Abstract: A paper handling apparatus is disclosed, having a first path that guides paper to a processing tray; a second path in which the paper is set aside; and a transportation unit that transports the paper. The paper handling apparatus sets aside a preceding sheet of the paper in the second path, and transports the set-aside preceding sheet of the paper with a following sheet of the paper. The paper handling unit includes: a branching unit that, when the paper is transported in the second direction, leads the paper to the second path; a paper detection unit provided in a more upstream position than the branching unit; and a control unit that determines timing in which the paper is transported in the second direction based on an output of the paper detection unit, and causes the transportation unit to transport the paper to the second path.

Abstract: A copy machine achieves a reduction in power consumption when performing a saddle-stitching operation. An image forming unit forms visible images on recording sheets in accordance with image data stored in a memory device. A post-processing unit collects the recording media on an individual copy basis to prepare a bundle of the recording sheets, and performs a saddle-stitching process and a center-folding process on the bundle of the recording sheets. The post-processing unit ejects the processed recording sheets onto a predetermined eject tray. A system control part determines whether or not a total number of the recording sheets corresponding to the image data is within a limit number for the saddle-stitching process. When the total number of the recording sheets exceeds the limit number for the saddle-stitching process, the recording sheets are ejected onto the at least one eject tray other than a predetermined eject tray.

Abstract: A sheet folding device for folding a sheet or a sheet stack conveyed thereto of the present invention includes a path along which the sheet or the sheet stack to be folded is conveyed. A fold plate is movable in a direction perpendicular to the above path for forming a fold in the sheet or the sheet stack. A pair of rotatable fold rollers face the fold plate and are positioned one above the other. Pressing members exerts, when the fold is to be formed, a pair of equal pressing forces on the fold rollers to thereby maintain the nip between the fold rollers on a line including the locus of movement of the fold plate.

Abstract: A sheet finisher of the present invention is included in an image forming system and folds a stack of sheets sequentially transferred from an image forming apparatus thereto. The sheet finisher includes a fold roller pair for holding the stack of sheets being conveyed via a nip thereof. A reinforce roller reinforces the fold of the folded sheet stack in cooperation with a guide plate. A drive mechanism causes the reinforce roller to move in a direction perpendicular to a direction of sheet conveyance. A shock absorbing member is located at a position where the reinforce roller and guide plate contact each other.

Abstract: A sheet finisher of the present invention includes a punching unit configured to punch a sheet handed over from an image forming apparatus to the sheet finisher. A scrap conveying unit conveys scraps produced from the sheet punched by the punching unit. A hopper stores scraps conveyed thereto by there scrap conveying unit. The hopper is mounted on the front side of the sheet finisher.

Abstract: A sheet finisher for performing preselected processing with a sheet or a sheet stack conveyed thereto of the present invention includes a cutter unit configured to cut the sheet or the sheet stack in a direction perpendicular to a direction of sheet conveyance. A guide member is positioned upstream of the cutter unit in the direction of sheet conveyance for guiding the sheet or the sheet stack being conveyed. A moving device moves the guide member in a direction parallel to the direction of sheet conveyance.