Multi-path gating system

Abstract

System and methods for directing sheet media to one of multiple output paths is described. A multi-path gating system includes a multi-positionable gate including a fixed pivotable input end for receiving sheet media and a movable output end for routing the sheet media to one of multiple output paths. The multi-path gating system also includes an actuator configured to control the position of the output end of the multi-positionable gate, wherein the actuator orients the output end of the gate forming an output path for the sheet media.

1 . A multi-path gating system, comprising:
 a multi-positionable gate configured to divert a sheet to one of multiple output paths, including:
 a fixed pivotable input end for receiving a sheet; and 
 a movable output end, wherein the movable output end diverts the sheet to one of the multiple output paths; and 
   an actuator operatively coupled to the multi-positionable gate to control the position of the output end of the multi-positionable gate.   
     
     
         2 . The multi-path gating system of  claim 1  further including an input baffle for directing the sheet towards the input end of the multi-positionable gate. 
     
     
         3 . The multi-path gating system of  claim 1  further including a plurality of output baffles for receiving the sheet from the output end of the multi-positionable gate. 
     
     
         4 . The multi-path gating system of  claim 3 , wherein the output end of the multi-positionable gate aligns with a baffle from the plurality of output baffles, forming an output path. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-path gating system of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of output baffles includes two or more baffles, forming two or more output paths. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-path gating system of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator positions the output end of the multi-positionable gate to select one of the multiple output paths. 
     
     
         7 . The multi-path gating system of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator is a stepper motor. 
     
     
         8 . A multi-path gating system, comprising:
 a multi-positionable gate configured for diverting a sheet to one of multiple output paths, wherein the multi-positionable gate includes:
 a fixed pivotable input end for receiving a sheet; and 
 a movable output end, wherein the movable output end diverts the sheet to one of the multiple output paths; 
   an input baffle positioned at the input of the multi-positionable gate for directing the sheet towards the input end;   a plurality of output baffles for receiving the sheet from the output end of the multi-positionable gate;   wherein the output end of the multi-positionable gate aligns with a baffle from the plurality of output baffles forming an output path for the sheet; and   an actuator operatively coupled to the multi-positionable gate for controlling the position of the output end, wherein the motor positions the output end of the multi-positionable gate.   
     
     
         9 . The multi-path gating system of  claim 8 , wherein the plurality of output baffles includes two or more baffles, forming two or more output paths. 
     
     
         10 . A method for switching between multiple output paths, comprising:
 receiving an input sheet through a fixed input end of a multi-positionable gate;   positioning an output end of the multi-positionable gate to select one of the multiple output paths for the input sheet; and   transferring the input sheet to the selected output path through the multi-positionable gate.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the positioning step includes positioning the output end in two or more directions, forming two or more output paths.