Abstract: A method and system for scheduling copy sheets in a duplex copy mode uses an interleave mode in which at least one skipped pitch is provided between copy sheets along a paper transport path. The method includes transporting first and second copy sheets along the paper transport path, determining whether the paper transport path contains an even or an odd pitches and creating a skipped pitch when an even number of pitches is detected and the first and second copy sheets are in adjacent pitches and from different sets. According to another method, first and second copy sheets in first and second sets, respectively, are transported along a paper transport path, a determination is made as to whether the first and second copy sheets occupy adjacent pitches, and one of the first and second copy sheets is shifted into an adjacent available pitch to create a skipped pitch between the first and second copy sheets when it is determined that the first and second copy sheets occupy adjacent pitches.

Abstract: A copier/finishing system is disclosed as having one or more copy sheet compiling bins whereat copy sheets are collated into copy sets preparatory to a binding operation. In order to support copy sets being moved from one or more bins to a binding station to be stitched or stapled, there is disclosed a copy set support apparatus which supports each copy set being so moved and which is quickly withdrawn to permit the bound copy set to fall by gravity into a set collecting tray.

Abstract: Automatically feeding document pages into registration over the conventional platen of a copier wherein the document pages comprise single page individual sheets and plural page connected unseparated segments of elongate computer forms webs, comprising: feeding the first document page automatically to the platen and registering it in an individual sheet document mode regardless of whether the first document page is an individual sheet or the first page of an elongate computer forms web; automatically sensing whether a computer forms web was so fed to the platen by sensing whether the document length exceeds a preset length and that said document has sprocket holes; and then automatically switching from said individual sheet document mode to a computer forms web document mode for the feeding and registering of subsequent document pages of a computer forms web in response to said sensing of a computer forms web, wherein in said computer forms web document mode the subsequent computer forms web page feeding and

Abstract: A control system for a copier having at least one stapler for inhibiting the start of production by the copier in the event the number of staples is less than the number of copy sets to be stapled with the stapler. The system includes a sensing device adapted to produce a low staple signal when an approximated predetermined number of staples remain. The presence of this signal will permit continuation of the compilation of the copy set then being produced, or the compilation of copy sets in a sorter array associated with the copier and stapling thereof, and then inhibit the restart of the copier thereafter.

Abstract: A fastening apparatus having two or more stapling devices and drives for moving either of the devices selectively to permit selective positioning of staples before a stapling operation. An indication system cooperates with the drives for operator use in selecting the positioning of staples for different sizes of sheets to be fastened.

Abstract: A staple loading arrangement for feeding sticks of staples in a stapler magazine under a constant, uniform force imposed upon a staple follower in the magazine to present individual staples to a stapling position whereat sheets are stapled and including a drive mechanism which will provide this force and a retraction device which when retracting the follower to permit staple loading also conditions the force producing device for another cycle of providing force after staples have been loaded into the magazine.