RIGHT ANGLE TURN (RAT) MODULE FOR CONVEYING MULTI-SHEET COLLATIONS

A Right Angle Turn (RAT) module for processing multi-sheet collations (28) includes opposed belt segments (22, 24) defining a conveyance channel (26) for capturing multi-sheet collations (28) therebetween and for conveying multi-sheet collations from an input end (30) to an output end (32) of the conveyance channel (26). The opposed belt segments (22, 24) define a first re-directing bend (42), a second re-directing bend (46), and a twist section (44) disposed therebetween. The first re-directing bend (42) includes a rolling element (52) for re-directing the opposed belt segments (22, 24) about a first axis of rotation while the second re-directing bend (46) includes a rolling element (54) for re-directing the opposed belt segments (22, 24) about a second axis of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation are orthogonal to each other so as to effect a twist section therebetween. The RAT module additionally includes a mechanism (56) for driving the opposed belt segments (22, 24) about the first and second re-directing bends (42, 46) to convey the multi-sheet collations (28) from the input end to the output end and effect a right angle turn of the multi-sheet collations (28)