Printing system
US5867393A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 24, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 24, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/00552
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The document handling apparatus provides support structure and a plurality of retainers supported by the support structure. Each retainer includes a tray that is configured to hold a stack of sheets. A feed assembly is supported by the support structure and is substantially vertical and has a mid-section. The feed assembly defines an output port configured to output the sheets. The output port is approximate the mid-section so that the average distance from the retainers to the output port is substantially minimized. The apparatus further includes a plurality of pick mechanisms. Each pick mechanism is configured and arranged to pick sheets from one of the retainers and feed the pick sheet into the feed assembly. The apparatus can include an adjustable edge guide pivotally supported by the support structure. The adjustable edge guide is arranged and configured to control the side edge of the stack. The apparatus further includes a recirculating mechanism for picking sheets from the retainers and for sensing the level of a top sheet in the stack. An elevator raises or lowers the tray, thereby adjusting the level of the top sheet in the stack.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.