Abstract: A retard feeder and separator apparatus includes a sensor located at a retard nip downstream from a portion of a feed belt that applies a normal force to a stack of sheets and forwards sheets individually from the stack. The sensor detects the lead edge of a sheet fed from the stack and simultaneously causes relief of the normal force against the stack in order to reduce multifeeds and sheet damage. Alternatively, if the sensor does not sense a sheet within a predetermined time the normal force against the stack will be increased to reduce misfeeding.

Abstract: A retard feeder and separator apparatus adapted to sense the threat of a misfeed or multifeed and adjust the stack normal force of a feed belt against a stack of sheets accordingly. The apparatus includes a movable frame on which is mounted a sheet separating feed belt, a retard roll that forms a retard nip with the separating feed belt, and a stack force relief sensor. The sensor detects the lead edge of a sheet fed from a stack as it reaches the retard nip and causes a solenoid connected to the frame to trigger and move the frame slightly. The frame movement relieves the stack normal force of the feed belt against the stack from a high value to a low value while the sheet continues to be fed from the stack by the force in the retard nip and the lessened stack normal force. Alternatively, if the sensor does not sense a sheet within a predetermined period of time, the stack normal force will be increased to the original high value.

Abstract: Apparatus for precise center registration of a sheet with respect to a fixed reference line such as the center line in a copier. To accomplish this, a sidewall and an associated sensor move in unison relative to the machine center line. With the sheet registered against the sidewall, the sidewall and the sensor which are maintained equidistant from the machine center line move until the sensor senses the edge of the sheet. The motion is then stopped by a signal from the sensor thereby providing precise center line registered sheets.

Abstract: Improved sheet separating and feeding apparatus that opens or partially opens the retard nip after the sheet has partially passed through the retard nip.