Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.

Masami Kawada

Atsuna Saiki

Hidekazu Amamoto

Yutaka Inasaki

Kiyoyuki Endo

Shouji Yoshikado

A paper path for guiding and transporting sheets of paper in an image former such as a printer or a photocopier which forms an image on both sides of the sheet of paper. The paper path has three channels: an image forming channel, a paper discharging channel, and a paper reversing channel. At the point where all three channels merge, a paper gate is provided for both guiding sheets of paper and signaling the presence of paper at the point where the three channels merge. The top surface of a paper tray containing unused sheets of paper is part of the paper reversing channel. When paper passes over the top surface of the paper tray, a roller momentarily stops the motion of the paper to prevent skew. A claw connected to the paper tray separates paper with an image formed on one side from paper in the tray. Guides provided over the claw prevent paper jams. A clutch is connected between one of the paper rollers and a driving source, and the clutch selectively disconnects the driving source to stop the motion of the paper to prevent skew. A second claw is provided on one of the paper rollers to ensure that only one sheet of paper enters the roller at a time. The second claw prevents paper jams which occur when two sheets of paper stick together by the force of static electricity.

Growing community of inventors

Saitama, Japan

Masami Kawada