US5328168A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Hierarchy of jam clearance options including single zone clearance
Assignee: Xerox Corp
•
Filing: 1993-04-12
•
Granted: 1994-07-12
•
Expires: 2013-04-12
Abstract
Abstract The method of recovery from a jam of a copy sheet in a clearance zone in an image processing machine including the steps of determining the position of the copy sheet and a following copy sheet in the copy sheet path, recognizing that the following copy sheet is within a second clearance zone, calculating a time period to continue machine operation to drive the following copy sheet into the first clearance zone, and determining that said time period does not exceed a maximum time period.
Inventors
- 👤 Elizabeth D. Fox
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 20:28
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03G; G03G15/00; G03G15/65; B; B65; B65H; B65H7/00; B65H7/02; B65H7/06; G03G15/70; B65H2511/00; B65H2511/20; B65H2511/50; B65H2511/51; B65H2511/514; B65H2511/52; B65H2511/528; B65H2601/00; B65H2601/10; B65H2601/11; B65H2701/00; B65H2701/10; B65H2701/13; B65H2701/131; B65H2701/1311; B65H2701/1313; G03G2215/00; G03G2215/00362; G03G2215/00535; G03G2215/00544; G03G2215/00548
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
266 words
In an image processing apparatus for producing images on copy sheets, the apparatus including a copy sheet path defined by a plurality of copy sheet clearance zones, a copy sheet drive, and a controller for directing the image processing apparatus, the controller tracking the movement of the copy sheets along the copy sheet path by reference to the clearance zones, the clearance zones being the zones of access for removal of copy sheets from the copy sheet path, the method of recovery from a jam of a first copy sheet in a first clearance zone comprising the steps of: determining the stopped position of the first copy sheet; estimating the stopping position of the first copy sheet, if not jammed, during a machine cycle down; specifying the stopping position of a second copy sheet, the second copy sheet trailing the first copy sheet in the copy sheet path; calculating the position of the trail edge for the second copy sheet; comparing the lead edge of the second copy sheet to the first clearance zone; comparing the trail edge of the second copy sheet to the first clearance zone; if the trail edge of the second copy sheet is within the first clearance zone, then immediately shutting down the machine for accessing the first and the second copy sheets from the first clearance zone; and if the trail edge of the second copy sheet is within a second clearance zone, then calculating a time period to continue machine operation to drive the second copy sheet along the copy sheet path for access from the first clearance zone.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
266 words
In an image processing apparatus for producing images on copy sheets, the apparatus including a copy sheet path defined by a plurality of copy sheet clearance zones, a copy sheet drive, and a controller for directing the image processing apparatus, the controller tracking the movement of the copy sheets along the copy sheet path by reference to the clearance zones, the clearance zones being the zones of access for removal of copy sheets from the copy sheet path, the method of recovery from a jam of a first copy sheet in a first clearance zone comprising the steps of: determining the stopped position of the first copy sheet; estimating the stopping position of the first copy sheet, if not jammed, during a machine cycle down; specifying the stopping position of a second copy sheet, the second copy sheet trailing the first copy sheet in the copy sheet path; calculating the position of the trail edge for the second copy sheet; comparing the lead edge of the second copy sheet to the first clearance zone; comparing the trail edge of the second copy sheet to the first clearance zone; if the trail edge of the second copy sheet is within the first clearance zone, then immediately shutting down the machine for accessing the first and the second copy sheets from the first clearance zone; and if the trail edge of the second copy sheet is within a second clearance zone, then calculating a time period to continue machine operation to drive the second copy sheet along the copy sheet path for access from the first clearance zone.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of determining that said time period does not exceed a maximum time period.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
194 words
In an image processing apparatus for producing images on copy sheets, the apparatus including a copy sheet path defined by a plurality of copy sheet clearance zones, a copy sheet drive, and a controller for directing the image processing apparatus, the controller tracking the movement of the copy sheets along the copy sheet path by reference to the clearance zones, the clearance zones being the zones of access for removal of copy sheets from the copy sheet path, the method of recovery from a jam of a first copy sheet in a first clearance zone comprising the steps of: determining the stopped position of the first copy sheet; specifying, the stopping position of a second copy sheet, the second copy sheet trailing the first copy sheet in the copy sheet path; calculating the position of the trail edge for the second copy sheet; comparing the trail edge of the second copy sheet to the clearance zones; and if the trail edge of the second copy sheet is within a second clearance zone, then calculating a time period to continue machine operation to drive the second copy sheet for access from the first clearance zone.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
194 words
In an image processing apparatus for producing images on copy sheets, the apparatus including a copy sheet path defined by a plurality of copy sheet clearance zones, a copy sheet drive, and a controller for directing the image processing apparatus, the controller tracking the movement of the copy sheets along the copy sheet path by reference to the clearance zones, the clearance zones being the zones of access for removal of copy sheets from the copy sheet path, the method of recovery from a jam of a first copy sheet in a first clearance zone comprising the steps of: determining the stopped position of the first copy sheet; specifying, the stopping position of a second copy sheet, the second copy sheet trailing the first copy sheet in the copy sheet path; calculating the position of the trail edge for the second copy sheet; comparing the trail edge of the second copy sheet to the clearance zones; and if the trail edge of the second copy sheet is within a second clearance zone, then calculating a time period to continue machine operation to drive the second copy sheet for access from the first clearance zone.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 3 including the step of estimating the stopping position of the first copy sheet, if not jammed, during a machine cycle down.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 3 including the step of immediately shutting down the machine for accessing the first and the second copy sheets from the first clearance zone if the trail edge of the second copy sheet is within the first clearance zone.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 3 including the step of determining that said time period exceeds a maximum set time period and in response determining that said time period exceeds a maximum set time period stopping operation of the image processing apparatus.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
161 words
In an image processing machine for producing images on copy sheets, the apparatus including a copy sheet path defined by a plurality of copy sheet clearance zones, a copy sheet drive, and a controller for directing the image processing apparatus, the controller tracking the movement of the copy sheets along the copy sheet path by reference to the clearance zones, the clearance zones being the zones of access for removal of copy sheets from the copy sheet path, the method of recovery from a jam of a first copy sheet in a first clearance zone comprising the steps of: determining the position of the first copy sheet and a second copy sheet in the copy sheet path; recognizing that the second copy sheet is within a second clearance zone; calculating a time period to continue machine operation to drive the second copy sheet into the first clearance zone; and determining that said time period does not exceed a maximum time period.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
161 words
In an image processing machine for producing images on copy sheets, the apparatus including a copy sheet path defined by a plurality of copy sheet clearance zones, a copy sheet drive, and a controller for directing the image processing apparatus, the controller tracking the movement of the copy sheets along the copy sheet path by reference to the clearance zones, the clearance zones being the zones of access for removal of copy sheets from the copy sheet path, the method of recovery from a jam of a first copy sheet in a first clearance zone comprising the steps of: determining the position of the first copy sheet and a second copy sheet in the copy sheet path; recognizing that the second copy sheet is within a second clearance zone; calculating a time period to continue machine operation to drive the second copy sheet into the first clearance zone; and determining that said time period does not exceed a maximum time period.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
173 words
In an image processing apparatus for producing images on copy sheets, the apparatus including a copy sheet path having a plurality of zones, a copy sheet drive, and a controller for directing the image processing apparatus, the method of recovery from a copy sheet jam wherein at least one in process copy sheet is disposed along said copy sheet path, the in process copy sheet extending from said given zone to another zone, comprising the steps of: monitoring the location of the in process copy sheet within the plurality of zones; detecting a machine malfunction; responding to the malfunction and to the location of the in process copy sheet to operate the copy sheet drive a given period of time dependent upon the location of the in process copy sheet with respect to a given zone; and positioning the in process copy sheet within the copy sheet path for access from said given zone including the step of determining the degree of restraint of the in process copy sheet within said another zone.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
173 words
In an image processing apparatus for producing images on copy sheets, the apparatus including a copy sheet path having a plurality of zones, a copy sheet drive, and a controller for directing the image processing apparatus, the method of recovery from a copy sheet jam wherein at least one in process copy sheet is disposed along said copy sheet path, the in process copy sheet extending from said given zone to another zone, comprising the steps of: monitoring the location of the in process copy sheet within the plurality of zones; detecting a machine malfunction; responding to the malfunction and to the location of the in process copy sheet to operate the copy sheet drive a given period of time dependent upon the location of the in process copy sheet with respect to a given zone; and positioning the in process copy sheet within the copy sheet path for access from said given zone including the step of determining the degree of restraint of the in process copy sheet within said another zone.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
141 words
In an image processing apparatus for producing images on copy sheets, the apparatus including a copy sheet path having a plurality of zones, a copy sheet drive, and a controller for directing the image processing apparatus, the method of recovery from a copy sheet jam wherein at least one in process copy sheet is disposed along said copy sheet path comprising the steps of: monitoring the location of the in process copy sheet within the plurality of zones; detecting a machine malfunction; responding to the malfunction and to the location of the in process copy sheet to operate the copy sheet drive a given period of time dependent upon the location of the in process copy sheet with respect to a given zone; and positioning the in process copy sheet within the copy sheet path for access from said given zone.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
141 words
In an image processing apparatus for producing images on copy sheets, the apparatus including a copy sheet path having a plurality of zones, a copy sheet drive, and a controller for directing the image processing apparatus, the method of recovery from a copy sheet jam wherein at least one in process copy sheet is disposed along said copy sheet path comprising the steps of: monitoring the location of the in process copy sheet within the plurality of zones; detecting a machine malfunction; responding to the malfunction and to the location of the in process copy sheet to operate the copy sheet drive a given period of time dependent upon the location of the in process copy sheet with respect to a given zone; and positioning the in process copy sheet within the copy sheet path for access from said given zone.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the in process copy sheet extends from said given zone to another zone and wherein the step of positioning the in process copy sheet within the copy sheet path for access from said given zone includes the step of removing the in process copy sheet from the copy sheet path via said given zone.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the in process copy sheet extends from said given zone to another zone and the step of positioning the in process copy sheet within the copy sheet path includes the step of determining the degree of restraint of the in process copy sheet within said another zone.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the step of determining the degree of restraint of the in process copy sheet within said another zone includes the step of determining the degree of grip of the in process copy sheet within a sheet drive nip.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 9 wherein one of the zones is the paper path from a transfer station to an output tray.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 9 wherein one of the zones is the paper path from a copy sheet supply to a sheet registration location.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
216 words
In an image processing apparatus for producing images on copy sheets, the apparatus including a copy sheet path defined by a plurality of copy sheet clearance zones, a copy sheet drive, and a controller for directing the image processing apparatus, the controller tracking the movement of the copy sheets along the copy sheet path by reference to the clearance zones, the clearance zones being the zones of access for normal removal of copy sheets from the copy sheet path, the copy sheet path also being defined by a plurality of expanded access zones, an expanded access zone being a zone of expanded access to copy sheets to remove sheets from the copy sheet path, a given expanded access zone encompassing portions of a plurality of sheet clearance zones, the method of recovery from a copy sheet jam wherein at least one in process copy sheet is disposed along said copy sheet path, comprising the steps of: monitoring that the in process copy sheet extends from a first clearance zone to a second clearance zone; evaluating the force exerted on the in process copy sheet in the second clearance zone; determining that the in process copy sheet is in an expanded access zone; and removing the in process copy sheet by access to said first clearance zone.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
216 words
In an image processing apparatus for producing images on copy sheets, the apparatus including a copy sheet path defined by a plurality of copy sheet clearance zones, a copy sheet drive, and a controller for directing the image processing apparatus, the controller tracking the movement of the copy sheets along the copy sheet path by reference to the clearance zones, the clearance zones being the zones of access for normal removal of copy sheets from the copy sheet path, the copy sheet path also being defined by a plurality of expanded access zones, an expanded access zone being a zone of expanded access to copy sheets to remove sheets from the copy sheet path, a given expanded access zone encompassing portions of a plurality of sheet clearance zones, the method of recovery from a copy sheet jam wherein at least one in process copy sheet is disposed along said copy sheet path, comprising the steps of: monitoring that the in process copy sheet extends from a first clearance zone to a second clearance zone; evaluating the force exerted on the in process copy sheet in the second clearance zone; determining that the in process copy sheet is in an expanded access zone; and removing the in process copy sheet by access to said first clearance zone.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 15 wherein the step of evaluating the force exerted on the in process copy sheet in the second clearance zone includes the step of evaluating copy sheet contact points.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 15 wherein the step of evaluating the force exerted on the in process copy sheet in the second clearance zone includes the step of evaluating copy sheet pinch points in a nip.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 15 wherein the step of determining that the in process copy sheet is in an expanded access zone includes the step of determining the amount of the copy sheet available to grasp.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 15 wherein the step of determining that the in process copy sheet is in an expanded access zone includes the step of determining the length of the copy sheet.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 15 including the step of driving the in process copy sheet for a given time period after detection of a jam.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
191 words
In an image processing apparatus for producing images on copy sheets, the apparatus including a copy sheet path defined by a plurality of copy sheet clearance zones, a copy sheet drive, and a controller for directing the image processing apparatus, the controller tracking the movement of the copy sheets along the copy sheet path by reference to the clearance zones, the clearance zones being the zones of access for normal removal of copy sheets from the copy sheet path, the method of recovery from a copy sheet jam wherein at least one in process copy sheet is disposed along said copy sheet path, comprising the steps of: monitoring that the in process copy sheet extends from a first clearance zone to a second clearance zone; evaluating the force exerted on the in process copy sheet in the second clearance zone; and selecting between a first and a second option, the first option including the step of driving the copy sheet into the first clearance zone for removal, the second option including the step of leaving the copy sheet partially in the second clearance zone for removal from the first clearance zone.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
191 words
In an image processing apparatus for producing images on copy sheets, the apparatus including a copy sheet path defined by a plurality of copy sheet clearance zones, a copy sheet drive, and a controller for directing the image processing apparatus, the controller tracking the movement of the copy sheets along the copy sheet path by reference to the clearance zones, the clearance zones being the zones of access for normal removal of copy sheets from the copy sheet path, the method of recovery from a copy sheet jam wherein at least one in process copy sheet is disposed along said copy sheet path, comprising the steps of: monitoring that the in process copy sheet extends from a first clearance zone to a second clearance zone; evaluating the force exerted on the in process copy sheet in the second clearance zone; and selecting between a first and a second option, the first option including the step of driving the copy sheet into the first clearance zone for removal, the second option including the step of leaving the copy sheet partially in the second clearance zone for removal from the first clearance zone.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4170414A
Cited
US4231567A
Cited
US4275879A
Cited
US4627711A
Cited
US4786041A
Cited
US5072923A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-07-11 | 1998-01-10 | 1998-07-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-07-11 | 2002-01-10 | 2002-07-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-07-11 | 2006-01-10 | 2006-07-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |