Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus for folding paper sheets of different length or into different folding patterns and for combining the folded sheets into a single collation. The apparatus includes: a first, right angle paper path for folding paper sheets s of a given size; and a second, straight paper path for folding paper sheets either of a different size than the paper sheets in the first path or in a different folding pattern than the paper sheets in the first path. The first, right angle paper path includes a first accumulator for receiving a first plurality of paper sheets and aligning the first plurality of paper sheets into a first collation, a first folder downstream of the first accumulator for folding the first collation, a right angle transfer for receiving the first, folded collation and for feeding the first, folded collation out of the transfer in a direction perpendicular from the direction of entry of the first, folded collation into the transfer without changing the orientation of the first, folded collation, and a drop feeder downstream of the right angle transfer for dropping the first, folded collation onto the second, straight paper path. The second, straight paper path intersects with the drop feeder of the first, right angle paper path, and the second, straight paper path includes a second accumulator for receiving a second plurality of paper sheets and aligning the second plurality of paper sheets into a second collation, a second folder downstream of the second accumulator for folding the second collation differently than the first collation, a device for receiving the second, folded collation and the first, folded collation at a registration location, and a device for conveying the combined first and second, folded collations downstream from the receiving device.

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First Claim