Abstract: An improved retard type sheet feeder with sheet separation for sequentially feeding individual sheets from a stack of the sheets, with particular utility for a bottom sheet (bottom of stack) separator/feeder which may be used in low cost document feeders for copiers. A low cost retard member mounting system prevents tilting or other undesired movement of the retard pad in the direction of sheet feeding, and allows only desired vertical movement [spring loading restricted] plus desired free lateral tilt for lateral pivotal self-leveling with respect to the opposing sheet feeding member. The retard pad sheet engagement surfaces and the opposing sheet feeding member engaging surface are shaped and positioned to optimize stack sheet separation and feeding while minimizing varying, uneven or localized high pressure points which could induce image smearing, vibration or other difficulties, cooperatively with and assisted by the mounting system.

Abstract: In a retard type botton sheet separator/feeder 80, in which the bottom of a stack of original document sheets is driven downstream to a separation nip with a retard pad 62 by the planer upper flight of a driven frictional separator bottom feed belt 50, that feeding is assisted by a normal force applying ski or shoe unit 70. The unit 70 pivotally lowers arm assembly 76 so that a large area planar bottom of a ski 72 is overlying the belt 50. The ski 72 rides on the top of the stack with low friction with a preset downward normal force. A pivotal mounting 74 thereof allows the free self-pivoting of the bottom surface of the ski 72 into continuous alignment with the plane of the top of the stack, pressing the stack between the ski and an opposing feeding belt area which is also maintained uniformly planar by a special belt supporting system. Thus the normal force is distributed evenly over a relatively large area.