5723results about "Pile receivers" patented technology

A sheet finisher for executing preselected processing with a sheet introduced thereinto from an image forming apparatus and then discharging the sheet is disclosed. The sheet finisher includes a stacking device configured to temporarily stack sheets sequentially delivered thereto. Jogger fences jog each sheet within the stacking device. A stapler staples the sheet stack jogged in the stacking device. The stapler is supported by a guide shaft such it is movable along the guide shaft in a direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance and angularly movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of guide.

A device for dispensing items comprises a cabinet having an interior for storing items. A dispenser frame is coupled to the cabinet and is configured to be accessed, such as by pulling the dispenser frame from the cabinet. The dispenser frame includes a plurality of dividers that are configured to hold the plurality of dispensing mechanisms that each hold multiple items within the storage area. Further, the dividers are reconfigurable to permit the arrangement of the dispensing mechanisms to be adjusted. A lockable door is coupled to the front of the cabinet in front of the dispenser frame. The door may be opened to provide access to the interior of the cabinet and to the dispenser frame. A dispense drawer is positioned below the storage area so that items dispensed from the dispensing mechanisms fall into the dispense drawer, where they may be accessed by pulling open the dispense drawer.

An automated banking machine (10) identifies and stores in storage areas documents such as currency bills deposited by a user. The machine selectively recovers such documents from storage areas and dispenses them. The machine includes a central transport (70) wherein documents deposited in a stack are unstacked, oriented and identified. Such documents are then routed to storage areas in canisters (92, 94, 96, 98). Documents in the storage areas are selectively picked therefrom and delivered to a user through an input / output area (50) of the machine. Each canister includes a memory (626) which holds information concerning the number and type of documents housed in the canister as well as other information concerning the hardware and software resident on the canister. The memory also includes data representative of individuals responsible for loading and transporting the canister. The machine conducts self-auditing activities to verify that the documents held in the storage areas correspond to the information stored in memory and indicate discrepancies.

A device for dispensing items comprises a cabinet having an interior for storing items. A dispenser frame is coupled to the cabinet and is configured to be accessed, such as by pulling the dispenser frame from the cabinet. The dispenser frame includes a plurality of dividers that are configured to hold the plurality of dispensing mechanisms that each hold multiple items within the storage area. Further, the dividers are reconfigurable to permit the arrangement of the dispensing mechanisms to be adjusted. A lockable door is coupled to the front of the cabinet in front of the dispenser frame. The door may be opened to provide access to the interior of the cabinet and to the dispenser frame. A dispense drawer is positioned below the storage area so that items dispensed from the dispensing mechanisms.

A sheet post-processing apparatus comprises a conveyer for conveying the sheets discharged from the image forming system; a conveying device for conveying the sheets discharged from the image forming system; a pair of upper trays for accommodating the sheets conveyed by the conveying devices, and being horizontally moved in order to align the sheets accommodated therein and fall down the aligned sheets; a pair of upper tray driving devices for providing a driving force to the upper trays; a transmission unit for transmitting the driving force of the upper tray driving device to the upper trays; a lower tray for loading the sheets fallen from the upper trays; and a lower tray driving device for moving the lower tray in upper and lower directions in order to retain distance between the upper trays and the lower tray within a predetermined range. Thus, the sheet post-processing apparatus can accommodate variant size sheets by mechanism consisting of simple and cheap elements.

A method and device for evaluating currency bills using a strapping unit that allows a currency evaluating device to automatically strap stacks of currency bills. Currency bills are placed in an input receptacle and an evaluating unit processes each currency bill one at a time. The currency bills are then transported to a plurality of output receptacles within a strapping unit. A stack moving mechanism transports a stack of currency bills, which contains a predetermined number of currency bills, from each of the plurality of output receptacles to the strapping unit or a strapping position. Each stack of currency bills is strapped using strapping material.

Improved apparatus and methods for increasing the utility and attractiveness of a literature display are provided. The improved apparatus include a literature rack that automatically advances the remaining copies of literature to the front of the literature rack when copies of literature are removed from the rack. Further, a sloped ramp may be provided to prevent the copies of literature from flopping forward and a lifting portion may be provided to lift the front-most copy of literature above the remaining copies. Multiple energy storage devices may be used in parallel to power the self-advancing feature and may possess reduced-friction properties. Additional signage cards may also be provided to denote that all copies have been purchased from the rack and to provide further space for advertisements or information. Additionally, all of these improved functionalities may be achieved by modifying a pre-existing traditional literature rack with a rack insert possessing the improved apparatus.

An automated banking machine (10) identifies and stores documents such as currency bills deposited by a user. The machine then selectively recovers such documents from storage and dispenses them to other users. The machine includes a central transport (70) wherein documents deposited in a stack are unstacked, oriented and identified. Such documents are then routed to storage areas in recycling canisters (92, 94, 96, 98). When a user subsequently requests a dispense, documents stored in the storage areas are selectively picked therefrom and delivered to the user through an input / output area (50) of the machine.

Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent dispensing modules for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound. The dispensing modules may include one or more pusher assemblies for dispensing product. Certain systems of this invention may also include a lockout feature, so that one only pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time. In some embodiments, a door assembly may be provided as an additional theft deterrent mechanism so that access to additional product not yet dispensed by the pusher assembly is restricted.

A media storage system for an automated banking machine (10) includes a flipper member (90, 178) which is rotationally movable to engage sheets. A gripper member (138, 182) is movably mounted relative to the flipper member. The flipper member further includes an arcuately extending slot (92, 180). The sheet extending in the slot is held in fixed engagement with the flipper member by the gripper member. Rotation of the flipper member to a releasing position causes the sheet to be engaged with a stop surface (160, 188) as the gripper member moves to release the sheet. Sheets released by the flipper member are positioned in a stack (94, 184). The flexible flap (160) engages each sheet after it has been released by the flipper member to conform the sheet to the stack. In alternative embodiments a flipper member (178) includes a picker portion (202). Picker portion is selectively operated to remove sheets from the stack.

A method for sorting mail to a case having a plurality of slots is described, wherein each slot corresponds to a destination. The method includes steps of loading a mail piece to be sorted into a delivery robot, determining for the mail piece a destination slot the mail piece is to be delivered to, moving the delivery robot along a rail disposed at the front of the case near the slots into proximity with an open end of the destination slot, inserting the mail piece from the delivery robot into the associated slot, and returning the delivery robot to a loading station whereby the cycle may be repeated. Such a method, when using a large number of robots moving along a common rail system, can sort a large volume of mail in carrier delivery order.

A media storage system for an automated banking machine (10) includes a rotating flipper member (90, 178, 222) which is rotationally movable to engage sheets. A moveable gripper member (138, 182, 226) is movably mounted relative to the flipper member. The flipper member further includes an arcuately extending slot (92, 180, 232). A sheet extending in the slot is held in fixed engagement with the flipper member by the gripper member. Rotation of the flipper member to a releasing position causes the sheet to be engaged with a stop surface (160, 188, 284) as the gripper member moves to release the sheet. Sheets released by the flipper member are positioned in a stack (94, 184, 234). In alternative embodiments a flipper member (178, 222) includes a picker portion (202, 278). The picker portion is selectively operated to remove sheets from the stack for delivery to a user of the machine.

A method and device for evaluating currency bills using a strapping unit that allows a currency evaluating device to automatically strap stacks of currency bills. Currency bills are placed in an input receptacle and an evaluating unit processes each currency bill one at a time. The currency bills are then transported to a plurality of output receptacles. A stack moving mechanism transports a stack of currency bills, which contains a predetermined number of currency bills, from each of the plurality of output receptacles to the strapping unit or a strapping position. Each stack of currency bills is strapped using strapping material.

A system for forming a plurality of discrete objects into a stack is disclosed which system includes a frame having a top, a bottom and sides; a conveyor associated with the frame and having an end edge for dispensing discrete objects, a first support mounted on the frame near the end edge for receiving objects from the end edge and having an opening with a width smaller than the width of the objects, a first actuator operably connected to the first support for moving the first support between first and second positions relative to the end edge; a second actuator operably connected to the first support for moving the first support between upper and lower positions relative to the frame; a second support mounted on the frame beneath the first support having a width less than the width of the opening in the first support; a third actuator operatively connected to the second support for moving the second support between high and low positions, the second support high position being higher than the first support lower position; a third support mounted on the frame at a position higher than the second support low position and having an opening wider than the width of the second support; a fourth actuator operatively connected to the third support for moving the third support between a first position beneath the first support and a second position; a sensor for determining the number of discrete objects in a stack, the sensor being operatively coupled to the to the third actuator; and a controller for controlling the first, second, third and fourth actuators. A method of using the system is also disclosed.

A paper sheet finishing system includes a sheet guiding mechanism having nip rollers to transport a sheet forward, at least one diverter gate through which the sheet passes when the at least one diverter gate is open, and a temporary compiler to support the sheet after the sheet passes the at least one diverter gate, a diverter member to travel in conjunction with the at least one diverter gate, and at least one rear suppressor member connected to the diverter member to push a trailing edge of the sheet forward and pitch a leading edge of the sheet downward after the sheet controllably descends past the temporary compiler with reduced flutter and improved positioning during compilation of the sheets.

A vertically arranged combination desktop currency denominating machine and currency dispenser comprising a currency denominating module adapted to receive a stack of currency bills to be denominated and to denominate the received currency bills, wherein a transport mechanism transports bills individually from an input receptacle adapted to receive the stack of currency bills to one or more output receptacles. The combination further comprising a dispenser retaining section adapted to store currency bills to be dispensed to the one or more output receptacles during a dispensing operation, the retaining section comprising one or more dispensing receptacles, each dispensing receptacle adapted to hold bills having a common denomination, wherein the dispenser retainer section is positioned above the currency denominating module.

A sheet processing apparatus includes a stacking device for stacking a sheet, a delivering device for delivering the sheet to the stacking device, and a pulling device for pulling in a direction opposite to a delivery direction the sheet delivered to the stacking device. The pulling device is structured to keep approximately constant a contract pressure exerted to the topmost sheet delivered on the stacking device, and the pulling device is formed in a tapered shape whose one end is narrower than the opposite end.

A conveyor transfer apparatus (100) conveys stacks of product (S1) on a multi-row conveyor (110) having a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart belts (112) toward a single-row conveyor (120) oriented transversely to the multi-row conveyor. When a stack is in a desired position, an elevator assembly (130) lifts the stack above the multi-row conveyor to a position near the single-row conveyor. The elevator assembly includes a plurality of elongate members (136) that are sized and spaced to move between adjacent belts of the multi-row conveyor. A pusher assembly (140) extends to push the lifted stack from the elevator assembly onto the single row conveyor. The elevator assembly and pusher assembly then retract until another stack is in position to be lifted. A plurality of elevator assemblies and pusher assemblies are arranged to engage particular rows of stacks.

A method and apparatus for handling bill jams within a currency processing device is provided. The device includes a transport mechanism adapted to transport bills along a transport path, one at a time, from the input receptacle past an evaluation unit into a plurality of output receptacles. At least one of the output receptacles includes a holding area and a storage area. A plurality of bill passage sensors are sequentially disposed along the transport path that are adapted to detect the passage of a bill as each bill is transported past each sensor. An encoder is adapted to produce an encoder count for each incremental movement of the transport mechanism. A controller counts the total number of bills transported into each of the holding areas and the total number of bills moved from a holding area to a corresponding storage area after a predetermined number of bills have been transported into the holding area. The controller tracks the movement of each of the bills along the transport path into each of the holding areas with the plurality of bill passage sensors. The presence of a bill jam is detected when a bill is not transported past one of the plurality of bill passage sensors within a requisite number of encoder counts. The operation of the transport mechanism is suspended upon detection of a bill jam. The bills from each of the holding areas are moved to the corresponding storage areas upon suspension of the operation of the transport mechanism. Remaining bills are then flushed from the transport path after moving the bills from each of the holding areas to the corresponding storage areas upon suspension of the operation of the transport mechanism.

A method and device for evaluating currency bills using a strapping unit that allows a currency evaluating device to automatically strap stacks of currency bills. Currency bills are placed in an input receptacle and an evaluating unit processes each currency bill one at a time. The currency bills are then transported to a plurality of output receptacles. A stack moving mechanism transports a stack of currency bills, which contains a predetermined number of currency bills, from each of the plurality of output receptacles to the strapping unit or a strapping position. Each stack of currency bills is strapped using strapping material.

A vertically arranged combination desktop currency denominating machine and currency dispenser comprising a currency denominating module adapted to receive a stack of currency bills to be denominated and to denominate the received currency bills, wherein a transport mechanism transports bills individually from an input receptacle adapted to receive the stack of currency bills to one or more output receptacles. The combination further comprising a dispenser retaining section adapted to store currency bills to be dispensed to the one or more output receptacles during a dispensing operation, the retaining section comprising one or more dispensing receptacles, each dispensing receptacle adapted to hold bills having a common denomination, wherein the dispenser retainer section is positioned above the currency denominating module.

A sheet processing apparatus includes: a buffer unit which stores plural supplied sheets with upstream edges in a conveying direction thereof aligned; a processing tray on which sheets discharged from the buffer unit are stacked; and an oscillation roller pair and a return roller which convey the sheet stacked on the processing tray to bring the sheet into abutment against a stopper for receiving the upstream edge of the sheet. The buffer unit is adapted to align the upstream edges of only sheets to be stored before a sheet to be supplied last among the sheets to be stored.

In a medicine supply apparatus having a plurality of tablet cases equipped in a case accommodating portion of a main body, each tablet case containing medicines, chutes into which medicines discharged from the respective table cases fall, a hopper equipped in correspondence with the lower portions of the chutes, and a charging apparatus for charging a medicine accommodating container with medicines caught by the hopper, a plurality of drawers are equipped in the case accommodating portion, the tablet cases are detachably mounted on each drawer, and each drawer is equipped so as to be freely drawn out from the case accommodating portion.

Aspects of embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a method of stacking disk-shaped substrates for polishing without using a centering shaft and an apparatus for implementing the method. A stack of disk-shaped substrates can be concentrically aligned without contacting the inside circumferential surfaces of the disk-shaped substrates by applying pressure to the outside edges of the disk-shaped substrates in different lateral directions.