Abstract: An image recording apparatus according to one aspect comprises: a first tray disposed within an opening of a main body to allow a recording medium to be placed thereon; a second tray disposed above the first tray, the second tray having a second end portion located on a side of the opening; a conveying unit; and a recording unit. The second tray is movable between a first posture and a second posture. When the second tray is in the first posture, a top surface of the second tray in the vicinity of the second end portion is positioned at a predetermined height relative to the first tray. When the second tray moves from the first posture to the second posture, the top surface in the vicinity of the second end portion is moved toward the first tray.

Abstract: A feeding device includes: a sheet housing unit; a sheet conveying unit having an endless belt member, which faces a topmost sheet of sheets stacked in the sheet housing unit, and a suction unit disposed inside the belt member; a sheet lifting unit that lifts the topmost sheet to a position where the topmost sheet is attracted on a surface of the belt member by a negative pressure generated by the suction unit; and an external device sheet conveying unit that conveys a sheet fed from another feeding device connected to the feeding device to a gap between the topmost sheet in the sheet housing unit and the belt member. In feeding the sheet fed from the other feeding device to the subsequent step, the sheet lifting unit is stopped while the suction unit, the belt member, and the external device sheet conveying unit are operated.

Abstract: An image recording device includes a housing, a tray unit mounted in the housing and configured to hold thereon sheets, a feeder configured to feed a sheet from the tray unit, a recording unit configured to record an image on the sheet fed by the feeder, and a discharging unit configured to discharge the sheet after the recording unit records the image on the sheet. The tray unit includes a first tray including a first holding surface for holding thereon a first sheet, a second tray includes a second holding surface for holding thereon a second sheet and configured to move above the first holding surface between a first position and a second position, and a third tray supported by the first tray and disposed above the second tray in the second position, and configured to receive the sheet discharged by the discharging unit.

Abstract: In one example, a printer sheet holding system includes: a support for printable substrate sheets in a support area; and a movable indicator to indicate the presence in the support area of a second sheet stack on top of a first sheet stack. The indicator being movable between a first position in which the indicator extends over the support area where it can rest on top of the first stack when a first stack is supported in the support area and a second position in which the indicator is withdrawn from the support area. In another example, a method includes sensing the presence of a second stack of printable substrate sheets on top of a first stack of printable substrate sheets and, in response to sensing the presence of the second stack on the first stack, configuring the printer to print on sheets of the second substrate.

Abstract: An image recording device includes a tray unit, a sheet feeder disposed above the tray unit, a recording unit disposed above the sheet feeder, and a unit for discharging the sheet having an image recorded thereon. The tray unit includes a first tray for holding thereon a first sheet, a second tray disposed above the first tray to hold thereon a second sheet, and a third tray disposed above the first tray. The second tray selectively moves between a first position and a second position. When the second tray is in the first position, the sheet feeder feeds the second sheet from the second tray, and the third tray receives the second sheet discharged from the discharging unit. When the second tray is in the second position, the sheet feeder feeds the first sheet from the first tray, and the first tray, the second tray, and the third tray overlap one another vertically.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus 1 has a paper cassette 3b therein. The paper cassette is installed into the apparatus along a guide channel 46 attached to a housing frame 45 of the apparatus. A housing 44 of the apparatus has a left side surface forming front and rear opening structures 9 at a lower portion. A hold 48 is provided on an inner-upper portion of the opening structure. The paper cassette has a left-side exterior portion 50 forming a recess 51 at a position facing the opening structure. A space 52 is prepared next to the recess without impairing the original function of the paper cassette. When moving the apparatus, a worker inserts his hand into the opening structures, touching the holds with his palms and flexes his fingers in the spaces, thereby firmly gripping the holds with his hand and lifting the printing apparatus in his arms.

Abstract: A sheet printer includes sheet stacking and supplying parts that overlap each other at upper and lower stages, and the first sheet stacking and supplying part includes a first feeding roller that separates, supplies and conveys a sheet, and a first feeding roller arm that holds the first feeding roller so as to be capable of abutting on the sheet, and rotates about an axis. The second sheet stacking and supplying part includes a second feeding roller that separates, supplies and conveys a sheet, and a second feeding roller arm that holds the second feeding roller so as to be capable of abutting on the sheet, and rotates about an axis. The second feeding roller arm is disposed outside the first sheet stacking and supplying part in a direction that intersects a supplying and conveying direction of the sheet.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus including a first tray having a first holding portion for holding sheets, a second tray disposed above the first tray and including a second holding portion for holding sheets, a sheet feeder that selectively feeds a sheet from one of the first tray and the second tray in a sheet feed direction, a recording unit that records an image on the sheet fed by the sheet feeder, and a discharge roller that discharges the sheet on which the image is recorded by the recording unit. The second holding portion of the second tray moves above the first holding portion of the first tray. The second tray further includes a discharged sheet receiving portion for receiving the sheet discharged by the discharge roller. The second tray including the discharged sheet receiving portion pivots relative to the first tray.

Abstract: A feeder has a longer side direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of a recording medium, and is configured to feed a maximum size recording medium with a longer side first. An image forming unit has a maximum sheet feed width corresponding to a longer side length of the maximum size recording medium, and is configured to print a toner image corresponding to digital image data onto the recording medium. An electrical component unit is configured to control the feeder and the image forming unit. The image forming unit and the electrical component unit are respectively disposed on both sides of the feeder in a shorter side direction.

Abstract: A recording device includes a feed tray for storing sheets, a first conveying path, an arm having one end attached to a pivot, and a roller attached to the other end of the arm. The roller feeds the sheet to the first conveying path. A recording unit is positioned in the first conveying path, and records an image onto the sheet. The recording device also includes a second conveying path between the pivot and the feed tray, and a path changing unit. The path changing unit moves between a first position, where it discharges the sheet, and a second position, where it conveys the sheet to the second conveying path. The arm moves between a third position where the roller contacts the sheets in the feed tray, and a fourth position where the roller is above the second conveying path.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus according to one aspect comprises: a first tray disposed within an opening of a main body to allow a recording medium to be placed thereon; a second tray disposed above the first tray, the second tray having a second end portion located on a side of the opening; a conveying unit; and a recording unit. The second tray is movable between a first posture and a second posture. When the second tray is in the first posture, a top surface of the second tray in the vicinity of the second end portion is positioned at a predetermined height relative to the first tray. When the second tray moves from the first posture to the second posture, the top surface in the vicinity of the second end portion is moved toward the first tray.

Abstract: A sheet tray unit includes a particular feed tray configured to hold one or more sheets therein, and a discharge tray disposed on the particular feed tray and configured to receive a discharged sheet. The discharge tray includes a first discharge tray portion, a second discharge tray portion, and a third discharge tray portion. The first discharge tray portion is configured to support the second discharge tray portion such that the second discharge tray portion selectively slides in a first direction and in a second direction, which is opposite and substantially parallel to the first direction. The second discharge tray portion is configured to support the third discharge tray portion such that the third discharge tray portion selectively slides in the first direction and in the second direction. The first discharge tray portion includes a stopper configured to limit the third discharge tray portion from sliding in the first direction beyond a predetermined position.

Abstract: A recording material feed cassette includes first and second cassette portions. The second cassette portion is assembled so as to be capable of extending/retracting relative to the first cassette portion and, along with the first cassette portion, contains a recording material. A locking mechanism fixes the position of the second cassette portion relative to the first cassette portion. The locking mechanism has a lock portion capable of moving in a first direction that is orthogonal to the extension/retraction direction so as to take on a locked position and an unlocked position, an operation portion that is capable of moving in a second direction that follows the extension/retraction direction, and a connection portion that connects the lock portion and the operation portion and that is capable of deforming as a result of the movement of the lock portion in the first direction.

Abstract: A removable media input tray assembly comprising a housing for receiving a removable media input tray. One or more housing assemblies stackable beneath an image forming device. The assembly having a substantially continuous media reference surface extending the height of a media feed path formed by two vertically aligned plates, one plate mounted on the removable media input tray and the other mounted on the housing and extending into the removable media input tray when installed in the housing, the arrangement of plates minimizing any gaps in the media reference surface within the assembly and adjacent assemblies and the image forming device.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus including a first tray having a first holding portion for holding sheets, a second tray disposed above the first tray and including a second holding portion for holding sheets, a sheet feeder that selectively feeds a sheet from one of the first tray and the second tray in a sheet feed direction, a recording unit that records an image on the sheet fed by the sheet feeder, and a discharge roller that discharges the sheet on which the image is recorded by the recording unit. The second holding portion of the second tray moves above the first holding portion of the first tray. The second tray further includes a discharged sheet receiving portion for receiving the sheet discharged by the discharge roller. The second tray including the discharged sheet receiving portion pivots relative to the first tray.

Abstract: A removable input tray assembly for an image forming device according to one embodiment includes a media tray having a bottom surface and a wall extending upward from the bottom surface. The bottom surface defines a media storage location for storing a stack of media sheets. The assembly further includes a housing having an opening therein to receive the media tray. An inclined media dam is formed in the wall and has a media contact surface for directing media advanced from the media storage location. A channel is provided in the wall and extends the height of the wall for directing media passing therethrough. A roller nip is formed in the channel within the media tray by a pair of rollers for advancing media through the channel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a dual hopper assembly (104) for use in a credential processing device (100), a credential processing device (100) that includes a dual hopper assembly (104), and methods of feeding substrates in a credential processing device (100). One embodiment of the dual hopper assembly (104) comprises an upper hopper (106) configured to support one or more card substrates (102), a lower hopper (108) configured to support one or more card substrates and an input feed roller (140). The input feed roller is positioned between the upper and lower hoppers and is movable between a first position (132), in which the input feed roller engages a bottom substrate (102A) supported in the upper hopper, and a second position (134), in which the input feed roller is displaced from the bottom substrate.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a lower tray that stores recording media therein, an upper tray that stores recording media therein and capable of being mounted on the lower tray, and an edge guide which is disposed on the lower tray and has a guide surface along which the sheet edge is guided, wherein the edge guide is configured such that, when the upper tray is not mounted on the lower tray, the guide surface extends to a space for storing recording media in the upper tray.

Abstract: A recording media cassette includes a lower tray that stores recording media therein, and an upper tray that stores recording media therein and is mounted on the lower tray so as to be detachable from the lower tray.

Abstract: A printing system includes a first media holder configured to hold a plurality of sheets of media, and a second media holder configured to hold a different plurality of sheets of media. A contacting component is configured to selectively contact an individual sheet of media within the first media holder or within the second media holder. Additionally, a member, having a measurable property that is sensed by a sensor in correlation with a position of the individual sheet of the media in either the first or second media holder, provides a signal selectively indicative of the position of the individual sheet of media in either the first media holder or the second media holder.

Abstract: A recording device includes a feed tray for storing sheets, a first conveying path, an arm having one end attached to a pivot, and a roller attached to the other end of the arm. The roller feeds the sheet to the first conveying path. A recording unit is positioned in the first conveying path, and records an image onto the sheet. The recording device also includes a second conveying path between the pivot and the feed tray, and a path changing unit. The path changing unit moves between a first position, where it discharges the sheet, and a second position, where it conveys the sheet to the second conveying path. The arm moves between a third position where the roller contacts the sheets in the feed tray, and a fourth position where the roller is above the second conveying path.

Abstract: A sheet containing device includes a supporting part that supports a first sheet and a second sheet, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are different types of media, and the first sheet and the second sheet are stacked on one another; a feeding member that is located at a front end of the supporting part and that feeds the first sheet and the second sheet in correspondence with rotation of the feeding member; a sheet operating member that selectively prevents one of the first sheet and the second sheet from being fed by the feeding member.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus according to one aspect comprises: a first tray disposed within an opening of a main body to allow a recording medium to be placed thereon; a second tray disposed above the first tray, the second tray having a second end portion located on a side of the opening; a conveying unit; and a recording unit. The second tray is movable between a first posture and a second posture. When the second tray is in the first posture, a top surface of the second tray in the vicinity of the second end portion is positioned at a predetermined height relative to the first tray. When the second tray moves from the first posture to the second posture, the top surface in the vicinity of the second end portion is moved toward the first tray.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a composite feeding mechanism configured to process one or more jobs using a stack of feeder trays. The composite feeding mechanism can include the stack of feeder trays, a base unit, and a feeder unit. The feeder trays can hold substrate media to satisfy jobs and the base unit can support the stack of feeder trays. The feeder unit can remove the substrate media from a feeder tray located at the top of the stack to satisfy a job requirement.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has an original mount, a recording material mount for mounting recording materials, a supply roller, a separating unit, a reading unit for reading an image of the original, an original detection sensor for detecting the original on the original mount, and an original widthwise direction reference surface for being abutted by the original mounted on the original mount to position that original. The recording material widthwise direction reference surface is used to position the recording material so that a portion of the original does not superpose on the recording material having a maximum width and the original detection sensor detects that a portion of the original mounted on the original mount is not superposed on the recording material having maximum width.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus including a first tray having a first holding portion for holding sheets, a second tray disposed above the first tray and including a second holding portion for holding sheets, a sheet feeder that selectively feeds a sheet from one of the first tray and the second tray in a sheet feed direction, a recording unit that records an image on the sheet fed by the sheet feeder, and a discharge roller that discharges the sheet on which the image is recorded by the recording unit. The second holding portion of the second tray moves above the first holding portion of the first tray. The second tray further includes a discharged sheet receiving portion for receiving the sheet discharged by the discharge roller. The second tray including the discharged sheet receiving portion pivots relative to the first tray.

Abstract: The sheet containing apparatus is provided with: an apparatus main body; a drawer that is capable of being pulled out from the apparatus main body; a sheet container that is movable relative to the drawer and that contains a sheet; a feeder that feeds a sheet contained in the sheet container; and a moving unit that moves the sheet container in a direction intersecting with a feed direction in which the feeder feeds a sheet.

Abstract: A removable media input tray assembly comprising a housing for receiving a removable media input tray. One or more housing assemblies stackable beneath an image forming device. The assembly having a substantially continuous media reference surface extending the height of a media feed path formed by two vertically aligned plates, one plate mounted on the removable media input tray and the other mounted on the housing and extending into the removable media input tray when installed in the housing, the arrangement of plates minimizing any gaps in the media reference surface within the assembly and adjacent assemblies and the image forming device.

Abstract: An image reading and recording apparatus includes a trigger arm configured to start transmission of a drive to a paper feed unit in accordance with the position of a carriage. The trigger arm includes a first lever portion for feeding a recording sheet in a state in which a cap is separated from a recording head and a second lever portion for feeding a document in a state in which the cap is in contact with the recording head.

Abstract: A removable input tray assembly for an image forming device according to one embodiment includes a media tray having a bottom surface defining a media storage location, a wall extending upward from the bottom surface and a housing having an opening therein to receive the tray. An inclined media dam having a media contact surface is formed in the wall. A channel extends the height of the wall and has a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom opening and a top opening. A separator roller is rotatably mounted below the media contact surface and has a first portion of its surface radially extending through a corresponding aperture in the media dam and a second portion radially extending through a corresponding aperture in the rear wall of the channel. A roller nip is formed in the channel within the media tray by the separator roller and an opposing backup roller.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus according to one aspect comprises: a first tray disposed within an opening of a main body to allow a recording medium to be placed thereon; a second tray disposed above the first tray, the second tray having a second end portion located on a side of the opening; a conveying unit; and a recording unit. The second tray is movable between a first posture and a second posture. When the second tray is in the first posture, a top surface of the second tray in the vicinity of the second end portion is positioned at a predetermined height relative to the first tray. When the second tray moves from the first posture to the second posture, the top surface in the vicinity of the second end portion is moved toward the first tray.

Abstract: The invention describes an image recording device having a sheet supplying device that supplies sheets. The sheet supplying device has a first tray and a second tray that hold sheets, and a first and second shaft positioned over the first and second trays. A first rotating member contacts a sheet in the first tray, and a second rotating member contacts a sheet in the second tray. A first arm extends from the first shaft to the first rotating member, and a second arm extends from the second shaft to the second rotating member. A transmission device is coupled to the first arm member and the second arm member, and transmits selectively a rotational drive force from the first shaft to either the first or second rotating members. A recording unit records an image on the sheet supplied by the sheet supplying device.

Abstract: An integrated printing system is provided and includes a plurality of image marking engines, at least two media feeder modules, and a first forward substantially horizontal interface media transport integrated with the plurality of image marking engines and the at least two feeder modules for selectively transporting media from the at least one media feeder module to at least one image marking engine. The system further comprises a footprint, and at least one of the feeder modules having a first and a second paper feed tray, wherein the first and the second feed trays are canted upward at an angle from horizontal thereby reducing the footprint of the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet feeding apparatus and an image forming apparatus, in which a sheet can stably be fed with a simple configuration without decreasing strength of an intermediate plate. A fixed member 19 and a movable member 13, which regulate positions in a width direction of the sheet that is stacked on the dedicated cassette 30 detachably attached to an intermediate plate 6, are provided while facing each other. The fixed member 19 and the movable member 13 moved to a position that regulates the sheet are regulated by side regulating members 7 and 8. The side regulating members 7 and 8 that are movable in the width direction regulate the positions in the width direction of the sheet stacked on the intermediate plate 6.

Abstract: A feeding device according to the present invention includes a box, paper holders, and a shifting mechanism. The box is open at its top. The paper holders are open at their tops and positioned in the box. Each of the paper holders holds a pile of sheets of paper in it. The shifting mechanism so shifts at least one of the paper holders that the top sheet in one of the paper holders is positioned in a single feed position in the box according to selection data output from the apparatus with which the feeding device is used.

Abstract: A recording medium feeding device includes a recording medium cassette that is detachable from a main body and a recording medium retracting unit that retracts a recording medium lying on a recording medium feeding path back to the recording medium cassette. The recording medium cassette includes a lower tray that accommodates a recording medium, and an upper tray that accommodates a recording medium and is provided to be slidable with respect to the lower tray along a transport direction of the recording medium. The recording medium feeding device is provided with a unit for performing a retracting operation of the recording medium using the recording medium retracting unit in accordance with sliding of the upper tray in the transport direction.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device, that can be included in an image forming apparatus, includes first and second conveying units configured to hold and convey a sheet, a first sheet conveying path between the first and second conveying units, and a registration unit to change a positional condition of the sheet conveyed by the second conveying unit. In at least one embodiment, the second conveying unit includes a moving and guiding unit and a rotary conveyance unit facing each other and forming a sheet holding section therebetween to hold and convey the sheet, and the moving and guiding unit and the rotary conveyance unit are disposed in the vicinity of the first conveying unit so that a distance between the second conveying unit and the registration unit is relatively increased.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of preventing simultaneous delivery of two sheets of paper when they are supplied from a paper supply device, thereby improving operational reliability of the paper supply device. The image forming apparatus includes a body incorporating a printing device, a first paper supply unit, in which first paper is loaded, a second paper supply unit, on which second paper is disposed, at least one feed roller to deliver the second paper disposed on the second paper supply unit, a pickup roller to pick up the first paper from the first paper supply unit, and a pickup pad, which is located at a first position to contact the pickup roller when the pickup roller picks up the first paper from the first paper supply unit, and which is located at a second position spaced apart from the pickup roller when the second paper disposed on the second paper supply unit is delivered by the feed roller.

Abstract: A sheet feed device includes a first tray comprising a first plate configured to receive a first plurality of sheets thereon, in which the first tray includes a support, and a second tray positioned on the first tray. The second tray includes a first and a second side portion, and a second plate configured to receive a second plurality of sheets thereon. The device also includes a feed roller configured to selectively feed the sheets in a sheet feed direction. The support is configured to selectively support the second tray at a retracted position and a sheet feed position at which the feed roller is configured to selectively feed the first plurality of sheets and the second plurality of sheets, respectively. Moreover, a shortest distance between an upper surface of the first plate and a lower surface of the second plate when the second tray is in the sheet feed position is less than a shortest distance in the retracted position.

Abstract: A sheet storing device includes a container including a first holding surface configured to hold a first sheet thereon, and a tray positioned at an upper side of the container. The tray includes a second holding surface configured to hold a second sheet thereon. The tray is configured to selectively move between a first position and a second position downstream from the first position in a first direction. The sheet storing device further includes a positioning unit configured to selectively position the tray in one of the first position and the second position, and a linking unit configured to link the tray to the container and to pivot about a particular pivot axis which extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the first holding surface of the container. The linking unit pivots to selectively move the tray between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A paper cassette feeder and an image forming apparatus having the same are provided. The paper cassette feeder includes: a main frame; a loading unit on which paper is loaded; a first paper guide which is tilted up with respect to the loading unit; and a second paper guide which is disposed at the first paper guide in a turnable manner, and is tilted up with respect to the first paper guide according to a position of the second paper guide. Accordingly, a paper cassette feeder can be easily separated from an image forming apparatus when paper is jammed in a paper feeding path, so as to remove a paper jam easily.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a first feeding unit and a second feeding unit. In the first feeding unit, a hand-feeding unit having a hand-feeding accommodating portion is mounted. The first feeding unit includes a first mounting portion into which a medium is conveyed from the hand-feeding accommodating portion. And a connection unit for consecutive installation is mounted to the first mounting portion in a state where the hand-feeding unit is removed from the first mounting portion. The connection unit includes an added conveyance path for consecutive installation. The second feeding unit includes a second mounting portion in which the hand-feeding unit is mounted and into which a medium is conveyed from the hand-feeding accommodating portion. And the second feeding unit is connected to the added conveyance path.

Abstract: By providing an apparatus having a plurality of sheet feeders, each having a tray elongate in top plan view for supporting a stack of elongate sheets, wherein a tray can be displaced in an outward direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sheet feeders, it is made possible for a tray displaced in an outward direction to be tilted over a relatively large angle at a given vertical clearance from the other sheet feeders.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and devices for a locking mechanism to connect input components for use within an image forming device. Two or more input components are placed in a stacked arrangement. The locking mechanism of a first input component engages the locking mechanism of a second input component to connect the input components. The locking mechanism may be activated automatically when the input units are stacked.

Abstract: A sheet tray device including (a) a first tray and (b) a second tray which is disposed on an upper side of the first tray and which includes (b-1) a support member which bridges between opposite side walls of the first tray and which is movable relative to the opposite side walls, and (b-2) a supported body pivotably supported by the support member. Each of the opposite side walls includes a first rail portion and a second rail portion that is located on an upper side of the first rail portion. The support member includes (i) a main slide portion that is slidably held in contact with an upper surface of the first rail portion, (ii) a removal-preventing slide portion that extends through a space between the first and second rail portions, and (iii) a rotation-preventing slide portion that is slidably held in contact with a side surface of the first rail portion. Also disclosed is an image forming apparatus including the sheet tray device.

Abstract: A print media bin operatively coupled to a media handling system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the print media bin includes a first tray positioned adjacent to a second tray and a media tray drive subsystem coupled to the first tray for allowing the print media bin to rotate in order to provide access to the second tray. The media tray drive subsystem includes a drive cluster gear and a tray lock, including an anti-rotation rib and a lock latch, operatively coupled to the drive cluster gear.

Abstract: This invention is related to a feeder for transporting a print medium from a tray along a U-shaped transporting path. The feeder comprises a transporting guide. The transportation guide comprises an outer transporting guide and an inner transporting guide, the U-shaped transporting path is formed between the outer transporting guide and the inner transporting guide. The outer transporting guide extends from a position adjacent to one end of the first tray. The inner transporting guide extends from a position adjacent to one end of the second tray. The inner transporting guide comprises a concave portion facing the outer transporting guide. The concave portion has a length which extends from an upstream end to a predetermined position of the inner transporting guide along a transportation direction of the second print medium, and a width which is adjusted such that the second print medium is capable of passing within the concave portion.

Abstract: There are provided a plurality of sheet feeding units 2a to 2d arranged in a vertical direction at spacing therebetween, a vertical sheet conveyance path G arranged oppositely with the sheet outlets 12a to 12d of the sheet feeding units 2a to 2d, conveyance means 1 and 6 for sequentially conveying the sheets fed from respective sheet feeding units 2a to 2d, vertically downward along the sheet conveyance path G, and control means controlling the sheet feeding units 2a to 2d and the conveyance means 1 and 6 in such a manner that the sheets fed from the sheet feeding units 2a to 2d are conveyed while at least partially overlapping the sheets which are fed from a sheet feeding unit of a next lower site on the sheets which are fed from the sheet feeding unit of an upper site.

Abstract: A supply tray includes a first tray configured to receive a stack of recording medium thereon, and a second tray configured to receive at least one recording medium thereon, which is different in size or type, or both, from the stack of recording medium received on the first tray. The second tray is disposed in an upper portion of the first tray and is slidable within a predetermined direction. The supply tray further includes a locking mechanism configured to place and to fix the second tray in position with respect to the first tray.

Abstract: A cassette for mounting on an image forming apparatus body and supplying media to the apparatus body. The cassette includes a first tray, a second tray and a slide mechanism. The first tray and second tray are each able to contain multiple media. The slide mechanism allows the trays to be movable relative to each other. The first tray has an oblique surface and a first separation portion, and the second tray has an oblique surface and a second separation portion. Each of the oblique surfaces can separate an uppermost medium from other media such that distal ends of the media during delivery abut against the oblique surface. Each of the first and second separation portions guides the separated medium along the oblique surface in a paper feeding direction. The first separation portion has a different structure than the second separation portion provided for the second tray.