Abstract: An apparatus and method in conjunction with a copier and/or a collator is disclosed for providing on-line and off-line insertion of sheet material or collation, respectively. The apparatus includes a single supply tray and sheet feeder therefor. The supply tray is pre-loaded with one or more types of insert material, each type being separated by a coded sheet. As the insert sheets are fed, a sensor detects the coded sheet which is fed to an overflow tray and further feeding from the supply tray is inhibited until additional copy sheets from the copier is supplied in the on-line mode of operation, or a different type of material is to be collated in the off-line mode.

Abstract: A sheet sorting apparatus, used with an image printing apparatus, having a plurality of shiftable trays arranged in a vertical array; a pair of vertically movable cams for shifting the trays and for forming sheet discharge zone; a sheet feeding mechanism; and sheet edge guides, which are vertically movable integrally with the cams, for aligning the sheets deposited on the trays. The sheet feeding mechanism includes a sheet inlet unit, the level thereof is adjustable to meet the sheet discharge level of the image printing apparatus, and a tiltable sheet conveyor which bridges the sheet inlet unit and the sheet discharge zone.

Abstract: A sorter for sorting copy sheets made from an original by a copying machine includes a plurality of trays which are vertically aligned in multiple stages at predetermined intervals, an indexer for delivering the copy sheets to the trays, a conveyor for conveying the copy sheets to the indexer, and a flexible guide member which is provided at the inlet portion of each of the trays for guiding each copy sheet from the indexer into one of the trays along the bottom surface of an adjacent upper tray.

Abstract: A sheet deflector drive for driving a sheet-delivering deflector between a plurality of vertically stacked paper-receiving shelves, including a pair of deflector carrying belts for moving the deflector between the shelves; a rotatable drive shaft for driving the belts to move the deflector, rotation of the shaft in one direction moving the deflector upward and rotation of the shaft in the other direction moving the deflector downward; a bidirectional drive motor selectively engageable with the shaft for rotating the shaft to one or the other rotational direction; a cam connected to the shaft for rotation therewith and having three radially projecting lobes, the lobes having an angular spacing therebetween corresponding to the rotational movement of the shaft necessary to move the deflector from a sheet-delivering position adjacent to one of the shelves to such a position adjacent to an immediately neighboring one of the shelves; a pivoted cam follower arm biased toward the cam for engaging the lobes, the foll

Abstract: The invention relates to a sorter of the type in which a distributor moves relative to a plurality of bins arranged fixedly along the inlets of bins to thereby distribute sheets into the bins individually, and is constituted by a pair of belts for transporting the sheet received from the copying machine toward the distributor and a tensioner for tensing the belts. Another arrangement of the invention has a device for preventing the movement of the distributor in both forward and reverse direction while the distributor is at a stop. Further another arrangement of the sorter includes structure for successfully guiding the leading edge of the sheet into a pair of rollers provided the distributor.

Abstract: In an electronic copying apparatus, a bin selecting carriage is movably arranged along a paper sheet convey path which communicates with a sort paper sheet convey path. The paper sheet fed to the paper sheet convey path by the bin selecting carriage is fed to one of the sort bins. As the bin selecting carriage moves, a guide selector which is arranged at the branch between a non-sort paper sheet convey path and the sort paper sheet convey path is operated. A drive mechanism for driving the guide selector for selectively feeding the paper sheets discharged from a paper discharge section to the sort and non-sort paper sheet guide paths is not required. The operation timing of the guide selector may be synchronized with the feed operation timing of the paper sheets into the respective bins of the sort storage section.

Abstract: A sorter is provided, which has: a transfer direction switching section for selectively switching a transfer direction of a conveyed paper sheet between first or second transfer directions; a first paper transfer section for transferring the paper sheet in the first transfer direction selected by the transfer direction switching section; a second paper transfer section for transferring the paper sheet in the second transfer direction selected by the transfer direction switching section; a nonsort/storage section for sorting and storing the paper sheet transferred by the first paper transfer section; a sort/storage section for sorting and storing the paper sheet transferred by the second paper transfer section; and a paper transfer/drive section for interrupting the second paper transfer section so as to perform nonsort/storage operation by driving only the first paper transfer section when the paper sheet to be sorted is jammed.

Abstract: An improvement in the mechanism for separating sheet-receiving trays of a sorter for photocopy machines, which increases the capacity of the sorter. A plurality of drive cams each sliding up and down on its own drive shaft, and each having a helical slot on its outer surface, rotate as the shafts are rotated. Trunions extending from the trays engage the helical grooves in the cams, and they, along with the tray to which they are connected, move up or down as the cams rotate. The sorter has improved capacity while yet permitting access between trays. It is simple and positive in operation and provides sorting action in both the upward and downward movement of the cams on the driveshafts.

Abstract: A collator includes a series of twenty bins arranged in parallel with each other. A copy feeding member feeds copies supplied from a copying machine along inlets of the successive bins. First and second deflecting devices are arranged at uppermost two bins for delivering the copies into the uppermost two bins. A distributor is movable between the third bin and the twentieth bin for delivering the copies into the bins. An extra tray is provided separately from the bins. The collator further comprises a collate mode selecting member, a job separation mode selecting member and a non-collate mode selecting member.

Abstract: A deflector (C) is movable relative to bin (E) to selectively deflect sheets into the bins (E) for collation. An enable signal for a next collation operation is generated when a sensor (94) senses that the required number of sheets for collation have been discharged into the bins (E). The sensor (94) in combination with a sensor (45) which senses sheets entering the collator (2) detect a sheet jam and enable computation of the number of jammed sheets by subtracting the number of sheets discharged into the bins (E) from the number of sheets entering the collator (2).

Abstract: A sheet distribution method for collating a plurality of sets of copies produced by a copying machine into respective bins of a collating apparatus operatively connected to the copying machine, each set of copies consisting of one copy of each respective page of an original document, includes the steps of providing a first display unit, displaying a total number of sets of copies to be produced and collated on the first display unit, computing whether the total number of sets is greater than a number of available bins in the collating apparatus, when the total number of sets is smaller than the number of available bins, collating the sets of copies into the respective bins in a single collation operation, when the total number of sets is greater than the number of available bins, collating the sets of copies into the respective bins in a plurality of successive collation operations, providing a second display unit, during collation of a page of the document by the collating apparatus, computing a total number

Abstract: A sorter for a copy machine is equipped with a portion adapted to receive sheets inserted manually for use as covers or partitions of the copies in the sorter. The sorter may be formed of one or more sorter portions arranged serially and is provided with a memory register for memorizing information corresponding to the number of sheets to be inserted manually, a count register for counting the number of sheets for manual insertion, and a circuit for inhibiting the manual insert operation for a predetermined period of time after the contents in the memory register becomes equal to the contents in the count register, thereby attaining the precise and reliable collation and sorting of the sheets to be inserted as covers and partitions.

Abstract: A collator includes a series of twenty bins arranged in parallel with each other, a copy feeding member for feeding copies supplied from a copying machine along inlets of the successive bins, first and second deflecting devices arranged at the uppermost two bins for delivering the copies into the uppermost two bins and a distributor movable between the third bin and the twentieth bin for delivering the copies into the bins. The collator can treat the copies in a job separation mode in which all copies of each documents are delivered into respective bins in succession, while the distributor is advanced bin by bin in response to a distributor advance signal produced by a variable timer which is actuated upon detection of the rear edge of the last copy of an Nth original by an entrance switch to set a time period represented by b+(N-1).times.a/V.sub.1, wherein a is a pitch between successive bins, b is a distance from the entrance switch to the first bin and V.sub.1 is a copy feed speed in the collator.

Abstract: A sophisticated collator having a general purpose microprocessor with a stored program is capable of intercommunicating with a sophisticated photocopier. In most operations, the collator functions as a slave to the photocopier. It processes a collator task by receiving and processing signals from several sensors positioned about the collator. A manual insertion assembly allows entry of sheets into the collator from a source other than the photocopier. Proofed pages can be re-fed for collating, or jobs from a second source may be processed. Thus the collator need not be a slave only to the photocopier. A second vacuum belt reduces problems of transporting wide paper. Diverting fingers may contact the conveyor system to allow sheets to pass over a bin into additional bin units attached to the sophisticated collator.

Abstract: A plurality of bins (31) to (40) are divided into two groups which are used alternatingly when a number of copies N to be collated exceeds the number of bins, thus allowing a copying machine to operate continually and further allowing an operator to remove the collated copies from one group while the copies are being collated in the other group. When the number of pages P of a document exceeds a predetermined number, the first group is defined to contain more bins than the second group, thereby reducing the number of times each page must be fed to the copying machine. A unique sensor arrangement (151) senses for feed failures using only two sensors (78), (79).

Abstract: A device for distributing sheets in a predetermined sequence into a plurality of collecting pockets successively arranged in a horizontal sheet feed path includes a guide member connected at the upper end of each of a plurality of walls successively arranged beneath the feed path to define the collecting pockets. The guide member extends at a substantially equal angle of inclination relative to the feed path and a deflection plane through which the sheets are deflected. A guide tongue connected to the guide plate extends in the same plane of inclination of the guide plate and projects into an adjacent one of the collecting pockets. A guide fin, connected to the guide plate, is provided for preventing areal contact between a deflected sheet and a guide plate.

Abstract: A collator comprising a plurality of bins to which sheets supplied from a copying apparatus, printing apparatus, or the like are successively delivered. The collator is provided with a jam tray for storing sheets which are supplied to the collator following the occurrence of a sheet jam, a pair of sheet feeding rollers being arranged on the jam tray for feeding one sheet after another from a stack of sheets on the jam tray to a sheet conveying passage in the collator.

Abstract: A copying machine equipped with a collator for distributing copy sheets fed thereto from a copying machine body into its multiple bins and, upon the lapse of a determined period of time after a copying operation, changing the operating mode from a collation mode or an assortment mode, which may have been selected in the use of the collator, automatically to a normal copying mode. The collator is provided with a bin sheet sensor adapted to detect sheets in the bins thereof. The copying machine is also provided with means for cancelling the automatic mode changing function when the bin sheet sensor detects a sheet or sheets, that is, when the bins of the collator are not entirely empty.

Abstract: A sheet sorting apparatus for use in combination with an electrophotographic copying machine includes introducing rollers, discharge rollers, and a pair of transporting belts disposed in superposed relation in a tensioned state for feeding copy sheets in sandwiched relation therebetween from the introducing to the discharge rollers. The discharge rollers are carried on a vertically movable platform so that the transported sheets are dischargeable to a selected one of a plurality of receiving trays, movement of the platform effecting variation in the distance between the introducing and discharge rollers. Structure is provided for maintaining the tensioned state of the belts as said distance varies.

Abstract: Sheet collator apparatus having means for recovery from collating errors. Moving between two adjacent bins without feeding a sheet, feeding two sheets into one bin, or feeding a sheet while the feeder is moving are errors that are detected and corrected. An error is corrected by homing the deflector and repositioning it at the correct bin before restart. The described embodiment includes two collators, i.e., tandem units.

Abstract: A collator mechanism for transporting and feeding sheets of material such as paper, microfiche film or the like to individual bins. The sheets are carried by an apertured conveyor tape which slides along an apertured vacuum manifold so that the sheet is maintained in contact with the tape by the vacuum. The conveyor tape delivers the sheet to a deflector assembly which is progressively stepped through a plurality of indexed positions adjacent the bins. The deflector assembly includes upper and lower deflector rollers which bend the tape and sheet sufficiently to feed it toward the adjacent bin, release the sheet from the tape and then bend the tape away from the sheet being conveyed and the adjacent bin. The momentum and rigidity of the sheet carries the sheet, after its release from the tape, into the adjacent bin.

Abstract: Universal sorting device for collating face-up, face-down, simplex and duplex copies outputted from a copier, offset press, or similar device. The sorting device includes a plurality of bins configured with a fixed module and a movable module. The fixed module includes a plurality of side walls orientated in a generally vertical direction. The movable module includes a throat plate having a plurality of openings with bottom walls orientated in a substantially horizontal direction. A mechanism shifts the movable module to align the bottom walls with the side walls to form the integral bins with associated openings to insert the copies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chute return mechanism for use in combination with a photocopier collator wherein a movable paper chute is disposed between a discharge slot of a photocopy machine and an entry point of a plurality of bins mounted adjacent thereto. The chute return mechanism controls the movement of the movable paper chute so that copies received from the photocopy machine are directed successively into one of the plurality of bins. The chute is successively diverted to each of the predetermined number of bins by means of a pulse from the photocopy machine which indicates that a copy has been produced and discharged to a bin. The pulse actuates a solenoid which controls a cam latch of the chute return mechanism thereby releasing a follower which is attached to the movable paper chute. Actuation of the solenoid successively lowers the paper chute to divert successive sheets of photocopies to each of the predetermined number of bins.

Abstract: A collator being adapted to receive and carry copy sheets from a copying machine and distribute the copy sheets to a plurality of bins arranged in series for storing the copy sheets. The collator is provided with a copy sheet feeding table and a copy sheet feeding mechanism for sending, one by one, the copy sheets stacked on the copy sheet feeding table. It results that copy sheets received in an over-flow tray or produced by other copying machines can be collated or sorted automatically in the collator according to the invention.

Abstract: A rear entry collator which includes one or more sheet receiver bins in which sheets may be assembled in a non-inverted surface orientation with respect to the surface orientation thereof when accepted at infeed. Return sheet feed to a copier may be provided to effect duplex copying separately or in combination with sheet assembly in the receiver bins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photocopier collator wherein a movable paper chute is disposed between the discharge slot of a photocopy machine and the entry point of a plurality of bins mounted adjacent thereto. The movable paper chute is designed to receive copies from the photocopy machine and to direct them successively into one of the bins. The chute is successively diverted to each of the predetermined number of bins by means of a pulse from the photocopy machine which indicates that a copy has been produced and discharged to a bin. The pulse actuates a solenoid which controls a cam latch thereby releasing a follower, which is attached to the movable paper chute. Actuation of the solenoid successively lowers the paper chute to divert successive sheets of photocopies to each of the predetermined number of bins. After the pulse from the photocopy machine has actuated the solenoid, the latch is pulled away from the solenoid by means of a spring.

Abstract: Sheets are delivered to receptacles by a traveling distributor which includes an incrementally movable carriage. A continuous loop belt or belts such as in a vacuum plenum transport convey the sheets to the carriage where a roller arrangement on the carriage diverts the belts and thus the sheets into a direction in alignment with the receptacles. The rollers then divert the belt away from the receptacles so that the sheets continue into the receptacles. The rollers are mounted so as to place the belt or belts in tension during normal operation but are movable to relieve the belt tension to facilitate paper removal from the belt in jam clearance procedures.

Abstract: A sorting and collating apparatus for sorting sheets from a reproduction machine capable of producing simplex or duplex copies, comprising an array of regularly spaced trays fixedly mounted on a suitable frame, a sheets conveyor extending along first and second paths parallel to the opposite sides of the array respectively, a deflector for deflecting sheets to the first path of the conveyor or the second path of the conveyor depending on whether a simplex or duplex sorting is selected, first and second delivering devices connected together and mounted on said conveyor for delivering a transported sheet to a selected tray from either side of the array and a single device for incrementally moving the first and second delivering devices along the array in opposite direction.

Abstract: A heated metal plate drying system for drying either green veneer or partially dried veneer can have a plurality of modular hot presses mounted on a frame. At a loading station, individual sheets of veneer to be dried or redried are fed into a hot press, and at an unloading station the dried veneer sheets are unloaded from the system. Within each individual modular hot press, a direct contact drying process occurs that functions to reduce the moisture content of a veneer sheet down to the desired uniform level such as within a range of from 1 to 10%. The drying process accepts veneer of different species, thickness, and beginning moisture contents and the controlled process variables include contact time, temperature and pressure.Each individual modular press can be multi-opening and has the ability to open and close on command. Specially designed heated metal plates are part of each press and each plate has substantially parallel grooves on at least one surface.

Abstract: A movable self-contained deflector unit for directing sheets into the paper bin of a multi-bin collator. A first motor is mounted on the frame of the deflector unit to drive transport rolls also mounted thereon. The transport roll provides the final impetus for moving the sheets into the collator bin. A second motor is mounted on the frame of the deflector unit to drive the unit to a selected bin. The motor may be reversible in order to approach a selected bin from either direction. Alternatively, movement of the deflector unit in the second direction may be obtained through a spring motor wound through deflector unit movement in the first direction. Speed of the spring-driven deflector unit is controlled by dynamic braking of the second motor. This collator may interact with a copier machine to provide semi-automatic duplexing and the speed of the transport rolls may be synchronized with the speed of the copier for moving copy sheets into bins while the sheet is still in the final processing station.