Abstract: A reproduction machine with a paper path along which copy sheets are brought one by one into transfer relation with a photoreceptor to receive a developed image, the copy sheets being supplied from either a main or auxiliary paper tray which feeds sheets at a predetermined clock count in synchronization with the operation of the machine, a program permitting the current clock count of a selected tray to be determined and compared with a desired optimum clock count window stored in memory, with adjustment of the clock count made when the current clock count of the selected tray is outside the optimum clock count window to bring paper tray timing within the window, but prevented where the current clock count is outside preset maximum and minimum clock counts.

Abstract: A paddle wheel feeder includes a paddle wheel having a foam hub with at least three blades molded therein. The paddle wheel is mounted to be rotatably driven by a shaft having a Geneva mechanism attached thereto which causes the paddle wheel to stop just before one of the blades contacts the top sheet in a stack and then accelerate to drive the sheet forward. For normal force optimization, internal springs are located inside each paddle of the wheel is one embodiment and a thick bladed foam paddle wheel is utilized in another embodiment with each blade having a coating of high friction material.

Abstract: A composition is described for use on the surface of separating members or devices used in separating superposed sheets. Good sheet separation is obtained without delamination of the sheets when microcellular elastomeric materials having a hardness of at least 25 durometer are used as the surface material of the sheet separating devices. The sheet separating devices having the described surface material, have utility as retarding rolls and abutment members in sheet feeders, such as in xerographic apparatus.