Patent US3866904A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3866904A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multiple feed sorting apparatus
Assignee: Xerox Corp
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Filing: 1972-12-29
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Granted: 1975-02-18
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Expires: 1992-12-29
Abstract
Abstract This invention is for a sorting and collating apparatus for sorting sheets from a reproduction machine capable of producing simplex and duplex copies. A plurality of tray members in a vertically extending array receive the sheets as the tray members move past different copy input stations. One sheet transport path transports simplex copies and turns the sheets before discharging them into the tray members. The second transport path directs duplex copies through another sheet discharge zone at the opposite end of the tray members. Cam members which drive the tray members are formed with low pitch sprial camming surfaces and also a high pitch spiral camming surface positioned adjacent to the sheet discharge zones to effect a spreading movement of the trays upon passing the sheet discharge zone.
Inventors
- 👤 Denis J Stemmle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 22:32
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/65; G03G15/6538; B; B65; B65H; B65H39/00; B65H39/10; B65H39/11
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
Sorting apparatus for receiving sheets from a reproducing machine distributing in both simplex and duplex sorting modes of operation comprising: a frame, an array of vertically extending closely spaced tray members adapted to move in a vertical direction relative to said frame, first transport means for moving sheets towards a first sheet discharge zone adjacent to the path of the moving tray member, second transport means for moving sheets towards a second sheet discharge zone on the opposite side of the moving tray members from a first discharge zone, and gate means positioned in the sheet path for directing sheets towards said first or second transport means according to whether simplex or duplex sorting is required, wherein said tray members are supported on at least one vertically extending cam member having a spiral shape, said cam member being driven by a reversible drive to move the tray members up and down past the sheet diScharge zone to receive the copy sheets, wherein said cam member is formed with a higher pitch camming surface at the sheet discharge zones to effect a spreading movement between tray members upon passing said sheet discharge zones.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
192 words
Sorting apparatus for receiving sheets from a reproducing machine distributing in both simplex and duplex sorting modes of operation comprising: a frame, an array of vertically extending closely spaced tray members adapted to move in a vertical direction relative to said frame, first transport means for moving sheets towards a first sheet discharge zone adjacent to the path of the moving tray member, second transport means for moving sheets towards a second sheet discharge zone on the opposite side of the moving tray members from a first discharge zone, and gate means positioned in the sheet path for directing sheets towards said first or second transport means according to whether simplex or duplex sorting is required, wherein said tray members are supported on at least one vertically extending cam member having a spiral shape, said cam member being driven by a reversible drive to move the tray members up and down past the sheet diScharge zone to receive the copy sheets, wherein said cam member is formed with a higher pitch camming surface at the sheet discharge zones to effect a spreading movement between tray members upon passing said sheet discharge zones.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-17 | 1978-08-19 | 1979-02-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-17 | 1982-08-19 | 1983-02-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-17 | 1986-08-19 | 1987-02-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |