Automatically retractable extending nip sheet ejection system for a multiple output locations stacking device

Abstract

In a sheet handling system with an array of multiple individual sheet stacking bins and a sheet feeding system for feeding sheets from a sheet feeding output nip thereof into selected bins, for stacking of the sheets into the selected the bins, with relative movement between the sheet feeding system and the multiple individual sheet stacking bins; an automatic nip extending system is provided for automatically moving the sheet feeding output nip out into an individual bin for improved sheet control for the feeding of sheets into the bin, and an automatic nip retracting system for automatically moving the sheet feeding output nip out of the bins for unobstructed relative movement between the sheet feeding system and the sheet stacking bins, in coordination with the relative movement between the sheet feeding system and the multiple individual sheet stacking bins. The nip extending system preferably includes a repositionable extended loop sheet feeding belt.

We claim: 
     
       1. In a sheet handling system with an array of multiple individual sheet stacking bins and a sheet feeding system for feeding sheets from a sheet feeding output nip thereof selectively into selected said bins, for stacking of the sheets into the selected said bins, with relative movement between said sheet feeding system and said multiple individual sheet stacking bins, the improvement comprising: an automatic nip extending system for automatically moving said sheet feeding output nip of said sheet feeding system out into an individual said bin for improved sheet control for said feeding of sheets from said sheet feeding output nip into said individual bin, and   an automatic nip retracting system for automatically moving said sheet feeding output nip of said sheet feeding system out of said bins for unobstructed said relative movement between said sheet feeding system and said multiple individual sheet stacking bins.   
     
     
       2. The sheet handling system of claim 1, wherein said automatic nip retracting system automatically retracts said sheet feeding output nip out of said bins in coordination with said relative movement between said sheet feeding system and said multiple individual sheet stacking bins to allow that movement to be unobstructed. 
     
     
       3. The sheet handling system of claim 1, wherein said automatic nip extending system includes a repositionable extended loop sheet feeding belt. 
     
     
       4. The sheet handling system of claim 1, wherein said automatic nip extending system includes a repositionable extended loop sheet feeding belt mounted at its outer end to a pivotally mounted belt pulley. 
     
     
       5. The sheet handling system of claim 1, wherein said sheet feeding system includes a sheet tamper system, and said automatic nip retracting system is operated by said sheet tamper system. 
     
     
       6. The sheet handling system of claim 1, wherein said automatic nip extending system includes a repositionable extended loop sheet feeding belt mounted at its outer end to a pivotally mounted belt pulley and a movable idler roller moveable into and out of sheet feeding engagement with said extended loop sheet feeding belt at said outer end to form an extended sheet feeding nip therebetween in said engagement. 
     
     
       7. The sheet handling system of claim 1, wherein said automatic nip extending system includes a repositionable extended loop sheet feeding belt mounted at said outer end to a pivotally mounted belt pulley and a baffle plate spring loaded into sheet feeding engagement with said extended loop sheet feeding belt at said outer end thereof to form an extended sheet feeding nip therebetween.