Patent ID: 7147598
Filing Date: 2006-12-12
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A folded back portion flattening device operable to flatten a folded back portion of a sheet bundle, the flattening device comprising: a gripping unit configured to grip the sheet bundle such that the folded back portion of the sheet bundle protrudes from the gripping unit; and a pressing unit configured to press the folded back portion of the sheet bundle gripped by the gripping unit, wherein at least one of the gripping unit and the pressing unit is movable in a direction parallel to the folded back portion, wherein the pressing unit includes a plurality of pressing members disposed along the folded back portion, including at least first and second pressing members arranged such that the first pressing member presses the folded back portion prior to the second pressing member pressing the folded back portion, wherein each of the plurality of pressing members has a pressing surface adapted to press the folded back portion, and wherein the pressing surface of the second pressing member presses deeper into the folded back portion than the pressing surface of the first pressing member pressing into the folded back portion.