Abstract: Packaging used to hold and ship consumer products may include components having complementary edges that are coupled together when the packaging is assembled. The packaging may also display a product in an aesthetically appealing way by holding the product in way that makes it appear as if the product is “floating.” The packaging may be made of recyclable and/or biodegradable material, such as molded fiber paper material that reduces the environmental impact of the packaging.

Abstract: A storage bin includes a container portion and a two-piece lid mechanism. The two-piece lid mechanism has a front lid portion that covers the front part of the container portion and a rear lid portion that covers the rear area of the container portion. When the front lid portion is opened, the rear lid portion slides along the top surface of the front lid portion while the front lid portion fits rotatably underneath the rear lid portion in such a way that when the front lid portion and the rear lid portion are completely opened, the lid portions do not extend above the top plane surface of the two-piece lid mechanism. The storage bin may be mounted within a recess in the inner wall of a refrigerator door.

Abstract: A package comprises a latch including first and second legs and an actuating portion. The first and second legs are joined at an angle. The actuator portion of the first leg is positioned to be displaced generally laterally to displace the second leg generally longitudinally to release the latch. In another embodiment the package has base wells on the inside surface. A generally flat marginal sealing surface encircles the first and second base wells. The wells of the base and/or lid are covered with a cover sheet to close them. Still another embodiment is a child-resistant container comprising a shell, two drawers, a stop, and a latch. The drawers are prevented from sliding apart past a limit of travel when one drawer is open sufficiently to provide access to its contents and the other drawer is not.

Abstract: A pack having an opening region provided in the top of the pack which forms a pouring opening after it is cut through by an applied pouring element, the pouring element including a base body, a cutting element arranged movably therein, and a screw cap, the screw cap being used for first opening of the pack by actuating the cutting element and for reclosure, and the opening region having a weakened line. The weakened line has a round first section and a second section. The first time the composite pack is opened by moving the cutting element, the weakened line is cut in the first section and tears in the second section.

Abstract: A stopper with a built in light characterized in that it is formed from a standard stopper (1) preferably made in cork, to which an inner hollow has been carved inside (2) so that it can house an air tight cylindrical capsule (4) with a rounded top part and within which a battery (5), an electronic circuit (6) and a light providing LED (7) can be found being this air tight capsule (4) sealed on the bottom by a see through glass pane (9).

Abstract: A support assembly can provide support for an object suspended within an exterior container by wrapping around the object in attaching to opposite inner surfaces of the exterior container. To support the object, a first attachment member can be attached to a first side of the exterior housing, and a body can wrap entirely about a perimeter of the object. At least a portion of the support assembly can extend through an opening of the body at least partially overlap itself. Beyond the region of the overlap, a second attachment member can be attached to a second side of the exterior housing.

Abstract: A pouch container (1) for a food product, a filled container, and a method of filling are described. The container (1) comprises a sheet containment material configured surroundingly and sealingly to define a food containment volume, at least one closure seam (7) provided within the volume between paired opposing surfaces of the said sheet containment material to divide the containment volume into two food compartments (8,9) suitable to contain food product in use, wherein the said closure seam (7) has a pressure sensitive apertured portion (14) adapted to be closed at ambient pressure but to open when an internal pressure differential between the compartments reaches a predetermined point.

Abstract: A storage case for electronic devices such as cell phones or laptop computers that is fully insulated to protect the electronic device contained within the storage device from long term (several hours) exposure to heat or cold.

Abstract: Transport of containers for biologic products in secure thermal isolation may be facilitated by a containment apparatus. The containment apparatus may include a first component and a second component. The first component may comprise one or more sidewalls that may form an enclosed volume of the first component. The enclosed volume may be fluidly sealed from an environment surrounding the first component and at least partially filled with cooling media. The first component may comprise one or more recessed wells configured to receive at least part of individual containers. At least part of individual recessed wells may come into contact with cooling media within the enclosed volume to facilitate heat transfer between the cooling media and individual containers disposed in individual recessed wells.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing energy cells having a housing with spaced front and rear walls, side walls and a top and a bottom to form an enclosure for containing energy cells. An opening is provided in the front wall of a size to permit a single energy cell to be discharged, the opening having a top portion positioned below the top front edge of an energy cell when the cell is positioned in the upper most position ready for discharge. A platform urges the energy cells upward so the uppermost cell is in a discharge position with the top front edge of the energy cell positioned above the top portion of the opening. The rear wall, top and upper portion of the side wall are cut out to enable a user to engage the rear of the top energy cell to cause its discharge through the opening.

Abstract: Conventional sheet storage boxes have problems that the sheet storage box with a sheet-fixing sheet pasted on the sheet-removing opening is wasteful from the point of view of resources and that, in the case of the sheet storage box without the sheet-fixing sheet pasted on the opening, the fixing of sheet becomes weaker as the opening itself becomes larger due to the excessively wide rim of the opening and when the rims of the opening are made too close, the rim of the opening partially becomes smaller and the resistance to remove the sheets becomes too large.

Abstract: A product dispenser includes a housing adapted to receive a refill unit having a product reservoir. A multidirectional pushbar is carried by the housing and movable in a plurality of directions to actuate the pump. The multidirectional pushbar may be carried by a collar pivotally secured around a pushbar support member in the shape of a spherical zone. Pivoting movement of the multidirectional pushbar is converted into an actuating force by a transfer mechanism, which may include a vertically movable carriage. In other embodiments, the multidirectional pushbar may include ramped surfaces and may support a carriage having rolling elements. Lateral movement of the multidirectional pushbar causes the carriage to roll up the ramped surfaces and actuate a pump to dispense a product.

Abstract: An aerosol actuator which may be connected to a container to form an aerosol delivery system or package wherein the aerosol actuator includes two parts: a base and a trigger, the trigger including a integrated cap for the base, trigger, spring or living hinge, manifold and orifice.

Abstract: A portable chargeable spray bottle is disclosed comprising a body comprising an upper part and a lower part; a spray nozzle assembly equipped on the upper part, and a liquid charging structure placed at the bottom part. It is further comprises an exhaust structure comprising an exhaust hole penetrating the body, whereby exhaust air flow can escape via the exhaust hole to outside the bottle.

Abstract: A capsule (1) for preparing infusion beverages is described, composed of a containing tank (3) defining therein a room (5) adapted to contain a substance to be infused, the tank (3) being equipped with at least one opening (7) externally equipped on its perimeter with a circular edge (9) adapted to abut against a corresponding abutment edge (11) of a side wall of an infusion chamber (12) of a preparing machine inside which the capsule (1) is inserted, a surface face of the circular edge (9) being equipped with a sealing profile (15) composed of a first circular rib (17) and a second circular rib (19), the first and second ribs (17, 19) being concentric with respect to a main symmetry axis (S-S) of the capsule (1), each rib (17, 19) being flexible and the first and second ribs (17, 19) defining therebeween a seat (21) shaped as a circular crown adapted to house therein an end portion of the abutment edge (11) of the side wall of the infusion chamber (12).

Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet positioned in a bottom thereof and a gate affixed adjacent the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to a second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container can be a ten foot ISO container.

Abstract: An entrainment-reducing assembly may include a container configured to hold a liquid. A venting arrangement may extend into an upper portion of the container and be configured to direct condensable and non-condensable gases into the container. A suction structure may extend into a lower portion of the container and be configured to carry out an extraction of excess liquid from the container caused by condensed gases. A deflector may be disposed between the suction structure and the venting arrangement within the container. As a result, an entrainment of uncondensed gases during the extraction of the liquid by the suction structure may be reduced or prevented, thereby protecting the pump from cavitation and failure.

Abstract: Described is a containment device for holding a container that defines a container interior volume. The containment device can include a base portion enclosing a base portion interior volume, the base portion including: a plurality of base walls, a trough extending from at least one of the base walls, and a substantially horizontal support surface adapted to support the container above the base portion interior volume. The base portion interior volume can be equal to or greater than the container interior volume. An enclosure can extend above the base portion, the enclosure including a plurality of enclosure walls adapted to surround the container. The enclosure walls can define an opening above the trough, the opening adapted for insertion of the container into the enclosure.

Abstract: A waste containment system for use with a waste management system, having a chute and a container, includes a sensor configured to determine a position of a chute top lid. The waste containment system also includes at least one pivoting mechanism operatively coupled to at least one flap of a container top lid. The pivoting mechanism is configured to move the at least one flap between an open position and a closed position. The waste containment system also includes a controller operatively coupled to the sensor and to the at least one pivoting mechanism. The controller is configured to control the pivoting mechanism based on the determined position of the chute top lid.

Abstract: A trash receptacle with foot pedal actuated vented shoes that eliminate the vacuum created from a full flexible trash liner. Closeable side vents are actuated mechanically and are connected via linkages to the foot pedal mounted near the bottom of the receptacle. The foot pedal which is located at the bottom of the container is used to open side vents when pressure is applied. The opening vents allow air to flow freely into the receptacle and close when not in use to prevent liquid and odors from escaping. The receptacle has a closed bottom and a open top. A removeable lid is provided to close the top. In addition, the manually actuated foot pedal serves to keep trash receptacle in place while trash liners are being inserted or removed. Various alternatives of the present waste receptacle are disclosed featuring different configurations of the shape of the receptacle and the connecting linkages.

Abstract: A refuse receptacle is disclosed, having a body with an upper and a lower portion, the upper portion having a top rim forming a gusset with a vertical wall and a horizontal wall, the lower portion having a bottom side with a base rim. On the back side of the upper portion is a handle attached to the body of the receptacle. The handle is attached to the upper portion by at least one projecting sidewall. A lid is included, having a convex upper surface and two sets of opposing sidewalls. The opposing sidewalls correspond with the top rim of the body. The lid includes at least one projection to attach to the handle with a securing plate and fastener. The lower portion includes a drainage plug so that liquids within the body can be easily drained. A pair of wheels are connected by an axle and housed within wheel recesses.

Abstract: A waste container includes a body portion including an outer wall extending upward from a base wall. A lid is pivotably secured to the body portion. A latch assembly selectively secures the lid to the body portion. The latch assembly includes a handle rotatably mounted to the lid and connected to a lower actuator portion. The lower actuator portion has a disk portion with at least one cam portion. The disk portion is rotatable upon rotation of the handle by a user. Rotation of the cam portion selectively releases the latch assembly securing the lid to the body portion.

Abstract: A refuse collection assembly for a refuse collection vehicle mounts to a intermediate container on the refuse collection vehicle. The refuse receptacle collection assembly can grasp a refuse receptacle at curbside, at street side, or forward of the intermediate container in any location over a one hundred eighty degree arc. The collection assembly grasps the receptacle and locates it above the intermediate container and tilts it sufficiently to empty the contents of the receptacle in the intermediate container. The collection assembly then returns the receptacle upright to its previous location or to any location to the right, left or forward of the refuse collection assembly. The refuse receptacle collection assembly includes a rail extending along a wall of the intermediate container, a carriage selectively movable along the rail, and a receptacle engaging assembly supported by the carriage for grasping the refuse receptacle.

Abstract: A transportation rack includes a base frame configured for resting on a surface and including an upper open side and an open front side. The transportation rack further includes an extension frame defining an open front side and being slideably received through the open upper side of the base frame. An actuator is coupled between the base frame and the extension frame and is operable to move the extension frame in an extending direction outwardly from the base frame through the open upper side and a collapsing direction inwardly to the base frame through the open upper side. The transportation rack further includes a compartment unit supported by the extension frame and having a collapsing portion therealong that accommodates the extending and collapsing of the extension frame with respect to the base frame.

Abstract: A multitasking crane includes a travelling device, load tables that are lifted and lowered independently of each other and disposed in two columns arranged in a travelling direction and at least one transfer device that is provided on each of the load tables and is configured to deliver the merchandise trays. The transfer device of the load table for picking is actuated to pick at least one of the merchandise trays that has been specified, and at the same time, at least one of the merchandise trays that is previously placed on the transfer device of the load table for storage is moved to empty one of the storage shelves of the automated warehouse and stored.

Abstract: An inventory system includes an inventory holder that may be moved by a mobile drive unit. The inventory holder may hold inventory items. The mobile drive unit may move in a manner for facilitating a shift of position of at least one inventory item relative to the inventory holder. Such movement may be accomplished, for example, by accelerating, decelerating, turning while driving, spinning, dropping the inventory holder, or by causing at least one of the mobile drive unit or the inventory holder to at least one of interact with or engage an obstacle such as a bump over which the mobile drive unit drives, a bar positioned above a floor on which the mobile drive unit drives, a wall, another mobile drive unit, or another inventory holder.

Abstract: A warehouse conveyor system can include an input conveyor path for conveying a parcel toward an inventory picking area. An input conveyor switch can divert the parcel from the input conveyor path to a predetermined pick zone for fulfillment. An output conveyor path can convey the parcel from the pick zone after fulfillment.

Abstract: A container supply unit and an automated analyzer in which anomalous orientations of containers ejected from a container (cuvette) ejection part can be prevented. This container supply unit has a container storage part, a container ejection part, and a container alignment part. The container ejection part includes a circular belt, placement members provided on said circular belt, and a belt rotation mechanism. The belt rotation mechanism rotates the circular belt in an R direction, forming an outward leg along which the placement members move upwards and a return leg along which the placement members move downwards. The placement members carry containers placed thereon on the outward leg and eject said containers to the container alignment part between the outward leg and the return leg.

Abstract: A device including a chain strand where a contact point of a pivoting arm rests and slides on the chain of the chain strand. The pivoting arm is mounted on the shaft. The pivoting arm is coupled with the source of a compressive force in a form of a weight or a torsion spring. The pivoting arm is coupled with the shaft and therefore with the indicator of tension of the chain strand. The compressive force compensates for the change in resistance and lengthening of the chain when the chain conveyor is running, wherein its chain strand has been pre-tensioned by the basic pre-tensioning force induced by the tensioning device. The co-acting of the pre-tensioning force and the compressive force creates the operating tension which is not only indicated but also optimized by the device of the invention depending on a change in resistance in the chain strand.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism and method for feeding objects singulated from a bulk mass of objects includes receiving the bulk mass into a hopper system having a hopper screw set including first and second hopper screws and a plurality of feeding pockets defined by the thread forms of the hopper screws. Rotation of the hopper screws tumbles the bulk mass to cascade and singulate individual objects into respective feed pockets. An object set including at least one singulated object is discharged from the hopper screw set by rotation of the hopper screws. A discharge assembly including a ramp and star wheel receives the discharged object set, and transfers the object set to a discharge outlet. The object set output from the discharge outlet is received by a target defined by a receiving article. In one example, the object is rounded, the target is an opening of a container.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and non-transitory processor readable media of the various embodiments enable intelligent speed control of conveyors (e.g., singulator conveyors, sortation conveyors, etc.) in a material handling system.

Abstract: Conveyor belt cleaners are disclosed having a scraper blade for removing aggregate material from a belt surface. Embodiments are disclosed in which a cleaner includes a tensioner assembly; in some embodiments a tensioner assembly comprises a tension adjustment subassembly.

Abstract: A turnover mechanism configured to turn over workpieces includes a bracket, a drive device, and a turnover module mounted on the bracket. The turnover module includes a rotating shaft, a plurality of suction assemblies, a plurality of horizontal drive assemblies, and a plurality of connecting rods. The guide rails are mounted on the rotating shaft. The suction assemblies are slidably coupled to each guide rail. The horizontal drive assemblies are mounted on the corresponding guide rails. Each connecting rod is connected between each two of the plurality of suction assemblies adjacent to each other. The connecting rod is configured to adjust distance between the two suction assemblies. Each horizontal drive assembly is connected to the suction assembly mounted at one end of the corresponding guide rail, and the horizontal drive assembly is configured to drive the suction assemblies coupled to the corresponding guide rail to move.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade handling system for moving a wind turbine rotor blade is provided. The wind turbine rotor blade comprises a root portion, a tip portion and a rotor blade longitudinal rotational axis extending from the root portion to the tip portion. Furthermore, the wind turbine rotor blade handling system comprises a rotary device to rotate the wind turbine rotor blade about the rotor blade longitudinal rotational axis. The rotary device is arranged and prepared for being fastened to the tip portion. Additionally, a method of moving the wind turbine rotor blade by means of the wind turbine rotor blade handling system is also provided.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette tubes individualizer apparatus individualizes tubes received from a first track without spacing and provides the tubes to a second track with a spacing. The apparatus includes a rotary carrousel configured to rotate about a rotation axis and provided with a guide extending with the longitudinal axis partially along a line substantially intersecting the rotation axis; a stationary cam track extending around the rotation axis; a carriage mounted to the carrousel for traveling in a reciprocating movement along the guide driven by a cam follower following the cam track while the carousel is rotating; and a receiver connected to the carriage for receiving the tube from the first track close to the rotation axis and delivering the tube to the second track further away from the rotation axis with a pitch.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transferring feed materials between zones having substantially different pressures, where the transfer can be continuous or semi-continuous. The methods and systems include a plurality of lock hoppers to receive feed material from a low pressure zone and pressurize it with fluid to a pressure of a high pressure zone. The pressurized material can be discharged to a circulation loop, which carries the pressurized material to one or more receiving unit(s) of a pressurized system. At least some feed material remains in the receiving unit(s) and at least a portion of the fluid exits to become part of the circulation loop. After discharge, the lock hoppers can be depressurized so the next pressurization cycle can begin with additional feed material. The lock hoppers can be operated in a time-staggered manner to provide continuous or semi-continuous transfer of material.

Abstract: A system and process for mixing and distributing building materials. This system and process can also include a way or a means for calibrating the mixing of these materials. This system and process can also include a system for tracking the materials that flow through the system, and for controlling the type of material used in the system.

Abstract: A device for automatically stacking packages on a support comprising at least one feeding conveyor; a lifting and lowering unit for lifting and lowering a pallet; a position conveyor embodied as a travel container, which is arranged horizontally and longitudinally to one side of the storage place, in order to position the packages in the X-direction; at least one sliding plate and a pusher in order to transport the packages from the travel path in the Z-direction to the predetermined position in the stack. The at least one sliding plate may comprise a flat, strip-like plate that can move horizontally and longitudinally on the side of the storage place and transversally thereto, in order to remove packages from the positioning conveyor in the X direction when pushed by the pusher and arranging on the pallet in the Z-direction. The travel container contains pivotable stops and can be moved on rails.

Abstract: Robotic carton unloader has right and left lower arms of robotic arm assembly that are pivotally attached at lower end respectively to mobile body on opposing lateral sides of conveyor system passing there between. Upper arm assembly has rear end pivotally attached at upper end respectively of right and left lower arms to pivotally rotate about upper arm axis perpendicular to longitudinal axis of conveyor system and parallel to lower arm axis. Manipulator head attached to front end of upper arm assembly engages carton/s from carton pile resting on floor for movement to conveyor system. Upper arm axis is maintained at a height that enables carton/s to be conveyed by conveyor system without being impeded by robotic arm assembly as soon as manipulator head is clear. Lift attached between mobile body and front portion of conveyor system reduces spacing underneath carton/s during movement from carton pile to conveyor system.

Abstract: In order to protect the side walls of a container during loading, in one design, a hopper has one or more barrier wall pairs attached to the hopper walls at the end adjacent to a container. As the hopper is moved forward the barrier walls of the barrier wall pair become closely adjacent to the walls of the container protecting them from damage and helping enable material to be pushed into the container. In a variation, an assembly of barrier wall pairs is set inside a hopper and material is deposited between the barrier walls of the barrier wall pair and then the assembly is moved forward into the container, the material being pushed along with the barrier wall pair into the container. In another variation, the barrier walls may be hinged to the hopper walls. More than one barrier wall pair can be used. Where there are two pairs, the second pair can be hinged to the first so that the second pair can be extended or rotated into a storage position.

Abstract: A trailer includes a load-bearing carrier frame which is guided on an undercarriage and includes a lateral longitudinal member and two cross members protruding at right angles from either end thereof. Between these, a central member is secured to the longitudinal member, parallel to the cross members, and a loading opening is formed opposite said longitudinal member. A lifting device is arranged, for mutual height adjustment purposes, between the carrier frame and the undercarriage. A load-clasping gripping unit may be arranged on the central member and may be displaced in the transverse direction between the longitudinal member and the loading opening.

Abstract: An automated unloading apparatus, system and method for use with a container having a plurality of items located on a base belt. The apparatus includes a ramp, a conveyor, and a spooling roller. The configured to pass under the base belt. The conveyor is conveyor configured to remove a first item from the plurality of items. The spooling roller is configured to wind the base belt around itself and by doing so, move the automated unloading apparatus into the interior of the container.

Abstract: Example vehicle restraint apparatus and methods of operating the same are disclosed. An example vehicle restraint apparatus includes a barrier movable between a fully extended position to restrain a vehicle at a loading dock, a fully retracted position to release the vehicle, and a plurality of intermediate positions between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position. A sensor is mounted to the vehicle restraint apparatus, where the sensor is to monitor at least one of a barrier or a vehicle. The sensor includes a camera to capture an image of the at least one of the barrier or the vehicle. A controller is to receive the captured image from the camera, the controller to determine at least one of a characteristic of the at least one of the barrier or the vehicle.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus, including: a stacking unit; a feed unit having a contact portion to be brought into contact with a sheet stacked on the stacking unit and a noncontact portion kept out of contact with the sheet, the feed unit being configured to feed the sheet in a contact state in which the contact portion is in contact with the sheet, and then turn into a noncontact state in which the noncontact portion faces the sheet so as to be kept out of contact with the sheet; a conveyance unit arranged downstream of the feed unit; and a drive unit configured to drive the conveyance unit at a first speed in the contact state and to drive the conveyance unit at a second speed higher than the first speed in the noncontact state.

Abstract: A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a cover member including a first guide surface guiding a sheet and capable of switching between a close state and an open state with respect to the apparatus body, a guide member including a second guide surface opposing to the first guide surface, and a conveyance unit conveying a sheet through a path between the first guide surface and the second guide surface. The guide member includes an abutment portion formed of a depression in the second guide surface, and is supported pivotally on the apparatus body to an outer side of the apparatus body. The sheet conveyance apparatus further includes a regulation portion supported on the apparatus body and formed to abut against the abutment portion so as to regulate a pivot angle of the guide member.

Abstract: A paper transfer includes a first paper guide plate, a second paper guide plate, and a draw-out guide member. The first paper guide plate has a transfer roller for transferring a paper while guiding one face of the paper. The second paper guide plate that can be drawn out while facing to the first paper guide plate, and has a driven roller driven while pressing the transfer roller with the paper interposed therebetween to guide another face of the paper. The draw-out guide member is formed so as to release a nip between the transfer roller and the driven roller by separating the driven roller from the transfer roller when the first paper guide plate is drawn out in an engaged state where the draw-out member is engaged with an engagement portion provided on the second paper guide plate.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder (300) includes a housing (301), conveyance roller pairs (313 to 317), and a pressure releasing mechanism. The housing (301) is openably/closably attached to a main body of an image forming apparatus. The conveyance roller pairs (313 to 317) pinch an original document sheet with pressure and feed the original document sheet. The pressure releasing mechanism detaches one rollers (313b to 317b) of the conveyance roller pairs (313 to 317) from the other rollers (313a to 317a) in conjunction with an operation of opening the housing 301 against the main body.

Abstract: A sheet-transporting drum includes sheet-supporting areas each being formed of a first comb segment and a second comb segment having segment teeth. At least one of the comb segments is rotatable for adaptation to a sheet format. A mechanical leading-edge gripper is provided on the first comb segment and a pneumatic trailing-edge gripper is provided on the second comb segment. A mechanical trailing-edge gripper is additionally disposed on the second comb segment and is deactivatable in particular by format adjustments. This advantageously allows either the trailing edge of a sheet to be securely held down mechanically or a full-bleed print to be applied to the sheet when the trailing edge of the sheet is held down pneumatically. A sheet-fed printing machine is also provided.

Abstract: A sheet detecting apparatus including: a detection unit including a lever member having an abutment surface abutting a conveying sheet and a holding member configured to hold the lever member, the detection unit moved by the lever member pushed by the sheet; a first urging portion configured to urge the holding member to a waiting position after the sheet is separated from the abutment surface; a support portion configured to support the lever member movable with respect to the holding member to move the lever member to a retracted position for allowing the sheet to pass the lever member contacting a surface of the sheet when the holding member is in the waiting position; and a second urging portion configured to urge the lever member so that the lever member is moved from the retracted position to a position in which the abutment surface abuts a succeeding sheet.

Abstract: An orientation correcting device includes a first transporting unit that nips and transports a sheet; a detecting unit that detects a tilt of the sheet that is transported by the first transporting unit; a second transporting unit that nips and transports the sheet that has been transported by the first transporting unit; a flexure forming unit that, with the second transporting unit stopped, forms a flexure in the sheet as a result of causing the sheet that is transported by the first transporting unit to strike against the second transporting unit; and a moving unit that, with the second transporting unit stopped and the flexure formed in the sheet by the flexure forming unit, moves the second transporting unit in a crossing direction that crosses a transport direction of the sheet in accordance with an amount and a direction of the sheet tilt detected by the detecting unit.