Abstract: A sheet bundle with storage tags, a method for producing the sheet bundle and a sheet transport mechanism in an image forming apparatus are provide. The sheet bundle includes a plurality of sheets stacked to one another, each sheet being attached with a storage tag at an attachment position and having a thickness larger at the attachment position than other positions thereof. The plurality of sheets includes a plurality of kinds of sheets which have different attachment positions when the sheet bundle is viewed from a direction orthogonal to a surface of the sheets.

Abstract: A method of picking sheet media in a printer is provided. In the method a pick-up roller is caused to contact with sheet media of a supply of sheet media, the pick-up roller is rotatably driven with a motor via a gear assembly so that the pick-up roller picks up the sheet media and delivers the picked sheet media to a sheet media transport mechanism for transporting sheet media past a printhead, and substantially at the point of delivery of a leading edge of the picked sheet media to the sheet media transport mechanism by the pick-up roller, a first gear of the gear assembly is disengaged from a second gear of the gear assembly to cease the driving of the pick-up roller.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous singling of stacks of loose sheet material, in particular bank notes, vouchers, checks, separation cards, etc., includes a singling unit for singling stacks of loose sheet material and a feeding device which transports stacks of loose sheet material to be singled into a position where sheet material of the stack is grasped by the singling unit and transferred to a transport system. The feeding device has a first, substantially single-axis moved feeding element and a second, substantially multi-axis moved feeding element. A container is provided to receive the stack of loose sheet material, the container having a movable platform on which the stack of sheet material rests. The container is received by a container receiving device which has a transport device connected to the platform of the container located in the container receiving device, wherein the platform of the container together with the transport device forms the first feeding element.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous singling of stacks of loose sheet material, in particular bank notes, vouchers, checks, separation cards, etc., includes a singler for singling stacks of loose sheet material and a feeding device which moves stacks of loose sheet material to be singled into a position where sheet material is grasped by the singler and transferred to a transport system, wherein the feeding device has a first, substantially single-axis moved feeding element and a second, substantially multi-axis moved feeding element. An area, for receiving sheet material to be singled and which is divided into a first subarea and a second subarea is provided, wherein the first and second subareas adjoin each other and the second subarea forms an input area for inputting sheet material to be singled.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a clutch apparatus that can smoothly switch from a clutch engaged state to a clutch non-engaged state, while tooth jump does not occur even with a small-sized clutch apparatus. [Solving Means] A recessed portion 153 is provided in a cam face of a cam 45. A cam shaft 13 is configured to pivot by a predetermined amount as a cam follower 51 is fitted in the recessed portion, and, when the cam initiates to engage the cam follower, it enters a clutch engaged state. A driven side gear 99 is pivoted by a predetermined amount as the cam follower is fitted in the recessed portion and, thereby, a clutch member 93 is rotated by a predetermined amount in a direction in which a toothed portion 94 is spaced apart from a drive side gear 92.

Abstract: An apparatus for collating or inserting inserts including a raceway for transporting sets of inserts at a raceway transport rate and an insert feed line for feeding an individual insert to each of the sets of inserts on the raceway at the raceway transport rate. The insert feed line having a singulater for separating the individual insert from bundles of inserts at a separation rate, the singulater including a lifter lifting at least one insert from the bundles of inserts, the lifting effecting separation of the individual insert from the bundles of inserts at the separation rate wherein, the singulater has a controller for controlling the singulater separation rate so that the singulater separation rate is variable with respect to a predetermined raceway transport rate, to allow the insert feed line to feed the individual insert to each set of inserts transported on the raceway at the raceway transport rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for transporting a sheet, in particular after a sheet has been picked off a stack and separated therefrom, preferably for the feeder-side use in a printing machine, wherein the sheet is brought to a transport speed, preferably for transfer to another transport path. The object of the invention is to provide a more controlled method of the aforementioned type and a device allowing this method. In accordance with the invention, considering the method, this object is achieved in that the sheet is initially accelerated to a speed that is greater than the desired transport speed and only later, after a phase of this higher speed, said sheet is slowed to the desired transport speed, in which case the phase of the higher speed is dimensioned such that the affected sheet is in a nominal position at the appropriate time.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing flat media comprises a media storage bin at a first end and a discharge chute at a second end, with a coarse media separator located adjacent the media storage bin and a rear conveyor which is intermittently driven to convey the media towards a singulation separator, having a front conveyor which delivers media to a transport conveyor and to a discharge chute. A sensor senses media at a location just before the singulation separator. Media from the bottom of the storage bin are pass through the coarse media separator and lie on the rear conveyor in shingled arrangement, and are pulled into the singulation separator one at a time. The rear conveyor works only when the sensor senses the absence of media.

Abstract: An image forming system having: a sheet feeding unit which cuts a roll sheet and feeds cut sheets; a stack unit which stacks and stores the sheets fed by the sheet feeding unit and feeds the stored sheets; an image forming portion which forms an image on the sheets fed from the stack unit; and a controlling unit configured to control the feeding unit and the stack unit so that the stack unit feeds a sheet stored in the stack unit to the image forming portion when the sheet feeding unit feeds a sheet to the stack unit so as to stack the sheet from the sheet feeding unit into the stack unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for processing and separating an imbricate formation of flexible, flat objects 10, in particular of folded printed products. The imbricate formation is influenced by way of a guide means 1 which at least in regions is inclined with respect to the horizontal such that the objects are differently inclined with respect to the vertical. The guide means 1 serve for reforming the flat objects of the imbricate flow in angle and alignment, wherein at its end there is effected a removal of individual or groups of flat objects. At the end of a guide surface 2 of the guide means 1 there is arranged a conveyor means 9 which serves for conveying away the isolated objects 10.

Abstract: A document processing device that processes a plurality of articles and is capable of detecting a multifeed or a condition that may represent a multifeed may be configured to determine criteria of the multifeed or condition. This is particularly useful for configuring the document processing device to ignore multifeeds or conditions that are considered acceptable. For instance, a user may set predefined overlap criteria. If a detected multifeed criteria or condition criteria meets the predefined overlap criteria, a detection of the multifeed or condition may be ignored. However, if it does not meet the predefined overlap criteria, the detection of the multifeed or condition may cause the document processing device to take predetermined post-processing actions, for example to set an alarm message or halt operation entirely. Alternatively, if a condition is expected, predetermined post-processing actions can be taken if the condition is not detected or does not meet the specified criteria.

Abstract: A printer comprising: a sheet media transport mechanism for transporting sheet media past a printhead; a pick-up roller arranged to be rotated so as to contact and pick-up sheet media from a supply of sheet media and deliver the picked sheet media to the sheet media transport mechanism; and a gear assembly for communicating a driving force of a motor to the pick-up roller so as to rotate the pick-up roller, wherein a first gear of the gear assembly is arranged to disengage from a second gear of the gear assembly substantially at the point of delivery of a leading edge of the picked sheet media to the sheet media transport mechanism so as to cease communication of the driving force of the motor to the pick-up roller.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a conveying roller and an ejection roller for conveying a recording medium. The recording apparatus also includes a controller which controls the conveying roller and the ejection roller. The controller selectively performs a conveyance control process for the rollers when the recording medium leaves the conveying roller.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member which bears a toner image; a transfer unit which transfers the toner image on the image bearing member to a transfer portion when applied with transfer voltage; a recording material feeding unit which includes a stacking portion where recording materials are stacked and an air blowing device for blowing air to the recording material stacked in the stacking portion, and feeds the recording material to the transfer portion; and a transfer bias control portion which controls the transfer bias according to at least one of air received time per one sheet by the air blowing unit, air pressure and air temperature is provided.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus for separating and feeding stacked sheets one by one, includes a separation roller which rotates and applies a feeding force to a sheet of stacked sheets, a friction member which opposes the separation roller and which applies friction against the feeding force, and a rotation speed controller which controls a rotation speed of the separation roller. The rotation speed of the separation roller varies between a first speed and a second speed. The separation roller rotates at the first speed when separating a first one of the stacked sheets. The separation roller rotates at the second speed when separating sheets after separating a predetermined number of the stacked sheets. The first speed is slower than the second speed.

Abstract: A sheet takeout device includes a takeout belt brought into contact with a sheet set in a takeout position to generate negative pressure to adsorb the sheet, and traveled in a direction of an arrow T, and a separation roller which separates second and following sheets associatively taken out with the sheet. Triggered by detection of its leading end at a second sensor, an opposite-direction separation force is applied to the sheet to be conveyed via the separation roller.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device for a document feeding apparatus includes: a sheet containing section; a lift plate for lifting sheets stacked in the sheet containing section between a sheet feeding position and a sheet loading position; a sheet feeding section for separating and feeding the sheets in the sheet feeding position one after another; and a lifting mechanism for lifting up and down the lift plate, the lifting mechanism including: a biasing member for biasing the lift plate toward the sheet feeding section; a cam, having an outer peripheral surface with a cam curve, coupled with a driving force source and being rotated thereby; and an operating lever so provided independently of and between the lift plate and the cam as to abut the outer peripheral surface of the cam and to simultaneously press the lift plate against a biasing force of the biasing member, thereby to change a posture of the lift plate between the sheet feeding position and the sheet loading position.

Abstract: A feeding device includes a pickup roller that picks up a loaded feeding medium and sends the feeding medium to a downstream side of a feeding direction and a regulator that is provided at a location different from the pickup roller in a widthwise direction of the feeding medium and regulates the posture of the feeding medium by moving relative to the pickup roller so as to contact with or separate from the feeding medium and being urged in a direction of approaching the feeding medium.

Abstract: A first conveying unit conveys a sheet. A second conveying unit conveys the sheet conveyed by the first conveying unit in a direction different from a sheet conveying direction of the first conveying unit, and is disposed on a downstream side in the sheet conveying direction of the first conveying unit. A guiding unit reduces a sheet conveying load. The guiding unit is disposed in an outer area of a sheet conveying path formed between the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit.

Abstract: A method of transporting items includes receiving a group of one or more items in a singulation device, implementing a singulation routine, measuring a speed of a first portion of the group, measuring a speed of a second portion of the group, and comparing the speed of the first portion with the speed of the second portion. The method may further include continuing the singulation routine where the speed of the first portion is not equal to the speed of the second portion, and terminating the singulation routine where the speed of the first portion is equal to the speed of the second portion. The method may also include transporting a lead item away from the singulation device. The singulation device may include opposing transport elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus separating a media combination from a stack of interleaved slip-sheets and printing plates and relates to image recording systems such as, for example, computer-to-plate (CTP) systems. Image recording systems include imaging systems that image an image recordable material in response to imaging information. Image recordable materials can include, for example, printing plates. Image recording systems can include integrated systems that additionally process the image forming materials. Additional processing can include, but is not limited to materials punching, materials bending, exposure to non-imaging radiation, chemical development and materials drying. The present invention relates to a materials handling system that separates a media combination from a media stack that includes image recordable materials. A slip-sheet separates each of the image recordable materials from one another in the media stack.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus separating a media combination from a stack of interleaved slip-sheets and printing plates and relates to image recording systems such as, for example, computer-to-plate (CTP) systems. Image recording systems include imaging systems that image an image recordable material in response to imaging information. Image recordable materials can include, for example, printing plates. Image recording systems can include integrated systems that additionally process the image forming materials. Additional processing can include, but is not limited to materials punching, materials bending, exposure to non-imaging radiation, chemical development and materials drying. The present invention relates to a materials handling system that separates a media combination from a media stack that includes image recordable materials. A slip-sheet separates each of the image recordable materials from one another in the media stack.

Abstract: A document feeder includes a sheet tray loaded with sheets stacked thereon in a predetermined direction, a pickup unit pulling in sheets on the sheet tray and feed the sheets, a separation unit that separates a sheet from the sheets fed through the pickup unit and feeds the separated sheet, so as to convey the sheets sequentially on a sheet-by-sheet basis, and a guide unit that forms a carrying path extending from the sheet tray to the separation unit. The guide unit has an entrance portion provided at a side of the sheet tray relative to the separation unit, as an entrance of the sheets on the sheet tray into the carrying path. The carrying path has a longer length in the predetermined direction at a downstream side in a sheet carrying direction relative to the entrance portion than a length in the predetermined direction of the entrance portion.

Abstract: A sheet feed device has a tray with holding surface for holding sheets, a feed unit for feeding sheets from the tray, and a separation plate. The separation plate has an inclined surface and two or more separation portions that separate a sheet from the sheets held in the tray. At least one of the separation portions projects a first distance from the inclined surface. The separation plate also has a projection positioned on the inclined surface that projects a second distance from the inclined surface. The second distance is greater than the first distance. A first of the separation portions is positioned upstream of the particular projection in the sheet feed direction, and a second of the separation portions positioned downstream of the particular projection in the sheet feed direction.

Abstract: In a printing system in which the print media sheets are alternately fed from the same stack in the same tray by two sheet feeders at opposite sides into different sheet paths, at least one of the sheet feeders is repositionable towards and away from the other for feeding different size sheets, and the connecting sheet path is repositionable with the repositioning of the sheet feeder. The repositioning of the sheet feeder and its associated sheet path may be automatic in coordination with the normal resetting of a tray stack edge guide with the loading of different size sheets into the tray. The enhanced rate sheet feeding may be for a dual print engine printing system and/or selectably common or reversed sheet facing. Alternating coordinated lifting of a nudger roll of one sheet feeder with operation of the opposing sheet feeder, and retard nips spaced from the stack, may be provided.

Abstract: A printing medium transport apparatus and method and printing apparatus which is capable of properly transporting a printing medium by the cooperation of two rollers under independent drive without incurring the complication, size increase and price increase of the apparatus. In the course of transporting a sheet by the cooperation of feed and transport rollers, deceleration/stop control is made on feed and transport motors to be respectively driven such that the rollers are simultaneously stopped from rotating. When the transport roller stops from rotating that is located downstream side on a transport path of a printing medium in case the feed roller is rotating that is located upstream side on the transport path, the feed motor driving the feed roller is forcibly stopped.

Abstract: A paper feeding device 200 provided in an image forming apparatus 1A according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with a loading member 201 in which sheets P can be stacked and a central bending section 210 configured to upwardly raise a sheet transport direction X central area P2 of the sheet P for sheets P stacked in the loading member 201.

Abstract: A conveying device which can determine whether an error occurred therein. When a transmission unit is in a transmission state, a sheet feed roller is driven by a DC motor to perform first driving for conveying a sheet up to a conveying roller. The occurrence of an error with respect to the sheet feed roller is determined based on information obtained from an encoder during the first driving. When the occurrence of an error is determined, second driving is performed. A conveyance error is determined based on a count value during the first driving and a count value during the second driving, which are both obtained from the encoder.

Abstract: A method for separating objects from a stack in a stream of objects, in which the objects are removed from the stack with a removal device, and overlapping objects are separated from one another with a separating device. To achieve reliable separation with a low double removal rate, a plurality of traction devices grip both sides of the removed object and are driven in the transport direction at different forward driving speeds.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a recording medium conveying device includes a feeding roller that feeds a recording medium, a conveying guide that guides the recording medium fed by the feeding roller in a U-shape, a conveying roller that conveys the recording medium passing through the conveying guide toward a target position, a driving unit that drives the feeding roller and the conveying roller, and a controller that is operable to estimate a conveyance load borne on the recording medium at a time after a start of feeding the recording medium and before an arrival of the record medium at the conveying roller, and generate an operation amount of the driving unit to drive the conveying roller based on the estimated conveyance load.

Abstract: A modular scanning system (10) consisting of a first scanning unit (11) and a plurality of tethered scanning (13) and digital capture elements (150, 160) providing both sheet-fed, platen, and digitally captured documents and photographs. The first scanning unit (11) includes all the mechanisms necessary to permit sheet-fed scanning of documents. The platen scanner (13) provides a second scanning unit which performs platen scanning of documents on a glass top (26) of the platen scanner (13). Since the platen scanner (13) is detachable, the user has the option to select the platen scanning functionality but with the additional flexibility of selectively mounting or storing the platen element.

Abstract: Apparatus for singling sheet material, in particular bank notes, which is inputted into an input area of the apparatus as a stack and is transported up to a singler, which transfers individual pieces of sheet material of the stack of sheet material to a sheet transport system, which transports the singled sheet material in a transport direction, a sensor disposed in transport direction upstream of the singler, which substantially extends over the width of the input area, generating signals which specify whether and in which area of the width of the input area the sheet material is present, and a control device evaluating the signals of the sensor during a transport of the stack of sheet material to the singler and comparing occurring fluctuations and changes of the signals of the sensor regarding the presence or absence of sheet material with predetermined threshold values for fluctuations and changes of the signals of the sensor, in order to derive a statement from the occurring fluctuations and changes of t

Abstract: A mailpiece selector device comprising at least one guide co-operating with a plurality of opposite selector rollers passing through a deck for receiving a stack of mailpieces, said guide co-operating with said rollers to select said mailpieces one-by-one and to transport them downstream, said guide presenting a predetermined inclination at an angle ? relative to a horizontal plane defined by said deck, with a distance between said deck and a low end portion of said guide that is larger at the portion of said guide that is closer to a referencing wall than at the portion of said guide that is further away from said referencing wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for processing and separating an imbricate formation of flexible, flat objects 10, in particular of folded printed products. The imbricate formation is influenced by way of a guide means 1 which at least in regions is inclined with respect to the horizontal such that the objects are differently inclined with respect to the vertical. The guide means 1 serve for reforming the flat objects of the imbricate flow in angle and alignment, wherein at its end there is effected a removal of individual or groups of flat objects. At the end of a guide surface 2 of the guide means 1 there is arranged a conveyor means 9 which serves for conveying away the isolated objects 10.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus includes a sheet containing unit that contains sheets; a sheet conveying unit that conveys the sheets; a separating unit that separates a single sheet from the sheets; a holding unit that holds the separating unit; and a vibration applying unit that applies a vibration to any one of the sheets conveyed by the sheet conveying unit and the separating unit before starting conveyance of the sheets.

Abstract: To provide a sheet processing apparatus and a sheet take-out apparatus, when a take-out portion is stopped, for conveying a sheet hanging down in the take-out portion, thereby preventing the hanging-down sheet from falling. If a take-out emergency process state occurs during take-out of sheets, the sheet take-out apparatus stops upward movement of a backup plate, moves down feed stoppers, presses a sheet bundle from above, and prevents the sheet on the uppermost surface from being taken out. At this time, the sheet take-out apparatus keeps a rotor air valve on and takes out the sheet caught in a sheet take-in port.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus capable of obtaining a sufficient conveying force for pulling back double-fed overlapping sheets to a stacking tray side. A sheet feeding member feeds sheets incoming from a stacking tray which stacks the sheets into a conveying pass. A separating member separates the sheets fed to the conveying pass by the sheet feeding member one by one. A double feed detection sensor generates an output for detecting double feed of sheets fed to the conveying pass. A rotatable member contacts the fed sheet. A driving unit rotationally drives at least the rotatable member in a rotational direction for reverse feeding of sheets. A control unit controls the driving unit when the double feed of sheets is detected based on the output of the double feed detection sensor, such that the rotatable member is rotationally driven in the rotational direction for reverse feeding of sheets.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder includes a driving wheel, a clutch unit, and a plurality of roller units. The clutch unit is disposed in a housing unit, and includes a first wheel driven by the driving wheel, a second wheel for driving the roller units, a resilient member interposed between the first and second wheels for biasing the second wheel to move away from the first wheel, and a driving rod. The driving rod is movable between a connecting position whereat the second wheel engages the first wheel so as to allow for transfer of rotation between the first and second wheels, and a disconnecting position whereat the second wheel is disengaged from the first wheel so as to prevent transfer of rotation between the first and second wheels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for transporting a sheaf of notes from a storage location to a dispensing outlet. The system comprises a conveyor apparatus, a carrier within which the sheaf is transported through the conveyor apparatus, and an extractor for removing the sheaf from the carrier. The carrier comprises a resiliently biased gripper for gripping the sheaf with a first gripping force. The extractor comprises an extraction gripping device configured to grip the sheaf with a second gripping force, which is greater than the first gripping force.

Abstract: A paper feeder and an image processing apparatus using the same are provided. The paper feeder includes a feeding plate, a paper guide, a paper-feeding unit and a friction provider. The feeding plate is for supporting at least one sheet of paper. The paper guide is disposed on a side of the feeding plate for aligning the sheet of paper. The paper-feeding unit is disposed at a paper-feeding end of the feeding plate for conveying the sheet of paper. The friction provider is disposed on one lateral side of the paper-feeding unit, for increasing the friction between the sheet of paper and the surface of the feeding plate, and the paper guide is disposed on the other lateral side of the paper-feeding unit.

Abstract: A document processing machine including a document feeder including a support intended to receive a stack of documents, and a unit for extracting documents from the stack of documents and transferring the extracted documents onto a horizontal support of a downstream processing unit, wherein the support of the document feeder is inclined relative to the horizontal is described.

Abstract: The invention provides an option-type paper feeding device that can contribute to enhancing printing operation efficiency while taking advantage of variable printing speed in a printing apparatus. A high-volume paper feeding device includes: a paper stacking section; a paper feeding mechanism; and an intermediate transport section connected to a paper feeding section of a printing apparatus such as a stencil printing apparatus. The intermediate transport section includes: a first paper transport means; and a second paper transport means provided downstream of the first paper transport means, and an inkjet printing section is provided above the first paper transport means. The transport speed of the first paper transport means is fixed to a speed suitable for printing by the inkjet printing section, while the transport speed of the second paper transport means is variable.

Abstract: A print system capable of printing more quickly, printing and observing images more in the order of completion of transfer of the image data, and also reducing the generation of waste of recording sheets even in a case that printing of the image is canceled in the middle of the image printing, compared with the conventional method. In the system including at least two image data outputting apparatuses and one printer for printing images based on the image data transferred from the at least two image data outputting apparatuses, when the image data is transferred from each image data outputting apparatuses, the printing preparation of the recording sheet is started at a timing so that it is completed upon completion of the image data transfer, based on the time required for transfer of the image data and printing preparation time required for the printing preparation of the recording sheet.

Abstract: A method for controlling the feed of sheets to a sheet-fed printing press is provided for a sheet feeder unit comprising an individual drive assigned to each of a plurality of components provided for supplying the sheets in a stack, separating the sheets from a stack and supplying the sheets to the press. The method provides a means by which at least two of the individual drives are brought to a standstill in a defined position in a targeted manner by shutting down the feeder unit. The individual drives are operated in synchronization with one another during printing operation. The synchronization between the at least two individual drives is canceled when the sheet feeder unit is shut down. These drives are shut down individually and synchronized with one another when the sheet feeder unit is started up again such that in shutdown, each individual drive assumes a predefinable position.

Abstract: When an image is recorded on a recording medium conveyed by a conveyance mechanism, prescribed information is set in accordance with an interval between a first medium detection unit that is provided between a supply mechanism that supplies the recording medium and the conveyance mechanism and a second medium detection unit that is provided above the conveyance mechanism, one of the first and second medium detection units is selected on the basis of the prescribed information and detection information of each of the first and second medium detection units, and image recording is controlled on the basis of the detection information of the selected one of the first and second medium detection units and conveyance information of a conveyance information generation unit.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes a conveyor support, a main conveyor connected to the conveyor support and having a discharge end movable between a lowered position and a raised position, a transfer conveyor having a intake end roller support holding the intake end roller in a fixed relationship with respect to the conveyor support and a discharge end roller connected to a main conveyor intake end roller, at least one idler roller, and at least one belt supported by the transfer conveyor intake end roller and the transfer conveyor discharge end roller and passing over the at least one idler roller, the main conveyor discharge end being movable between a lowered position and a raised position, and wherein the transfer conveyor discharge end roller is shifted away from the transfer conveyor intake end roller by the main conveyor discharge end moving from the lowered position to the raised position.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus to separate and transport flexible two-dimensional products, such as paper sheets having an adhesive, the products are supplied via a product supply stack to a separation device. The separation device includes at least one conveyor element. The products at the same time are only stabilized on an edge or a portion thereof and are free at the other portions thereof. The at least one conveyor element separates the products and convey these subsequently to a transfer location. The at least one conveyor element is multi-functional and has a flattened geometry. The at least one conveyor element is moved in a direction of movement essentially parallel to a plane of the product supply stack. The direction of movement moves from one free end of the products to a stabilized region of the products. At the same time, the at least one conveyor element moves below the frontmost product of the supply stack and subsequently seizes the frontmost product at its distant side and further conveys it.

Abstract: A sheet separation member having a separation pick includes a substrate made of hard material, which is swingable around a support shaft connected to a stable member, and a wrapping member made of resin softer than the substrate for wrapping the substrate. A leading end of the substrate is integrally molded with the wrapping member using inert molding, and a leading end of the wrapping member protrudes from the leading end of the substrate by not more than 5 mm.

Abstract: A moving unit includes first and second transportation paths that can selectively link to main transportation path of a recording sheet, a first roller arranged between the first and the second transportation paths, second and third rollers capable of making contact with the first roller across the first and the second transportation paths, respectively. When the moving unit moves to a position at which the first transportation path or the second transportation path is linked to the main transportation path, a mechanism varies a pressing force of the second roller or the third roller with respect to the first roller.

Abstract: A paper-separating plate is adapted for a paper-separating mechanism having a paper-separating roller. The paper-separating plate placed around a side of the paper-separating roller comprises a main body and a cushion. The main body has a surface and a plurality of grooves and the grooves are positioned on the surface. The cushion is positioned on the surface of the main body and covers the grooves. The cushion positioned over the partial grooves is elastically pressed onto the paper-separating roller. The grooves, neighboring one another or each other, linearly extend in a direction substantially parallel with the axis of the paper-separating roller. Besides, the cushion is made of flexible material and the main body is made of rigid material.