Bidirectionally Rotating Diverter Roller Patents (Class 271/304)
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Patent number: 11679170Abstract: A sanitizer is described which frames a payment media, such as a bill, a coin and a credit card, in an irradiation zone between narrowly spaced support walls having associated ultraviolet lamps arranged to irradiate the payment media for at least a predetermined minimum time period. In one approach a motorized transport transports the payment media to an entry point from which it falls into the irradiation zone. In another aspect, a gravity feed approach is employed to return the irradiated media item to a dispense zone. One application is to alleviate concern at a point of sale where customers and merchants are concerned about whether payment media may be carrying a dangerous virus.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Ellenby Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Aaron H. Dobbins, Bob M. Dobbins, Thomas Carullo
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Patent number: 8998206Abstract: A medium transport direction switching mechanism may be provided of a simple configuration which is capable of switching the transport direction of a transported information recording medium. One end may be a biasing member for biasing a pinch roller toward a transport roller engages a support shaft which supports the pinch roller, whereas the other end of the biasing member engages a retaining member which retains the support shaft. In the medium transport direction switching mechanism, rotational behavior of the pinch roller centering upon a rotational center of the transport roller is possible between a first facing position and a second facing position, wherein the pinch roller moves to the first facing position when the transport roller rotates positively, and moves to the second facing position when the transport roller rotates negatively.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2011Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Nidec Sankyo CorporationInventor: Chisato Hiyama
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Patent number: 8939448Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus including a driving source, a switchback roller which switches between a normal rotation direction and a reverse rotation direction, first and second gear train for rotating the switchback roller in the normal and reverse rotation directions, respectively, a switching mechanism which switches among a first mode for transmitting driving force to the first gear train, a second mode for transmitting the driving force to the second gear train, and a third mode for not to transmit the driving force, a switching element which switches between a first state allowing switching of the switching mechanism into the first or third mode and a second state allowing switching of the switching mechanism into the second mode; and a controller which controls a state change of the switching element between the first state and the second state.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2014Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yohei Hashimoto
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Patent number: 8876111Abstract: An inverting roller device is used for changing a conveying path of a paper. The inverting roller device includes a first rotating shaft, a first roller, a second rotating shaft, a second roller, and a first swinging arm. The first roller and the second roller are disposed on the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft, respectively. The first swinging arm is pivotally disposed on the first rotating shaft and connected with the second rotating shaft. First, the first roller and the second roller are rotated to allow the paper to be moved in a first traveling direction. Then, the rotation of the first roller is temporarily stopped, and the second rotating shaft and the second roller are driven by the first swinging arm to be moved relative to a surface of the first roller. Consequently, the conveying path of the paper is changed.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2013Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.Inventor: Chia-Tsui Lan
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Patent number: 8517379Abstract: A 3-way letterbox media diverter directs and controls media in 2 forward directions and 1 reverse direction within a printer's paper path. The letterbox design enables actuation of the diverter from a first position to a second position just as the trail edge of a sheet passes a post fuser nip. Once the diverter reaches the second position, an invert nip now controlling the sheet is reversed to thereby invert the sheet. Thus, inversion of the sheet is accomplished in a small space envelope, time to reverse direction is reduced, process speed can be reduced and additional paper guides are eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Nicola M Bianco, Richard G Hubbard
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Patent number: 8459644Abstract: A dual path, single reversing roll inverter driven by a single actuator includes a single reversing roller with two, diametrically opposed idler rollers. The configuration of the reversing roller and idler rollers forms a first nip and a second nip that are alternately used to accept sequential sheets from a paper path. The first and second nips discharge the sheets into respective first and second inverting paths. A method for inverting sheets using the dual path, single reversing roll inverter includes rotating the roller in a first direction to direct a first sheet through the first nip. The roller is then rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction to direct the first sheet from the first nip and into the first inverting path and to simultaneously direct a second sheet into the second nip. A gate alternately directs the sequential sheets into the first and second nips.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Bruce Allen Thompson, Frank Albert Porter, Michael J. Linder, William Matthew Harney, Robert J. Rinefierd
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Patent number: 8433234Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a housing formed with a discharge port, a printing device mounted in the housing, a discharge reverse unit to reversely move paper passing through the printing device, and a discharge unit to convey the paper, moving reversely by the discharge reverse unit, to the discharge port. The discharge reverse unit includes a guide member to guide the paper passing through the printing device to the discharge unit, and a lifting part to lift the guide member up and down. The image forming apparatus can prevent jams in a paper discharge device even when increasing a discharge speed in a discharge path, through which a printed printing medium is discharged in such a state that a printed surface of the printing medium is directed in a down direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LtdInventors: Min Jae Kim, Jin Min Chung
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Patent number: 8328195Abstract: An exit path assembly for an imaging device according to one embodiment includes a first exit nip formed by a first roller and a second roller and a second exit nip formed by the second roller and a third roller. The rotational direction of the second roller is opposite the rotational direction of the first and third rollers. The exit path assembly further includes a common drive linkage for driving the rotation of the first, second and third rollers. The common drive linkage has a one-way clutch coupled to the third roller for limiting the drive of the third roller to one direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: Robert Julian Rosacker, Scott Stephen Williams
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Publication number: 20120228824Abstract: An apparatus for diverting incoming printed products is provided. The apparatus includes a roll, a first motor coupled to the roll and a controller coupled to the first motor for controlling the rotation of the roller for diverting printed products along one of two different paths, each path associated with a direction of rotation of the roll. This apparatus may also include a shaft with at least one flipper mounted thereon and a second motor coupled to the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: GOSS INTERNATIONAL AMERICAS, INC.Inventors: Joseph Adrian ST. OURS, Mark Anthony WINGATE, David Elliot WHITTEN, Jared David KINSON
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Patent number: 8231126Abstract: A medium-directing device includes: first-third roll members, the third roll member contacting the first and second roll members in first and second regions, respectively; and a directing member having first and second directing surfaces and being rotatable between first and second positions such that the directing member, when located at the first position, directs a medium conveyed along a first conveyance path toward the first region via the first directing surface and directs a medium conveyed from the second region toward a second conveyance path via the second directing surface, the directing member including a region of the second directing surface on a side closer to the second region relative to a bent portion, in which, when the directing member is at the first position, a distance between the second directing surface and a tangential line between the second and third roll members increases toward the second region.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2010Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akio Shimonaga
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Patent number: 8219020Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a sheet support is described. Using one or more configurations, the number of parts for the sheet support may be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshiyuki Ito
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Patent number: 8113500Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2010Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.Inventors: Chen-Tsai Tsai, Keng-Wei Shih, Hsuan-Yang Lin
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Patent number: 8095063Abstract: An image forming apparatus having an improved structure to enable a user to conveniently operate the image forming apparatus at a front of the image forming apparatus, and a method thereof. The image forming apparatus includes a main body formed with a discharge port at a front portion, a printing unit mounted inside the main body and disposed adjacent to a front panel of the main body, a feeding unit to feed paper printed by the printing unit toward a rear panel of the main body, and a discharge reversal unit to reverse a moving direction of the paper fed by the feeding unit to feed the paper to the discharge port. A sensor to detect a moving position of the paper and a paper guide guiding movement of the paper is mounted between the feeding unit and the discharge reversal unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2011Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Byung Sun Ahn, Jin Min Chung, Jin Soo Lee, Min Jae Kim
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Patent number: 8087665Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Ko Hirai
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Patent number: 8052147Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: James A. Salomon, Norman R. Lilly, Aaron D. Smith
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Patent number: 8047544Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshiharu Sekino
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Patent number: 7946578Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2009Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company Ltd.Inventors: Kohji Hatayama, Taku Kudoh
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Publication number: 20110109039Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: Goss International Americas, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Adrian St. Ours, Mark Anthony Wingate, David Elliot Whitten, Jared David Kinson
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Patent number: 7896148Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for receiving and distributing currency. In particular, the present invention provides a novel apparatus for the inflow and outflow of a variety of currency. The systems of the present invention are capable of recycling a variety of currency from multiple countries and multiple denominations. The systems of the present invention have the added advantage of compact size.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Scan Coin ABInventors: Per Christian Aas, John Haakon Lippert
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Patent number: 7810628Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for receiving and distributing currency. In particular, the present invention provides a novel apparatus for the inflow and outflow of a variety of currency. The systems of the present invention are capable of recycling a variety of currency from multiple countries and multiple denominations. The systems of the present invention have the added advantage of compact size.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2008Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Inventors: Per Christian Aas, John Haakon Lippert
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Patent number: 7802786Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2008Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.Inventors: Chen-Tsai Tsai, Keng-Wei Shih, Hsuan-Yang Lin
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Patent number: 7578504Abstract: An automatic document feeder includes first, second, third, and fourth paths for guiding movement of a document. The document is fed through the first path and a scanning module so as to allow for scanning of a first side surface of the document. Thereafter, a switching gate is pivoted to a first position so as to allow the document to be moved from a front section of the second path onto a roller unit via the fourth path and a rear section of the third path. The rotational direction of the middle roller is changed in response to movement of the document onto the roller unit so as to allow the document to be moved onto the first path via the third path, thereby allowing for a subsequent scanning operation on a second side surface of the document. The automatic document feeder further includes a document-inverting path such that documents are automatically arranged according to paper number.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corp.Inventors: Chen-Tsai Tsai, Keng-Wei Shih, Hsuan-Yang Lin
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Patent number: 7198268Abstract: A sheet finisher for executing preselected processing with a sheet conveyed thereto of the present invention includes a first processing tray configured to temporarily store the sheet and deliver it. A first and a second path are positioned downstream of the first processing tray in a direction of sheet conveyance and configured to convey a first and a second sheet stack, respectively. The first path conveys the first sheet stack upward over the downstream portion of the first processing tray while the second path conveys it downward over the same. A switching device selects either one of the first and second paths. The sheet finisher of the present invention is low cost and highly productive and space saving.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Yamada, Nobuyoshi Suzuki, Masahiro Tamura, Hiromoto Saitoh, Shuuya Nagasako, Hiroki Okada, Junichi Iida, Akihito Andoh
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Patent number: 6929262Abstract: A sheet diverting assembly comprising at least three sheet access openings (5, 10, 15) through which sheets can be fed; and a rotatable diverting member (2) cooperating with each sheet access opening (5, 10, 15) so as to guide a sheet fed towards the diverting member (2) through one access opening (5, 10, 15) towards one or other of the remaining access openings (5, 10, 15) while rotating in the feed direction. The diverting member (2) includes a plurality of radially extending members (23), the members (23) being sufficiently stiff so as to extend radially outwardly in their rest position but to flex on contact with a sheet as the member (23) rotates.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: De la Rue International LimitedInventor: Urs Hostettler
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Patent number: 6854727Abstract: A knock-off unit for knocking off sheet material from the circumferential surface of an impression cylinder in a rotary printing machine operatable in recto and in recto/verso or perfector printing modes, includes a knock-off device mounted on a rectilinear guide and controllable by a gripper shaft for lifting a leading region of the sheet material off the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder. The knock-off device is coupled via a transmission mechanism to said gripper shaft and, during an outward movement, said knock-off device being extended beyond the circumferential surface of the impression cylinder, initially bridging an idle stroke; an impression cylinder in combination with the knock-off unit; and a printing unit having the knock-off unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AGInventor: Gerhard Heppenstiel
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Publication number: 20040113359Abstract: A sheet diverting assembly comprising at least three sheet access openings (5, 10, 15) through which sheets can be fed; and a rotatable diverting member (2) cooperating with each sheet access opening (5, 10, 15) so as to guide a sheet fed towards the diverting member (2) through one access opening (5, 10, 15) towards one or other of the remaining access openings (5, 10, 15) while rotating in the feed direction. The diverting member (2) includes a plurality of radially extending members (23), the members (23) being sufficiently stiff so as to extend radially outwardly in their rest position but to flex on contact with a sheet as the member (23) rotates.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventor: Ure Hostettler
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Patent number: 6341777Abstract: An inverter for reversing the orientation of a moving sheet includes a drive roller and an idler roller in circumferential contact in at least two positions, with a nip defined in each position.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2000Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Daniel L. Carter
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Publication number: 20010022427Abstract: A paper discharge device which can temporarily stock paper in the device before the paper is discharged from a discharge port, without a fear of wrinkling or folding the paper during the stock, and without a limitation on the kind and length of paper which can be stocked is disclosed, a paper discharge device comprises a first conveyance path (31) for guiding paper from an input side (16) to between a driving roller (2) and a driven roller (3), a second conveyance path (32), an initiating end thereof being joined to the first conveyance path (31) at a point nearer to the input side than the driving roller (2) and a terminating end thereof being connected to a discharge port (17), a paper stock space (8) provided on an opposite side to the input side (16) with a contact point (P1) of the driving roller (2) and the driven roller (3) being sandwiched therebetween, and a third conveyance path (33) for guiding the paper (60) from the contact point (P1) of the driving roller (2) and the driven roller (3 to the papeType: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2001Publication date: September 20, 2001Inventor: Akihiko Ito
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Patent number: 6240260Abstract: A system and method for transferring and buffering sheets of media between first and second components of an imagesetting system operates by: rotating a transfer buffer having at least two storage devices, to align a first storage device with the first component while concurrently aligning a second storage device with the second component; transferring a first sheet of said media from the first component to the first storage device; rotating the transfer buffer to align the first storage device with the second component while concurrently aligning the second storage device with the first component; and transferring the first sheet of said media from the first storage device to the second component while simultaneously transferring a second sheet of said media from the first component to the second storage device.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Agfa CorporationInventors: Libor Krupica, Arthur R. Newton, Jr.
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Patent number: 6186497Abstract: A low cost inverter apparatus of includes a dual positionable, multi-function gate and a stationary baffle that guides sheets toward catch or output trays or work in conjunction with reversible rolls to direct the sheets into a duplex path. The dual positionable gate and stationary baffle have points thereon that are positioned to use the beam strength of the sheets to align the sheets with a duplex nip that feeds the sheet into the duplex path.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Donald E. Johnston
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Patent number: 6186501Abstract: The present invention is directed to a diverter mechanism for use in a web fed rotary printing press, that is simple, low in mass, provides positive control of signatures passing through it, and can be located close to elements or mechanisms within the printing press for receiving signatures that have passed through the diverter mechanism. The diverter mechanism includes a nip formed using two cylinders. The nip can be rotated around an axis formed by the center of the nip, or can be rotated around a rotational axis of one of the two cylinders, to selectively aim a signature exiting from the nip at one of two or more receiving devices.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1998Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AGInventor: Joseph Adrian St. Ours
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Patent number: 6076818Abstract: A miniaturized and inexpensive sheet sensing device which is easy to control and simple in construction and makes it possible to reliably sense one circulation of the sheet. A sensing member whose tip end is reciprocatingly displaceable in the direction of stacking of documents is disposed from the top face side to the bottom face side of the documents. At this time, the sensing member is bent and the tip end thereof passes along the side face of the document. In this way, at an initial stage of the conveyance of the document, the sensing member is disposed on the bottom face side of the stack of documents and at this time the sensing member becomes substantially linear, whereby the tip end thereof abuts on the bottom face of the stack of documents. In such a state, the conveying operation is repeated. A sensor senses that the sensing member has passed through the top face side and thereby senses that the conveying operation of the document has made its one circulation.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1997Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Ayumu Oda
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Patent number: 5988621Abstract: A recycle document feeder according to the present invention includes a pair of document width regulating guides (9a, 9b) for guiding opposite edges of document originals (D) fed back onto a document placing plate (8) for alignment thereof with respect to the width thereof. With this construction, if the document width regulating guides (9a, 9b) each had a small length (A) as measured along a document transportation direction, the document originals (D) fed back onto the document placing plate (8) could not properly be aligned by the document width regulating guides (9a, 9b) thereby to be randomly stacked on the skew with respect to the document transportation direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Mita Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhisa Kondo, Toru Tanjo, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Harada, Masahiro Sako, Jun Kusakabe
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Patent number: 5966556Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1998Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuji Nakagawa, Yuji Okamoto
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Patent number: 5931454Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Mita Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhisa Kondo, Toru Tanjo, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Harada, Masahiro Sako, Jun Kusakabe
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Patent number: 5879000Abstract: An automatic document conveying device comprises a document table on which documents are placed; a vacuum separating/feeding means for feeding the set documents placed on the document table; a set document stopper for positioning the front ends of the documents placed on the document table; and a discharged document stopper for restraining the movement of the document discharged onto the set documents after being fed by the vacuum feeding means and subjected to image processing. A first opening and a second opening are provided in the document table. The vacuum separating/feeding means is disposed below the first opening. A feed drum connected to the vacuum chamber of the vacuum separating/feeding means via an opening/closing means is disposed below the second opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1998Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Mita Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masayuki Kakuta
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Patent number: 5868387Abstract: First and second switchback convey paths are arranged to be symmetrical about the convey path between an inlet and a discharge path. First and second detection sensors are arranged on the first and second switchback convey paths, respectively, to detect sheets conveyed therein. A switching gate is rotatably placed between the respective convey paths. The switching gate is constituted by a first reverse guide path for causing the inlet to communicate with the first switchback convey path and also causing the discharge path to communicate with the first switchback convey path, and a second reverse guide path for causing the discharge path to communicate with the second switchback convey path and also causing the inlet to communicate with the second switchback convey path.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1996Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Kida, Norio Hontani, Masanori Kato, Masanori Takeda, Kiyohide Ochi
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Patent number: 5676361Abstract: The paper tray for an automatic sheet feeder has a tray base (2) to which is attached a lower paper alignment face (4) having a sheet ejection slot (6). An upper paper striking face (8) is located opposite the lower paper alignment face, in the vicinity of which is a set-count finger (10). The upper paper striking face (8) in the form of a striking block (9) which increases in thickness from the tray base (2) upwards is shaped in such a way that the documents returned to the paper tray can be relied upon to come to rest on top of the set-count finger (10).Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1996Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Siegfried Garbe
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Patent number: 5394992Abstract: 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 coupType: GrantFiled: June 8, 1993Date of Patent: March 7, 1995Assignee: Brandt, Inc.Inventor: Theodore Winkler
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Patent number: 5258045Abstract: A route selector for a sheetlike article comprises an delivery path for feeding the sheetlike article, a pair of feed rollers located at the end of the delivery path, and a first and a second discharge paths separated by the feed rollers. The feed rollers are arranged so that a line connecting the central axes of rotation of the feed rollers is inclined with respect a line which is perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction. The feed rollers are rotatable forwardly and backwardly, determining the directions to which the sheetlike article is conveyed.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1992Date of Patent: November 2, 1993Assignee: Hirakawa Kogyosha Co., Ltd.Inventor: Miyuki Yamashita
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Patent number: 5234211Abstract: A diverting apparatus for diverting successive sheets from an entrance path in one of two different directions. The apparatus comprises a driven diverter roller having a plurality of spaced gripping sections for urging the sheets through the diverting apparatus A pair of primary idler rollers are provided, each being in direct contact with the driven diverter roller, so as to cause the idler rollers to rotate in the opposite direction the diverter roller is rotated. A second pair of idler rollers may be provided which are in direct contact with the primary idler rollers which provide a moving support guide which assists in controlling the path of the sheets passing through the diverting apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1992Date of Patent: August 10, 1993Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Anthony M. Olexy
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Patent number: 5234210Abstract: A diverting apparatus for diverting successive sheets from an entrance path in one of two different directions. The apparatus comprises a driven diverter roller having a plurality of spaced gripping sections for urging the sheets through the diverting apparatus. A pair of primary idler rollers are provided, each being in direct contact with the driven diverter roller, so as to cause the idler rollers to rotate in the opposite direction the diverter roller is rotated. A second pair of idler rollers may be provided which are in direct contact with the primary idler rollers which provide a moving support guide which assists in controlling the path of the sheets passing through the diverting apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1992Date of Patent: August 10, 1993Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Anthony M. Olexy
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Patent number: 5196897Abstract: A printer produces single and double sided images in correct page order using identically oriented sheets. An imprinting path is provided with mechanisms for transferring an image to one side of the sheet. The printer also has a sheet side reversing path that communicates with the imprinting path, and an output path. The printer includes first and second direction reversing paths that communicate with the imprinting path, the first direction reversing path further communicating with the sheet-side reversing path and the second direction reversing path communicating with the output path. A path selection apparatus is operable, when the printer is to imprint a double-sided image, to direct a sheet initially to the first direction reversing path after an image has been imprinted on one side thereof, and to direct the sheet to a second path after a second image has been imprinted on a second side thereof, whereby the sheet is directed to the output path after the second imprinting operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1991Date of Patent: March 23, 1993Assignee: Hewlett-Packard CompanyInventor: Jeffrey L. Trask
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Patent number: 5131649Abstract: The invention includes a sheet feeding apparatus having a sheet pocket with a first end and a second end, rollers spaced a predetermined distance from the first end and including a plurality of sheet-feeder nips, one of the nips being an inlet nip for directing a sheet into the first end of the sheet pocket, and at least one other of the nips being an exit nip for directing a sheet out of the first end of the sheet pocket, and bypass rollers for selectively permitting a sheet to exit the sheet pocket via the second end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1991Date of Patent: July 21, 1992Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Michael J. Martin, Vinod K. Agarwal, Gerald M. Garavuso
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Patent number: 5106075Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for selectively inverting flexible and limp planar workpieces such as fabric. The apparatus includes a primary workpiece propeller having a cylindrical means for contacting the workpiece about a central rotating axis. A slot of sufficient size to receive the workpiece is positioned in a substantially vertical orientation beneath the primary propeller. The slot preferably has a flared upper end positioned directly beneath and in contact or near contact with the propeller. The fabric is drawn into the slot by the rotation of the propeller and follows the contour of the flared open end of the slot. The fabric enters into the slot until the trailing edge of the fabric is in contact with the primary propeller. The trailing edge of the fabric is drawn by the propeller to the opposite side of the flared opening of the slot and is subsequently pulled out of the slot. Collisions are prevented between workpieces by a control circuit that instructs the workpieces when to leave the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1990Date of Patent: April 21, 1992Assignee: Levi Strauss & Co.Inventors: Lawrence Wafford, Richard L. Harrington, Hubert Blessing, Ted M. Ray
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Patent number: 5088722Abstract: A diverter assembly has a pair of spaced idler rollers located in spaced relation, and a grooved diverter roller which contacts both of the idler rollers. A sheet is fed along an entrance path between the idler rollers and into engagement with the diverter roller. The diverter is rotated in a first direction to deflect a sheet into a first exit path or in a second direction to deflect the sheet into a second exit path.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1990Date of Patent: February 18, 1992Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Anthony M. Olexy
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Patent number: 4968021Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for flipping over flexible and limp planar workpieces such as fabric. The apparatus includes a primary workpiece propeller having a cylindrical means for contacting the workpiece about a central rotating axis. A slot of sufficient size to receive the workpiece is positioned in a vertical orientation beneath the primary propeller. The slot preferably has a flared upper end positioned directly beneath and in contact or near contact with the propeller. The fabric is drawn into the slot by the rotation of the propeller and follows the contour of the flared open end of the slot. The fabric enters into the slot until the trailing edge of the fabric is in contact with the primary propeller. The trailing edge of the fabric is gripped by the propeller and thereby drawn to the opposite side of the flared opening of the slot and is subsequently pulled out of the slot. The fabric has thereby been inverted so that the top of the fabric is now on the bottom.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1989Date of Patent: November 6, 1990Assignee: Levi Strauss & CompanyInventors: Lawrence Wafford, Richard L. Harrington, Hubert Blessing
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Patent number: 4900009Abstract: A sheet material distributing apparatus includes a plurality of bins for accommodating sheet materials, a first sheet material gripping and conveying device displaceable to be opposed to a sheet material inlet of each of the bins, and a second sheet material gripping and conveying device displaceable to receive a sheet material from a sheet material discharging device and for transferring the sheet material to the first sheet material gripping and conveying device.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1988Date of Patent: February 13, 1990Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Makoto Kitahara, Masataka Naito, Yuji Takahashi
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Patent number: 4890826Abstract: A sorting apparatus for sheets which are supplied from an office machine such as a printer, comprises a take-up site for receiving the sheet from the printer and a plurality of output sites. The sheet can be deposited into any one of the output sites. A support carries pairs of engaged rollers which define a feed channel for a sheet. The feed channel has an inlet end which is alignable with the take-up site for receiving a sheet from the office machine. The support can be pivoted about a swiveling axis to bring the outlet end of the channel to any one of the output sites. A control mechanism is connected to a stepper motor which engages the support for rotating the support about its swiveling axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1988Date of Patent: January 2, 1990Assignee: Rutishauser Data AGInventor: Thomas Rutishauser
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Patent number: 4848944Abstract: The printer paper feed mechanism disclosed herein operates to transfer a sheet of paper being printed from the printing platen to an output tray above the platen by means of a plurality of resiliently surfaced rolls carried on a shaft which is journaled in arcuate slots in end plates at either end of the platen roll. When the rollers are driven in one direction, the shaft walks along the arcuate slots toward a guide which is overlaid by a sheet of paper being fed from the platen. The rollers drive that piece of paper upwardly away from the platen and into the output tray.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1986Date of Patent: July 18, 1989Assignee: Genicom CorporationInventors: Douglas D. Fuller, Kenenth A. Boulanger