Abstract: A sheet-copy documents producing machine is provided and includes (a) sheet supply and feeding means for supplying and feeding image receiving sheets along a path and through image forming stations; (b) image forming devices mounted at the image forming stations for forming desired images on the image receiving sheets resulting in sheet-copy documents of the desired images; and (c) plural sheet-copy documents finishing devices including (i) moving parts, and (ii) at least a first sheet-copy documents finishing device and a last sheet-copy documents finishing device for each receiving, finishing and stacking the sheet-copy documents into stacks for subsequent removal by an operator. Each the sheet-copy documents finishing devices, except the last sheet-copy documents finishing device, including a movable unload-while-running safety shield assembly for protecting hands of the operator from the moving parts during an unload-while-running operation of the copy sheet documents producing machine.

Abstract: A paper sheet gate actuation and guide system for a paper finishing device includes a guide rail, a drive system, a paper gate unit and a sliding cam unit. The guide rail is disposed along a side of the paper finishing device. The drive system includes a torque supplier to controllably supply torque, a timing belt connected to the torque supplier, and a plurality of pulleys to move laterally along the guide rail when the torque supplier supplies torque. The paper gate unit includes a gate arm to enable a paper sheet to pass through when the gate arm is opened, and a lift foot to open the gate arm when the lift foot is raised. The sliding cam unit includes a shoe to slide along the guide rail, a gate cam to raise the lift foot when engaged against the lift foot, a paddle to push a trailing edge of the paper sheet forward as the paper gate unit moves forward along the guide rail, and a fastener to attach the sliding cam unit to the timing belt.

Abstract: A paper sheet finishing system includes a sheet guiding mechanism having nip rollers to transport a sheet forward, at least one diverter gate through which the sheet passes when the at least one diverter gate is open, and a temporary compiler to support the sheet after the sheet passes the at least one diverter gate, a diverter member to travel in conjunction with the at least one diverter gate, and at least one rear suppressor member connected to the diverter member to push a trailing edge of the sheet forward and pitch a leading edge of the sheet downward after the sheet controllably descends past the temporary compiler with reduced flutter and improved positioning during compilation of the sheets.

Abstract: A blade for use in an apparatus for urging sheets against registration edges in a sheet compiler is provided. The blade includes a body having a contact surface for contact with the sheets and a locating feature. The locating feature is connected to the body for locating the blade to the apparatus. The locating feature includes a prevention feature for preventing the blade from being inserted into the apparatus in a first orientation and to permit the blade to be inserted into the apparatus in a second orientation, opposed to the first orientation, so that the blade is properly installed into the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of ejecting copy sheets from the compiler in a printing apparatus that includes a processing section for transferring a developed image onto a copy sheet and a finishing section with a compiler and a stapler for receiving plural copy sheets to generate a print set. In particular, the level of copy sheets in a compiler tray is sensed, a tag in non-volatile memory indicating a number of allowable extra copy sheets in the compiler is monitored, and a capacity count for sheets to be stapled is referenced. In response, a set of copy sheets may be ejected from the compiler in an unscheduled manner as a function of the level of copy sheets in the compiler tray, the tag in non-volatile memory, and the capacity count for sheets to be stapled. This enables the finisher to complete a set that might have been prematurely ejected or enables the finisher to eject a set before reaching a jam condition.

Abstract: A scanning/illumination assembly for a document copier is modified to reduce overheating conditions at the glass platen on which the document is placed during a scan/copy mode. The illumination lamp, which produces both light and an unwanted byproduct of heat, is placed within a glass tube open at both ends. The glass tube is nested within a curved portion of an associated reflector. Heat which would normally build up at the platen surface is instead contained within the space between the lamp envelope and the glass tube, and is transferred out the ends of the glass tube annulus along a convection path. Heat is also absorbed by the glass tube and transferred by convection to the air surrounding the glass tube. An additional component of heat transfer is by conduction from the glass tube to a heat sink established within the scan carriage via the seating reflector. Heat transfer as described is assisted by the movement of the illumination assembly during scan mode.