Patent ID: 6107587
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: B07C

Abstract:
A sheet sorting apparatus comprising:a plurality of boxes in each of which a predetermined number of sheets can be stacked without overflowing;supply means for supplying a plurality of sheets to a convey route one by one;detection means for reading classification information added to each of the sheets, the classification information indicating for each sheet a particular destination box in which said sheet is to be stacked;branching means for diverting each sheet in the convey route into one of the boxes;reset means for automatically resetting the sheets that have been stacked in said boxes to said supply means;means for determining if the number of sheets to be stacked in a particular box exceeds the capacity of that particular box and, if so, identifying an additional destination box in which said sheets are to be stacked; andcontrol means for controlling the branching means to divert each sheet into a particular box,wherein, during the first pass, the control means controls the branching means to divert each sheet into a particular box based on the classification information and, during the second pass, the control means controls the branching means to divert each sheet into either a particular box based on the classification information or, when necessary, into said additional destination box.