Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chute return mechanism for use in combination with a photocopier collator wherein a movable paper chute is disposed between a discharge slot of a photocopy machine and an entry point of a plurality of bins mounted adjacent thereto. The chute return mechanism controls the movement of the movable paper chute so that copies received from the photocopy machine are directed successively into one of the plurality of bins. The chute is successively diverted to each of the predetermined number of bins by means of a pulse from the photocopy machine which indicates that a copy has been produced and discharged to a bin. The pulse actuates a solenoid which controls a cam latch of the chute return mechanism thereby releasing a follower which is attached to the movable paper chute. Actuation of the solenoid successively lowers the paper chute to divert successive sheets of photocopies to each of the predetermined number of bins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photocopier collator wherein a movable paper chute is disposed between the discharge slot of a photocopy machine and the entry point of a plurality of bins mounted adjacent thereto. The movable paper chute is designed to receive copies from the photocopy machine and to direct them successively into one of the bins. The chute is successively diverted to each of the predetermined number of bins by means of a pulse from the photocopy machine which indicates that a copy has been produced and discharged to a bin. The pulse actuates a solenoid which controls a cam latch thereby releasing a follower, which is attached to the movable paper chute. Actuation of the solenoid successively lowers the paper chute to divert successive sheets of photocopies to each of the predetermined number of bins. After the pulse from the photocopy machine has actuated the solenoid, the latch is pulled away from the solenoid by means of a spring.

Abstract: A photocopy machine and method where working solution flows down from a transfer drum into a trough-type filter and is then filtered as it flows into the main portion of a tank for subsequent recirculation over the transfer drum. The filter trough is preferably formed from a foamed polyurethane plastic and removes undesirable dust particles from the working solution. The filter also collects and filters gelled solution.