Abstract: A device for feeding sheets from a supply station aligning the sheets in an X, Y and .theta. coordinates and then gating the sheet into a work station such as the transfer station of a copier. The device includes a pair of independently servo-controlled motors disposed on opposite sides of the sheet. Each motor drives a nip roller which transports the copy sheet. Sensors are disposed to generate signals representative of sheet position in the X, Y and .theta. coordinates. A controller uses the signals to adjust the angular velocity of the motor so that the sheet is squared and is gated onto the work station. The sensors and controller are utilized to measure different parameters associated with the sheet.

Abstract: An improved offset collator comprising a sheet gripper/injector transport station and an oscillating sheet receiving station. Copy sheets are transported to the sheet gripper/injector transport station in a specified sequence whereupon they are gripped by the transport station, and in a reciprocating motion, transported to the oscillating sheet receiving station where they are injected into a stack of sheets and released. The oscillating sheet receiving station is synchronized with transport station such that the copy sheets are inserted in the oscillating sheet receiving station in an alternate offset posture. A cooperating logic control system causes the sheets to be inserted into the oscillating sheet receiving station in the proper order and offset. After offset collation is completed, the offset stapling station then cooperates with the oscillating sheet receiving station to staple sets of sheets still in their offset posture.

Abstract: Sheet-like articles, such as paper, entering one or more support trays are aligned in one or more vertical stacks by a pair of rotating drive devices positioned vertically and adjacent to opposite sides of the support trays. The rotating drive devices include a plurality of resilient flaps mounted to a support member. The flaps are configured to reach over a stack of sheets thereby contacting a sheet on its top surface as well as on its edge.