Abstract: A sheet feeder with a feed wheel assembly for conveying an end sheet from a stack of sheets. The feed wheel assembly has a rotatable engagement wheel positioned to contact the end sheet of the stack, and operable to separate and convey the end sheet from the stack; a horizontally extending first shaft on which the wheel is mounted, with the first shaft being angularly movable in a generally vertical direction; a horizontally extending second shaft positioned spaced apart from the first shaft, the second shaft being mounted in a substantially fixed planar orientation to a support frame; and a pair of laterally spaced-apart first and second arms extending between the first and second shafts. Each of the first and second arms has a first portion retaining the first shaft and a second portion longitudinally spaced from the first portion and pivotally connected to the second shaft.

Abstract: A microfiche feeder 10 conveys isolated sheets of microfiche from a stack 30 to a collator 12, sorter, or other processing apparatus. The stack of microfiche is placed in a receiver. A drive wheel 34 contacts the lowest sheet of the stack 30 to increment the sheet forward by suction as the wheel revolves. Spaced separator rolls 44 and 46 adjacent the drive wheel 34 ensure that a single sheet of microfiche is incremented forward to drive rolls 52 and 54, which convey the sheet to other processing apparatus.

Abstract: An improved collator uses a novel sliding deflector assembly to allow greater spacing between the sheet conveyor 13 and trays 23. It also uses a novel sheet retention system which winds or unwinds as the sliding deflector assembly moves. The sliding deflector assembly may be driven with a double-clutch drive in increments in either direction. An improved plenum of the vacuum sheet-conveying system of the collator has a novel hole-spacing series to reduce noise and power demands for the vacuum system.

Abstract: An improved sheet jogging apparatus allows for easier access and quicker maintenance by placing the primary components of the apparatus above the top panel of the bin unit of a collator/sorter. Quicker adjustment of the sheet jogging apparatus to accommodate different sizes and widths of paper is easily accomplished with a sliding shaft-slot-and-set screw means. Placing the components of the jogger on top of the panel alleviates problems of assembly where the limited space between the shelves of the bin unit and the top panel make work difficult and alleviates the problem of maintenance where the shelves must be removed for access to the components of the standard sheet jogging apparatus. A source of reciprocal motion mounted on top of the panel is connected to jogging bars which extend downwardly from the panel beside the shelves and which are capable of movement responsive to the source of reciprocal motion to jog the side edges of stacks of sheets on the shelves into alignment.

Abstract: An improved drive system for a tandem collator obviates the need for multiple motors to drive the various components of the several modules. In a simple manner, the drive train of this invention achieves greater electrical efficiency with reduced maintenance by using a direct current motor to drive a shaft which extends into the primary bin of the primary module and which has coupling means to extend through the primary module into secondary modules attached in tandem. Power takeoff means associated with the line drive shaft power the various elements of each bin, particularly the deflector assembly. A preferred power takeoff includes a plurality of idler and drive sprockets associated with the drive shaft, a driven shaft which is transverse to the drive shaft, and a three-dimensional endless belt which runs between and around the various sprockets.

Abstract: A sophisticated collator having a general purpose microprocessor with a stored program is capable of intercommunicating with a sophisticated photocopier. In most operations, the collator functions as a slave to the photocopier. It processes a collator task by receiving and processing signals from several sensors positioned about the collator. A manual insertion assembly allows entry of sheets into the collator from a source other than the photocopier. Proofed pages can be re-fed for collating, or jobs from a second source may be processed. Thus the collator need not be a slave only to the photocopier. A second vacuum belt reduces problems of transporting wide paper. Diverting fingers may contact the conveyor system to allow sheets to pass over a bin into additional bin units attached to the sophisticated collator.