Abstract: There is provided a structure in which a phosphorus-nickel layer, a rich phosphorus nickel layer that contains phosphorus or boron higher than this phosphorus-nickel layer, a nickel-tin ally layer, a tin-rich tin alloy layer, and a tin alloy solder layer are formed in sequence on an electrode. Accordingly, adhesiveness between a metal pattern used as the electrode, the wiring, or the pad and the solder can be improved.

Abstract: An integrated circuit having at least one electrical interconnect for connecting at least two components and a process for forming the same are disclosed. The integrated circuit comprises: a substrate, a plurality of adjacent conductive strips, a layer of dielectric material, and a conductive material. The substrate has a surface and the plurality of adjacent conductive strips is disposed on the substrate surface with each adjacent conductive strip having a length. The layer of dielectric material is deposited over the substrate surface and over and around the plurality of adjacent conductive strips to form at least two opposing, contoured, merging dielectric surfaces, each of which overhangs the substrate surface located between at least two of the plurality of adjacent conductive strips. The at least two opposing, contoured, merging dielectric surfaces define at least one elongated passageway which has at least one opening and is substantially encased therein and which extends along the length.

Abstract: A semiconductor packaging device comprises a carrier having at least a cavity or a slot thereon. At least a chip has a back surface and an active surface with a plurality of first bonding pads. The chip is affixed to the cavity to expose the active surface. A first insulating layer is on the active surface and the carrier, which comprises first plating through holes connected to first bonding pads and via the first insulating layer. A multi-layer structure is on the first insulating layer, which comprises conductive layout lines, second plating through holes therein, and a second insulating layer and exposed ball pads thereon. The first plating through holes are electrically connected with the conductive layout lines, the second plating through holes, and the exposed ball pads. A plurality of solder balls are affixed to the ball pads. Such architecture integrates the redistribution and fan-out process, which simplifies the conventional process for flip-chip ball grid array.

Abstract: The semiconductor device of the present invention comprises a substrate; at least one through hole formed through the substrate between front and back surfaces of the substrate; an electrical connection portion formed by a semiconductor process on at least one surface of the front and back surfaces of the substrate in a vicinity of an end opening of the through hole; an insulating layer formed of an organic material on an inside surface of the through hole; and an electroconductive layer formed on an inside surface of the insulating layer, wherein the electrical connection portion is electrically connected to the electroconductive layer to be electrically connected to a side of the other surface of the substrate.

Abstract: In the forms of a flip-chip package in which the contact elements of the chip are ultrasonically welded to the contact elements of the substrate, either the chip or the substrate or both are provided, prior to juxtaposition, with a bonding material which can be ultrasonically activated. During the ultrasonic welding process in which the contact elements of the chip and substrate are bonded together, the bonding material provides an additional attachment between the chip and substrate and eliminates the need for underfilling.

Abstract: An electronic circuit package includes a vertical package section (304, FIG. 3) electrically connected to a horizontal package section (306, FIG. 3). The vertical package section includes multiple conductive layers (512, 514, 516, FIG. 5) oriented in parallel with a vertical plane. A first set of bond pads (606, FIG. 6) on the vertical section's horizontal top surface (608, FIG. 6) can be connected to the bond pads (602, FIG. 6) of an integrated circuit (302, FIG. 3). A second set of bond pads (612, FIG. 6) on the vertical section's horizontal bottom surface (614, FIG. 6) can be connected to bond pads (616, FIG. 6) on the horizontal package section. The conductive layers of the vertical section perform a bond pad pitch conversion in a first direction, and conductive structures (906, 908, 910, FIG. 9) within the horizontal package section perform a bond pad pitch conversion in a second direction.

Abstract: An electronic circuit package includes a vertical package section (304, FIG. 3) electrically connected to a horizontal package section (306, FIG. 3). The vertical package section includes multiple conductive layers (512, 514, 516, FIG. 5) oriented in parallel with a vertical plane. A first set of bond pads (606, FIG. 6) on the vertical section's horizontal top surface (608, FIG. 6) can be connected to the bond pads (602, FIG. 6) of an integrated circuit (302, FIG. 3). A second set of bond pads (612, FIG. 6) on the vertical section's horizontal bottom surface (614, FIG. 6) can be connected to bond pads (616, FIG. 6) on the horizontal package section. The conductive layers of the vertical section perform a bond pad pitch conversion in a first direction, and conductive structures (906, 908, 910, FIG. 9) within the horizontal package section perform a bond pad pitch conversion in a second direction.

Abstract: A new package is provided for the mounting of IC devices. The IC die is bonded to metal traces contained in a flexible tape, the IC die with the flexible tape is attached to a stiffener (heat spreader), the various heat conducting interfaces are cured and solder balls are attached to another surface of the flexible tape.

Abstract: A semiconductor device of the present invention is provided with a bonding pad for connecting a gold wire which serves as a bonding wire. Bonding pad is formed on a flat surface of an insulating layer, and has a plurality of recesses in a connection region of bonding pad to which a ball portion is connected. Thereby, it is possible to obtain a semiconductor device which has a bonding pad having excellent bonding characteristics with a simple manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a disc-shaped optical recording medium is provided, according to which a disc-shaped substrate with no central hole is accurately and stable positioned, when the substrate is spin-coated. A circular recess is formed in the center of a non-coated surface opposite to the surface to be coated of the disc-shaped substrate in the spin-coating step, and a ring-shaped raised rim to fit with the circular recess is provided on the side of a substrate holding portion supporting the disc-shaped substrate during spin-coating. The ring-shaped raised rim is fitted with the circular recess, so that the disc-shaped substrate is accurately positioned and held during the spin-coating step.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated profiling the edge of successive optical disks, and including an optical disk supply assembly for holding a supply of optical disks to be profiled, a turntable for receiving an optical disk to be profiled, and for reciprocating between an optical disk loading position and an optical disk profiling position. A clamping assembly is provided for clamping the optical disk in a stationary condition to the turntable during movement between the loading position and the profiling position. A profiling cutter profiles the edge of the optical disk into a predefined shape when the turntable is in the profiling position.

Abstract: Exemplary silicon carbide ceramic bodies are produced according to the invention. An exemplary ceramic body includes silicon carbide in major amounts and an organic gelation agent in a minor amount. An exemplary ceramic body exhibits sufficient density and hardness to function as body armor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for fabricating a concrete product in a slip-form casting process, in which method concrete mix is fed into slip-form mold of a defined cross section moving progressevely in the casting process so as to obtain a concrete product of a desired shape. The method is characterized by an interruptible guidance control of the prestressing tendons so as to allow the tendon guides to travel past supplementary parts such as reinforcing steels connected to the prestressing tendons.

Abstract: A high durability composite textile material, like a synthetic suede, is prepared according to a procedure that comprises the impregnation of micro-fibers non-woven fabric substrate with a polyurethane-polyurea solution. This polymer solution, is made by a pre-polymerization phase between diisocyanate and polyols, a dilution phase of the pre-polymer thus obtained and an extension step of the pre-polymer, the extension of the pre-polymer free isocyanate groups is carried out by means water addition.

Abstract: There is here disclosed a method for manufacturing a porous ceramic structure which can produce a high porosity ceramic structure as well as a low porosity ceramic structure without causing cracks at the time of firing.

Abstract: A method for preparation of a solid state electrochemical device having a cathode, and anode and an electrolyte positioned between the cathode and the anode is disclosed, comprising the steps of forming a controlled geometry feedrod having a cross sectional area, having at least a first extrusion compound and a second extrusion compound, and co-extruding the controlled geometry feed rod through a reduction die at least once to achieve a desired reduction in cross sectional area. Such microfabrication by thermoplastic co-extrusion enhances production of complex and multiphase electrodes and electrolytes.

Abstract: The method for reducing formaldehyde content and emission from particleboard according to the invention, where in particleboard manufacturing process carried out in a known standard way, with known run; with the application of known amino adhesive resins; with the addition of known hardening agents and/or possible addition of formaldehyde-bonding substances; pressing in stroke or continuous-run presses and cooling, characteristic in that particleboard after pressing, prior to cooling, is subjected to brief seasoning in 70-110° C. for several up to a few dozen hours, preferably from 8-16 hours, depending on the expected reduction rate of formaldehyde content and emission and applied manufacturing process parameters.

Abstract: Particulate materials are cold molded by preheating a binder and the material to be bound to a temperature of from 160 to 240° C., and then press molding at a temperature less than 80° C. and at a pressure of from 1 to 120 bar to give a molding, wherein the binder contains a polymer powder or aqueous polymer dispersion thereof, the polymer having a glass transition temperature Tg greater than 80° C. and a complex viscosity less than 15,000 Pa.s at 190° C., and derived from one or more comonomer units from the group of vinyl esters of optionally branched C1-18 alkylcarboxylic acids, (meth)acrylic esters of optionally branched C1-15 alcohols, dienes, olefins, vinylaromatics, and vinyl halides. The moldings exhibit excellent properties including resistance to sagging at elevated temperatures, and are recyclable.

Abstract: A process of making a protective composite wrap, which exhibits the ability to protect metallic objects from corrosion environments, wherein a first thermoplastic resin and a vapor corrosion inhibitor are blended into a homogenous blend, wherein the homogenous blend is extruded into continuous thermoplastic filaments, which are collected into a nonwoven fabric, wherein a second thermoplastic resin is extruded into a continuous thin film, and wherein the nonwoven fabric and the thin film are affixed into a face to face juxtaposition to form the protective composite wrap.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to the formulation of thermoplastic pellets from a combination of raw sludge material from a paper mill with thermoplastic material from post industrial or consumer sources. Initially, waste raw sludge material is transported via a conveyor to a dryer for removal of excess water. The waste thermoplastic material is preferably shredded into a desired size and transported to a densifier. The dried sludge is added to the densifier where the shredded thermoplastic material and dried sludge is suitably mixed with additive agents. The mixed sludge and shredded thermoplastic material is then transported to a grinder for grinding. The ground material is then transported to a hopper for introduction into an extruder. The ground combined material is then subjected to an extrusion process for the formulation of thermoplastic pellets having supplemental fibers to enhance the properties for use as starting material in an injection molding process.

Abstract: A method for making a spiral fuel body for a layered candle is disclosed. Layers of a non-liquid candle fuel are successively poured into a mold and cooled to a non-liquid state. The layers bond together in the mold, and are removed as a sheet of candle fuel, which is rolled into the spiral fuel body. Each layer is distinguishable from the other layer for the life of the candle by color, aroma, and thickness. A mold that can be used for making a rolled candle has obtuse sides for producing a tapered form to the candle.

Abstract: A method of making a polypropylene product for use in making films and preferably biaxially oriented films and more preferably biaxially oriented films wherein a tenter-frame processing line is employed. The method includes the addition of low concentrations of a nucleating system in a mini-random polypropylene that allows for better processability and improved tensile properties. In one embodiment the nucleating system comprises a blend of a monocarboxylic acid nucleating agent and dicarboxylic acid nucleating agent. The nucleating system is combined with the polypropylene material and the resultant hot melt blend is further processed into biaxially oriented film. Alternately, the hot melt blend is formed into a convenient raw material for later use in a biaxial oriented film production facility. The resulting films possess superior processing and material characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for manufacturing a mold with a reusable material. The apparatus having a heating basin, a pump for pumping the liquefied heat sensitive pliable substance out from the heating basin and into a cooler. The heat sensitive pliable substance is injected in a forming tool according to a definite path in order to form a mould.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to feed strand (30) through apertures (214) in bearing plates (60) and bulkheads (202) in a mold (62). A collar (210) can be attached to a rod (208) for limited motion relative thereto, including rotation relative the rod about its elongate axis. The end (96) of the strand (30) is received in a cylindrical receptacle (232) in the collar and the strand can then be used to push the rod, collar and strand through the apertures. A strand feeder rack (56) can be used to simultaneously fed a number of strands.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking a valve pin of a nozzle of an injection molding apparatus in an extended position includes a generally oblong detent coupled to a pin. The pin extends through an aperture located at a first end of the detent to secure the detent to an inner wall of a recess, which is located adjacent the piston-receiving cavity of the valve pin. The detent is pivotable about the pin to rotate a second end of the detent into abutment with a return surface of the piston to restrict movement of the valve pin.

Abstract: A method of this invention is an injection compression molding method of molding a thin molding, using an injection compression molding machine including: a pair of a movable mold and a stationary mold defining a molding space; a movable die plate on which the movable mold is mounted; a stationary die plate on which the stationary mold is mounted; an injection unit for injecting a molding material into the molding space; and a mold clamping unit for causing the movable die plate to move toward and away from the stationary die plate, capable of controlling a clamping pressure for pressing the movable die plate toward the stationary die plate while the injection unit is injecting the molding material into the molding space. This method includes a nonloaded flow step of controlling the mold clamping unit in such a manner that any resistance is not exerted substantially against flow of the molding material injected into the molding space by the injection unit, during the injecting step.

Abstract: A system and method for building three dimensional objects may adjust data used to build the objects to, for example, improve quality or correct for defects. A printer may, for example, accept data representing the object and modify the data according to an adjustment parameter; the printer may build the object according to the parameter. The parameter may be, for example, fixed in the printer, user entered, and/or calculated by the printer. In one embodiment, a support pedestal may be built of deposited material before the object is built.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a textile covered part in a plastic molding machine. A textile segment such as a piece of carpet is sprayed with a water mist prior to being loaded into the plastic molding machine. In a blow molding operation, a blow molding parison is loaded into the mold and expanded with compressed air to form the textile covered part. The machine includes a blow molding machine and a spray applicator that sprays water onto the textile segment prior to being loaded into the blow molding machine.

Abstract: A mold for use in blow molding has a first fixture and a second fixture. The fixtures correspond to typical mold halves or portions. The first fixture includes drive means, typically in the form of pins, while the second mold fixture has drive receiving means, typically in the form of holes, to receive the pins. When the second mold fixture is in registration with the first mold fixture, the pins or other drive means are extended to lock and locate the two fixtures together. Blow molding can then be carried out without the need of the typical blow molding presses.

Abstract: A mold assembly for blow molding plastic articles is provided having an upper mold member, a lower mold member and a lower support member. The lower mold member is preferably a relatively lightweight plate having a generally centrally located molding cavity matingly matched with an upper molding cavity in the upper mold member. The lower mold member is moved horizontally and optionally vertically beneath an extrusion head as a molten parison is extruded. The lower mold member is then transported to, and positioned within, the lower support member. The upper mold member is then closed over the lower mold member and lower support to close the mold assembly. The molten parison is then expanded in the mold cavity. After the molding operation, the plastic part may be removed and the lower mold member may be cooled by immersion in a cooling fluid. The apparatus to move the lower mold member during extrusion of the parison and to the molding station may be a robotic arm.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing hollow, fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite articles, such as a pressure vessel, is disclosed. The thermoplastic binder is chosen to bind the reinforcing fibers together, to provide strength, and to provide ease of manufacture. The method includes placing a preform with an inflatable core into a mold, pressurizing the inflatable core, and heating the mold to enable the thermoplastic binder to melt and distribute throughout the preform, binding the reinforcing fibers. The article is then cooled and removed from the mold, resulting in a hollow molded article. The inflatable core may be removed from the article and reused, or the core may become an integral part of the finished article.

Abstract: A method for continuously forming discrete hollow parts includes extruding at least one continuous stream of molten plastic. A plurality of mold segments are arranged such that one or more segments periodically close on the one or more streams of molten plastic and define discrete part forming cavities when closed. A pressure differential is created within the discrete part forming cavities to shape the molten plastic accordingly. Air or another gas is replenished within the discrete hollow parts either in the discrete part forming cavities, or nearly immediately upon discharge from the cavities. The discrete hollow parts are then cooled. The apparatus for forming discrete hollow parts in this manner has an extruder and a plurality of the mold segments including one or more segments that can be closed on the plastic stream or streams. The pressure differential is applied by the apparatus to the closed mold segments. The hollow part interior is replenished either by the apparatus or manually by an operator.

Abstract: A method processes a gel monolith comprising pores filled with liquid, an inner region, and an outer region. The method includes removing a portion of the liquid from the pores of the gel monolith while both the inner and outer regions of the gel monolith remain wet. The method further includes shrinking the volume of the gel monolith during the removal of a portion of the liquid, with the gel monolith becoming correspondingly more dense. The method further includes subsequently removing substantially all of the remaining liquid from the pores of the gel monolith. Subsequently removing substantially all of the remaining liquid includes modulating a temperature gradient between the outer region and the inner region.

Abstract: A process for producing a honeycomb structure, which comprises adding, to a particulate ceramic raw material, at least water and a dispersing agent, kneading the mixture to obtain a puddle, and extruding the puddle, wherein the dispersing agent is composed mainly of a fatty acid salt having a neutralization degree of 58% to less than 100%. The process allows production of a honeycomb structure of superior shape at a high productivity and can reduce the load acting on the extruder used.

Abstract: A ladle for containing molten material, particularly aluminum, and a method for forming the ladle. The ladle is formed from stainless steel, and particularly 10 gauge ASTM/ASI grade 304 stainless steel in plate form. The ladle is formed from pre-cut metal parts which are welded together using TIG welding on the inside seams and metal inert gas welding on the outside seams. The welds extend through the ladle walls and completely incorporate the ladle parts while being essentially free of cracks.

Abstract: An inline degassing apparatus for removing solid solution gases as well as nonmetallic inclusions from molten metal in a degassing container, to which the molten metal is continuously introduced for degassing operation and from which the degassed molten metal is continuously removed. A rotary diffusing device is arranged in the degassing container for generating bubbles of inert gas diffused into the molten metal, thereby entrapping solid solution gases as well as nonmetallic inclusions into the bubbles, which are then floated and separated. Heaters are provided, which extend, in a cantilever fashion, from a side wall of container at a position adjacent the bottom wall of the container substantially parallel to the bottom wall.

Abstract: A double rolling-lobe flexible member spring arrangement (2) includes two coaxial spring components (4a and 4b) which are arranged opposed to each other. The spring components essentially each include a rolling-lobe flexible member (6a and 6b) and respective roll-off pistons (8a and 8b). The two rolling-lobe flexible members (6 and 6b) define a common double rolling-lobe flexible member (6) and the two spring components (4a and 4b) have a common outer jacket (10). A reliable effective fixing of the flexible member (6) to the inner side of the outer jacket (10) is ensured. To provide this fixation, the double rolling-lobe flexible member (6) has a support ring (14) lying centrally on the inner side thereof and this support ring has a radial recess (16) on its periphery. The outer jacket (10) has a peripherally-extending raised portion at its inner periphery which engages into the recess (16) of the support ring (14) and defines a clamp contour.

Abstract: A hydraulically damping bush bearing is presented, in which an inner rubber mount, which comprises an essentially cylindrical or nearly cylindrical inner part (1) with an axial through hole (2), an outer sleeve (3) surrounding the inner part (1) as well as an elastomeric damping member (4), which is arranged between the inner part (1) and the outer sleeve (3) and is connected to them by vulcanization, is surrounded at its axial ends by chambers (5, 5′) for receiving a fluid damping agent, wherein the chambers (5, 5′) are formed by a hydraulic area, which is arranged separately around the rubber mount and which comprises a rigid channel carrier (6) pushed over the outer sleeve (3) of the rubber mount with a channel (7) for the flow-conducting connection of the chambers (5, 5′), an outer bush (8) supported axially on the channel carrier, and means (9, 9′) arranged axially on both sides of the rubber mount for closing the bush bearing, wherein the means (9, 9′) consist in their radi

Abstract: A hydraulic mount provides active control through the use of a rotary track assembly connecting a primary pumping chamber of the mount to a secondary fluid chamber. With low amplitude vibrations the fluid path remains open, providing low dynamic stiffness. For high amplitude vibrations, the fluid flow path is closed, providing a high level of dynamic stiffness. The rotary track assembly control is continuously variable offering a wide range of active control of hydraulic mount stiffness.

Abstract: An energy absorber comprises a helically coiled stores of at least partially yielding material that is drawn over a roller, or two rollers on perpendicular rotational axes, and securely fixed to a base that is attached to fragile structure such as a roof so that when an external force of sufficient size is applied to the roller or rollers through a connecting attachment eye the coil together with roller or rollers moves away from the attachment to the base whilst the coiled material is deployed over the roller or rollers. The absorber may be housed in a casing that is fixed to the base such that the strength of the fixing to the base is sufficient to withstand a pre-determined load after which the fixing fails and the housing moves with the coiled store providing protection for both the coiled store and fragile structure.

Abstract: In a motor-vehicle spring-strut support bearing for mounting a piston rod of the spring strut to a vehicle support element, the piston is mounted in the support element to a connecting element which is connected to the support element by an annular resilient spring element disposed between the connecting element and the support element and axial stops are provided including a spherically curved surface on the support element, which limit axial movement of the piston rod upon compression of the spring strut by a vehicle wheel in one direction and upon rebound of the wheel in the opposite direction, the arrangement providing a force-centering support of the spring strut piston rod on the spring strut support.

Abstract: A suction cup element for retaining plate-like elements, particularly for machines for working glass plates and the like, which comprises a suction cup body provided with a lower suction cup and an upper suction cup that delimit regions connected to a lower intake duct and to an upper intake duct, respectively, for connection to a vacuum source. A flow control element is further provided for controlling the lower intake duct so as to free the connection to the region delimited by the lower suction cup when the suction cup element is rested on the working surface.

Abstract: A clamp rod (5) is vertically movably inserted into a housing (3). The housing (3) has a lower end wall (3b) formed with a detecting hole (58) substantially concentrically with an axis of the clamp rod (5). The detecting hole (58) has a peripheral surface opened to provide at least one inlet hole (71, 72) for supplying compressed air. A detecting member (62) is vertically movably fitted into the detecting hole (58). The detecting member (62) has an outer peripheral surface provided with a closing surface (68) which closes an opening portion (71a, 72a) of the inlet hole (71, 72) and with a recess (69) which communicates the opening portion (71a, 72a) with the outside air. The clamp rod (5) has a downwardly oriented projection (5a). The projection (5a) is connected to the detecting member (62) so that it can make a relative movement radially.

Abstract: A multi-position swivel vise includes a base structure and a generally spherical vise ball which is movably and rotatably supported on the base structure. A crown is mounted on the base structure above the vise ball, and a jack device such as an hydraulic jack is mounted on the base structure below the vise ball, the jack device operative to elevate the vise ball into a contact position in contact with the crown such that the vise ball is releasably immobilized via frictional contact with the crown.

Abstract: An adjustable width wedge clamp apparatus (10) for use in locking channels having different dimensions wherein the apparatus (10) includes a base unit (11) comprising an elongated trapezoidal shaped base member (20) having an angled rear face (24) that slidably engages a complimentary angled face (39) on a wedge element (38) that depends downwardly from the intermediate portion (31) of a wedge body member (30) having a raised collar element (35) provided with a stepped shoulder bore (36) that is dimensioned to receive a locking screw member (40) and an apertured locking disk member (46) that slidably receives a portion of the locking screw member (40) to permit the wedge body member (30) to be laterally shifted relative to the base member (20).

Abstract: A sandwich board for erecting workpiece clamping devices has an upper plate forming a clamping surface provided with fastening bores and a lower plate forming a support surface. Support bodies are positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate. The support bodies are pin-shaped and are friction-welded to a first one of the upper and lower plates and glued to a second one of the upper and lower plates.

Abstract: A folding device of the present invention includes a fold plate and a fold roller pair for folding a sheet or a sheet stack conveyed thereto. A controller causes the fold roller pair to move back and forth while nipping the folded portion of the sheet or that of the sheet stack at its nip for thereby continuously exerting pressure on the folded portion. The fold roller pair is rotated in opposite directions for thereby sharpening the fold of the sheet or that of the sheet stack.

Abstract: A paper whose width is to be detected is placed on a base. Two limiting members that can move towards or away from each other are situated on the two sides of the paper. The limiting members are moved to make a physical contact with the side of the paper. In this state, a rotation angle detection sensor detects an angle based on positions of the limiting members and outputs a signal based on the angle and an auxiliary sensor judges presence or absence of the limiting members in a certain range and outputs a signal. A width detection sensor detects the width of the paper based on the signals output from the rotation angle detection sensor and the auxiliary sensor.

Abstract: A multi-function media eject system and method for operation particularly useful for ink jet printers. At the start of a print job, the media type and print format are determined. If the media is either banner paper or envelope, or if the print format is draft quality printing, wings and kickers of the eject system are disabled, so the media exits the printer without support from the wings or influence from the kickers.

Abstract: A sheet accumulating apparatus accumulates inputted sheets into a stack registered on all sides, wherein the sheets are controlled with minimum contact by components of the apparatus to minimize or eliminate smudging or marking of the sheets. The apparatus can be selectively adjusted to effect over-accumulation or under-accumulation, and can be adjusted to accommodate different sheet sizes. The apparatus comprises an accumulation section defining a sheet feed plane therethrough. An upper ramp is disposed upstream from the accumulation section and is movable into and out of the sheet feed plane. An upper retaining member is linked to the upper ramp and is movable into and out of the sheet feed plane in alternating relation to the upper ramp. A lower ramp is disposed below the upper ramp and is movable into and out of the sheet feed plane in alternating relation to the upper ramp.