Abstract: A sorter for separating a plurality of documents into two groups on the basis of characteristics which distinguish the documents of one group from the documents of the other group in which a cabinet has an input tray from which documents are fed one by one along a path past a sensor and between a pair of belts having divergent path portions between which a diverter responsive to the sensor is disposed and is adapted to divert documents alternatively to the nip between an upper pinch roller and one of the belts in its divergent path portion to cause the document to be deposited in an upper output tray by an upper stacker or to the nip between a lower pinch roller and the other belt in its divergent path portion to cause the document to be deposited in a lower output tray by a lower stacker in which the upper output tray and the upper stacker and the pinch rollers are mounted for movement as a unit between an operative position and an inoperative position at which the diverter is accessible with a magnetic coup

Abstract: A document transport device for document scanners and classifiers such as bar code readers which is able to send a read document different directions depending on its classification is discussed. The transport device uses a pivotable surface to direct documents and is able to be used with high speed document reading machines and documents of varying size and width.

Abstract: In a sheet output module for the collection and stacking of printed media sheets from the output of a reproduction apparatus, with multiple separate sheet collection bins in a vertical array, a sheet input for receiving the sheets, and a sheet transport path for transporting the sheets to a selected bin; the sheet input is at a central vertical level intermediately of the module and the vertical bin array, the vertical bin array is divided into first and second portions with a central vertical space therebetween, the sheet transport path has a common shared central path from the input to a branching position where it arcuately branches in opposite directions, with a first branch path extending upwardly to feed sheets to the first portion of the bins and a second branch path extending downwardly to feed sheets to the second portion of the bins.

Abstract: Positions of mobile guiding plates 54 and 62 are changed over by manipulation, by operation of a panel of a controller or by a signal from a sensor for detecting a stiffness of an original. When the mobile guiding plates 54 and 62 are rotated to locations for guiding the original towards the front of the scanner proper 2 or the back of an original carrying passage of the scanner proper 2, the original carried to the back of the scanner proper 2 runs onto the mobile guiding plates 54 and 62, and makes a U-turn by being guided and discharged to the front of the scanner proper 2. When the mobile guiding plates 54 and 62 are rotated from the guiding position to another position, the original which is carried to the back of the scanner proper 2 is discharged as it is to the back of the scanner proper 2 without changing direction.

Abstract: A transport path is branched into a main pass and a bypass. A deflector is provided at a branch point, for switching the path either to the bypass or to the main pass. Sheet detection switches are respectively provided along the bypass and the main pass, and also on a stapler plate, for controlling the rotation of a transfer roller. In this way, a first sheet being transported through the main pass and a second sheet being transported through the bypass can be discharged onto the stapler plate at the same time. As a result, the problem of the device being made larger or reducing the quality of the sheets can be prevented, and a faster process after copying can be achieved.

Abstract: An orientation chute is provided for a sorting machine which has a horizontal conveyor. The chute positively guides the objects as they leave the conveyor such that the relative orientation of successive objects leaving the container is maintained as the objects are deposited at a point of collection. A curved panel, either smooth or stepped, is used to intercept the objects as they leave the conveyor and to redirect them toward a stop member which stops their horizontal inertial velocity. The panel is sloped from the vertical to balance gravitational and centrifugal forces to maintain the object essentially horizontally as it moves across the panel. Once the object is stopped, it falls under the force of gravity along a slide potion of the chute to be deposited in a collection container.

Abstract: An orientation chute is provided for a sorting machine which has a horizontal conveyor. The chute positively guides the objects as they leave the conveyor such that the relative orientation of successive objects leaving the container is maintained as the objects are deposited at a point of collection. A curved panel is used to intercept the objects as they leave the conveyor and to redirect them toward a stop member which stops their horizontal inertial velocity. The panel is sloped from the vertical to balance gravitational and centrifugal forces to maintain the object essentially horizontally as it moves across the panel. Once the object is stopped, it falls under the force of gravity along a slide portion of the chute to be deposited in a collection container.

Abstract: A combined system of an image processing machine (e.g., a copying machine) and a sheet handling machine. They are placed with an image reading part (e.g., a glass plate of the copying machine) therebetween. In the combined system, one-sided or two-sided original sheets and processed sheets are orderly stacked on respective final tray after they are finished processing if the original sheets are stacked orderly in the initial tray, i.e., the original sheets are laid on the final tray with the order of the page numbers maintained from the order at the initial tray, and the processed sheets are also stacked on the finish tray with the same order. In a simple mode: the original sheet is placed on the image reading part, processed (copied), reversed and ejected to a first final tray, while the process sheet (copy sheet) is processed and ejected onto the finish tray without reversing.

Abstract: A sheet diverter apparatus diverts sheets into alternate paths by guiding the leading portion of each sheet through a gap in a horizontal conveyor into alternate diverter belt conveyor units where the sheet is firmly grasped for transfer. The one conveyor unit is a horizontal unit having a top belt conveyor and a bottom belt conveyor, one of which is offset downstream to form a diverting gap. A diverter is located to successively rotate through the gap and divert the alternate sheet into the angulated conveyor unit. In an upwardly angulated conveyor, the horizontal moving sheet is supported by the bottom conveyor belt of the horizontal unit. In a downward angulated conveyor unit, the length of the gap is selected to maintain sheet flow across a gap in the plane of the sheet. The top conveyor of the horizontal unit assists the support of the horizontal sheet. The linear or surface speed of the diverter cam is greater than the linear speed of the sheet.

Abstract: A sorter for sorting recording sheets after image recording by an image forming apparatus is disclosed here. The sorter is provided with a plurality of bins arrayed along a main path of the recording sheet, a plurality of change over gates to guide the recording sheet from the main path to a selected bin, a conveyance mechanism to convey the recording sheet through the main path to the selected bin, a plurality of pinch rollers dispersively located near the gates and the bins to press the recording sheet onto a conveyance surface of a conveyor belt of the conveyance mechanism and a member to back up the conveyor belt from the pressure of the pinch rollers.

Abstract: A discharge unit is provided on one side portion of the image-forming machine body to turn between an open position and a closed position. When the discharge unit is at the closed position, a discharge passage to the tray is defined over the discharge unit and a discharge passage to the sorter is defined under the discharge unit. When the discharge unit is turned to the open position, the lower portion of the discharge passage to the tray and the upper portion of the discharge passage to the sorter are opened.

Abstract: In a finisher unit 1, two rectilinear guide channels 9, 16 are arranged which cross each other at an acute angle (.alpha.). In the area of the point of intersection 19 of the guide channels 9, 16, a plurality of deflectors 24 are arranged which, under the action of gravity, cover the steeply inclined guide channel 16 such that they extend into the transport path of the sheets guided therein. The pivotally mounted deflectors 24 are pivoted counter-clockwise by an arriving sheet and thus are transferred to a position in which they close the transverse guide channel 9,9b such that they form a guiding surface connecting guide channel 16 across the point of intersection 19. The deflectors 24 which are mounted outside the guide channels 9,16 extend through recesses 9d, 16a, 16c, 16d into the channels and are limited in their end positions by end faces 9a and 16brespectively of the guide channels 9 and 16 respectively.

Abstract: A rotator mechanism has a frame, a rotating member and a bearing. The rotating member has a center rod and is rotatable along its axis. The bearing has a bearing portion for supporting the center rod, and a clasping portion for elastically clasping onto the frame. In assembly, first the center rod of the rotating member is positioned into the bearing portion of the bearing. Then, the clasping portion of the bearing is made to elastically clasp onto the frame, whereby the bearing is firmly attached to the frame. In disassembly, the rotating member is easily removed from the frame by detaching the clasping portion from the frame. The rotator mechanism can be applied in a sorter of an image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A sheet discharging apparatus having a curl generating device wherein a curl is generated in a sheet while the sheet is passing through the curl generating device, and a first guide disposed downstream of the curl generating device and switchingly movable between a first position where the sheet is directed toward a curved sheet path and a second position where the sheet is directed toward a direction the same as a sheet feeding direction from the curl generating device. The apparatus further has a sheet discharge guide disposed between the curl generating device and the first guide and switchingly movable in synchronism with the switching movement of the first guide to change its posture, between a position where the sheet discharged from the curl generating device is curled reversely and a position where the sheet discharged from the curl generating device is not further curled.

Abstract: In a sorting apparatus (1) for separating faulty blanks (16') from the remaining blanks (15,16), which have been produced from a paper web (14) by a cutting mechanism, is provided a sorting gate (17) with separately operating, juxtaposed individual gates (18,19) for each of the parallel web strands. By individual gates (25,26) of a following distributing gate (22), it is possible to compensate differences in the numbers of blanks of the two web strands leaving the sorting gate (17). On overlapping and collecting stations (31,33 or 32,34) following the distributing gate (22) each web strand has separately controlling units, so that all the stacks are produced independently of one another and can be conveyed on after production.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus disposed in a printer for turning over printed papers, which is capable of guiding printed papers to move toward a first paper receiving tray or a second paper receiving tray so as to pile the printed papers thereon with face down or face up. The apparatus includes a shaft disposed within the printer which is capable of being pivotally rotated around its longitudinal axis; a guiding means fixed on the shaft, having a first guide surface for guiding printed papers to move toward the first paper receiving tray and a second guide surface for guiding printed papers to move toward the second paper receiving tray, the first and second guide surfaces are disposed in such a way that only one of the first and second guide surfaces, in one time, is guided to face printed papers when the shaft is pivotally rotated around its longitudinal axis; and a crank capable of being urged by the first paper receiving tray.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for diverting a sheet having a leading edge to a first position or a second position. The apparatus comprises a first roller, a second roller, a third roller, a fourth roller and a diverter assembly. The first roller has segments separated by first gaps. The second roller has segments separated by second gaps. The second roller segments form incoming nips with the first roller segments. The third roller has segments separated by third gaps. The third roller segments form first exit nips with the first roller segments. The fourth roller has segments separated by fourth gaps. The fourth roller segments form second exit nips with the second roller segments. The diverter assembly has diverter segments positionable within at least one of the first gaps, the second gaps, the third gaps and the fourth gaps. The diverter assembly is for directing the leading edge of the sheet from the incoming nips to the first exit nips or the second exit nips.

Abstract: A diverter (10) for a printing press having a cylinder (14) for sequentially carrying printed matter (22), a device (16) for rotating the cylinder (14) a device (42) for passing the printed matter (22) along a first usual path (32) when the printed matter (22) is in a proper arrangement, and for diverting the printed matter (22) along a second different path (54) when the printed matter (22) becomes jammed along the first path (32).

Abstract: An improved prefeeder assembly for shingling sheets of planar material in which a sheet stack is positioned on a prefeeder lift conveyor which lowers the sheet stack into a floor pit to incrementally elevate the sheet stack. A block pusher assembly sequentially pushes block segments to a conveyor assembly where a shingling assembly shingles the sheets. A bottom sheet removal assembly having an in-path diverter plate contacts and diverts only the bottom sheet of the bottom most block segment as this block segment is being shingled. As shingled sheets are discharged to other process equipment, a tamping assembly actuated by balloon cylinders serve to tamp the sheet edges for uniform restacking.

Abstract: In a system of transporting sheets in an output path of a copier or printer to a sheet stacking area with opposing first and second sheet feeding rollers forming a sheet transporting nip engaging the leading edge of a sheet, while producing a relative orbital motion of the opposing rollers to progressively pivot the nip and thereby change the angular direction of motion of the leading edge of the sheet, plural mode selectable operation of this pivotal motion is provided. There is a selection between faceup and facedown stacking of the sheets by one selectable orbital motion of the nip. This selected orbital motion pivots the nip by greater than 90 degrees with the sheet's leading edge held in the nip, so that subsequently, the leading edge of the sheet is moving in a direction substantially different from the direction of motion of the leading edge when the leading edge first entered the nip, and the sheet is inverted.

Abstract: The conveying device comprises a first conveyor to feed printed products, arranged in an imbricated formation and arriving in a predetermined conveying direction, to an outfeed conveyor. In order to separate or detach printed products from this imbricated formation and supply the separated printed products to a second conveyor, there is provided a transfer or carry-over conveyor comprising two conveying arms pivotably connected to one another and arranged in tandem. The first conveying arm is stationarily mounted at its conveying-active end, and a reciprocating pivotable driving lever acts upon the second conveying arm for the purpose of shifting a conveying entrance of the transfer or carry-over conveyor from a working position, in which the printed products are supplied to the second conveyor, to a withdrawal position and again back to the working position.

Abstract: A sheet delivering mechanism guides sheets of different sizes fed from sheet feed units along a sheet guide passage including electrographic printing mechanism for printing, delivers printed sheets of different sizes to sheet receiving trays of corresponding sizes, respectively, by switching guide fingers between different guide positions according to the size of the printed sheet, so that the printed sheets are sorted by size and the printed sheets of the same size are delivered to the corresponding sheet receiving tray. The smaller sheet receiving trays for the smaller printed sheets are disposed above the larger sheet receiving trays for the larger printed sheets to facilitate taking out the printed sheets from the sheet receiving trays.

Abstract: A paper conveyor for conveying paper includes a conveyor roll for conveying paper, a drive motor for driving and rotating the conveyor roll, a rotary follower roll for pressing onto the conveyor roll and for holding a paper and a convey direction switch mechanism for switching the conveying direction of the paper. The paper is conveyed in a predetermined direction by the conveyor roll and the rotary follower roll. When the conveying direction of the paper is changed to an opposite direction, the convey direction switch mechanism is adapted to control the follower roll so that the follower roll can be rocked from one direction to another with its axis of rocking coinciding with an axis of the conveyor roll. Therefore, the conveying direction of the paper can be changed very smoothly.

Abstract: An upper unit relative to a unit positioned lower than the upper unit is movably supported between an operating position above the lower unit and a non-operating position retracted from the lower unit.

Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying generally flat documents on-edge includes a primary conveyor belt defining a primary conveyor path, and at least one secondary conveyor belt defining a diverter station and having a first reach disposed in juxtaposed relation to a reach of the primary conveyor belt and a second reach inclined to the primary conveyor belt so as to establish an open span along the primary conveyor belt immediately downstream from the juxtaposed belt reaches. A document diverter mechanism includes pairs of guide arms selectively movable between first positions operative to guide a document along the open span of the primary conveyor belt after exiting the juxtaposed belt reaches, and second positions operative to divert a document from the primary conveyor path and guide the diverted document along the inclined reach of the secondary conveyor belt to a stacking station. A kicker arm assembly is operative to orient diverted documents at the stacker station for sweeping into a container.

Abstract: An apparatus for parting a shingled flow of two-layer paper products in the vertical direction with a rotatable deflector sheave and a wedged-shape deflector, both pivotally mounted above the shingled flow, wherein the wedged-shaped deflector may be inserted into the shingled flow and retracted at a speed in the conveying direction which exceeds the conveying speed of the shingled flow.

Abstract: A sorter and receiving tray for paper sheets is described, including the control of each paper sheet so that there is positive displacement of the sheet into the receiving tray. The device disclosed includes both a top and bottom feeding mechanism, each of which controls with positive displacement the placing of the sheet into a receiving tray.Additionally, the sorter of the present invention controls the curl of the paper and includes fixed trays which can be fully loaded with paper, inasmuch as the curl problem is eliminated. The sorter also includes a signal device to indicate when a receiving tray is filled with paper. The sorter and receiving tray of the present invention is particularly arranged to avoid interference between the sheets of paper, and to eliminate paper jams, mis-sorts, and the like.

Abstract: In an office machine, for example a printer, with an endless paper transport mode via a tractor and with an individual paper transport mode via driving rollers, one mode of operation is changed to the other in a simple way. A two-armed rotary lever is rotatably mounted relative to the housing and is positively coupled selectively to a paper switch for deflecting the paper path in accordance with the selected mode and selectively to the drive of the tractor, in such a way that, during the connection and disconnection of the tractor drive for respective endless paper and transport and idle modes, a change-over of the path switch takes place simultaneously.

Abstract: A belt conveyor (10) leads past two branch-off points (12,12') arranged behind one another, viewed in a conveying direction (F). Removal conveyors (14, 14'), whose conveying-away direction (W) runs at an angle to the conveying direction (F), lead away from the branch-off points (12, 12'). The printing products (18) are arranged on the belt conveyor (10) in an imbricated formation (S) in which each printing product (18) lies on the preceding one. In addition, the edges (20 and 26) of the printing products (18) run at an angle to the conveying direction (F), the leading folded edges (20) being oriented perpendicular to the conveying-away direction (W). The printing products (18) fed to the branch-off point (12, 12') may be selectively conveyed past the relevant branch-off point (12, 12') without any change in their position with respect to the conveying direction (F) or deflected in a branch-off direction (A).

Abstract: A shunt assembly has a shunt segment which is pivotably supported for rapid movement between two signature outfeed paths. The shunt segment has spaced tines at its ends with these tines interdigitating with spaced signature transport tapes and rolls.

Abstract: A check stager-feeder for accumulating, in a stage, a predetermined number of checks or sheets in a stack and for high-speed feeding of the stack to further equipment comprising a kicker/stop member movable by a solenoid between two angular orientations for stopping and accumulating into a stack on a fixed slide surface sheets delivered thereto while in one orientation and, while moving to the other orientation, for kicking and thereby feeding upon the slide surface the accumulated stack further. An embodiment of the stager-feeder includes a separator-sheet retriever for marked separator sheets fed thereto and interposed in the stream of received sheets, the separator sheets serving to control the number of sheets to be accumulated in a stack.

Abstract: A sorting device includes a plurality of shelves placed one above the other in a frame, each adapted to receive a printing plate in sorted fashion. Located in front of the insertion opening of the shelves is a transport device for moving the printing plates along the shelves, preferably from top to bottom. Between the transport device and the shelves is a sorting carriage which can travel along the shelves and which includes a pivotable flap which operates to deflect the printing plates from the transport device to a desired shelf. To allow the printing plates to be introduced into the shelves, while keeping the shelves placed close together, the shelves are pivotally mounted at their lower edges and the sorting carriage is provided with a tappet for engaging the shelf located above the selected shelf, to lift the upper shelves and thereby enlarge the insertion opening. The arrangement is especially suitable for sorting so-called "flexoplates" and flexible offset plates.

Abstract: A system embodying the present invention includes first structure having a first area for stacking at least one sheet to form a first collation, second structure having a second stacking area adjacent to the first stacking structure for stacking at least one sheet to form a second collation, and diverting structure arranged in a sheet path between the feeder and the first and second stacking structure for diverting the sheets fed by the feeder. The diverting structure having first and second operative positions for respectively diverting the sheets to the first stacking structure and to the second stacking structure. The system further provides control structure operatively coupled to the diverting structure for actuating the diverting structure to one of its operative positions and sensor structure operatively connected to the control structure for sensing when a sheet is conveyed to the diverting structure.

Abstract: A multiple bill escrow apparatus for forming a stack of successively received bills at an escrow location and for selectively moving the stack to a stacker or to a return in which a ram moves successively received bills to between pairs of first and second belt lengths to form the stack and in which the first and second belt lengths are mounted for relative movement to accomodate said stack and are concomitantly driven to move said stack out of the escrow position. Diverter belts are actuated selectively to direct the stack to a return path formed by pairs of third and fourth belt lengths mounted for relative movement to accommodate the stack and concomitantly driven to return the stack.

Abstract: A printing mechanism is preceded by a single feeding region for separate papers and endless papers. The feeding region comprises an inlet duct for manually feeding separate papers, a tractor for the transport of endless papers arranged fixedly under the inlet duct and at least one cassette for automatically feeding separate papers. The cassette is detachably arranged above the inlet duct and is inclined obliquely forwards.

Abstract: A sheet sorting device includes a plurality of trays which are immovably arranged in a vertical array, a sheet ejection unit which is selectively movable from tray to tray and which includes a guide member which guides a sheet into the entrance of the tray and an ejection roller which ejects the sheet. The ejection unit is connected with drive mechanism which includes a Geneva cam and wheel arrangement. Each rotation of the Geneva cam moves the ejection unit from one tray entrance to a predetermined position with respect to the next entrance. During non-sorting modes, the ejection unit is set in a predetermined high position above the uppermost tray wherein the distance between the ejection unit and the uppermost tray is greater than the space between trays.

Abstract: A paper pressing device for an image forming apparatus including an intermediate tray for temporarily holding a sheet of copy paper in the course of conveying the sheet of copy paper from a discharging side of the image forming apparatus to a feeding side of the image forming apparatus, a conveying path changer pivotably provided above the intermediate tray for changeably providing a first position of permitting a sheet of copy paper smaller than a predetermined size to move over the conveying path changer, and a second position of permitting a sheet of copy paper larger than the predetermined size to move under the conveying path changer, a pressing device attached to the conveying path changer and made of resilient material, the pressing means being pressable on a surface of the intermediate tray when the conveying path changer is set in the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting the feed path of sheets of paper capable of being driven by the constant rotation of the existing drive system of a photocopier, or the like. A gate is used for selectively directing paper to one of two feed path directions. The apparatus utilizes a frictional drive torque transfer mechanism that transmits a limited torque to the gate. When the gate is in the proper position, it is stopped by a stopper whose force exceeds the torque limit of the torque transfer mechanism allowing the gate to maintain the proper position while the drive system continues to rotate.

Abstract: An improved signature delivery apparatus includes a mechanism for diverting signatures into a first series serially arranged dual conveyors or a second series of serially arranged conveyors. Each of the series of serially arranged conveyors are substantially identical in construction. The first series includes an assembly of opposed conveyor belts which engage the leading edge of each signature and reduces the speed of the signatures. Subsequently, the signature passes into an adjacent series of opposed conveyor belts where the signature is overlapped with the next succeeding signature and the speed of the signatures is reduced further. Two stage speed reduction of signature movement with stacking or overlapping of the signatures at the second stage permits significantly increased speed of press operation.

Abstract: A sorting device includes a plurality of shelves placed one above the other in a frame, each adapted to receive a printing plate in sorted fashion. Located in front of the insertion opening of the shelves is a transport device for moving the printing plates along the shelves, preferably from top to bottom. Between the transport device and the shelves is a sorting carriage which can travel along the shelves and which includes a pivotable flap which operates to deflect the printing plates from the transport device to a desired shelf. To allow the printing plates to be introduced into the shelves, while keeping the shelves placed close together, the shelves are pivotally mounted at their lower edges and the sorting carriage is provided with a tappet for engaging the shelf located above the selected shelf, to lift the upper shelves and thereby enlarge the insertion opening. The arrangement is especially suitable for sorting so-called "flexoplates" and flexible offset plates.

Abstract: A card output hopper apparatus (20) receives cards (82) and delivers them to a preselected card tray (42). The output hopper rotatable deflector (52). The deflector (52) is situated in a recieving position to deflect a delivered card (82) toward a card tray (42). The deflector (52) rotates as the card is delivered to drive the card past a retainer (64) and onto a card stack in the card tray (42). The deflector (52) is also rotatable to a receiving position to deflect the card toward an opposing card tray (44).

Abstract: A paper stacking apparatus is for an office machine, wherein the office machine has a forward end and a rear end and includes rollers for sequentially supplying sheets of paper upwardly along a generally vertical path. The sheets extend transversely of the office machine. The path is located between the front end and the rear end. The paper stacking apparatus includes a support frame located above the rollers for sequentially supplying said sheets. A paper guide element is mounted within the support frame in alignment with the path. A forward stacker is mounted on the support frame forwardly of the paper guide element. A rear stacker is mounted on the support frame rearwardly of the paper guide element. The paper guide element is selectively movable to a forward position and to a rear position. The paper guide element at the forward position directs the sheets to the forward stacker for forward to rear stacking of the sheets thereon.

Abstract: A printing machine includes a charge neutralizing system for neutralizing static charge on sheets of material fed therethrough. The charge neutralizing system includes a grounded wire (47) located in proximity to the sheets for neutralizing charge on the sheets. The charge neutralizing system further includes a grounded conductive brush (81) mounted on a sheet deflector (61) so that one end of the brush (77) contacts sheets as they traverse a first sheet feed path (71) and the other end of the brush (79) contacts sheets are they are routed by the deflector to a second alternative sheet feed path (63). The grounded brush (81) further serves to decelerate the sheet as it exits the printing machine over the second sheet feed path (63).

Abstract: A tri-directional inverter for use in machines requiring copy sheet inversion for collated copy set output uses four rollers forming three sheet-feeding nips. All sheets enter the center nip and contact a diverter gate that urges them in either of two directions. The sheets are corrugated by corrugating rollers as they enter a spring loaded inversion channel. The spring and corrugation rollers urge the sheets back out of the inversion channel into engagement with either of the selected other nips formed by the four rollers for feeding back into the machine for further processing.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder for an image forming apparatus comprises first and second document trays each for stacking thereon one or more documents. A document feeding unit is provided for feeding the documents one by one from the first document tray in order from the uppermost one of the documents, while reversing the same upside down. A reversing convey unit is provided for receiving the document fed from the optical exposure portion and for feeding the same in a first direction toward the second document tray while reversing the same upside down, as well as a second direction opposite to the first direction. A first change-over member is provided for selectively connecting the optical exposure portion to the document feeding unit or the reversing convey unit.

Abstract: A transport apparatus for transporting media in various size sheets processed at a first processing station to a second processing station. The apparatus comprises, as main components thereof, a plurality of trays disposed between the first and second processing stations, each for accommodating media sheets of one size stacked one upon another, a first transport device for receiving media from the first processing station and transporting the media to the trays, and a second transport device associated with the trays for successively transporting the media from the trays to the second processing station.

Abstract: A printed paper dispensing apparatus for dispensing a predetermined number of printed papers in the form of bank notes, tickets or the like printed matter and a method of controlling the foregoing apparatus. In a case where a required number of bank notes move past abnormal bank note detecting sensors without abnormal bank notes detected thereby so that they are placed one above another in a layered structure on a belt conveyer, all the bank notes on the belt conveyer are conveyed to a dispensing outlet port after a predetermined period of time elapses after the last bank note has moved past the abnormal bank note detecting sensors. In a case where an abnormality is detected with the respective bank notes while they are placed on the belt conveyer in that way, the bank notes are introduced into an abnormal bank note receiving portion.

Abstract: A separation arrangement removes printed products from an arriving imbricated stream of printed products and supplies such to a buffer branch arrangement. The non-removed printed products arrive at a feeder installation from an infeed device where there is first formed an imbricated buffer stack of printed products. The removed printed products are wound for temporary storage at the buffer branch arrangement in an imbricated or shingled formation with a buffer winding band upon a winding core or mandrel to form a buffer package. Upon interruption of the arriving imbricated stream of printed products these printed products stored in the buffer package are unwound and delivered to the infeed device, so that the supply of the imbricated stream of printed products is not interrupted. Since the buffer package possesses an appreciable storage capacity it is also possible to span longer interruptions of the infed imbricated stream of printed products without having to shutdown the feeder installation.

Abstract: A folding machine in a rotary press of the type in which a printed a paper web is twice-folded and then cut into folded sheets by means of cutter drums, and the folded sheets are conveyed through a distributor section on the downstream side of the machine to a pair of ejectd paper sheet runners while being pinched by belts, is improved.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus comprises a machine body and a paper discharge unit removably attached to the machine body. The machine body defines a face-down discharge tray on top. The paper discharge unit includes a face-up discharge tray and a discharge roller pair. A switch lever is provided in the machine body for selecting between a state in which recording paper is turned over for discharge onto the face-down discharge tray, and a second state in which the recording paper is discharged face up onto the face-up discharge tray.