Sorter capable of identifying actual location of first actuator traveling along plurality of sheet output trays
US12134537B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 2023 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2801/06
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A sorter includes a plurality of sheet output trays, a first actuator, a transferring mechanism, a control device, and a plurality of tray full detection mechanisms. The first actuator travels along the plurality of sheet output trays to guide a sheet onto any one of the plurality of sheet output trays. The transferring mechanism transfers the first actuator. The control device controls an operation of the transferring mechanism. The plurality of tray full detection mechanisms are provided one for each of the plurality of sheet output trays. Each of the plurality of tray full detection mechanisms includes a second actuator and a tray full detection sensor. The control device identifies an actual location of the first actuator based on a change of a detection signal produced by a change in attitude of the second actuator due to transfer of the first actuator and output from the tray full detection sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.