Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing cap and a container having the sealing cap. Using an opposite screw direction, when a cap body is screwed at a mouth of the container, an inner cover is moved toward a chamber of a container body relative to a lower extension tube of the cap body until an aperture of the lower extension tube is communicated with at least one release hole of the inner cover, such that an additive drops from the release hole to be mixed with the liquid in the container. The operation is simple and clear. When the cap body is rotated to disengage from the mouth, the release hole is closed again to prevent the remaining additive from dripping out of the cap body.

Abstract: A retainer for a bottle cap. In one implementation, the retainer includes a first connector at a first end, the first connector being made of a first elastic material. The first connector defines a first opening having an inner perimeter sized to be captured in a groove in a particular bottle in a slip fit. The retainer also includes a second connector at a second end, the second connector being made of a second elastic material. The second connector defines a second opening having an inner perimeter sized to receive an outer perimeter of a cap of the particular bottle in an interference fit. The retainer further includes a flexible elongate strap joining the first and second connectors.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable multilayer film for being filled with contents, comprising an outer surface layer (A) comprising a heat-resistant thermoplastic resin, an intermediate layer (B) comprising a polyamide-based resin, an inner surface layer (D) comprising an ethylene-based copolymer, and adhesion strength between inner surface layers after treatment with 80° C. hot water being not less than 10 N/15 mm. The polyamide-based heat-shrinkable multilayer film obtained in this manner has optimal characteristics for applications that primarily require strength, and has greatly improved self-weldability demanded in packaging films for meat products such as fresh and processed meats.

Abstract: A stand-up plastic food storage bag having two bottom gusset walls and a folding seam defining abutment of the front bottom gusset wall to the rear bottom gusset wall. There are gusset wall reinforcement layers on an external surface of the bottom gusset walls, and these reinforcement layers terminate at least about 0.25 cm away from the folding seam, and do not cover the folding seam, so they do not significantly interfere with folding the seam when collapsing the bag into its storage condition. A method for forming such stand-up plastic food storage bags by coextruding a monolayer plastic panel film and two monolayer plastic gusset floor reinforcement layers, wherein the monolayer plastic gusset floor reinforcement layers comprise two parallel strips spaced apart by at least about 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum skin packaging process, to a tray suitable for a vacuum skin packaging process and to the package thus obtained.

Abstract: An aerosol dispenser, an outer container for an aerosol dispenser and a preform for an outer container. The aerosol dispenser, outer container and preform each have a neck, which in turn has a crimp ring, to receive a valve cup clinched thereto. The crimp ring has a polygonal cross section providing alternating flat sides and vertices. The flat sides both function as integral vents and allow parallel translation of mold cavities so that a two piece molding apparatus may be used.

Abstract: A container including a containment wall, defining an internal containment volume and including a free edge, a closing element including a welding layer welded onto the free edge of the wall and a front layer defining an outer surface of the container. An intermediate layer of removable self-adhesive is spread onto an adhesion portion of mutually coupled surfaces of the welding layer and front layer. An opening line adapted to define an access window is obtained through an incision in a stretch of thickness of the welding layer splitting the welding layer into a welding portion adapted to be welded to the container and an opening portion corresponding to the access window, with reference to an assembled configuration on the container. The incision is made to allow the detachment of the opening portion from the welding portion while the closing element is opened.

Abstract: A container including at least one sidewall. The sidewall includes first and second vacuum panels, and a plurality of first and second ribs. The first and second vacuum panels are recessed beneath an outer surface of the sidewall. The second vacuum panel is spaced apart from, and vertically aligned with, the first vacuum panel. The plurality of first ribs protrude outward from the first vacuum panel. The plurality of second ribs protrude outward from the second vacuum panel.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to containers and other shaped articles (e.g., trays and dishes) for containing articles such as food products (e.g., cuts of meat and poultry or liquid-sensitive electronic parts) in shaped articles such as. In one aspect, the container has a reservoir portion into which liquid can be sequestered. In another aspect, the container includes a thermoformable substrate, a liner, and a lidding material, the lidding and the liner defining a compartment for containing articles. The compartment can be detached from the substrate by detaching the liner from the substrate without necessarily rupturing the compartment. A substantial portion of the containers described herein can be recycled by separating the liner and/or lidding from the substrate. The disclosure also relates to methods of making thermoformed articles having multiple layers that does not rely on use of a coextruded or other composite thermoplastic-containing substrate.

Abstract: A fresh-keeping bottle includes a volumetric bottle having a bottle cap, a bottle body and a base. The upper end of the bottle body has a liquid squeezing outlet. The lower part of the bottle body is fixed with the base that includes a flexible bottle bottom and a cylindrical support. The upper edge of the bottle bottom is fixed in the inner wall of the cylindrical support. The liquid can be squeezed from the fresh-keeping bottle by pressing with a single hand without leakage. Solid and liquid materials can be separately packed at the upper and lower parts of a package bottle through tinfoil, which is punctured through sharp protrusion of the bottle bottom to mix the solid and liquid materials. The bottle keeps the powder fresh in transmission and storage and can simply mix the solid and liquid material together without needing special work when in use.

Abstract: A container with a window through which food within the container may be seen. The window may include a hole in a base material of the container, and at least one substantially clear polymeric film that is mounted to a portion of the container and obstructs (e.g., covers) the hole. Microwave energy interactive material (“MEIM”) may be mounted to the polymeric film for influencing the effect of microwave energy on the food within the container. Typically (e.g., optionally), the film extends beyond the hole, and the MEIM may be segregated to portions of the film that do not obstruct the hole, so that the MEIM does not interfere with the view through the window.

Abstract: A container for at least one card booklet-like item and having a symbolic person-like shape. The container has substantially identical external-shaped top and bottom planar members, each having a head portion, a body portion, two spaced-apart leg portions and two arm portions. In one embodiment, a person-shaped cutout is formed in a top member that overlies a similar shaped recess in the bottom member when the top member is assembled with the bottom member.

Abstract: Provided is a dispensing box for a drug-containing ampoule. The dispensing box for the drug-containing ampoule includes a partition member including a partition wall for partitioning a plurality of unit cells in which ampoules are stored, a shutter opening or closing a lower portion of each of the unit cells partitioned by the partition member, a driving unit operating the shutter, a conveyer on which a dropping ampoule is seated when the lower end of each of the unit cells is opened, and a discharge hole defined in an end of the conveyer to dispense the ampoule seated on the conveyer when the conveyer is operated. A drug storage matrix in which the drug-containing ampoule is stored may be provided, and a shutter device for dispensing the drug-containing ampoule may be provided to easily dispense the drug-containing ampoule.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly includes a container having a plurality of exterior panels that define an internal chamber. The exterior panels include at least opposing side panels and a top panel having an opening configured to dispense a plurality of articles therethrough. The dispensing assembly also includes an article dispensing component housed within the internal chamber that includes a base panel arranged with the top panel of the container so as to form an article storage area. The article storage area is configured to receive the plurality of articles. The base panel is biased towards the top panel via at least one flexible member that is secured to at least one of the opposing side panels of the container. Thus, the flexible member is configured to allow movement of the base panel towards to the top panel as each article is dispensed from the opening.

Abstract: An actuator for operatively engaging and dispensing a fluent medicament from a package in the form of a spray. The actuator includes a housing to receive and hold the package and further includes a force amplification mechanism that is connected to, and movable with respect to, the housing. The housing further includes a force transfer mechanism operatively engaged with a portion of the package. The force amplification mechanism is coupled with force transfer mechanism for accumulating a force sufficient to dispense the medicament from the package in the form of a spray.

Abstract: A syringe propellable by a propellant that boils at a predetermined temperature, the syringe comprising a barrel having an outlet at a front end, a stopper axially moveable in the barrel, and a third chamber for containing propellant. The stopper defines and separates a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber being axially forwards of the stopper and being configured for containing a medicament, and the second chamber being axially rearwards of the stopper and being configured to receive propellant for acting on the stopper to move the stopper axially forwardly in the barrel to expel medicament through the outlet upon actuation of the syringe.

Abstract: A cigarette pack having a foil block as an inner pack and a hinge-lid box as an outer pack is configured with an opening aid for the foil block, in which a closure tab for exposing a retrieval opening of the foil block is connected with a lid inner flap as part of the lid front wall. The lid inner flap is movable or pivotable, respectively. A relative movement of the lid inner flap takes place so as to be tuned to the opening procedure of the closure tab when the lid is opened.

Abstract: A packing strap carrying case includes a casing. The casing has a bottom wall and a side wall. The bottom wall is provided with a plurality of first engaging members. A top edge of the side wall is provided with a plurality of second engaging members. The top edge of the side wall is provided with a connecting portion. A cover is connected with the casing through the connecting portion. A central portion of the cover is provided with a positioning sleeve. The circumferential edge of the positioning sleeve is provided with a plurality of third engaging members corresponding to the first engaging members. The circumferential edge of the cover is provided with fourth engaging members corresponding to the second engaging members. The packing strap can be replaced with ease by the user, and the packing strap can be positioned in the case easily, without consideration of slide.

Abstract: A trash receptacle for separating liquids and solids is disclosed. An example embodiment includes: a lid unit including a sink area for receiving waste liquids and a chute area for receiving waste solids; a reservoir tank for retaining the waste liquids, the sink area including a connecting tube coupling the sink area to the reservoir tank and enabling the waste liquids to flow from the sink area into the reservoir tank; and the lid unit being configured to fit over the reservoir tank and an opening of a trash container.

Abstract: Effective systems for separating, collecting and transferring organic waste from multi-unit residential buildings to deliver to composting centers are described which facilitate the reduction of contamination of the organic waste with non-compostable plastic bags. This is accomplished both by ensuring that the residents are constantly provided with compostable replacement bags for their kitchen caddies after each delivery of a bag by the resident to the recycling room, and through consistent marking that reminds residents of the system's requirements.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a locking device for waste containers, particularly residential or commercial waste containers. In particular, the invention provides a waste container locking device which keeps the container closed when a sudden jerk or jarring, such as by ground impact, is applied on the container, so that the container does not open when it is accidentally knocked over, but may be opened when tipped during dumping.

Abstract: A planar storage facility is provided with a storage/retrieval device for suspending and transporting storage items between a desired position in a storage item placement plane and a storage conveyor and a retrieval conveyor. A plurality of passage regions dividing the storage item placement plane into small areas are established in the storage item placement plane. At least one end of the passage regions opens to the outside of the periphery of the storage item placement plane. The task of manually unloading the storage items in the small areas can be performed from within the passage regions forming the small areas.

Abstract: An autonomous transport vehicle including a frame having a longitudinal axis extending from a front of the frame to a back of the frame, at least one first guide member mounted on one side of the frame and having a first guide member frame of reference, and at least one second guide member mounted to an opposite side of the frame than the at least one first guide member and having a second guide member frame of reference, wherein the first and second guide members are asymmetrically compliant guide members so that a stiffness of the at least one first guide member in response to a force in a predetermined direction relative to the first guide member frame of reference is different than a stiffness of the at least second guide member in response to the force in the predetermined direction relative to the second guide member frame of reference.

Abstract: A single-level rack serving apparatus for transporting load units, which comprises two chassis halves each having a pair of rollers and each having an extendible arm, a storage region between the chassis halves and a connection structure, wherein the chassis halves are connected to one another by the connection structure and travel on running rails by the rollers. The arms serve to pull up or push down load units onto or from the storage region which comprises at least two first and second lateral supporting plates for supportingly carrying the load units. The size of the storage region can be varied by varying the spacing between the arms together with the lateral supporting plates. A further third supporting plate is arranged between the first and second lateral supporting plates such that it supports a load unit centrally from below in the storage region irrespective of the size of the storage region.

Abstract: A picking device for piece goods is disclosed, in which cleaning of the picking device is facilitated. The picking device may include a shelf row having shelf bases, each including a plurality of storage chutes, and a retrieving device, via which piece goods can be retrieved. A shelf base may include a frame structure, chute partitions, chute bases, and blocking devices, which are coupled to a control device. Two chute partitions and one chute base may define one elongate storage chute, assigned to each chute base is a support device, on which the chute base rests and which is designed such that another chute base can be slid between the resting chute base and the support device. Assigned to each chute base is a holding means, which prevents the chute base from sliding in the longitudinal direction of the storage chute when the chute base is on the support device.

Abstract: A battery aligning device includes an inlet through which a first cylindrical battery is input, an outlet from which the first cylindrical battery is discharged, regulating plates constituting a slit in a path from the inlet to the outlet, and a support member which supports one end portion and the other end portion of each of the regulating plates, in the regulating plates, a length from the one end portion to the other end portion is longer than a length of the first cylindrical battery, an X-Z cross-section has a non-linear shape, in an interval between the one regulating plate and the other regulating plate, a facing interval between surfaces is larger than a diameter of the first cylindrical battery, and when a line segment having the same length as that of the first cylindrical battery is in contact with the regulating plate at two points on the X-Z cross-section, a distance between the line segment and the regulating plate is arranged at an interval smaller than the diameter of the first cylindrical ba

Abstract: A brake mechanism for a pallet storage system includes a leg defining a stop surface and movable between a stop position, wherein the stop surface is disposed within a travel path of a pallet traveling along a pallet storage system, and a go position, wherein the stop surface is displaced from the travel path. A biasing mechanism having a spring force is coupled to the leg and configured to bias the leg towards the stop position such that the spring force is required to be overcome to permit the leg to move from the stop position to the go position. Pallet storage systems including at least one of such brake mechanisms are also provided.

Abstract: A conveyor system is provided, including an endless belt and a support deck. The endless belt is mounted in a longitudinal direction through a service line, the endless belt having an upper transport portion adapted to move a wheeled structure through the service line, and a lower return portion. The support deck is positioned below the upper transport portion of the endless belt to support the endless belt. The support deck has a belt contact surface extending along a top of the support deck and in contact with the upper transport portion of the endless belt. The belt contact surface is at least partially constructed from a material that is at least partially a polymer, and has a set of inserts having a greater abrasion resistance than the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rod belt for rod belt conveyors of agricultural machines comprising rods (5) arranged transverse to the direction of transport and parallel to each other, the rods (5) comprising flattened and perforated attachment areas (5.1) by means of which they lie in contact with elastic belts (2) of high tensile strength revolving parallel to each other and being connected to the belts (2) via rivets or similar attachment means penetrating the attachment area (5.1) and the belt (2), both ends (9) of which belt constituting a joint (8). It is the object of the invention to provide a rod belt of this type having an endless connection of high stability while, at the same time, being easy to disassemble and mount.

Abstract: A transport apparatus is for conveying a shoe last along a conveying direction, and includes a rail unit, a transport device and a transfer device. The rail unit is divided into process, bridge and transfer regions. The transport device is movably mounted to the rail unit, is movable in the process and bridge regions, and includes a gripper for gripping the shoe last. The transfer device is movably mounted to the rail unit, is movable in the bridge and transfer regions, and includes a holding member for holding the shoe last. When the gripper is in the bridge region, the holding member is operable to hold the shoe last and transfer the shoe last from the gripper to the transfer region.

Abstract: In some aspects, a conveyor chain includes a first link, a second link, and a coupler link coupled between the first link and the second link. The first link includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion oriented parallel to and laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin protruding laterally, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin protruding laterally. The second link includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging portion protruding laterally, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging portion protruding laterally. A flight bar is positioned adjacent an end of the first sprocket-engaging portion of the first link.

Abstract: Various continuous chain conveyors, parts for same (e.g., chain guides, chain drives, etc.), packaging and handling equipment and systems and related methods are disclosed herein. In one form, a chain conveyor comprising a primary continuous chain having a first portion configured to carry objects along a path and a return portion, a motor operably coupled to the primary continuous chain so as to induce movement of the chain, a first sprocket engaging the return portion of the primary continuous chain, wherein movement of the return portion causes the first sprocket to rotate, a second sprocket coupled to the first sprocket by a drive shaft, wherein rotation of the first sprocket causes the second sprocket to rotate, and an auxiliary chain operably coupled to the second sprocket such that rotation of the second sprocket causes movement of the auxiliary chain.

Abstract: Transport system comprises a guide rail having straight and curved portions, a carriage movable along the rail, first and second roller groups on the carriage, and an auxiliary guide at each curved rail portion, corresponding to the curved portion and having an external wall. The first roller group includes an internal roller on the carriage in permanent contact with an internal guide-rail wall along both straight and curved portions and two external rollers contacting the external guide-rail wall only along the straight portions. The second roller group includes two rollers on the carriage, spaced from the guide rail, and in contact with the external wall of the auxiliary guide when the carriage moves along the curved portions. The internal guide-rail wall has, at each curve, an arched surface facing towards the internal roller of the first roller group.

Abstract: Provided is a pallet car for the transport of bulk material for a thermal treatment thereof. The pallet car comprises a frame with at least two opposed cross-beams on which grate bars rest and two end pieces each connecting the cross-beams with each other, which each include at least two rollers and at least one side wall. In the pallet car, the grate bars and/or the side walls and/or the insulating plates are made of a ceramic fiber composite, wherein the fibers are metallic and high-temperature resistant.

Abstract: A tracked, portable radial stacker for stockpiling bulk material including a linear conveyor having a rear portion and a front portion and being designed to carry bulk material from a low position adjacent the rear portion to a higher position adjacent the front portion. A foot may be disposed adjacent the rear portion of the conveyor and designed to selectively contact the ground to facilitate pivoting of the conveyor. A continuous track system may include a frame to which the conveyor is mounted, the track system including a pair of driven, parallel tracks designed to contact the ground to convey the stacker from one position to another, and to be lifted off the ground when desired. A pair of mid-wheels may be mounted to the frame to be moveable between a raised position in which they do not contact the ground and a lowered position in which they contact the ground and lift the tracks off the ground.

Abstract: A tracked, portable radial stacker for stockpiling bulk material that includes a linear conveyor having a rear portion and a front portion and being designed to carry bulk material from a low position adjacent the rear portion to a higher position adjacent the front portion. A contact may be disposed adjacent the rear portion of the conveyor and designed to selectively contact the ground to facilitate pivoting of the conveyor. A continuous track system may also be included having a frame to which the conveyor is mounted, the track system including a pair of driven, parallel tracks designed to contact the ground to convey the stacker from one position to another, and to be lifted off the ground when desired. A pair of mid-wheels may be mounted to the frame that are displaceable between a raised position in which they do not contact the ground and a first lowered position in which they engage the ground.

Abstract: Articles are continuously supplied to a robot by control circulation speed. In a supply control device for controlling a circulation device that causes an article to circulate in a system that includes the circulation device, and a robot that retrieves the article during circulation with the circulation device, the supply control device includes: a detection unit that detects the article circulating with the circulation device, and a position of the article; a measurement unit that measures a number of the articles in a predetermined region on the circulation device, based on detection results of the detection unit; and a control unit that controls a speed of circulation of the circulation device according to the number of the articles in the predetermined region measured by the measurement unit.

Abstract: An automatic turnover device for use in manufacturing includes a support frame, a motor, a pulley, a holding assembly, and a belt. The motor is secured to the support frame. The motor has an output shaft. The pulley is mounted on the output shaft of the motor. The holding assembly is pivotally connected to the support frame. The holding assembly is configured to hold an object. The belt has one end attached to the pulley and another end attached to the holding assembly. The motor is operated to rotate the output shaft in a first direction to tighten the belt and then to rotate in reverse to release the belt, such that a center of gravity of the holding assembly is moved. The holding assembly pivots relative to the support frame from a first horizontal position to a second horizontal position due to its own weight.

Abstract: An assembly and method for moving bulk items from a first location to a second location is disclosed. The items are moved from the first location to the second location through a pick-up head. Vacuum pressure is supplied to the head to pick-up an item at the first location and carry the item to the second location. A detector is located between the first location and the second location to detect if an item has been picked up by the head. If no item is detected, the head is closed to the vacuum pressure through a control mechanism or closure element.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes: a chassis; a tank carried by the chassis; at least one meter module coupled to the tank, the at least one meter module having at least one gate; a gate control link coupled with the at least one gate of the at least one meter module; a control rod carried by the chassis; and a connector coupling the control rod to the gate control link at a connection interface such that movement of the control rod controls an open state of the at least one gate of the at least one meter module, the connector having a frangible portion adjacent the connection interface, the control rod and the gate control link uncoupling from one another upon a breaking force causing the frangible portion to break.

Abstract: In one example, a torque control system for a sheet media pick mechanism to move a top sheet of media from a stack of media sheets into a nip between a pick roller and a separator roller. The torque control system includes a sensor to sense a number of consecutive pick failures and a controller operatively connected to the sensor to reduce a torque applied to the separator roller during a pick attempt after each pick failure in an amount corresponding to the number of consecutive pick failures sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A drive transmission apparatus includes a first rotating unit rotated by driving force from a drive source and a second rotating unit rotated by the first rotating unit. The first and second rotating units include a first gear pair meshing at a first transmission ratio and second gear pair meshing at a second transmission ratio. A retention mechanism includes a protruded portion provided on the first rotating unit and a recessed portion provided on the second rotating unit, and is configured to retain a rotation angle of the second rotating unit by an engagement of the protruded portion and the recessed portion in a state where the first and second gear pairs are unmeshed.

Abstract: A portioning system for portioning stackable flat carton elements in a stack (101) for further processing. A feeder device (105) includes a lifting platform (106) and a pushing platform (107), wherein the feeder device (105) is movable along a linear path (108) for pushing the stack (101) to a delivery position. The feeder device (105) is further movable along a lifting direction (110) having at least a component parallel to the gravity direction. The feeder device (105) is configured such that the lifting platform (106) is movable partially below the flat elements defining the stack (101) such that an edge portion (111) of the stack (101) is arranged on the lifting platform (106) for being liftable by the lifting platform (106). The feeder device (105) is further configured such that the stack (101) is pushable by the pushing platform (107) along the linear path (108) until the stack (101) is arranged at the delivery position.

Abstract: Example implementations relate to adjusting print medium retrieval. For example, a system may include a printing device that may have a pick roller attached to a pick arm and a servomotor to apply torque to the pick roller. The system may further include a controller associated with the servomotor to determine a measured position of the servomotor relative to an intended position of the servomotor in a particular time frame during the print medium retrieval. The controller may further determine adjustment of the print medium retrieval based on comparison of a pulse width modulation (PWM) magnitude in adjacent time frames.

Abstract: An automatic document feeding system includes an image reader including an optical window and a light source illuminating the optical window, and an automatic document feeder including a reflective flag positioned within a viewing region of the optical window.

Abstract: A tape holder allows a person to hold and dispense masking tape easily when preparing for painting or performing other tape related activities. The tape holder may include a first portion that is capable of sliding into or out of a person's pants pocket while a second portion extends out of the pocket and holds one or more rolls of tape. Embodiments of the tape holder are economically made from a single length of bent rod. The tape holder allows the user to easily and quickly remove and replace a roll of masking tape.

Abstract: A tape printing apparatus to which a tape cartridge is detachably attachable includes: a cartridge attachment portion into which the tape cartridge is attachable; and a base convex portion that is provided on the cartridge attachment portion, a core concave portion of the tape cartridge coming into fit-in engagement with the base convex portion when the tape cartridge is attached to the tape printing apparatus. The base convex portion includes: a pedestal portion with which a recessed portion of the tape cartridge comes into fit-in engagement when the tape cartridge is attached to the tape printing apparatus, and an identification convex portion that is provided as a protrusion on the pedestal portion, an identification concave portion of the tape cartridge coming into fit-in engagement with the identification convex portion when the tape cartridge is attached to the tape printing apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a component supply device for supplying a component to a component mounter, including: a transporter that transports a carrier tape in which the component is stored and of which an upper surface is sealed with a cover tape, along a transport path; a peeler that peels off the cover tape from the carrier tape via an opening portion disposed above the transport path; and a cover that makes an open state of the opening portion variable. The cover sets the open state of the opening portion to be any of a first open state allowing the peeler to capture the cover tape and a second open state where an opening size of the opening portion is smaller than that of the first open state and passage of the cover tape peeled off from the carrier tape is not impeded.

Abstract: An automated sheets processing system has a vertical stacks accumulating region (SAR) into which sheets are uninterruptedly fed to build vertical stacks for pre-specified loads including completed loads and newly building nascent loads. A tiltable Stacking Deck has a downstream discharge end from which the sheets can be fed at different elevational levels into the stacks accumulating region. A nascent sheets accumulator system has a plurality of support surfaces that are retractably interjectable into the stacks accumulating region for defining a separation gap between the top of a completed load and the bottommost sheet of a nascent new load. At least one of the support surfaces is retractably interjectable in an upstream direction into the stacks accumulating region while at least two others of the support surfaces are retractably interjectable in a downstream direction into the stacks accumulating region. One of the support surfaces has an anti-scuff feature.

Abstract: A sheet transporting mechanism transports a sheet from a storage tray to a stacking tray, and includes: a first transporter that moves between initial and first positions to transport the sheet from the initial position toward the stacking tray; a second transporter that transports the transported sheet by the first transporter to the stacking tray; a single motor that drives the first and second transporters; a guide rail that guides movement of the second transporter; a first transmission gear that transmits a driving force of the single motor to move the first transporter between the initial and first positions; a second transmission gear that transmits the driving force of the single motor to move the guide rail in an upward and downward direction; and a third transmission gear that transmits the driving force of the single motor to allow the second transporter to be guided by the guide rail.