Patent ID: 6874777
Filing Date: 2005-04-05
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A sheet feed apparatus with an elastomeric layer formed on a surface of a non-cylindrical support body which is rotatable about a rotary axis, characterized in that: said surface of said support body includes a main area arcuately extending over a desired center angle about said rotary axis and at least one auxiliary area extending inside an imaginary cylindrical surface containing said main area to be joined to said main area; said elastomeric layer comprises a base and a plurality of micro-structured elements formed on a surface of said base, each micro-structured element having a three-dimensionally projecting shape and being formed integrally with said base with a mutually identical elastic material; and that each micro-structured element is adapted to come into frictional contact at a distal end thereof with a sheet material to feed the sheet material by a rotation of said support body about said rotary axis.