Patent ID: 7821686
Filing Date: 2010-10-26
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A reprographic device, comprising: a scanning member for scanning a document; an image processor that receives image data from said scanning member and processing it; a retard sheet feeder, said retard sheet feeder including a retard roll and a separation roll that forms a nip therebetween to feed copy sheets to receive images thereon from said image processor, a post feed sensor and take away rolls, said retard sheet feeder including a clutch mechanism that applies a variable drag torque to said retard roll, and wherein said variable drag torque of said clutch mechanism is controlled by a controller, and wherein said controller makes coarse adjustments to the torque of said clutch mechanism based on media type, temperature, humidity, media size and sheet transport speed inputs and fine tune adjustments to said torque of said clutch mechanism based on lead edge arrival time of copy sheets at said take away rolls, lead edge arrival time of copy sheets at said post feed sensor, intercopy gap at said post feed sensor and wear of said retard roll as inputs; and at least one output tray for receiving imaged copy sheets.