Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding human operators through a sequence of maintenance and repair tasks such as the removal of paper jams in complex reprographic equipment. The invention comprises the placement of human interpretable indicators in locations corresponding to various operations to be performed by an operator and then activating such indicators in sequence when sensors and a control algorithm confirm that operations preceding the operation in the sequence are completed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding human operators through a sequence of maintenance and repair tasks such as the removal of paper jams in complex reprographic equipment. The invention comprises the placement of human interpretable indicators in locations corresponding to various operations to be performed by an operator and then activating such indicators in sequence when sensors and a control algorithm confirm that operations preceding the operation in the sequence are completed.

Abstract: A method for forming an arcuate surface on at least one key feature part of an apparatus defining an arcuate surface extending from one end of the key feature part to another end of the key feature part.

Abstract: A method for forming an arcuate surface on at least one key feature part of an apparatus defining an arcuate surface extending from one end of the key feature part to another end of the key feature part.

Abstract: An improved sheet jam removal system for a sheet feeding system with an enclosed internal sheet feeding path unit and connecting first and second sheet stacking trays. The first tray is overlying the second and is pivotally cantilever mounted about a first pivot axis so that when a sheet feeding jam occurs the first tray readily manually pivots upwardly about the first pivot axis to expose sheets in the second tray, and also a camming surface on the tray, which may be provided by edge guides adjacent the first pivot axis, engages and automatically unlatches, with high leverage, a top cover of the enclosed sheet feeding path unit, which top cover pivots open about a second pivot axis spaced from the first. The top cover may be spring loaded to automatically pop further open for full exposure and removal of sheets inside the unit upon said automatic unlatching.

Abstract: A printed sheets stacking, removal, transporting and containment system for the large heavy stacks of printed sheets outputted by a reproduction apparatus with a plurality of separate sheet stack transporting tote units, each adapted to lift and retain a large stack of printed sheets, each tote unit having a bottom surface, enclosing side surfaces, and an open side through which a large stack of sheets can be laterally loaded, and also having at least one integral keying member, preferably an integral runner extending from the bottom surface and extending in the direction of the open side, with a downwardly beveled outer end; and the output stacking tray having at least one guide member designed to temporarily removably mate with the keying member to guide the tote unit on the stacking tray under the large stack of sheets so that they may be lifted and transported away from the output stacking tray retained in the tote unit.

Abstract: A nail starter/shield is adapted for use in combination with a nail set and a hammer for driving fasteners such as nails into boards. The nail starter/shield includes a body and a head. The head is provided with nail retaining structure for retaining one or more nails in position relative to the workpiece, for starting the nails into the workpiece. After the nails are started, the head is disengaged from the nails. The body is provided with a slot, and the nail starter/shield is repositioned such that the nails are located within the slot. The nails are then driven into the board while the nails are disposed within the slot, with the body functioning to prevent the hammer from striking the board during driving of the nails. After the nail heads are driven in close proximity to the upper surface of the body, the nail starter/shield is withdrawn and a nail set is used to complete driving of the nails and to embed the nail heads into the board.

Abstract: A hand tool for use in placing deck boards on a support structure which is in the form of a unitized main body portion which comprises at least one substantially vertically extending blade having an outer exposed edge, the blade being suitable for placement between adjacent deck boards so as to maintain a uniform space prior to permanently fixing the deck boards in place, a pair of substantially generally horizontally extending stabilizing arms extending from and integral with opposite sides of the base of the blade.