Abstract: A conveying arrangement includes a path selector including a selector slide that is selectively positionable at first and second positions, thereby connecting a first conveyor path with a first further conveyor path or a second further conveyor path. The selector slide is actuated by a guide arm that moves the slide from the first position to the second position, and vice versa. The selector slide is locked firmly in at least one of the positions by a locking arm that is moved to and from a locking position by the guide arm. The selector slide may have a fixed pin that interacts with a first recess or aperture formed in the locking arm, and the recess may have first and second pin-receiving end positions corresponding to the first and second positions of the selector slide. The guide arm may be pivotally mounted and have a second recess or aperture that actuates the fixed pin and a locking-arm actuating guide pin that interacts with a camming surface on the locking arm.

Abstract: In a sheet conveying unit, two conveying sections turn linked and spaced apart such that sheet jams arising in the course of conveyance through the conveying sections can be easily cleared single-handedly. Wherein the sheet-conveying unit functions to turn over, convey and store sheets in a dual-sided copying section inside a copying machine main body (1), it may include a main frame (30) that is withdrawable frontward from the copying machine main body (1); an intermediate tray (31) storing the reversed sheets; a lower conveyor (32); an upper conveyor (33); and a linkage (34). The upper and lower conveyors (33, 32) have upper and lower conveying guides (50, 45) and upper and lower conveying rollers (51, 46), respectively, and both conveyors are open/closable on the main frame (30) disposed above the intermediate tray (31).

Abstract: A sheet transport system for an image-forming apparatus including a scanner unit on an upper part of an image-forming unit. A paper ejecting path ejects an image formed paper sheet to an ejected paper stacker via the image-forming unit. The paper ejecting path includes a straight sheet feeding path and a turn-around sheet feeding path. A scanning sheet path conveys an original document through an original document platform to a scanned paper stacker via the scanner unit. A sheet path selector selects one of the paper ejecting path or scanning sheet path, the scanning sheet path and the paper ejecting path crossing each other. A manual paper ejecting path selector allows manually selecting one of the straight sheet feeding path and the turn-around sheet feeding path.

Abstract: Selectable inverting or folding of various sizes of sheets in various fold positions is provided with an integral dual mode inverting or folding apparatus including a sheet inverting chute for receiving and guiding a sheet therein and having both an input and an intermediate aperture; and a reversible servo driven sheet drive in the chute downstream of the intermediate aperture. A sheet fed into the chute for inversion is reverse driven back to the chute input. A sheet fed into the chute for folding is instead stopped at the desired folding position by the servo drive and reverse driven out of the intermediate aperture into a sheet folding nip, preferably with the assistance of a blade member moved through the intermediate aperture to buckle and push that portion of the sheet adjacent to the intermediate aperture into the sheet folding nip.

Abstract: In a device comprised of two rotating cam rollers that are spaced apart from each other by a nip, which device is for distributing a flow of signatures, first and second conveyor belts are disposed so that they can be moved cyclically back and forth onto the guide face of a guide tab respectively associated with them.

Abstract: An active switching mechanism is used for diverting paper sheets from a first area (A) to either possible paths (ab or ac). The sheets along the first path (ab) can be directly conveyed to a second area (B), and the sheets along the second path (ac) can be directed through a passive switching mechanism (4) to a third area (C), the direction of the moving sheets being reversed through a reversing mechanism, thereby enabling said sheets to be conveyed in the reverse direction from the third area (C) along a third path (cb) to the second area (B), using a passive switching device (4).

Abstract: There is disclosed a sheet distribution device in which by using a junction conveying means for conveying sheets from a main sorter unit to a slave sorter unit also as a first conveying portion of the sheet distribution device when sheet distribution devices are interconnected, the manufacture cost of the sheet distribution device is reduced. The interconnectable sheet distribution device is provided with a first conveying portion 5A for receiving an image formed sheet 2 from an image forming device 1 to convey the sheet into a body and a second conveying portion 5B for receiving the sheet 2 from the first conveying portion 5A to convey the sheet to each of plural distribution bins 4. At the time of interconnection, a third conveying portion 5D (junction conveying means) for conveying the sheet 2 from a main sorter unit S1 to a slave sorter unit S2 is used also as the first conveying portion 5A.

Abstract: A diverter wedge for a pinless folder is adapted for cooperative association with a diverter guide mechanism operating to direct the lateral disposition of the leading edge of a signature relative to the wedge to one of a plurality of collation paths. The diverter wedge includes an elongated bar having a longitudinal axis and a generally triangular cross section transverse to said longitudinal axis. The bar is fixed in position and also includes a base, a vertex edge opposite the base, and planar diversion surfaces diverging from the vertex edge, an air inlet port connectable to a source of pressurized air, and a plurality of air discharge ports connected to the air inlet port and intersecting one of the planar diversion surfaces. At least one air discharge port intersects the vertex edge.

Abstract: A device for automatically determining the weight of items of post comprising a feeding device (1) that contain conveyor belts that grip the postal items and conveys them in single file. A distributor (3) separates the incomming stream of items from the feeding device (1) into parallel conveying paths (TS) where they are weighed. The parallel conveying paths (TS) also contain belts which continue to grasp the postal items even as they are being weighed. Once the items are weighed, they are fed to a channelling device (4) which recombines the multiple streams of postal items from the parallel conveying paths (TS) into a single stream (2).

Abstract: A sheet conveyed into a sheet discharge processing device is conveyed through a straight convey path by first convey rollers and then is discharged onto a first discharge tray by second convey rollers and first discharge rollers. Second discharge rollers are arranged on a reverse convey path. A second discharge tray and a fan for applying an external force to the rear surface of a sheet are placed below the reverse convey path. When the trailing end of a sheet is detected by a second detection sensor, the fan is driven for a predetermined period of time to blow air against the rear surface of the discharged sheet. When sheets conveyed into the sheet discharge processing device are guided to a post-processing convey path by the first convey rollers so as to be subjected to post-processing, and are sequentially conveyed to a sheet stored section by convey rollers from the last or start page, the sheets are guided along one of guide plates constituting the sheet storing section to be aligned.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a re-supply stacker for reversing a front surface and a rear surface of a sheet and temporarily stacking sheets so that a sheet having one surface on which an image was formed by an image forming unit is re-supplied to the image forming unit, a sheet conveyer for reversing a front surface and a rear surface of a sheet and conveying the sheet to the re-supply stacker, a shifter for shifting the sheet discharged from the sheet conveyer onto the re-supply stacker to abut the sheet against a regulation unit for regulating a position of the sheet, and a controller for controlling so that a shift amount of the shifter is changed.

Abstract: The disclosed sorting device, within a conveyor of plate-like workpieces, comprises a first lower rear conveyor (40) ending in a front wheel or roller (42) driven in rotation. It also comprises a second lower front conveyor (50) located behind the first and beginning with a rear wheel or roller (52) driven in rotation. It is also provided with compression device (30, 35) for pressing the plate-like workpieces against the lower conveyors, and a sorter (60) interposed between the front roller (42) of the first conveyor (40) and the rear roller (52) of the second conveyor (50), the sorter (60) having, in cross section, a corner facing the upstream or feed end of the conveyor, with a first side parallel to the normal path of the conveyors, and a second slanted side along an ejection path passing between the first and second lower conveyors. The device also comprises deflection means (26, 32) situated slightly above the front half of the front wheel or roller (42) of the first conveyor (40).

Abstract: This invention relates to an image forming apparatus for recording an image on recording paper. The apparatus has a main base frame internally provided with an imaging unit for recording an image on recording paper, an upper frame disposed on-the main base frame and pivotally movable about an axis of a pivot provided on one end of the upper frame corresponding to a rear side of the apparatus to open a front side of the apparatus, a document feeder unit disposed on the upper frame for feeding an original document set thereon toward the front side, a document discharge tray attached to the main base frame for receiving the document fed by the document feeder unit, and a recording paper discharge tray attached to the main base frame beneath the document discharge tray for receiving the recording paper carrying the recorded image. The document discharge tray and the recording paper discharge tray are integrally attached to the main base frame via a tray frame to form a one piece unit.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder includes a paper supply inlet and a first paper ejection outlet disposed above the paper supply inlet, a paper supply path for leading a document supplied from the paper supply inlet to a reading section, and a paper ejection path for leading the document from the reading section to the first paper ejection outlet. The automatic document feeder further includes a circulation path situated between the paper ejection path and the paper supply path for reversing a transfer direction of the document, and a document reversing path connected between the paper ejection path and a second paper ejection outlet different from the first paper ejection outlet for reversing front and rear surfaces of the document. The transfer direction as well as the front and rear surfaces of the document can be changed, as desired.

Abstract: A device for eliminating defective flat objects, which are being conveyed individually and at a distance from each other, preferably tubular segments or sack workpieces during the production of sacks, and for forming stacks of flawless objects, said device comprising a twin belt conveyor, which conveys the objects and comprises groups of continuous belts that are spaced apart and cycle parallel to each other; comprising a system for scanning the objects; and comprising a shunt, which eliminates the objects that are recognized to be defective. Behind the discharge end of the twin belt conveyor there is a stack shaft with an intermediate stacker plate, and before the discharge end there is a rake-shaped deflecting element, which forms the shunt and can be moved between the bottom conveying run of the twin belt conveyor and which guides the objects, recognized to be defective, into a place of deposit, arranged above the stack shaft.

Abstract: A paper sorting device is incorporated in a recording machine. The paper sorting device includes a first paper tray located near a recording paper exit of the recording machine and a second paper tray located below the first paper tray. A flap is provided as a part of the first paper tray such that it can move to form an opening for passing of the recording paper therethrough. A drive mechanism is also provided for maintaining the flap in position or moving the flap to form the opening. When the flap is maintained in position, the recording paper is ejected onto the first paper tray. When the flap is moved, the recording paper falls onto the second tray through the opening made by the moved flap. Therefore, two kinds of recording paper are separately collected in the two paper trays respectively. The flap may be hinge-linked to the first paper tray so that it can rotate about its hinge upwards and downwards.

Abstract: A smudge-free sheet material handling apparatus and method are disclosed. The device moves sheet material by only pushing on the edges of the sheet material. Since there is no toner or ink at these locations, the sheet material can be fed without risk of smudging the toner material on the sheet surfaces. Furthermore, since no high friction parts come into relative contact/movement with the surfaces of the sheet material, smudging is even further reduced.

Abstract: Documents to be imaged which lie one upon another in a prescribed order of page on an automatic document feeding device are automatically fed one by one to a scanning reference position defined in an image scanning position of an image processing device and discharged, after being imaged, to a discharge tray in the same order of page as those initially stacked. The document sent out from the image scanning position to a delivery passage after being imaged is sent back to the document scanning position through a return passage to be turned over. When the document being sent back is introduced into the image scanning position by the longitudinal size of the document, document transporting means is reversed to discharge the document, thereby to shorten the time required to discharge the document from the image scanning position to the discharge tray through a document discharge passage.

Abstract: For temporarily storing sheets, envelopes and the like, the objects are received one by one in a buffer apparatus and delivered one by one from that apparatus. For each object, a code associated with that object is determined, which code is stored in accordance with the order of receipt of the objects. Each object that is discharged is scanned and the scanning result is compared with a code that on the basis of order information is supposed to be associated with that object. If a particular minimum extent of agreement between the compared data is found, a normal operating status is adhered to. If less than the particular extent of agreement between the compared data is found, an error message status is selected. There is also described a buffer apparatus for temporarily storing the objects. Different objects can indiscriminately be processed in an irregular order and checked for separation.

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: A device for the transport and deposit of sheets in a stacking region is provided. The device includes pneumatic guiding elements below the conveying path and extending across the entire width. A chain-conveyor system and a pneumatic conveyor system following the chain-conveyor system are provided. The devices also provides for selectable paths to plural delivery positions.

Abstract: An electromagnetically operated sheet diverter for an image forming apparatus. The sheet diverter diverts a sheet from a common path to one of two possible paths upon discharge from the image forming apparatus. The sheet diverter is small and compact, making the sheet diverter suitable for desktop image forming devices. A main controller operates the sheet diverter to divert sheets depending on the tray of origin. The sheet diverter has a holding bracket. An electromagnet is mounted to the holding bracket. A spring-biased paper diverting member is selectively attracted by and brought into contact with the electromagnet only when the magnet is activated. A longitudinal shaft is tightly held by the paper diverting member and is selectively rotated along with the paper diverting member. The longitudinal shaft has a plurality of fitting grooves, which are spaced out at regular intervals and have a D-shaped cutting configuration.

Abstract: The uppermost printed product is lifted from an intermediate stack, that was loaded from below, by a suction arrangement. The lifted product is fed into the active range of a pushing arrangement that is driven in synchronism with the suction arrangement. The pushing arrangement has stops which are arranged one behind another at a distance and circulate along a closed peripheral path and function to push the printed products released by the suction arrangement, one after another, by acting on the trailing edge of the printed products. The printed products are conveyed from the intermediate stack into the effective range of a conveying apparatus.

Abstract: Specialized sheets, for example, in the construction of business forms, having patterns of pressure activated cohesive are constructed so that all the sheets can be identical yet when the sheets are in a stack blocking of the pressure activated cohesive, and subsequent feeding problems, are eliminated by making the cohesive patterns offset a dimension "d" perpendicular to the direction of feed of the forms from a feed bin through an imaging device to an output tray. Either the feed bin, or an edge guide of the output tray, can be shifted at least the dimension "d" to automatically align the pressure activated cohesive patterns on cooperating first and second sheets, and after proper alignment of the cohesive patterns the sheets may be fed through a conventional pressure sealer.

Abstract: A device for selecting cut paperboard blanks has two series of drive belts detining two paths tor the blanks, namely an upper path and a lower path each of which is defined between drive belts. The upper and lower paths diverge from each other in the device. A flap that is disposed where the paths diverge from each other is pivotally mounted about a downstream shaft and is capable of occupying two positions, namely, a lower position in which the blanks are fed to the upper path and an upper position in which the blanks are fed to the lower path. Each of the paths has an upstream portion from the flap and a downstream portion from the flap and each of the paths is more steeply inclined relative to the horizontal in one of its upstream and downstream portions than in the other of its upstream and downstream portions.

Abstract: A sheet conveyed into a sheet discharge processing device is conveyed through a straight convey path by first convey rollers and then is discharged onto a first discharge tray by second convey rollers and first discharge rollers. Second discharge rollers are arranged on a reverse convey path. A second discharge tray and a fan for applying an external force to the rear surface of a sheet are placed below the reverse convey path. When the trailing end of a sheet is detected by a second detection sensor, the fan is driven for a predetermined period of time to blow air against the rear surface of the discharged sheet. When sheets conveyed into the sheet discharge processing device are guided to a post-processing convey path by the first convey rollers so as to be subjected to post-processing, and are sequentially conveyed to a sheet storing section by convey rollers from the last or start page, the sheets are guided along one of guide plates constituting the sheet storing section to be aligned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for unloading a sheet medium from a vacuum drum which may be a vacuum drum of an imagesetter for example, or a vacuum drum of an input scanning machine. The unloading is facilitated by the stiffness of sheet medium. When the vacuum holding a sheet medium is released, the stiffness of the sheet medium causes the sheet to separate from the drum. A roll forces the sheet onto the drum and the motion of the drum forces the sheet medium onto a table which has been moved into proximity of the drum. The sheet travels onto a transport mechanism which eventually takes over the moving of the sheet medium without requiring synchronism between the drum rotational speed and the transport mechanism.

Abstract: A staple sorter which distributes sheets ejected from a copying machine into a plurality of bins and staples stacks of sheets in the bins by use of a staple unit. The bins are vertically movable pitch by pitch, and a large-capacity tray is provided above the bins. A sheet conveyer gate which has rollers, is vertically movable between the bins and the tray. When the sheet conveyer gate is in a lowered position, the rollers take a stapled stack of sheets out of a bin. Then, the sheet conveyer gate is raised and takes the stack of sheets into the large-capacity tray.

Abstract: A method is provided for copying in which a duplex copy can be smoothly made. In making N sets of double-sided copies of M one-sided documents, a method of copying includes a first document circulating step of copying images of even ordinal numbered documents on unused sheets and then stores these sheets into an intermediate tray. The second document circulating step of copying images of odd ordinal numbered documents on rear faces of one-side copied sheets forming double-sided copied sheets which are discharged. A cycle detecting solenoid for separating each circulation of the one-sided documents is provided and breakdown judging step of judging by a controlling device that a cycle detection sensor is out of order in the case where the cycle detecting solenoid is operated and a polarity of the cycle detection sensor is not changed.

Abstract: The intermediate sheet feeding device for a duplex image forming apparatus includes: an intermediate tray; an sheet input conveyance path to the intermediate tray; a sheet output conveyance path from the intermediate tray; the sheet input conveyance path and the sheet output conveyance path being arranged to intersect each other at one end of the intermediate sheet tray; a conveying roller provided along the conveyance path from the image processing portion to the intermediate tray; and a conveyance controlling means which controls the conveying roller so as to convey the sheet at a speed lower than that when the sheet advances through the image processing portion and so that a short-sized sheet is conveyed slower than a long-sized sheet.

Abstract: A method of assembling successively fed paper sheets subjected to a printing treatment, and groupwise delivery thereof to a following station for further treatment, is described. The paper sheets are fed by a first transport mechanism along a main transit path over a guide mechanism to a second transport mechanism situated at a distance therefrom in the processing direction. The paper sheets are engaged by the second transport mechanism for transport in the processing direction. The second transport mechanism, for the purpose of receiving each following paper sheet in the group, is temporarily driven in a direction opposite to the processing direction. The trailing part of each of the sheets returned by the second transport mechanism is deflected out of the main transit path.

Abstract: A document setting tray of the ADF is disposed above a platen glass of an image forming apparatus. A duplex document ejecting tray is disposed above a document setting tray. A switch back table, on which the duplex document is switched back after one side thereof has been read by the reading device and fed again toward the image reading device, is disposed between the document setting tray and the duplex document ejecting tray. A switch back return path is disposed between the reading position of the image reading position and the switch back table.

Abstract: A sorter includes a non-sorting paper exit, a sorting paper exit, a non-sorting bin and a bin assembly having a plurality of sorting bins. When a non-sorting mode is selected, papers is ejected from the non-sorting exit to the non-sorting bin which faces to the non-sorting exit. When a sorting mode is selected, papers are ejected from the sorting exit to the sorting bins each of which faces to the sorting exit by sequentially shifting the bin assembly. In this operation, the non-sorting bin is kept stationary while the papers are ejected to the upper sorting bins, and the non-sorting bin is shift together with the sorting bins while the paper are ejected to the lower sorting bins.

Abstract: A recycle document feeder according to the present invention includes a cover (251) covering a document discharge portion (30). The cover (251) is openably supported by a pivot shaft (256) between a pair of frames (255). A feed-back path (32) for guiding a document original onto a document placing plate is defined by a pair of guide members (257, 258) provided in an opposed relation. The upper guide member (258) is attached to the interior face of the cover (251). A switch claw (253) for switching the document traveling direction is attached to the pivot shaft (256) which supports the cover (251). Thus, there is no need for additionally providing a shaft for supporting the switch claw (253), thereby simplifying the construction of the document discharge portion (30).

Abstract: A document feeding device mounted on an image processing device such as a copying machine for automatically feeding duplex original documents having images to be read on both sides to an image reading point one by one in such a manner that the document fed from a supply tray is reversed at a switchback part, sent through the image reading point to read the image on one side thereof, sent back to the switchback part to be turned upside down, again sent through the image reading point to read the image on the other side thereof, and then, discharged to a discharge tray. The documents can be rationally transported at high speed with high efficiency, and consecutively discharged to the discharge tray in the same order of page as those initially set on the supply tray.

Abstract: A reversing device for at least one sheet of paper, intended particularly for inclusion in a scanner in a printing device such as a printer or a copying machine. The reversing device has a first guide for guiding one or more paper sheets along a feed path in a first direction. A roller system is also provided and is disposed downstream from the first guide. The roller system defines a transport nip and comprises at least one driven roller which is adapted to be driven selectively in two opposite directions of rotation for selectively driving the sheet of paper respectively in a second direction and a third direction. The second direction has a component which is in the first direction, and the third direction is opposite to the first direction. A second guide is also provided for guiding the paper sheet in a fourth direction which has a component in the third direction. When moving in the fourth direction, the paper sheet moves along a discharge path which is different from the feed path.

Abstract: A mail accumulating device having a number of stream forming units, each of which has a pair of powered belts superimposed at a point of contact defining the input of the unit. Each stream forming unit is provided with a sensor for detecting the passage of a mail item into the unit, and for generating a signal for activating the belts, thereby moving the mail items retained on the belts from the input to the output of the unit in discrete steps, and forming a group of overlapping mail items with the leading edges separated by a substantially constant distance. The device also includes a number of conveyor belt devices, each of which has an input communicating with the output of a respective stream forming unit, to enable the conveyor belt to receive a group of mail items at the input and feed the group of mail items to an output of the conveyor belt device to define an accumulating unit.

Abstract: A document collector, stager and diverter apparatus and method are provided for processing sheet articles through a first and second stage. The first stage is adapted for receiving sheet articles advanced thereto and collected therein and includes a first transport mechanism being operative for selectively diverting collected sheet articles in a divert direction opposite to the conveying direction of the sheet articles. Alternately, the first transport mechanism is operative for selectively advancing the collected sheet articles from the first stage to the second stage. In the second stage, sheet articles can be independently processed and held until a predetermined time when they can be advanced from the second stage by a second transport mechanism. The first and second transport mechanisms each preferably includes plastic chains each with plastic lugs thereon. The chains of the first and second transport mechanisms are simultaneously rotatably movable by a motor and gears or pulleys associated therewith.

Abstract: A sorter for sorting a printed sheet discharged from an image forming machine includes a plurality of bins arranged in a vertical direction; a conveyer provided vertically along the plurality of bins to convey the printed sheet vertically downward; an indexer having a guide surface in its upper portion, being vertically movable along a sheet travel route of the conveyer, for peeling the printed sheet off the conveyer with the guide surface and sending the printed sheet in either one of the plurality of bins; a controller connecting for driving the conveyer and the indexer; and an operating panel-connecting to the controller.

Abstract: A base cabinet for an electronic printer has facilities for feeding sheets of paper from the base to a printer resting on the base and selectively for a) returning printed sheets to the base for stacking; b) inverting printed sheets exiting the printer and passing them to a receiver; c) passing sheets or envelopes exiting the printer straight through to a receiving tray; and d) feeding sheets exiting the printer upwardly to a sorter or mailbox.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an imaging assembly capable of forming an image on a copy sheet; a sheet inverting path disposed downstream of the image assembly and capable of transporting the copy sheet in a first direction; an intermediate tray unit arranged downstream of the sheet inverting path and capable of receiving the copy sheet transferred from the sheet inverting path and stacking a plurality of the copy sheets thereon; and a refeed unit capable of feeding copy sheets stacked on the intermediate tray unit in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A copying machine which has a function to contain sheets, each of which has an image on a first side, in a refeeding unit and refeed the sheets for forming an image on a second side. The refeeding unit has an intermediate tray, a pick-up roller for refeeding the sheets one by one and a containing section for feeding the sheets to the intermediate tray. Each of the sheets is fed into the intermediate tray by a first or a second roller of the containing section. The containing section is movable along a transporting way and set at such a position that the first and the second roller are positioned corresponding to the size of sheets to be contained in the intermediate tray.

Abstract: A sheet delivery apparatus (10) in the form of an accessory adapted to be secured to a printing machine (11). The apparatus comprises a sheet receiver (12) arranged to co-operate with the printing machine to receive one or more sheets output by the printing machine, and sheet delivery system (18, 19) for presenting the one or more sheets to a user, the sheets being partially fed by the sheet delivery means through a security gate and deflector system to enable removal of the sheet or sheets by the user. The sheet delivery system is controlled so as to withdraw sheets from access by the user if the sheets have not been removed after a predetermined time has elapsed and to deflect them into an internal secure bin, with the security gate and deflector system being provided by a dual function dual position shutter and deflector member.

Abstract: An apparatus for accumulating sheets from a secondary source and changing their conveyance direction 90.degree.. The accumulator is a group of vertically stacked bins that discharge batchwise and are loaded from the secondary source alternately by way of a diverter. Discharge is synchronous with a directionally constant primary sheet source.

Abstract: The sheets in each tray of a multi tray sheet feeder are of the same thickness, but the sheets in one tray may be of a different thickness than the sheets in another tray. The sheets are fed from each sheet feeder tray to an intermediate stacker and then to a printer. A first sensor is provided just prior to entry of a sheet into the intermediate stacker and a second sensor is provided to sense a sheet as it is fed from the intermediate stacker. If the paper weight of sheets of paper on a tray fall within a first range of paper weight values, each sensor is designed to have a first given voltage response condition when sensing those sheets and if the paper weight of the sheets falls within a second range of paper weight values each sensor is designed to have a second given voltage response condition sensing the latter sheets.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus having a frame with an inlet for sheet stock and first and second sheet receiving structures. A sheet guide member is provided and is movable between positions for facilitating guiding of the sheet stock to a respective one of the first and second sheet receiving structures. A sheet stock size selection device produces control signals indicative of a size of the sheet stock inputted at the inlet. A control device is responsive to the control signals for controlling movement of the sheet guide member. The sheet guide member includes a clamp member thereon movable into and out of engagement with a support in one of the sheet receiving regions to physically hold the sheet stock delivered thereto in place. The sheet guide member additionally includes an auxiliary roller and a lever arm with a linkage interconnecting the lever arm, the sheet guide member and the sheet clamp member.

Abstract: A guide apparatus and method are provided for selectively guiding sheet articles into a first, second or third conveying path. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second conveying paths are the upper and lower conveying paths, respectively, of a dual-deck accumulator and the third conveying path is a divert path. The guide apparatus includes a guide member having a pair of spaced-apart divert plates which are elongated and parallel so as to define a slot therebetween for passage of sheet articles therethrough. The divert plates are fixedly positioned with respect to one another and selectively pivotal in a first position for guiding sheet articles into a first conveying path, a second position for guiding sheet articles into a second conveying path and a third position for guiding sheet articles into a third conveying path.

Abstract: A document setting tray of the ADF is disposed above a platen glass of an image forming apparatus. A duplex document ejecting tray is disposed above a document setting tray. A switch back table, on which the duplex document is switched back after one side thereof has been read by the reading device and fed again toward the image reading device, is disposed between the document setting tray and the duplex document ejecting tray. A switch back return path is disposed between the reading position of the image reading position and the switch back table.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for corrugating the output of a reproduction device such as a photocopier includes a guiding arm for guiding an image carrying medium in a predetermined path towards a destination output bin and a projection for corrugating the image carrying medium as it is being guided by the guiding arm. The current corrugation device is suitable for a multiple tray sorter unit since it does not require additional corrugation members.

Abstract: A sheet feed sensor is designed to have a first given voltage response condition for sensing sheets within a first range of paper weight values and a second given voltage response condition for sensing sheets within a second range of paper weight values. A current value supplied to the emitter of the sensor can be controlled to provide the desired voltage response or a resistance in a phototransistor collector circuit can be varied to provide the desired voltage response condition. If the first range of paper weight values is lighter than the second range of paper weight values, the sensor, when in the first given voltage response condition, will have a voltage response, when sensing a sheet of a given paper weight, which is higher than the voltage response when the same sensor senses a sheet of the same paper weight, when the sensor is in the second given voltage response condition.