Plural mode copy sheet output slitter

Abstract

In a copier with a copy sheet output slitter for slitting the copy sheets outputted by the copier into a selected plural number of smaller sub-sheets cut in the direction of movement of the outputted copy sheets, and wherein the output slitter also optionally provides uncut copy sheet output, and provides a transport path for both cut and uncut copy sheet output, the improvement wherein the output slitter comprises a plurality of first generally cylindrical metal rollers rotatably driven on a first shaft and a second plurality of generally cylindrical metal rollers on a second shaft parallel to and spaced from the first shaft, the spacing and the diameters of these rollers being such that the first rollers interdigitate the second rollers, the first and second rollers having sharpened opposing radial end surfaces selectively forming paper slitting shears therebetween by end-abutting selected ones, or none, of the first and second rollers by selective movement of rollers along the axis of at least one of the shafts relative to other rollers on the other shaft to selectively form a selected number of, or no, paper slitting shears in the output path of the copier to provide a selected number of, or no, cut sub-sheets. Spring-loading provides a preset and self-adjusting abutment force between end-abutting rollers sufficient to provide the selected paper slitting and also self-sharpening. The rollers also assist in the copy sheet output transport by non-cutting engagement of their generally cylindrical surfaces with the copy sheets, preferably assisted by opposing engaging resilient frictional wheels.