Patent ID: 6702278
Filing Date: 2004-03-09
Classification: B65H,G03G,Y10S

Abstract:
In combination with a paper handling device having a frame and an output tray movable between uppermost and lowermost positions on said frame, an apparatus for holding an existing stack of paper at opposite sides thereof so that a new job may be deposited over the existing stack without degrading the stacking quality of the existing stack, said apparatus including first and second mirror-image paper hold mechanisms, each mechanism having sufficient weight to secure a single edge of the existing stack, each mechanism comprising:a cylindrical guide pin anchored to said frame; a cam anchored to said frame, said cam having a grooved path that lies in one or more planes that are perpendicular to the cylindrical axis of said guide pin, said path having vertical upward component, a downward component with a vertical upper portion and a lower portion that arcs away from the center of said stack, and a return component which connects the lowermost points of the downward and upward components; an arm having a longitudinally-oriented slot in a laminar upper portion thereof, said slot sized to slidably engage said guide pin, said arm also having upper and lower ends, movement of said arm about said pin substantially limited to a plane perpendicular to the cylindrical axis of said guide pin; a foot affixed to the lower end of said arm, said foot sized and adapted to engage an upper edge of said stack; and a cam follower affixed to a central portion of said arm, said cam follower engaging the path of said cam.