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

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

Abstract: Film sheet handling apparatus includes a mechanism for removing a film sheet from a film sheet stack by bending a front area of the top film sheet and then removing the top film sheet from the stack. A multiple sheet detector includes a pair of jaws mounted at the free end of the rotatable lever. The jaws are spaced apart a fixed distance which will allow a single film sheet but not multiple film sheets to slide between the jaws. The lever is rotated so that the jaws are moved into the bent front area of the top film sheet while it is still located on the stack. The film sheet is allowed to slide between the jaws if a single film sheet is separated, so that the lever and jaws are rotated to a first position. The jaws are blocked if multiple sheets are contacted, so that the lever and jaws are rotated to a second position in advanced of the first position.

Abstract: A film sheet picker assembly comprising: a picker member which is movable into and out of proximity with the top film sheet of a stack of film sheets; a plurality of vacuum cups rotatably mounted on the picker member; means for biasing the plurality of vacuum cups at an angle relative to the top surface of the top film sheet; a roller assembly operatively associated with the plurality of vacuum cups; and a control for moving the picker member into proximity with the top film sheet of a stack of film sheets, such that the roller assembly contacts the top film sheet and rotates the plurality of vacuum cups into vacuum engagement with the top film sheet and for moving the picker member out of proximity with the stack of film sheets such that the biasing means rotates the vacuum cups to move the top film sheet out of contact with the stack of film sheets.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus for use with a processor for media sheets. The processor has a top discharge and a service opening adjoining the discharge. The sorting apparatus has a body mounted on the processing apparatus. The body pivots about an axis of rotation, between closed and open positions. In the closed position, the body blocks access to the service opening. In the open position, the body is displaced from the service opening. The body has an upper surface substantially radial to the axis of rotation. A partition member is mounted on the body. The partition member has a unitary array of parallel partitions extending outward from the body. The partitions define bins for the media sheets. The partition member is movable independent of the body, between an operative position, in which the partitions define a zone of obstruction extending outward from the upper surface of the body; and a displaced position, in which the partitions are at least substantially removed from the zone.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus for use with a processor for media sheets. The processor has a top discharge and a service opening adjoining the discharge. The sorting apparatus has a body mounted on the processing apparatus. The body pivots about an axis of rotation, between closed and open positions. In the closed position, the body blocks access to the service opening. In the open position, the body is displaced from the service opening. The body has an upper surface substantially radial to the axis of rotation. A partition member is mounted on the body. The partition member has a unitary array of parallel partitions extending outward from the body. The partitions define bins for the media sheets. The partition member is movable independent of the body, between an operative position, in which the partitions define a zone of obstruction extending outward from the upper surface of the body; and a displaced position, in which the partitions are at least substantially removed from the zone.

Abstract: A diverting apparatus for diverting successive sheets from an entrance path in one of two different directions. The apparatus comprises a driven diverter roller having a plurality of spaced gripping sections for urging the sheets through the diverting apparatus A pair of primary idler rollers are provided, each being in direct contact with the driven diverter roller, so as to cause the idler rollers to rotate in the opposite direction the diverter roller is rotated. A second pair of idler rollers may be provided which are in direct contact with the primary idler rollers which provide a moving support guide which assists in controlling the path of the sheets passing through the diverting apparatus.

Abstract: A diverting apparatus for diverting successive sheets from an entrance path in one of two different directions. The apparatus comprises a driven diverter roller having a plurality of spaced gripping sections for urging the sheets through the diverting apparatus. A pair of primary idler rollers are provided, each being in direct contact with the driven diverter roller, so as to cause the idler rollers to rotate in the opposite direction the diverter roller is rotated. A second pair of idler rollers may be provided which are in direct contact with the primary idler rollers which provide a moving support guide which assists in controlling the path of the sheets passing through the diverting apparatus.

Abstract: A laser printer characterized by compact construction, and by ease of servicing and film loading. A light-tight upper compartment contains a printer station which includes a film moving roller at one side of the apparatus, and toward which film is fed sideways from a registration station. The printer includes a laser and optics located above the alignment station. Various sizes of film are stored in respective magazines carried by stacked drawers located below the alignment station, and a transport mechanism located in front of the magazine withdraws film from the drawers and carries it upwardly and moves it into the alignment station by movement of the film toward the rear of the apparatus. Film moving from the printer station moves downwardly along one side of the machine into a chute and then to a roller device which can direct the exposed film either into a storage magazine under the fresh film magazines, or to an adjacent processor located to the side of the printer.

Abstract: A diverter assembly has a pair of spaced idler rollers located in spaced relation, and a grooved diverter roller which contacts both of the idler rollers. A sheet is fed along an entrance path between the idler rollers and into engagement with the diverter roller. The diverter is rotated in a first direction to deflect a sheet into a first exit path or in a second direction to deflect the sheet into a second exit path.