Patent · US Expired

Pick mechanism and algorithm for an image forming apparatus

US7377508B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
71References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 12, 2003
Grant dateMay 27, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 10, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65H2403/73
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A pick mechanism, having a clutch mechanism, for picking media sheets from an input tray and introducing them into a paper path of an image forming apparatus. The clutch mechanism comprises a plurality of balls positioned between an inner race and an outer race. Angular backlash between the inner race and the outer race may result in variations in the timing of the media sheets. An algorithm is further included to estimate the pick timing of the media sheets. The algorithm calculates an estimated pick time for a subsequent media sheet that incorporates the known engagement variations of the ball clutch pick mechanism.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.