Abstract: For printer sheet separating and feeding with stack side edge air fluffing assistance from variable size sheet stacks in a sheet feeding tray with at least one repositionable stack side edge guide in an openable machine drawer, the stack edge fluffer system automatically operatively engages the edge guide to provide a preset spacing from the variable side edge positions of various size stacks when said machine drawer is closed, plus an air baffle extension out over the stack, but automatically disengages to provides unobstructed loading when the drawer is opened. It may include an automatically variable length manifold.

Abstract: A substrate tray includes a tall backstop guide that is attached to the bottom of the feed tray and which rotates about a vertical axis into three positions 45° apart, presenting four different surfaces to a stack of substrates in the tray. Each surface accommodates a different substrate size and thereby accommodates four different widths of substrates. The backstop guide includes a cam member that is flexed against a back wall of the tray when a load is applied to the backstop guide by the stack of substrates shifting inboard if the tray is pushed to forcefully into a machine after loading, in order to prevent skewing of the substrates.

Abstract: For printer sheet separating and feeding with stack side edge air fluffing assistance from variable size sheet stacks in a sheet feeding tray with at least one repositionable stack side edge guide in an openable machine drawer, the stack edge fluffer system automatically operatively engages the edge guide to provide a preset spacing from the variable side edge positions of various size stacks when said machine drawer is closed, plus an air baffle extension out over the stack, but automatically disengages to provides unobstructed loading when the drawer is opened. It may include an automatically variable length manifold.

Abstract: An image transfer apparatus shuttle feeder module comprising a module frame, an air fluffer assembly, a vacuum shuttle box assembly, and an air knife assembly. The air fluffer assembly is supported from the module frame. The vacuum shuttle box assembly is supported from the module frame. The air knife assembly is supported from the module frame. The vacuum shuttle box assembly is movably mounted to the module frame to shuttle relative to the frame between first and second positions. The module frame has attachment members adapted for removably mounting the module frame with the air fluffer assembly, vacuum shuttle box assembly, and air knife assembly thereon to an image transfer apparatus. The image transfer apparatus has a sheet media supply section. The module frame is mounted in a predetermined location on the image transfer apparatus.

Abstract: An image transfer apparatus shuttle feeder module comprising a module frame, an air fluffer assembly, a vacuum shuttle box assembly, and an air knife assembly. The air fluffer assembly is supported from the module frame. The vacuum shuttle box assembly is supported from the module frame. The air knife assembly is supported from the module frame. The vacuum shuttle box assembly is movably mounted to the module frame to shuttle relative to the frame between first and second positions. The module frame has attachment members adapted for removably mounting the module frame with the air fluffer assembly, vacuum shuttle box assembly, and air knife assembly thereon to an image transfer apparatus. The image transfer apparatus has a sheet media supply section. The module frame is mounted in a predetermined location on the image transfer apparatus.

Abstract: A copy media registration module for positioning paper in a feed path is disclosed. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a module for registering copy media on an imaging member that lies at the end of a paper path, where the registration module can be removed from and replaced into a machine as a single unit. In addition, enhancements can be added to the module to provide for even more accurate copy media registration and greater media substrate latitude as desired. The modular nature of the registration module allows diagnostic testing as well as repairs and/or periodic maintenance to be easily conducted on the unit outside of the machine in which it is typically used. It also provides easy replacement of the unit if it is no longer functional, or for a temporary unit to be used while the permanent unit is being repaired.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus and method for controlling and enabling clean and convenient clearance of a stalled copy sheet from a copy sheet handling system of an electrostatographic reproduction machine. The automatic apparatus and method include a programmable controller for declaring detection of an error in copy sheet movement; position determiner for determining a first actual position of the copy sheet at a moment of detection of an error. The position determiner means includes a first sensing device mounted upstream of an image transfer station of the machine relative to a direction of sheet movement, and a second sensing device, mounted downstream of the first sensing device relative to the direction of sheet movement.

Abstract: A mechanism for biasing a plurality of pinch rolls into engagement with a drive roll is provided wherein the biasing force is effected by a weight or weights. The pinch rolls are mounted on a common rotatable shaft, which rotates on supports which independently pivot about a common shaft, whereby the pinch rolls are free to align with a drive roll to provide full line contact therebetween and the biasing force is evenly distributed on the pinch rolls. The weights are pivotally mounted on the supports.

Abstract: A height sensing device is provided which comprises a beam interrupter which swings into and out of the path of a beam passing from a light source to a photodiode. The beam interrupter is a disc rotatably mounted on a swinging sensor. The disc has a slot eccentrically located about the rotational axis of the disc. For adjustment, the disc may be rotated relative to the sensor to bring a portion of the slot into the beam path and then locked in such a position onto the sensor.