Abstract: A conveyor configured to transport sheets along a transport path from an input end to a discharge end includes a main frame, an upper conveyor deck supported by the main frame and having a plurality of belts and a lower conveyor deck supported by the main frame and having a plurality of wheels. The transport path is defined by the contact surfaces of the plurality of belts in the first contact region and the contact surfaces of the plurality of wheels in the second contact region, and the conveyor is configured such that the sheets make direct contact with the contact surfaces of the plurality of belts and make direct contact with the contact surfaces of the plurality of wheels when the sheets move along the transport path. The wheels are shiftable in the third direction relative to the belts and relative to the main frame.

Abstract: A system is provided for shifting, according to an amount of stacked sheets that has been stacked in a sheet stacking device, a state of a power to be supplied to the sheet stacking device from a first power state to a second power state where power consumption is less than that in the second power state.

Abstract: A currency bill processing system includes a transport mechanism that is configured to transport bills from an input receptacle along a transport path that extends generally horizontally past at least one detector. The transport path transitions generally-vertically upward between a first and a second output receptacle. The transport mechanism is configured to deliver some of the bills toward a first end of the system into the first output receptacle and some of the bills toward a second end of the system into the second output receptacle. The system provides access openings in a front side of the system that are proximate the first and the second output receptacles thereby permitting operator access into the first and the second output receptacles from the front side.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a currency processing device for receiving and processing a stack of currency bills is described. The currency processing device comprises an input receptacle for receiving a stack of bills to be processed, a plurality of output receptacles for receiving bills after the bills have been processed, a transport mechanism for transporting the bills from the input receptacle to the output receptacles, and a discriminating unit for examining the bills. The output receptacles are arranged such that a center of at least one output receptacle is laterally offset from a center of the input receptacle. The discriminating unit includes a detector positioned between the input receptacle and the output receptacles and is adapted to determine the denomination of bills.

Abstract: A receiving well for use with a thermal dye sublimation printing apparatus is disclosed. The receiving well is used to receive cut sheets printed using the thermal dye sublimation printing. The receiving well includes two angled surfaces, referred to herein as ramps. The ramps are spaced apart from one another, and a waste area is positioned between the two ramps. The waste area captures the scrap or waste paper that can result from cutting the receiver media after printing. In some embodiments, both ramps slope down to the bottom surface of the receiving well. In other embodiments, one of the ramps is raised off the bottom surface of the receiving well at its lowest point. The waste area may also be offset such that it is closer to one side of the receiving well than the other.

Abstract: In a sheet transport apparatus, first transport guides are provided in pair in parallel to, and spaced from, each other to form a first transport path to convey sheets. The transport guides have one ends engageable with the ends of second transport guides, which are provided in pair to be parallel to, and spaced from, each other to form a second transport path. A supporting member rotatably supports the second transport guides in response to the position of the first transport guides. When the ends of the first and second transport guides are brought into engagement with each other with the one ends of the second transport guides inclined against the first transport guides to displace the ends from each other, both transport paths can be connected to each other without changing the transverse cross-sectional depth thereof, thereby preventing a step or hollow from being formed in the connecting section.

Abstract: A reduction is prevented in stacking efficiency of a sheet stacking apparatus due to a wrong setting of a stacking tray performed by a user thereby achieving a high stacking efficiency. In a control method for controlling an image forming apparatus including a sheet stacking control unit configured to stack sheets, subjected to printing in a print job, on one of a plurality of removable sheet stacking units, the control method includes specifying a sheet discharging unit used in the print job, determining whether a sheet stacking unit corresponding to the specified sheet discharging unit is properly set, and, in a case where it is determined that the sheet stacking unit is not properly set, restricting conveying sheets to the sheet stacking unit.

Abstract: A sheet storage device is equipped with sheet storage portions which are provided in an upper portion of a copying machine body and receive sheets, conveyed in sequence from the copying machine body, from downward and store the sheets in such a state that the sheets stand. The sheet storage portions are relatively rotatably supported in sequence and parallel. Each sheet storage portion receiving the sheet from the copying machine body is rotated to be held in the rotational position.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus which is capable of efficiently stacking sheets of various sizes while efficiently using space therein to thereby realize compactness thereof, and maintaining a high availability. Stacker trays for stacking sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus can be separately removed. It is detected whether any of the stacker trays is removed. When large-size sheets are stacked, a stacker control section causes the stacker trays to operate as one tray to stack the sheets in a state extending on the stacker trays, whereas when small-size sheets are stacked, the section causes one of the stacker trays to stack the sheets. Further, when one stacker tray is removed to make it impossible to stack the large-size sheets, the section causes a display section to display a guide message advising setting of the removed stacker tray.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes a stack unit which includes a first stack tray and a second stack tray which can be individually elevated and is configured to stack a sheet on at least one of the first stack tray and the second tray, and a control unit configured to control the stack unit to stack the sheet in a first stack mode in which the sheet is stacked on at least one of the first stack tray and the second stack tray without being extended over the first stack tray and the second stack tray and a second stack mode in which the sheet is stacked on across the first stack tray and the second stack tray, the control unit capable of selecting the first stack mode and the second stack mode with respect to a same size sheet.

Abstract: A sheet-stacking apparatus includes a gripper configured to convey a sheet, two stacker trays stacking sheets arranged in a row, and a support member configured to separately elevate the two stacker trays. The stacker tray is selected according to a sheet length.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes a gripper configured to discharge a sheet, a plurality of stacker trays arranged in a row and configured to stack the discharged sheet, and a guiding unit configured to guide the discharged sheet to a predetermined position. The plurality of stacking trays are horizontally arranged so that a large number of sheets can be stacked without increasing the size of the sheet stacking apparatus.

Abstract: A method of scanning documents and moving such documents along a path such that after scanning sorting such documents is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of documents in an input tray and transporting each document along the path from the input tray at a transport velocity past the scanner to obtain scanned image data. The method further includes providing at least two movable members including two rotatable exit rollers, movable belts, or a movable belt and a rotatable exit roller along the path to provide a nip for the documents; and selectively driving the movable members to provide selectable exit velocities so that such documents are sorted in accordance with their selected exit velocity.

Abstract: This invention regards to a sheet storage apparatus. A forward and reversely rotatable conveying roller 301 which conveys a sheet to a tray 330 is disposed at a sheet conveying path R which guides the sheet conveyed from an image forming apparatus main body to the tray of the sheet storage apparatus 300. A retraction path 503 where the sheet is conveyed by reversely rotating the conveying roller is branched from the sheet conveying path upstream of the conveying roller. When plural sheets are stored in the tray, the sheets are conveyed to the retraction path by reversely rotating the conveying roller until a final sheet has been conveyed from the image forming apparatus main body, and when the final sheet has been conveyed, the sheets conveyed to the retraction path and the final sheet are conveyed in a state of being overlaid on one another to the tray.

Abstract: A stacker includes a sheet discharging portion constituted by a discharging belt and an extension roller that is in contact with the discharging belt. The position of the extension roller is changeable along the discharging belt. This means that, in the stacker, the position from which a sheet is discharged is changeable to a desired position in accordance with the sheet length by changing the position of the extension roller. Therefore, it is possible to stack sheets at a desired position on stacker trays, enabling the user to easily carry the stacked sheets from the stacker.

Abstract: An abnormal sheet delivery detection device includes a convey device, first pile device, noncontact-type detection unit, and first releasing unit. The convey device includes a sheet holding unit for holding a sheet, and conveys the sheet held by the sheet holding unit. The sheet released from the sheet holding unit is piled on the first pile device at a predetermined sheet release position. The noncontact-type detection unit arranged downstream of the sheet release position in a sheet convey direction detects a presence/absence of the sheet. The first releasing unit selectively switches between a first state wherein the sheet held by the sheet holding unit is released and piled on the first pile device, and a second state wherein the sheet held by the sheet holding unit is conveyed downstream in the sheet convey direction by the first convey device without releasing the sheet.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a currency processing device for receiving and processing a stack of currency bills is described. The currency processing device comprises an input receptacle for receiving a stack of bills to be processed, a plurality of output receptacles for receiving bills after the bills have been processed, a transport mechanism for transporting the bills from the input receptacle to the output receptacles, and a discriminating unit for examining the bills. The output receptacles are arranged such that a center of at least one output receptacle is laterally offset from a center of the input receptacle. The discriminating unit includes a detector positioned between the input receptacle and the output receptacles and is adapted to determine the denomination of bills.

Abstract: A sheet-stacking apparatus includes a gripper configured to convey a sheet, two stacker trays stacking sheets arranged in a row, and a support member configured to separately elevate the two stacker trays. The stacker tray is selected according to a sheet length.

Abstract: A modular flexible media handling apparatus includes an input module (28) through which flexible media enters the apparatus, at least one main path module (28, 30, 32, 34) through which flexible media passes along a main path (24), at least one lookaside module (36, 38) through which flexible media selectively passes along a lookaside path, and an output module (34) in which flexible media from the lookaside path and main path are merged.

Abstract: An image forming system includes: a first sheet stacking device including a rack, provided downstream of an image forming apparatus in a conveyance direction of a recording sheet and connected with the image forming apparatus, for stacking the recording sheet delivered from the image forming apparatus; a second sheet stacking device, which is provided downstream of the first sheet stacking device and connected with the first sheet stacking device; and a controller for controlling the image forming apparatus and the first and second sheet stacking devices. At least one of the first and second sheet stacking devices has a job stop button for stopping a printing job, and when the job stop button is turned on while the printing job execution is in progress, the controller controls the sheet stacking device to stop a stack of a recording sheet to the rack.

Abstract: A mailpiece fabrication system including a source for providing sheet material having mailpiece data printed thereon. The mailpiece fabrication system further includes at least one spatial positioning device adapted to direct the sheet material along one of two fabrication paths. Each fabrication path includes a fabrication assembly for producing one of at least two mailpiece configurations. In one embodiment, the spatial positioning device includes an orbiting nip roller for changing the elevation of the sheet material while, furthermore, providing an accurate and controlled mechanism for stacking and aligning sheet material to produce a flats mailpiece. In another embodiment, the spatial positioning device includes a routing roller in combination with the orbit nip roller to change the orientation of the sheet material. The routing roller is employed to change the direction of the sheet material relative to the feed path.

Abstract: A modular flexible media handling apparatus includes an input module (28) through which flexible media enters the apparatus, at least one main path module (28, 30, 32, 34) through which flexible media passes along a main path (24), at least one lookaside module (36, 38) through which flexible media selectively passes along a lookaside path, and an output module (34) in which flexible media from the lookaside path and main path are merged.

Abstract: A sheet treating apparatus for treating a sheet having an image formed thereon is provided, which includes a pair of transport rollers for transporting the sheet upward, a sheet post-treating portion having an intermediate treatment tray, provided to execute post-treatment such as sheet stitching or punching while holding the sheet in a substantially vertical state, and a sheet delivery portion arranged above the sheet post-treating portion. Also, an image forming apparatus is provided, which includes an image reading portion for reading an image, an image forming portion arranged below the image reading portion to form an image on a sheet, a delivery space portion provided in an apparatus housing between the image reading portion and the image forming portion to deliver the sheet, sheet treating portion for treating the sheet while holding it in a substantially vertical state, and an in-body transportation path for transporting the sheet treated by the sheet treating means to the delivery space portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a sheet distributor and a sheet distributing method. The sheet distributor with which supplied sheets of a specified length are distributed to a plurality of lines of sheets, has a transport unit which keeps transporting each supplied sheet in a transport direction while the sheet is being distributed, a moving unit which moves said transport unit laterally in a perpendicular direction to the transport direction, a position detecting sensor which detects a position of a advancing end of the sheet in the transport direction when the sheet is transported and a control section that controls the start of the movement of said moving unit in accordance with a timing of detecting the advancing end of the sheets. The sheet is moved in a direction oblique to the transport direction during transporting such that a position of the sheet in a widthwise direction is changed at each time of sheet supply, whereby supplied sheets are arranged in a plurality of lines.

Abstract: A sheet-fed printing apparatus includes a delivery section covered with a discharge section cover formed with an opening sized to allow a printed sheet to pass through. Successive printed sheets released from a chain delivery collide against a pair of first sheet-trapping elements in a closed position, and are stacked on a delivery table, with the leading edges of the printed sheets aligned with each other. If a printed sample is needed, an operator opens the first sheet-trapping elements to an open position. In synchronism with the first sheet-trapping elements, a pair of second sheet-trapping elements move to a closed position. A subsequent printed sheet passes through the opening, and stops on the second sheet-trapping elements. Thus, the printed sheet is stopped, with the leading edge thereof projecting outwardly of the sheet-fed printing apparatus. In this state, the operator can take out the printed sample without opening the delivery section cover.

Abstract: A method and arrangement are provided for removing air inclusions between sheets in a stack when forming the stack from sheets fed successively by a sheet feeder to the stack to be formed and deposited thereon in a sheet feeding region. Air out is suction out of the spaces between the sheets in the sheet-feeding region.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting mail is disclosed. A mail bin receives individual mail pieces in vertical orientation from the discharge end of a feed belt assembly. The feed belt assembly includes at least one brush roll positioned at the discharge end of the feed belt assembly for imparting a concave profile to the mail upon discharge to aid in reducing any damage to a side edge of the individual mail piece discharged into the mail bin.

Abstract: A sheet sorter includes a plurality of bins arranged in a vertical direction each of which receives a plurality of sheets discharged from an image recording apparatus and forms thereon a stack of sheets. A sheet transfer mechanism transfers the sheets discharged from the image recording apparatus, and an indexer receives the sheets from the sheet transfer mechanism and distributes the sheets to the respective bins through the sheet inlet ends. A sheet stack ejector mechanism ejects the stack of sheets on each of the bins beyond the sheet inlet end of the bin by a predetermined length, thereby giving a stapler access to the stack of sheets. The ejector mechanism includes a guide rail which extends in a vertical direction through the bins, and a sheet stack ejector member which is mounted on the guide rail to be movable up and down along the guide rail and is adapted to eject the stacks of sheets on the respective bins one by one toward the stapler.

Abstract: Individual sheets of a sheet material to be treated which arrive in an arrival sequence, are distributed on two or more adjacently located conveying tracks. The sheets are conveyed along the conveying tracks through a processing station and are sorted thereafter in accordance with their arrival sequence. The distribution of the sheets is based on evaluating utilization of the conveying tracks to minimize the distance between sheets following each other on the same transport track. A throughput for sheets with varying length that is approximately equal to the throughput for sheets of same length is achieved.

Abstract: A method for storing sheet-like products comprising the steps of providing a continuous stream of products, winding up a first and a further section of the products to form a first and a further roll, respectively, and unwinding the products from the first and the further roll, simultaneously. In this arrangement, the products are wound up on the two rolls with the same orientation and also unwound from the two rolls with the same orientation.

Abstract: In a reproduction system with an output sheet stacking tray system and a slitter with selectable sheet slitting positions in which printed sheets being outputted by the reproduction system may be selectably slit (or not) in their sheet output direction into plural slit sheets of selectably variable sheet widths and stacked in the output tray sheet stacking system; a dual mode output sheet stacking tray system is selectably convertible between a single sheet stacking position mode and a plural slit sheet stacking surfaces mode, wherein in the plural slit sheet stacking surfaces mode the sheet stacking tray system provides plural opposingly transversely sloped sheet stacking surfaces with low friction to assist slit sheets slit from the same printed sheet to transversely slide laterally away from one another, wherein these opposingly sloped surfaces intersect substantially in line with the slitting position of the slitter in the process direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a banknote processing machine wherein the bank notes located in the transport path, after being tested and classified, are delivered from the transport path by means of suitably controlled switches. Deflecting means following the switches and causing rotation and a change of moving direction of the sheets feed the bank notes to the stacking pockets of the stacking units of the bank note processing machine. The entrance ports of the stacking pockets are preferably aligned perpendicular to the direction of transport.

Abstract: A printer (1) and portable stations (2 and 3) when located side-by-side form a guide (1a, 2a, and 3a) for paper sheets sent out by printer 1. The paper is moved upward into U-shaped guide 1a by pinch rollers (6 and 7) and then moved laterally by pinch rollers (8 and 9) in guide 1a. Similar rollers are in guides 2a and 3a to direct the paper to the selected station and then downward.

Abstract: A folder apparatus is disclosed which has at least one lead-in tape mechanism having a left lead-in tape and left exit roller and a corresponding right lead-in tape and right exit roller, the right and left lead-in tapes forming a signature passage for delivery of a signature, and the left exit rollers being at a different height than the right exit rollers. A signature aiming device controls the direction of the signature path by moving one or both sets of exit rollers.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus for use with a processor for media sheets. The processor has a top discharge and a service opening adjoining the discharge. The sorting apparatus has a body mounted on the processing apparatus. The body pivots about an axis of rotation, between closed and open positions. In the closed position, the body blocks access to the service opening. In the open position, the body is displaced from the service opening. The body has an upper surface substantially radial to the axis of rotation. A partition member is mounted on the body. The partition member has a unitary array of parallel partitions extending outward from the body. The partitions define bins for the media sheets. The partition member is movable independent of the body, between an operative position, in which the partitions define a zone of obstruction extending outward from the upper surface of the body; and a displaced position, in which the partitions are at least substantially removed from the zone.

Abstract: A folder apparatus is disclosed which has at least two side-by-side lead-in tape mechanisms having a left lead-in tape and left exit roller and a corresponding right lead-in tape and right exit roller, the right and left lead-in tapes forming a signature passage for delivery of a signature, and the left exit rollers being at a different height than the right exit rollers. The rollers of the side-by-side tape mechanisms have alternating heights. The exit rollers may be fixed or spring-loaded in the direction of the corresponding roller.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus for use with a processor for media sheets. The processor has a top discharge and a service opening adjoining the discharge. The sorting apparatus has a body mounted on the processing apparatus. The body pivots about an axis of rotation, between closed and open positions. In the closed position, the body blocks access to the service opening. In the open position, the body is displaced from the service opening. The body has an upper surface substantially radial to the axis of rotation. A partition member is mounted on the body. The partition member has a unitary array of parallel partitions extending outward from the body. The partitions define bins for the media sheets. The partition member is movable independent of the body, between an operative position, in which the partitions define a zone of obstruction extending outward from the upper surface of the body; and a displaced position, in which the partitions are at least substantially removed from the zone.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating streams of discrete sheets or webs of coherent sheets has a frame for a carriage which supports several tools for depression, alignment, orientation, stoppage, severing, flexing and/or other manipulation of sheets. At least some of the tools are adjustable in or counter to the direction of advancement of sheets and/or transversely of the direction of advancement of sheets in order to change the setup for the manipulation of different sheets or for a different manipulation of sheets. The operation of the parts which serve to adjust the tools can be automated, and such parts comprise a locating device which is movable longitudinally or transversely of the path for the sheets or web and can be coupled to two or more discrete distancing elements which are affixed to or form part of holders for the tools.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a method for reliably separating a selected sheet from a spaced array of sheets transported on a conveyor. The invention continuously maintains vacuum on the conveyors, and uses selectively activated jets directed at the underside of the sheets to divert them for separating. The invention positively controls the destination of discrete, flexible sheets, such as photographic film, by continuously engaging the sheets with another conveyor during separating, sorting, shuffling or the like, as they travel in an array along a conveyor. Positive control of the sheets permits reliable, high speed separating of lightweight, flexible sheets.

Abstract: The apparatus for transferring individual articles (M) in sheet form and placing them in stacks (P1, P2) of pre-determined numbers includes a conveyor (17, 23) which picks up the articles from a delivery system (11) by gripping them along their edges. Along said conveyor at least two reciprocating expellers (27, 29) disposed in series remove said articles from the conveyor and lay them down onto a stacker device (31, 35; 33, 37). Each expeller (27, 29) operates with continuous, reciprocating motion at all times. The expeller (27) which is closest to the delivery system (11) may selectively be moved, in the direction of its reciprocating motion, so as to take a position (27X, 27Y) in the trajectory of the manufactured articles fed by said conveyor means, and, alternately, a position (27X', 27Y'), in which it is not in the article-feeding trajectory.

Abstract: A cartridge for holding flexible bills in first and second stacks, comprises a cuboid housing having first and second openings on oppositely located walls thereof, a mechanism for opening and closing the first and second openings, and pressure plates disposed within the housing which press the first and second stacks against the first and second openings, respectively. The pressure plates are parallel to each other and are movable independently of each other along a common axis. At least one of the pressure plates is movable from its associated opening to the immediate proximity of the other pressure plate, thereby making maximum use of the interior space of the cartridge.

Abstract: Conveyors for selectively conveying product delivered thereto either along a pair of side-by-side delivery lanes or a single delivery lane adjacent the pair of side-by-side lanes, the conveyors conveying product to output devices, such as stackers. One of the conveyors being laterally movable between a position aligned to receive product from one of the pair of lanes to a position displaced therefrom and displaced from the other one of the conveyors. The other one of the conveyors having an upstream section swingable about a pivot point to respectively align the upstream end of the swingable section either with the remaining one of the side-by-side lanes or with the single lane. Releasable clamping assemblies are released to provide movement of the conveyors and are clamped to retain the conveyors in the desired position. A drive coupler between one of the conveyors and the other of the conveyors may be selectively operated to either couple or decouple drive from the first-mentioned conveyor.

Abstract: A method for in-plane separation of side-by-side parallel sheet articles that are transported along mutually-laterally-adjacent, in-plane paths, the method comprising: feeding unconnected sheet articles parallel to one another to mutually divergent belt arrangements that are driven at the same speed; conveying the sheet articles in a common plane divergently in relation to one another through the divergent belt arrangements and thereby irrotationally separating the sheet articles in the common plane and conveying the articles to a transporter; transporting the sheet articles and selectively stopping them by and in collectors of the transporter; collecting the selectively-stopped sheet articles in the collectors; and selectively releasing and thereby delivering stopped sheet articles for further handling.

Abstract: A module for transporting, aligning, diverting and stacking a plurality of envelopes. The module includes: a housing frame; a registration wall secured to the housing frame; a fixed transport panel secured to the housing frame; a pivotable, envelope diverting transport panel situated upstream and adjacent the fixed transparent panel; a device for pivoting the pivotable panel between a horizontal plane and an acute angle with the horizontal plane; a stacking chamber secured to the housing frame situated beneath the fixed transport panel; and a roller assembly secured to the housing frame for transporting the envelopes in a downstream direction and for aligning the envelopes against the registration wall.

Abstract: A bill handling apparatus which has a bill discharge outlet (13) for discharging instructed kinds of and instructed number of bills and which is to be shared between two tellers respectively located on the right and left sides thereof is provided with at least two receive members (42, 43) disposed in the left and right portions. The members are movable in the forward and backward directions and are used to receive discharge bills. If the teller who receives the discharged bills is on the left side, the receive member on the right side is proceeded; whereas, if the teller who receives the discharged bills is on the right side, the receive member on the left side is advanced. As a result, the bills discharged onto the receive members are inclined toward the left or right, which enables the teller on the left or right side to easily take out the bills.

Abstract: A sorter-stacker arrangement for sheet part pieces (17) such as are produced by a punch press (18), in which part pieces are unloaded onto a sorter table (50) in a located position against any one of a row of stops (52), and conveyed along an X-axis as by translation of the conveyor table therealong. A pair of storage racks (36) are disposed on opposite sides of the sorter table (50), each having a vertical array of open spaces facing the sorter table (50). The sorter table (50) is elevated to the preselected position, and advanced into the appropriate storage space (38). After lowering of the stripper gates (104), the sorter table (50) is retracted to align the part piece 17 by contact of the stripper gate (104) with the inside edge of the part piece (17) and stripped on to the stack as the sorter table (50) returns to the central position.

Abstract: Sheet conveyer intended to take charge of and convey part sheets (2', 2", 2"') obtained from a main sheet by dividing this into a predetermined number of parts and delivering it out of a cutter simultaneously and side by side. The conveyer includes a number of downward gradient planes corresponding to the number of part sheets. Each plane has a length as viewed in the conveying direction corresponding to the length of a respective part sheet. Adjacent planes are connected with one another by an intermediate portion substantially shorter than the respective plane. The connection of the intermediate portion to the preceding plane is rounded off. Furthermore, carrier elements are arranged so that when the planes have received a respective part sheet, the carrier elements push the last part sheet as viewed in the conveying direction from its plane to a position on top of the next part sheet. Thereafter the two part sheets lying on one another are pushed to a position on top of the following part sheet, etc.

Abstract: A compact sorting machine inverts recorded sheets into a face-down attitude and discharges them into individual trays. When a recorded sheet is sent from a feed opening, this sheet is transported on a transport path located below entrances of a plurality of trays. Guide members disposed in the vicinity of each tray entrance are driven according to a control signal so that the recorded sheet is discharged into individual trays. At this time, a guide member having an arc-shape simultaneously inverts the recorded sheet into a face-down attitude.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet stacking device capable of being easily adjusted to accomodate sheets of different format sizes. The device presents an automatically lowerable lift table, and in the zone of the upper stack end a face-side sheet feed, a plurality of endless, driven sheet guide bands extending over the stack, and several longitudinally running lateral boundary plates. Even despite liberal adjustment of the format width, faultless guidance of the fed-in sheets may be achieved by the provision of a large number of sheet guide bands at normally equal intervals over the entire possible stack width. At least individual ones of the boundary plates are liftable out over two sets of sheet feed bands, and movable laterally independently of the bands. Bands standing in the way of boundary plates being driven laterally to their end position, are also drivable through a limited lateral interval.

Abstract: A paper sheet guide mechanism is provided for use in a sorter of the elevator type. Paper sheets are conveyed from an input through the paper sorter along a conveyor belt and are successively deflected by an elevator for distribution on corresponding paper shelves. A guide mechanism includes a plurality of moveable wires which on one end are attached to the elevator and extend parallel to each other along a common plane toward the top of the sorter. These moveable wires pass over a plurality of pulleys and are thereby directed down a common side of the housing, around other pulleys, and are attached to a bracket that is connected to the bottom of the elevator in an endless loop. A tension spring is interposed in each of these wire loops. The plane formed by the parallel moveable wires is adjacent to and slightly closer to the inner ends of the paper shelves than is the plane along which paper is transported through the sorter by the conveyor belt.