Movable gate with fluid damper for directing media sheets within an image forming apparatus
US7762552B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 26, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2801/06
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present application is directed to devices and methods for directing media sheets moving along a media path within an image forming apparatus. In one embodiment, a gate is positioned in proximity to the media path. The gate may include an elongated shape that extends across at least a section of the media path. A fluid damper may be operatively connected to the gate and may include a shaft and a chamber that holds fluid. The shaft is rotationally positioned with a first section within the chamber and a second section extending outward from the chamber. Rotation of the shaft in a first direction may force the fluid within the chamber to move relative to the body and cause the gate to move to a first position in the media path to direct the media sheets towards a first part of the media path. Rotation of the shaft in a second direction may force the fluid within the chamber to move relative to the body and cause the gate to move to a second position to direct the media sheets towards a second part of the media path.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.