The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 21, 1999
Filed:
Oct. 16, 1997
Richard F Beaufort, Boise, ID (US);
Robin P Yergenson, Eagle, ID (US);
Hewlett-Pakcard Company, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Abstract
A multiple media sheet stack selection mechanism for selectively presenting multiple media sheet stacks to the same sheet separation and feed mechanism. The multiple media stack selection mechanism includes a primary sheet holder and at least one secondary stack holder. In the first embodiment, the multiple media stack selection mechanism includes a rotatable feed arm mechanism for holding the second paper stack and for positioning the second paper stack for picking and advancement. In the second embodiment, the multiple media sheet stack selection mechanism includes a paper stack gripping device for holding a second paper stack and for positioning the second paper stack for picking and advancement. In both the first and second embodiment, the paper stacks are positioned at a near vertical angle. The near vertical angle provides additional advantages in that the gravity force assists in constantly urging the sheets toward the feed zone, and results in a greater feed reliability. In the third embodiment, the multiple stack selector includes two tray mechanisms that selectively position two separate stacks of paper to the same picking and advancement device by the use of a dual cam and associated cam follower arrangement.