Abstract: A printer includes a transporting block, a printing block, a positioning block, and an intermediate picking-up device. The positioning block is disposed between the transporting block and the printing block, and positions printing sheets transported by the transporting block at a predetermined location one at a time, so that they are positioned one at a time at a printing location of the printing block where printing is performed on the printing sheets. The intermediate picking-up means picks up the printing sheets positioned at the predetermined location in the positioning block one at a time in order to transport the printing sheets to the printing block.

Abstract: An aligning device movable to a first position constituting a first sheet stacking portion for supporting a delivered sheet and a second position in which the sheet is not supported is provided downstream of a pair of delivery rollers, and the pair of delivery rollers are designed to be capable of assuming a first state in which they are capable of delivering the sheet, and a second state in which rollers constituting the pair of delivery rollers are spaced apart from each other. When the pair of delivery rollers are in the first state and the aligning device is in the first position, a sheet aligning and stacking portion for making the alignment of the sheet by the aligning device possible is defined by the first stacking portion and the sheet transport path between a reference wall and the pair of delivery rollers.

Abstract: The delivered sheet stacking tray has a delivered sheet stacking surface, provided on an upside of an image forming section, which extends in a sheet-transporting direction so that a transporting-direction end of the delivered sheet stacking surface is opened toward a lateral outside of the image forming device body, wherein the delivered sheet stacking surface has a sheet removing concave which extends from (a) the transporting-direction end via (b) a stacking area of a maximum size sheet to (c) a stacking area of a minimum size sheet so that the sheet removing concave is positioned within an area ranging from the stacking area of the maximum size sheet to the stacking area of the minimum size sheet, and the sheet removing concave is formed substantially in parallel to a line linking (i) a corner portion of the stacking area of the maximum size sheet which corner portion is positioned on a downstream side in the transporting direction and on a front side of the image forming device to (ii) a corner portion o

Abstract: A folding device of the present invention includes a fold plate and a fold roller pair for folding a sheet or a sheet stack conveyed thereto. A controller causes the fold roller pair to move back and forth while nipping the folded portion of the sheet or that of the sheet stack at its nip for thereby continuously exerting pressure on the folded portion. The fold roller pair is rotated in opposite directions for thereby sharpening the fold of the sheet or that of the sheet stack.

Abstract: A sheet accumulating apparatus accumulates inputted sheets into a stack registered on all sides, wherein the sheets are controlled with minimum contact by components of the apparatus to minimize or eliminate smudging or marking of the sheets. The apparatus can be selectively adjusted to effect over-accumulation or under-accumulation, and can be adjusted to accommodate different sheet sizes. The apparatus comprises an accumulation section defining a sheet feed plane therethrough. An upper ramp is disposed upstream from the accumulation section and is movable into and out of the sheet feed plane. An upper retaining member is linked to the upper ramp and is movable into and out of the sheet feed plane in alternating relation to the upper ramp. A lower ramp is disposed below the upper ramp and is movable into and out of the sheet feed plane in alternating relation to the upper ramp.

Abstract: A vertical log stacker has a product feeder and a stacking section adjacent to this, wherein a plurality of handling elements are provided in the region of the stacking section with which a continuous forming of logs is made possible.

Abstract: An on-edge stacking machine having a mailpiece input device to release mailpieces, one at a time, to a stacking deck for stacking. A speed monitoring device and a sensing device are used to monitor the moving speed and the arrival time of a mailpiece from the input device to a reference point of the stacking machine. Based on the moving speed and the arrival time, a displacement distance of the arriving mailpiece is computed. A segmented roller is then used to move the arriving mailpiece into the bottom of the stack in a two-part motion cycle, based on the displacement of the arriving mailpiece.

Abstract: A delivery includes sheet brakes and sheet supports constructed of modules including respectively identical carrier modules and braking modules with operationally revolving braking elements, the braking modules being selectively connectable to the carrier modules, and support modules selectively connectable to the carrier modules.

Abstract: A device for moving a sheets transversely to its conveying direction with a toothed belt for driving a spindle, whose conveyor rollers for grasping the sheet are attached with a blocking device with at least two toothed gears on the drive belt, whereby the toothed gears have blocking members that strike each other based on a certain gear transformation ratio of the two toothed gears following a certain number of rotations of the toothed gears and which block the movement of the toothed gears.

Abstract: A print media stack clamp and method for processing print media in an output receptacle. In one embodiment, a print media output device includes an output receptacle and a surface extending over and facing the receptacle. One or both of the receptacle and the surface are movable relative to one another such that print media output to the receptacle can be alternately clamped between the surface and the receptacle and released. In another embodiment, a method for processing print media in an output receptacle includes outputting a first document to the receptacle, moving the first document toward one side of the receptacle, clamping the first document in the receptacle, outputting a second document to the receptacle on top of the first document while the first document is clamped, releasing the first document, and moving the second document toward the one side of the receptacle.

Abstract: A printer exit tray assembly attachable to a printer housing and a computer printer including a printed paper exit tray assembly. The exit tray assembly has an exit tray and a pair of sheet supports attached to the exit tray. The exit tray is movable between a use position and a collapsed position. The exit tray is positioned generally horizontally in the use position. The exit tray projects horizontally further from the printer housing in the use position than in the collapsed position. When the exit tray is in the use position the supports are pivotable, with respect to the exit tray, between a support position for supporting a printed sheet above the exit tray and a release position for releasing the printed sheet to the exit tray.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus ejects the sheet to witch image processing unit perform to an ejection tray or a staple stacker by a pair of ejection rollers and the like. A sheet path for guiding the sheet to the ejection rollers is opened and closed in conjunction with slide movement of the ejection tray when the ejection tray is attached to a main body of the apparatus, and the sheet path is opened and closed in conjunction with the slide movement of a staple stacker when the staple stacker is attached to the main body of the apparatus.

Abstract: Device for stacking tube sections (30) for producing bags, with a transporting facility (12), which supplies the tube sections to a stacking station (10), characterized in that the transporting facility (12) has an upper transport (14) and a lower transport (16) and that the lower transport (16) is formed in the region of the stacking station (10) by two endless conveyor belts (44), which revolve above the stacking station outside of the lateral edges of the tube sections (30) and are connected by at least two cross members (48, 50), which are disposed with uniform spacings, the spacings of which corresponding to the spacings between the leading edges of consecutively supplied tube sections (30).

Abstract: The invention relates to a stacking device for flat postal items standing on edge. The stacking device comprises guide means for guiding the postal items supplied to it to a stacking position on a stacking base against a support wall on which the postal items are slowed down. Of course the present invention may apply to other types of articles as well. The stacking device is further provided with a stacker plate that can be displaced in the direction of stacking along a linear guide. The stacker plate cooperates with a spring element to produce a pressure force that is approximately constant across the zone of displacement and that is directed against the forming stack. The movable part of a damper element is fastened on the movable part of the spring element, said damper element being only active when a displacement directed away from the stacking position is exerted.

Abstract: The trailing edge of a sheet delivered to a treating tray for treating the sheet with respect to a delivering direction is made to abut against a trailing edge regulating member to thereby regulate the trailing edge position of the sheet. Next, a sheet delivery lever is reciprocally moved between a first position in which it is retracted to the upstream side of the trailing edge regulating member with respect to the sheet delivering direction and a second position in which it protrudes into the stacking area of the treating tray, to thereby push the trailing edge of the treated sheet and deliver the sheet onto a sheet stacking tray. Also, when this sheet delivery lever is to be moved from the second position to the first position, the sheet delivery lever is moved so as to be capable of passing by the sheet delivered to the treating tray, whereby even during the time when the sheet delivering lever is moved to the first position, the delivery of a succeeding sheet to the treating tray is made possible.

Abstract: A system for the handling of paper products has a cross-stacker, a pressing module and a dispensing module which are arranged along a straight conveying path. A rotation device which permits a rotation of a stack of paper products by 180° is provided.

Abstract: When the rear end of a sheet bundle S is brought to reach the clamping portion between a rocking roller and a rear end aligning wall by conveyance means, the individual timings, at which the rocking roller and the rear end aligning wall move to the escape position, are controlled to drop said sheet bundle S onto a stack tray, and then the rear end aligning wall is moved from the escape position to the support position thereby to register the rear end of the sheet bundle S dropped on the stack tray.

Abstract: A method for conveying sheets, which have been printed in a printing machine, through a sheet delivery system above a sheet deposit pile by a sheet conveying device and, at the same time, dusting the sheets with a powder, and preventing uncontrolled spread of excess powder, includes interrupting a powder-laden air flow extending in a direction towards the printing machine along an empty strand of the sheet conveying device in a housing of the sheet delivery system at least at one interruption location between a free end of the sheet delivery system and the printing machine, so that transport of entrained powder in a direction towards the printing machine is prevented; a prevention device for performing the method; a sheet delivery system including the prevention device; and a sheet-fed printing machine in combination with the sheet delivery system.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises a means for holding the stack in a tilted position, the means comprising a tilted base; a sliding retainer positioned to support a side of the stack that is tilted toward the sliding retainer by the means for holding the stack in a tilted position; a first input area positioned above retainer element; a second input area positioned below the retainer element and above the means for holding the stack in a tilted position; a second input area positioned below the retainer element and above the means for holding the stack in a tilted position; and a translating carriage means attached to the means for holding the stack in a tilted position, the translating carriage means movable in an about vertical direction in response to a control signal indicating the direction of about vertical movement; whereby the apparatus is configured to selectably add mailpieces to the top of the vertical stack via the first input area or the bottom of the vertical stack via the second

Abstract: Plural conveying roller pairs are disposed on a conveying path, and plural sheets arranged zigzag are conveyed upwards. At an exit of the conveying path is disposed a movable guide plate to whose forward end a push roller is attached. The movable guide plate is in a horizontal state while the push roller contacts to the drive roller. The sheet in being conveyed upward by a last conveying roller pushes up the movable guide plate. When a rear end of the sheet passes-the last conveying roller, the movable guide plate moves back by its own weight. The sheet is discharged from the conveying path at high speed by the push roller and the drive roller.

Abstract: A sheet discharging apparatus is constructed of a sorting device and a reversibly conveying device. Normal sheets are fed by the sorting device and conveyed in an arrangement in zigzag in two rows and conveyed on a primary path. Near an exit of the primary path, there is a high speed discharging roller pair having a drive roller and a nip roller. Between the drive roller and the drive shaft, there is a frictional connection unit. While the sheet is conveyed by conveying roller pairs, a front edge of the sheet reaches the high speed discharging roller pair, and the drive roller freely rotate in effect of the frictional connection unit. When a rear edge of the sheet passes the conveying roller pair, the frictional connection unit is set into a connecting situation, and the sheet is discharged by the drive roller and the nip roller.

Abstract: A sheet delivery device of a sheet-fed press is provided by which crushing of falling sheets is avoided, productivity is enhanced and operation is simplified.

Abstract: A print media stack clamp and method for processing print media in an output receptacle. In one embodiment, a print media output device includes an output receptacle and a surface extending over and facing the receptacle. One or both of the receptacle and the surface are movable relative to one another such that print media output to the receptacle can be alternately clamped between the surface and the receptacle and released. In another embodiment, a method for processing print media in an output receptacle includes outputting a first document to the receptacle, moving the first document toward one side of the receptacle, clamping the first document in the receptacle, outputting a second document to the receptacle on top of the first document while the first document is clamped, releasing the first document, and moving the second document toward the one side of the receptacle.

Abstract: In a method for transporting sheets of paper the individual sheets are conveyed successively in a conveying direction to a stop unit and at least one sheet is held at the stop unit to form a set at the stop unit. The stop unit is activated for conveying the set formed at the stop unit when a sheet of a next set to be formed at the stop unit overlaps the set formed at the stop unit. The device for performing the method has a collector with transport elements for transporting sheets along a transport path and a stop unit positioned in the transport path and operated intermittently for forming sets of sheets and further transporting the sets formed thereat. A control device is connected to the stop unit. The collector further has a first sensor device connected to the control device which sends an activation signal to the stop unit when a sheet of a next set to be formed overlaps a set already formed at the stop unit.

Abstract: A manual paper feeding apparatus comprises a tray for manual paper feeding, a paper feed roller to feed the paper fed manually from the tray, a separation roller which is pressed to contact the paper feed roller, rotated at the pressed contact position in the direction reverse to the paper feed roller, and separates the sheets of paper one by one, a power transmission device to transmit power to the paper feed roller and separation roller, and a reversing device which is provided in the power transmission device, and rotates the paper feed roller in the direction reverse to the paper feeding direction, based on that the paper fed between the paper feed roller and separation roller is pulled in the direction reverse to the manual feeding direction.

Abstract: Objects such as pieces of mail are stacked without significant contact therewith by producing laminar air flow over a surface which defines or parallels a desired movement path for the objects. The objects are placed and form a barrier between the laminar air flow and ambient air and movement such as turning an edge of the object to prevent impact on other objects and regulation of direction velocity an kinetic energy of the motion of the objects is regulated by the Coanda effect of the laminar flow. The object thus provides an acoustic barrier to reduce generation and propagation of noise by the high pressure air used to create the laminar flow. An air amplifier reduces the volume of high pressure air required to provide control of object motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for stacking objects in a stack. The objects may be flat flexible objects with front and back edges being narrower than side walls. Accordingly, the objects may comprise mail pieces. Per the invention, the mail pieces are directed to a stacker. The stacker comprises an impact wall with abutting installation and limiting walls. Accordingly, the stack may be formed therebetween with the installation wall being urged towards the limiting wall so as to sandwich the stack. At least one diverter element or vain is included upstream from the stacker. A roller of a conveying element is positioned upstream from the upper most vain. An object is directed towards the impact wall. When the objects leading edge impacts the wall, the vain or roller closest to the trailing portion of the object causes the trailing portion to be urged towards the stack. The vains may be pivoted while the roller made to turn in a select manner.

Abstract: A batch sheet feeder has an upstream first conveyor section arranged to convey sheets singly in a downstream direction to a downstream second conveyor section. The second conveyor section has an upper second conveying section and a lower second conveying section forming a gap therebetween. The gap is largest at an upstream end of the second conveyor section and diminishes in size toward a downstream end of the second conveyor section. A gate positioned proximate the downstream end of the second conveyor section selectively blocks sheets fed along the second conveyor section. In another embodiment, the sheet feeder has a sheet conveyor, sheet sensor, and visual attribute sensor. The visual attribute sensor has a field of view covering an area of the conveyor at a certain downstream location so as to sense an area of any sheet on the conveyor at this downstream location. The visual attribute sensor can compare a sensed area of a sheet at the downstream location with a stored visual attribute.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device of the present invention includes a roll-up guide rotatable about a shaft. When the roll-up guide is shifted to a roll-up position where it intersects a first tray, it rolls up a sheet discharged and stores the sheet in the form of a roll. The roll-up guide allows, when shifted to a pick-up position above the body of the device, the operator of the device to pick up the rolled sheet from the roll-up guide at the operating position in front of the device. The device is easy to operate and is capable of storing a sheet in the form of a roll and allowing the roll to be safely picked up without any damage.

Abstract: A sheet delivery mechanism designed to discharge successive sheets to different delivery positions includes offset rollers, an offset unit, an offsetting force generator and an offset unit swinging mechanism. The offset rollers is rotatably supported by the offset unit to discharge each sheet in a sheet transport direction. The offsetting force generator produces a driving force for shifting the offset unit back and forth along a direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction between a reference position and offset positions. The offset unit swinging mechanism swings the offset unit about an axis parallel to rotary shafts of the offset rollers in such a manner that a sheet output direction in which the offset rollers eject each sheet varies to a direction pointing away from a sheet delivery tray when the offset unit is shifted along the direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction by the offsetting force generator.

Abstract: To provide an accumulating device 71 that is capable of securely accumulating sheets or the like P having dimensional differences on the basis of the rear ends in the taking-in direction thereof.

Abstract: A roller turning force generator is connected to a driving gear which is mounted on a shaft. The shaft is connected to offset roller assemblies disposed in an offset mechanism via connecting gears. The offset roller assemblies rotatably supported inside the offset mechanism are turned by a driving force transmitted from the roller turning force generator to discharge individual sheets of a printing medium in a sheet transport direction. The offset mechanism is linked to an offsetting force generator so that the offset mechanism can be shifted along a direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction.

Abstract: A representative embodiment provides for a sheet media level detection system, including a first level detector configured to provide a first signal corresponding to a first predetermined level of a first sheet media from a first source within an output tray, and a second level detector configured to provide a second signal corresponding to a second predetermined level of a second sheet media from a second source within the output tray. Another embodiment provides for a method including routing a first sheet media and a second sheet media from respective sources into a common output tray, and issuing a first signal in response to detecting a first predetermined level of the first sheet media using a first level detector, and issuing a second signal in response to detecting a second predetermined level of the second sheet media in the output tray using a second level detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for inputting and depositing bank notes whereby checked bank notes are temporarily stored in a stacking device singly or in bundles.

Abstract: A single sheet collecting device for stacking sheets of paper or plastic material has at least one transport element transporting paper sheets in a transport direction. The device further has at least one stop unit arranged in a transport path of the paper sheets in the transport direction. At least one ramp device is provided for lifting the paper sheets during transport briefly out of a transport plane of the transport path. At least one pressing device is arranged in the transport path of the sheets between the ramp member and the stop unit, wherein the pressing device presses the sheets of a stack against one another to secure them against shifting.

Abstract: A sheet post-processing apparatus includes a pair of a conveying upper guide and a conveying lower guide which guides a sheet conveyed by an intermediate roller conveying the sheet, a sheet discharging upper rotating body and a sheet discharging lower rotating body which discharge the sheet on the downstream side of the conveying upper and lower guides, an arm which has the sheet discharging upper rotating body and is displaceable in upward and downward directions, a cam which lifts the arm upward to separate the sheet discharging upper rotating body from the sheet discharging lower rotating body, a stapler which is provided on the downstream side in a sheet conveying direction lower than the intermediate roller and performs processing to the sheet stacked in the conveying lower guide, a link portion which displaces upward the conveying upper guide when the arm is displaced by the cam, and a link lever.

Abstract: A sheet stacking device for stacking sheets of generally rigid material, comprised of at least one gripper device operable to releasably grip an edge of a sheet material and gripper drive means operable to move the gripper device from a first location to a second location. A support device supports the sheet as the sheet moves from the first location to the second location. The support device has a supporting position, wherein the support device supports the sheet and a non-supporting position wherein support for the sheet is removed. A stacking platform is provided below the second location. Control means control the gripper device, the gripper drive means and the support device.

Abstract: An improved tray for stacking papers formed with images by an image forming apparatus and an improved arrangement for discharging air from the inside to the outside of the apparatus are disclosed. The tray is free from troubles ascribable to deformation caused by the weight of papers without resorting to reinforcement, i.e., an increase in volume. An anti-roll member for stiffening papers does not interfere with the tray when the tray is rotated. Hot air produced by, e.g., a fixing unit is prevented from reaching the operator of the apparatus.

Abstract: A sheet-sorting apparatus has a stacking tray to stack sheets formed with indicia thereupon, a processing tray to receive said sheets in the process leading to said stacking tray, and when necessary, a path to discharge directly to said stacking tray and a path to discharge said sheets to said stacking tray means via said processing tray means the paths being selectable, enabling a leading set of a plurality of sheets to be discharged directly the stacking tray and continuing to stack subsequent sheet sets in said processing tray through which process leading set of sheets and the subsequent set of sheets are sorted on the stacking tray.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for assembling sheets of printing media for booklets. In one aspect the sheets are folded, sheet-by-sheet, and in another aspect the sheets are collected, sheet-by-sheet, and registered on a fold in each sheet. In still another aspect printed sheets are loaded, sheet-by-sheet, into the apparatus. Each sheet is trimmed to a pre-determined width depending on the position of the sheet in the booklet being assembled. The sheets are thereafter folded, sheet-by-sheet, and collected into a stack. The method and apparatus have particular application in finishing duplex printed sheets of paper into saddle-stitched booklets.

Abstract: An interlocked type paper collection support board of printer includes a paper-out board, an extension board, and a half stroke mechanism. The paper-out board is retractably installed on a main body of a printer. The extension board is also retractably installed on the paper-out board. The half stroke mechanism is installed between the main body of the printer, the paper-out board, and the extension board. Through interlocked motion of the half stroke mechanism, the paper-out board is simultaneously driven when a user draws the extension board. The paper-out board can thus be simultaneously positioned with the extension board with half the speed and displacement of the extension board.

Abstract: A method for operating a machine that processes printing substrates in sheet form, in particular, a printing press, including a delivery device (1) which contains a drive (2) for conveying the substrate sheets and at least one opening (8) through which the substrate sheets are conveyed from the inside (4) of the delivery device (1) to an externally accessible region (6), and further including a control device which controls at least one closing device (7) for opening or closing the opening (8) and which is operatively connected to the drive (2) of the delivery device (1). Also provided is a device for carrying out the method. The present invention has the feature that the opening (8) is closed or is closed by the control device when no substrate sheet is conveyed through the opening (8).

Abstract: A sheet member discharge mechanism comprising an upper discharge roller and a lower discharge roller for conveying a sheet member in a predetermined direction while nipping it therebetween. A push-down member is disposed downstream of the nipping portion between the upper discharge roller and the lower discharge roller as viewed in a direction of conveying the sheet member, the push-down member being allowed to move between an ascended position and a descended position and is urged to the descended position. The push-down member is moved to the ascended position by the sheet member acting upon the push-down member while the sheet member is being conveyed by the upper discharge roller and the lower discharge roller that work in cooperation. The push-down member moves to the descended position to push down the trailing edge of the sheet member after the trailing edge of the sheet member has passed the nipping portion between the upper discharge roller and the lower discharge roller.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises a means for holding the stack in a tilted position, the means comprising a tilted base; a sliding retainer positioned to support a side of the stack that is tilted toward the sliding retainer by the means for holding the stack in a tilted position; a first input area positioned above retainer element; a second input area positioned below the retainer element and above the means for holding the stack in a tilted position; a second input area positioned below the retainer element and above the means for holding the stack in a tilted position; and a translating carriage means attached to the means for holding the stack in a tilted position, the translating carriage means movable in an about vertical direction in response to a control signal indicating the direction of about vertical movement; whereby the apparatus is configured to selectably add mailpieces to the top of the vertical stack via the first input area or the bottom of the vertical stack via the second

Abstract: An accumulator apparatus and method are provided for accumulating sheet articles. The accumulator apparatus includes an upper belt system and lower belt system operative for advancing sheet articles in seriatim manner therebetween. Guide rollers are provided at the entrance of the sheet articles between the upper and lower belt systems for guiding the sheet articles therebetween without pinching. Nip rollers are provided downstream from the entry guide rollers for pulling sheet articles into the accumulator apparatus between the guide rollers and the nip rollers. A ramp system operative for deflecting advancing sheet articles is provided downstream from the nip rollers. Sheet articles deflected by the ramp assembly can then be accumulated in an accumulation location where the lower belt system is maintained in a spaced-apart position below the accumulation location such that the lower belt system cannot contact or mark sheet articles accumulated therein.

Abstract: A conventional type of an image processing apparatus having the functions both a facsimile and a printer needs certain space around the apparatus since parts like trays are protruded from the apparatus. Furthermore, in that kind of apparatus, since there are unnecessary keypads in equipped keypads on operation panels, the unnecessary keypads bring bad appearance of the apparatus. The present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus or processing apparatus that allows parts like a document output tray to be accommodated compactly, not obstructive but good appearance in terms of design.

Abstract: This invention includes a weighted apparatus for gently holding an existing stack of paper at opposite sides thereof so that a new job may be deposited over the existing stack without degrading the stacking quality of the existing stack. The apparatus may be readily incorporated into many existing paper handling devices which have a paper output tray which is upwardly and downwardly movable in a vertical direction. The apparatus includes a mirror-image pair of paper hold mechanisms, each of which secures a single edge of the existing stack. Each mechanism includes an arm having a longitudinally-oriented slot in a laminar upper end portion thereof and a guide pin anchored to the frame of the paper handling device which passes through the slot. The arm is retained on the pin between a pair of flanged collets. The collets limit movement of the arm within a plane, while the pin constrains the arm to movement along the length of the slot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a delivery table (1) for flat material (2), in particular sheet paper, with a safeguard so that the material (2) does not slide on the delivery table (1). Exact and stable positioning of the flat material (2) is achieved in that the safeguard to prevent sliding of the flat material (2) is constructed as a surface (5) disposed in the back area (4) of the delivery table (1), exhibiting high friction vis-à-vis the flat material (2).

Abstract: A bill handling machine includes a first unit having a depositing port for depositing bills; a second unit having a depositing cassette for holding deposited bills; and a bill transfer mechanism for transferring bills from the depositing port to a depositing cassette. At least one of the first and second units is installable and removable, and the bill transfer mechanism is provided with a first transfer mechanism provided in the installable and removable unit and a connecting transfer mechanism connected to the first transfer mechanism and enabled to control the connection with the transfer mechanism in the installable and removable unit in conjunction with the removal/installation of the unit.

Abstract: This invention provides a mechanism for receiving flat articles, such as mail, moving in a travel path with a substantially horizontal orientation and for dropping selected such articles into either a single receptacle positioned below the mechanism or into a plurality of receptacles spaced along the length of the travel path, while maintaining the substantially horizontal article orientation for all such articles. The mechanism includes a holding station for each receptacle into which each article to be dropped is initially deposited, the holding station being just below the travel path, a retractable floor for the holding station and a driver selectively operable for rapidly retracting the floor in a substantially horizontal direction to permit articles accumulated in the holding station to drop substantially vertically into the corresponding receptacle. The driver may be activated in response to the holding station being filled by a selected amount.