Abstract: A paper sheet takeout apparatus has a memory which has several processing modes, and stores parameters of a supply speed of a supply unit, a pressing force of a delivering roller and a separating force of a separating roller for each processing mode, a setting unit which selects one of several processing modes, and a controller which reads the parameters from the memory in accordance with the processing mode selected by the setting unit and which controls at least one of supply speed of the supply unit, a pressing force of a delivering roller and a separating force of the separating roller, on the basis of the parameters read from the memory.

Abstract: A papers feeding device, comprising first and second feeding units 10 and 20 in which pickup rollers 12 and 22 are mounted on two or more independent shafts 11 and 21 disposed on the right and left sides of the device to be orthogonal to the carrying direction of papers P. The pickup rollers 10 and 20 are vertically moved independently while following up the height position of the uppermost surface of the piled papers P. The first and second feeding units 10 and 20 are connected by a plate elastic support member 70 . The device also comprises a single optical sensor 72 for detecting the height position at the center of the elastic support member 70 . The contact state of the pickup rollers 12 and 22 with the papers P is detected based on signals detected by the optical sensor 72.

Abstract: An inkjet image forming apparatus and a method to control the same. In the apparatus, a pickup roller picks up a print sheet from a cassette containing print sheets. Drive and Feed rollers convey the print sheet. A conveyor motor rotates the feed roller. A controller controls the speed of the conveyor motor around the time when a change is made to forces in which the drive and feed rollers apply to the print sheet. The print sheet is conveyed at normal speed while it is pinched by nips at both the drive and feed rollers and is conveyed slowly after its trailing end passes through the drive roller. This reduces the creation of white stripes on an image printed on the print sheet, caused by a change in force applied to the print sheet when leaving the drive roller after being pinched by nips of both the drive and feed rollers, thereby improving print quality.

Abstract: A card sending device for use with cards may include a card storage part in which a plurality of cards are stacked and stored, a gate through which a card is capable of passing to an outside of the card storage part, a sending pawl which is capable of engaging with the card to send it to the gate one by one, a pawl feeding mechanism for moving the sending pawl, a sending drive roller for sending the card which is sent by the sending pawl, one drive source for driving the pawl feeding mechanism and the sending drive roller together and a transmission mechanism for transmitting a driving force of the drive source to the pawl feeding mechanism and the sending drive roller so that a sending speed for the card by the sending drive roller is set to be faster than a sending speed for the card by the sending pawl.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sheet feeding method and apparatus by which sheets of material can be fed, one at a time, into a processing or finishing machine. The present disclosure includes a continuously moving feed means that is driven and moves continuously at line speed. The continuously moving feed means are provided with vacuum means to pull the sheet into engagement with the feed means. A feed plate is provided for movement between a lowered, feed position in which the feed plate is lowered to a position below the feed means and a raised, no feed position in which the feed plate is raised to a position just above the feed means to prevent a sheet from being fed. In one embodiment, the movement of the feed plate is provided and controlled via a rotating, profiled eccentric which is driven by a servo electric motor.

Abstract: A sheet feed device includes: a conveyor roller that rotates in a first direction; a separation roller rotatable in a second, reverse to the first direction, that nips a sheet with the conveyor roller; a sheet detector provided at a detecting position to detect a number of sheets; a pressure generator that generates a pressure to press the separation roller against the conveyor roller; a separation torque generator that generates a separation torque to convey the sheet on the separation roller in the second direction; and a controller that, if two or more sheets are detected, applies the pressure and/or the separation torque to the separation roller to separate the sheets until the detected number of sheets is decreased to be one, and that, after the number of sheets becomes one, controls the pressure and/or the separation torque to adjust a position of the sheet on the separation roller to a target position.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes a feeding roller and a separation pad, and the sheet feeding apparatus sequentially separates and feeds a sheet one by one in a nip portion formed by the feeding roller and the separation pad. The sheet feeding apparatus includes a pad mount and an eccentric shaft. The pad mount supports the separation pad, and is movable in a direction in which a nip area by the separation pad is changed. The eccentric shaft moves the pad mount in the direction in which the nip area is changed. The sheet feeding apparatus is characterized in that the eccentric shaft moves the pad mount in the direction in which the nip area by the separation pad is gradually narrowed in separating the sheet one by one.

Abstract: A recording medium transfer apparatus includes a motor control unit for controlling the motor to rotate at higher speed when the recording medium is fed to the liquid ejection area than that when the recording medium is discharged out of the liquid ejection area, and a feed control unit for controlling a next recording medium to be fed simultaneously with discharge of the recording medium, if a position of a rear end of the recording medium when recording or printing has been finished is situated upstream of a predetermined position, which is upstream of the discharge roller as much as a distance between a feed start position of the recording medium and the liquid ejection area, whereas controlling the next recording medium to start to be fed after discharge of the recording medium has been finished, if the position of the rear end of the recording medium when recording or printing has been finished is situated downstream of the predetermined position.

Abstract: A sheet is firstly fed only by a sheet feed roller and then relayed to a transportation roller. When the transportation roller starts conveying the sheet, a motor coupled to the sheet feed roller is deenergized so that the sheet feed roller is not rotated by the power of motor but rotated due to frictional contact with the sheet being transported by the transportation roller. At this time, the rotation sensor senses rotations of a disk attached to the shaft of the sheet feed roller. A trailing edge of the sheet is detected when the rotation sensor no longer detects the rotations of the disk. Based on the detection of the trailing edge of the sheet, the timing at which the subsequent sheet is fed out by the sheet feed roller is determined. As such, an interval between successively fed two cut sheets can be shortened, thereby improving sheet feed efficiency.

Abstract: The uppermost original of a bundle of originals placed on a stacking tray is photographed by an area sensor, and on the basis of chroma saturation information of image information thus obtained, whether the original to be separated is a color original is discriminated. If the original to be separated is a black-and-white original, the separating speed is set to an ordinary separating speed, and if the original to be separated is a color original, the separating speed is set to a separating speed lower than the ordinary separating speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the absence of print media in an imaging device, such as a printer. The printer includes a print mechanism, a media tray for supplying sheets of print media to the printer, and a pick mechanism for moving the sheets of print media from the media tray to the print mechanism. The pick mechanism includes a pick roller, a pick motor that rotates the pick roller, and a controller in communication with the pick motor. Rotating the pick roller when there are no sheets of print media in the media tray causes the pick motor to stall. The controller produces a signal when the motor stalls indicating to the user that the printer is out of print media. A rotational position encoder coupled to the pick mechanism and in communication with the controller can be used to provide pick motor stall detection.

Abstract: Provided is a bulk paper feeding device with an intermediate conveyor comprising a carrier capable of carrying a large quantity of paper, a paper feeding mechanism for picking up and feeding one sheet at a time of the paper from the carrier, and an intermediate conveyor for transporting a sheet of paper fed from the feeding mechanism to the main paper feeding table of the paper feeder on the body of the image forming device or to the vicinity of a paper feeding port that faces the main paper feeding means of the paper feeder.

Abstract: A system, method and article for adjusting the time interval between feeding of successive sheets of media in a printer or copier. The method comprises initiating a first pick signal for a sheet of the media and identifying a feed time for the sheet of media, and identifying an expected feed time for said media. The system compares feed times to an expected feed time and adjusts according to such comparison to substantially correct for slippage or other problems feeding diverse media.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a printing mechanism having a media path. A print media source is provided for supplying a sheet of print media to the printing mechanism. A drive unit is provided, with a drive shaft coupled to the drive unit. A media sensor device is mounted to the drive shaft, wherein as the drive shaft is rotated in a first direction the media sensor device is moved from a first position that is out of the media path to a second position that is in the media path for sensing the sheet of print media. As the drive shaft is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction the media sensor device is moved from the second position that is in the media path for sensing the sheet of print media to the first position that is out of the media path.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a sensor, and a carrier system configured to transport the sensor along a scanning path. A mid-frame is provided having a slot formed along the scanning path. A print media support is provided for holding a supply of print media. A print media detection device is positioned below the mid-frame. The print media detection device includes a first end and a second end. The first end has a sense surface, wherein the sensor senses one of a presence and an absence of the sense surface in the slot of the mid-frame as a determination of the depletion of the supply of print media at the print media support.

Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a resistance element with which a front end of the paper becomes in contact so that a paper on a top of the stack of papers is separated from the stack of papers and picked up from a cassette, an angle conversion unit which changes an inclination angle of the resistance element with respect to the front end of the paper, and a switching gear which is moved by a carriage to a first position to feed the paper and to a second position to drive the angle conversion unit.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet feeding device that picks up sheets from stacked sheets and feeds the sheets one by one, a drive device that drives the sheet feeding device, first and second detecting devices that detect the fed sheet, and a control device that feeds the sheet while setting a drive amount of the drive device. The control device calculates a first drive amount of the drive device during a first interval from when the first detecting device detects the sheet to when the second detecting device detects the sheet based on information detected by the first and second detecting devices, and the control device sets a second drive amount of the drive device during a second interval from when the second detecting device detects the sheet to when the drive device is stopped based on the calculated first drive amount.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a user interface (15). The user interface includes a card reader (16), receipt printer opening (30), cash dispensing opening (38) and deposit accepting opening (40). A stack of notes (84) input to the machine are separated one by one from the stack through the action of at least one picking member (158, 352) and at least one stripper member (64, 162, 354). The actions of non-contact stripper rolls and a contact stripper roll are generally effective to only enable a single note to move past the stripper members. Upon sensing that multiple notes have moved past the stripper members with a sensor (176, 366) the system is operative to return notes to the stack for subsequent picking trials. In some cases the stripper members may be driven so as to move notes engaged therewith relative to a note engaged with the stripper member so as to reorient the notes and facilitate note separation in subsequent picking events.

Abstract: A pickup error-sensing apparatus of an image forming apparatus and method therefor. The pickup error-sensing apparatus includes a sensing actuator rotatably disposed on a frame with respect to a paper cassette, displaceable when sheets of paper are loaded in the cassette, a paper sensor unit outputting a paper loading and unloading signals according to the displacement of the sensing actuator, a sensing actuator-operating unit operating the sensing actuator to allow the paper sensor unit to output the paper unloading signal when a pickup roller carries out a pickup movement, and a control unit determining whether the paper unloading signal is output when the pickup roller carries out the pickup movement, and determining occurrence of a pickup error to stop the image forming apparatus when the paper unloading signal is not output. The apparatus and method sense the pickup error generated from inadequate movement of the pick-up roller without installing a separate paper sensor.

Abstract: A mechanism for sensing the status of a media stack tray which dispenses media to a printing device, the media stack tray being associated with a dispensing device which dispenses media from the media stack tray. The mechanism includes a probe having at least two positions such that the probe is located in a first position when the media stack tray has an empty status and is located in a second position when the media stack tray has a loaded status. The probe is mounted relative to the media stack tray so that when the media stack tray has a loaded status the media is normally located between the probe and the dispensing device. The mechanism also includes a detector for detecting the position of the probe.

Abstract: A sheet feeder includes a sheet mounting plate, pick-up roller, drive motor and transmission device to prevent an excessive load from being applied to a pick-up roller when no sheets are mounted on a sheet mounting plate. When the sheets on the sheet mounting plate run out, a sheet detecting actuator of the sheet feeder fits into an opening formed on the sheet mounting plate. Accordingly, a protrusion of a drive actuator slides along a groove formed on the sheet detecting actuator, which causes the drive actuator and a drive interrupting boss to move. With this structure, transmission of drive force to the pick-up roller is interrupted.

Abstract: A pick mechanism, having a clutch mechanism, for picking media sheets from an input tray and introducing them into a paper path of an image forming apparatus. The clutch mechanism comprises a plurality of balls positioned between an inner race and an outer race. Angular backlash between the inner race and the outer race may result in variations in the timing of the media sheets. An algorithm is further included to estimate the pick timing of the media sheets. The algorithm calculates an estimated pick time for a subsequent media sheet that incorporates the known engagement variations of the ball clutch pick mechanism.

Abstract: A printing apparatus and a method to pick up paper using the printing apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for singling sheet material, in particular papers of value such as bank notes, checks, etc., for subsequent processing of single pieces of sheet material. To permit recognition of mix-ups in the singling order, maintenance of the singling order is checked at the place of singling by monitoring whether the next piece of sheet material to be singled is singled.

Abstract: In a standby state wherein a document is set in a document tray and can be supplied when needed, when a start signal is not inputted (S21: NO), a controller determines whether a document regulating plate has been operated or not based on a detection output of a document size detector for detecting a position of the document regulating plate (S31), and when the document regulating plate was operated (S31: YES), the controller lowers the document tray by a predetermined amount and stops it (S32). A lowered amount of the document tray can be arbitrarily set by a user through an operator control panel. With a sheet feeding apparatus, an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus constituted as described above, even in a state in which the document is set in the document tray, the set state can be easily canceled by operating the document regulating plate.

Abstract: A pickup error-sensing apparatus of an image forming apparatus and method therefor. The pickup error-sensing apparatus includes a sensing actuator rotatably disposed on a frame with respect to a paper cassette, displaceable when sheets of paper are loaded in the cassette, a paper sensor unit outputting a paper loading and unloading signals according to the displacement of the sensing actuator, a sensing actuator-operating unit operating the sensing actuator to allow the paper sensor unit to output the paper unloading signal when a pickup roller carries out a pickup movement, and a control unit determining whether the paper unloading signal is output when the pickup roller carries out the pickup movement, and determining occurrence of a pickup error to stop the image forming apparatus when the paper unloading signal is not output. The apparatus and method sense the pickup error generated from inadequate movement of the pick-up roller without installing a separate paper sensor.

Abstract: This sheet multifeed determination device is capable of accurately detecting a sheet multifeed state, and the sheet multifeed determination device includes: a separating member side sheet speed detecting part which detects a transport speed of a sheet surface on the separating member side of a sheet transported to a nip unit of a paper feed roll and a separating member pressure-contacting mutually; a multifeed sheet detecting part which detects presence of plural sheets in the course of being transported through the nip unit; and a multifeed state determination part which determines not to be in a multifeed state of sheets when the sheet speed detected by the separating member side sheet speed detecting part is V2≦0 and determines to be in the multifeed state of sheets in the case of V2>0 in a condition where the multifeed sheet detecting part detects multifed sheets.

Abstract: Sheets of recording paper are stacked and put on a push-up plate, and the uppermost recording paper is moved by pickup rollers and is separated by separation pawls. The separated recording paper is further moved by the pickup rollers so as to be carried out to the conveyance path between an upper guide and a lower guide. Notches are provided in those regions of the lower guide which correspond to the corner parts of the recording paper. Owing to the notches, the corner parts of the recording paper deformed by the separation pawls do not come into touch with the lower guide, so that the bending and jamming of the recording paper can be prevented from occurring.

Abstract: A sheet feeder (14) for a print engine (10) includes a paper tray (30) which holds a stack of sheets (22) including a top sheet (20), and a pick-roller (42) which makes contact with the top sheet (20). The pick-roller (42) is rotatable about an axis. Also included is a driver (44), which upon forward energizing, rotationally drives the pick-roller (42) about the axis in a forward direction to advance the top sheet (20) to sheet advancing means (34) that pass the top sheet (20) along through the print engine (10). A drive controller (50) controls the driver (44). The drive controller (50) causes the pick-roller (42) to be released for free-wheeling after advancing the top sheet (20) to the sheet advancing means (34).

Abstract: A sheet is firstly fed only by a sheet feed roller and then relayed to a transportation roller. When the transportation roller starts conveying the sheet, a motor coupled to the sheet feed roller is deenergized so that the sheet feed roller is not rotated by the power of motor but rotated due to frictional contact with the sheet being transported by the transportation roller. At this time, the rotation sensor senses rotations of a disk attached to the shaft of the sheet feed roller. A trailing edge of the sheet is detected when the rotation sensor no longer detects the rotations of the disk. Based on the detection of the trailing edge of the sheet, the timing at which the subsequent sheet is fed out by the sheet feed roller is determined. As such, an interval between successively fed two cut sheets can be shortened, thereby improving sheet feed efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stack monitoring system for an imaging apparatus for monitoring media reserves.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an imaging subsystem for forming an image on a sheet, a tray for holding a supply of sheets, a ramp for directing a sheet from the tray into a paper path, a sensor in the vicinity of the paper path, a drive assembly and a processor connected to the drive assembly and the sensor. The drive assembly includes a movable roller configured to move the sheet into the paper path by moving a top sheet of a supply of sheets in the tray to the ramp. The sensor is configured to detect a sheet traveling in the paper path from the tray and to provide an output signal in response to the detection. The processor is configured to control movement of the roller, to receive and store an initial sheet level value, to receive the output signal from the sensor and to calculate a time, t, from activating the drive assembly to receiving the sensor output signal and to accordingly adjust the initial sheet level value.

Abstract: For designing a more compact image reading device and printer requiring for separating a paper sheet and feeding the separated sheet, a limited space above a sheet cassette is effectively used for accommodating a larger number of paper sheets. A sensor lever is supported at its sensor lever axis fitted in an elliptic hole made in a supporting member of the sensor lever. The axis can swing and slide in the elliptic hole. With a large number of sheets piled in the cassette, the sensor lever swings to about horizontal position and the axis retracts up in the elliptic hole. With a small number of sheets, the sensor lever abuts at its abutting member against a receiving portion of the supporting member to prevent the sensor lever axis from moving upward in the elliptic hole, thereby the sensor lever can reliably detect the state of no paper remaining thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus and method feed paper in an image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a sheet tray configured to accommodate stacked sheets and a sheet feeding device configured to feed the stacked sheets in the sheet tray. A light emitting device emits light toward the stacked sheets, and the emitted light includes at least two values of light. A light receiving device receives the light emitted by the light emitting device. Further, a control device detects the number of paper sheets in the stack based on a quantity of a decrease of the transmitted light emitted by the light emitting device. An image forming device is configured to form images on the sheets.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus for an image information processor includes a driving apparatus having a sheet supply opening and a sheet discharge opening arranged above and below and in the same direction, and a registration roller, a delivery roller, a scan roller, and a delivery roller arranged in order along a sheet conveying path formed in an opening curve of a substantially C-shape. The driving apparatus drives the rollers in mutual operations with selective combinations according to a sheet conveying process, and includes a driving motor controlled to change driving modes in the forward and reverse directions, and a power switching device for selectively transferring a rotational force to first and second power transmission systems according to the driving modes of the driving motor, whereby changes in sheet conveying speeds are controlled to secure reliability in the skew-feed correction of a sheet when supplying a large capacity of sheets at a high speed, and to adjust image resolution by mode.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the entrance of a document into a sheet feeder. The document sensor is attached to the sheet feeder. The document sensor comprises a printed circuit board, a key peg and a rocking lever. The printed circuit board is attached to the sheet feeder. The printed circuit board has a first lead wire and a second lead wire detached form each other. The key peg is also attached to the sheet feeder pinning the rocking lever so that the rocking lever is free to rotate relative to the key peg. A conductive member is attached to the rocking lever so that rotating the rocking lever is able to establish an electrical connection between the first lead wire and the second lead wire through the conductive member.

Abstract: A paper-feeding apparatus, which is not restricted by positions of sensors for detecting paper. Paper guides are provided which reliably reduces skew of the paper and enables precise printing by use of an uncomplicated structure. By providing the actuator with paper guide retracting fins, when the paper guide is moved in order to regulate the position of the paper, due to the slide between the paper guide retracting fins and the paper guide, the actuator is retracted out of the working area of the paper guide. With this structure, the actuator does not prevent the paper guide from being moved.

Abstract: When the sheets are taken out sheet by sheet and started to be fed, in a first predetermined section, a driving mode is set to a fixed PWM driving mode, and a DC motor is driven in response to a PWM signal of a fixed duty to perform the sheet feed operation (S110, S120). When the tip end of the fed sheet is detected by a registration sensor (S140: YES), the sheet feed operation is once stopped (S150), and the driving mode is changed to a position feedback control mode (S170). Thereafter, the sheet is fed to a registration position by a position feedback control, the sheet reaches the registration position, the sheet feed is completed (S200: YES), and the process enters the next transfer operation. The transfer operation is also performed in the position feedback control mode. When a control method is changed before/after the registration sensor in this manner, the speeding-up and noise reduction of the sheet feed operation are realized.

Abstract: A media feed system with a self-contained propulsion system is provided. A singulator is used to feed a single media piece and a sensor determined when to disengage propulsion.

Abstract: A method of tracking a document in a system for feeding and transporting documents includes detecting a document trailing edge at a fixed location upstream of a feeder. The system includes a feeder stage and a transport stage downstream of the feeder stage. The feeder stage includes the feeder and a separator. The method further includes tracking a position of the document trailing edge as the document trailing edge moves between the fixed location and the feeder, and performing an operation dependent on the document trailing edge position when the document trailing edge is between the fixed location and the feeder.

Abstract: A paper feeding device comprises a document tray for loading the document, a document-detecting sensor for detecting the document loaded in the document tray and a MYLAR® made of a sheet-shaped resilience material. A part of the MYLAR® is in contact with the document carrying surface at the upstream side of the detecting position of the document-detecting sensor The document is pushed towards the detecting position during the MYLAR® pushing the upper surface of the document. The MYLAR® is bent to form a loop. The lower guide plate is arranged to be in contact with a part of the loop When the document is not detected, the filler of the document-detecting sensor and the MYLAR® overlap each other. A long hole is set in the loop of the MYLAR®.

Abstract: A method of document overlap/gap error detection and correction includes detecting a trailing edge of a first document at a feeder, and detecting a leading edge of a second document at an edge detector between the feeder and a transport stage. An overlap/gap error is determined and the feeder is controlled to correct the overlap/gap error, when the error is present. An overlap may be measured before the first document trailing edge arrives at the edge detector, providing a greater remaining length of the second document left in the feeder with which to perform the necessary feeder motions to correct the overlap/gap error.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device for an image forming apparatus includes a plurality of separator pads each having a particular coefficient of friction with respect to sheets for separating the sheets one by one. An automatic switching mechanism automatically replaces the separator pads. The automatic switching mechanism includes a pad pressure switching section, a pad angle switching section, a ball screw with a worm wheel mounted thereon, a ball nut meshing with the ball screw, a worm meshing with the worm wheel for moving a movable member in the widthwise direction of the sheets via the ball screw, a pad motor for causing the worm to rotate, and a sensor responsive to the position of the movable member. The device automatically selects one of the separator pads and an angle thereof in order to set up optimal sheet feed conditions matching with environmental conditions including temperature and humidity.

Abstract: A paper feeding system has a housing, a paper tray, a paper path positioned before a front end of the paper tray, a paper engaging mechanism installed above the paper tray, a paper separating mechanism, and a driving device. The paper engaging mechanism comprises an engaging arm and an engaging roller. The engaging arm comprises a first fixing shaft rotatably installed on the housing, and a second end installed with the engaging roller. When the engaging arm swings down to the paper tray, the engaging roller pushes at least a sheet of paper from the paper tray to the paper path. The paper separating mechanism comprises a separating roller and a friction pad installed respectively above and below the paper path. When two sheets of paper pass between a gap between the friction pad and the separating roller, the separating roller will move only the top sheet forward. The driving device is used to drive the engaging arm, the engaging roller, and the separating roller.

Abstract: A laminating system includes a feeder apparatus, a laminating apparatus, and a trimmer apparatus mounted on a movable support structure that is adapted to maintain alignment in order to enable a user to move the system without upsetting the alignment. Simultaneous and differential speed control components for the feeder apparatus and the laminating apparatus are provided according to a separate aspect of the invention to enable the user to control spacing between individual sheets as they move along a feed path to the laminating apparatus. A guide plate provided on the feeder apparatus according to another aspect of the invention has an upwardly extending surface that faces the leading edges of sheets in a stack of sheets.

Abstract: The present invention is made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet conveying apparatus which can monitor a sheet conveying condition even with small sheet interval, an image forming apparatus having such a sheet conveying apparatus, an image reading apparatus having such a sheet conveying apparatus, and a sheet processing apparatus having such a sheet conveying apparatus. The present invention provides a sheet conveying apparatus that has detecting means for detecting each of the sheets to be conveyed, wherein, when the sheets are conveyed continuously, conveyance of a preceding sheet and a succeeding sheet is started in a condition that the succeeding sheet cannot be detected by the detecting means, and the preceding sheet and the succeeding sheet are conveyed in such a manner that a an interval which can be detected by the detecting means is created between the preceding sheet and the succeeding sheet at a position of the detecting means.

Abstract: A method of detecting a document in a system for feeding and transporting documents includes detecting an acceleration of an accelerator idler indicating when the document trailing edge exits a feeder and a separator. The system includes a feeder stage including the feeder and the separator for receiving a document therebetween and gripping the document with a first grip, and a transport stage downstream of the feeder stage. The transport stage includes an accelerator driver and the accelerator idler for receiving the document therebetween and gripping the document with a second grip that is less than the first grip. When the document is simultaneously gripped by the feeder and separator and gripped by the accelerator driver and accelerator idler, the document slips at the accelerator driver until the document trailing edge exits the feeder and separator. The acceleration of the accelerator idler is detected to indicate when the document trailing edge exits the feeder and separator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining media level in a cassette. A single, fixed media level sensor is located adjacent to where the media is fed from the cassette. The bottom of the cassette is moved up until the top piece of media triggers the fixed sensor. The number of steps of the stepper motor (or the time an analog motor is on) indicates the distance the bottom of the cassette must be raised before the top of the media stack hits the sensor. The number of steps is used directly to determine the height of the stack of media and, therefore, the level of media in the cassette.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device (2) for separating an outermost sheet (4) from a stack (6). The sheet feeding device (2) comprises a stack support means (8) positioned in a first portion (10) of a housing (12), and a feed module (14) detachably mounted to a second portion (16) of the housing (12) and adapted to be positioned in contact with the stack (6). The feed module (14) includes an urging means (18) mounted on the feed module (14) by an infeed shaft (20) and a feed means (22) mounted on the feed module (14) by a feed roller shaft (24). A separation means (26) is detachably and pivotally mounted to the second portion (16) of the housing (12) by a support means (28). The separation means (26) is positioned adjacent to the feed means (22) so as to define a nip therebetween. A drive means (32) for driving the feed module (14) is mounted to the second portion of the housing (12). A clutch means (90) attached to the drive means (32) transmits an intermittent drive force to the feed module (14).