Patent Application
20090001658
Document finisher modules are known. Xerox has launched the Base Finisher Module, a finishing device with stacking (with and without offsetting), stapling (portrait, landscape and dual), and dual finishing (unload while run) capabilities. As depicted in
First, as to stack quality and productivity, the stack flatness rapidly deteriorates due to the cumulative effect of the staple thickness, significantly reducing the number of sheets and sets that can be stacked reliably. Currently small stapled sheets comprising 15 sheets or less are limited to low number of sets to minimize shutdowns.
Second, as to handling, the stack of stapled sets is unstable, making it very difficult to handle, store and package.
Thus, there is a need for the present invention.
In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for leveling a document stack comprising (a) providing a document stack leveling container for leveling a stack of one or more documents, each document having a document thick side that is thicker than the opposite document thin side, the document stack leveling container having generally-upright container sides defining an upper container mouth and an opposite container bottom, the document stack leveling container mouth and sides forming a container hollow, a document stack top surface leveling ramp disposed in the document stack leveling container hollow so an included ramp surface slopes downward from an included container shallow end towards the opposite included container deep end; and (b) disposing documents in the document stack leveling container to form a document stack therein with the included document thick sides generally proximate to the document stack leveling container deep end.
In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a document finisher arranged for leveling a document stack in accordance with a method, the method comprising (a) providing a document stack leveling container for leveling a stack of one or more documents, each document having a document thick side that is thicker than the opposite document thin side, the document stack leveling container having generally-upright container sides defining an upper container mouth and an opposite container bottom, the document stack leveling container mouth and sides forming a container hollow, a document stack top surface leveling ramp disposed in the document stack leveling container hollow so an included ramp surface slopes downward from an included container shallow end towards the opposite included container deep end; and (b) arranging the document finisher to dispose documents in the document stack leveling container to form a document stack therein with the included document thick sides generally proximate to the document stack leveling container deep end.
In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for leveling a document stack comprising (a) providing a container means for leveling a document stack of one or more documents, each document having a document thick side that is thicker than the opposite document thin side; and (b) disposing documents in the container means, thus forming a document stack therein; where the container means includes a bottom surface arranged such that an included document stack top surface is maintained substantially level.
In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a document finisher arranged for leveling a document stack comprising container means for leveling a document stack of one or more documents, each document having a document thick side that is thicker than the opposite document thin side; and means for disposing documents in the container means, thus forming a document stack therein; where the container means includes a bottom surface arranged such that an included document stack top surface is maintained substantially level.
Briefly, in accordance with the present invention, a document finisher is arranged for forming a document stack whose top surface is maintained substantially level. The document finisher includes a document stack leveling container for containing a document stack of one or more documents. Each document has a document thick side that is thicker than the opposite document thin side. The document stack leveling container includes a hollow. The document finisher is arranged for disposing documents in the hollow, thus forming a document stack therein. The hollow includes a bottom shaped such that the document stack top surface is maintained substantially level.
Referring to
Referring to
As depicted in
Referring to
Referring to
As shown, the document stack leveling container 300 comprises generally-upright container sides 301, 302, 303, 304 defining an upper container mouth 310 and an opposite container bottom 320. The container mouth 310 and sides 301-304 form a container hollow 330. As shown, a document stack top surface leveling ramp 400 is disposed in the document stack leveling container hollow 330 so that an included ramp surface 401 slopes downward from an included container shallow end 340 towards the opposite included container deep end 380. As shown, the ramp 400 comprises a ramp height 410 and a ramp bottom 430 sized such that the document stack top surface 201 depicted in
Referring now generally to
Thus, in accordance with the first aspect, the document stack 200 is leveled by providing a document stack leveling container 300 for leveling a stack 200 of one or more documents 20, 20′; and disposing 3 documents 20, 20′ in the document stack leveling container 300 to form a document stack 200 therein with the included document thick sides 28, 28′ generally proximate to the document stack leveling container deep end 380. As a result, the document stack top surface 201 is maintained substantially level.
In one embodiment, the above method includes providing a document finisher 1000 and arranging the document finisher for disposing the documents 20, 20′ in the document stack leveling container 300.
In one embodiment, the document stack leveling container 300 is detachable from the document finisher 1000.
In one embodiment, the document stack leveling container 300 comprises any of a storage carton and a shipping carton.
In one embodiment, the method includes providing a sensor cutout 390 in the document stack leveling container 300 bottom 320 near the document stack leveling container deep end 380.
In one embodiment, the document stack leveling container 300 is comprised of cardboard.
In one embodiment, the method includes providing one or more clamp open notches 391, 392 in the mouth 310 proximate to the document stack leveling container deep end 380.
Still referring generally to
Thus, in accordance with the second aspect, the method comprises providing a document stack leveling container 300 for leveling a stack 200 of one or more documents 20, 20′; and arranging the document finisher 1000 to dispose 3 documents 20, 20′ in the document stack leveling container 300 to form a document stack 200 therein with the included document thick sides 28, 28′ generally proximate to the document stack leveling container deep end 380. As a result, the document stack top surface 201 is maintained substantially level.
Referring still generally to
Thus, in accordance with the third aspect, the method comprises providing a container means 300 for leveling a document stack 200 of one or more documents 20, 20′; and disposing 3 documents in the container means, thus forming a document stack 200 therein; where the container means includes a bottom surface 401 arranged such that an included document stack top surface 201 is maintained substantially level.
In one embodiment, the above method includes providing a document finisher 1000 and arranging the document finisher for disposing the documents in the container means 300. In one variation of this embodiment, the container means 300 is detachable from the document finisher 1000.
Still referring generally to
Thus, in accordance with the fourth aspect, the document finisher 1000 comprises container means 300 for leveling a document stack 200; and means for disposing 3 documents in the container means, thus forming a document stack 200 therein; where the container means includes a bottom surface 401 arranged such that an included document stack top surface 201 is maintained substantially level.
In one embodiment, the container means 300 is detachable from the document finisher 1000.
In summary, there is provided a document stack leveling container wherein stapled sets are stacked by a printer or copier. The document stack leveling container is placed on the output tray. The document stack leveling container includes a sloped bottom to accommodate stable build up on one edge or corner, and has cutout features that enable it to interact with sensors and mechanisms in the finisher to monitor tray position and stack height. Using the document stack leveling container, up to about 2000 sheets can be stacked, whereas without the document stack leveling container the limit is about 200 for 2-sheet sets, the worst case. The document stack leveling container is feasible to manufacture from cardboard.
The table below lists the drawing element reference numbers together with their corresponding written description:
While particular embodiments have been described hereinabove, alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and substantial equivalents that are or may be presently unforeseen may arise to applicants or others skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims as filed and as they may be amended are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and substantial equivalents.
