Abstract: A dunnage removal apparatus is situated adjacent a load conveyor and more particularly at a transfer device that moves a unitized load from the load conveyor to a pre-feeder. The dunnage removal apparatus includes a guide chute that funnels a loose flap of the dunnage sheet toward a sheet stripper mechanism. The mechanism includes a motor driven drive roller and a pair of pinch rollers that pinch the flap and pull the dunnage sheet from beneath the load. The pinch rollers are supported for movement relative to the drive roller to accept dunnage sheet(s) of variable thicknesses. A backstop plate is provided that moves with the pinch rollers. The load bears against the backstop plate as the dunnage sheet(s) is removed.

Abstract: A paper-pickup clutch of an automatic paper-feeding device includes a clamping member and a clamping-force adjusting member and can be applied to image processors such as printers, copiers or scanners. The automatic paper-feeding device includes a shaft and a paper-pickup mechanism transmitted to picking up paper by the shaft. The paper-pickup clutch provides a bi-directional clutch function by moving the clamping member toward or away from the paper-pickup mechanism with the clamping-force adjusting member in order to adjust the clamping force of the clamping member working on the paper-pickup mechanism to a certain level. With the certain level of clamping force, the paper-pickup mechanism sustains against paper to be fed and self-rotates with the rotation of the shaft in a first direction for feeding paper and rotates with the shaft in a second direction for releasing paper without further changing the state of the paper-pickup clutch.

Abstract: The device for the processing of bank notes has a modular design. The device includes a feeder unit having at least one drivable feeding roller, an inlet for supporting bank note-like objects and from which the bank note-like objects are moved into contact with the at least one drivable feeding roller under a pressure force, at least one transport roller, at least one movable pressure roller that is urged in the direction of the transport roller by retro-acting forces, and at least one retaining roller located opposite the transport roller. When a first one of the bank note-like objects comes into contact with the feeding roller under the pressure force, the first one of the bank note-like objects is accelerated such that the first one of the bank note-like objects moves between the transport roller and the pressure roller.

Abstract: A set feeding apparatus (10) separates an uppermost set of paper sheets from a staggered stack of sets (36) with a platform (34) that biases the stack toward a carriage (42) that is moveable with respect to the stack. The carriage includes a cam-activated pic and a knife head that combine to raise the uppermost set from the stack. A plow then engages the raised portion of the uppermost set to move the set off of the stack.

Abstract: A media block system for the input tray of a media processing device. A barricade is provided in the input tray and is movable between blocking and retracted positions. The barricade is moved by an arm and a lever connected to a feed roll shaft whereby rotation of the feed roll shaft moves the barricade.

Abstract: A method and system for unloading continuous forms media from an image forming device while utilizing full forms. The full form utilization feature of the present invention is applicable to printing onto sheets having multiple forms. During an automatic unload operation, the last printed form from a print run is unloaded and the first unused form is positioned to be the first printed form on a subsequent run. The full form utilization feature of the present invention reduces or minimizes the number of forms wasted during print runs.

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.

Abstract: A reloading device for stacks of sheets of paper or plastic has at least one receptacle for receiving a stack and at least one support onto which the stack is placed. At least one peeling device is arranged at a bottom end of the at least one receptacle, wherein the peeling device is configured to move transversely to the stack and, when moving transversely to the stack, to peel in a peeling step at least one sheet from a bottom end of the stack. The peeling device is preferably a peeling blade.

Abstract: There is provided a sheet feeding device, which is provided with a paper supply member which feeds a sheet of paper on the top of stack of paper, the paper supply member being actuated by an actuator. The sheet feeding device further provided with a control system which controls the paper supply member, the control system having a stable sheet feeding operation mode in which the control system drives the paper supply member for a first time period initially, then stops the paper supply member after the first time period terminates, and then drives the paper supply member for a second time period.

Abstract: A paper feeding device includes a back plate, a first bracket, a second bracket, a shaft, and a friction roller. The first bracket is arranged on the back plate and formed of a first socket. The second bracket is arranged on the back plate and formed of a second socket. The shaft has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the shaft is rotatably mounted in the first socket. The second end of the shaft is rotatably mounted in the second socket. At least one of the first and second sockets is an open-ended socket for facilitating both the insertion and removal of the shaft. The friction roller wraps around the shaft for conveying a piece of paper.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a deposit accepting apparatus (44) which is capable of accepting and authenticating instruments, as well as accepting envelopes deposited into the machine by a user. A transport section (46) is operative to engage and transport deposited items selectively from an inlet (48) to an outlet (50). A deposit holding module (90) includes compartments (98, 106) which are operative to hold different types of deposits. The machine operates to selectively move a compartment into communication with the outlet based on the particular type of item being deposited. The depository apparatus is further operative to acquire image and magnetic profile data from deposited instruments, to manipulate the image and profile data and to analyze and resolve characters in selected areas thereof. The data from deposited instruments is used for determining if a user is authorized to conduct certain requested transactions at the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling paper sheets and the like has mechanism for discharging the paper sheets. The mechanism is provided with a scraper for scraping the paper sheets having wound around a wheel from the wheel. The scraper has a tip end and an opposite end that is rotatably supported in a direction close to or away from the wheel so that the tip end can maintain contact with an outer peripheral surface of the wound bills. The scraper includes a first scraper section and a second scraper section. The first scraper section is rotatably supported in the direction close to or away from the wheel, and is urged toward an outer peripheral surface of the wheel. The second scraper section is rotatably supported on the first scraper section in the direction close to or away from the wheel, and is urged in a direction in which a tip end of the second scraper section rotates toward the outer peripheral surface of the wound bills.

Abstract: A tagging apparatus configured to selectively tag articles on a conveyor, such as hooked members by activating an automated tag injector to apply a tag to a selected article or hooked member. The automated tag injector has a linear slide moveably mounted inside, and a motor and a separating mechanism both coupled to the linear slide. The linear slide is driven by the motor. The movement of the linear slide activates the separating mechanism to separate a foremost tag from a remainder of tags. The linear slide applies the tag to an object. When the tags are connected to one another in a roll, the automated tag injector, mounted adjacent to a conveyor, can be configured to separate the tag from the roll, and apply the separated tag to a hooked member on the conveyor while the hooked member is moving on the conveyor along the conveyor path.

Abstract: The pile of cut sheets (11) are fed one by one, being separated by a friction member (33) which is backed away by a cut sheet (11) advanced thereto by the action of a feeding roller (31). The static friction coefficient between the friction member (33) and a standard sheet of fine paper is set to be 1.0 to 1.5, so as to provide enough amount of frictional force to the interface between the friction member (33) and the cut sheets (11) to ensure the separation of the cut sheets (11).

Abstract: A lottery ticket dispensing device is provided with a ticket drawing wheel having thereon a plurality of friction surfaces and smooth surfaces, which are arranged alternately so as to bring about an intermittent movement of a lottery ticket which is drawn out by the ticket drawing wheel. A fast-delivery roller of the dispensing device is provided with a gear engageable with a gear of the auxiliary roller of the dispensing device so as to cause the fast-delivery roller and the auxiliary roller to rotate synchronously to facilitate the prompt dispensing of the lottery tickets.

Abstract: A device for positioning sheets in a station of a sheet-processing machine comprising a movable bearing surface for holding at least one edge zone of a sheet, actuators driving the bearing surface in the plane thereof, gripping means accompanying the motion of the bearing surface and adapted to grip or release the edge zone of the sheet between a sheet-gripping means (16) and the bearing surface. The sheet-gripping means (16) is connected to the bearing surface by at least one joint comprising a number of levers (10, 18) forming a parallelogram articulated around horizontal pivot axes (11, 13, 17, 19). A piston (24) comprising a permanently compressed spring eliminates the radial clearance between the pivot axes. Lateral clearance thereof is eliminated by a spring strip which is rigid in the transverse direction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for unstacking sheets stacked in a feeder, comprising a step which consists in bringing a vacuum cup close to the surface of the sheet at the top of the stack; a step which consists in contacting the vacuum cup with the surface of said top sheet and a step in bringing the vacuum cup away after seizing the top sheet. The invention is characterized in that the vacuum cup is applied in an off-center zone of the top sheet, and said vacuum cup is inclined, when it starts to move away, so as to cause the top sheet to be deformed thereby producing a separation prior to complete separation of the top sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing wrap-back of print media into a supply during a pick cycle provides a closed egress path regardless of orientation of a pick mechanism to the paper supply. In an exemplary embodiment, a biased, flexible member is mounted between a fixed position and a moving pick device such that the flexible member follows the pick device as the stack of print media depletes.

Abstract: A sheet feeder includes a support plate inclined backward and a feed roller for feeding one by one the sheets of paper stacked on the plate. A first support surface and a second support surface are formed at or near the bottom of the plate to support the front ends of the sheets. The second surface is lower in frictional resistance than the first surface. The second surface can be moved by an operating lever between a first position, where it is protruded from the first surface toward the sheets, and a second position, where it is retracted from the first surface away from the sheets. If the sheets are relatively rigid, their front ends are supported by the second surface in the first position, and they can therefore be fed smoothly.

Abstract: A method for assembling windshield assemblies for vehicles includes a conveyor for delivering at least two plys of glass to an assembly station, a first robot for lifting one of the two plys from the conveyor, a second robot for gripping and removing at least one adhesive sheet from a stack of adhesive sheets and placing the removed adhesive sheet adjacent the other one of the two plys, whereby the first robot places the one of the two plys adjacent the removed adhesive sheet to assemble the windshield assembly. The step of removing a top adhesive sheet from the stack of adhesive sheets includes moving a knife along an edge of the top adhesive sheet to separate the edge of the top sheet from the next lower sheet in the stack. Alternatively, a blade is moved along a longitudinal length of the top sheet to separate it from the next lower sheet in the stack.

Abstract: A windshield assembly system for assembling windshield assemblies for vehicles includes a conveyor for delivering at least two plys of glass to an assembly station, a first robot for lifting one of the two plays from the conveyor, a second robot for gripping and removing at least one adhesive sheet from a stack of adhesive sheets and placing the removed adhesive sheet adjacent the other one of the two plys, whereby the first robot places the one of the two plys adjacent the removed adhesive sheet to assemble the windshield assembly. The apparatus includes a sheet edge separator such as a knife or blade movable along a longitudinal edge of the top sheet for separating at least a portion of the top sheet from the stack of adhesive sheets.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a first flexible lamina of predetermined thickness from a second lamina to which the first lamina is adhered along an edge (e.g., a pouch for use in an identification card) includes a channel having a thickness not substantially greater than the combined thickness of the laminae, an impeller for impelling the laminae together through the channel and out of the outlet end, a cutter adjacent the outlet of the channel positioned to contact the edge at which the two laminae are adhered adjacent the line of adhesion between the laminae, thus separating the laminae, and a wedge adjacent the cutter so that as the first and second laminae are separated by the cutter and impelled past the wedge, the two laminae pass on opposed sides of the wedge, thereby increasing the separation between the laminae.

Abstract: A delivery member comprises a substrate and, provided thereon, an electro-deposition coating film containing inorganic powder. The inorganic powder may be selected from the group consisting of a ceramic powder, a metal powder, and a ceramic powder whose particle surfaces are coated with a metal.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an image based document processing and information management system and apparatus. It provides a more efficient method and apparatus for handling large volumes of form based business transactions using a digital image-based system for the capture, identification and processing of images, statistics and business data. The system converts documents, such as forms and supporting pages, into digital data which can be used to update computer records and to manage and support the adjudicative processing of business transactions by human operators at computer terminals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet feeding apparatus which includes a first conveying device for conveying a sheet stack formed in a stepped fashion by offsetting each sheet by a predetermined distance in a predetermined direction toward the predetermined direction or toward an opposite direction, a separating device disposed at a downstream side of the first conveying means in the predetermined direction and adapted to separate an outermost sheet from the sheet stack being fed by the first conveying device, a second conveying device for conveying the sheet separated by the separating device, and control device for controlling the first conveying device in such a manner that the first conveying device is activated to convey the sheet stack in the predetermined direction and the first conveying device is stopped after the sheet separated by the separating device starts to be conveyed by the second conveying device.

Abstract: In a copier having a sheet pick-up roller for picking up sheets one by one from a paper cassette, and a writing section, where an image is written on the sheet, a sheet separation mechanism is disposed between the sheet pick-up roller and the writing section to separate the sheets when a plurality of sheets are picked up in superposition. A sensor is disposed between the separation mechanism and the writing section, the initiation of the writing is timed to occur with the arrival, at the writing section, of the leading end of the area of the sheet in which the toner image is to be written.

Abstract: To receive, store and deliver printed products in minimum space, with a device which can, itself, be stored in minimum space when free of products, a steel tape or ribbon (1, 21) is formed with U-shaped cuts (7) to define, within the ribbon, tongues (5, 22). The tape or ribbon is guided in a curved path, typically about a guide roller (4, 23), which causes the tongues to flare out tangentially. When in flared or projecting position, products (8, 33) can be pushed in the space between the extended tongues and the remainder of the tape or ribbon material which, upon then being guided in an essentially linear path, will cause the tongues to close and grip the products, whereupon the tape or ribbon with the products, thereon can be rolled into a storage roll.

Abstract: A detecting device is provided for detecting carry-out of a last glass sheet from a stacking stand. The detecting device comprises a suction cup releasably attached with a suction force to the last glass sheet, and a sensor for detecting attachment and detachment to and from the last glass sheet and producing electrical signals representative thereof. The signals from the sensor are supplied to a robot or the like for the above carry-out for stopping the robot or the like when the sensor detects detachment of the suction cup from the last glass sheet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for picking up one piece of cloth (1) from a stack (2) of cloth pieces.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes: a recording unit for performing a recording onto a recording paper; a paper feeder roller for feeding the recording paper to a recording position of the recording unit; a conveyor for conveying the recording paper in association with the recording by the recording unit; a drive source for driving the conveyor; and a control unit for moving the paper feeder roller from an operation position to a retreat position using the drive power of the drive source.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating a thermal transfer ribbon from a recording medium includes an elongated member which is positioned adjacent the ribbon and is movable to a position in contact with the ribbon for stripping the ribbon from the recording medium after a printing operation. The elongated member may take the shape and form of a blade or the member may be a wire for stripping the ribbon from the medium.

Abstract: A lamina retrieval device for storing microfiche, holograms and other flat, sheet-like materials. A stack of laminae are retained in a cage formed by a plurality of guides, with the guides being so mounted as to retain the laminae in an angularly displaced disposition, with each lamina in a group of laminae being angled with respect to an adjacent lamina. To allow for the removal of a lamina, the guides may be formed as split pins so that part of each pin is movable to form an opening in the cage. The device can include fingers for holding a stack of laminae apart to allow removal of the desired lamina. Removal is accomplished in one embodiment through an airflow.

Abstract: A drop sheet feeder for mounting above the platen of a printing apparatus has a plurality of upstanding trays moved by a tray shifting device to release individual sheets of paper stored therebetween. The platen drive of the printing apparatus is operatively connected with the drop sheet feeder to release the individual sheets of material sequentially. A sheet feeding device of the drop sheet feeder is operatively engageable with the released sheet of sheet material to feed the sheet into engagement with the insert portion of the feed path about the platen of the printing apparatus. The drop sheet feeder can be used to feed individual sheets of material, multi-part form sets or envelopes.

Abstract: A film package containing a stack of notched films in a light-tight envelope is held vertically in a light-tight loading chamber by a clamp member engaging with the notches of the films. The lower end of the envelope is cut, and the envelope is moved vertically relative to the films until the films are projected from the lower end of the envelope while the films are clamped by the clamp member. The clamp member is then disengaged from the notches of the films, and the films are allowed to move down into a receiving chamber positioned under the loading chamber. Then, a shutter is closed between the receiving chamber and the loading chamber to shield the films in the receiving chamber from light.

Abstract: A film package containing a stack of films in a light-tight envelope is held vertically in a light-tight loading chamber, and a lower end of the envelope is cut while at least the films are prevented from falling. A film receiving case is moved upwardly to the vicinity of the lower end of the film package, and the films are allowed to fall onto the case. The case is then moved down to completely separate the films from the light-tight envelope, and a shutter is closed between the envelope and the films to shield the films from light.

Abstract: A single copy vending machine for newspapers, magazines or the like which employs a separation device attached to the door of a conventional appearing newspaper vendor to separate the topmost newspaper from a stack thereof subsequent to the insertion of proper coinage and the opening of the door. A sequentially selective elevator mechanism is provided to insure that the topmost newspaper of a stack on the elevator is in the path of the fully retracted separation device. A novel newspaper display chamber is provided to first, facilitate the proper adjustment of the separation device and, secondly to hold remote, from purchaser access, content of the display chamber until the elevator supply has been exhausted.

Abstract: In the present invention, a frame, mounted above the platen of a typewriter or a word processing machine, supports a drive roller in contact with the platen. This drive roller is also in contact with a tray-moving mechanism, supported above the drive roller. A plurality of trays carried in the frame are supported above the platen so as to hold sheets of paper or envelopes vertically between trays and in alignment with the sheet insert side of the platen. When the platen is turned backward, the drive roller actuates the tray-moving mechanism, causing a tray to move, separating it from the next adjacent tray and permitting a sheet of paper which had been placed therebetween to drop into position against the platen. Thus the sheets are fed automatically against the platen when the platen rotation is reversed.

Abstract: A loader for automatically supplying printed circuit supporting plates to a laminator where, above the stack of supporting plates, is provided a support moving to and fro in vertical direction relative to the plate stack, with the said support being fitted with two parallel running, horizontal guide rods having at their opposite ends cylinder-piston groups whose rods support parallel and horizontal ledgers, the free ends of which are equipped with gripping elements that can be displaced horizontally as well as vertically and are provided, in parallel to each horizontal ledger receiving the gripping elements, with a driven roller runway movable in the horizontal plane from a rest position to an operating position, in which it receives the plates having in precedence been collected by the gripping elements from the pile.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for feeding a sheet of copy paper to the photoconductive drum in a photocopier machine. The apparatus includes sheet separating means, sheet feeding means and drive means alternately disposed between one of two positions for successively causing sheet separation and feeding of a sheet of copy paper from a stack to a registration position synchronized with a developed image rotatably carried on the photoconductive drum. The apparatus also includes an actuating linkage arrangement for effecting one of two positions of the drive means, through motion caused by cams attached to the reciprocating original document carriage.

Abstract: A thin sheet feeding apparatus has a bending mechanism to curve a pile of thin sheets bundled by a belt member and a mechanism to sequentially feed at least one thin sheet from the uppermost thin sheet from the curved concave pile of the thin sheet in the predetermined feeding direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for handling sheet-like pieces, whereby a swell is made on a zone of a piece in sheet form by pressing the latter between the support and a pressing member, the piece is gripped at the level of this zone, between the pressing member and a finger, and the piece thus gripped is displaced with respect to the support. The invention is more particularly applicable to the handling of pieces of material stacked in a pile.

Abstract: A system for reliably feeding individual sheets of recording media is disclosed especially as such system is related to media suitable for electrosensitive recording such as in a facsimile or other device.

Abstract: A system for loading/unloading a series of vertically stacked weights, each eight being substantially flat and having a central aperture. Two parallel aligned spatially separated c-tubes receive a weight and are caused to rotate via a right angle drive system. The weight held by the rotating c-tubes is then lifted vertically and received by a holding mechanism aligned with the central aperture of the weight.

Abstract: A sheet dispenser for dispensing sheets one at a time from a stack of notched photographic X-ray film sheets. The essential part of this device is a pendulum which is capable of swinging from side to side across the sheets, which are stacked at a slight angle to the vertical, and also back and forth in the plane of the thickness of the sheet stack. The pendulum is made from a roller which has a plough release member attached to it. When the pendulum is moved side ways until it is in line with the notch on the uppermost sheet the release member locates into the notch, and, as the sideways movement continues, ploughs under the sheet and detaches it, allowing it to fall under the action of gravity. The pendulum then moves sideways in the opposite direction, remaining in contact with the next sheet, until the release member locates into the notch on the next sheet whereupon the plough detaching operation is repeated.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading a single sheet of X-ray film into a cassette, from a plastic lighttight envelope containing a stack of such sheets, all in a daylight environment. A receiver for holding the envelope containing the sheets includes a clip at the top that holds one end of the envelope and a groove at the bottom into which the lower end of the envelope can be laid. A rod lies in the groove over the envelope, so that when the lower envelope end is cut, no light leaks in. However, when the receiver is placed on a dispenser, the rod can be withdrawn from outside the receiver to open the envelope and allow the stack of film to fall out into the dispenser which can feed one sheet at a time into the cassette.

Abstract: A composition is described for use on the surface of separating members or devices used in separating superposed sheets. Good sheet separation is obtained without delamination of the sheets when microcellular elastomeric materials having a hardness of at least 25 durometer are used as the surface material of the sheet separating devices. The sheet separating devices having the described surface material, have utility as retarding rolls and abutment members in sheet feeders, such as in xerographic apparatus.

Abstract: A copy reproduction machine having an automatic document handler adapted for top feeding or botton feeding documents from the document supply tray. An inverter is also provided so that, depending on the machine operating mode selected, i.e. simplex (one sided) document to simplex copy, simplex document to duplex (two sided) copy, duplex document to simplex copy and duplex document to duplex copy; the documents are returned to the stacking tray in the proper page order.

Abstract: A daylight cassette unloader comprises a mechanism for unlocking and opening a radiographic film cassette introduced therein, and mounted in inclined position so that after opening the film is permitted to slide out of the cassette. At the outlet of the unloader a supplementary mechanism is provided in order to align the film in such a way, that it is reproducibly fed to the inlet opening of a film processor. Preferably the latter mechanism comprises a pair of rollers which start rotating only after the impact of the film on one of the rollers.

Abstract: A document singulator is described for use in separating into single items mail pieces derived from a source of collection mail. The device comprises a plurality of spaced-apart singulation stations each having a friction roller and adapted to be actuated in a predetermined manner to effect the separation of documents lying on top of one another. The rollers are mounted in an inclined slide which has a compound slope and a single registration wall, thereby assuring mail flow down the length of the slide as well as proper registration of the mail pieces at each station. The device is capable of processing a variety of mail pieces including flats such as magazines, folded newspapers, etc., and is virtually free from hard, mail-damaging jams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading forming dies with a mold blanket which comprises providing a lay-up station with simulated die forms outside the forming dies where the mold blanket material may be distributed as it will be in the die and providing a pick-up assembly composed of a plurality of pins distributed around the blanket which pins are pressed in to perforate the blanket and certain of the pins are moved transversely to others to tension the blanket whereby the blanket may be lifted bodily, moved into a die press, and dropped on to the forming dies prior to the pressing cycle.