Patent ID: 7404551
Filing Date: 2008-07-29
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A stack quality monitoring method for use in a printing apparatus, comprising: providing a scanning member positioned to read images on documents positioned thereover and forward image data for further processing; providing an image processor that receives the image data from said scanning member and processing it; providing at least one copy sheet feed tray adapted to feed copy sheets to receive images thereon from said image processor; providing a finisher for producing sets from said copy sheets, said finisher including an output tray; counting the number of pulses required to raise said output tray from an eject position to a compile position; determining if the number of pulses counted is above a threshold number; adding a predetermined number of pulse counts to the pulse count based on the number of sheets in the set if the determined number of pulse counts is above said threshold number; determining if a predetermined maximum count number has been exceeded; and halting output to said output tray if the predetermined maximum count number has been exceeded.