Compaq Computer Corporation, Inc.

James M Bradshaw

Mark H Ruch

Roger Q Paulsel

A paper handling apparatus 10 includes a plurality of paper receiving trays 12, 14, 16, 18 arranged vertically in close proximity to one another with a single paper feeding mechanism 20 provided to operate with all of the trays 12, 14, 16, 18. The paper feeding mechanism 20 moves vertically to selectively engage any selected one of the plurality of trays 12, 14, 16, 18. The vertical arrangement of the trays 12, 14, 16, 18 dictates that the trays are horizontally moveable between a first unselected position, where the trays are substantially vertically aligned with the one another, and a second selected position where the tray is horizontally moved to intersect the vertical path of the paper feeding mechanism 20. Horizontal movement of the trays 12, 14 16, 18 is effected by a single electric motor 28 rotatably attached to a shaft 30, which carries a series of gears 32, 34, 36, 38 that interact with a corresponding rack 40, 42, 44, 46 disposed on each of the trays 12, 14, 16, 18, respectively. A transmission 48 links the motor 28 to the gears 32, 34, 36, 38 to selectively drive one of the gears and move one of the trays between the selected and unselected positions.

Apparatus for controlling the movement of trays of paper within an

A paper handling apparatus 10 includes a plurality of paper receiving trays 12, 14, 16, 18 arranged vertically in close proximity to one another with a single paper feeding mechanism 20 provided to operate with all of the trays 12, 14, 16, 18. The paper feeding mechanism 20 moves vertically to selectively engage any selected one of the plurality of trays 12, 14, 16, 18. The vertical arrangement of the trays 12, 14, 16, 18 dictates that the trays are horizontally moveable between a first unselected position, where the trays are substantially vertically aligned with the one another, and a second selected position where the tray is horizontally moved to intersect the vertical path of the paper feeding mechanism 20. Horizontal movement of the trays 12, 14, 16, 18 is effected by a single electric motor 28 rotatably attached to a shaft 30, which carries a series of gears 32, 34, 36, 38 that interact with a corresponding rack 40, 42, 44, 46 disposed on each of the trays 12, 14, 16, 18, respectively. A transmission 48 links the motor 28 to the gears 32, 34, 36, 38 to selectively drive one of the gears and move one of the trays between the selected and unselected positions.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

James M Bradshaw