Detachable feed trays with self adjusting side guides

Abstract

A method and mechanism are provided for controlling the movement of a belt. The arrangement may have a moveable member is coupled to an adjustable member. The members are coupled such that when the moveable member is moved in a first direction the adjustable member is move in a first direction and when the moveable member is moved in a second direction the adjustable member is moved in a second direction. A belt is coupled to the movable member. Movement of the belt in a first direction moves the moveable member in the first direction and movement of said belt in a second direction moves the moveable member in the second direction. A belt tensioner mechanism is connected to the belt so that when the belt moves in the first direction a biasing force is created that drives said belt to move a controlled amount in the second direction when movement of the belt in the first direction is stopped. The arrangement may be employed with a materials feed tray. Side guides for the tray are automatically set correctly for proper feeding from the tray without jamming, skew or off set of the materials.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to paper handling systems, such as printing, folder or inserter systems, and more particularly to a removable feed tray assembly with self-adjusting side guides. Background technique [0002] Adjustment of the side guides for materials such as envelopes and paper feeders is important for proper feeder operation. Improper setting of the side guides can cause feed failures when the guides are adjusted too tight, clamping the material. Setting the guides too loose can skew and deflect the material as it travels toward the feed head of the unit. Often, the operator needs to use trial and error and the feel of the adjustment to adjust the side guides in the feed pan so that they are not too tight so that the material cannot be conveyed, and not too loose that the material cannot be properly guided. Failure to properly restrain material can lead to problems in paper handling sheets including insertion, folding and printing err...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Typically, the operator needs to use trial and error and the feel of the adjustment to adjust the side guides in the feed pan so that they are not too tight so that the material cannot be conveyed, and not too loose that the material cannot be properly guided

Failure to properly restrain material can cause problems in paper handling sheets including insertion, folding and printing errors due to excessive skew and offset

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