Abstract: A bottom sheet separator-feeder for separating and forwarding sheets seriatim from the bottom of a stack of sheets to be fed. It comprises a stack tray defining a surface for supporting a stack of sheets to be fed, the tray having a depressed control portion in at least the front part of the surface. Vacuum feed belts are disposed in the pocket to pull the bottom sheet in the stack into the pocket and feed the sheet from beneath the stack. An air injection knife disposed adjacent the front of the tray injects air between the bottom sheet in the stack and the tray and between the bottom sheet and the remainder of sheets in the stack. Ramps are provided at the front ends of the tray at each side of the pocket for raising the lead edges of the sheets in the stack above the support surface to control multifeeds and misfeeds of downcurled sheets.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus in which resilient strips of plastic material are fixed at one end just below an exit slot of a feed arrangement for sheets or sets of sheets. The strips extend over a catch tray positioned below the exit slot. In use, the strips are deflected by an amount substantially proportional to the weight of sheets in the stack which they partially support, so that the top sheet in the stack is always at substantially the same height above the catch tray base. The leading edges of fed-out sheets or sets always encounter a support surface at a constant position whereby curling or rolling up of fed-out sheets or sets is prevented.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning material from a support surface and an electrostatographic reproduction apparatus employing it. The apparatus includes a cleaning blade having an edge positioned to contact the support surface. A recess is provided in the cleaning edge at at least one end thereof to prevent liquid developer from flowing around the end of the blade.