Patent ID: 7946574
Filing Date: 2011-05-24
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A sheet stacking apparatus for storing a plurality of sheets, comprising: a storage chamber; a platform located within the storage chamber for storing a plurality of sheets in a substantially vertical stack thereon, the platform having a central lift plate and lowered side plates integrally formed with the central lift plate, each of the lowered side plates, furthermore, disposed to a side of the central lift plate and having a portion which extends rearwardly of the central lift plate, the central lift plate and lowered side plates defining (i) a void region disposed forwardly of each side plate and to each side of the central lift plate, and (ii) a support region disposed aft and to each side of the central lift plate; a feeder for feeding a top sheet from the stack; and an actuation mechanism operative to move the platform upwards and hold the stack in operative contact with the feeder; the central lift plate and lowered side plates of the platform supporting sheets of varying size such that portions thereof may be allowed to droop below the lift plate in either the void or support regions.