Very high speed duplicator with finishing function

A collation system is disclosed for use with a very high speed, fully automated reproduction system having a document handling apparatus, copy sheet processor, and a finishing station. In this arrangement, a sorter bin array is arranged to collate the copy sheets into copy sets corresponding to a multiple page document, the array being held stationary for the collection of some of the copy sheets and is moved past a sheet-receiving station for receiving at least one of the copy sheets.

This invention relates to an improved finishing station for use in a 
reproduction system. 
With the advent of higher speed and more sophisticated copy producing 
machines, printing presses, and the like, considerations as to how the 
mass of copies generated can best and most effectively be handled, has 
assumed increasing importance. One way has been to provide a reproduction 
system with an input device in the form of a recirculating document 
handling apparatus. In this system, a document sheet is removed from a 
collated set of document sheets, placed on an exposure platen for exposure 
at the rate of one exposure for each document sheet, and returned to the 
top of the set in the document handling apparatus until the set of 
document sheets has been completely circulated through the apparatus, and 
a copy set has been produced. The set of document sheets is then recycled 
for the reproduction of a second copy set, and so on. After each copy set 
is produced and collected at a collection station, a finishing device such 
as a stitcher is activated to bind the set. These systems are of the 
pre-collation type wherein the document sheets are precollated in the 
document handling apparatus prior to commencement of a reproduction run. 
The output for the reproduction machine will likewise be precollated in 
sets corresponding to the sequenced numbered document set in the document 
handling apparatus. The copy sheets are collected in collated sets as they 
are sequentially produced so that binding may be effected without the 
interaction of additional devices. Such systems are described in U.S. Pat. 
No. 4,134,672. 
One of the disadvantages in these systems having continuous document 
recirculation to produce each bound copy set is that for compilation of 
each copy set and eventual stapling or stitching, many moving parts have 
been required and have added to the risks of unscheduled maintenance. In 
addition, generally, in providing for the stapling or stitching step, a 
varied number of machine pitches per set may be lost thereby reducing 
throughput for the system. 
In order to achieve still higher rates of production of finished copy sets, 
the present invention contemplates the concept of utilizing post-collation 
rather than pre-collation. The inventive arrangement utilizes document 
handling wherein a predetermined number of light images are produced for 
each document sheet, say for example, of page one of a multi-page 
document, before a successive document sheet, perhaps page two of the 
document, is likewise imaged. This sequencing in turn may be repeated many 
more times if a very large number of copy sets are to be reproduced. In 
this manner, the mechanical movements involved in document handling are 
held to a minimum. As the copy sheets are being produced in accordance 
with the above imaging procedure, a single array of collecting bins or 
sorter is held stationary and arranged to receive the copy sheet output 
for collating the same into collated sets by means of a vertically 
arranged transport. For at least the last copy sheet of the sets, the 
array is indexed vertically to receive the last sheet. As the array is 
being so indexed, each completed set is removed from a bin, and a 
finishing device such as a stitcher or stapler is positioned and activated 
to apply a staple to each completed set. This arrangement is different 
than that disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 180,184, filed 
Aug. 21, 1980, and commonly assigned in that the present invention 
utilizes a stationary sorter while collecting all but at least the last 
copy sheet and then indexes the sorter to collect the last sheet and to 
permit removal of the completed sets for stitching or stapling. In the 
earlier filed, above-referred to application, the sorter is indexed 
vertically in both directions to collect all copy sheets of a set. With 
the present arrangement, maximum throughput is available from the various 
apparatus utilized in the reproduction system; this effort being 
accomplished with a minimum of moving parts, less wear and tear, less down 
time or maintenance for the apparatus utilized. In addition, the present 
arrangement offers a more economical system since sorter indexing noise is 
lower and there is lower power requirements. More productivity is possible 
because the last copy sheet is always fed while the sorter is moving 
downwardly regardless of the number of document sheets thus avoiding 
wasted down time without this feature. 
In the IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, Vol. 18, No. 10, March 1976, 
pages 3160-3161, a collator-stapler mechanism is disclosed as having a 
single array of collating bins which are held in fixed position while a 
traveling clamp moves along to pick up a copy set from each bin and to 
convey the same to a jogger and then a stapler. 
The Research Disclosure Bulletin of September 1979, pages 497-499, Paper 
No. 18541, illustrates and describes a copy system having a document 
handler 12, a copy processor, copy storage section 14, and a finisher 16. 
Ordinarily, the section 14 functions in the manner of a stacking device 
wherein each bin collects all of the copies of a document sheet either 
manually or in combination with the handler 12 and is not utilized as a 
collator. However, the system can be programmed so that the section 14 
functions as a conventional collator. There is no provision for 
coordinating or integrating this function with that of a finisher to 
arrive at high speed continuous collating and finishing. 
Present day machines on the market, such as the Xerox duplication machines 
labeled the 9400 Duplicator and the 9500 Duplicator marketed by Xerox 
Corporation of Stamford, Conn., utilize a document handler as an input 
device which exposes as many copies of a single document sheet at a time 
as is appropriate before starting on the next document sheet. Any other 
suitable type of automatic document handler may also be used in 
conjunction with the processor for the 9400 or 9500 Duplicators. 
It is therefore the principal object of the present invention to produce 
bound sets or stacks of copies of a multi-page document at the highest 
speed possible for a reproduction machine. 
It is a further object of the present invention to maintain full 
productivity in a reproduction/finishing system by eliminating those 
machine copy cycle pitches which are wasted during some machine operating 
steps. 
It is another object of the present invention to minimize the number of 
moving parts in a finishing station and to reduce the number of movements 
usually incurred during the operation thereof. 
The present invention is directed to a finishing apparatus for binding copy 
sheets received in succession at a sheet collecting device, comprising a 
single bin array, having a series of individual vertically arranged bins 
each with an inlet for receiving individual sheets from a sheet transport 
which conveys each sheet vertically to the bins in succession. Means are 
provided for moving the array in a vertical direction for the sequential 
disposition of a selected ones of the bins, or for all of the bins at a 
sheet receiving station for receiving at least the last sheet of the copy 
sets. A set transport means is also provided for removing each set of 
collected sheets from the bins at another fixed station immediately below 
the sheet receiving station, while the array is being moved vertically to 
receive the last sheet. Stapling means for binding each set after removal 
from the sorter array is arranged to receive each set from the set 
transport. 
While the invention is disclosed in combination with a reproduction machine 
of the electrostatographic type, it will be understood that the disclosed 
collating system may be combined with other printing apparatus or machines 
which merely sort, collect and/or effect the movement of informational 
items such as sheets or cards.

For a general understanding of a reproduction machine with which the 
present invention may be incorporated, reference is made to FIG. 1 wherein 
components of a typical electrostatic printing system are illustrated. The 
printing system is preferably of the xerographic type as one including a 
xerographic processor 11, and an automatic type document handling 
apparatus 12. Preferably, the processor 11 is the same as the processor in 
the commercial embodiment of the Xerox 9400 Duplicator, which utilizes 
flash, full frame exposure for very high speed production. Document sheet 
exposure, image processing and copy sheet transport/handling are under 
control by a machine programmer and are effected in timed sequence, and in 
accordance with the program an operator has preset in the machine. Further 
details in this regard are not necessary since the Xerox 9400 Duplicator 
operates in this manner and is well known. Details of the timing 
relationships, the programmer, and related structure and events are 
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,790,270; 3,796,486; and 3,917,396, commonly 
assigned and which are incorporated by reference. It will be understood 
that most any other type of xerographic processor and document handling 
apparatus may be utilized. Operating in conjunction with the processor 11 
and apparatus 12 is a finishing station 13 and thereby forms the 
reproduction system shown in FIG. 1. 
The system comprising the processor 11, the document handling apparatus 12, 
and the finishing station 13, is under control of a programmer P which 
permits an operator various options: to turn the entire system ON or OFF; 
to program the reproduction system for a desired number of reproductions 
to be made of each original document sheet or set; to select whether 
simplex or duplex copies are to be made; to select a desired output 
arangement, that is, sets mode or stacks mode, stapled or unstapled; to 
select one of a plurality of paper trays; to condition the machine for the 
type of document, that is, whether one sided or two sided, to select a 
copy size reduction mode, and other desirable functions. The programmer P 
also includes a controller which provides all operational timing and 
synchronization between the processor 11 and all of its xerographic 
processing functions, and system control functions, the automatic events 
to be described hereinafter. The controller may include any suitable 
microprocessor having a CPU and the appropriate machine clock, but 
preferably the microprocessor is one similar to the Intel 8080 
Microprocessor manufactured by the Intel Corporation, Santa Clara, Calif., 
and having sufficient ROM's and RAM's for all of the necessary functions 
in the reproduction system. 
The document handling apparatus 12 serves to feed one document sheet D at a 
time from a supply of document sheets into copying position on the platen 
14 where a single exposure of only one copy set is programmed, or a 
plurality of exposures may be made. Following exposure one or more times, 
each document sheet is automatically returned to the document supply and 
the next document sheet, if any, is brought into the exposure position on 
plate 14. Document sheets returned to the supply stack may be recycled by 
the apparatus 12 or simply removed by the user when the copying program is 
completed. Since the particular document apparatus 12 is a commercial 
device being part of Xerox Corporation's product labeled the 9400 
Duplicator, and a variation of the same is adequately described in U.S. 
Pat. No. 3,944,794, which is incorporated by reference herein, further 
description thereof will not be included herein. 
Further details of the processing devices and stations in the printer 
system or processor are not necessary to understand the principles of the 
present invention. However, a detailed description of these processing 
stations and components along with the other structures of the machine 
printer are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,054,380 which is commonly 
assigned with the present invention and which is incorporated by reference 
herein. 
As previously described, the document apparatus 12 includes a document tray 
adapted for supporting a stack comprising a plurality of document sheets 
in numbered sequence with page one of the multi-page document on the 
bottom of the stack. Since the illustrated document handling apparatus is 
of the bottom feeder type, page one will be the first document sheet 
imaged, and so on. 
For either the simplex or duplex modes of operation, copy sheets exiting 
the exit slot 50 positioned at one end of the housing for the xerographic 
processor 11 are directed to the finishing station 13 which comprises a 
sorting or collating mechanism, a stapler apparatus, and an output 
elevator system. After leaving the processor 11, each sheet is positioned 
upon a transport 92, is registered thereon and further conveyed generally 
along the same horizontal plane as its previous path to a fixed receiving 
point or station 93. The transport includes a movable endless transport 
belt 94 upon which each sheet is placed and a plurality of loosely 
retained rotatable balls 95 which rest along the belt 94 by gravity and 
which coact with the belt to convey sheets therebetween. The belt 94 is 
driven by a motor and suitable gearing and pulleys (not shown) at a speed 
slightly greater than the processing speed of the processor 11 in order to 
add more working space between the sheets and to ensure that the final 
handling of copy sheets does not impede the throughput of the entire 
system as determined by the process speed. 
At the exit slot 50, a sheet-contacting switch S-1 is positioned to be 
actuated as each sheet enters the transport 92 of the finishing station 
13. The circuit for this switch is connected to the logic in the 
programmer P and serves to reset the machine clock for the finishing 
function so that zero time for the sheet commences when the sheet is at 
the reference point 93. 
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the station 93, a lower roller 97 of a vertical 
conveyor belt mechanism 98 of the gated transport type is positioned to 
receive copy sheets from the transport belt 94 and to apply them upon a 
belt 99 for the mechanism. The belt 99 cooperates with a plurality of 
rollers 100 for transporting copy sheets vertically past the open ends of 
an array of collecting bins 101 for a sorter generally indicated by the 
reference numeral 102. A gate 103 is associated with each of the bins 102 
for directing a sheet into a bin 101 when a gate 103 has been pivoted to a 
position to deflect a sheet into the associated bin. A suitable solenoid 
(not shown) may be utilized with each of the gates for causing deflection 
thereof and the programmer P may include the control circuitry for 
effecting the timed sequence of their operation in accordance with a 
program selected by the operation. 
In the illustrated embodiment, the array 102 includes twelve horizontally 
disposed bins 101 arranged in a vertical stack, the number of which 
corresponds to the predetermined number of exposures made of each document 
sheet while it is on the platen 14. The number of bins utilized should 
correspond to the total number of sheets in the paper path when the system 
has been programmed for the duplex mode so that a minimum of machine 
"pitches" are not skipped. The number of exposures made for each document 
sheet positioning on the platen also corresponds to this total number of 
sheets, which for the illustrated machine is twelve sheets. 
The belt 99 may be driven by any suitable means in the direction indicated 
by an arrow in order to permit collation of copy sheets into the bins 101 
as the gates 103 are sequentially actuated. The sequence of loading or 
collecting sheets starts with the bottommost bin and progresses to the 
topmost bin. Further details of a gated transport are unnecessary as these 
are known in the art and are provided in the sorter modules associated 
with the Xerox 9400 Duplicator. U.S. Pat. No. 3,709,492 discloses such 
transports, except the orientation which for the patented system is 
horizontal rather than vertical. 
The array 102 is mounted for bi-directional vertical movement within a 
suitable supporting fixed frame and, as shown in FIG. 1, the array is 
positioned in its normal standby position with the lowermost bin opposite 
the roller 104 associated with the transport belt 94 adjacent the station 
93. The lowermost gate 105 is at its deflection position, whereat the 
sheet will be directed upwardly between the rollers 100 and the belt 99. 
When the gate 105 is actuated out of this position and into its inactive 
position, the lowermost bin receives sheets directly from the conveyor 
belt 94, through the station 93. 
For ease of understanding later description, the bins are numbered 
consecutively from 1 to 12 starting at the lowest bin with bin numbered 12 
at the top of the array. The array is held stationary during collating of 
copy sheets for all but at least the last sheet of each set of copy sheets 
being collected, and is indexed in the downward direction past the 
receiving point 93 for the sequential receiving of the last copy sheet in 
each of the bins. Upon operating in this sets mode, the array indexes 
downwardly one bin at a time and as each bin becomes aligned at the 
station 93, movement of the last copy sheet into each bin 101 is achieved 
directly by the transport belt 94 since the gate 105 would have been 
programmed to its inactive position for this phase of the operation. A 
suitable sensor SR-1 may be positioned at the front edge of the lowermost 
bin to indicate to the system logic that this action has occurred and to 
enable another indexing operation. In addition, as the array indexes 
downwardly, a set transport, to be described hereinafter, unloads a set 
from the array at the rate of every other bin, say for example, the odd 
numbered bins. During return of the array to the normal position, the set 
transport unloads the even numbered bins thereby completing the unloading 
of the array. 
When the array 103 reaches its lowermost position and bin numbered 12 has 
received its last copy sheet, the document handling apparatus 12 has 
already removed from the platen the document sheet which initiated the 
production of the last copy sheets, has added and copied a successive 
document sheet of a document set, and has fed still another document sheet 
to the platen. Since there are a number of images being processed in the 
processor 11, in our example, twelve sheets in the paper path being 
conveyed by the various transports, two document sheet changes would have 
occurred earlier than the time that the last copy sheet indicative thereof 
is received in bin 12. As the array indexes upward for the unloading of 
the remaining copy sheets, the first copy sheet of the next succeeding 
document sheet will be received in the bin numbered 12 whereupon the array 
will index upwardly now to permit reception of the copy sheets in each of 
the bins successively. During the upwardly indexing movement of the array 
102, the first copy sheet entering each of the bins 101 will be made 
directly from the transport belt 94, as the gate 105 will still be 
programmed to its inactive position. When the array reaches its initial 
starting upper position, it will remain stationary as before and the gate 
105 will be actuated to its deflection position. The array is now 
conditioned to receive each succeeding copy sheet until the last copy 
sheets of the copy sets are in a position to be received in the array, 
whereupon the array will be indexed downwardly as described above. 
As will be described hereinafter, a set binding apparatus in the form of a 
dual stapler apparatus is arranged immediately below the bin receiving 
point 93. This apparatus includes means to remove completed sets of 
collated copy sheets from every other bin to effect single or dual 
stapling along an edge of the set if so programmed or no stapling at all, 
and to position the stapled or unstapled sets on an elevator mechanism. In 
order to permit complete removal of the sets from all of the bins 101 in 
the array 102, the array must index once downwardly relative to the point 
of set unloading and once upwardly. In the normal operating sets mode, the 
sorter/finishing arrangement handles twelve sets at a time (a block of 12 
copy sets) in cooperation with the document handling apparatus 12 as the 
latter exposes each document sheet twelve consecutive times before 
advancing to the next document sheet until the complete set thereof has 
been exposed. If more than twelve copy sets have been programmed, the 
document apparatus/sorter finisher system will complete the reproduction 
run in blocks of 12 copy sets. The system will continue to sort and 
automatically unload in blocks of 12 sets until the programmed number of 
sets is completed. 
The bin array 102 is indexed vertically in either direction by a drive 
screw 107 connected to the shaft of a servo motor M-1 which is mounted to 
the base of the frame for the machine. These movements of the array are 
effected by a ball 108 secured to the rear wall of the array and through 
which the screw 107 is threadedly related. Rotation of the screw (which is 
fixed against axial movement) in either direction will impart 
corresponding up or down movement of the ball 108 and consequently the 
array. Further details of the bin array structure is not necessary as 
these details are disclosed in the above referred to U.S. patent 
application. Any other drive apparatus may be utilized for indexing the 
array, such as pulleys and cables or suitably arranged fluid drive system. 
After copy sheets, simplex or duplex, have been produced in the processor 
11, transported by the transport 92 and collected in the bin array 102 
while the system is in either the sets mode or the stacks mode, the 
collected sets are now in condition to be further processed by a finishing 
apparatus generally indicated by the reference number 130. Actually, as 
will be discussed below, during the last series of indexing movement of 
the bin array when it is moving to its uppermost position, copy sets 
removal for the finishing action may take place simultaneously with 
collection of copy sheets. 
The finishing apparatus 130 comprises five subassemblies each of which is 
programmed to operate in timed sequence with each other, with the system 
logic and programmer P, to be timed relative to the number of sets and 
copy sheets per set which were previously pre-programmed by an operator, 
and with the document sheet actuation of the apparatus 12. As shown in 
FIG. 1, the finishing apparatus comprises a set transport 132, 
individually-operable, dual stapler apparatus 134, and a set kicker 136. 
In conjunction with the finishing apparatus 130, the finishing station 13 
also includes an elevator 138 and sets/stacks conveyor 140. All of these 
five subassemblies are fully disclosed in the above referred to U.S. 
patent application and details therefor will not be described herein. 
The set transport 132 is utilized to unload automatically sets or stacks of 
copy sheets from the bins at an unload station two copy-cycle pitches or 
bins below the sorter bin load station at 93. The set transport includes a 
reversible servo motor M-2 which effects reciprocable movement of the copy 
set clamping jaws 144, to the sorter 102 in a set gripping position, in 
the opposite direction to a set stapling position, and still further in 
that direction, to retract the jaws and back again to the sorter, all in 
cyclic actuation. In moving toward the sorter 102, the jaws 144 are sensed 
by a sensor SR-2 mounted on the frame for the sorter to zero reference the 
positioning of the set transport as a timing monitor of subsequent timed 
events in the finishing function. The clamping and unclamping action of 
the jaws 144 is provided by a suitable solenoid valve in a pneumatic 
device (not shown). 
The kicker mechanism 136 is utilized to push or kick stapled sets from the 
stapler apparatus and permit dropping of the set onto the elevator 138. If 
a stacks or unstapled sets mode has been programmed, the kicker mechanism 
is arranged to serve as a backstop for the clamping jaws 144 to strip 
stacks against. Drive is imparted to the mechanism 138 by a motor M-3 
which is a motor which can be utilized to drive the stapler heads as will 
be described hereinafter. 
The stapler apparatus 134 provides a stapling function either with a single 
staple or with two staples, both being adapted to be applied at various 
positions along a long edge of a set or stack of copy sheets. Stapling is 
achieved by way of two identical mechanisms, each of which provides the 
function of set clamping, staple driving, and staple clinching. 
Preferably, the apparatus utilizes two commercial type stapler heads 155, 
such as the Bostitch staple head indicated as the 62-E manufactured by the 
Bostitch Division of Textron Corporation of Providence, R.I. 
A sensor SR-3 is positioned adjacent and between the stapler heads and is 
utilized in conjunction with the sensor SR-2 to monitor the time between 
the zero reference of the jaws 144 as they move toward a sorter bin and 
the time an edge of a set of copy sheets reaches the stapler heads to be 
stapled. This timing data is transmitted to the microprocessor in the 
programmer P. 
The elevator 138 is utilized to collect into a pile the stapled or 
unstapled sets or stacks of copy sheets for delivery to the operator. The 
elevator comprises a tray assembly 165 mounted at the upper end of a 
vertically arranged, drive screw 166 threadedly received in a threaded 
member 167 vertically fixed to the base frame for the finisher so that 
upon rotation of the member 166, the tray 165 is moved vertically in the 
up or down direction. A reversible motor M-4 is operatively connected to 
the member 167 for imparting rotation to the same in either direction. The 
tray receives the stapled or unstapled or stacks as they are dropped when 
acted upon by the kicker mechanism 136. 
Elevator height of piled sets or stacks is controlled by an optical sensor 
SR-4 which "looks" across the stack and effects the energization of the 
motor M-4 and lowering of the tray 165 until the pile is below the sensor. 
A second sensor (not shown) may be positioned to sense the lowermost 
position of the elevator tray 165 whereat the tray is considered at full 
capacity. 
In FIGS. 3 (a)-(d), there is shown sequences of collating and finishing 
events for a document having nine document sheets. In these illustrations, 
the vertical column of numbers 1-12 at the left of each sequence indicate 
the bin number and the right hand vertical column of numbers indicate the 
copy of the document sheet being collected. As previously stated, it is 
assumed that the document handling apparatus 12 is programmed to place a 
document sheet upon the platen 14 and to effect twelve exposures of the 
sheet before the removal of the document sheet and placement of a 
succeeding document sheet, and so on. This assumption also corresponds 
with the number of bins in the array 102 wherein each copy sheet produced 
during the exposure of a document sheet on twelve occurrences is received 
in a bin. 
In FIG. 3(a), each of the bins 2-12 contain eight copy sheets, all having 
been conveyed therein by the transport mechanism 98, while bin 1 contains 
all nine sheets, the ninth sheet having been conveyed into bin 1 directly 
by the transport 92 through the station 93. The logic in the programmer P 
is arranged to convey the last sheets of the copy sets in this manner as 
the array 102 indexes downwardly. The sensor S-1 in cooperation with the 
programmer clock and the operator preset reproduction run program will 
determine when the last sheets are to arrive and to effect initiation of 
the downward indexing activity. The bin array 102 in indexing from its 
upper position to its lower position, will receive the ninth copy sheet of 
the last document sheet in the bins numbered 2-12 consecutively. In this 
example, it will be assumed that there are nine document sheets in the 
document being processed in the document handling apparatus 12. Since the 
ninth copy sheet is the last sheet in the sets being produced, as the 
array 102 indexes downwardly, as shown in FIG. 3 (b) to receive each last 
sheet, the sets, now complete, in the odd numbered bins will also be acted 
upon by the finishing function comprising the set transport mechanism 132, 
the stapler apparatus 134 and the set kicker mechanism 136, as aforesaid. 
It wil be noted that for the finishing function, every other bin is 
affected during the downward movement of the array, while every successive 
bin receives the ninth copy sheet. Since the convention in the described 
example is such that a copy sheet is produced every one-half second, 
clamped sets are delivered to the stapler at one second intervals. 
In FIG. 3(c), on the upwardly return indexing movement of the array, the 
remaining sets in the even numbered bins are removed and finished. In the 
event more than twelve copy sets of the nine sheet document has been 
programmed, the upwardly indexing array, in going from its position in 
FIG. 3(c) to the positioning in FIG. 3(d), will receive the first copy 
sheets for the first document sheet being processed in the apparatus 12 as 
the latter commences its recycling sequences. This process continues, with 
the document being copied in multiples of twelve sets until the 
copy/finishing run has been completed or terminated. 
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control arrangement for the reproduction 
system in FIG. 1. The programmer P is operatively connected to four 
remotes: (1) the processor 11 for controlling the xerographic processing, 
copy sheet movement, timing and monitoring and all other parameters in the 
processor; (2) the input station comprising the flash illumination system 
circuitry; (3) the automatic document handling apparatus 12; and (4) the 
finishing station 13. 
The finishing station 13 includes three drivers, one of which is 
operatively connected by way of relays or reediac to the elevator motor 
M-4. Another driver is operatively connected to a servo controller which 
in turn is connected to two power amplifiers and asociated circuitry. The 
third driver is operatively connected to the sorter gates 100 by way of 
their actuating solenoids (not shown). One of the power amplifiers serves 
to energize and PG,14 operate the sorter array index motor M-1, while the 
other amplifier serves to energize and operate the set transport motor 
M-2. One of the power amplifiers also is operatively connected to the 
stapler drive system, the stapler clamping system, and the stapler 
clinching system. 
From the foregoing it will be apparent that an electrostatographic system 
with finishing station has been described which will produce stapled 
collated sets and unstapled sets or stacks at a high production rate 
without loss of throughput, at a rate in accordance with the full 
processing speed of the copy processing machine and with a minimum of wear 
and fatigue of the moving parts. 
While the invention has been described with reference to the structure 
disclosed, it is not confined to the details set forth but is intended to 
cover such modifications or changes as may come within the scope of the 
following claims.