Patent ID: 6227539
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
In a printed sheets distribution system for a printer comprising an array of multiple adjacent stacking bins into which printed sheets from the printer are selectively directed to be stacked in selected individual said bins, wherein different numbers of said printed sheets are selectively directed to different individual said bins, the improvement comprising an automatic bin capacity adjustment system which automatically increases or decreases the sheet stacking capacity of said selected individual said bins relative to other said bins in response to said different numbers of said printed sheets being directed to said selected individual said bins, said automatic bin capacity adjustment system automatically changing the spacing between selected said adjacent stacking bins to provide said automatically increases or decreases in the sheet stacking capacity of said selected individual said bins relative to said other bins;wherein said automatic bin capacity adjustment system comprises plural coaxial but independently rotatable screw threaded bin movement members, and a controlled drive system rotating at least one of said screw threaded bin movement members relative to another to change the spacing between adjacent said bins.