MODULAR SHEET OUTPUT SYSTEM FOR IMAGING APPARATUS

Abstract

A modular sheet output system includes a first tray and a sorter assembly including a transporter and a plurality of trays. The transporter has a primary transport path and a plurality of secondary transport paths branching from the primary transport path, each secondary transport path having an exit. The plurality of trays is coupled to the transporter, one tray of the plurality corresponding to each of the secondary transport path exits, wherein in a first mode the first tray is configured to couple to and to receive one or more developed sheets of imaging media from a turnaround mechanism, and in a second mode the first tray is configured to couple to the transporter so as to become one of the plurality of trays and the transporter is configured to couple to and receive one or more sheets of developed imaging media from the turnaround device, wherein the transporter is configured to transport each sheet along the primary transport path and to direct each sheet to a selected one of the plurality of trays via the corresponding secondary transport path.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the field of imaging, and in particular to an imaging apparatus employing an output system. More specifically, the invention relates to an imaging apparatus with a modular output system that provides efficient conversion from a single tray configuration to a sheet shorter configuration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Light sensitive photothermographic film is used in many applications, ranging from a standard photography apparatus to graphic arts to medical imaging systems. For example, laser imagers are widely used in the medical imaging field to produce visual representations on film of digital image data generated by magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT), and other types of scanners. Laser imagers typically include a media supply system, an exposure system, a processing system, and an output system.

In operation, the media supply system provides a sheet of photothermographic film along a transport path to the exposure unit, which subsequently exposes a desired latent image on the sheet. The exposed sheet is then moved along the transport path to the processing system which develops the exposed sheet though application of heat. The developed sheet is then moved along the transport path to the output system for access by a user. To create a compact system, the components of the laser imager are often arranged in a vertical fashion with the media supply system being positioned at the bottom and the output system being positioned on top of the unit. In such systems, a turnaround device is often employed to direct the developed sheet along the transport path from the processing system to the output system on top of the laser imager.

Output systems vary from a single output tray which receives and holds developed sheets from the turnaround to more costly and complex sorter assemblies which receive, stack, and collate developed sheets into a series of output trays. To reduce costs, users often initially opt for a single output tray and later choose to upgrade to a sorter assembly. Some imagers incorporate the single output tray as part of an upper cover which is replaced and discarded as part of the upgrade process. In other imagers, the original turnaround device is not compatible with the sort assembly and is replaces and discarded as part of the upgrade process. Replacing and discarding such components is time-consuming, costly, and wasteful.

While such systems may have achieved certain degrees of success in their particular applications, there is a need to provide an improved output system that provides efficient conversion from a single tray configuration to a sheet sorter configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a modular output system that provides efficient conversion from a non-sorter configuration to a sorter configuration.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular output system that eliminates discarding of components when converting from a non-sorter configuration to a sorter configuration.

These objects are given only by way of illustrative example, and such objects may be exemplary of one or more embodiments of the invention. Other desirable objectives and advantages inherently achieved by the disclosed invention may occur or become apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention is defined by the appended claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular sheet output system including a first tray and a sorter assembly including a transporter and a plurality of trays. The transporter has a primary transport path and a plurality of secondary transport paths branching from the primary transport path, each secondary transport path having an exit. The plurality of trays is coupled to the transporter, one tray of the plurality corresponding to each of the secondary transport path exits, wherein in a first mode the first tray is configured to couple to and to receive one or more developed sheets of imaging media from a turnaround mechanism, and in a second mode the first tray is configured to couple to the transporter so as to become one of the plurality of trays and the transporter is configured to couple to and receive one or more sheets of developed imaging media from the turnaround device, wherein the transporter is configured to transport each sheet along the primary transport path and to direct each sheet to a selected one of the plurality of trays via the corresponding secondary transport path.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating an example of an imaging apparatus employing a modular output system according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a block and schematic diagram of one embodiment of a modular output system in a non-sorter configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a portion of an exit tray according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a block and schematic diagram of one embodiment of a modular output system in a sorter configuration according to the present invention.

FIG.5 shows a block and schematic diagram illustrating an example operation of the modular output system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a block and schematic diagram illustrating an example operation of the modular output system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 shows a block and schematic diagram illustrating an example operation of the modular output system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of an idler wheel assembly and diverter according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of an idler wheel assembly and diverter according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a modular output system according to embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference being made to drawings in which the same reference numerals identify the same elements of structure in each of the several figures.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating generally an example of an imaging apparatus 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, imaging apparatus 30 comprises a medical image reproduction system. Imaging apparatus 30 includes a media supply system 32 containing sheets of unexposed photothermographic imaging media, an exposure system 34, a processing system 36, a turnaround mechanism 38, and an output system 40. In one embodiment, media source 42 comprises one or more media cassettes, each containing a stack of sheets of unexposed photothermographic imaging media, and includes a pickup assembly for removing individual sheets from the cassettes.

In operation, media supply system 32 provides an individual sheet of unexposed photothermographic imaging media, such as sheet 42, along a transport path 44 to exposure system 34. Exposure system 34 subsequently exposes a desired image on sheet 42 based on data representative of the desired image (e.g. digital or analog) to form a latent image of the desired image on sheet 42. In one embodiment, exposure unit 34 comprises a laser exposure unit which exposes the latent image on sheet 42 via image data-based modulation of a laser scanning module. Exposed sheet 42 is moved along transport path 44 to processing system 36 which heats exposed sheet 42 to thermally develop the latent image. In one embodiment, processing system 36 comprises a drum and flatbed type thermal processor, such as known to those skilled in the art.

Turnaround mechanism 38 receives and redirects developed sheet 42 along transport path 44 to output system 40 which receives and stores one or more developed sheets, such as sheet 42 for access by a user of imaging apparatus 30. As will be described in greater detail below, output system 40, according to embodiments of the present invention, is a modular system which provides efficient conversion from a single tray configuration to a sheet sorter for stacking and collating developed sheets of imaging media. An example of an imaging apparatus similar to that described above by imaging apparatus 30 and suitable to be configured for use with output system 40 according to embodiments of the present invention is described by U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,971 to Star et al., which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIG. 2 is a block and schematic diagram showing portions of imaging apparatus 30 and illustrating output system 40 in a first mode or non-sorter configuration according to embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated by FIG. 2, processing system 36 includes a driven roller pair 46 that delivers developed sheet 42 to turnaround mechanism 38 along transport path 44. Turnaround mechanism 38 includes media guides 48 and 50, and at least one driven roller pair 52. A portion of turnaround mechanism 38, including media guide 50 and driven roller pair 52, is contained substantially within a housing 54 which is positioned above a surface 56 of imaging apparatus 30.

Media guides 48 and 50 turn and direct sheet 42 to driven roller pair 52 which discharges sheet 42 through an exit 58 in housing 54 so as to deliver sheet 42 to output system 40. In one embodiment, turnaround mechanism 38 delivers sheet 42 at an output angle 59 relative to surface 56 of imaging apparatus 30. In one embodiment, transport path 44 is substantially parallel with surface 56 prior to turnaround mechanism 38, and turnaround mechanism 38 is configured to turn sheet 42 approximately 160-degrees, such that output angle 59 is approximately 20 degrees relative to surface 56. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, surface 56 is an upper surface of imaging apparatus 30 and is substantially horizontal, such that output angle 59 is relative to horizontal.

As illustrated by FIG. 2, in the non-sorter configuration, modular output system 40 comprises a single or first exit tray 60. First exit tray 60 includes a first end 62 which is configured to couple to housing 54 of turnaround mechanism 38 below exit 58. In one embodiment, first end 62 couples to housing 54 such that first exit tray is approximately at output angle 59 and substantially parallels sheet 42 as it is discharged from exit 58.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of first end 62 of first exit tray 60 of FIG. 2. In one embodiment, first end 62 includes a flange 64 having a notch 66 which is configured to slidably insert about a mounting pin 68 of turnaround mechanism 38. First exit tray 60 further includes a set screw 70 which is used to couple flange 64 to turnaround mechanism 38 after notch 66 is inserted about mounting pin 68.

Returning to FIG. 2, as sheet 42 is discharged from exit 58, sheet 42 drops to and is held by first exit tray 60. First exit tray 60 has a transport direction length configured to accommodate a longest length of sheet processed by imaging apparatus 30 when imaging apparatus 30 is configured to process multiple sizes of sheets. In one embodiment, first exit tray 60 includes a guard or stop 71 extending from a longitudinal edge adjacent to a rear side of imaging apparatus 30 to prevent developed sheets of sliding off the rear side of imaging apparatus 30.

FIG. 4 is a block and schematic diagram showing portions of imaging apparatus 30 and illustrating modular output system 40 in a second mode or sorter configuration according to embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated by FIG. 4, output system 40 includes a sheet transporter 80 and a series of parallel exit trays, including exit trays 82, 84, 86, and 88. When the sorter configuration of output system 40 is desired, first exit tray 60 is decoupled from turnaround mechanism 38, and sheet transporter 80 is coupled to turnaround mechanism 38 and upper surface 56 of imaging apparatus 30. Additionally, first exit tray 60 is coupled to sheet transporter 80 so as to be one of the series of exit trays. First exit tray 60 is coupled to sheet transporter 80 using notch 66 and set screw 70 and in a fashion similar to that in which it is coupled to turnaround mechanism 38 (see FIG. 3). Although illustrated as being in a first position in the series of exit trays, it is noted that first exit tray 60 may be installed at any position in the series of exit trays.

In one embodiment, each of the exit trays 60, 82, 84, 86, and 88 is positioned at a tray angle 89 relative to upper surface 56 of imaging apparatus 30. In one embodiment, exit trays 60, 82, 84, 86, and 88 are positioned such that tray angle 89 is substantially equal to 55-degrees.

Sheet transporter 80 includes two sets of driven roller pairs 90, 92 and a series of sets of low-inertia idler wheel assemblies 94, 96, 98, and 100 which form a primary transport path 102 (indicated by dashed line) extending in a planar fashion from an entrance 104 in a housing 106 of sheet transporter 80. Sheet transporter 80 is coupled to turnaround mechanism 38 and upper surface 56 of imaging apparatus 30 such that entrance 104 is adjacent to and aligns with exit 58 in housing 54 of turnaround mechanism 38. A media guide 110 and a driven roller pair 112 form a secondary transport path to first exit tray 60, a media guide 114 and a driven roller pair 116 form a secondary transport path to exit tray 82, a media guide 118 and a driven roller pair 120 form a secondary transport path to exit tray 84, a media guide 122 and a driven roller pair 124 form a secondary transport path to exit tray 86, and a media guide 126 and a driven roller pair 128 form a secondary transport path to exit tray 88.

In one embodiment, imaging apparatus 30 includes an operator interface 72 through which an operator can select which exit tray(s) will be employed as output destinations for developed sheets 42 received from processor 36 via turnaround mechanism 38. Also, in one embodiment, when mounting sheet transport assembly 80 to imaging apparatus 30, a drive roller 74 is coupled to a drive system (not shown) of turnaround system 38 with a drive belt 76 (see also FIG. 8 below). Drive roller 74 is, in turn, coupled to and drives driven roller pairs 90, 92, 112, 116, 120, 124, and 128. Additionally, although not illustrated herein, sheet transporter 80 includes a wiring harness comprising power and control circuits is plugged into a circuit board manager of imaging apparatus 30 to electrically couple modular output system 40 to imaging apparatus 30.

Idler wheel assembly sets 94, 96, 98, and 100 are respectively positioned proximate to media guides 110, 114, 118, and 122 and at a position where the corresponding secondary transport path branches from primary transport path 102. A series of diverters 130, 132, 134, and 136 are respectively coupled to the upper idler wheel assembly of idler wheel assembly pairs 94, 96, 98, and 100, with each diverter being moveable between a deflect position and a bypass position. An example of an idler wheel assembly and diverter configuration are described in greater detail below by FIG. 8 and 9. It is noted that in FIG. 4, diverter 130 is shown in the deflect position while diverters 132, 134, and 136 are shown in the bypass position. It is also noted that no diverter is associated with the final exit tray position (i.e. exit tray 88).

When in the deflect position, each of the diverters is configured to block primary transport path 102 and deflect a sheet of imaging media, such as sheet 42, to the secondary transport path and exit tray corresponding to the diverter. When in the bypass position, the diverter blocks the corresponding secondary transport path and allows a sheet of imaging media to travel along primary transport path 102. As will be described in greater detail below, in addition to deflecting a sheet of imaging media when in the deflect position, first diverter 130 is configured to deflect and direct a sheet of imaging media received from turnaround mechanism 38 via entrance 104 to primary transport path 102 when in the bypass position.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate examples of the operation of modular output system 40 in the sorter configuration as shown in FIG. 4 above. FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of modular output system 40 when the first position (i.e. first exit tray 60) is selected as the destination for a developed sheet 42 processed by imaging apparatus 30. As illustrated by FIG. 5, first diverter 130 in the deflect position and blocks primary transport path 102 while diverters 132, 134, and 136 are in the bypass position. As sheet 42 is discharged from turnaround mechanism 38 by driven roller pair 52 and enters transporter 80 via entrance 104, diverter 130 deflects sheet 42 to media guide 110 which, in turn, directs sheet 42 to driven roller pair 112. Driven roller pair 112 engages and discharges sheet 42 to first exit tray 60.

With further reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, sheet 42 is discharged from turnaround mechanism 38 and enters sheet transporter 80 via entrance 104 at output angle 59 and exit trays 60, 82, 84, 86, and 88 are positioned at tray angle 89, each angle being relative to upper surface 56. As described above, in one embodiment, output angle 59 is approximately equal to 20-degrees and tray angle 89 is approximately equal to 55-degrees. As such, when in the deflected position, as illustrated by FIG. 5, first diverter 130 and media guide 110 are configured to deflect sheet 42 upward by 35-degrees from input angle 59 so that sheet 42 travels at an angle substantially equal to the 55-degree tray angle 89 and is parallel to first exit tray 60.

FIG. 6 illustrates the operation of modular output system 40 in the sorter configuration when the second position (i.e. exit tray 82) is selected as the destination for sheet 42. As illustrated by FIG. 6, diverter 132 is in the deflect position and blocks primary transport path 102 while diverters 130, 134, and 136 are in the bypass position. However, as mentioned above, when in the bypass position, first diverter 130 is configured to deflect sheet 42 from output angle 59 to primary transport path 102 as it enters sheet transporter 80 from turnaround mechanism 38 such that sheet 42 is substantially parallel to upper surface 56 of imaging apparatus 30. As such, in one embodiment, when input angle 59 is approximately equal to 20-degress, first diverter 130 is configured to deflect sheet 42 downward by approximately 20-degrees and direct sheet 42 through idler roller assembly set 94 and onto primary transport path 102.

As sheet 42 is driven along primary transport path 102, diverter 132 deflects sheet 42 to media guide 114 which, in turn, directs sheet 42 to driven roller pair 116. Driven roller pair 116 engages and discharges sheet 42 to exit tray 82. In one embodiment, when tray angle 89 is approximately equal to 55-degrees, diverter 132 and media guide 114 together deflect sheet 42 upward by approximately 55-degrees, relative to upper surface 56, such that sheet 42 is substantially parallel to exit tray 82 as it is discharged from driven roller pair 116.

It is noted that the operation of sheet transport 80 and diverters 134 and 136 when exit trays 84 and 86 are respectively selected as the destination for a developed sheet 42 is similar to that described above with respect to diverter 132.

FIG. 7 illustrates the operation of modular output system 40 in the sorter configuration when the final position (i.e. exit tray 88) is selected as the destination for sheet 42. As described above, there is no diverter associated with exit tray 88. As such, as illustrated by FIG. 7, each of the diverters 130, 132, 134, and 136 are in the bypass position. However, as described above with respect to FIG. 6, when in the bypass position, first diverter 130 is configured to deflect sheet 42 from output angle 59 to primary transport path 102 as it enters sheet transporter 80 from turnaround mechanism 38 such that sheet 42 is substantially parallel to upper surface 56 of imaging apparatus 30. As sheet 42 is driven along primary transport path 102 by at least driven roller pairs 90 and 92, media guide 126 deflects and directs sheet 42 to driven roller pair 128.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing portions of sheet transporter 80 of FIG. 4, including idler wheel assembly pair 94 and diverter 130. Idler wheel assembly pair 94 includes a lower idler wheel assembly 94a and an upper idler wheel assembly 94b. As will be illustrated in greater detail below by FIG. 9, idler wheel assembly 94b includes a plurality of low-inertia idler wheels, such as idler wheel 140 which are mounted on and free to rotate about a shaft 142. Similarly, idler wheel assembly 94a includes a plurality of low-inertia idler wheels, such as idler wheel 144 mounted on a shaft 146.

Diverter 130 is coupled to shaft 142 and is rotated between the deflect and bypass positions by rotation of shaft 142. It is noted that diverter 130 is shown in the deflect position in FIG. 8. Diverter 130 has an upper surface 150 and a lower surface 152. Upper surface 150 deflects sheet 42 to media guide 110 when diverter 130 is in the deflect position, and lower surface 152 deflects sheet 42 to primary transport path 102 when diverter 130 is in the bypass position.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an upper idler wheel assembly having a diverter coupled thereto, such as idler roller assembly 94b of idler roller assembly pair 94. As illustrated, diverter 130 comprises a plurality diverters, illustrated as diverters 160, 162, 164, and 166 mounted in a spaced fashion along shaft 142. Low-inertia idler wheels 140, 170, 172, and 174 are mounted along shaft 142 and are located such that each diverter 160, 162, 164, and 166 is flanked by and idler wheel. As sheet 42 is deflected by diverters 160, 162, 164, and 166, sheet 42 eventually rides onto and travels on the surfaces of idler wheels 140, 170, 172, and 174, each of which rotates about shaft 142 as sheet 42 passes. Supporting and transporting sheet 42 via idler wheels 140, 170, 172, and 174, rather than diverters 160, 162, 164, and 166 reduces the potential for scratching of developed sheet 42 as it passes.

Although the above descriptions of FIGS. 8 and 9 are directed to idler wheel assembly pair 94 and diverter 130, the description also applies to idler wheel assembly pairs 96, 98 and 100 and associated diverters 132, 134, and 136. Additionally, one embodiment of an idler wheel assembly suitable to be configured for use with idler wheel assembly pairs 94, 96, 98 and 100 is described by U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/502,095, titled “IMAGING APPARATUS WITH TRANSPORT SYSTEM EMPLOYING SNAP-ON IDLER WHEEL” by Gilbertson, filed on Aug. 10, 2006, and which is assigned to the same assignee as the present invention and is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of modular output system 40, according to the embodiments of the present invention, as installed in the sorter configuration on the upper surface 56 of a imaging apparatus 30.

In summary, modular output system 40, according to embodiments of the present invention, can be converted from a non-sorter configuration to a sorter configuration without requiring a replacement of or modifications to turnaround mechanism 38. As such, manufacturing of associated imaging apparatus 30 is simplified since each imaging apparatus 30 can be manufactured and tested as a non-sorter machine, with the option to convert to a sorter configuration at a later date. Additionally, employing fist exit tray 60 in both the non-sorter and sorter configurations eliminates the discarding of unused components.

A computer program product may include one or more storage medium, for example; magnetic storage media such as magnetic disk (such as a floppy disk) or magnetic tape; optical storage media such as optical disk, optical tape, or machine readable bar code; solid-state electronic storage devices such as random access memory (RAM), or read-only memory (ROM); or any other physical device or media employed to store a computer program having instructions for controlling one or more computers to practice the method according to the present invention.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to a presently preferred embodiment, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.

PARTS LIST

• 30 Laser Imaging Apparatus
• 32 Media Supply System
• 34 Exposure System
• 36 Processing System
• 38 Turnaround Mechanism
• 40 Output system
• 42 Sheet of Imaging Media
• 44 Transport Path
• 46 Driven Roller Pair
• 48 Media Guide
• 50 Media Guide
• 52 Driven Roller Pair
• 54 Housing
• 56 Surface of Imaging Apparatus
• 58 Housing Exit
• 59 Output Angle
• 60 First Exit Tray
• 62 First End of Exit Tray
• 64 Flange
• 66 Notch
• 68 Mounting Pin
• 70 Set Screw
• 72 Operator Interface
• 74 Drive Roller
• 76 Drive Belt
• 80 Sheet Transporter
• 82 Exit Tray
• 84 Exit Tray
• 86 Exit Tray
• 88 Exit Tray
• 89 Tray Angle
• 90 Driven Roller Pair
• 92 Driven Roller Pair
• 94 Idler Wheel Assembly Pair
• 94a Lower Idler Wheel Assembly
• 94b Upper Idler Wheel Assembly
• 96 Idler Wheel Assembly Pair
• 98 Idler Wheel Assembly Pair
• 100 Idler Wheel Assembly Pair
• 102 Primary Transport Path
• 104 Entrance
• 106 Housing
• 110 Media Guide
• 112 Driven Roller Pair
• 114 Media Guide
• 116 Driven Roller Pair
• 118 Media Guide
• 120 Driven Roller Pair
• 122 Media Guide
• 124 Driven Roller Pair
• 126 Media Guide
• 128 Driven Roller Pair
• 130 Diverter
• 132 Diverter
• 134 Diverter
• 136 Diverter
• 140 Idler Wheel
• 142 Shaft
• 144 Idler Wheel
• 146 Shaft
• 150 Upper Surface of Diverter
• 152 Lower Surface of Diverter
• 160 Diverter
• 162 Diverter
• 164 Diverter
• 166 Diverter
• 170 Idler Wheel
• 172 Idler Wheel
• 174 Idler Wheel

Claims

1. A modular output system for use with an imaging apparatus, comprising:

a first tray; and

a sorter assembly including:

a transporter having a primary transport path and a series of selectable secondary transport paths branching from the primary transport path, each secondary transport path having an output; and

a series of trays, with each tray configured to couple to the transporter at a corresponding one of the secondary transport path outputs; wherein in a first mode of the modular output system the first tray is configured to couple to and receive developed sheets from the imaging apparatus, and in a second mode of the modular output system the first tray is configured to couple to the transporter so as to be one of the series of trays and the transporter is configured to couple to and receive developed sheets from the imaging apparatus, and wherein the transporter is configured to transport each sheet along the primary transport path and to direct each sheet to a selected one of the secondary transport paths and corresponding tray.

2. The modular output system of claim 1, wherein the primary transport path comprises a plurality of driven roller pairs and each secondary transport path comprises a driven roller pair, and wherein the transporter includes a belt which is configured to couple to a drive system of the imaging apparatus such that the plurality of driven roller pairs of the primary transport path and the driven roller pair of each secondary transport path is driven by the imaging apparatus via the belt.

3. The modular output system of claim 1, wherein the sorter assembly includes a wiring harness configured to couple to the imaging apparatus via which the sorter assembly receives electrical power and control signals from the imaging apparatus.

4. The modular output system of claim 1, wherein the transporter is configured to couple to an upper surface of the imaging apparatus such that the primary transport path is substantially horizontal.

5. The modular output system of claim 4, wherein the first tray is positioned at a first angle relative to horizontal in the first mode of the modular output system and at a second angle, which is greater than the first angle, in the second mode of the modular output system.

6. A sheet output system comprising:

a transporter including:

an entrance;

a primary transport path extending in a planar fashion from the entrance;

a series of selectable secondary transport paths, each branching at an exit angle from the primary transport path and having an output, including a first secondary transport path nearest to the entrance and a last secondary transport path further from the entrance; and

a series of diverters, one positioned where each but the last secondary transport path branches from the primary transport path, including a first diverter corresponding to the first secondary transport path, wherein the transporter is configured to receive a sheet via the entrance at an input angle relative to the primary transport path which is less than the exit angle, and wherein the first diverter is configured to increase the input angle and direct the sheet to the first secondary transport path when the first secondary transport path is selected as an output destination and to decrease the input angle and direct the sheet to the primary transport path when a secondary transport path other than first secondary transport path is selected as an output destination; and

a series of trays coupled to the transporter with one tray being positioned at the output of each secondary transport path.

7. The sheet output system of claim 6, wherein each diverter is moveable between a deflect position and a bypass position, where the diverter is configured to move to the deflect position and deflect a sheet to the corresponding secondary transport path when the corresponding secondary transport path is selected and is configured to move to the bypass position and block the corresponding secondary transport path when a secondary transport path other than the corresponding secondary transport path is selected.

8. The sheet output system of claim 6, wherein each secondary transport path comprises a driven roller pair which forms the output and a media guide positioned between the driven roller pair and the primary transport path.

9. The sheet output system of claim 8, wherein the input angle is approximately 20 degrees and wherein the exit angle is approximately 55-degrees, and wherein the first diverter and media guide of the first secondary transport path together deflect a sheet so as to increase the input angle by approximately 35-degrees relative to the primary transport path when the first secondary transport path is selected as an output destination so that the sheet travels at an angle substantially equal to the exit angle.

10. The sheet output system of claim 6, wherein media guide of the last secondary transport path is curved so as to redirect a sheet from the primary transport path by an angle substantially equal to the exit angle and direct the sheet to the corresponding driven roller pair.

11. The sheet output system of claim 6, wherein the input angle is approximately 20-degrees, and wherein the first diverter is configured to deflect a sheet so as to decrease the input angle by approximately 20-degrees relative to the primary transport path when a secondary transport path other than the first secondary transport path is selected as an output destination so that the sheet travels along and substantially parallel to the primary transport path.

12. The sheet output system of claim 6, wherein the transporter includes at least one idler wheel assembly positioned where each but the last secondary transport path branches from the primary transport path, wherein each idler wheel assembly comprises a plurality of idler wheels which are spaced along and free to rotate about a shaft, and wherein the shaft is positioned laterally across and forms a portion of the primary transport path.

13. The sheet output system of claim 12, wherein each diverter is coupled to the shaft of the idler wheel assembly positioned at the corresponding secondary transport path.

14. The sheet output system of claim 13, wherein each diverter comprises a plurality of diverters positioned in a spaced fashion along the shaft, wherein diverter of the plurality of diverters is positioned between a pair of idler wheels such that a sheet rides, after being deflected by the diverter, is separated from the diverter by the idler wheels and transported and supported on the idler wheels.

15. The sheet output system of claim 8, wherein each diverter, except for the first diverter, and media guide of the corresponding secondary transport path together deflect a sheet from the primary transport path at an angle substantially equal to the exit angle.

16. The sheet output system of claim 15, wherein the exit angle is substantially equal to 55-degrees.

17. An imaging apparatus comprising:

a turnaround mechanism outputting developed sheets of imaging media; and

a modular output system including:

a first tray; and

a sorter assembly including:

a transporter having a primary transport path and a series of selectable secondary transport paths branching from the primary transport path, each secondary transport path having an output; and

a series of trays, with each tray configured to couple to the transporter at corresponding one of the secondary transport path outputs, one tray of the plurality positioned at each secondary transport path output; wherein in a first mode of the modular output system the first tray is configured to couple to and receive developed sheets of imaging media from the turnaround mechanism, and in a second mode of the modular output system the first tray is configured to couple to the transporter so as to be one of the series of trays and the transporter is configured to couple to and receive developed imaging sheets from the turnaround mechanism, and wherein the transporter is configured to transport each sheet along the primary transport path and to direct each sheet to a selected one of the secondary transport paths and corresponding tray.

18. The imaging apparatus of claim 17, wherein the series of selectable secondary transport paths includes a first secondary transport path closest to the turnaround mechanism and a last secondary transport path furthest from the turnaround mechanism and each secondary transport path branches at an exit angle from the primary transport path, and wherein the sorter assembly includes:

a series of diverters, one positioned where each but the last secondary transport path branches from the primary transport path, including a first diverter corresponding to the first secondary transport path, wherein the transporter is configured to receive a sheet from the turnaround mechanism at an input angle relative to the primary transport path which is less than the exit angle, and wherein the first diverter is configured to increase the input angle and direct the sheet to the first secondary transport path when the first secondary transport path is selected as an output destination and to decrease the input angle and direct the sheet to the primary transport path when a secondary transport path other than first secondary transport path is selected as an output destination.

19. The imaging apparatus of claim 18, wherein the transporter couples to the turnaround and to an upper surface of the imaging apparatus in the second mode of the modular output system such that the primary transport path is substantially horizontal and parallels the upper surface.

20. The imaging apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first tray is positioned substantially at the input angle relative to the upper surface in the first mode of the modular output system and each tray of the series of trays, including the first tray, is substantially at the exit angle relative to the upper surface in the second mode of the modular output system.