Abstract: The present invention relates to a document feeder, document feed method, and image capture device. The document feeder includes a sheet separation mechanism that restricts the number of sheets to be fed by a pull-in portion. The sheet separation mechanism includes a first separation portion that contacts the sheet, and moves so as to feed the sheet, a second separation portion, located opposite to the first separation portion, which defines a part of a sheet feed path between the second and first separation portions, and moves so as to allow the sheet to be fed, and a brake portion that variably applies to the second separation portion a load allowing the second separation portion to move.

Abstract: A sheet separator to separate sheets of documents supplied as a stack into a single sheet. The sheet separator has a first separating mechanism and a second separating mechanism, each of which has a separating roller. The second separating mechanism is provided at a position downstream from the first separating mechanism. The peripheral velocity of the second separating roller may be set lower than a peripheral velocity of the first separating roller.

Abstract: An improved image reading apparatus suitable for use with an image scanner which can read a large number of paper sheets successively and rapidly and cope with various paper sizes from a small size to a large size. The image reading apparatus includes a paper supply mechanism, a paper transport mechanism, an optical image reading mechanism for optically reading information on a paper sheet being transported by the paper transport mechanism, and a paper stacking mechanism.