Patent ID: 7641189
Filing Date: 2010-01-05
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A sheet feeder configured to feed a sheet, comprising: a supply tray configured to hold a stack of sheets; a separation element disposed at an end of the supply tray, the separation element being configured to contact a sheet in the stack of sheets and apply a resistive force to the sheet; a separation roller disposed facing the separation element, the separation roller being configured to contact an uppermost sheet in the stack of sheets, rotate and apply a feeding force to the uppermost sheet; a pressing plate pivotally attached to the supply tray at a first end remote from a second end where the separation element is disposed, the pressing plate being configured to move toward the separation element in response to a reduction in a number of sheets in the stack of sheets in the supply tray; and a pressure applying element configured to increase a contact surface pressure between the separation element and the uppermost sheet in cooperation with the separation element and the separation roller in response to movement of the pressing plate toward the separation element, the pressure applying element including an arm extending from an end of the supply tray in a width direction of the supply tray toward the separation element.