Abstract: A sheet feeding and separating apparatus for feeding sheets from a stack by exerting a drive force against the top sheet. The sheet is urged off the stack by a nudger roll toward a retard nip formed where a feed roll contacts a retard roll. The retard roll is movable relative to the feed roll, and thus is capable of producing drive forces of varying magnitude at the retard nip to propel a sheet toward the copying mechanism. A controller signals the nudger roll to urge a sheet off the stack and then monitors a sensor to determine whether the sheet passes through the retard nip. A misfeed condition occurs when the sensor fails to detect a sheet within a predetermined length of time. In response, the controller moves the retard roll toward the feed roll to increase the drive force exerted on the sheet. The retard roll is further adapted to detect the occurrence of a multifeed when multiple sheets contact the retard nip.

Abstract: A card loading device includes an elevator, a roller, a card loading port, and two sensors for detecting the feeding of cards, exhausting the feeding of cards and the reloading of cards. The elevator raises/lowers a plurality of accumulated cards. The roller is arranged at a card feed position and rotated clockwise to feed a card located at an uppermost position of the accumulated cards and brought into contact with the roller when the elevator is raised. The card loading port has an opening slightly larger than a thickness of a card and loads a card fed by the roller. The two sensors can detect the proper and the improper loading of a fed card at the card loading port. When a card has been improperly loaded, the sensors send a signal that reverses the roller direction (counterclockwise) and lowers the elevator, thereby exhausting the card from the card loading port.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of processing documents by moving them from an input hopper to a destination site at a controlled rate, including driving each document into a feed path from the input hopper at an adjustable time period after a previous document had been fed; thensensing the distance separating that document from a following document, and adjusting the time period between driving of succeeding documents to achieve a desired relationship between the document feed rate and inter-document gap.

Abstract: A card convey device includes a first convey path, a second convey path, a third convey path, jam detector, convey controller, and card sorter. The first convey path conveys a loaded card. The second convey path is branched from the first convey path and conveys a non-defective card distributed from cards conveyed from the first convey path. The third convey path is branched from the first convey path and conveys a defective card distributed from the cards conveyed from the first convey path. The jam detector detects jam of a card occurring in each of the first, second, and third convey paths. The convey controller conveys a card through each of the first, second, and third convey paths at a predetermined speed, stops a convey operation of the card when the jam detector detects jam of the card, and reconveys the card in response to a reconvey command.

Abstract: A tax stamp machine for printing tax stamps on documents. The tax stamp machine includes: a housing; a registration point marked on the housing; a feed deck for receiving documents; a device for printing a tax stamp on a portion of the documents; a pair of drive rollers for feeding the documents to the printing device; and a device for indexing the drive rollers to thereby register the documents with the registration point prior to printing the tax stamp.

Abstract: A detecting device is adapted for detecting the presence of an item and includes a shaft rotatably supported on a frame, a first contacting member attached to the shaft and operable to come into contact with an item; a second contacting member attached to the shaft and operable to come into contact with an item, the second contacting member being spaced away from the first contacting member in an axial direction of the shaft by a specified distance, a pivotal member, a detector for detecting whether the pivotal member is at a specified detecting position, and a transmission device for transmitting a rotation of either the first or second contacting member to the pivotal member to rotate the pivotal member to the specified detecting position.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is coupled to a paper supply mechanism formed of a plurality of paper supply units storing papers, the plurality of paper supply units being arranged in a predetermined order along a paper feed path and papers being ejected one by one from each of the plurality of paper supply units to the paper feed path, the papers being fed to the image forming apparatus so that images are formed on the papers.

Abstract: A separating device wherein two belts with different friction coefficients present respective straight portions facing each other and converging at a contact portion. The belts are fed with a number of mail items which are wedged in the V-shaped opening defined by the straight portions and are fed singly through the contact portion by the higher friction coefficient belt and to the input of a follow-up conveyor belt system. The device comprises a barrier of sensors located between the contact portion and the input of the conveyor belt system, and which provide for determining the form and spacing of the mail items. The signal generated by the barrier of sensors is used for adjusting operation of the higher friction coefficient belt.

Abstract: Automatic printing apparatus for printing an image on a sheet including sheet handling apparatus including plural sheet supply means each including a sheet stack support platform, a sheet feeder to feed a sheet from a stack, a sheet transport to transport a sheet from a stack to a first common sheet transport path; a controller to control the operation of the apparatus; at least one sensor to sense the passage of the lead edge of a sheet and to send a signal to the controller when that occurs, at least two of the plural sheet supplies being capable of supplying sheets of the same size, the controller being able to determine the size of the sheet in each sheet supply, the controller responding to the lack of a signal from the at least one sensor within a predetermined time by actuating another sheet supply that has the same size sheet as in the sheet supply from which a sheet was fed but did not reach the sensor within the predetermined time.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a transfer unit for transferring an unfixed image on the image bearing member onto recording material, and a fixing rotating member for fixing the unfixed image while grasping and conveying the recording material supporting the unfixed image. The apparatus further includes a first detector, provided at a side downstream from a grasping portion of the fixing rotating member in the moving direction of the recording material, for detecting the recording material, and a second detector, provided at a side upstream from the grasping portion of the fixing rotating member in the moving direction of the recording material, for detecting the recording material. The distance between the first and second detectors is less than the minimum length in the conveying direction of ordinary recording material used in the apparatus.

Abstract: The method of recovery from a jam of a copy sheet in a clearance zone in an image processing machine including the steps of determining the position of the copy sheet and a following copy sheet in the copy sheet path, recognizing that the following copy sheet is within a second clearance zone, calculating a time period to continue machine operation to drive the following copy sheet into the first clearance zone, and determining that said time period does not exceed a maximum time period.

Abstract: A parallel transport apparatus for transporting sheets side by side along a plurality of transport paths is provided with a feed roller which is brought into contact with uppermost sheets of a plurality of stacks of sheet contained side by side in a cassette and is adapted for feeding the uppermost sheets side by side; a separation roller pair arranged at a specified position of each of the plurality of transport paths and adapted for separating the sheets fed side by side so that one each of sheets are transported along the respective transport paths simultaneously; a sheet detector arranged downstream from the separation roller pair with respect to a sheet transport direction and adapted for detecting the presence or absence of sheets being transported side by side; and a multifeed discriminator for discriminating whether the multiple feeding has been occurred along any of the transport paths in accordance with an output from the sheet detector.

Abstract: In a machine including structure for printing an indicia on a sheet at a predetermined printing speed, wherein the machine includes structure for feeding the sheet in a path of travel to the printing structure, apparatus for detecting a malfunction of the machine, the apparatus comprising, structure for controlling the machine, the controlling structure including a microprocessor, structure for sensing the sheet in the path of travel, the sensing structure including a first sensor connected to the microprocessor for providing a first sensing signal thereto in response to sensing the sheet, the sensing structure including a second sensor connected to the microprocessor for providing a second sensing signal thereto in response to sensing the sheet, and the microprocessor programmed for causing the sheet feeding structure to feed the sheet to the sensing structure at a first predetermined sheet feeding speed less than the printing speed, causing the printing structure to commence a printing cycle after a first p

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when a resist sensor detects an error or a malfunction in the forward feeding of the document, a main processor continues the copying operation for the document until a preset number of copies for the document are completed. After the completion of copying, the error is corrected and then the document is discharged. The image forming apparatus is simple in operation, and enables the correct number of copies to be made without complicated control.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a controller for controlling at least a photoconductor drum and a fuser to operate independently of each other. In such an apparatus, at least one of the photoconductor drum and the fuser is provided with an electrical or mechanical member, such as a clutch for selectively coupling a driving system and a rotary member, which is operative independently, and the controller provides such a control that the electrical or mechanical members of the photoconductor drum and the fuser are responsive to signals applied thereto to start or stop the operations independently in timing, respectively.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit which has a rotating photoconductor, and a transfer unit disposed adjacent the photoconductor which retains an image-formation sheet on its circumferential surface. It further includes a sheet feeding path for feeding a sheet to the transfer unit, a sheet discharging path for discharging a sheet from the transfer unit, a first sensor for detecting a jammed-sheet condition in the sheet feeding path, a second sensor for detecting a jammed-sheet condition in the sheet discharging path, and assume function which assumes a paper jam in the transfer unit in conjunction with the determination of the first detecting sensor and/or the second detecting sensor. Accordingly, the apparatus does not neglect to cope with a sheet remaining on the transfer unit under a halt condition due to the sheet-jam. Thus obstruction to a following copying operation by a sheet remaining on the transfer unit is averted after the jammed-sheet condition is remedied.

Abstract: In an inserting machine, guide apparatus for maintaining control of individual sheets and collations that are conveyed along a transport deck by at least one pair of pushers, comprises a mounting beam coupled to a frame member of the inserting machine, and a plurality of guide arms pivotally mounted at one end to the mounting beam and biased against the transport deck. Each of the guide arms has a second end resting against the deck between the pair of pushers. Each of the guide arms has a curved shape for engaging a collation gradually An idler roller is rotatably mounted to the second end of each of the guide arms. The mounting beam is pivotally mounted at one end to the frame member of the inserting machine, whereby the other end of the guide apparatus is pivotable away from the transport deck.

Abstract: A document control and audit apparatus to monitor, control and audit documents printed by a non-impact printer for detecting missing pages, duplicate pages, and double or multiple pages. The document control and audit apparatus ensures that the proper number and sequence of pages or forms are included in a printed report or document and maintains detailed information of the contents of the individual documents, thereby providing a real time record or account and final record of the activities which occurred during the printing process. The document control and audit apparatus includes a video camera and a number of optical sensors for sensing the location and position of the pages as the pages pass through the document control and audit apparatus.

Abstract: If a being conveyed on which the image of a preceding document of a specific document is formed is jammed on the way including the post-processing device for post-processing while a new paper is fed from a paper feeder for the specific document and being sent into the intermediate tray by conveyer,the controller stops the conveyance of the jamming paper by the conveyer, and allows the paper being towards the intermediate tray to be conveyed to the intermediate tray and stocked, while stopping feed of new paper by paper feeder, and when jamming is cleared, the paper stocked in the intermediate tray is discharged outsides.

Abstract: An identifying system of a manuscript-reading device, receives signals from a pair of sensors disposed upstream of an optical system on the manuscript conveying path while conveying the manuscript for reading an image. In the event that the downstream side sensor remains OFF a predetermined time after the upstream side sensor turns ON or the downstream sensor remains ON a predetermined time after the upstream sensor turns OFF, an identifying system then identifies the presence of a jammed manuscript. Only when both sensors turn OFF together does the identifying system identify a state of release of the jammed manuscript.

Abstract: An Apparatus for separating and advancing documents includes a moving element for frictionally engaging and advancing one of the documents along a path, and a stationary element for frictionally engaging and halting the advance of the remainder of the documents. The moving element and the stationary element each include a plurality of belts and are disposed in relative juxtaposition whereby the one document is gripped between the moving element and the stationary element and advanced along the path under the influence of the moving element. The moving element and the stationary element contact the first and second surfaces, respectively, of the one document via the respective belts to provide a column strength to the one document over a substantial surface area of the document as the one document advances through the apparatus, thereby preventing portions of the one document from being crimped between the moving element and the stationary element.

Abstract: A sheet feed arrangement having an upstream first and downstream second rollers for defining a part of a sheet feed path therebetween. A first sheet detector is disposed upstream of the first roller and a second sheet detector is disposed downstream of the second roller. These detectors transmit sheet detection signals when the sheet passes therealong. The detection signals are transmittable to a control unit. The control unit is connected to a first roller drive motor and stops rotation thereof if the sheet detection by the first detector is finished whereas a leading end of the sheet has not yet been detected by the second detector. If desired, the first roller is reversely rotated to discharge the sheet toward the upstream or sheet inlet side.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of paper transport devices and a control device for outputting driving signals to the plurality of paper transport devices at different timings and outputting stop signals to the plurality of paper transport devices at different timings.In addition, the control device is capable of changing time difference between the timings for outputting the driving signals and between the timings for outputting the stop signals in accordance with the state of the image forming apparatus such as paper feeding conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to techniques for ensuring that an image receiving sheet, which has only one major surface thereof coated with an image receiving coating, is properly oriented prior to an image being printed thereon. The image receiving sheet has a concave or convex irregularity (e.g., a notch, arc, etc.) formed in at least one nominally straight edge of the sheet. In a first embodiment, a mechanical or optical sensing means detects whether or not the image receiving sheet is stacked correctly in a loading tray by sensing whether or not the edge irregularities are properly positioned. In a second embodiment, an edge and a notch sensing means detect whether or not the image receiving sheet is oriented properly while being fed into the printer. An improperly loaded image receiving sheet is either not fed into the printer, or transits the printer without causing the printer to attempt to print the image thereon.

Abstract: A printer 20 for imprinting data on a variety of multi-dimensional media 62 has media based registration and can accomplish free edge printing for printing data adjacent edges. The printer 20 includes a transport mechanism 52 for accurately transporting and positioning the media 62 before a print head 102. Further, the printer 20 includes a carriage mounted sensor 144 for media edge detection, registration and media size determination. A media presentation mechanism 96 ensures that the media 62 is appropriately presented and maintained at the optimal distance from and orientation with respect to the print head 102.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (2) for assessing the stiffness of a sheet (4), such as a currency note, by measuring the extent and rate of movement of the trailing edge of the sheet (4) away from a feed path for the sheet. Such movement is part of a straightening movement of the sheet (4) upon disengagement of the trailing edge from constraining means (34) when a leading portion of the sheet (4) is in a bent condition.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically producing folded and sealed printed products from form sheets includes a high-speed printer interconnected with a conveyor which directs form sheets from the outfeed of the printer to the infeed of a folder gluer. In an alternative embodiment for producing such products from a form web, the system and method includes a burster interconnected with a conveyor to separate the printed form web into form sheets. Means for controlling the system include jam detection means for sensing and stopping all system components in the event of a form jam. Means for communicating between the printer and conveyor align those elements without need for conventional hard wiring or mechanical fasteners. Means for communicating between the burster and conveyor includes a simple cable and cable connections.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus such as a copying apparatus having a sensor to detect the front edge of an original and a sensor to detect the front edge of a paper onto which a copy image of the original is formed, in which the copying operation is started in accordance with the result of the detections by both sensors. A distance which is obtained by adding a distance from an exposing position of a photosensitive drum and a distance from an original feed roller to an exposing position is equalized to a distance from the copy transfer position of the photosensitive drum to a paper feed roller. If such distances differ, the feeding timing of the original or paper is delayed in accordance with the difference between those distances. Thus, the cheap and small copying apparatus can be realized without using an expensive control system such as a registration roller.

Abstract: An original handling apparatus is provided with a conveyor, a setting circuit and a control system. The conveyor conveys an original in plural modes in which an original is scanned. The conveyor is operated in a first convey mode in which an original is fed to and stopped at a first position on a platen. After the scan is completed, the scanned original is fed to and stopped at a second position on the platen, and a next original is fed to and stopped at the first position on the platen. In the second convey mode, the original is fed to and stopped at the first position on the platen, and after scan is completed, the original is discharged from the first position. A next original is then fed to and stopped at the first position on the platen. The setting circuit sets either the first or second convey modes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a printer with a sheet feeding apparatus having a printer body incorporating a printing mechanism for printing onto continuous forms. A cutter is provided close to a continuous forms discharging port on the printer case. Following the cutter downstream, there is provided a sheet feeding belt that rotates at a rate higher than the feed rate of the continuous forms. Along the belt, there are provided a sheet traversing section, a sheet direction changing section, a sheet pushing section and a sheet stacker, in that order from upstream to downstream. The sheet traversing section seizes and feeds horizontally each sheet cut by the cutter. The sheet direction changing section perpendicularly changes the feed direction of each cut sheet. The sheet pushing section pushes each sheet onto the sheet stacker where an orderly stack of sheets is formed.

Abstract: A system for detecting and signaling the feeding of a complete set, stack or job of document sheets, especially for a recirculating type automatic document feeder for a copier or other document imaging system with a document restacking tray, in which normally an electromechanical sheet separator provides an end of set detection signal by mechanically operating each time the last sheet of the stack is fed. Here, the end of set detection and control signal is provided instead by a preset brief electrical signal from a non-mechanical optical no-sheet-present-in-tray detector for those documents sets having a sufficiently small number of document sheets such that all of the document sheets are temporarily in the document recirculation path after the last sheet of the set is fed out of the document tray on each circulation so that this optical sheet presence detector briefly signals that no document sheet is present in the tray, indicative that the last sheet of the small set was fed.

Abstract: A sheet movement detection system for apparatus having a sheet feed path includes a first capacitor sensor including a first pair of parallel plate members located in opposing relation on opposite sides of the feed path plane at an upstream position and second capacitor sensor including a second pair of parallel plate members, which are correspondingly sized and spaced to said first plate members, in opposing relation on opposite sides of the feed path plane at a downstream position. The sensors are coupled in a detection circuit which applies potentials across the pairs of plate members so that output signals of the first and second sensing means are subtracted from one another. A position circuit detects the output of the detection circuit during movement of a sheet lead edge through the second sensor and provides a sheet lead-edge position signals indicating the position or velocity of the sheet lead edge.

Abstract: A currency note dispenser especially adapted for under-the counter use in which a conveyor carries notes removed from the bottom of a supply stack to a delivery tray at an access location above the supply. In response to a malfunction of the dispenser, an energizable element moves the tray to an inoperative position at which notes previously delivered thereto fall to an escrow area in the dispenser cabinet and hold the tray in that position until all notes received by the conveyor have passed to the escrow area. Before moving the tray, the energizable element releases a mechanical lock which prevents movement of the tray to its inoperative position in the absence of energization of the energizable element.

Abstract: In a document feeding apparatus, a first motor which drives a transporting mechanism provided at downstream side in the document transporting direction of a pair of timing rollers and a clutch connected with the pair of rollers are firstly energized, and the energized first motor drives the transport mechanism and the pair of timing rollers in the document transporting direction. A second motor which drives a paper feeding mechanism and is provided at upstream side in the document transporting direction of the pair of timing rollers drives the paper feeding mechanism after it is energized for a predetermined period of time to transport two sheets of originals placed and in contact with the pair of timing rollers from its downstream and upstream sides onto a platen glass. A sensor which detects the rear edge of an original being discharged from the platen glass is prohibited from detecting the rear edge of an original firstly discharged.

Abstract: Document production apparatus has a receiver sheet source, an output to which a plurality of completed production documents are supplied in a predetermined sequence, and a path between the source and the output for in-process receiver sheets. The apparatus includes a receiver sheet jam condition detector for inhibiting delivery, to the output, of only those in-process receiver sheets which (1) can not be completed due to the jame condition or (2) could be completed regardless of the jam condition but which if completed would be supplied to the output out of sequence because of the inability to complete at least one other receiver sheet due to the jam condition.

Abstract: A radiation image information recording and reading system includes a circulatory feed system for feeding a stimulable phosphor sheet, an image recording device for recording radiation image information in the stimulable phosphor sheet, an image reading device for reading the recorded radiation image information from the stimulable phosphor sheet, and a remaining image erasing device for discharging radiation energy remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet before the stimulable phosphor sheet is readied for another recording cycle. Stimulable phosphor sheets loaded in the system are detected by sheet sensors, so that the number and positions of stimulable phosphor sheets in the system can be confirmed. Whether there is a predetermined number of stimulable phosphor sheets in the system can also be confirmed based on the information with regard to the number and positions of the stimulable phosphor sheets.

Abstract: A method of controlling the driving of a conveyor in an automatic document conveying device in which the conveyor is positioned opposite a transparent plate in an image processing machine and a reversibly rotatable electric motor for driving the conveyor. In the automatic document conveying device, a sheet-like document fed between the transparent plate and the conveyor is conveyed in a predetermined direction on the transparent plate by applying a normally rotating voltage to the electric motor to rotate the electric motor in a normal direction and drive the conveyor in a predetermined direction. Thereafter, the document is stopped at a required site on the transparent plate by producing a braking action in the electric motor and thus stopping the conveyor. The conveying speed of the conveyor is detected as the conveyor is driven in the predetermined direction is detected.

Abstract: An improved sheet-position detection system for apparatus having a sheet feed path and a use location(s). The position detection system includes a first capacitive sensor including a first pair of parallel plate members located in opposing relation on opposite sides of the feed path plane and centered on a desired lead sheet edge position. A second capacitive sensor includes a second pair of parallel plate members that are located in opposing relation on opposite sides of the feed plane and are centered on a desired trail sheet edge position. A bridge circuit applies potentials across the pairs of plate members in a circuit configuration such that output signals of the first and second sensors are subtracted, and when the combined outputs of the first and second sensors is zero, a feed sheet is indicated to be centered between the sensor means.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with sensors for detecting existence of sheets of paper at a plurality of positions in transport paths within the image forming apparatus. A circuit part counts a number of sheets of paper remaining within the image forming apparatus when a transport abnormality occurs based on outputs of the sensors. This number of sheets of paper remaining within the image forming apparatus when the transport abnormality occurs is displayed on a display.

Abstract: An electronic copying machine according to the present invention has a copying unit for forming images on paper sheets and then discharging them, and a resupply unit for resupplying the same paper sheets to the copying unit, for other images to be formed on the sheets. The resupply unit has a pull-out unit which can readily removed therefrom, and the copying unit has a jam sensor for detecting that a paper sheet is jammed between the copying unit and the pull-out unit. When the jam sensor detects the jamming of a paper sheet when the copying machine is in overlap copying mode, the jammed paper sheet is forcedly discharged from the resupply unit. Alternatively, when the jam sensor detects the jamming of a paper sheet when the copying machine is in double-sided copying mode, the jammed paper sheet is forcedly pulled into the resupply unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the thickness of sheets by detecting displacement of one of a pair of rollers disposed so as to face each other across a transporting path of the sheets, the pair of the rollers being driven by a driving motor and including a reference roller rotatable about a fixed shaft and a movable roller abuttable against the reference roller and rotatably mounted on a movable shaft displaceable with respect to the reference roller, the apparatus further including a timing signal generator for generating timing signals synchronized with rotation of the reference roller and the movable roller, a displacement detector for detecting an amount of displacement of the movable roller by detecting an amount of displacement of the movable shaft in synchronism with the timing signals, a sheet detector for detecting whether or not the sheets are present at a portion where the reference roller and the movable roller face each other, a sheet thickness calculator for calculating the thickness of the sheet by

Abstract: A copying apparatus provided with an automatic document feeder having a function for sequentially feeding a pair of documents and serially placing them onto a platen in the document feeding direction. In the copying apparatus, the operation of feeding a second document onto the platen is inhibited and the image forming operation to the image of a first document, is allows, when the first document is a size where the longer side thereof in parallel to the longer side of the platen, or the size of the first document is larger than the half of the platen. Meanwhile, one of a plurality of sheet feeders storing a relevant size of copy sheet is selected based on the size of a larger document fed onto the platen. Further, the optimum magnification is determined based on the size of a larger document fed onto the platen and the size of a copy sheet fed from the sheet feeder.

Abstract: A document imprinting device for imprinting on documents such as checks comprises a frame, a document feeding mechanism mounted on the frame for sequentially feeding documents, a conveying mechanism for conveying a document from the document feeding mechanism along a document conveyance path, an imprinting mechanism for imprinting the documents conveyed along the document conveyance path, and a sensing mechanism positioned along the document conveyance path for sensing the position of the documents and for triggering the imprinting mechanism such that the document is imprinted at a desired location on the document.

Abstract: An automatic document conveying device for copying dual-sided originals includes a first conveyance path for conveying documents from a document feeder to a platen through a U-shaped path and a second conveyance path for conveying documents from the platen to the beginning of the U-shaped path to invert the documents. A document edge alignment mechanism aligns the edge of each document conveyed through the first and second conveyance paths with a document edge alignment position on the platen.

Abstract: A paper feed control device for controlling a paper feed level, or height, to a predetermined level by moving up and down a tray which is loaded with a stack of papers by a motor. A proportional relation between the number of paper fed as counted by a paper counter and the number of encoder pulses which is associated with an amount of movement of the tray is calculated to determine how many pulse will appear before a near-paper-end condition is reached. Based on a result of the decision, the paper feed is controlled.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a plurality of copy paper detector sensors in a delivery passage for copy paper. After a first copy paper detector sensor has been turned ON, if a copy paper detector sensor just downstream of the first copy paper detector sensor is not turned ON within a predetermined period of time, there are checked the ON/OFF status of the first copy paper detector sensor and copy paper detector sensors upstream thereof. If one or more of the copy paper detector sensors are ON, the length of the copy paper is compared with a distance between each of the last-mentioned copy paper detector sensors and a copy paper detector sensor just downstream thereof. Based on the comparison result, the position where the copy paper has jammed, is judged.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for picking up a fabric workpiece by applying vacuum provides two vacuum sensors; one for a sample fabric and the other for a fabric workpiece to be picked up. Where the apparatus has picked up incorrect number of sheets, the two vacuum sensors will output different voltages and the values are converted from analog to digital and input to a comparator. Thus, in such a case, the comparator outputs particular signals to stop the picking-up action of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is shown for removing a sheet from the top of a stack of sheets and transporting it laterally in the direction of a processing station. The apparatus comprises a pick mechanism for frictionally engaging the exposed surface of the top sheet in a stack and transporting it laterally substantially in the plane of the top of the stack. An angled dam is located adjacent the pick mechanism for slidingly engaging the sheet edge and the sheet surface opposite the surface engaged by the pick mechanism to lift sheets transported by the frictional engagement device out of the plane of the top of the stack. A first thickness sensor senses the number of sheets that are transported past the dam. A brake responsive to the first thickness sensor selectively apply a friction surface to the sheet surface opposite the surface engaged by the frictional engagement device when more then one sheet is transported past the dam.

Abstract: A sheet collating machine includes feed-up devices (7) disposed at bins (1) and having driven feed-up wheels (8), the feed-up devices being pivotal between a lowered position in which the feed-up wheels engage stacks (2) of paper sheets and a raised position in which the wheels are disengaged from the stacks. A conveying path (3) is defined by a plurality of conveyor and press rollers (4), along the upper side of which a corresponding number of backing rollers (6) are disposed, and a conveyor belt (5) runs between the rollers. A sensor (12) is actuated by a spring member (11) which extends crosswise over the conveyor path when no sheet protrudes between the press roller and the belt, and the spring member is lifted from its contact with the sensor when a sheet passes the latter. When no sheet is advanced within a predetermined period the sensor furnishes a signal to a control device which automatically causes a drive device to lift the feed-up device to its raised position.

Abstract: In a mailing machine including a postage meter, wherein the postage meter includes rotary structure for printing indicia on a sheet fed to the machine, wherein the machine includes structure for driving the printing structure, wherein the machine includes apparatus for feeding a sheet fed thereto downstream in a path of travel through the machine, the sheet feeding apparatus includes an impression roller rotatably mounted beneath the rotary printing means, and wherein the impression roller has an inner end and an outer end, an improvement comprising: trip apparatus including an elongate trip lever and a shaft on which the lever is pivotally mounted, the trip lever extending into the path of travel; the driving apparatus including a trip switch actuatable for starting operation of the driving apparatus; the trip apparatus including a spring connected to the trip lever for normally holding the trip lever in actuating engagement with the trip switch to actuate the trip switch for maintaining the driving apparatu