Abstract: An automatic paper ejecting and stacking machine for use with vertically-loaded desktop hole-punching equipment is disclosed. The ejector and stacker work together to remove vertically-fed paper stacks from a hole punch and align said stacks in a horizontal stacking bin adjacent the punch machine and preferably facing the operator. After the sheets are punched, a sheet transfer mechanism moves the vertically-oriented media stack in a horizontal direction from the punch machine/ejection assembly to the reception assembly. The sheet transfer mechanism may comprise a plurality of transfer paddles arranged on an drive belt wherein a motor rotates the belt to draw a paddle through the paper-receiving channel of the ejection assembly to push the media stack out of the channel. In one version, the media stack is flipped forward to rest in a forward-facing tray, while in another embodiment, the media stack is pushed rearward to rest in a rear-facing tray.

Abstract: A picking mechanism may include a mechanical reference system for establishing the approximate number of sheets that will be “picked” from a larger stack each time the picking process occurs. A pick moves toward the stack of paper to insert itself between two sheets of paper at a level in the stack that is determined by the place the pick resides relative to the stack. In the preferred embodiment, the pick resides at said position because it is positioned at a adjustably fixed relationship to a reference member and the reference member rests on the top of the stack of paper when the pick is in a retracted position. Thus, the vertical distance between the reference member (and the top of the stack) and the point (edge) of the pick determines how many sheets will be picked at a time.

Abstract: A combination inserter and binder machine for wire loop element is easily adjustable for a wide range of diameters of element, preferably without the use of tools or changing of the tool surfaces that perform the closing. The user inserts a stack of punched paper onto a table so that the paper edge slides into the open wire element that is held in place between an upper and lower tool. The upper tool is actuated to move down relative to the lower tool to close the wire element. The surfaces of the upper and lower tools that are presented to the element are preferably V-shaped at an angle or range of angles that are found to be effective for handling the wide variety of diameters. The adjustments made prior to changing to a different diameter of wire ensure that all the paper will slide into the elements smoothly without hanging up or sliding above or below the element.

Abstract: An automatic paper ejecting and stacking machine for use with vertically-loaded desktop hole-punching equipment is disclosed. The ejector and stacker work together to remove vertically-fed paper stacks from a hole punch and align said stacks in a horizontal stacking bin adjacent the punch machine and preferably facing the operator. After the sheets are punched, a sheet transfer mechanism moves the vertically-oriented media stack in a horizontal direction from the punch machine/ejection assembly to the reception assembly. The sheet transfer mechanism may comprise a plurality of transfer paddles arranged on an drive belt wherein a motor rotates the belt to draw a paddle through the paper-receiving channel of the ejection assembly to push the media stack out of the channel. In one version, the media stack is flipped forward to rest in a forward-facing tray, while in another embodiment, the media stack is pushed rearward to rest in a rear-facing tray.

Abstract: Embodiments are shown and described of an automatic feeder for handling and inserting media, such as paper, into a hole punch machine or other media processing apparatus. The preferred feeder may accomplish a sequence of steps and preferably includes the apparatus, programming, and methods to accomplish the steps, which preferably handle the paper or other media substantially vertically. A generally vertical pile of paper is advanced forward perpendicularly to the plane of the paper sheets, and then a front portion of the pile is picked by a stabber pushing up in-between the sheets. The picked stack of papers is moved vertically downward into a punching die assembly, and then is ejected laterally to a tray. The picking assembly is designed for a high degree of accuracy. The invented feeder system preferably includes features that allow loading and unloading of the feeder without shutting down the feeder or shutting down the hole punch.

Abstract: A combination inserter and binder machine for wire loop element is easily adjustable for a wide range of diameters of element, preferably without the use of tools or changing of the tool surfaces that perform the closing. The user inserts a stack of punched paper onto a table so that the paper edge slides into the open wire element that is held in place between an upper and lower tool. The upper tool is actuated to move down relative to the lower tool to close the wire element. The surfaces of the upper and lower tools that are presented to the element are preferably V-shaped at an angle or range of angles that are found to be effective for handling the wide variety of diameters. The adjustments made prior to changing to a different diameter of wire ensure that all the paper will slide into the elements smoothly without hanging up or sliding above or below the element.

Abstract: Embodiments are shown and described of an automatic feeder for handling and inserting media, such as paper, into a hole punch machine or other media processing apparatus. The preferred feeder may accomplish a sequence of steps and preferably includes the apparatus, programming, and methods to accomplish the steps, which preferably handle the paper or other media substantially vertically. A generally vertical pile of paper is advanced forward perpendicularly to the plane of the paper sheets, and then a front portion of the pile is picked by a stabber pushing up in-between the sheets. The picked stack of papers is moved vertically downward into a punching die assembly, and then is ejected laterally to a tray. The picking assembly is designed for a high degree of accuracy. The invented feeder system preferably includes features that allow loading and unloading of the feeder without shutting down the feeder or shutting down the hole punch.