Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a control unit configured to execute a sheet discharge mode. If a case where a distance between the leading edge and the nip portion is a first distance is a first case, and a case where a distance between the leading edge of the sheet and the nip portion is a second distance shorter than the first distance and the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is the same as that in the first case is a second case, the control unit is configured to set a conveyance speed of the sheet in discharging the sheet toward the nip portion in the second case to be slower than that in the first case, in the sheet discharge mode.

Abstract: The present invention reduces the amount of data for generating history information that can identify the time when a paper sheet moves along a transport path. The present invention includes an update unit (103) that updates reference timers (Ta and Tb) at predetermined time intervals (10 ?s and 1 ms), respectively, an initializing unit (104) that initializes the reference timers at predetermined time intervals (5 s and 25 s), respectively, a storage unit (102) that stores therein the numbers of times of the initialization, and a saving unit (105) that saves difference information (D) identifying current values of the reference timers and the numbers of times of the initialization when a paper sheet moves along a transport path (P).

Abstract: A managing apparatus includes a processor configured to use continuous paper strips as recording media, receive multiple print jobs having different print speeds, and create print groups into which the multiple print jobs are classified according to print speed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium and an image forming apparatus body in which the image forming unit is provided, and on which a first manual feeding tray and a second manual feeding tray having a configuration different from the first manual feeding tray are selectively mountable at a same mounting position.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a first discharge path that discharges a sheet and a second discharge path different from the first discharge path. An angle difference between a direction in which the sheet is discharged in the second discharge path and a conveyance direction of a conveyance roller is less than an angle difference between a direction in which the sheet is discharged in the first discharge path and the conveyance direction of the conveyance roller. The printing apparatus includes a control unit that discharges the sheet on which the image is printed using the second discharge path even in a case where an instruction to print an image indicates discharging the sheet to the first discharge path, if the sheet conveyed by the conveyance roller is a sheet having a thickness equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A sheet transport device includes a sheet storage unit that stores a sheet and that is disposed in a housing having a bottom plate such that a gap is provided between the sheet storage unit and the bottom plate, the gap extending horizontally; a sheet transport unit that feeds the sheet from the sheet storage unit and transports the fed sheet along a transport passage including a reversing transport path along which the sheet is transported downward and then upward to reverse the sheet front to back, the reversing transport path extending vertically and being connected to the gap; and a first gate unit that prevents passage of the sheet that has entered the reversing transport path when the sheet free falls and allows passage of the sheet when the sheet receives a sheet transport driving force from the sheet transport unit.

Abstract: An upstream roller pair and a downstream roller pair are disposed on a first conveyance path and configured to perform a reverse conveyance operation on a sheet. The upstream roller pair includes a first roller and a second roller abutting with each other. The downstream roller pair is configured to nip and convey a sheet by a third roller and a fourth roller in a state that areas in a width direction where a plurality of first rotary members contact a first surface of a sheet do not overlap with areas in the width direction where a plurality of second rotary members contact a second surface of a sheet opposite to the first surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conveying apparatus and method for conveying a tire layer, wherein the conveying apparatus includes a swivel conveyor with at least one endless belt or wire, a first pulley, a second pulley and a third pulley that define a minimal loop (L) for guiding the endless belt or wire along a conveying run and a return run, wherein the third pulley is arranged between the conveying run and the return run, and is swivable about a swivel axis (X) between a first swivel position and a second swivel position. The pivot position is chosen such that the length of the minimal loop when the third pulley is in the first swivel position is the same within a tolerance of less than 1 percent with respect to the length of the minimal loop when the third pulley is in the second swivel position.

Abstract: An example assembly includes a first guide positioned in a pre-print zone area of an imaging device. A second guide rotatably is connected to the imaging device and spaced apart from the first guide to permit a print medium to traverse between the first guide and the second guide. A bearing mechanism connects the second guide to the imaging device in the pre-print zone area. An interface mechanism is operatively connected to the second guide. A bias element is positioned between the interface mechanism and the second guide to release energy upon exposing the interface mechanism to the pre-print zone area allowing rotation of the second guide away from the first guide.

Abstract: There is provided an ink-jet recording apparatus including: a first transporting portion provided in a first transport path; a support member configured to support the sheet; a recording portion; a plurality of contact portions configured to come into contact with the sheet; a plurality of support ribs; a second transporting portion provided in a second transport path connected with the first transport path; and a third transporting portion configured to sandwich and transport the sheet in the first transporting direction or toward the second transport path. On the upstream side to the second transporting portion in the second transporting direction, a projecting portion is formed with the upper guide member to project toward the lower guide member below a virtual line linking a nip position of the sheet due to the third transporting portion with another nip position of the sheet due to the second transporting portion.

Abstract: A first sheet conveying path extends from a sheet supply portion toward a sheet discharge portion. A second sheet conveying path extends, from a diverging position in the first sheet conveying path, toward a switch-to-back portion. A third sheet conveying path is a conveying path for the sheet that is reversed by the switch-to-back portion. A first movable guiding portion is rotatable between a first posture in which the sheet that has reached the diverging position is guided toward the sheet discharge portion, and a second posture in which the sheet is guided into the second conveying path. A second movable guiding portion is rotatable between a third posture and a fourth posture, in the second sheet conveying path. In the third posture, the second sheet conveying path is formed in conjunction with the first movable guiding portion. In the fourth posture, the third sheet conveying path is formed.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device includes: a curved conveyance path; and a pair of downstream side rollers that lies on the downstream side with respect to the curved conveyance path, and catches the sheet conveyed from the upstream side with respect to the curved conveyance path and reaching the curved conveyance path, wherein the curved conveyance path includes a movable guide movable between a first position and a second position, at the first position, the movable guide forms an outer circumferential wall of the curved conveyance path, and guides a tip of the sheet in such a direction that the sheet conveyed to the curved conveyance path travels toward the pair of downstream side rollers, and at the second position, a summit portion of a curve of the outer circumferential wall is retracted toward the outside in a radial direction of the curve with respect to the first position.

Abstract: A medium transportation apparatus includes a fixed member fixed to an apparatus main body, and a switching guide for guiding a medium. The switching guide is disposed to be freely rotatable relative to the apparatus main body, and to be freely switched between a first guiding position and a second guiding position. The switching guide includes a medium guiding portion and a first engaging portion integrally formed with the medium guiding portion. The fixed member includes a second engaging portion for engaging with the first engaging portion. When the switching guide is situated at the first guiding position, the first engaging portion engages with the second engaging portion.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the guide roller, which faces the sorting gate mediated by the conveyor belt and guides the travel of the conveyor belt, and the position determination unit, which gives an elastic bias to the guide roller and positions it to the predefined position, are provided. The guide roller receives a pushing pressure from documents that are held and conveyed by the conveyor belts and then retracts from the predefined position while resisting the bias of the position determination unit.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus includes a first upper-position guide member, a first lower-position guide member defining a first feeding path and a first feeding portion feeding a sheet in a feeding direction along the first feeding path. The image recording apparatus further includes a recording portion located downstream of the first feeding portion in the feeding direction, a second upper-position guide member, a second lower-position guide member defining a second feeding path and a second feeding portion comprising at least one pair of rollers each consisting of an upper-position roller and a lower-position roller. The second feeding portion feeds the sheet along the second feeding path and a first axis of the upper-position roller is located upstream of a second axis of the lower-position roller in the feeding direction.

Abstract: Provided is a sheet conveying apparatus which conveys a sheet, includes: a sheet conveying path which diverges into a first conveying path and a second conveying path at a diverging point; a guide member which is movable between a first position where the guide member guides the sheet to the first conveying path and a second position where the guide member guides the sheet to the second conveying path; a driving portion which is configured to move the guide member to the second position from the first position; and a holding portion which, in a case that the guide member is driven by the driving portion to move to the second position from the first position, provides a load to the driving by the driving portion and holds the guide member at a third position between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A voucher machine, particularly an automated teller machine, for the input and output of vouchers such as cash or checks, having a processing section (1) for transporting and processing vouchers to be input and output, is characterized in that the processing section (1) has two processing circuits (5, 6) for processing input vouchers which allows rapid output of vouchers identified as unsuitable for acceptance.

Abstract: To easily replace a retard roller (that is a media separation roller) while minimizing the required installation space, a printer 1 has a first media conveyance path 12 that conveys sheet media; a second media conveyance path 29 that conveys media and can open and close; a media conveyance roller 17 and a retard roller 16 disposed opposite each other with the first media conveyance path 12 therebetween; and a roller installation unit 70 to which the retard roller 16 is installed removably from the second media conveyance path 29 side. The retard roller 16 can be easily replaced from the open second media conveyance path 29. Compared with a configuration having a dedicated opening, a smaller opening and space for replacing the media separation roller are required.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus including a driving source, a switchback roller which switches between a normal rotation direction and a reverse rotation direction, first and second gear train for rotating the switchback roller in the normal and reverse rotation directions, respectively, a switching mechanism which switches among a first mode for transmitting driving force to the first gear train, a second mode for transmitting the driving force to the second gear train, and a third mode for not to transmit the driving force, a switching element which switches between a first state allowing switching of the switching mechanism into the first or third mode and a second state allowing switching of the switching mechanism into the second mode; and a controller which controls a state change of the switching element between the first state and the second state.

Abstract: A sheet conveyor included in an image forming apparatus includes a conveying roller rotatable in normal and reverse directions to convey a sheet in opposite sheet conveyance directions, a switching guide rotatable about a support shaft to guide the sheet to a path, a first switchback mechanism performing a first operation of changing a direction of rotation of the conveying roller, a first actuator actuating the first switchback mechanism, a second switchback mechanism performing a second operation of changing a position of the switching guide, a second actuator actuating the second switchback mechanism. The switchback mechanisms and the actuators are configured to be replaceable with a switchback linking mechanism, by employing a linking member, configured to link the first and second operations to be actuated by one actuator of the first and second actuators without changing an arrangement of the one actuator of the first and second actuators.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, an image forming unit, and a retransporting unit. The retransporting unit includes a transporting roller for applying a transporting force to the sheet and an input portion disposed at a position shifted upstream of the transporting roller in a retransporting direction. The input portion is configured to receive an input of a drive force supplied from the apparatus body. The retransporting unit further includes a drive shaft extending in a retransporting direction. The drive shaft is configured to transmit the drive force from the input portion toward the transporting roller by rotating about an axis thereof. A height of the image forming apparatus may be reduced by this configuration.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus capable of reading an image from a sheet is provided. A sheet path to eject the sheet after being read may be selectively switched between a first ejection path to eject the sheet to an ejection unit and a second ejection path to eject the sheet on an outlet cover, which is openable/closable to a casing of the image reading apparatus. When the outlet cover is moved to open, a flapper arranged in a branch point between the first ejection path and the second ejection path moved in conjunction with the opening motion of the outlet cover, and the sheet path is switched from the first ejection path to the second ejection path. Further, a plurality of arms in a cover motion detector having a linkage mechanism rotate, and the rotating motions are detectable by a detector switch arranged at a terminal of the linkage mechanism.

Abstract: A guider for conveying a sheet-shaped object comprises two side plates; two wheel components arranged in parallel between the two side plates, a top channel plate being disposed on a top portion of the wheel components; and a lifting channel plate disposed between the two wheel components and the top channel plate, the lifting channel plate forming a horizontal channel with the top channel plate, and respectively forming lateral channels with the two wheel components. The lifting channel plate is disposed on the two side plates in a height-adjustable manner. The guider further comprises: a first driving device for driving the lifting channel plate to move up and down; a reversing member hinged between the two lateral channels and used for switch between the two lateral channels; and a second driving device for driving the reversing member to rotate.

Abstract: Presented herein is a sheet turning unit (1) comprising a first sheet conveyor device (2a) for transporting a sheet at least along a first transport path (B1) in a first plane (E1), and comprising a second sheet conveyor device (2b) for transporting the sheet along a second transport path (B2), said second transport path extending at an angle of 90° with respect to the first transport path (B1) and, in sum, describing a curve of 180°, whereby the starting point of said curve is located in the first plane (E1) and the end point of said curve is located in a second plane (E2) that is different from the first plane, and comprising a third sheet conveyor device (2c) for transporting the sheet along at least a third transport path (B3). As a result of this, the leading edge of the sheet remains in front even after the turning operation, and a precisely functioning and reliable sheet turning unit is being provided.

Abstract: A media actuated, media diverter mounted on a media guide positioned between the output of a simplex path and the entrance of a duplex path in an imaging device. The media diverter comprises a plate having a media guiding surface and a media contact surface along portions of the edge of the plate. The plate is received within a slot through the guide member such that in a first position the media contact surface extends into the duplex path and when in a second position the media guiding surface extends into the simplex path. The plate's center of gravity moves the contact surface of the plate into the first position. A media sheet fed into the duplex path strikes the media contact surface moving the plate to the second position where the media guiding surface directs a following sheet in the simplex path to an exit of the imaging device.

Abstract: A conveyance control device is provided to comprise a turning device 13 that has a trifurcate intersection 7 and a deflector 20 of three vertexes 21, 22, 23 rotatably supported in trifurcate intersection 7, an actuating device 30 for moving each of three vertexes 21, 22, 23 of deflector 20 to open gates 27, 28, 29 defined between vertexes 21, 22, 23 and related inner surfaces 7a, 7b, 7c of trifurcate intersection 7, and a conveyance device 9 for transporting a document along shuttle, reserve and recycle pathways 5, 10, 11 and for transporting the document through each gate 27, 28, 29 from one to another of the shuttle, reserve and recycle pathways 5, 10, 11.

Abstract: A sheet inverting device includes a loop pathway including an entrance slot to which a recording medium is conveyed and an exit slot from which the recording medium is conveyed, the loop pathway forming a loop shape to convey the recording medium therethrough in a forward direction defined by a sheet conveyance direction in which the recording medium is conveyed from the entrance slot travels, and a redirectable sheet conveyance member to convey the recording medium traveling through the loop pathway in the forward direction and a reverse direction that is the reverse of the forward direction. The exit slot is configured to convey the recording medium that is conveyed by the redirectable sheet conveyance member in the reverse direction outside the sheet inverting device therethrough.

Abstract: A sheet conveyor device may include a first portion configured to move, a cam configured to move in response to movement of the first portion, and a guide portion configured to move between first and second positions in response to the movement of the cam, to choose a first or second conveying path for a sheet. The cam may cause the guide portion to remain in position even if the first portion is moved a small amount, thereby helping to reduce the likelihood of paper jams arising from undesired movement of the guide portion.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a sheet conveyor, an image former that forms an image on a surface of a sheet conveyed by the sheet conveyor, and a re-conveyor that re-conveys the sheet to the image former which forms another image on an opposite surface of the sheet. The re-conveyor includes a guide member including upper and lower conveyance members, a regulation member that regulates a position of the sheet, a conveyer roller set that conveys the sheet therebetween, an urger that urges a pinch roller toward a driving roller, and a roller holder disposed above the upper conveyance member. The upper conveyance member has ends which are secured independently to the lower conveyance member. The roller holder secures the pinch roller overlaps the upper conveyance member in a vertical direction, and secures the pinch roller, such that the pinch roller contacts the sheet through the upper conveyance member.

Abstract: A multi-position letterbox media diverter that maximizes productivity includes a gate configured like a tomahawk to allow sufficient space for the diverter to operate immediately after the trail edge of a sheet passes the front edge of the gate and thereby increase gate actuation time. Reversible drives of an inverter are used to direct the sheet to a duplex path while another sheet is simultaneously directed by a lower integrated baffle portion of the gate to an output tray as needed. Thus, reducing the time required for the sheet to be in the inverter path before reversing sheet direction, thereby facilitating a reduction in required transport speed.

Abstract: An image forming device includes an image formation path extending from an entrance end adjacent to a source of supply of media sheets, past an image forming station, to an exit end adjacent to a top collection site adapted to receive media sheets, a duplex path extending from an inlet end adjacent the top collection site to an outlet end adjacent a lower front opening in the device, a media sheet directing mechanism disposed between the exit end of the image formation path, top collection site and inlet end of the duplex path and selectively operable to deliver printed media sheets to the top collection site or the inlet end of the duplex path, and a deflector mechanism between the lower front opening and the outlet end of the duplex path and operable to divert printed media sheets from the duplex path through the lower front opening to exterior of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for diverting incoming printed products is provided. The apparatus includes a roll, a first motor coupled to the roll and a controller coupled to the first motor for controlling the rotation of the roller for diverting printed products along one of two different paths, each path associated with a direction of rotation of the roll. This apparatus may also include a shaft with at least one flipper mounted thereon and a second motor coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: A duplex document feeding device includes a first paper transfer channel, a second paper transfer channel, a paper exit, a power source, a paper pick-up mechanism, a paper ejecting mechanism, and a linking mechanism. The paper ejecting mechanism includes an ejecting drive roller and an ejecting idler roller. After a paper is ejected from the first paper transfer channel and the paper is introduced into the second paper transfer channel by the paper ejecting mechanism, the linking mechanism is driven by the power source, so that the ejecting idler roller is shifted and moved away from the ejecting drive roller. Consequently, the front end of the paper can be smoothly ejected from the paper exit.

Abstract: A media velocity decoupling device is part of a rotary nip diverter assembly and includes a one-way clutch connected to a drive roller of a rotary nip diverter gate. The one-way clutched drive roller allows for realignment of the rotary nip diverter gate during media transfer to a downstream nip while the media is captured in both the rotary nip diverter gate and the downstream nip without media slippage or stretching occurring.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form an image on a printing medium; a discharging roller capable of transporting the printing medium which passes through the image forming unit in forward and reverse directions; a driving source to supply a rotation driving force in clockwise and counterclockwise directions to the discharging roller and the image forming unit; a duplex roller to transport the printing medium towards the image forming unit, which was transported in the reverse direction by the discharging roller; and a swing gear unit to receive the rotation driving force in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions to transmit a driving force to the duplex roller in a uniform direction.

Abstract: A media actuated, media diverter mounted on a guide member positioned between the output of a simplex path and the entrance of a duplex path in an imaging device. The media diverter comprises a first plate, a biasing member for biasing the first plate in a first position where the first plate extends into the duplex path, and a second plate having a media guiding surface and a center of gravity biasing the second plate in a first position where the media guiding surface extends into the simplex path. First plate and second plate are movable in a slot through the guide member. With the first plate in its first position, the second plate remains movable between from its first and second positions. A media sheet fed into the duplex path moves first plate to its second position blocking movement of the second plate from its first position.

Abstract: A media actuated, media diverter mounted on a media guide positioned between the output of a simplex path and the entrance of a duplex path in an imaging device. The media diverter comprises a plate having a media guiding surface and a media contact surface along portions of the edge of the plate. The plate is received within a slot through the guide member such that in a first position the media contact surface extends into the duplex path and when in a second position the media guiding surface extends into the simplex path with the plate biasable in the first position. A media sheet fed into the duplex path contacts the media contact surface actuating the media diverter to move the plate to the second position directing a following media sheet in the simplex path to an exit of the imaging device.

Abstract: A dual path, single reversing roll inverter driven by a single actuator includes a single reversing roller with two, diametrically opposed idler rollers. The configuration of the reversing roller and idler rollers forms a first nip and a second nip that are alternately used to accept sequential sheets from a paper path. The first and second nips discharge the sheets into respective first and second inverting paths. A method for inverting sheets using the dual path, single reversing roll inverter includes rotating the roller in a first direction to direct a first sheet through the first nip. The roller is then rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction to direct the first sheet from the first nip and into the first inverting path and to simultaneously direct a second sheet into the second nip. A gate alternately directs the sequential sheets into the first and second nips.

Abstract: A media actuated, media diverter mounted on a guide member positioned between the output of a simplex path and the entrance of a duplex path in an imaging device. The media diverter comprises a first plate having a media contact surface, a biasing member for biasing the first plate, and a second plate having a media guiding surface. First plate and second plate are movable in a slot through the guide member and are biased in first positions where media contact surface extends into the duplex path and media guiding surface extends into the simplex path while second plate remains movable from its first position to a second position. A media sheet fed into the duplex path moves first plate to its second position blocking movement of second plate from its first position allowing a following media sheet in the simplex path to the exit of the imaging device.

Abstract: In case of both sides printing, the sheet S having an image formed on the obverse surface is conveyed to the first reversal section of the reversal device 50 disposed in a reversal path R3. In the first reversal section, the sheet S is conveyed to a U-turn reversal path by the reversal roller 56 with the first side section of the sheet S as the leading edge section. In the U-turn reversal path, a position of the first side surface section and a position of the second side surface section of the sheet S are exchanged and the sheet S is conveyed to the second reversal section. In the second reversal section, the sheet having been turned over is fed again to the register rollers 16 with a leading edge section at image forming on the obverse surface as the leading edge side. Whereby the same edge of the sheet S contacts with the register rollers 16 when the image is formed on the obverse side and when the image is formed on the reverse side.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a housing formed with a discharge port, a printing device mounted in the housing, a discharge reverse unit to reversely move paper passing through the printing device, and a discharge unit to convey the paper, moving reversely by the discharge reverse unit, to the discharge port. The discharge reverse unit includes a guide member to guide the paper passing through the printing device to the discharge unit, and a lifting part to lift the guide member up and down. The image forming apparatus can prevent jams in a paper discharge device even when increasing a discharge speed in a discharge path, through which a printed printing medium is discharged in such a state that a printed surface of the printing medium is directed in a down direction.

Abstract: A disabled state in which sheets cannot be discharged at a discharge unit while printing is detected. Upon detecting the disabled state, printing is continued at a printing unit, and a sheet printed upon is evacuated to a storage unit without cutting into a plurality of cut sheets at a cutter unit. After the disabled state is resolved, the sheet which has been evacuated to the storage unit is sent to the cutter unit so as to be cut into the cut sheets, and discharged at the discharge unit.

Abstract: A disclosed image forming apparatus includes a main conveyance path configured to convey a recording medium from a paper feeding unit to a sheet discharge unit; a double-side reversing conveyance path configured to switch back a recording medium, one side of which has an image formed, so as to reverse the sides of the recording medium for double-sided image formation; a sheet resending conveyance path configured to resend the recording medium reversed in the double-side reversing conveyance path to the main conveyance path; and a double-side reversing open-space unit configured to provide a space for switching back the recording medium on the double-side reversing conveyance path. The double-side reversing open-space unit also serves as a temporary tray for storing misfed recording media and remaining recording media left inside the image forming apparatus when a jam occurs.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form an image on a printing medium; a discharging roller capable of transporting the printing medium which passes through the image forming unit in forward and reverse directions; a driving source to supply a rotation driving force in clockwise and counterclockwise directions to the discharging roller and the image forming unit; a duplex roller to transport the printing medium towards the image forming unit, which was transported in the reverse direction by the discharging roller; and a swing gear unit to receive the rotation driving force in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions to transmit a driving force to the duplex roller in a uniform direction.

Abstract: According to aspects illustrated herein, there are provided systems for conveying a sheet article into an intended pathway. The multi-way gate system for diverting sheets into multiple pathways in a sheet conveying device includes at least three pathways for directing the sheet from the sheet conveying member in a particular direction. A single gate plate is between the sheet conveying member and the pathways. The single gate plate is rotatable about a single axis to direct the sheet exiting the sheet conveying member toward one of the pathways.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a body frame, an image forming unit and a transporting unit. The transporting unit includes a transporting tray, a side guide, a plate, a skew roller and an urging member. The transporting tray is configured to support the recording medium which is being transported. The side guide is configured to abut with an end of the recording medium in a width direction. The plate is facing the transporting tray. The skew roller is rotatably supported by the plate and is configured to skew the recording medium toward the side guide. The urging member is configured to urge a portion of the plate toward the transporting tray.

Abstract: A media retraction and recycler system for use with image processing devices such as automatic document feeders and printers that concurrently supports two media sheets for duplex printing or scanning in a partial overlapping configuration in a variable nip pressure exit roll assembly allowing use of a media path that is shorter than the total media length of the two media sheets to facilitate an increased throughput during duplex scanning or printing operations.

Abstract: A switch back path is connected to a sheet feed path through a branch portion. A plurality of pairs of forward and backward rotating rollers are disposed along the switch back path from the branch portion. A driving portion selectively supplies rotation of a forward rotation direction or of a backward rotation direction to a plurality of pairs of forward and backward rotating rollers. A separation mechanism separates a first pair of forward and backward rotating rollers from each other. A control portion controls operation of the driving portion and the separation mechanism so that a sheet to be fed into the switch back path and a sheet to be fed out of the switch back path pass each other in the switch back path.

Abstract: A printing system comprises a paper path architecture for parallel printing using multiple marking engines. The media path configuration enables all the media feed trays to be located in one place, relative to the marking engines. A cross-over module is located between marking engines. The cross-over module can interleave media sheets that are being transported away from a first marking engine with the sheets being transported to the second marking engine. The cross-over module also includes a straight through path that enables media sheets to be transported directly to a finishing device without going through either marking engine. The marking engines include internal duplex loops such that media can be supplied to each engine in alternate groups. A merge module selectively merges the media which can then be further processed in a finishing transition module prior to communication to a finishing device.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a casing; a printing medium supply unit, which is coupled to the casing, and supplies a printing medium; an image forming unit, which forms an image on the printing medium supplied from the printing medium supply unit; and a discharge unit. The discharge unit includes: a discharging part, which discharges the printing medium fed from the image forming unit out of the casing; a feeding guide, which is provided along in a feeding path of the printing medium, and moves between a discharging position, in which the printing medium is discharged out of the casing, and a back feeding position, in which the printing medium is back fed to the image forming unit; and a pressing lever, which presses and releases the feeding guide, according to a movement of the discharging part, so that the feeding guide can move between the discharging position and the back feeding position.