Abstract: Sheet processing apparatus including a process tray for stacking sheets received from an image forming apparatus, a jogger for jogging the sheet stacked on the process tray at one of two jogging positions, a discharge unit for discharging the sheet stacked on the process tray, and a discharge tray for stacking the sheets discharged by the discharge unit. The sheet processing apparatus includes a stapler for stapling the sheets stacked on the process tray, and a controller for controlling the stapler to staple the sheets at a stapling position corresponding to the jogging position by the jogger.

Abstract: There is provided a facsimile apparatus capable of effectively utilizing the stapling function and the sorter function with plural bins according to the number of the received sheets. The maximum number of the received sheets to be stapled is registered in a registration circuit. In case the number of the received sheets in a communication does not exceed a predetermined number, the received sheets of each communication are stapled and discharged to a predetermined bin. If the number of the received sheets in a communication exceeds the predetermined number, the sheets are not stapled and the discharge bin is changed for each communication. The non-stapled received sheets are not discharged to the bin for discharging the stapled sheets. In case only one sheet is received, such sheet is discharged, without stapling, to the predetermined bin.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for receiving and assembling sheets in a binding station at which thermal binding strips are automatically supplied to the side edges of the assembled sets, the sheet receiving trays at the binding station are laterally moved apart to allow a set of assembled bound or unbound sheets to gravitate to a stapling station at which an assembled set of sheets may be stapled together, and the trays forming the stapling station are moved laterally apart to allow the stapled set to gravitate to a stacker tray which is allowed to move downwardly as progressive sets are deposited on the stacker tray and the stacker tray is moved upwardly to a set receiving position following removal of finished sets.

Abstract: This invention relates to alignment devices for input/output devices to printers. Such structures of this type, generally, employ a locating foot that is attached to the input/output device which fits into a locating and referencing means on the underside of the printer stand or under—mounted input device.

Abstract: An image forming system includes a digital copy machine to form an image on a group of sheets from an image of a group of documents, and a staple sorter sorting and discharging copied sheets from the digital copy machine, According to the staple sorter, control is provided so that a sheet of a long left period of time is transported from the bin to a nonsort tray when all of a plurality of bins provided in the staple sorter are used during a print operation. The left time of a sheet is monitored even when a print operation is not carried out. When the left time exceeds a predetermined time, control is provided so that the sheet left in the bin is transferred to the nonsort tray. As a result, a sheet discharge device is provided improved in operability of sheet discharge.

Abstract: A finisher for finishing papers sequentially driven out of an image forming apparatus includes a plurality of trays selectively movable to a single paper outlet. The finisher reduces a period of time necessary for designated one of the trays to reach the paper outlet, increases the number of papers which can be stacked on the trays, and determines the number of papers stacked with a simple configuration. Papers are prevented from returning from the tray to the paper outlet without complicating the configuration of the outlet. An outlet roller protrudes from the paper outlet, but does not interfere with the tray moving past the paper outlet. The trays protect the operator from injury and protect the structural elements of the finisher from damage despite their movement.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sheet distribution device in which when sheets are discharged to each distribution bin by a sheet moving means, reduced is a period of time required for shifting to the next sheet moving operation after one sheet moving operation is finished. The sheet distribution device receives image formed sheets 2 from an image forming device 1 and distributes and stores the sheets 2 into plural distribution bins 4. The sheet distribution device is provided with a post-processing means for post-processing the sheets 2 stored in the distribution bin 4, a sheet bunch pushing member 50 for moving the sheets 2 stored in the distribution bin 4 along the guide hole 28 in the distribution bin 4 to the post-processing means, and a guide rail 41 for elevating or lowering the sheet bunch pushing member 50. When the sheet bunch pushing member 50 is moved along the guide rail 41, the sheet bunch pushing member 50 can be moved in a direction in which the engagement with the guide hole 28 is released.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder which is operable in each of a sort/stack mode, an inversion mode, and a staple mode. A tray is provided on which a document to be stapled is stacked. A positioning element and a driving roller are provided for directing the document to be stapled to the tray and for properly positioning the document on the tray. A movable stopper is formed on the tray for properly positioning the document at a stacking position, a stapling position, and a discharge position. The document can be stapled at either a single place or at multiple places. The document passes through a first document path in the sort/staple mode, and passes through a second document path in a staple mode. The document also passes through a portion of the second document path in the inversion mode.