Abstract: An apparatus for the peel off feeding of stacked printed items such as newspapers, periodicals, booklets or the like, comprises a number of open-topped containers for receiving the stacked items. There is furthermore a peel off station into which the containers are moved for the removal of the printed items therein. Each such container for printed items has a bottom shelf with device for guiding it vertically and is slanted towards a removal side, at least in the feeding station. At least during the time it is in the peel off station the shelf in each container may be driven vertically so as to bring the uppermost printed item therein into the range of action of a suction device which cooperates with a scoop plate in lifting and sliding off the items from the top of the container one by one. The scoop plate is able to be moved between a position in which it somewhat overlaps the top edge of the container in the peel off position and a position retracted therefrom.

Abstract: A money feeding machine having a friction feed mounted to feed from the top of a stack of money is disclosed. The stack of money is contained within a cassette having a moveable bottom. The bottom of the cassette is raised by a motor as money is fed from the top of the stack in order to maintain the top of the stack of money substantially at the top of the cassette and available for feeding by the friction feed. Ramps are mounted a predetermined distance down from the top of the cassette to squeeze sheets of money inwardly and cause them to bow upwardly as they are pushed up by the motor. The ramps cause blocks of mint money to be separated into a short loose stack of sheets above the ramps for reliable feeding by the friction feed.

Abstract: To maintain a sufficient stock of blanks (10) in packaging machines, especially for hinge-lid packs to receive cigarettes, there is a magazine (11) with a plurality of magazine shafts (13, 14, 15), from which a stock of blanks (16) is extracted successively in the region of an extraction station (12). A residual stock (23) of blanks is constantly maintained in the extraction station (12), while the magazine (11) is displaced after a magazine shaft (13, 14, 15) has been emptied.

Abstract: A cash cartridge for a cash processing machine includes: a pressure plate for biasing a stack of bank notes in a particular direction towards a cash outlet and for squeezing the stack of bank notes together; a pair of pulleys; an endless belt mounted on the pair of pulleys, with the pressure plate being fixedly mounted to the endless belt and being moved in the particular direction by rotation of the endless belt and the pair of pulleys in a certain particular rotational direction; a means for biasing the endless belt and the pair of pulleys in that particular rotational direction; a door which is opened for charging bank notes into the cash cartridge and is otherwise closed; and a means for preventing the endless belt and the pair of pulleys from rotating in the opposite rotational direction and for allowing them to rotate in the particular rotational direction when the door is closed, and for allowing the endless belt and the pair of pulleys to rotate in either rotational direction when the door is open.

Abstract: Equipment for continuously feeding a supply of packaging blanks to a packaging machine comprises a feed magazine (10) for holding and sequentially feeding a series of stacks (S1-S5) of packaging blanks, a feed hopper (14) to receive at least one stack of blanks at a time from the feed magazine and present the blanks for use in the machine and a transfer mechanism (12) for transferring a stack of blanks from the feed magazine to the feed hopper. A sensor (66) is provided automatically to actuate the transfer mechanism when the supply of blanks held by the feed hopper reaches a predetermined level and a switch (70) is provided automatically to advance the series of stacks in the feed magazine so that the next succeeding stack is positioned for transfer to the feed hopper.

Abstract: A label handling system, particularly for use in supermarkets. The system includes a plurality of boxes (108) for receiving parts of labels (103) from merchandise (106). The box with a stack of labels in it is placed in the box-receiving station (109) where the labels are fed upwardly into a downwardly facing hoppper. Labels are sequentially removed from the top of the stack in the hopper and passed through a data reading station (112) at which price and weight data are read from the labels and subsequently further processes (113, 114, 115).

Abstract: A sheet supply receptacle is disclosed which permits the operator to prepare many reams of sheets of paper for use in a very high speed copier/duplicator. The receptacle, when pre-loaded with reams of paper, is adapted to be applied to the sheet supply apparatus of the copier/duplicator, to deposit the reams on the sheet supply tray or elevator for the copier/duplicator in proper sheet feeding registration and alignment, and be removed from the sheet supply apparatus to be reloaded again for another loading operation.

Abstract: The stack of sheets is urged towards a rotatable removal roller located at the top of the magazine. The roller is mounted on a frame which is pivoted relative to the magazine to provide access to the stack for reloading. Pivoting of the frame automatically actuates a spring-loaded rachet-type mechanism which prevents movement of the stack towards the open top end of the magazine, without interfering with the placement of additional sheets onto the stack.

Abstract: A sheet feeding cassette latching system for latching on to a main body of a copying apparatus and the like a sheet feeding cassette including a sheet support plate for supporting a stack of sheets thereon, and an upper cover capable of being brought to an open position by flipping upwardly a rearward end thereof even when the cassette is in a latched position. When the cassette is in the latched position, the sheet support plate is moved upwardly by a lifter to bring a sheet pickup roller into pressing engagement with the uppermost sheet of the stack of sheets on the sheet support plate to feed one sheet after another to a copying station. The sheet feeding cassette is inserted into and withdrawn from the main body in a tilting position in which a rearward end thereof is located in a higher level than when the cassette is in the latched position.

Abstract: An electrophotographic copying machine is placed upon a pedestal type supplementary paper feeding device which includes a base table supporting a paper containing bin having a pallet which rests upon a lift on the base table. The bin has a cut-out section through which the lift moves against the pallet for raising the stacked paper to a feeding mechanism at the top of the lift for supplying paper to the copying machine.

Abstract: An automated sheet-moving system for moving sheets from a printing press and to a bindery and with a fully automated system where the sheets need not be manually handled. The sheets are initially formed in a stack on a stacker and are then placed onto a tray where a pick-up mechanism moves the sheets to a station adjacent a bindery feeder. An automated pick-up then moves the sheets from the station to the bindery feeder, in response to the requirement for sheets in the bindery feeder. A specially provided tray and pick-up mechanism are inter-related so that the pick-up mechanism can engage the tray and pick up the tray with the sheets thereon, and the mechanism can also eject the sheets from the tray at the location of the bindery feeder.

Abstract: A pivotal feed head for feeding non-rigid paper sheets individually from a feed hopper to a photo-optical utilization station at high speed without interruption, overlap or collision between sheets including oppositely disposed members for applying a normal force between an enlarged resilient tired feed wheel adapted for unidirectional rotation and a conjointly movable, engageable retard roller. The feed head is mounted for pivotal movement about an outboard drive member. A frictional brake for the retard roller is adjustable to provide a preset load at the nip between the feed wheel and the retard roller while a solenoid-actuated one-way clutch operably engages the feed wheel mounting shaft for incremental signal controlled paper feed. A vertical, signal-controlled latching member locks the feed head in a vertical pivoted position at the end of the vertical upward movement of the paper stack platform as the paper is fed into the nip between the feed wheel and the retard roller.

Abstract: An envelope feeder for a duplicating press having a suction feeder wherein the envelope feeder includes a conveyer for transferring envelopes one at a time from a magazine storing a supply stack to a feed stack from which the suction feeder of the duplicating press removes the envelopes one at a time from the top of the stack. The conveyer coacts with the magazine and other means for taking the envelopes from the bottom of the supply stack one at a time and feeding them to the bottom of the feed stack at the press. A detector at the feed stack shuts down the conveyer when the feed stack reaches a predetermined height, and thereafter starts the conveyer when the stack diminishes to a given level.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a vertically movable paper tray that descends to its lowered condition when a copier door is opened for resupply of copy sheets, a switch for detecting the fully raised sheet feeding condition of the tray, and a photosensor for detecting the presence of paper on the tray as the tray is raised toward its fully raised condition. A copier operation enabling signal is generated in response to the position of the door and the photosensor output, with a suitable time delay to prevent copying until the tray has attained its fully raised condition following detection of the presence of paper by the photosensor.

Abstract: A device for removing and relocating pieces of fabric from a stack having a carousel that carries a plurality of stack support plates disposed about the axis of rotation of the carousel.When one supportplate is depleted of its pieces forming a stack, a bar for elevating the supportplate to piece removal position is caused to be lowered to a position which permits the carousel to be rotated and to selectively present a supportplate having a full stack thereon in a location whereat it is elevated to piece removing position and the device resumes its function of separate and sequential removal and relocating of each piece from the stack.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to pick up single sheets of semi rigid material from a stack and convey them to a further location. The pick up mechanism employs a primary carriage assembly supported for horizontal linear movement. A row of vertically movable suction devices mounted on the carriage lift the sheet adjacent a trailing edge. A secondary carriage including finger elements engages the raised sheet to push it across the stack into nip rollers.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a stack of veneer sheets with the top of such stack at approximately the level of pinch roll mechanism in a dryer feeder. An accumulator in the apparatus may be actuated to support a remnant stack of veneer sheets at proper elevation, and with freeing of a platform in the apparatus whereby it may be lowered to have deposited thereon a new stack of sheets.

Abstract: Modular automatic paper handling apparatus wherein a vertically movable paper item tray is incrementally elevatable into a paper feeding position adjacent a feeding device. A cable drive including an electromagnetic impulse clutch and solenoid escapement provide control for elevating the item tray. A pivotally movable reload tray is adapted to be positioned over the main item tray such that finger-like projections integral therewith are interfitted with upstanding projections on the main item tray enabling the main item tray to be raised into a position to automatically unload paper from the reload tray after which the reload tray is automatically snapped out of the way of the main item tray. A cable counter weight permits the main tray to retract downwardly to feeding position without overrunning or bouncing.

Abstract: A recording medium feeding device for use in an image formation instrument such as a printer, a copying apparatus or a recording apparatus. The feeding device has a recording medium supporting table, feed apparatus for feeding the recording mediums on the supporting table, and a drive system for vertically driving the supporting table. During supply of recording mediums, the supporting table is gradually lowered from a predetermined upper position as the recording mediums are supplied.

Abstract: The invention is an improved bag unit feeder, particularly paper bag units in conjunction with other manufacturing apparatus. The bag unit feeder conveys selected stacks of bag units or bags, or partially manufactured bags, such as bag tubes, in an indexed forward movement and subsequently dispenses them one at a time. The bag unit feeder accepts one of the selected stacks during each indexed forward movement of the conveyor mechanism and then picks up individual bag units, one at a time, from the top of the selected stack and feeds each bag unit automatically to the next operation. The individual bag units are picked up by suction cups with restraining elements of the structure aiding in the process.

Abstract: A copy sheet-feeding apparatus comprises a switch and control mechanism. The switch detects an open state of a sheet cover capable of exposing a stack of copy sheet and a closed state of the cover sheet capable of enclosing the stack, and generates signals denoting the open and closed states of the sheet cover. The control mechanism controls a drive mechanism for moving a sheet rest supporting the stack of copy sheets between a first position capable of receiving the copy sheets and a second position capable of supplying the sheet to a copying press. Receiving the signal denoting the open state of the sheet cover from the switch, the control mechanism causes the sheet rest to be moved to the first position, and, receiving the signal denoting the closed state thereof, causes the sheet rest to be moved to the second position.

Abstract: A duplex copying machine having a simple and automatic method and apparatus for handling paper at a duplex feeding station in a duplex copier is disclosed. A container for holding a stack of paper is removably connected to the duplex copier at a paper feeding station. The stack of paper is aligned and partially confined within the container by vertically extending surfaces which align the edges of the paper sheets within the stack. Top portions connected to the vertical surfaces extend horizontally over a portion of the top sheet of the stack. The stack of paper rests on an intermediate support plate within a container which is biased against the top portions. Extension members connected to opposite sides of the intermediate support plate are disposed to move within slots in opposite sides of the container. A pair of solenoids are connected to contact members and fixed to the duplex copier. When the container is mounted on the duplex copier the contact members come in close proximity to the extension members.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus for a copying machine, printing machine, etc. having a sheet feeding tray for supporting sheets thereon, which is adapted to be moved out of the machine for replenishing or replacing the sheets and then inserted into the machine and moved vertically within the machine to a sheet feeding position. The sheet feeding tray is mounted in a sheet feeding frame capable of moving into and out of the machine and can be moved vertically in the sheet feeding frame when this frame has reached its sheet feeding position, a common drive motor being provided for moving the sheet feeding frame into and out of the machine and vertically moving the sheet feeding tray within the sheet feeding frame.

Abstract: A movable platform supports a stack of sheets, with at least a portion of the stack being in a predetermined feed zone where feeding apparatus engages and feeds the sheets, one-at-a-time, from the feed zone into processing machinery. Biasing means continuously urge the platform toward the feed zone and are responsive to a controller for advancing additional sheets of the stack into the feed zone as the sheets are fed therefrom. A sensor is responsive to removal of sheets from the feed zone to energize the controller for enabling the biasing means to advance the table when sheets are not present in the feed zone and to deenergize the controller for disabling the biasing means and terminating movement of the platform when sheets are present in the feed zone.

Abstract: The machine comprises a splicing table with a stacking table at each end together with a vertical backboard. The splicing table fixedly abuts the backboard and the stacking tables are vertically movable in substantial abutment with the backboard. Bundles of fan-folded paper are placed on the stacking tables with their tops substantially coplanar with the splicing table. The top sheets of each bundle are swung onto the table in abutting relation, positioned by locator pins, and held by vacuum. A length of tape is drawn from a tape supply across the abutted ends and secured, and the tape is then trimmed to the width of the sheets. The vacuum hold-down is released and the second bundle is folded onto the first one. The same operation is then performed on the second and third bundles and several successive bundles.

Abstract: A sheet feed apparatus for use with a copying machine comprising a sheet stacking member for stacking recording sheets thereon, and a pair of sheet feed rollers for feeding the recording sheets one by one, which are arranged coaxially on a driving shaft disposed above the sheet stacking member, and one sheet feed roller is located at an appropriate position and the other sheet feed roller is movable along the driving shaft. The sheet stacking member can take two positions, a sheet feed position and a sheet replenishment position, by sliding the sheet stacking member in and out of the body of the copying machine.

Abstract: A semi-circular stack sheet feeding apparatus for supplying an imbricated stack of sheets to a sheet folding machine or the like is disclosed. The sheet feeding device has a delivery and diverting device for transporting the imbricated stack of sheets in a first delivery direction along the underside of a diverting drum, about a portion of the periphery of the drum and, in a second delivery direction, to a sheet removal platform. A removal device associated with the removal platform removes the uppermost sheet from the platform in a direction opposite the second delivery direction. A stop is provided on the removal platform against which the leading edges of the sheets strike and a stack height sensor is provided for sensing the number of sheets stacked on the removal platform. So long as the number of sheets in the stack is below a predetermined value, the stack height sensor maintains the drive of the delivery and diverting device engaged.

Abstract: A bag tube feeder has an intermittently operated conveyor supporting a row of aligned stacks of bag tubes with a plurality of movable suction cups positioned over an outfeed station in which a stack of bag tubes is positioned. A pair of pneumatic cylinders lowers the suction cups to engage the uppermost bag tube, then lift the bag tube and a pneumatic cylinder swings the bag tube into the nip of a roller and an outfeed conveyor belt which takes the bag tube to a discharge location. A photo-electric sensor senses lowering of the stack of bag tubes in the outfeed station to automatically actuate a pneumatic cylinder arrangement for lifting the discharge end of the conveyor to maintain the top of the stack in a desired position. A mechanical sensor senses the depletion of the stack in the outfeed station to initiate actuation of the stack infeed conveyor to move the next adjacent stack into the outfeed station automatically.

Abstract: Upper and lower sheet carriages are rollingly supportable on upper and lower pairs of horizontal rails respectively. Each carriage supports a stack of sheets for a copying machine or the like. A drive comprising endless chains rolls one of the carriages to a lift position above an elevator and the other of the carriages to a loading position spaced from the elevator. The elevator is raised to lift a carriage from the lift position to a sheet feed position above the upper rails. The spacing between the lower rails is sufficiently smaller than that between the upper rails that the lower carriage may be raised through the upper rails by the elevator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling, separating and feeding gusset tubes from stacks thereof is provided which allows continuous, high speed separation and feeding of individual tubes without sagging or hangup problems, and at high operational speeds. The apparatus includes a pickup and feeding mechanism having tube-engaging arms, vacuum tube grippers for positively forming a bowed section in the tubes as they are lifted and upright stop structure for preventing shifting movement of the tube stack at the pickup station and separating any underlying tubes which may adhere to the topmost tube being fed. Stack elevating and lowering apparatus includes electrically controlled lifting mechanism having a pair of interconnected clutch elements for control of vertical movement. A conveying assembly having incrementally driven stack-supporting belts and pusher arms shiftable at a speed different than the belts serves to feed successive stacks to the pickup and feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A feeder hopper for documents. A pair of guide rods are slidably mounted in a base member. A rear plate is mounted on the guide rods. A second plate pivotally and slidably mounted on one side of the guide rods. The plates are adapted to nest together. Means are provided to push back the rear plate back from the second plate when it is desired to add a new supply of documents to the hopper. The second plate holds the stack in position. After the new sheets are added the second plate is rotated out of the stack.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting successive stacks of condensed parallel signatures into a single file of signatures which are thereupon processed in a bookbinding machine has a chain conveyor the front portion of which supports and advances an expiring stack of signatures. Successive foremost signatures of the expiring stack are withdrawn by a mechanism which transfers them onto a further conveyor. The horizontal rear portion of the chain conveyor is long enough to support at least one full stack of signatures behind the expiring stack. A fresh stack of signatures is placed onto a platform forming part of a carriage and movable between a raised position in which the platform is located above the rear portion of the chain conveyor to receive a fresh stack and a lower position in which the platform is located below the rear portion of the chain conveyor so that the fresh stack comes to rest on the rear portion.

Abstract: A stack elevating apparatus for a sheet feeder. A tray for supporting a stack of sheets is arranged for movement between at least one elevated position and a lowered position. The tray is arranged to descend to the lower position by gravity. An inertial force is provided for controlling the rate of descent of the tray. In one embodiment the inertial force is provided by an inertial member which is arranged to rotate in response to the descent of the tray and for continued rotation after the tray has stopped. In another embodiment a system is provided for amplifying the inertial force provided by the inertial member. A selectively engageable friction drive system for elevating the tray forms yet another embodiment.

Abstract: The apparatus is intended for use in conjunction with a rotary feeder having a stack magazine which contains packs of tube sections. The apparatus comprises pressure applying means acting on the tube sections, particularly in the form of laterally pivotally movable pressure-applying fingers, which bear on the uppermost pack of tube sections and are adapted to descend as the stack decreases in height. Actuating means are provided, which when the pressure-applying fingers have reached a position in which they are at a minimum distance from the suction rollers of the rotary feeder impart an outward pivotal movement to said pressure-applying fingers, raise them to an extent which corresponds to the height of the subsequently supplied pack or packs of tube sections, and cause the pressure-applying fingers to bear on said pack or packs. The pressure-applying fingers are removed from the stack in the plane of the tube sections upon which they press.

Abstract: An automatic adjusting device for stack changers in a sheet feeding device which compensates for the progressive drop formed on the residual stack as the auxiliary stack table is withdrawn.

Abstract: A workpiece feeding apparatus for feeding workpieces from the top of a stack of workpieces, and which includes a support frame on which is movably mounted a vertical gear rack having a lifting plate on the upper end thereof for engagement with the lower end of a stack of workpieces. A horizontally disposed shaft is rotatably mounted on the support frame, and a gear is detachably fixed to the shaft for driving the gear rack upwardly. The gear may be detached from a driving engagement with the shaft after the gear rack has reached its uppermost feeding position to permit the gear rack to move by gravity downwardly to its initial starting position. A first clutch member is operatively mounted on the shaft, and is operated by a power means for driving the shaft in one direction to turn said gear and move the gear rack upwardly through a predetermined upward feeding movement.

Abstract: A copy sheet-feeding apparatus comprises a switch and control mechanism. The switch detects an open state of a sheet cover capable of exposing a stack of copy sheet and a closed state of the cover sheet capable of enclosing the stack, and generates signals denoting the open and closed states of the sheet cover. The control mechanism controls a drive mechanism for moving a sheet rest supporting the stack of copy sheets between a first position capable of receiving the copy sheets and a second position capable of supplying the sheet to a copying press. Receiving the signal denoting the open state of the sheet cover from the switch, the control mechanism causes the sheet rest to be moved to the first position, and, receiving the signal denoting the closed state thereof, causes the sheet rest to be moved to the second position.