Abstract: A feeder for supplying sheetlike items such as envelopes or the like to a processing machine such as an office printer. The feeder may employ a pickup such as a coil for detecting a change in magnetic field to thereby detect operation of an intake device in the processing machine. The feeder may pass an item downstream into the processing machine in response to such detection. The feeder may be arranged to move each item into a ready position and then advance each item downstream from the ready position while permitting realignment of the item by the processing machine.

Abstract: There is disclosed a paper feeder apparatus attached to a printer or other device. The paper feeder apparatus employs two trays each of which are capable of accommodating papers of different sizes and an envelope tray for accommodating envelopes. The feeder is controlled by a host computer of the type capable of generating feeder and printer control commands. These commands are transmitted to control logic associated with the paper feeder which control logic is under control of a microprocessor. The microprocessor assumes complete control of the entire paper feed mechanism and communication to the printer. Thus, the microprocessor operates two motors associated with the paper feed path. A first motor is operated so that a sheet of paper can be withdrawn from either of the two trays and then transported along a paper path.