Abstract: An image forming device is provided with a device main body, a first cassette, a second cassette that is capable of moving between a first position and a second position with respect to the device main body, a transportation device, and a printing device. The transportation device is capable of transporting a print medium housed in the first cassette in a case where the first cassette is positioned at a predetermined position wit respect to the device main body and the second cassette is positioned at the first position. The transportation device is capable of transporting a print medium housed in the second cassette in a case where the second cassette is positioned at the second position. The printing device prints an image on the print medium transported by the transportation device. A part of the second cassette positioned at the first position and/or the second position is positioned outside the device main body.

Abstract: A sheet feed device includes a first sheet cassette including an accommodating portion configured to accommodate a first plurality of sheets, and a second sheet cassette disposed on the first sheet cassette and including a holding portion configured to hold a second plurality of sheets, in which one or more characteristics of the first plurality of sheets is different than one or more characteristics of the second plurality of sheets. The sheet feed device also includes a sheet feeder including a sheet feed roller, and the sheet feed device is configured to selectively feed the first plurality of sheets and the second plurality of sheets in a sheet feed direction toward a recording unit. Moreover, the sheet feed device includes a sheet separator configured to separate, one by one, the sheets fed by the sheet feeder.

Abstract: A first conveying unit conveys a sheet. A second conveying unit conveys the sheet conveyed by the first conveying unit in a direction different from a sheet conveying direction of the first conveying unit, and is disposed on a downstream side in the sheet conveying direction of the first conveying unit. A guiding unit reduces a sheet conveying load. The guiding unit is disposed in an outer area of a sheet conveying path formed between the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides an image recording apparatus including: an image recording unit; a first sheet feeding cassette; a second sheet feeding cassette including a second placing portion and a discharged sheet placing portion disposed an upstream side of a second placing portion with respect to the first direction; a sheet feed unit configured to feed the recording medium; an auxiliary cover member disposed above the second placing portion; and an auxiliary sheet discharging tray disposed below the discharged sheet placing portion. A sheet insertion opening is formed between an upstream end of the cover member and the discharged sheet placing portion and communicates with the second sheet placing portion. The auxiliary sheet discharging tray is movable in a forward direction and a rearward direction opposite to the forward direction, with respect to the sheet insertion opening.

Abstract: A collation control mechanism is used to transfer a collation from a dual accumulator to an exit nip of a collation machine. The collation control mechanism has a middle drum and two side rollers to form an upper nip and a lower nip. The drum is caused to rotate alternately in a clockwise direction and in a counter-clockwise direction for transferring a collation from the upper bay and the lower bay, respectively, to the exit nip. A motor is used to drive the drum in both the clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. A coupling mechanism including two sets of one-way clutches is used to engage the motor to the upper and lower rollers of the exit nip so that the upper roller is caused to rotate only in the counter-clockwise direction while the lower roller is cause to rotate only in the clockwise direction.

Abstract: A cassette is used by being mounted on an image forming apparatus body and can be accommodated in a state where media, which will be supplied to the image forming apparatus body, are loaded. The cassette includes a first tray, a second tray, a slide mechanism, and a power transmission mechanism. The first tray is able to contain multiple media. The second tray is able to contain multiple media. The slide mechanism allows the first tray and the second tray to be movable relative to each other. The power transmission mechanism moves the first tray and the second tray relative to each other by input power in a direction in which a paper feeding tray can be switched. The power transmission mechanism is provided with a gear that receives the power, wherein the gear can be displaced in a cassette insertion direction in which the cassette is inserted.

Abstract: A recording-sheet supplying apparatus which supplies recording sheets one by one in a sheet-supply direction, including: a first sheet tray that accommodates first recording sheets; a second sheet tray disposed above the first sheet tray and configured to accommodate at least one second recording sheet; an arm provided so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis located above the second sheet tray, and so as to be in a posture in which a distal end of the arm is located downstream of the pivot axis in the sheet-supply direction; a first sheet-supply roller provided at a first portion of the arm; and a second sheet-supply roller provided at a second portion of the arm nearer to the pivot axis than the first portion, wherein where the second sheet tray is on an upstream side in the sheet-supply direction, only the first sheet-supply roller contacts an uppermost first recording sheet, and where the second sheet tray is on a downstream side in the sheet-supply direction, only the second sheet-supply roller contacts

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus in which a first sheet feeding cassette and a second sheet feeding cassette for containing sheets are arranged in a vertical direction, a first drawer and a second drawer for holding the first sheet feeding cassette and the second sheet feeding cassette, respectively, such that they can be drawn out, a second sheet feeding roller for feeding the sheets from the second sheet feeding cassette located below the first sheet feeding cassette is arranged lateral to the first drawer of the first sheet feeding cassette located above the second sheet feeding cassette so as to be positioned above the bottom surface of the first sheet feeding cassette, and a second sheet feeding unit is supported by being abutted against the first drawer of the first sheet feeding cassette.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including: a print part; a feeding part; a first sheet feeding tray; and a second sheet feeding tray. The first sheet feeding tray stores a sheet of a first size therein, the feeding part feeding the sheet of the first size from the first sheet feeding tray to the print part in a sheet feeding direction. The second sheet feeding tray is mounted on the first sheet feeding tray and stores a sheet of a second size smaller than the first size therein, the feeding part feeding the sheet of the second size from the second sheet feeding tray to the print part in the sheet feeding direction, the second sheet feeding tray receiving a sheet printed by the print part and discharged in a direction opposite to the sheet feeding direction. The second sheet feeding tray has a pair of side guides which are provided in parallel to the sheet feeding direction and which contact against side ends of the sheet of the second side to guide the sheet of the second side to the print part.

Abstract: A sheet tray device including: (a) a first tray accommodating a first size sheet to be moved toward an image processor portion and (b) a second tray accommodating a second size sheet to be moved toward the image processor portion. The second tray is disposed above the first tray, and receives the first or second size sheet having been moved back from the image processor portion. The second tray has (b-i) a rear guide to be in contact with a rear end of the accommodated second size sheet and (ii) a pair of side guides to be in contact with respective side ends of the accommodated second size sheet. The side guides have respective upper ends at which the first or second size sheet having been moved back from the image processor portion is received. At least one of the side guides has a height that is not smaller than a height of the rear guide. Also disclosed is an image forming apparatus including the sheet tray device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of preventing simultaneous delivery of two sheets of paper when they are supplied from a paper supply device, thereby improving operational reliability of the paper supply device. The image forming apparatus includes a body incorporating a printing device, a first paper supply unit, in which first paper is loaded, a second paper supply unit, on which second paper is disposed, at least one feed roller to deliver the second paper disposed on the second paper supply unit, a pickup roller to pick up the first paper from the first paper supply unit, and a pickup pad, which is located at a first position to contact the pickup roller when the pickup roller picks up the first paper from the first paper supply unit, and which is located at a second position spaced apart from the pickup roller when the second paper disposed on the second paper supply unit is delivered by the feed roller.

Abstract: A first signal line is provided for transmitting to each of a plurality of paper feeders an output signal from a printing paper sensor provided in the uppermost paper feeder among the plurality thereof. In response to an output signal that has been transmitted via the first signal line, a halting unit causes a halt to processing that is for transporting printing paper in each of the paper feeders.

Abstract: An original stacking plate for supporting and stacking an original is rotatably attached to an ASF base. A fulcrum position of the original stacking plate is provided with a rotational center on the upstream side in the sheet feeding direction from a fulcrum position of a pressing plate while keeping a predetermined distance from a base surface of the ASF base. Therefore, a rotational angle of the original stacking plate in association with the vertical motion of the pressing plate when the original and recording paper have been set is smaller than that of the pressing plate.

Abstract: A sheet supplying apparatus including first and second sheet accommodating portions; at least one supplying member which supplies recording sheets from the accommodating portions; a separating device which cooperates with the supplying member to separate the recording sheets from each other, and which includes (A) an inclined guide plate opposed to respective leading ends of the recording sheets and (B) a sheet-separate body including sheet-separate portions arranged in an array along a sheet-supply path so as to project from the inclined guide plate toward the recording sheets; and at least one contact preventing portion which projects toward the recording sheets, beyond respective free ends of the sheet-separate portions, and which is provided at a position corresponding to an intermediate portion of the array of sheet-separate portions with respect to the sheet-supply path, and assuring that the contact preventing portion prevents each of the recording sheets supplied from the first accommodating portion,

Abstract: A burden on a user when changing sheets such as with an ink jet printer and the like is reduced, and the necessary stack space is secured without considering the step difference up to the mounting surface of an ejected paper tray worth of the amount of curls for sheets that easily curls such as post cards and the like. Thus, enlargement of the apparatus and increase in the manufacturing cost are suppressed, and is easily adopted for low cost type for mass consumption.

Abstract: An inkjet printer unit for use in a network environment comprising: a body having; at least one media input tray for supplying one or more sheets of media for printing; a print engine for printing an image on a sheet of media, the print engine including a removable pagewidth inkjet printhead; and a delivery passage for delivering a sheet of media from the at least one media input tray to the print engine for printing; wherein the base of the body is configured to receive at least one auxiliary media input tray for supplying one or more sheets of media for printing, and an opening is provided in the base to receive a sheet of media from the auxiliary media input tray for delivery to the print engine via the delivery passage.

Abstract: A sheet tray device including (a) a first tray and (b) a second tray which is disposed on an upper side of the first tray and which includes (b-1) a support member, (b-2) a supported body pivotably supported by the support member, and (b-3) a hinge through which the supported body is pivotable. The hinge includes (i) a shaft portion, (ii) first and second bearing portions, and (iii) a removal preventer portion for preventing removal of the shaft portion from the first and second bearing portions. The first and second bearing portions are offset from each other in an axial direction of the shaft portion, and are located on respective opposite sides of the shaft portion in a diametrical direction of the shaft portion. The shaft portion includes a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion that are contactable with the first and second bearing portions, respectively. Also disclosed is an image forming apparatus including the sheet tray device.

Abstract: An image forming unit includes an image forming device that forms an image on a recording medium disposed at a lower portion thereof, a device frame that supports the image forming device at the lower portion, having a first attaching portion to which to attach a first storage frame and a second attaching portion to which to attach a second frame. Either a first storage unit or a second storage unit is attached to the image forming unit. The first storage unit includes a first storage tray having a first storage capacity, a first guide member and the first storage frame. The second storage unit includes a second storage tray having a second storage capacity larger than the first storage capacity, the second guide member and the second storage frame.

Abstract: A paper feeder includes a paper storing section that stores papers by vertically stacking the papers on a loading plate, and the uppermost paper stored in the paper storing section is fed by a pickup roller. In order to transport a supplied paper to an image forming apparatus without changing its posture, paper outgoing apertures are individually disposed on the paper feeder side. Transfer paths, respectively corresponding to the paper outgoing aperture, are disposed in the image forming apparatus, and a paper supplied from the paper feeder is transported to an image formation processing section of the image forming apparatus. This allows a paper to be transported without being curved, when the paper is supplied to the image forming apparatus from an additionally provided paper feeder. As a result, paper jam is prevented.

Abstract: An image-recording apparatus including (a) a carriage carrying a recording head, (b) a maintenance unit disposed at a standby position located outside a recording area (L) of the recording head, (c) medium feeding devices to feed recording media from respective cassettes (d) first, second and third gears which are disposed outside the recording area and through which a drive force is selectively transmitted from a drive-force output gear to one of the medium feeding devices and the maintenance device, and (e) a power-transmission switching device having a shift gear which is moved for selective meshing engagement with the first, second and third gears according to a distance of movement of the carriage from the recording area toward the maintenance unit.

Abstract: A feeding tray for feeding sheets from the left side thereof and a feeding tray for feeding sheets from the right side thereof are disposed on a multiple inserter, and selectively employing the feeding tray for feeding sheets from the left side thereof and the feeding tray for feeding sheets from the right side thereof allows reversal actions of sheets to be eliminated.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes a guiding member having an upper guiding surface for guiding the upper surface of a document and a lower guiding surface for guiding the lower surface of the document to guide the document to a support portion. The guiding member is movable to a set position for guiding the document to the support portion without causing the document to come into contact with a feeding roller, a recording-sheet separation position withdrawn for separating one sheet from the other recording sheets and feeding the separated sheet, a document separation position for guiding the document to the feeding roller, and a sheet return position for returning the recording sheet or the document to a corresponding support portion using a return lever. The guiding member is held via a spring such that the guiding member can be returned by itself from the sheet return position to the set position.

Abstract: A system and method for supplying media to a device. The novel system includes a first tray for holding a first supply of media, a first mechanism including a shaft adapted to feed media from the first tray to the device when the shaft is rotated in a first direction, and a second mechanism for moving the first tray from a first position to a second position when the shaft is rotated in a second direction.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet feeding tray, a lock mechanism that locks the sheet feeding tray, a sheet feeding unit that feeds sheets from the sheet feeding tray one by one, an opening and closing unit that opens and closes a conveyance path, a sheet detecting sensor that detects presence of a sheet at a position at which the opening and closing unit is arranged, and a state detecting unit that detects a state of the opening and closing unit. When the sheet detecting sensor detects that a sheet is stuck during conveyance of the sheet, the lock mechanism locks the sheet feeding tray not to be drawn out, and unlock the sheet feeding tray after the opening and closing unit opens the conveyance path.

Abstract: A flexible media integration system (10) includes a multifunction flexible media interface system (12). The interface system includes a plurality of flexible media input areas (22, 24, 26) for receiving flexible media (14), such as sheets of paper, from a plurality of associated input processors (16, 18, 20), such as printers or paper feeders. A plurality of flexible media output areas (32, 34) provide outputs to different associated flexible media output processors (36, 38), such as printers or finishers. The interface system also includes a sheet position sensing system (52) and a sheet transporting system (42). The transporting system provides selectable flexible media translation for selectably transporting flexible media from selected ones of the plurality of flexible media input areas to selected ones of the plurality of flexible media output areas so as to provide selectable flexible media feeding from selected flexible media input processors to selected flexible media output processors.

Abstract: A paper-sheet handling apparatus includes a cassette that stores a paper sheet; a cassette compartment that stores a plurality of the cassettes; a feeding mechanism that feeds out the paper sheet stored in the cassette; a conveying mechanism that conveys the paper sheet fed out; a sheet discharging port through which the paper sheet is discharged out; a sheet discharging mechanism that discharges the paper sheet through the sheet discharging port; and a feeding control mechanism that controls feeding out of the paper sheet stored in the cassette. The feeding control mechanism has a function of selectively feeding out the paper sheet from the cassette, and the function is realized by a single drive source.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a printhead carrier system including a printhead carrier configured for movement along a scan path, a first sheet picking mechanism, a second sheet picking mechanism, and a selector device. The selector device is configured to select one of the first sheet picking mechanism and the second sheet picking mechanism for picking a sheet of print media based on a position of the printhead carrier.

Abstract: A bill handling apparatus has a deposit/withdrawal unit (2) at the upper side of a casing (1), a base unit (3) at the lower side of the casing (1), and intermediate units 4A to 4C. The deposit/withdrawal unit (2) includes a bill introducing mechanism (21), a bill discharging mechanism (23) and a conveying mechanism (29). The base unit (3) includes a bill storage section (31), a conveying mechanism (32) and a taking-in and taking-out mechanism (34). Each intermediate unit (4A) to (4C) includes a bill storage section (41), a conveying mechanism (42), a taking-in and taking-out mechanism (44) and a switcher for switching a bill-moving direction. Elements forming the bill storage sections and transfer mechanisms are made common. Thus, the number of the bill storage sections can be easily increased or decreased, and bills can be taken in and out of each storage section.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a media handling device for handling sheets of media contained in a conglomerate stack.

Abstract: A feeding tray for feeding sheets from the left side thereof and a feeding tray for feeding sheets from the right side thereof are disposed on a multiple inserter, and selectively employing the feeding tray for feeding sheets from the left side thereof and the feeding tray for feeding sheets from the right side thereof allows reversal actions of sheets to be eliminated.

Abstract: A delivery system comprises a frame, and a plurality of hoppers attachable to the frame in a vertically spaced apart arrangement. The hoppers are each configured to hold a plurality of sheet-like materials. At least one upper belt is movably coupled to the frame, with the belt being configured to move the sheet-like materials downward from the hoppers. At least one contact roller is disposed below each hopper, and at least one suction apparatus that is associated with each hopper. A moving system is configured to move the suction apparatus toward and away from the hopper to grasp and remove one of the sheet-like materials from the hopper, and to move the removed sheet-like material downward until grabbed by the contact roller.

Abstract: There is provided a reading/recording apparatus which is capable of properly conveying originals during original reading operation, even if there exists a state where a recording medium conveying device shares the same space with an original conveying path. A shared conveying path has at least part thereof used as both a conveying path for an original and a conveying path for a recording medium. The original is conveyed on the shared conveying path, where an image of the original is read. The read image is recorded on the recording medium at a recording position on the shared conveying path. A recording medium conveying device is movable between a sharing state where the recording medium conveying device shares a space with the conveying path for the original and a non-sharing state where the recording medium conveying device does not share the space with the conveying path for the original, and conveys the recording medium on the shared conveying path.

Abstract: An original document tray for a scanning and printing apparatus includes original document guides for guiding an original document in the original document tray into a scanning unit by determining or regulating a widthwise position of the original document, and manual-feed sheet guides provided with the original document tray for guiding a manual-feed sheet to be supplied to a printing unit by determining a widthwise position of the manual-feed sheet. The manual-feed sheet guides can be adjusted manually in the widthwise direction. The original document guides are disposed on an original document supporting surface of the original document tray on which the original document is placed, and the manual-feed sheet guides are disposed on a side opposite the original document supporting surface. The original document guides can also be moved manually in the widthwise direction and move in conjunction with the manual-feed sheet guides.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for selectively picking two or more types of imaging media in an imaging apparatus having only a single pick roller while simultaneously supporting each type of imaging media on the imaging apparatus, wherein such media is ready for picking. The imaging media can be supported in respective media trays while supported on the imaging apparatus. The apparatus includes an actuating mechanism that is configured to selectively position each of the media trays relative to the pick roller, one-at-a-time, to facilitate picking by the pick roller of the selected imaging media. Methods include simultaneously supporting a plurality of types of imaging media on an imaging device having a single pick roller, and selectively picking either the first imaging media or the second imaging media from the respective media tray.

Abstract: A feeding tray for feeding sheets from the left side thereof and a feeding tray for feeding sheets from the right side thereof are disposed on a multiple inserter, and selectively employing the feeding tray for feeding sheets from the left side thereof and the feeding tray for feeding sheets from the right side thereof allows reversal actions of sheets to be eliminated.

Abstract: Two paper trays 11, 12 are disposed in such a manner that they are superimposed on top of each other in the vertical direction, a first paper feed roller 13 for feeding out paper from the upper-side paper tray 11 is disposed backwardly of and obliquely upwardly of a second paper feed roller 14 with respect to a direction in which the paper is fed out, and the upper-side paper tray 11 is disposed backwardly of and adjacently to the second paper feed roller 14. The sheets of paper fed out from the upper- and lower-side paper trays are delivered along the upper or lower surface of the second paper feed roller 14 and a are then fed into a common registration roller 10 without providing a delivery roller on the way. A holder 18 for supporting a handling member 16 to be contacted with the second paper feed roller 14 is supported by the paper tray 12 and can be retreated downwardly when pulling out the paper tray 12.

Abstract: A laser-beam printer includes a main unit and a plurality of tray units that can be stacked one upon the other under the main unit. Each of the tray units has a resist roller. The resist roller has a function of adjusting a deviation of a recording sheet fed from stacked sheets on a sheet supporting plate by a sheet feed roller and a function of feeding the recording sheet fed from a tray unit provided immediately below the main unit toward the main unit. A resist roller for adjusting a deviation of the recording medium is also provided upstream from an image forming unit in the main unit.

Abstract: A mechanism (120) which can be used in a printer (110), for example, for selectively moving sheets from first and second sheet stacks, including a rotating shaft (123), a mechanism for causing the rotating shaft (123) to rotate in first and second directions, and first and second media picks (121, 122). Rotation of the rotating shaft (123) in the first direction causes the first media pick (121) to move a sheet from the first sheet stack (51) and rotation of the rotating shaft (123) in the second direction causes the second media pick (122) to move a sheet from the second sheet stack (52).

Abstract: The system is designed to provide a transport system with specified sheet-like material at a requested time. The system includes insert towers that provide the requested material at the appropriate time. Each insert tower contains multiple insert hoppers aligned vertically within the tower. Due to space constraints, the vertical arrangement of the hoppers enables the system to choose from significantly more different inserts than would be available from systems without vertical insert towers. The insert hoppers are loaded vertically within the insert hoppers which creates a horizontal queue of sheet-like material. Upon a request from a system computer, specified inserts are pulled and the insert tower delivers the insert to a transport system.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and sheet feeder in which a recording-material transporting system is provided for transporting to an image forming section recording material supplied from a recording-material supplying section and for subsequently guiding the recording material to a recording-material discharging section. A portion of the transporting path is arranged on a rear side of the apparatus body located on an opposite side to the user operation side. At least either one of the recording-material supplying section and the recording-material transporting system is provided with a jam clearing section for allowing recording material jammed in the recording-material transporting system to be both accessed from and cleared on the user operation side without need to open any access panels on the side portions or rear portion of the apparatus body. As a result the apparatus may be located without reserving space for opening a side or rear access portion.

Abstract: A delivery system comprises a frame, and a plurality of hoppers attachable to the frame in a vertically spaced apart arrangement. The hoppers are each configured to hold a plurality of sheet-like materials. At least one upper belt is movably coupled to the frame, with the belt being configured to move the sheet-like materials downward from the hoppers. At least one contact roller is disposed below each hopper, and at least one suction apparatus that is associated with each hopper. A moving system is configured to move the suction apparatus toward and away from the hopper to grasp and remove one of the sheet-like materials from the hopper, and to move the removed sheet-like material downward until grabbed by the contact roller.

Abstract: In a sheet feed apparatus, a guide member formed by a flexible member is disposed at an aperture for manual sheet feeding provided on an upper surface of a sheet storing means, and sheets are guided to the position below a sheet feed means by the guide member, while underpropping the sheets, whereby the manual sheet feeding can be performed with the simple structure at low costs. Further, a space for the manual sheet feeding and the number of parts can be saved to the minimum.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for selectively picking two or more types of imaging media in an imaging apparatus having only a single pick roller while simultaneously supporting each type of imaging media on the imaging apparatus, wherein such media is ready for picking. The imaging media can be supported in respective media trays while supported on the imaging apparatus. The apparatus includes an actuating mechanism that is configured to selectively position each of the media trays relative to the pick roller, one-at-a-time, to facilitate picking by the pick roller of the selected imaging media. Methods include simultaneously supporting a plurality of types of imaging media on an imaging device having a single pick roller, and selectively picking either the first imaging media or the second imaging media from the respective media tray.

Abstract: Apparatus for advancing media through a hardcopy device includes a cylindrical guide wheel having a first radius mounted on a shaft having an axis transverse to a media feed path axis. A guide surface is spaced apart from the guide wheel and defines a media feed path between the guide wheel and the guide surface. A drive wheel having an extended portion that is concentric with the guide wheel, and which has a greater radius than the first radius is fixed to the shaft. A pinch roller communicates with the media feed path.

Abstract: A registration roller 30 is preferably interposed between a first tangent line L1 passing through a handling portion between a first sheet feed roller 38 and a first handling member 42, and a second tangent line L2 passing through a handling portion between a second sheet feed roller 40 and a second handling member 44 (or the registration roller 30 may also be disposed so as to project out slightly from this range), and also the registration roller 30 may be preferably disposed downwardly of a horizontal line L3 passing through an upper end of the first sheet feed roller 38. In case where the first sheet feed roller 38, the second sheet feed roller 40 and the registration roller 30 are disposed so as to be as close as possible to one another, the height dimensions of a sheet feed apparatus 28 can be reduced to a minimum.

Abstract: Photographic material guide arrangements for the guidance of photographic material between at least three spaced apart photographic material guide paths along which photographic material, especially films or photographic paper, is guided, which includes the following: a selector with a receiving end for the taking up of photographic material from one end of a guide path and an output end for giving off photographic material to one end of another guide path, whereby the selector is constructed for the guiding of photographic material from the receiving end to the output end, whereby the selector is movable between different connecting positions wherein respectively at least two guide paths are connected with one another by way of the selector in order to guide photographic material from one end of a guide path to another end of a guide path through the selector, whereby with the change of the connecting position, at least one of the path ends connected by the selector changes.

Abstract: A delivery system comprises a frame, and a plurality of hoppers attachable to the frame in a vertically spaced apart arrangement. The hoppers are each configured to hold a plurality of sheet-like materials. At least one upper belt is movably coupled to the frame, with the belt being configured to move the sheet-like materials downward from the hoppers. At least one contact roller is disposed below each hopper, and at least one suction apparatus that is associated with each hopper. A moving system is configured to move the suction apparatus toward and away from the hopper to grasp and remove one of the sheet-like materials from the hopper, and to move the removed sheet-like material downward until grabbed by the contact roller.

Abstract: In determining a setting condition of an apparatus for assembling mail items from mail components (20, 21, 23, 25) it is detected, in a setting phase, in which of a number of feeder stations (1, 2, 34, 35) of that apparatus mail components (20, 21, 23, 25) are present. Feeder stations (1, 2, 34, 35) in which mail components are present are automatically brought into an operating condition, and feeder stations (1, 2, 34, 35) in which no mail components are present are automatically brought into a non-operating condition. As a result, at the start-up of the apparatus, on the basis of the loading thereof, it is automatically determined which station is to be brought into an operating condition and which are to remain standby. An apparatus specifically arranged for practicing the proposed method is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet feeding apparatus that has sheet feeding device for abutting against an upper surface of a sheet stacked and feeding out the sheet, biasing device for biasing the sheet feeding device toward the upper surface of the sheet, and lifting and lowering device for lifting and lowering the sheet feeding device, the lifting and lowering device including a holding member for engaging with the sheet feeding device and shifting the sheet feeding device in an up-and-down direction by a motor, and maintaining device for regulating the holding member so as to maintain the sheet feeding device at a position where the sheet feeding device is spaced apart from the upper surface of the sheet, in opposition to a biasing force of the biasing device.

Abstract: According to the collating apparatus of the present invention, if the collation error is detected, the erroneously collated matter selection and discharge unit discharges the erroneously collated matter so as to be distinguishable from the correctly collated matters. Besides, the collation error can be recognized and the erroneously collated matter can be removed after the collation operation is completed for all collated matters. Therefore, it is possible to continue the collation operation without stopping the collation operation when the collation error occurs.