Spring-loaded Support Patents (Class 271/219)
  • Patent number: 10787336
    Abstract: A stacker of the disclosure is disposed at an ejection opening of a processing apparatus. A support member of the stacker is movable toward an upstream side and a downstream side in an ejecting direction, receives each of the media ejected through the ejection opening, and supports the medium in such an orientation that the medium is inclined with an end edge of the medium on the downstream side in the ejecting direction positioned above an end edge of the medium on the upstream side in the ejecting direction and that the end edge of the medium on the upstream side in the ejecting direction abuts the stacking surface. A receding mechanism of the stacker causes the support member to recede toward the downstream side. A position maintaining mechanism of the stacker maintains a position of the support member having been moved by the receding mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Tanjo
  • Patent number: 10457516
    Abstract: A sheet storage apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a receiving unit which receives a sheet that is discharged from a discharge port at a position below the discharge port, and a sheet butting unit which is provided in the vicinity of the receiving unit and receives a front end portion of the sheet. The sheet butting unit has a projection which is provided on at least one of an inner side surface and an inner upper surface of the sheet butting unit. The projection is configured to be capable of retaining a state of regulating vertically upward movement of the front end portion of the sheet being discharged from the discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takakazu Ohashi, Daiki Anayama, Hiromasa Yoneyama, Yasuyuki Asai, Takuya Suto, Tetsuo Kikuchi, Itaru Wada
  • Patent number: 9938107
    Abstract: A medium discharge device includes a discharge roller pair that is provided with a discharge driving roller and a discharge driven roller which drivably rotates in contact with the discharge driving roller, and a medium receiving tray which receives the medium that is fed and discharged by the discharge roller pair, in which the medium receiving tray includes a guide member which guides such that a tip end of the medium which is discharged from the discharge roller pair enters the medium mounting surface at a predetermined angle, and the guide member is provided to be elastically displaceable in an advancing and retreating direction with respect to the medium mounting surface of the medium receiving tray and is displaced in a direction coming close to the medium mounting surface according to raising of a pressing load due to the medium that is discharged to the medium receiving tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyotaka Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9738482
    Abstract: Provided is a discharged sheet accommodating device including a support shaft that has an axial center and is mounted on an apparatus body of an image forming apparatus that is provided with an outlet port from which a recording material is discharged, a first support portion that is provided to be fixed to a lower end of the support shaft, a second support portion into which the support shaft is movably inserted, a holding member of which one end is supported by the first support portion and the second support portion, and which is movable in an up and down direction and in a horizontal direction, and a receiving member of which one end is fixed to the support shaft and the other end is held by a leading end portion of the holding member to foe extensible and contractable, and which receives the recording material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Keiichi Aoyagi
  • Patent number: 9604469
    Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to computer readable medium with instructions that when executed on a processor cause the processor to control a curl control assembly for use in a device having an output for media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin Lo, David Whalen, Raymond C. Sherman, Terry Lingmann
  • Patent number: 9010747
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for handling notes of value, comprising a supply module (1000) for supplying notes of value to a value note receiving region (1004) of a value note cassette (16a to 16d), wherein the notes of value are receivable in a value note receiving region (1004) in the form of a value note stack (1006). The supply module (1000) comprises at least one retaining element (1008, 1010), which, in a retaining position, contacts a front-side note of value of the value note stack (1006) and holds the value note stack (1006) in the value note receiving region (1004). In a supply position, the retaining element (1008, 1010) is arranged such that a note of value is suppliable to the value note stack (1006).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Petermann, Paul Freitag
  • Patent number: 8973916
    Abstract: A medium accumulating device has an accumulation table on which a medium is accumulated, an elastic member that supports the accumulation table, and an accumulation table detector that detects lowering of the accumulation table. The accumulation table is sensed to determine whether the accumulation table lowers below a predetermined position to thereby determine whether or not a medium is accumulated on the accumulation table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Takada
  • Patent number: 8550453
    Abstract: An assembly includes a currency cassette, a pressure plate, and a plurality of gears rotatably connected to at least two opposite edges of the pressure plate. In an implementation, a plurality of substantially parallel racks are configured to engage a plurality of the gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: MEI, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan J. Cost
  • Publication number: 20130099442
    Abstract: A medium accumulating device has an accumulation table on which a medium is accumulated, an elastic member that supports the accumulation table, and an accumulation table detector that detects lowering of the accumulation table. It is sensed that the accumulation table inclined with respect to a lifting and lowering direction of the accumulation table lowers below a predetermined position to thereby determine whether or not a medium is accumulated on the accumulation table. This provides the medium accumulating device capable of determining whether or not a medium is accumulated whatever position the accumulation table may occupy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: OKI ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Atsushi Takada
  • Patent number: 8146914
    Abstract: An assembly includes a currency cassette, a pressure plate, and a plurality of gears rotatably connected to at least two opposite edges of the pressure plate. In an implementation, a plurality of substantially parallel racks are configured to engage a plurality of the gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: MEI, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan J. Cost
  • Patent number: 8010036
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an apparatus main body that performs image forming processing to a recording sheet; a sheet receiving member provided on a top surface of the apparatus main body and provided with a sheet receiving surface; a sheet discharge port through which a recording sheet bearing thereon a formed image is discharged toward the sheet receiving surface; and a swinging mechanism that allows the sheet receiving member to swing. The swinging mechanism allows the sheet receiving member to swing for the sheet receiving surface to change a posture between a first state where the sheet receiving surface sinks on the sheet discharge port side and a second state where the sheet receiving surface on the sheet discharge port side is closer to horizontal than in the first state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Fuchimoto
  • Patent number: 7793932
    Abstract: The present invention provides a paper collecting tray that reduces or eliminates paper curling. The collecting tray has a wire structure using springs or movable bands to support various size papers. These springs are provided in one embodiment to support paper sheets having 8.5 inch widths, 24 inch widths and 36 inch widths. These are configured to provide substantial support for the sheets and configured to prevent paper curling when the paper is passed to the collecting tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: David Alan Bartman
  • Patent number: 7711310
    Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes multiple sheet discharge trays arranged on a downstream of a fixing unit in a layer structure, and multiple sheet-receiving units provided corresponding to the multiple sheet discharge trays arranged in the layer structure. Each of the sheet-receiving units respectively includes a climbing slope from a sheet discharge direction start point to a sheet discharge direction end point, and an angle of the climbing slope of a sheet-receiving unit is close to plane, as the sheet-receiving unit is arranged on a further downstream. It is thus possible to provide the image-forming apparatus in which discharged sheets of paper are not piled up on the sheet-receiving unit in a curled state or the discharged sheet does not push out the sheet piled on the sheet-receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shiroh Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7552923
    Abstract: The invention is relates to a simple, inexpensive high capacity output catch tray for copiers and other document production machines. The output tray automatically increases in capacity as the stack of copies in it accumulates, without external power source or control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Margaret Motamed
  • Patent number: 7367559
    Abstract: The invention is relates to a simple, inexpensive high capacity output catch tray for copiers and other document production machines. The output tray automatically increases in capacity as the stack of copies in it accumulates, without external power source or control, while maintaining a relatively constant elevation relative to the copier output port, and automatically returns to its original position when partially or completely unloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Margaret Motamed
  • Patent number: 7204484
    Abstract: The invention is relates to a simple, inexpensive high capacity output catch tray for copiers and other document production machines. The output tray automatically increases in capacity as the stack of copies in it accumulates, without external power source or control, while maintaining a relatively constant elevation relative to the copier output port, and automatically returns to its original position when partially or completely unloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Margaret Motamed
  • Patent number: 7172193
    Abstract: A banknote stacker comprising at least one first scissors linkage acting to extend a pusher into a cashbox, and at least one second scissors linkage acting transversely to said first to extend a lateral portion of said pusher to flatten a note in the cashbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: MEI, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan John Cost, Jerome Daout
  • Patent number: 7007947
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, LP.
    Inventor: Robert Warren Beauchamp
  • Patent number: 6966555
    Abstract: A banknote stacker comprising at least one first scissors linkage acting to extend a pusher into a cashbox, and at least one second scissors linkage acting transversely to said first to extend a lateral portion of said pusher to flatten a note in the cashbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Mars Incorporated
    Inventors: Evan John Cost, Jerome Daout
  • Patent number: 6953191
    Abstract: A device for depositing sheets in the form of a stack, comprises a housing with a deposit surface, arranged in the latter such that its height can be adjusted, for holding a sheet stack, a stacking mechanism with a roller which is aligned parallel to the deposit surface and can be displaced from a first end of the deposit surface in the direction of the second end of the deposit surface, parallel to the latter, and with at least one belt, one end of which is fixed to the housing close to the first end of the deposit surface and, starting from the fixing point, is led around the roller and parallel to the deposit surface to a belt storage means, a second roller which is arranged parallel to the first roller and at a radial distance from the latter, can be displaced together with the first roller parallel to the deposit surface and at least a second belt, one end of which is fixed to the housing close to the second end of the deposit surface and, starting from the fixing point, is led parallel to the deposit su
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Landwehr, Waldemar Jäger, Heiner Stukenberg
  • Patent number: 6851540
    Abstract: A paper currency collection detection arrangement used in an automatic vending machine formed of a paper currency receiving unit, a paper currency collection cabinet, and a detection unit. The paper currency collection cabinet has a bottom sensor hole, and a slide moved to close/open the sensor hole subject to the amount of paper currency collected. The detection unit has a sensor controlled to emit signal to the sensor hole and adapted for cutting off power supply when the slide does not block the sensor hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: International Currency Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Shang Ter Chou
  • Patent number: 6832865
    Abstract: The invention is relates to a simple, inexpensive high capacity output catch tray for copiers and other document production machines. The output tray automatically increases in capacity as the stack of copies in it accumulates, without external power source or control, while maintaining a relatively constant elevation relative to the copier output port, and automatically returns to its original position when partially or completely unloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Margaret Motamed
  • Patent number: 6827347
    Abstract: A paper sheet processing device that accommodates various types of paper sheet performs a smooth accommodating action by accurately performing a full-state detection action in respect of the accommodated paper sheets. Full-state detecting unit 2 of the paper sheet container (paper money container) stores current values exceeding a reference value as detection signals a, b, c and, of the stored detection signals a, b, c, determines that the stacker 42 constituting a paper sheet accommodating section is full based on the detection signal c stored in the substantially latter half period K′ of the paper sheet accommodating action period T′ by the paper money guiding unit 43.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon Conlux
    Inventors: Yukio Ito, Yuichi Sakamoto, Tadahiro Iwai, Tetsuro Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 6736393
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignees: KRDC Co., Ltd., Gradco (Japan) Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-Kyoon Noh
  • Patent number: 6726202
    Abstract: A paper currency receiving device includes a body and two wheel assembly modules. The body has two opposed sides each, having an opening that communicates an interior of the body with outside. The body further has a bill-receiving opening in a front side thereof. The wheel assembly modules are respectively, detachably mounted to the openings of the body. Each wheel assembly module includes a plate and a wheel assembly mounted on an inner side of the plate. The wheel assembly includes a plurality of wheels and a belt mounted around the belt. The wheel assemblies feed a bill inserted into the bill-receiving opening into the interior of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
  • Patent number: 6702278
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Teodoro Ortiz Michel
  • Patent number: 6631902
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Robert Warren Beauchamp
  • Patent number: 6612568
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Gaissmaier, Stefan Neumann, Albrecht Sieper
  • Patent number: 6572293
    Abstract: The invention is relates to a simple, inexpensive high capacity output catch tray for copiers and other document production machines. The output tray automatically increases in capacity as the stack of copies in it accumulates, without external power source or control, while maintaining a relatively constant elevation relative to the copier output port, and automatically returns to its original position when partially or completely unloaded. The invention uses a trampoline-type arrangement that suspends a stack support platform by springs around its perimeter from a frame removeably attached to the copier. As copies accumulate on the platform the weight of the copies causes the springs to stretch and increases the capacity of the output tray. The springs act as energy-storing biasing elements which return the platform to its unloaded position when the stack of copies is removed from the tray, and may also act as variable length alignment surfaces to keep the accumulating stack neat and square.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Margaret Motamed
  • Patent number: 6386534
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of stacking flexible articles of a non-uniform thickness involves the use of a stacking table including separately movable first and second support surfaces. An actuator moves the stacking table through a range of motion relative to a stationary cam plate. A cam follower is mechanically coupled to the second support surface and engages the cam surface when the stacking table is moved through at least part of the range of motion. When the actuator moves the stacking table and the cam follower engages the cam surface, the second surface is displaced relative to the first support surface. Preferably, the cam plate is repositionable to vary a distance by which the second support surface is displaced relative to the first support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Clark Woody, Stephen Gangler, Jeffrey Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6364309
    Abstract: A sheet accommodating device is provided which always performs stable sheet feeding in accordance with sizes of sheets or the number of sheets to be stacked. A holder member that is movable back and forth supports a sheet pressing plate near the center of gravity of the sheets. The holder member is movable in accordance with the sizes of the sheets or the amount of stacked sheets, so that the sheets can be stacked and fed with stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiya Tomatsu
  • Patent number: 6244589
    Abstract: A device for stacking banknotes, comprising a cashbox and a stacker arranged to stack banknotes of predetermined dimensions in said cashbox, said cashbox having a surface including an aperture therein, said aperture having a dimension in a first direction of W, said device being arranged to receive a banknote at a position overlying said aperture, said banknote having a dimension in said first direction of L, said stacking means being arranged to push said banknote through said aperture and into a stacked position in said cashbox, wherein said banknote is pushed to a predetermined maximum depth D in said cashbox relative to said aperture such that D<(L−W)/2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Mars Incorporated
    Inventor: Andre Gerlier
  • Patent number: 6241240
    Abstract: A cassette for receiving and storing banknotes advantageously uses a movable guide in combination with a movable actuator which each move toward the other for stripping of a banknote received in the guide and adding the stripped banknote to a stack of banknotes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Cashcode Company Inc.
    Inventor: Sergey Bukhman
  • Patent number: 6227536
    Abstract: A receiving tray insert for receiving and straightening curled printed paper discharged face down from a printer, comprising a planar member having a flat upper surface arranged to face away from the printer and arranged to receive the printed paper as it is ejected from the printer, and also having a lower surface arranged to face the printer, and also having elevating and spacing means secured to the lower surface and arranged to elevate the insert relative to the printer to create and maintain a thermally insulating air gap between the insert and the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Moore North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Darvin R. Bethke
  • Patent number: 6056288
    Abstract: A sheet stacking offsetting system with a stacking tray offsetting movement system with which printed sheets from a reproduction apparatus are stacked offset relative to one another, with a simple rotary drive of an eccentrically rotated extending pin cam which reciprocally drives a simple two part cam follower providing a variable width cam follower slot positively engaging the eccentrically rotated cam to smoothly reciprocate the sheet stacking tray. The slot width is automatically reduced by spring loading movement of one of the two parts of the cam follower so that both sides of said slot directly engage the eccentrically rotated cam at all times. The cam follower slot is also open ended and beveled to easily assemble the pin cam into that open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Margaret P. Tsai, Bruce J. DiRenzo
  • Patent number: 5984299
    Abstract: A sheet finishing apparatus for finishing a sheet, on which an image has been formed, conveyed from an image forming apparatus, the sheet finishing apparatus includes: a sheet ejecting member for ejecting the sheet after finishing; and an exit tray for receiving the sheet ejected by the sheet ejecting member after finishing is conducted. The exit tray includes a movable exit tray member on which the sheet is stacked, and a stationary exit tray member for supporting the movable exit tray member. The movable exit tray member has a sheet stacking surface on which the sheet is stacked, and a stopper portion provided adjacent to the sheet ejecting member to bring an edge of the sheet into contact with the stopper portion. The movable exit tray member is pivotally supported around a supporting shaft provided on a leading edge portion of the stationary exit tray member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Hirota, Hisao Hosoya, Satoru Endo, Yuji Kanazawa, Takanori Yoshida, Kazuyoshi Omi, Mamoru Tomotsune
  • Patent number: 5699147
    Abstract: A paper magazine including a magazine main body in which a photosensitive material is accommodated; a guide member for guiding the photosensitive material to a magazine opening through which the photosensitive material is delivered out to an exterior; at least one guide roller which is attached to the guide member so as to be freely rotatable, and which contacts a transverse direction end portion of the photosensitive material and guides the photosensitive material when the photosensitive material is delivered out to the exterior; and a cover which is supported at the magazine main body so as to be able to open and close an open portion of the magazine main body, and when the cover is closed, the cover is positioned so as to oppose the guide member with the photosensitive material being disposed between the guide member and the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Yamamoto, Takao Fukuda
  • Patent number: 5605322
    Abstract: A transport path is branched into a main pass and a bypass. A deflector is provided at a branch point, for switching the path either to the bypass or to the main pass. Sheet detection switches are respectively provided along the bypass and the main pass, and also on a stapler plate, for controlling the rotation of a transfer roller. In this way, a first sheet being transported through the main pass and a second sheet being transported through the bypass can be discharged onto the stapler plate at the same time. As a result, the problem of the device being made larger or reducing the quality of the sheets can be prevented, and a faster process after copying can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kaoru Suzuki, Tadahiro Ando, Hiroshi Naka, Mitsutoshi Sawada, Tomonori Ohata, Hiroshi Miura, Masayoshi Nakabayashi, Eiiti Ando
  • Patent number: 5565959
    Abstract: A paper magazine including a magazine main body in which a photosensitive material is accommodated; a guide member for guiding the photosensitive material to a magazine opening through which the photosensitive material is delivered out to an exterior; at least one guide roller which is attached to the guide member so as to be freely rotatable, and which contacts a transverse direction end portion of the photosensitive material and guides the photosensitive material when the photosensitive material is delivered out to the exterior; and a cover which is supported at the magazine main body so as to be able to open and close an open portion of the magazine main body, and when the cover is closed, the cover is positioned so as to oppose the guide member with the photosensitive material being disposed between the guide member and the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Yamamoto, Takao Fukuda
  • Patent number: 5449159
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Belec, William D. Toth
  • Patent number: 5443253
    Abstract: Remittance processing apparatus and method in which the leading edges of a pair of documents such as a payment coupon and a check conveyed along a path are engaged with a gate to control passage of the documents along the path. The gate is held in a closed position until the leading edges are aligned with each other and thereafter opened to release the documents. The documents are then engaged by feed rollers rotating at speeds such that one of the two documents is fed ahead of the other to a stacking tray with a stacking belt which engages one side of the documents. The tray is urged toward the belt with a force which remains substantially constant regardless of the number of documents stacked in the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Omation Corporation
    Inventors: Amarjit Dale, George H. Bingham
  • Patent number: 5388817
    Abstract: A notes stacker assembly comprises a stacker assembly, a stacking mechanism and a notes collector. When the notes are feeded into an inserting slot of the receiving slot, the notes will be moved forward by the main actuating wheel together with the pulley and second actuating wheel. Then the notes are moved to transferring slot and enter into the slot member of said stacking mechanism. Meanwhile, a signal is sent to the printed circuit triggering the motor of the stacking mechanism. The cam shaft is then moved by the motor and actuating the upper slot hole of the U-shape guiding block. Then the sensor of the printed circuit is covered and switched on. When the guiding block and the pressing plate is moved downward by the cam shaft, the small holes of the guiding slot will make the sensor receive a signal that the guiding block is moved to a right position. This will make the notes be received by the pressing plate and spring member, and enter into the note collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Gameax Corporation
    Inventor: Yuan F. Chang
  • Patent number: 5322275
    Abstract: A bill accumulating storage unit is provided for use with a paper currency acceptor, the storage unit comprising a presser plate on one side of the currency pathway therein and a spring loaded currency support platform on the opposite side of the currency pathway. The presser plate is pivotably mounted to the eccentric center section of one or more cranks having concentric end sections journalled for rotation in the walls of the storage unit. Elongated stacker arms are mounted at a first end to a concentric end of the crank for conjoint rotation therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Coin Bill Validator Inc.
    Inventors: Vedasto Gardellini, deceased, by Maria Gardelline, heiress
  • Patent number: 5305996
    Abstract: An inexpensive large-capacity paper hopper capable of energizing a paper feed table with a constant lift force irrespective of the quantity of paper sheets remaining thereon, thereby performing stable paper feeding. To achieve such a paper hopper, a paper hopper, wherein a paper feed table is lifted or lowered being kept in a horizontal condition and paper sheets stacked on the paper feed table are sequentially sent out from the top sheet for feeding, is arranged such that the paper feed table is so suspended by a wire suspending device as to be lifted or lowered in a horizontal condition, and an elastic tensile force of extension coil springs included in a lift force exerting device is so exerted to the paper feed table that the direction in which the restoring displacement of the extension coil springs takes place becomes coincident with the direction of lifting the paper feed table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Tatsuhiro Taniwa, Tetsuya Fujimoto, Toshio Fukushima, Hirohiko Kubo, Wataru Miki
  • Patent number: 5253757
    Abstract: A drawing receptacle can be adapted for use with the drawing output of such computer-directed printers, such as a laser printer. Such drawing receptacles can comprise a base, drawing retention means located about the base forming an open receptacle top and being adapted to retain drawings inserted into the open receptacle top, and a receptacle floor which is yieldably carried by the drawing receptacle above its base and within the drawing retention means and which is adapted to support drawing stacks of variable quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Ball State University
    Inventor: James S. Locker
  • Patent number: 5046717
    Abstract: A device for collecting sheets includes a collection tray (13) with a bottom portion (21) which forms a stack support surface (19). The bottom portion is movably arranged and is adjustable in response to the weight of the sheets (25) collected on the support surface (19). The support surface (19) is upwardly inclined in the sheet transport direction. A deflectable hold-down element (41) which intersects the imaginary trajectory of the sheets and urges the deposited sheets (25) downwardly, is provided for cooperation with the rear area of the sheets (25) to be collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Helmut Ettischer, Ulrich Fischer, Heinz Wagner
  • Patent number: 4986529
    Abstract: A tri-directional inverter for use in machines requiring copy sheet inversion for collated copy set output uses four rollers forming three sheet-feeding nips. All sheets enter the center nip and contact a diverter gate that urges them in either of two directions. The sheets are corrugated by corrugating rollers as they enter a spring loaded inversion channel. The spring and corrugation rollers urge the sheets back out of the inversion channel into engagement with either of the selected other nips formed by the four rollers for feeding back into the machine for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Vinod K. Agarwal, Barry M. Dixon, Joseph C. Foerster, Gregory G. Jones
  • Patent number: 4941654
    Abstract: An elongated arch forming member or bar supported upon a horizontal stacking station base by a movable support for permitting the stack to be lowered as the weight of the of sheets over the arch forming member increases. The arch forming member supports the sheets only at centralized portions thereof for permitting edge portions of the sheets to be pulled downwardly by gravity to form an arch, in the stack of sheets, transverse to the direction of feed of the sheets from a printer or source machine into a receptor station. The arch forming member is oriented parallel to opposite edges of the sheets and causes an angle of at least 15.degree. to be produced between the edge portions of the sheets and the horizontal plane of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Dennison Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Gary L. Kelley
  • Patent number: 4877235
    Abstract: A currency sorter and storage device 10 which includes a lockable storage container 11 having a front plate 12 which further has a plurality of currency receiving slots 13 therein. A pair of rollers, one being drive roller 18 and the other idler roller 17, are disposed in parallel spaced relationship directly behind and on the interior side of currency receiving slots 13. An electric motor 19 provides a source of rotation for drive roller 18. A partitioned currency bin 14 having currency receiving chutes 15 therein, is disposed within lockable storage containing 11 such that currency receiving chutes 15 each lie directly below a particular currency receiving slot 13. A rotatable shaft 23 having one end extending through the side of lockable storage container 11 has a plurality of biasing dogs 22 radially attached. Biasing dogs 22 are disposed along rotatable shaft 23 to each engage a stack of currency 1 located in a particular currency receiving chute 15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Tidel Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Robinson, Richard R. Robinson
  • Patent number: RE33847
    Abstract: Apparatus for separating, counting a stacking sheets, including a feed roller and cooperating stripper shoe for permitting the passage of only single sheets fed therebetween, said sheets being moved along a curved path defined by a guide plate cooperating with the feed roll as the sheet emerges from the region between the stripper shoe and feed roll. The leading edge of the sheet moving along said curved path enters into a nip between an acceleration roller and an acceleration idler mounted on a common axis with the feed roll to abruptly accelerate the sheet and drive it into a stacker wheel which delivers the sheet to an outfeed stacker. The feed roll is provided with a plurality of surfaces of differing coefficients of sliding friction to facilitate separation of sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Brandt, Inc.
    Inventor: John DiBlasio