Abstract: The present invention is to provide a paper stacker for use with an image forming apparatus of a high copying speed. The paper stacker comprises a paper conveying means for conveying a paper with an image recorded thereon to a stacking position, a top end stopper provided reciprocatively movably along a conveying path of the paper, a paper receiving plate disposed below the conveying path of the paper for receiving a paper, a rear end stopper for defining the rear end position of the paper on the paper receiving plate, and an elevating device for changing the height of the paper receiving plate, wherein the top end stopper and the rear end stopper are provided movably in the same direction in the conveyance direction per a given number of papers. The papers are stacked only by shifting the top end stopper and the rear end stopper in the conveyance direction so that the stacker configuration is extremely simplified so as to enable a high speed.

Abstract: A finisher for finishing papers sequentially driven out of an image forming apparatus includes a plurality of trays selectively movable to a single paper outlet. The finisher reduces a period of time necessary for designated one of the trays to reach the paper outlet, increases the number of papers which can be stacked on the trays, and determines the number of papers stacked with a simple configuration. Papers are prevented from returning from the tray to the paper outlet without complicating the configuration of the outlet. An outlet roller protrudes from the paper outlet, but does not interfere with the tray moving past the paper outlet. The trays protect the operator from injury and protect the structural elements of the finisher from damage despite their movement.

Abstract: A method and device for stacking a plurality of vertically oriented mailpieces into a stack, wherein mailpieces are sequentially received into the back end of the stack. A paddle is used to support the front end of the stack in order to prevent the top mailpieces from falling forward. A conveyor belt is used to move the mailpieces in the stack and relieve the pack pressure so as to allow new mailpieces to join the stack. Information indicative of the mailpiece thickness is provided to a movement control module so that the conveyor belt is moved according to the thickness of the mailpieces received into the stack. As such, the pressure in the stack can be properly adjusted. The thickness information can be obtained from an upstream collator, for example.

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: The invention is directed to an automatic mail tray loading device that is adapted to receive envelopes from an inserting machine or from other mail-processing systems and place them in mail trays. The device has a two-stage envelope buffer, which buffers the envelopes into a shingled array before depositing them into the mail tray. The first stage buffers the envelopes during purging of the second stage and the second stage buffers the mail during a tray change. The mail trays are held on a tray conveyor, at an inclination that ensures proper loading of the tray and reliable transfer of envelopes from the tray. The tray conveyor incrementally moves the envelope tray downward until the tray is full of envelopes. A new, empty tray is then moved into position and the filled tray is moved laterally to the tray offload station. The system comprises an envelope conveyor, a tray conveyor, a lateral tray transfer mechanism and an auxiliary buffer.

Abstract: A paper ejection apparatus equipped on the latter stage of an image formation apparatus in a print apparatus. The paper ejection apparatus includes a paper stack table to stack papers transported in a paper transport direction from the image formation apparatus, a table drive for moving up and down the paper stack table, a controller for controlling the table drive, top face detection means for detecting the top face position of the stacked papers, and abutment members for sliding to align the papers ejected onto the paper stack table in the paper transport direction and in a perpendicular direction to the paper transport direction. The projecting part is provided on the paper stack table.

Abstract: A sheet transfer apparatus transfers a sheet to a predetermined position. The apparatus includes a discharge tray; a support device for rotationally supporting the discharge tray; an interconnecting device that activates according to a rotation of the discharge tray; and a sheet regulating device engaging the interconnecting means to be movable between a regulating position for regulating a movement of the sheet and a retracted position for allowing the sheets on the discharge tray to move. A control device prevents the sheet regulating device from moving to the regulating position from the retracted position even though the discharge tray is rotated when a load greater than a predetermined value is applied to the sheet regulating device.

Abstract: A medium stacker is disclosed, which has a structure that effectively processes load externally applied to a stacker tray so as to prevent damage of the medium stacker and an external object from occurring and increases the ascending range of a stacker tray without change of a power transmission structure. The medium stacker includes a basic module frame fixed to a medium unit of a main body of an output device, a stacker tray fixed to the basic module frame to enable the ascending operation, on which ejected papers are stacked, a first guide means provided in the basic module frame, guiding the ascending operation of the stacker tray, a lifting belt ascending the stacker tray along the first guide means, and a belt driving pulley fixed to the lifting belt. The lifting belt includes a first part moving along the belt driving pulley, having one end fixed to the stacker tray, and a second part of an elastic member which is not moving along the belt driving pulley, having one end fixed to the basic module frame.

Abstract: A paper ejection unit included in a print apparatus for stacking printed paper to provide a print apparatus for making it possible to provide compatibility between large-capacity stacking of short-size paper frequently used and easiness of handling printed paper of large size. Attention is focused on the fact that the weight of paper that can be handled safely is determined by the paper stack height for each paper size, and it is made possible to change the paper stackable amount for each paper size by a paper stack table moved down gradually with an increase in the stack amount of printed paper and a paper stack table height detector for detecting the position of the paper stack table.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for stacking printed materials in sheet form, for example printed sheets, with the lateral edges of the sheets aligned. According to various aspects of the invention, methods and devices for stacking printed sheets on a stacking element are provided comprising a transport path to the stacking element comprising a first transport element and a second transport element, wherein the position of the second transport element is changeable along the transport path, at least the second transport element remaining stationary during the transport of sheets.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking articles on edge is provided which has a discharge magazine for stacking the articles face-to-face and on-edge. The magazine has an article edge receiver having a non-offset position and an offset position. The article edge receiver has a register wall for aligning the articles in the non-offset position and a segmented rotational offset disk for aligning the articles in the offset position. The disk has a cut out segment having a planar stop edge surface. The cut out segment is rotatable from an article receiving position to an article bypass position. When in the receiving position, the planar stop edge surface is at a right angle to the two faces of the article. When in the article bypass position, the segmented rotational offset disk allows the articles to bypass the segmented rotational disk.

Abstract: For being stacked, flat articles, in particular printed products, are supplied to a feed point in an imbricated stream, in which they overlap one another and are arranged standing substantially upright. In the feed point, their leading edge is pushed against an aligning element arranged transverse to the supply direction and thereby they are redirected at right angles and arranged in a stack-like arrangement. The stack-like arrangement grows in the stacking direction into a receiving device, being laterally guided and being supported at its downstream end by a supporting element. Distanced in the stacking direction from the feed point a condensing means is provided for accelerating the articles in the stack-like arrangement towards the supporting element in such a manner, that a downstream part of the stack-like arrangement is condensed and a feed-side part is kept loose.

Abstract: A sheet discharge apparatus of the present invention is equipped with a discharge device for discharging a sheet from an image forming apparatus, a storage device for storing the sheet discharged from the discharge device, an elevator device for raising and lowering the storage device relative to the discharge device, a position detection device for detecting a surface of the uppermost sheet stored in the storage device or a surface of the storage device to stack the sheet, a reception device for receiving a signal indicating a transport status in the image forming apparatus, and a control device for temporarily stopping the discharge device after the transported sheet is discharged to the storage means by the discharge means when the position detection device detects the uppermost surface of the uppermost sheet stored in the storage device or the surface of the storage means to stack the sheet is away from a predetermined position and the reception device detects the sheet transported in the image forming ap

Abstract: A configuration controls the height and the inclination of a stacking tray according to the number of sheets discharged and controls the height and the inclination of a stacking tray when discharging sheets and when discharging sheet bundles to improve alignment of discharged sheets and the transporting characteristics. When discharging a sheet bundle, a stacking tray is lowered and when it reaches its home position, the aforementioned stacking tray is stopped. When discharging a sheet, the system determines whether it is the first sheet of a plurality of sheets in a bundle. For the first sheet, a timer is set to a predetermined time from raising to stopping the aforementioned stacking tray (using a pulse count value) and the aforementioned stacking tray is raised. After the set time is up, the stacking tray is stopped at a preset position.

Abstract: A media storage bin including a floor and a pair of spaced apart walls specifically spaced to receive pieces of media and to retain the pieces of media in a stacked condition. A drop control flap is mounted to an individual one of the spaced walls for delaying the fall of a piece of media into the bin. This wall includes a top surface. A platform for supporting a stack of pieces of media is disposed in the bin, between the wall top surface and the floor. A helical spring is disposed between the platform and the floor for maintaining the top of the media stack at a predetermined distance from the wall top surface to provide thereby a constant fall distance between an individual one of the pieces of media and the wall top surface. This is accomplished in a manner whereby the spring rate enables the platform to drop the thickness of one piece of media for each piece of media added to the top of the stack.

Abstract: A storage apparatus has a card-accommodating, vertically upright stack-storage cassette (1) and a card-input, -reading and control unit (3) arranged adjacent to the top cassette-border region (4). The stack-storage cassette (1) has a vertically running storage opening (5) arranged in a cassette side. The storage apparatus also has a lift unit (7) which can be displaced vertically in said opening (5) and has a lift housing (19a, 19b). The lift unit (7), for its part, has a depositing plate (9) for the cards, which comes to rest in the store interior (10). The lift unit can be removed in the lowermost region of the cassette (1), to be inserted into the cassette (1) at the top and, acting on the opening borders, to be displaced vertically, i.e. lowered, in each case preferably by the distance of a height over which a group of cards is deposited, in order for the cards to be deposited satisfactorily.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a piling rack for flat parcels which is open on one side for withdrawing piled parcels. The rack has a bottom (4) as well as an impact wall (7) inclined outwardly and turning inwardly relative to the cutting edge, wherein a side wall (5) is provided for orienting the piling bottom as well as the piling direction. The parcels are inserted through an adequate opening (1) towards the bottom. The piling bottom (4) is inclined relative to the parcel orientation upon insertion into the piling rack and relative to the impact wall (7) and the side wall (5). The piling rack comprises a lid (8) which is mounted and shaped so that its inner outline extends at least from a curved portion towards the piling bottom (4) below the upper limit of the parcel trajectory.

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 present invention relates to an apparatus for stacking articles. The articles may comprise mail pieces. The apparatus comprises a base having a top surface. The top surface defines a rake element having extending fingers defining open spaces therebetween. A receiving unit is mounted proximate to the rake. The unit may be made to rotate. The unit further comprises a plurality of coils. The coils may be helical, concentric and vertically displaced so as to define a vertical open space therebetween. When rotating, the coils may be made to move in the direction of a support positioned atop the top surface. The support may further comprise a spring bias to urge the support against a stack of articles. A supporting wall is also provided as well as a supply element which directs incoming articles into the vertical opening. The movement of the coils transports the articles to a stack which is support on one side by the support, on another by the supporting wall and on yet another by the top surface.

Abstract: A paddle urging system for use in a stacking bin having a constant force spring to provide an urging force to a paddle for supporting a stack of mailpieces. As mailpieces are accumulated into the stack, they push the stack against the paddle. A brake/clutch system is used to provide an additional drag to the paddle to resist against this movement of the paddle. The brake/clutch system is adjustable so that heavy mailpieces are supported more effectively, whereas lightweight mailpieces encounter less resistant force when they are accumulated into the stack.

Abstract: A paddle urging system for use in a stacking bin having a constant force spring to provide an urging force to a paddle for supporting a stack of mailpieces. As mailpieces are accumulated into the stack, they push the stack against the paddle. A brake/clutch system is used to provide an additional drag to the paddle to resist against this movement of the paddle. The brake/clutch system is adjustable so that heavy mailpieces are supported more effectively, whereas lightweight mailpieces encounter less resistant force when they are accumulated into the stack.

Abstract: A sheet discharge apparatus of the present invention is equipped with a discharge device for discharging a sheet from an image forming apparatus, a storage device for storing the sheet discharged from the discharge device, an elevator device for raising and lowering the storage device relative to the discharge device, a position detection device for detecting a surface of the uppermost sheet stored in the storage device or a surface of the storage device to stack the sheet, a reception device for receiving a signal indicating a transport status in the image forming apparatus, and a control device for temporarily stopping the discharge device after the transported sheet is discharged to the storage means by the discharge means when the position detection device detects the uppermost surface of the uppermost sheet stored in the storage device or the surface of the storage means to stack the sheet is away from a predetermined position and the reception device detects the sheet transported in the image forming ap

Abstract: The present invention concerns a mailpiece sorting and stacking apparatus. The sorting and stacking apparatus has a series of stacking bins. Each stacking bin is designed to include a set of kicker fingers that engage the trailing ends of the mailpieces traveling towards a stop registration wall in each stacking bin. The stop registration wall in combination with the spring force exerted by the kicker fingers against the trailing ends of the mailpiece cause the end of each mailpiece to engage the outside surface of a pressure mailpiece conveying roller. The pressure mailpiece conveying roller is part of the conveying roller assembly leading to the stacking bin. The periphery of the pressure mailpiece conveying roller along with the deflection force against the trailing end of each mailpiece caused by the kicker fingers causes each mailpiece to stack against a pressure paddle inside the stacking bin.

Abstract: Apparatus for accumulating successive stacks of superimposed sheets on discrete pallets employs a conveyor which delivers a continuous imbricated stream of sheets to a stacking station where a pallet descends with an elevator and gathers a first stack. A separating finger is inserted into the accumulation of sheets at the stacking station at a level above the topmost sheet of the fully grown first stack.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus for stacking flat articles on edge is provided where each article has a front perimeter edge and two faces and the stacking apparatus receives each flat article as it enters the stacking apparatus moving in a direction generally parallel to the face of each article. The stacking apparatus includes a discharge magazine for sequentially receiving and stacking the flat articles face-to-face in an on-edge stack. The discharge magazine includes an article inlet, a register wall wherein the front perimeter edge of each envelope contacts the register wall to align each front perimeter edge of each article as the articles enter said stack. The discharge magazine further includes an article face support member, wherein a face of one of the flat articles abuts the article face support member, and a segmented roller for receiving and aligning the flat articles for insertion into the on-edge stack. The segmented roller includes a rotatable segmented cylinder having a longitudinal central axis.

Abstract: A system has a media handler to transports media (e.g., paper, transparencies, etc.) from an input bin through a processing unit to a collection tray. A tray adjustment mechanism moves the collection tray down and up as media is collected and occasionally removed by the operator. An overload detector detects an overload condition when the media stack on the tray becomes too heavy. The overload detector indirectly measures the stack weight by measuring the speed of the tray (or media stack) or alternatively, by monitoring the motor current. Once overload is detected, the system stops the tray to avoid damaging the tray adjustment mechanism and/or tray. The system notifies the operator via a visual message or an audible alarm. A recovery manager is then invoked to return the tray to the appropriate position after the operator has removed the media stack. In user-assisted recovery, the system awaits some explicit input from the operator that the media stack has been removed.

Abstract: A printing apparatus provided with a deposition unit for printed sheets comprising a number of copy trays situated one above the other, which trays are adjustable in height independent of one another to a deposition position with respect to the sheet delivery rollers disposed at a fixed height, and to a parking position. Upon the activation of the printing apparatus by a start key provided on the printing apparatus, a control system sets the bottom copy tray into a deposition position and the other copy trays into a higher parking position. Upon the activation of the printing apparatus by a start key disposed at a distance from the printing apparatus at a workstation, the control system selectively sets one of the other copy trays into a deposition position and the bottom copy tray into a lower parking position.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes a sheet discharge tray that holds a discharged sheet and that moves up and down, and a sheet discharge roller that is located above the sheet discharge tray and that discharges the discharged sheet to the sheet discharge tray. The sheet discharge tray receives the discharged sheet from the sheet discharge roller at a standard sheet receiving position which is located at a predetermined downward distance away from the sheet discharge roller. The sheet discharge tray moves down to a position which is lower than the standard sheet receiving position for a predetermined distance and receives at least a next sheet at the position, when a stacked amount of sheets on the sheet discharge tray reaches a predetermined stacking amount.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus has a sheet stacking tray supported for upward and downward movement, a lifting/lowering unit for lifting and lowering the sheet stacking tray, a first sensor for sensing the uppermost surface position of a batch of sheets on the stacking tray and lowering the stacking tray a prescribed amount through the lifting/lowering unit, and a second sensor for sensing that the batch of sheets on the stacking tray is partly drawn out and lifting the stacking tray through the lifting/lowering means to thereby return the stacking tray to a position proper to discharge sheets.

Abstract: An image forming machine includes an image forming section for receiving a sheet supplied in a supplying direction, printing an image on the sheet, and discharging the printed sheet in a discharging direction opposite to the supplying direction while changing the sheet upside-down; a sheet supplying table situated adjacent to the image forming section, the sheet supplying table stacking the sheet to be supplied to the image forming section; a sheet discharging table situated adjacent to the image forming section and disposed vertically relative to the sheet supplying table, the sheet discharging table stacking the sheet having the image printed thereon and discharged from the image forming section; driving mechanism attached to the sheet supplying table and the sheet discharging table for vertically moving the sheet supplying table and the sheet discharging table in directions opposite to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking sheets has a frame defining a stacking station, a conveyor for delivering the sheets continuously one after the other at a predetermined upper level in a transport direction to the station, a platform vertically displaceable in the stacking station between the upper level and the lower level, and a drive for displacing the platform vertically. Stops are provided on the frame at an intermediate level below the upper level, above the lower level, and slightly above a stack of maximum height supported on the platform with the platform at the lower level. A walkway is vertically displaceable on the frame immediately downstream of the stacking station between an upper position generally at the upper level and a lower position at the intermediate level. The platform is engageable underneath the walkway for raising the walkway from the intermediate level to the upper level on movement of the platform upward past the intermediate level to the upper level.

Abstract: A sheet post-processing device of the present invention conducts post processing on sheets and then ejects the sheets on an offset tray. Upon the ejection, the sheets are sorted by a sorting drive section reciprocating the offset tray horizontally. The sheets are aligned at the trailing edges thereof by a plurality of sheet edge stopper columns erected freely rotatable. The offset tray is moved vertically along the sheet edge stopper columns by, for example, a lifting and lowering motor. Friction rollers are provided as linking means for rotating the sheet edge stopper columns in accordance with a horizontal movement of the offset tray. As to the horizontal movement and a vertical movement of the offset tray, the friction rollers transmit a driving force to the sheet edge stopper columns only when the offset tray is moved horizontally. Consequently, the stack disturbance of the sheets can be prevented both when the offset tray is moved horizontally and when the offset tray is moved vertically.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes a sheet discharging device for discharging sheets; a stacking tray for stacking sets of the sheets discharged by the sheet discharging device; a retaining tray for retaining one sheet discharging by the discharging device; a shifting device for shifting, in a direction crossing with a direction of the discharging of the sheet, the one sheet on the retaining tray; a feeding device for feeding the one sheet to the stacking tray; whereby the sets of the sheets are grouped with the sheet shifted by the shifting device.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus has a tray supported in a vertically movable manner and adapted to support sheets discharged from the main body of the sheet processing apparatus, and an elevate/lower unit for elevating or lowering the tray and having a detector for outputting a detection signal by detecting an uppermost one from among the sheets discharged in succession and stacked on the tray and a controller for controlling the elevate/lower unit so as to lower the tray in response to the detection signal inputted from the detector. The controller, after the input of the detection signal from the detector, if the input of the detection signal is not terminated even after lowering of the tray by a predetermined amount, executes a serial control of lowering the tray until the input of the detection signal is terminated, then elevating the tray until the detection signal is inputted, and lowering the tray until the detection signal is terminated.

Abstract: Paper decurling is achieved at the output of a printer or other paper handling machine by discharging sequential sheets of the paper into an angled tray. Upon sensing of the paper at a predetermined height, paper curling is presumed and the tray is caused to drop. This causes the sheets to slide against an end stop and drop down with the tray. The tray then returns back upward, whereupon the sheets, which are sliding against the end stop are decurled at an end of the tray facing the discharge portion of the paper handling machine. The movement of the tray is further controlled so as to establish the stack at a uniform predetermined height at the end of each print job.

Abstract: Sheet stacks (4) removed from a collecting station (1) by a transport gripper (5) are deposited onto a vertically movable depositing table (6) so as to rest against stops (8, 10). The stops (8, 10), which are attached to stationary, horizontally movable pull-out rails (11), have first and second vertical surfaces (8a and 8b) which are interconnected by oblique surfaces (8c), the second surfaces (8b) being set back with respect to the first surfaces (8a). The upper surface of the deposited sheet stack (4) is kept at a functionally correct depositing level by two sensors (17, 18), of which one is associated with the center area and one with the staple area (12, 13). The deposited sheet stack (4) strikes against the first surfaces (8a) with its end face, and is then released by the transport gripper (5). Lowering the depositing table (6) causes the end face of the sheet stack (4) to enter the area of the set-back surfaces (8b), allowing it to rest without hindrance flat on the deposited stack (7).

Abstract: A sheet loading apparatus includes an ejecting unit for ejecting sheets from an image forming apparatus onto a tray, a non-contact distance measuring unit disposed on the tray to measure the distance between the upper surface of the sheet bundle on the tray and a predetermined position, a lifting unit for vertically shifting the tray, and a unit for performing sheet loading abnormality detection on the tray, vertical shift control for the tray, sheet presence/absence detection on the tray, and sheet loading amount detection on the tray in accordance with the distance measuring result of the distance measuring unit.

Abstract: A stacking device for stacking card-shaped products in vertically upright positions. The stacking device has a brake stop that is flexible in the moving direction of the card-shaped products and mounted on a rocker-type drivable component. The rocker presses against the stack end in the stacking direction to advance the stack to receive additional products. The stacking device further includes a stack receiver defining the front end of the stack and including a holding bracket with a bearing surface. The stack receiver preferably is adjustable to accommodate varying widths of products to be stacked.

Abstract: A paper stacking apparatus for an image reading apparatus and an image reading apparatus with a paper stacking apparatus wherein paper sheets can be stacked appropriately to allow a large amount of paper sheets to be read rapidly at a time are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method of stacking of thin sheets and a device for stacking of thin sheets according to the method. The sheets can be made from paper, plastic film or the like. The invention is primarily intended to be used in connection with print outs in computer centers delivering a continuous, rapid and lengthy flow of paper sheets. The paper is brought into the stacker on a conveyer (4) comprising a number of parallel bands arranged side by side, which are controlled by pulley wheels and supporting wheels (5, 6, 7, 8). The papers are delivered from the conveyer (4) in the slit between the paper stack (16) and a second conveyer (9) which also comprises a number of parallel bands arranged sidewise passing over pulley wheels (10 and 24). The paper stack is supported by several supports (14) each having a resilient supporting edge (17) towards the paper stack. The stacker can be turned and tilted around an axis (25) at right angle to the plane of the FIGURE.

Abstract: A combination of a printing press and a chainless delivery system therefor includes adjustable sheet stops disposed in a horizontal plane, the delivery system being subdivided into a part proximate to the press and a part distal to the press, one of the sheet stops being a rear sheet stop fixedly connected to the distal part of the press, the distal part being adjustable horizontally, together with the rear sheet stop, in a direction towards and away from the printing press.

Abstract: A temporary supporting device for plate-like workpieces within a delivery station of a machine that processes the workpieces includes a grid which is movable within a cradle between a position for receiving the workpieces being released at the delivery station and a disengaged position. The cradle has a pair of grooves forming tracks for rollers on the sides of the grid to enable the movement, and the tracks enable the removal of a pair of rollers at one end so that the grid can be pivoted around an axis formed by the other pair of rollers from a horizontal orientation into a vertical position extending parallel and along one side of the delivery station.

Abstract: A downstacker for paperboard sheets includes a sheet speed reducing shingler positioned in the stacking station and forming a shingling nip with the top sheet of the continuously descending stack. The shingling nip is positioned to engage and nip the next following sheet simultaneously with engagement of the stacking station backstop by the preceding sheet, thereby obviating sheet marking by an overrunning nip roll. A false backstop is periodically interposed to define a stack separation level and create an offset in the stack which engages the end of a separating fork as the continuously forming stack descends to facilitate insertion of the fork supporting into the stack. The fork provides interim support for the upper stack portion which continues to form while the lower stack portion is rapidly discharged.

Abstract: A paper accumulator unit comprising a table which can be lifted and lowered, being kept in a horizontal condition and on which paper which has been discharged from above is continuously stacked and stored, a stepping motor for lifting and lowering the table with the driving torque of its rotary shaft, and an electromagnetic brake coupled to the rotary shaft of the stepping motor, which brakes the rotation of the rotary shaft when the brake is in a deenergized state.

Abstract: A paper stacking apparatus including a paper stacking device for stacking plural sheets of paper thereon; a paper size detecting device for detecting a size of the paper to be stacked on the paper stacking device; a paper stack detecting device for detecting whether the paper is present or absent on the paper stacking device; and a control device for inhibiting stacking of the paper when the paper size detected by the paper size detecting device is different from a preset paper size, and for allowing the stacking when absence of the paper on the paper stacking device is detected by the paper stack detecting device during inhibition of the stacking. Accordingly, the control device inhibits paper having any sizes other than the preset paper size from being stacked on the top of stacked sheets of paper present on the paper stacking device and restores allowance of stacking when the paper present on the paper stacking device is removed during inhibition of stacking.

Abstract: A currency receiving device is disclosed which comprises a safe, having a lockable access opening and a lockable currency receiving opening, a removable currency receptacle contained within the safe and positioned to receive currency through the currency receiving opening, a currency counter for counting and identifying currency received and placing the currency in a position to pass through the currency receiving opening, and a controller which governs the opening and closing of the currency receiving opening. Currency inserted into the currency counter is deposited on top of a panel which covers the currency receiving opening. If it is desired to deposit the currency into the safe, an operator engages a microprocessor controller causing the currency to be deposited onto a moveable platform within the currency receptacle. The platform is simultaneously lowered to allow further currency to be deposited. When desired, the currency receptacle can be removed from the safe and transported to another location.

Abstract: A stacker jam detector, for use in a sheet handling device such as a stacker and separator, comprises a source of sheets that directs sheets downstream to a delivery location. The source of sheets includes a sheet sent signal generator that transmits a sheet sent signal in response to transferral of each of the sheets from the source. A moving sensing service, such as an elastomeric wheel, is provided at a delivery location, which can comprise a vertical stack. The surface engages each of the sheets as each of the sheets is transferred to the delivery location. Movement of the sheets thereover causes proportional movement of the sensing surface. A signal, such as a pulse, is generated in response to the movement of the sensing surface. A detector measures the signal and compares the signal received relative to at least one sheet sense signal to a predetermined signal value and indicates whether a sheet has been properly delivered to the delivery location.

Abstract: An active stack height sensing mechanism that operates through a cam off a disc stacker which performs one cycle per sheet stacked. After a sheet is stacked, a stack height clamp contacts the stack and stops. If the stack height is too low or within a predetermined range, a flag attached to the clamp will block a light beam path between an emitter and receiver and trip the stack height sensor. If the stack height is too high, the stack height sensor will not be made indicating that the stacker should be indexed down.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus has a shutter mechanism, having a shutter, for controlling the stacking and dropping operations of sheets to be stacked in a stacking safe. When a sensor detects that the sheets to be stacked on the shutter have been stacked to reached a predetermined height, the shutter is moved downward to reserve a space in the vicinity of a sheet loading port, and is opened to cause the sheets to drop onto the lower portion of the stacking safe. Then, the shutter is moved upward to the home position to stack the sheets thereon. When these shutter downward and upward movements are repeatedly performed, stacking can be performed stably, and the sheets discharged from the lower bottom of the stacking safe can be collected in the upper portion of the stacking safe through a communication path outside the stacking safe, thereby continuously performing a series of sheets loading and discharge operations.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention apparatus for stacking flat articles, such as envelopes, on edge, comprises structure for transporting the envelopes on edge along a transport path and a deck plate having an upper side adjacent the transport path. A vertical registration wall, which is mounted on the deck plate, defines a stacking bin in which the envelopes are stacked. A deflector, which is situated between the transporting structure and the stacking bin, pivots between a first and second position, wherein the first position allows the envelopes to be transported past the stacking bin and the second position deflects the envelopes into the stacking bin. There is an urge roller, located in the stacking bin between the deflector and the registration wall for urging the envelopes towards the registration wall. There is a spring loaded paddle slidably positioned in the stacking bin orthogonal to the registration wall and above the deck surface, for urging the stacked envelopes toward the urge roller.