Patent ID: 7571906
Filing Date: 2009-08-11
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A sheet feed mechanism comprising: a chassis for supporting a stack of sheets; a top sheet engaging member for engaging a top most sheet of the stack and moving the sheet relative to the remainder of the stack; a stack engaging structure for engaging the stack and biasing the top most sheet against the top sheet engaging member, the stack engaging structure being hinged to the chassis at a hinge axis, the stack engaging structure having a friction surface extending therefrom in a direction parallel to a locus of the stack engaging structure about the hinge axis; a lock mechanism mounted to the chassis, the lock mechanism having a lock arm attached to the hinge axis, and further having a biased contact foot for engaging the friction surface to retard a movement of the stack engaging structure about the hinge axis; and, an actuator for engaging and disengaging the contact foot from the friction surface.