Abstract: An apparatus for diverting incoming printed products which includes a shaft, at least one first flipper mounted in a first fixed direction on the shaft, a motor coupled to the shaft; and a controller coupled to the motor for controlling positioning of the shaft to allowing printed products to be diverted along different paths associated with a particular shaft position. The apparatus further includes a low inertia coupler interconnected between the motor and the shaft. Alternatively, 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 alternative apparatus may also include a shaft with at least one flipper mounted thereon and a second motor coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: A feeding device has a conveying roller that rotates in a forward direction and a reverse direction, to selectively convey a sheet in a conveying direction and a reverse conveying direction. A particular guide member is positioned on an upstream side, guides the conveyed sheet toward the conveying roller, and has a stopper that contacts an end portion of the sheet, thereby stopping movement of the sheet in the reverse conveying direction. A control unit causes the conveying roller to rotate the conveying roller in the forward direction, such that the sheet is conveyed to a predetermined position, then to rotate the conveying roller in the reverse direction, wherein the end portion of the sheet contacts the stopper while the conveying roller rotates in the reverse direction, and then to again rotate the conveying roller in the forward direction, such that the sheet is conveyed toward the conveying roller.

Abstract: An integrated module for installation within a printer may include a module frame and a plurality of printer subsystem components. The module frame is configured to fit within a predetermined space within a printer and to connect to a printer frame positioned about the predetermined space. The plurality of printer subsystem components are configured to mount to the module frame. At least one printer subsystem component includes a default module media path and at least one diverter-directed module media path within the printer subsystem component. The at least one printer subsystem component is configured to connect to the module frame at a position that enables the default module media path and the at least one diverter-directed module media path to complete a printer media path through the predetermined space when the module frame having the printer subsystem component is connected to the printer frame.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a main body, a first guide member coupled to the main body so as to be rotated from a first position to a second position, and a second guide member rotatably coupled to the first guide member. The first guide position defines a first paper discharge path to discharge paper, a printed surface of which is inverted, when it is in the first position. The first guide member defines a second paper discharge path, along which the printed surface of the paper is directly discharged, when it is pivotally rotated from the first position to the second position. The second guide member guides the paper on the first paper discharge path and does not interfere with the paper on the second paper discharge path.

Abstract: A feeding device includes a conveying roller that conveys a sheet downstream when the conveying roller rotates forward. A first guide member guides the conveyed sheet toward the conveying roller. A second guide member guides the sheet when the conveying roller rotates in reverse. A rotating member is positioned between the first guide member and the conveying roller, and has a support shaft and a pressing portion. The rotating member rotates about the support shaft between a first supported state where the rotating member is separated from the second guide member, and a second supported state where the rotating member is closer to the second guide member. In the first supported state, the sheet is conveyed from the first guide member to the conveying roller. A trailing end of the sheet moves toward the second guide member when the rotating member transitions from the first to the second supported state.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus, a document supply device thereof and methods thereof may reduce a scanning operation time. A document supply device may include a holding position (e.g., internal) for a following document such that a scanning time between documents may be reduced. The document supply device may include a main feed path to guide an introduced document, a simplex path coupled to the main feed path and to guide the document fed through the main feed path to the scanning window to scan one document surface (e.g., first surface), a duplex path to guide the document having passed the scanning window to the simplex path to scan the other document surface (e.g., second surface), an auxiliary supply path coupled to the main feed path and the simplex path where the document fed through the main feed path temporarily stands by before being fed to the scanning window.

Abstract: A device for diverting printed products is provided. The device includes a first rotating support having a first pad mounted thereon, a second rotating support having a second pad mounted thereon, a third rotating support having a third pad mounted thereon and a fourth rotating support having a fourth pad mounted thereon. The first pad has a different thickness than the second pad and the first and second rotating supports rotate together. The third pad has a different thickness than the fourth pad and the third and fourth rotating supports rotate together. A method for diverting printed products is also provided.

Abstract: A paper conveying path extends from a paper feeding tray to an image forming unit, a branch conveying path extends from a branching point in the paper conveying path to a paper container, a first paper sensor and a second paper sensor are arranged in the paper conveying path upstream of the branching point, and a switch nail is arranged at the branching point to switch paths between the paper conveying path and the branch conveying path. The switch nail is controlled so that a jammed paper is conveyed to the paper container via the branch conveying path upon detecting paper jamming in the paper conveying path and the first sensor detects the jammed paper while the second sensor does not detect the jammed paper.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus has a pair of conveying rotary members for conveying a sheet, an openable and closable conveying guide for guiding the sheet conveyed by the pair of conveying rotary members, a conveying path, which is disposed on a downstream side of the conveying guide, on which the sheet guide passes, a discharging portion on which the sheet having passed on the conveying path and discharged is stacked, and an obstructing member for obstructing the entrance of the conveying path. In a state in which the conveying guide is closed, the sheet conveyed by the pair of conveying rotary members is guided to the conveying path by the conveying guide. In a state in which the conveying guide is closed, the obstructing member is retracted from the entrance of the conveying path, and in a state in which the conveying guide is opened, the obstructing member obstructs the entrance of the conveying path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet buffering and inverting device having a sheet transport path and multiple sheet inverter paths extending upward and/or downward there from. Sheets being transported through the sheet transport path are selectively diverted into the sheet inverter paths, held, and subsequently fed back into the sheet transport path such that they are inverted. Optionally, an additional sheet transport path can branch off the sheet transport path upstream of the sheet inverter paths and can connect to the distal end of each of the sheet inverter paths to allow sheets to be buffered without being inverted. This device can be incorporated into a discrete module of a modular printing system to ensure sheets are properly merged and oriented after processing by multiple printing engines. Alternatively, it can be incorporated into a standalone printing system to ensure sheets are properly buffered and/or inverted prior to processing by a single printing engine.

Abstract: A duplex automatic document feeder includes first, second, third, and fourth paths, an ejecting path, a scanning module, first and second reversing roller units, a feeding tray, and an ejecting tray. A document is moved from the feeding tray to the scanning module for scanning of a first side surface thereof. Subsequently, the document is moved along a second-side scanning path defined by the first reversing roller unit, the third path, a portion of the first path, the fourth path, and the first reversing roller unit to allow for scanning of a second side surface thereof. After the first and second side surfaces are scanned, the document is moved along a document-inverting path defined by the second reversing roller unit, a portion of the fourth path, the ejecting path, a portion of the second path, the first reversing roller unit, and the ejecting tray.

Abstract: The invention relates to a value note cassette (10) comprising a fixed first storage compartment (130a to 130c) for receiving notes of value and at least a fixed second storage compartment (130a to 130c) for receiving notes of value. Further, the value note cassette (10) comprises a supply unit (324) for supplying the notes of value to the storage compartments (130a to 130c). The storage compartments (130a to 130c) are designed such that notes of value are stackable therein.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of guiding a printing medium in a smooth manner by minimizing resistance to the printing medium feed and preventing a developer from adhering and accumulating on a printing medium guide device. The image forming apparatus includes a printing medium guide device to guide a printing medium in a print path to a discharge path or guide the printing medium in the discharge path to a reverse path, and the printing medium guide device includes rollers to rotate by contacting the printing medium.

Abstract: A conveying and dividing mechanism in which a first conveyance path and a second conveyance path facing each other can bidirectionally convey banknotes between each other and that can divide into multiple-direction banknotes conveyed from both the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path. A first dividing member is rockably provided at the intersection of the first conveyance path, the second conveyance path, a third conveyance path, and a fourth conveyance path. The first dividing member enables banknotes to be bidirectionally conveyed between the first and second conveyance paths. Further, the first dividing member enables bank notes conveyed from the first and second conveyance paths to be divided into the third and fourth conveyance paths.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus includes a first conveying path through which a sheet is conveyed; a reversal conveyance driving unit which drives to reversely convey the sheet conveyed through the first conveying path; a second conveying path which branches off with the first conveying path and through which the sheet reversely conveyed by the reversal conveyance driving unit is conveyed; and a movable unit which causes a branch position between the first conveying path and the second conveying path to move on a downstream side in a conveying direction of the sheet which is conveyed through the first conveying path, after a trailing end of the sheet which is conveyed through the first conveying path passes the movable unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for the discharge of an article, in particular of a flat mail item. A first conveyor device is able to transport the article in a primary transport path, a second conveyor device transports it in a branched transport path. A diverter is configured to leave the article either in the primary transport path or to discharge it into the branched transport path. A conveyor belt of the first conveyor device is guided around a roller. This roller is mounted onto the diverter. Thus a pivoting of the diverter from a standby position into a discharge position causes the roller and the conveyor belt resting upon the roller to be displaced perpendicular to the pivot axis of the diverter.

Abstract: In a color printer in which a drive force of a fixed gear that rotates not in both a forward direction and a reverse direction but in either one direction only is transmitted to a discharging unit, a swing gear is attached to a branch guide via a switching link and a transmission link as a link mechanism. When a solenoid mechanism starts driving, the transmission link rotates. In accordance with the rotation of the transmission link, the switching link rotates, so that a switching among a discharge conveying path, a duplex-printing conveying path, and a switchback conveying path by the branch guide and a switching of a rotating direction of a transmission gear can be simultaneously performed.

Abstract: This is a media transport system that can accommodate various size media or sheets. The system has a series of even sized bins that can accommodate both small and large sheets. Above the bins is located a sheet diverter that when lowered diverts the small sheets into a small portion of the even sized bin. When the sheet diverter is raised, it permits the large sheets to be unblocked by it and fall into the largest portion of the even sized bin. When the large sheets are housed in the bin, they are supported on a short pusher which is located between two large pushers. Both the small and large sheets are in substantial collated alignment when housed in the bins.

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: In the state that a preceding sheet awaits at an awaiting position, a pair of conveying rollers are separated from each other, and the front end of a subsequent sheet sent out from a main conveying path passes the gap between the pair of conveying rollers. Based on a configuration that the distance from the trailing end of the subsequent sheet in the conveying direction to the pair of conveying rollers becomes equal to that from the front end of the preceding sheet to the pair of conveying rollers, the preceding sheet and subsequent sheet are sandwiched by the pair of conveying rollers so as to be conveyed in a first direction, thereby making the sheets into a state that the sheets are put on each other. Thereafter, the sheets are conveyed in a second direction by the pair of conveying rollers, so as to be discharged into discharging unit.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus includes a first sheet conveying path, a second sheet conveying path branched from the first sheet conveying path, a switching member capable of moving in the branch portion of the first sheet conveying path and the second sheet conveying path, and a first regulation member and a second regulation member which regulate the movement of the switching member, wherein when the first regulation member is abutted against the switching member, the first regulation member forms a gap having a first interval through which the sheet can pass to the second sheet conveying path, when the switching member is further moved forward, and when the second regulation member is abutted against the switching member, the second regulation member forms a gap having a second interval smaller than the first interval through which the sheet can pass to the second sheet conveying path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a print-medium post-treatment apparatus, in which a converting guide to guide a print medium to any one of a first delivery path and a second delivery path is operated upon receiving rotational force from a delivery motor for delivery of the print medium. This enables omission of a drive device to operate the converting guide.

Abstract: An inserter system includes a pre-fold accumulator subsystem in which plural sheets are collected before folding and insertion into an envelope. A divert gate is at the upstream side of the pre-fold accumulator to selectively downwardly divert sheets fed in a reverse direction from the pre-fold accumulator. Positioning of the divert gate is controlled by a mechanism that couples the divert gate and a drive shaft that drives a sheet drive belt component of the pre-fold accumulator.

Abstract: A sheet conveyance relay unit, including: a convergence unit, including: a convergence section, in which a plurality of sheet receiving sections are respectively connected to a plurality of image forming apparatuses, to receive recording sheets, wherein the convergence section makes the recording sheets, conveyed from the plurality of the sheet receiving sections, to merge into a single sheet conveyance path; and a first common sheet-conveyance section, which conveys the recording sheets from the convergence section to a sheet feeding outlet, and a divergence unit, including: a second common sheet-conveyance section, which conveys the recording sheets, conveyed from the convergence unit; a plurality of sheet feed-out sections, which are combined to a plurality of post-finishing apparatuses; and a divergence section, which sorts the recording sheets, conveyed by the second common sheet-conveyance section, onto the plurality of the sheet feed-out sections.

Abstract: When a sheet of paper is inverted and the direction is changed, members such as a roller do not come into contact with the printed surface of the sheet and it is possible to prevent smudges by eliminating an ink stain on a surface of the sheet.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a holding section connected to a downstream end of a main transfer path for consecutively transferring paper sheets and formed of a curved transfer path, which consecutively transfers the paper sheets led out from the main transfer path in a curved state and holds them in an overlaid state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system adapted for printing and for consecutively placing in boxes moving on a conveyor, documents of the slip type (11) in correspondence with the boxes and with the products to be received therein. The system (6) comprises, at the outlet (12) of a printer (5) supplying documents (11) in the form of one or more printed sheets for each box, advance and storage means (13, 14) with a succession of locations (19,20,21,22) for receiving the sheets, between which the documents (11) advance step by step. Means (27, 28) for transferring the documents (11) to the boxes are provided at the last location (22). The advance and storage means (13, 14) define a flat U-shaped path. The system is intended for order preparation lines.

Abstract: A sheet transport switching device include a rotary guide that is pivotal about an axis orthogonal to a sheet transport direction to align a guide passage with one of two discharge destinations. A stepping motor changes the posture of the rotary guide and a controller controls the stepping motor. A lead end in-timing acquirer acquires a timing when a lead end of the sheet enters the guide passage. The controller performs, in a state that the exit of the guide passage aligns with one of the two discharge destinations, an in-timing retaining operation of retaining a rotated position of the stepping motor by supplying an energizing current of a first current value to the stepping motor at the acquired lead end in-timing, and a pass timing retaining operation of reducing the energizing current to a second value when the lead end of the sheet passes the guide passage.

Abstract: An automated document processing apparatus comprising a detector; a plurality of pockets; and a pocket selector gate assembly which causes a document being processed by the apparatus to be routed to one of the plurality of pockets based on information read from the document by the detector, the route of the document being determined by the position of a pocket selector gate, the pocket selector gate position being controlled by a motor which is mechanically coupled to the pocket selector gate, the mechanical coupling being such that, when the pocket selector gate is in a first position, the pocket selector gate is locked in place even after the motor has been deenergized. The mechanical coupling may be achieved by way of a link arm and pin, the pin mating with the link arm and engaging a mating slot of the pocket selector gate.

Abstract: A system controlled by data bearing records includes an automated banking machine that operates to carry out transactions responsive to data read from user cards. Theautomated banking machine includes a deposit accepting device. The deposit accepting device is operative to receive a stack of sheets and to separate each sheet from the stack through operation of a picker. Each sheet is analyzed by analysis devices including at least one magnetic read head, an imager and/or a validation device. Analyzed sheets are stored in a first storage and retrieval device. Sheets determined not to have at least one property of a genuine sheet are returned to a user of the machine. Sheets determined to have at least one property of genuine sheets are stored in a second sheet storage and retrieval device of the machine.

Abstract: A check processing device conveys checks into branch paths without the check jamming. The downstream end of the check transportation path 7 of the check processing device 1 is split by a diversion unit 18 into first and second branch paths 11 and 12. The diversion unit 18 has diversion unit guide surfaces 18a and 18b that diverge to the right and left, and a diversion unit top 18c that connects the top edges of the diversion unit guide surfaces 18a and 18b. A branch switching lever or flapper 19 is located at the branching position A. The diversion unit top 18c slopes upward from the lever top 19c in the diversion direction on both right and left sides, and also slopes upward from the top edges of the diversion unit guide surfaces 18a and 18b perpendicularly to the diversion direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first guide portion disposed to be movable for opening a transportation path of a medium; a second guide portion disposed to be movable for opening the transportation path and arranged adjacent to the first guide portion; a first transportation member for transporting the medium to the transportation path; and a second transportation member for discharging the medium from the transportation path to outside the image forming apparatus. Further, when the first guide portion and the second guide portion close the transportation path, the second guide portion is arranged to guide a rear edge of the medium.

Abstract: A device for distributing successive products of a product flow, particularly the successive folding products produced by a cross cutting device by dividing a material web, to two branch flows, with a wedge arrangement which is arranged in a stationary manner in the transporting plane of the product flow and which engages between two cam rollers which flank it and which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center working plane. The device is characterized in that the wedge arrangement engages between two guide plates which flank it and which, together with the wedge arrangement, define a path fork. The guide plates have slots through which they are alternately penetrated by cams of the respective adjacent cam roller which are associated with the slots, so that the penetrating cams and the guide plate which is not penetrated form a feed for a belt guide associated with a branch flow.

Abstract: A sheet discharge device includes: a sheet discharge path for discharging a sheet to be discharged; a plurality of sheet discharge trays disposed along the sheet discharge path; a plurality of switching guides disposed in the sheet discharge path corresponding to the sheet discharge trays, and being changed a position between a retracting position for being retracted so that the sheet being conveyed can pass through, and a distributing position for distributing a sheet being conveyed to the sheet discharge tray; and a switching mechanism which changes the position of the switching guide between the retracting position and the distributing position. This switching mechanism includes: a switching piece which interferes with the switching guide to switch the position of the switching guide, one transporting member which moves the switching piece among the plurality of switching guides, and a drive member driving the transporting member.

Abstract: A conveying direction-switching device is formed by direction-changing drums each having the same hollow cylindrical shape having a length corresponding to a lateral width of paper money bills to be conveyed. The direction-changing drum has first to fourth openings arranged in the outer periphery thereof, in a manner spaced from each other by a rotational angle of 90 degrees, and the rotational angle position thereof is controlled to be a predetermined phase angle. Inside the direction-changing drum, the first opening and the fourth opening are connected by a paper money guide forming a first curved passage, the second opening and the fourth opening are connected by a paper money guide forming a straight passage, and the third opening and the fourth opening are connected by a paper money guide forming a second curved passage.

Abstract: A document sorting machine having at least one pocket for stacking documents according to a common criteria. Each pocket has a gate for diverting the document from the transport of the machine and into the designated pocket. The pocket also has a kicker for moving the tail of the document away from the pocket's entry and into the pocket and a detent which allows the tail to be moved into the pocket but which prevents the tail from moving back towards the pocket's entry after the tail of the document has been moved into the pocket.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device in which at least a sheet is guided and conveyed by a guiding member includes a discharging roller that conveys the sheet, a first guiding member and a second guiding member that are arranged along an outer periphery of the discharging roller, and a supporting shaft that rotatably supports both the first guiding member and the second guiding member. When the first guiding member is located at a first position in which a path between the first guiding member and the discharging roller is closed, the sheet is guided to a shift conveying path, and when the first guiding member is located at a second position in which the path is opened, the sheet is guided to a folding processing tray.

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 guide is proposed for devices for processing sheet material, particularly bank notes and checks, that is equipped with a guide body (1), with several guide wings (2) on the guide body (1), with at least three edges (15, 16, 17) on the guide wings (2) running parallel to each another and tapering to a point and with a guide drive (3, 4, 5) connected to the guide body (1) that sets the guide body (1) in motion in at least two different directions, wherein at least one of the two motions is a translational motion.

Abstract: System for directing media from one an input media path to one of multiple output paths using a rotary diverter. The rotary diverter is a cylinder mounted for rotation at a crossover point, where input media paths and output media paths cross. The rotary diverter includes a funnel-shaped section longitudinally cut through the cylinder, the sides of the funnel-shaped section lying at an acute angle. A relatively narrow output end of the funnel-shaped section lies toward the apex of the angle, and a relatively wide input end lies opposite the apex. The input end is thus configured to receive media, and the output end is configured to output media. The rotary diverter can accept input media from one input media path, or from several paths, given the wide input section.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multi-sheet buffer module and a modular printing system incorporating the buffer module. The buffer module includes a primary sheet transport path that extends horizontally across a frame. Vertical buffer paths extend downward and upward from the primary sheet transport path. Each buffer path connects to a secondary sheet transport path, which provides a loop back connection to the primary sheet transport path. As a stream of sheets moves along the primary sheet transport path, sheets printed out of order will be selectively diverted into the sheet buffer paths. Then, at the proper moment, the sheet buffer paths will feed the buffered sheets into the secondary sheet transport path(s), which will transport them to the primary sheet transport path, such that they are inserted at the proper locations back into the stream of sheets.

Abstract: In an automatic original conveying device, a motor rotates in a single direction and a driving force transmission mechanism transmits the driving force of the motor from a sheet feeding roller to a switchback roller. The sheet feeding roller conveys an original that stands by in a switchback conveying path to a second conveying path. A sorting unit sorts the original conveyed from a paper delivery path to an original delivery table or to the switchback conveying path. The switchback roller is provided between the sorting unit and the switchback conveying path and it is rotatable in a normal direction or a reverse direction.

Abstract: In a mail processing machine, a fixed mounting of an envelope turning station relative to an upstream stuffing station, and therefore a simple construction of the drive for the envelope turning station, can be achieved in that the items of goods for despatch to be turned through 180° are drawn by grippers of a gripper chain into the region of horizontally opening tongs of the envelope turning cylinder of the envelope turning station, in such a way that, in each case irrespective of the longitudinal format of the items of goods for despatch, the latter are gripped by the turning cylinder tongs over their entire length, for which purpose the gripper chain, together with the stuffing table supporting it, is designed to be displaceable with respect to the turning station in the conveying direction of the goods for despatch, in a manner dependent on the envelope format.

Abstract: An apparatus for diverting incoming printed products which includes a shaft, at least one first flipper mounted in a first fixed direction on the shaft, a motor coupled to the shaft; and a controller coupled to the motor for controlling positioning of the shaft to allowing printed products to be diverted along different paths associated with a particular shaft position. The apparatus further includes a low inertia coupler interconnected between the motor and the shaft. Alternatively, 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 alternative apparatus may also include a shaft with at least one flipper mounted thereon and a second motor coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: This is a system that enables a marking system to automatically clear itself of paper jams even when the marking system is unattended. The paper transport is enabled to move forward and backward, and when a jam occurs it will automatically move backward or in reverse direction until the jam is cleared. Sensors indicate where the jam is and when it is cleared.

Abstract: A print interface system including a printer integrated in combination with a sheet handling system such as a mailpiece inserter. The print interface system facilitates the handling of sheet material in various operating modes, including conventional printing, duplex printing, and mailpiece creation modes. The system includes a printer having multiple feed paths for printing on opposing face surfaces of a sheet material. One of the feed paths directs sheet material to a staging tray and another feed path directs sheet material to a downstream module of the sheet handling system. The system further includes a positionable diverter for directing sheet material to one of the feed paths and a sheet sensor for determining when a sheet of material has been directed along the feed path leading to the output tray. A controller is operative to alternately reposition the diverter from one of two positions.

Abstract: A sheet transport direction switching device includes: a rotary guide member having a single guide passage for passing a sheet to be transported, and a support shaft extending in a direction orthogonal to a transport direction of the sheet; and a posture changing mechanism for changing the posture of the rotary guide member. The rotary guide member is operable to change the posture thereof by pivotal movement about an axis of the support shaft so that an exit of the guide passage faces one of at least two discharge destinations. The posture changing mechanism has a stepping motor for pivotally moving the rotary guide member about the axis of the support shaft.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus having an excellent performance in jam recovery, and an image forming apparatus provided therewith is provided. The sheet conveying apparatus which may switch the conveying direction of a sheet has: a discharge switching member 60; and a moving unit including a rod 64 and a solenoid 63, which engage with the discharge switching member 60 and moves the discharge switching member 60, in order to switch the conveying direction of a sheet. The discharge switching member 60 and the moving unit may disengage from each other.

Abstract: A sheet transport path switching mechanism includes a movable guide to be moved rotatably about a support shaft parallel to the width direction of a transport path so as to selectively take either a main posture where the movable guide directs a sheet to the downstream side of a main transport path relative to a branch point, and a branch posture where the movable guide directs a sheet to a branch transport path. An engagement hook is provided in an apparatus body and supports a central region in the longitudinal direction of the movable guide to prevent the movable guide from being deformed due to interference with a sheet fed toward the branch transport path. The mechanism prevents deformation of the movable guide while facilitating reduction in material and production costs and adequately meeting requirements of waste treatment.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a shaft driving apparatus and method of operation. The shaft driving apparatus comprises a shaft and a slip joint configuration to extend the wear zone associated with bearings operatively connected to an apparatus which rotates a shaft less than 360 degrees in an oscillatory manner or other cyclical manner.