Title:
HIGH-CAPACITY OUTPUT CATCH TRAY FOR DOCUMENT PRODUCTION MACHINES
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO2002022481
Kind Code:
A3
Abstract:
The invention is related to a simple, inexpensive high capacity output catch tray for copiers and other document production machines. The output tray automatically increases in capacity as the stack of copies in it accumulates, without external power source or control, while maintaining a relatively constant elevation relative to the copier output port, and automatically returns to its original position when partially or completely unloaded. The invention uses a trampoline-type arrangement that suspends a stack support platform (130) by springs around its perimeter from a frame (110) removeably attached to the copier. As copies accumulate on the platform the weight of the copies causes the springs (120) to stretch and increases the capacity of the output tray. The springs act as energy-storing biasing elements which return the platform to its unloaded position when the stack of copies is removed from the tray, and may also act as variable length alignment surfaces to keep the accumulating stack neat and square.
Inventors:
MOTAMED MARGARET
Application Number:
PCT/US2001/027463
Publication Date:
May 10, 2002
Filing Date:
September 04, 2001
Export Citation:
Assignee:
ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING INC (US)
International Classes:
B65H31/14; (IPC1-7): B65H31/14; B65H31/10
Foreign References:
| US3907281A | 1975-09-23 | |||
| US4357127A | 1982-11-02 | |||
| US6000770A | 1999-12-14 | |||
| GB494101A | 1938-10-19 | |||
| DE19907444A1 | 1999-09-30 | |||
| DE4020730A1 | 1992-01-09 | |||
| US4667953A | 1987-05-26 |
Other References:
MAZZARELLI E A ET AL: "PAPER STACKER", IBM TECHNICAL DISCLOSURE BULLETIN, IBM CORP. NEW YORK, US, vol. 23, no. 3, 1 August 1980 (1980-08-01), pages 1125, XP002066918, ISSN: 0018-8689
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