area defined by the vertical range of motion and the horizontal range of motion.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the separator finger has a velocity, the velocity of the separator finger being controlled by the controller.

38. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the separator finger is a first separator finger, the apparatus further comprising: a second separator finger having a vertical range of motion, a horizontal range of motion, and at least one actuator coupled to the second separator finger, the at least one actuator coupled to the second separator finger actuatable to move the second separator finger, wherein the controller is coupled to the actuator of the second separator finger, the actuator of the second separator finger actuatable in a first manner under control of the controller to move the second separator finger in a first path and actuatable in a second manner under control of the controller to move the second separator finger in a second path different from the first path.

39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the second separator finger is movable from a retracted position with respect to the first stack to an extended position within the gap between the first and second stacks to receive the first stack from the first separator finger and retain the first stack upstream of the second separator finger.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the first separator finger is retractable from between the first and second stacks and is re-insertable into the discharged sheets in the closed position to retain a third stack upstream of the first separator finger and to separate the first stack downstream of the first separator finger from additional sheets stacked in the third stack, the second portion of the first separator finger movable to the open position between the first and third stacks to define a gap between the first and third stacks.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, further comprising: a first support finger movable from a retracted position with respect to the first stack to an extended position within the gap between the first and third stacks to receive the first stack from the first separator finger and to retain the first stack downstream of the first support finger; and a second support finger movable from a retracted position with respect to the first stack to an extended position adjacent the first sheet to receive the first stack from the second separator finger and to retain the first stack upstream of the second support finger.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, further comprising: a conveyor positioned to receive the first stack from the first and second support fingers and to carry the first stack away from the first and second support fingers.

43. A method for creating stacks of sheets, the method comprising: providing a separator finger movable a vertical distance and a horizontal distance, the separator finger including a first portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion; providing an actuator coupled to the separator finger; providing a controller coupled to the actuator, the controller adapted to move the separator via the actuator; transmitting at least one signal from the controller to the actuator; actuating the actuator responsive to transmission of the at least one signal from the controller to the actuator; moving the separator finger via the actuator into a plurality of sheets, at least one of which is moving; separating the sheets with the separation finger to retain a first sheet of a first stack upstream of the separator finger and a second sheet of a second stack downstream of the separator finger; separating the first and second portions of the separator finger; and creating a gap between the first and second sheets with the first and second portions of the separator finger.

44. The method of claim 43, further comprising: inserting a first support finger within the gap to retain the second stack downstream of the first support finger.

45. The method of claim 43, wherein the controller is operable to move the separator finger in different paths.

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising: changing programming of the controller to define new programming of the controller; and moving the separator finger in a second manner defined at least in part by the new programming of the controller.

47. The method of claim 43, wherein the separator finger is movable to any location within an area defined by the vertical distance and the horizontal distance.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein moving the separator finger includes moving the separator finger to any location within the area with velocity controlled by the controller.

49. The method of claim 43, wherein the separator finger is a first separator finger, the method further comprising: providing a second separator finger movable a second vertical distance and a second horizontal distance; providing a second actuator coupled to the second separator finger; transmitting at least one signal from the controller to the second actuator, the controller adapted to move the second separator finger via the second actuator; actuating the second actuator responsive to transmission of the at least one signal from the controller to the second actuator; and moving the second separator finger with respect to the first and second stacks of sheets.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein moving the second separator finger includes moving the second separator finger from a retracted position with respect to the first stack to an extended position within the gap between the first and second stacks to receive the first stack from the first separator finger and retain the first stack upstream of the second separator finger.

51. The method of claim 50, further comprising: withdrawing the first separator finger from between the first and second sheets; re-inserting the first separator finger into the plurality of sheets, at least one of which is moving; separating the sheets to retain a third sheet of a third stack upstream of the first separator finger and the first stack downstream of the first separator finger; and separating the first and second portions of the separator finger to create a gap between the first and third stacks.

52. The method of claim 51, further comprising: inserting a first support finger within the gap between the first and third stacks to receive the first stack from the first separator finger and to retain the first stack downstream of the first support finger; and inserting a second support finger adjacent the first sheet to receive the first stack from the second separator finger and to retain the first stack upstream of the second support finger.

53. The method of claim 52, further comprising: transferring the first stack from the first and second support fingers to a conveyor; and moving the first stack on the conveyor away from the first and second support fingers.

54. A sheet stacking apparatus for creating stacks of sheets, the sheet stacking apparatus comprising: a separator finger movable to separate a first plurality of sheets from a plurality of moving sheets, the separator finger having a first finger portion and a second finger portion coupled to the first finger portion and movable relative to the first finger portion from a closed position in which the first and second finger portions define a first width of the separator finger to an open position in which the first and second separator finger portions define a second width of the separator finger greater than the first width; and an actuator coupled to the separator finger, the actuator actuatable to move the separator finger in a first direction, the separator finger movable by the actuator from a retracted position with respect to the first and second plurality of sheets to an extended position between first and second adjacent sheets in the first and second plurality of sheets, respectively, the separator finger movable to retain the first sheet upstream of the first separator finger to begin a first stack upstream of the first separator finger and to separate the first sheet from the second sheet completing a second stack downstream of the separator finger, the first and second finger portions movable to the open position to create a gap between the first and second sheets.

55. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the actuator is a first actuator, the apparatus further comprising a second actuator coupled to the separator finger, the first and second actuators independently controllable to move the separator finger in a path.

56. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the first and second actuators are oriented to actuate the separator finger in respective directions substantially perpendicular to one another.

57. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein one of the directions is substantially horizontal.

58. The apparatus of claim 55, further comprising: a controller coupled to the first and second actuators, the controller having associated programming defining a path in which the separator finger moves by actuation of the first and second actuators, the programming being adjustable to change the path of the separator finger.

59. A method of creating stacks of sheets of product, the method comprising: providing a separator finger having a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion and movable relative to the first portion; actuating a first actuator coupled to the separator finger; moving the separator in a first direction responsive to actuation of the first actuator; inserting the first separator finger within the sheets of product with the second portion of the separator finger at a first orientation with respect to the first portion of the separator finger; separating the sheets of product with the separator finger to define a first stack of sheets upstream of the separator finger and a second stack of sheets downstream of the separator finger; moving the second portion of the separator finger relative to the first portion of the separator finger to a second orientation with respect to the first portion of the separator finger; creating a gap between the first and second stacks by moving the second portion of the separator finger.

60. The method of claim 59, further comprising: actuating a second actuator coupled to the separator finger; moving the separator finger in a second direction different from the first direction responsive to actuation of the second actuator.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein at least part of moving the separator in a first direction and moving the separator in a second direction occurs substantially simultaneously.

62. The method of claim 60, wherein the first actuator is actuatable independently of the second actuator.

63. The method of claim 60, wherein the first and second directions are substantially perpendicular to one another.

64. The method of claim 59, wherein the first direction is substantially horizontal.

65. The method of claim 60, further comprising: controlling at least one of the first and second actuators with a controller having programming at least partially defining a first path taken by the separator finger; and changing the programming of the controller to at least partially define a second path taken by the separator different from the first path.