Multiple Discharge Patents (Class 271/279)
  • Patent number: 7226049
    Abstract: A multifunction printed sheets interface system with plural sheet input areas for receiving printed sheets from plural printers, plural sheet outputs areas for plural outputs to different sheet processing systems, a sheet position sensing system, and a sheet transporting system providing selectable sheet translation from selected plural sheet input areas to selected plural sheet outputs areas so as to provide selectable sheet feeding from selected printers to selected sheet processing systems, and selectable sheet rotation of selected sheets and selectable sheet merging in a selected sheet sequence of sheets from plural printers. The sheet transporting system has a large planar area with a multiplicity of spaced apart independently operable variable sheet feeding direction and sheet velocity sheet transports, larger than the dimensions of any sheet to be fed thereon to allow simultaneous plural sheet variable transport thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Lofthus, Kristine A. German, David K. Biegelsen, Joannes N. M. deJong, Lloyd A. Williams, Warren B. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7210681
    Abstract: A printer having a plurality of printing engines that eject papers to a common chute box is provided, wherein papers are discharged in an aligned state, even in the case that papers of different sizes are ejected. Papers of different sizes are inserted through slots of the chute box. Movement on a guide member of the papers, having the largest width from among the inserted papers, is regulated by side walls of the chute box. Meanwhile, widthwise movement of papers of a smaller size than the largest papers is regulated by one of the side walls of the chute box and a guide rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Kouji Asako
  • Patent number: 6948711
    Abstract: A sheet ejection apparatus which is built in as a part of a processing apparatus main unit for ejecting a sheet processed by a processing section in the processing apparatus main unit to a sheet stack section placed on the top of the processing apparatus main unit. The processing apparatus main unit is formed with a unit reception section and one of sheet ejection units different in specifications can be attached to the unit reception section. The invention is also applied to a sheet processing apparatus using the sheet ejection apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Kanai
  • Patent number: 6910690
    Abstract: A positive control signature transferring assembly, for use in a lower folder, transports and diverts signatures under positive control. The assembly has a first positive control deceleration device having grippers for transporting some of the signatures of a stream of signatures to a first delivery stream. The assembly has a gripper cylinder containing a plurality of grippers for gripping a leading edge and a trailing edge of each of the remaining signatures in the signature stream for transporting the signatures on the gripper cylinder. A second positive control deceleration device has grippers for transporting the remaining signatures released by the gripper cylinder to a second delivery stream. In this manner, the signatures are positively controlled at all times and alignment and fixed pitch errors are significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Goss International Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: David Clarke Pollock, Matthew Thomas Sharkady, Paul Emmett Bredenberg, Kevin Lauren Cote, Richard Daniel Curley, John Marshall Gaffney
  • Patent number: 6906831
    Abstract: A photography scanning device is provided for automatically scanning either photographs or transparencies. The scanning device is provided with a sheet feeding and handling mechanism that does not bend a photo or transparency to a degree that it is damaged as it passes from a sheet feeding stack, to a scanning station, and on to a sheet receiving stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: David S Haining
  • Patent number: 6874782
    Abstract: A sheet detection system comprising: a first sheet transport for transporting a sheet along a first sheet transport path; at least second and third sheet transports for selectively transporting a sheet transported along the first sheet transport path along second and third spaced and substantially parallel sheet transport paths which branch from the first sheet transport path; a radiation source for emitting a beam of radiation which intersects the second and third sheet transport paths in the region where the second and third paths branch from the first path; a radiation detector for detecting the radiation beam; and a control for controlling the first, second and third sheet transports the radiation source and the radiation detector, such that when a sheet which is transported along the first sheet transport path by the first sheet transport is caused to be transported along one of the second or third transport paths, interruption or lack of interruption of the radiation beam by the sheet is detected by the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John H. Hall, Paul B. Stumpf, Anthony M. Olexy
  • Patent number: 6793218
    Abstract: An output mechanism for use with an inkjet printer for printing a multi-page document, including plural paper-receiving output trays; a controller for determining the total number of pages, the number of copies of each page to be printed, and the paper-receiving tray which will receive each printed page, wherein each page is provided with sufficient time to dry before a subsequently printed page is stacked on top thereof; and a paper directing mechanism for directing the paper to a specific paper-receiving tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Michael Pickett
  • Patent number: 6788426
    Abstract: Record sheets on which an image is formed on the basis of image data supplied from a terminal apparatus, are efficiently discharged to a bin. A post-process section of a digital copier which is used in conjunction with at least first to third computers includes first to third bins, fourth and fifth bins, and a sixth bin, respectively, which are designated for the first, second, and third computers. To each of the bins, a priority of discharging to the bin a record sheet which is to be discharged to another bin is assigned. The section is configured so that, for each of the bins, the number of record sheets housed in the bin can be detected. For example, a record sheet on which an image due to the third computer is drawn is usually housed in the sixth bin. If the sixth bin is full, the record sheet is discharged to one of bins which are not the sixth bin and which are not the first and fourth bins respectively dedicated to the first and second computers, i.e., one of the second, third, and fifth bins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Yamanaka, Toyoaki Nanba, Tomomi Tanaka, Masao Matsui
  • Publication number: 20040140611
    Abstract: A representative embodiment provides for an imaging apparatus including an output tray supported by the imaging apparatus and configured to receive sheet media from a first source and a second source, wherein the first source and the second source are respectively supported by the imaging apparatus. Optionally, the imaging apparatus also includes a detector configured to provide a signal in response to a predetermined accumulation of sheet media from the first source and the second source within the output tray. Another embodiment provides a method of receiving a first sheet media and a second sheet media within a common output tray, including routing the first sheet media from an imaging device into the output tray using a diverter device, and routing the second sheet media from the imaging device into a sheet handling device and then into the output tray using the diverter device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Paul K. Mui, David J. Arcaro, Roberto Obregon, Russell A. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 6731903
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus having an image reading portion for reading an image, an image forming portion for forming an image on a sheet, and a sheet delivery portion provided above the image reading portion, the image reading portion is provided with an original transporting portion for transporting an original, an original tray portion as an original pressing portion openable and closable upwardly relative to the original transporting portion and for pressing the original, and a delivery tray portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshimasa Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20040026852
    Abstract: A paper delivery device in a printer selectively changes a stacking direction of printed and ejected paper and stacks paper. The device includes a first tray, and a second tray to pivot to a first position where paper is guided to the first tray and to a second position where the paper is stacked so that a side of an image of the paper is opposite to a side of an image of the first tray. The device also includes a first guide and a second guide to provide a side and the other side, respectively, of an ejecting route so that the paper is ejected to the first tray. The device includes a first roller and a second roller, each of the first and second rollers being installed in the first guide and second guide of the ejecting route. The device includes an ascending unit installed in the second tray to ascend the second roller so that the second roller is engaged with the first roller in the first position, and the second roller is placed under the second guide in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Kyung-Hwan Jang
  • Publication number: 20040012144
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for accepting sheet material, in particular papers of value such as bank notes, checks, etc., whereby different groups of sheet material are successively accepted and stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Christoph Matzig, Dirk Schelling, Karl-Heinz Strasser, Ralf Hobmeier
  • Patent number: 6644661
    Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a post-printing processor in which a user can easily find his/her print job. Rotary coils 2 are arranged at the sides of a discharging roller 101 of a printer so as to hold sheets of a single print job in a gap between the spiral rotary coils 2. The rotary coils 2 makes a full-turn after every operation of a single print job is completed to elevate the print jobs in respective gaps of the spirals for a pitch. Accordingly, the print jobs are distinctly separated at different pitch levels of the spirals. Even when a print job between other print jobs is removed, the separation between the print jobs is maintained and the other print jobs are not commingled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Teruyuki Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20030198494
    Abstract: A finishing apparatus of an image forming apparatus and a method for controlling the same are disclosed, in which various block modules performing finishing functions are provided and a user can selectively use any module by detachably fixing the same in a copier. The finishing apparatus includes a paper conveyer module detachably fixed to an image tray module, a mail box module, a finisher module, and a booklet module, the paper conveyer module being detachably fixed in a copier. The paper conveyer module includes a controller sensing whether the respective modules are detachably provided to selectively control functions of the respective modules in accordance with an output signal of the copier. In addition, paper path switch devices provided in the paper conveyer module include a plurality of paper dispensers that dispense papers in three or more directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Umehara Kenji, Jeong-Ho Kim, Yeon-Kawan Chung, Seong-Kyoon Noh, Jae-Geol Choi
  • Publication number: 20030190178
    Abstract: The present invention provides an image formation apparatus to which a postprocess unit requiring a discharge condition that a transfer member of which image formation face is being turned downward is discharged and a binding position at a time of binding the member at its trailing edge is being at the left of the image formation face can be installed. On a platen glass, an original is carried in such a state as its read face is opposite to an upper face of the glass, and an image on the read face of the original is read by a scanner supported at a running read position when the original passes the running read position. Then, through a mirror image process, it is formed on an image formation face (upper face) of a sheet the read image of whcih direction is the same as that of the set original. When the image-formed sheet is discharged externally by the reverse sheet discharge control, the sheet is discharged in such a state as its face is being turned downward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Chikara Sato, Norifumi Miyake, Yasuo Fukazu, Masatoshi Yaginuma
  • Patent number: 6612570
    Abstract: A high speed material processing and stacking apparatus and method for overlapping and slowing the linear progression of material pieces in a continuous stream. The apparatus may include a doubler conveyor for separating material pieces in a stream permitting a substantial reduction in the linear velocity downstream. The apparatus and method may also include a discharge conveyor having a dam separator to introduce controlled separations to form discrete numbers of materials for further processing and shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: William A. Cox
  • Patent number: 6612571
    Abstract: A sheet conveying device having multiple directional outputs with multiple registration options having no fixed registration wall for sequencing single sheets or two approximately identical sheets arriving in a two-up configuration, includes a first, second, third, and fourth pairs of rolls. The first pair of rolls and the second pair of rolls rotate about a first shaft, which is rotated by a first servomotor. The third pair of rolls rotate about a second shaft, which is rotated by a second servomotor, wherein the shaft is oriented at an angle approximately 90° relative to the first shaft. The fourth pair of rolls rotate about a third shaft oriented at an angle approximately 90° relative to the first shaft and approximately parallel to the second shaft, and a third servomotor operably connected to the third shaft rotates the third shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Jason P. Rider
  • Patent number: 6561505
    Abstract: In order to provide a paper feeding apparatus which is miniaturized by inclining a conveying passage and can quickly feed a manuscript even if the manuscript is thick, there is provided a paper feeding apparatus in which a conveying passage for a manuscripts is formed so as to continuously connected with a hopper on which the manuscripts are placed, and the manuscripts placed on the hopper are picked up one by one from an uppermost one thereof and fed to the conveying passage, wherein the conveying passage is inclined in the height direction so that the hopper side thereof is downward, and the angle of the hopper can be set so as to be arranged in a straight line in accordance with the inclination of the conveying passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kosuke Takaki, Yoshihiro Itoh
  • Patent number: 6515735
    Abstract: A stacker apparatus is disclosed which includes a plurality of trays for receiving sheet-like media discharged from two or more medium exits. Between two upper and lower medium exits (4C, 4D) included in the two or more medium exits (4A to 4F), a tray holder (8C) on which the upper side tray (7C) for receiving sheet-like media (20) discharged from the upper side medium exit (4C) of the two upper and lower medium exits (4C, 4D) in a stacked state can be removably and securely held is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Hidehiko Takoh
  • Publication number: 20030020233
    Abstract: A device is provided for diverting an imbricated flow of printed products that is transported on a roller table having a plurality of rollers arranged one behind the other. The device comprises an elongated adjustment member whose position can be varied within a sliding plane extending in parallel to a transportation plane defined by the rollers. The device further comprises a plurality of guide elements for guiding the imbricated flow. The guide elements extend into clearances formed between every two rollers and are received on the adjustment member for rotation relative to the adjustment member in a direction perpendicular to the sliding plane and for sliding movement in lengthwise direction of the adjustment member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Stefano Palamides, Wolfgang Pfeiffer, Johannes Oldenkott, Marcus Gasser
  • Patent number: 6487379
    Abstract: In a system wherein a plurality of paper feeding devices can be serially connected to a recording device body, where the recording device body is regarded as an electrically upstreammost device, an electrically downstreammost paper feeding device controls only itself, a paper feeding device upstream of the downstreammost paper feeding device controls itself and the paper feeding device downstream thereof, and a paper feeding device further upstream controls itself and the paper feeding device immediately downstream thereof. The recording device body controls only the closest downstream paper feeding device even if the paper feeding devices connected are increased to any number. For every paper feeding device, where a plurality of paper feeding devices are connected downstream thereof, the device controls only itself and the closest downstream paper feeding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kaoru Sato
  • Publication number: 20020125632
    Abstract: A device for conveying a document of the present invention includes an insertion sensor for sensing a document inserted into the device. A conveying member conveys the document to a preselected reading position. A discharging member drives the document read out of the device. A discharge sensor senses the trailing edge of the document at a position adjoining the discharging member. When the discharge sensor senses the trailing edge of the document being discharged by the discharging member, a controller interrupts the operation of said discharging member. When the insertion sensor senses the next document after the discharging member has nipped the trailing edge of the preceding document, the controller inhibits the conveying member from conveying the next document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Minoru Aoki
  • Patent number: 6443449
    Abstract: A paper sheet discharge apparatus comprises a transport roller for transporting paper sheets discharged from an image-forming apparatus, a plurality of switching flappers for guiding the paper sheets to desired bins, and a plurality of delivery rollers for discharging the paper sheets via the switching flappers to the bins. The paper sheets are reliably stored in the desired bins without decreasing their transport speed by the aid of the transport roller, the switching flappers, and the delivery rollers. The power from a motor is transmitted only to the delivery rollers which are used to discharge the paper sheets while being interlocked with the specified switching flapper. Therefore, it is possible to diminish the load on the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Takagi, Hiroyuki Kashima
  • Publication number: 20020074721
    Abstract: Provided is a sheet diverter for directing signatures moving in serial fashion along a diverter path to one of a plurality of collation paths. The sheet diverter includes a pair of diverter rolls for directing a signature to one of the plurality of collation paths and a diverter wedge for deflecting the signature to a selected one thereof. The diverter wedge is positioned between the diverter rolls so as to reach high into the diverter path thereby providing increased support to the signature as it travels from between the diverter rolls to the diverter wedge. The diverter rolls are permitted to intermesh with the diverter wedge so as to allow the diverter wedge to be so positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Quad/Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl P. Schaefer, Ingermar S. d'Agrella, Eric L. Kuhne
  • Patent number: 6364312
    Abstract: A method and arrangement are provided for removing air inclusions between sheets in a stack when forming the stack from sheets fed successively by a sheet feeder to the stack to be formed and deposited thereon in a sheet feeding region. Air out is suction out of the spaces between the sheets in the sheet-feeding region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: E. C. H. Will GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Ramcke
  • Patent number: 6354590
    Abstract: A multiple bin sorter for use with an image forming device in which the bins rotate through a sheet receiving position and, as may be necessary or desirable, through other positions to accommodate a variety of different finishing operations. The sorter includes a plurality of rotatable bins configured to receive sheets outputted by an image forming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: David M. Payne
  • Publication number: 20020000692
    Abstract: A finisher for finishing papers sequentially driven out of an image forming apparatus includes a plurality of trays selectively movable to a single paper outlet. The finisher reduces a period of time necessary for designated one of the trays to reach the paper outlet, increases the number of papers which can be stacked on the trays, and determines the number of papers stacked with a simple configuration. Papers are prevented from returning from the tray to the paper outlet without complicating the configuration of the outlet. An outlet roller protrudes from the paper outlet, but does not interfere with the tray moving past the paper outlet. The trays protect the operator from injury and protect the structural elements of the finisher from damage despite their movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Yamada, Shinji Asami, Hiroki Okada
  • Publication number: 20020000689
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprises a vertical type paper feed unit which feed paper into a printing unit, and a discharge unit which contains the paper discharged from the printing unit. The paper feed unit and the discharged unit are arranged in a vertical direction to the printing unit, which will allow the floor surface projection area to be reduced. Further, the paper is conveyed into one of discharge trays in accordance with its paper size. Thereby, the larger size paper is discharged underside the smaller size paper, accordingly, it does not occur for the paper discharged to the upper discharge tray to shield the paper on the lower stage discharge tray from the visual angle. Also, the confirmation of paper discharge and taking out can be easily carried out irrespective of the paper size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: YOSHITAKA ISOGAI, YOSHIHIRO ICHI, HENRY CHIN, STEVE MCCALLION, SCOTT THORPE, PETER WYATT
  • Patent number: 6302392
    Abstract: Provided is a sheet diverter for directing signatures moving in serial fashion along a diverter path to one of a plurality of collation paths. The sheet diverter includes a pair of diverter rolls for directing a signature to one of the plurality of collation paths and a diverter wedge for deflecting the signature to a selected one thereof. The diverter wedge is positioned between the diverter rolls so as to reach high into the diverter path thereby providing increased support to the signature as it travels from between the diverter rolls to the diverter wedge. The diverter rolls are permitted to intermesh with the diverter wedge so as to allow the diverter wedge to be so positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Quad/Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl P. Schaefer, Ingermar S. d'Agrella, Eric L. Kuhne
  • Patent number: 6283472
    Abstract: A system for automatic disposal of an unwanted output includes a print engine for generating a print job having an output; a finishing device connected to said print engine for finishing said print job, wherein said finishing device includes: an intermediate bin for receiving said output from said print engine, and for holding said output until said print job is complete; a waste bin for selectively receiving a cancelled print job; and at least one output bin for receiving a completed print job.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric L. Brod
  • Patent number: 6257572
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises a main body and a sheet post-processing unit. The main body has a first discharge path, a second discharge path, a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The sheet post-processing unit has a first sheet receiving path and a second sheet receiving path each connecting to a common sheet transport path, a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The first discharge path is connected to the first sheet receiving path by coupling the first mounting portion of the main body to the first mounting portion of the sheet post-processing unit. The second discharge path is connected to the second sheet receiving path by coupling the second mounting portion of the main body to the second mounting portion of the sheet post-processing unit. By providing the plurality of mounting portions in the top and side portions of the main body, the sheet post-processing unit can easily be disposed on the top or side of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kou Yamada, Yuuji Takarabe, Shinji Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6254093
    Abstract: A diverter wedge for a pinless folder is adapted for cooperative association with a diverter guide mechanism operating to direct the lateral disposition of the leading edge of a signature relative to the wedge to one of a plurality of collation paths. The diverter wedge includes an elongated bar having a longitudinal axis and a generally triangular cross section transverse to said longitudinal axis. The bar is fixed in position and also includes a base, a vertex edge opposite the base, and planar diversion surfaces diverging from the vertex edge, an air inlet port connectable to a source of pressurized air, and a plurality of air discharge ports connected to the air inlet port and intersecting one of the planar diversion surfaces. At least one air discharge port intersects the vertex edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Quad/Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Ingermar S. d'Agrella, Karl P. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6250631
    Abstract: A sheet handling unit including a processing station having a stapling mechanism for stapling a plurality of sheets; a plurality of mail trays for receiving sheets transported from the processing station; and a bulk tray for receiving sheets transported from the processing station. The processing station is fixedly provided in a sheet handling unit body. The sheets transported from the processing station are delivered switchably to any of the mail trays or to the bulk tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Hanamoto, Nobuhiro Nishioka, Yohichiro Irie
  • Patent number: 6240273
    Abstract: An image forming device inputs data and has a mechanism for ejecting a sheet on which an image is formed to one of a first loading unit or a second loading unit, wherein if the load quantity of the first loading unit reaches a predetermined load quantity while a plurality of sheets are being continuously ejected to the first loading unit, then a sheet can be ejected successfully to the second loading unit. A controller is provided for ejecting the sheet to the second loading unit in a different ejecting way from the sheets ejected to the first loading unit when the sheet to be ejected to the second loading unit is a part of the same job as the sheets ejected to the first loading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuyoshi Kakigi
  • Patent number: 6155562
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a method and apparatus for diverting and separating sheets of printable material, such as signatures severed from a web, in a cost effective, efficient manner which does not create the potential for damage to the signatures or jamming of the press. Exemplary embodiments can implement a signature diversion and separating in a single step, without reorienting the signatures. Thus, for example, where the signatures include a folded edge, the orientation of that folded edge can be maintained throughout the diverting and separating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: David Clarke Pollock, Kevin Lauren Cote, Richard Daniel Curley
  • Patent number: 6131902
    Abstract: A sheet transport system for an image-forming apparatus including a scanner unit on an upper part of an image-forming unit. A paper ejecting path ejects an image formed paper sheet to an ejected paper stacker via the image-forming unit. The paper ejecting path includes a straight sheet feeding path and a turn-around sheet feeding path. A scanning sheet path conveys an original document through an original document platform to a scanned paper stacker via the scanner unit. A sheet path selector selects one of the paper ejecting path or scanning sheet path, the scanning sheet path and the paper ejecting path crossing each other. A manual paper ejecting path selector allows manually selecting one of the straight sheet feeding path and the turn-around sheet feeding path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Takenaka, Masahiro Yonekawa
  • Patent number: 6116595
    Abstract: A diverter wedge for a pinless folder is adapted for cooperative association with a diverter guide mechanism operating to direct the lateral disposition of the leading edge of a signature relative to the wedge to one of a plurality of collation paths. The diverter wedge includes an elongated bar having a longitudinal axis and a generally triangular cross section transverse to said longitudinal axis. The bar is fixed in position and also includes a base, a vertex edge opposite the base, and planar diversion surfaces diverging from the vertex edge, an air inlet port connectable to a source of pressurized air, and a plurality of air discharge ports connected to the air inlet port and intersecting one of the planar diversion surfaces. At least one air discharge port intersects the vertex edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Quad/Graphics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ingermar S. d'Agrella, Karl P. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6112047
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the type having a sheet transport path extending substantially vertically upward from a sheet feed section to a sheet discharge section is disclosed. The apparatus allows different kinds of finishers to be mounted thereto without lessening the advantages particular to the substantially vertical path configuration. A relay unit intervenes between the sheet discharge section and the finisher. A sheet jamming the relay unit or the sheet discharge section during usual sheet discharge mode operation can be removed with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Kato, Hidenobu Endo, Masaaki Yoshikawa, Motokazu Yasui
  • Patent number: 6086065
    Abstract: An arrangement for feeding sheets from a sheet store to either one of a plurality of stations includes a movable carriage which receives sheets fed from the store and which has driving cogwheels for coaction with a fixed cog railway outside the carriage.The fixed cog railway includes a path selection slide that includes cog segments that can fit into the cog railway. The selector slide can be switched to either one of two possible positions by means of a processor-controlled, motor-driven arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: De La Rue Cash Systems AB
    Inventor: Lars Svensson
  • Patent number: 6052198
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for organizing files associated with a job ticket, including raster image process (RIP) files. The files and job ticket are in a storage device attached to a computer system. The job ticket includes information on print files included in a print job, print file location information indicating a location of the print files in the storage device, and RIP file location information indicating a location of the RIP version of a print file in the storage device. The print files include data representing graphical images and the RIP version is generated from the print file. When the job ticket is submitted for printing, a RIP version is submitted in lieu of the print file if the RIP version was modified after the print file was modified. Any generated RIP versions may be saved in the storage device with their location indicated in the RIP file location information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Deborah Elisabeth Neuhard, Robert Curt Nielsen, Dwight Ross Palmer, Luana Vigil
  • Patent number: 6007064
    Abstract: A collation method and apparatus that is immune from singularization faults which disrupt the collation process. Each signature is loaded into individual grippers of a power and free gripper conveyor system. Those grippers that experience a miss or a double are diverted out of the process stream. Only those grippers that carry one and only one signature are allowed to continue on in the primary signature queue. The grippers that continue on in the primary signature queue are re-queued into a sequential order which eliminates gaps in the queue. The collation machine accepts signatures from the downstream end of the signature queue as the singularization process continues to add signatures to the upstream end of the signature queue. The singularizer uses a track and diverter structure, where grippers without a signature are diverted to the diverter structure and grippers with a signature continue on the track to a collator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignees: Heidelberg Web Press, Inc., Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Kevin Lauren Cote, Richard Daniel Curley
  • Patent number: 5946541
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, has an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet, an ejecting unit for ejecting the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to either a first loading unit or a second loading unit, a detecting unit for detecting that a load quantity of the first loading unit is reached to a predetermined quantity, and a controlling unit for controlling the ejecting unit such that when the detecting unit detects the predetermined load quantity while continuously ejecting a plurality of sheets formed with images of a first job to the first loading unit, the remaining sheets of the first job are also to be ejected to the loading unit, and the sheets formed with images of a second job which is implemented following to the first job are to be ejected to the second loading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuyoshi Kakigi
  • Patent number: 5918879
    Abstract: The device includes a magazine for storing divider films to separate sheets output by an office machine and deposited directly in stacks, wherein the divider films are placed between discrete groups of associated sheets. In order to be able to associate the sheet groups separated by the divider films with particular users of the office machine, different types of divider films, for example differently colored divider films, are used. The different types of divider films are identified by an automatically detectable identifying code and are deposited onto the sheet stack according to this identifying code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Friedhelm Steinhilber
  • Patent number: 5915692
    Abstract: This invention discloses a paper eject passageway auto-switching device, which is installed in an information processing machine, suitable for automatically switching between two eject passageways for paper sheets from the processing unit. The paper eject passageway auto-switching device includes: a first paper eject passageway and a second eject passageway. The first paper eject passageway has a first guide vane provided with a guide surface capable of guiding paper sheets from the processing unit to move along the first paper eject passageway, and a first outlet portion through which paper sheets leave the information processing machine. The second paper eject passageway has a branched opening having its width smaller than that of the first guide vane, a second guide vane, and a second outlet portion. The second guide vane has a guide surface capable of guiding paper sheets from the branched opening into the second paper eject passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Acer Peripherals, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu-Yang Lu, Cheng-Hsien Lu
  • Patent number: 5810353
    Abstract: A printer has one or more stacked sheet output units on top of it for increasing the printer's output capacity. Each unit includes a housing having a diverter as does the printer. The position of each diverter is controlled by a diverter/drive mechanism in the unit stacked on top of it. In its first position, the diverter of the printer or the unit diverts a fed sheet from a substantially vertical path therein to a sheet receiving area. In its second position, the diverter allows the fed sheet to be advanced by driven rolls to the unit thereabove. The feed rolls of a unit are driven only when the diverter in each of the printer and in any unit therebeneath are in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Wesley Baskette, Billy Carl Chappel, Randall Steven Gall, Michael Earl Kennedy, Michael Craig Leemhuis
  • Patent number: 5607146
    Abstract: A device for diverting signatures into pockets of at least two slow-down devices is provided. The device includes a set of high-speed tapes (3) arranged downstream of a pair of cutting cylinders (2). A set of diverting belts (6) comprises raised surface portions (6.3) and non-raised surface portions (6.4). The set of high-speed tapes (3) is assigned to the diverting belts (6) to ride on the raised and non-raised surface portions (6.3, 6.4) thereof, thus, periodically altering a signature conveying path (1) of signatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignees: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, Heidelberg Harris, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Novick, Roger R. Belanger
  • Patent number: 5598258
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus operable with a plurality of on-line sorters each having a plurality of bins, and a control device therefor are disclosed. A first sorter and a second sorter, for example, are linked to a stencil printer in an online configuration. A sorter to be used can be freely selected or can be automatically selected by the control device. A sorter link mode key is pressed in a particular manner to select one of a first sorfer priority mode, second sorter priority mode, first sorter only mode, and second sorter only mode. One of the first and second sorters is selected on the basis of the mode selected on the sorter link mode key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignees: Tohoku Ricoh Co., Ltd., Canon Aptex Inc.
    Inventors: Mitsuo Sato, Tomoya Otomo
  • Patent number: 5456178
    Abstract: Printing machine with a sheet-guiding surface, at least part of which is a cover surface of a pneumatic-flow box, the cover surface being formed with pass-through openings for pneumatic fluid, includes a pneumatic-flow nozzle connecting the pneumatic-flow box to a source for supplying pneumatic fluid to the pneumatic-flow box, the pneumatic-flow box having a flow resistance profile decreasing therein with increasing distance from a location at which the pneumatic-flow nozzle is connected to the pneumatic-flow box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Manfred Henn, Josef Wehle, Jurgen Zeltner
  • Patent number: 5263706
    Abstract: A discharge unit is provided on one side portion of the image-forming machine body to turn between an open position and a closed position. When the discharge unit is at the closed position, a discharge passage to the tray is defined over the discharge unit and a discharge passage to the sorter is defined under the discharge unit. When the discharge unit is turned to the open position, the lower portion of the discharge passage to the tray and the upper portion of the discharge passage to the sorter are opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Mita Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuharu Okada
  • Patent number: 5240245
    Abstract: A container (10) for receiving bank notes in a bank note dispensing device has a closable housing (12) with an intake opening (20) for the bank notes. Two driven, cooperating draw-in rollers (22,24) in the region of or in the intake opening (20) delimit a draw-in gap (26) through which bank notes are drawn in. The device comprises a plurality of compartments (I to V, 48) for receiving bank notes. The receiving openings of the compartments (I to V, 48) can be optionally connected to the draw-in gap (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme A.G.
    Inventors: Heinz Ademmer, Gunter Holland-Letz, Peter Weigel