Stapler producing high precision alignment stacking of unstapled sheets

摘要

During stapling operations: connectors disconnect a compiler platform from an elevator platform; an ejector structure is maintained in a fully retracted position to allow a stack of sheets to be within a stapling area; a stapling device staples the stack of sheets in the stapling area; the ejector structure moves the stapled set of sheets to the elevator platform; and the elevator platform moves in a downward direction after the ejector structure moves the stapled set of sheets to the elevator platform. During non-stapling stacking operations: the connectors connect the compiler platform to the elevator platform; the ejector structure is maintained in a middle position between a fully retracted position and a fully ejected position to prevent the sheets from entering the stapling area; and the elevator platform and the compiler platform move together in the downward direction as additional sheets are added to the stack of sheets.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
an elevator platform positioned to receive sheets traveling in a processing direction from a sheet output device; a compiler platform positioned adjacent said elevator platform; connectors selectively connecting said compiler platform to said elevator platform; a stapling device adjacent said compiler platform, said compiler platform being positioned between said elevator platform and said stapling device, said stapling device stapling a stack of sheets positioned on said compiler platform; and an ejector structure being movable across said compiler platform, during stapling operations:
said connectors disconnecting said compiler platform from said elevator platform;said ejector structure being maintained in a fully retracted position to allow said stack of sheets to be within a stapling area;said stapling device stapling said stack of sheets in said stapling area to produce a stapled set of sheets;said ejector structure moving to a fully ejected position to move said stapled set of sheets from said compiler platform to said elevator platform; andsaid elevator platform moving in a first direction perpendicular to said processing direction and away from said sheet output device and said ejector structure after said ejector structure moves said stapled set of sheets to said elevator platform, and during non-stapling stacking operations:
said connectors connecting said compiler platform to said elevator platform;said ejector structure being maintained in a middle position between said fully retracted position and said fully ejected position to prevent said sheets from entering said stapling area; andsaid elevator platform and said compiler platform moving together in said first direction as additional ones of said sheets are added to said stack of sheets.