Image processing machine with an automatic sheet handler

Abstract

A combined system of an image processing machine (e.g., a copying machine) and a sheet handling machine. They are placed with an image reading part (e.g., a glass plate of the copying machine) therebetween. In the combined system, one-sided or two-sided original sheets and processed sheets are orderly stacked on respective final tray after they are finished processing if the original sheets are stacked orderly in the initial tray, i.e., the original sheets are laid on the final tray with the order of the page numbers maintained from the order at the initial tray, and the processed sheets are also stacked on the finish tray with the same order. In a simple mode: the original sheet is placed on the image reading part, processed (copied), reversed and ejected to a first final tray, while the process sheet (copy sheet) is processed and ejected onto the finish tray without reversing. In a reverse mode: an original sheet is first placed on the image reading part, first processed, recycled (reversed), second processed and ejected to a second final tray without reversing, while the process sheet is first processed, recycled (reversed), second processed, reversed and ejected to the finish tray.