Patent ID: 6487379
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: B65H,G03G

Abstract:
A paper feeding apparatus used in electrical cascade connection of plural paper feeding devices with an external device, and comprising a first communication means for communication between an electrically downstream paper feeding device and the apparatus itself and a second communication means for communication between an electrically upstream paper feeding device and the apparatus itself, said apparatus comprising:a means for acquiring device information concerning said downstream device through said first communication means; a first control means for controlling the upstream device by converting said acquired device information concerning the downstream device and device information of the apparatus itself together into device information as a single device, and transmitting to said upstream device by means of said second communication means; and a means for analyzing control information from said upstream device and transmitting control information through the apparatus itself to said downstream device, which is second control means for controlling the apparatus itself, based on information concerning the apparatus itself out of said control information, and transmitting information concerning said downstream device through said first communication means to said downstream device according to said control information.