Mechanism for retaining a stack of sheets in a compiler tray, such as for automatic stapling

摘要

In a finishing apparatus, as would be used with a printer or copier, sheets to be stapled are accumulated in a compiler tray. A set of pivotably-mounted fingers are pressed, by their own weight, against a top sheet as sheets enter the compiler tray. The mount on which the fingers are mounted can be moved to accommodate a growing stack and maintain a parallel contact between the fingers and the top of the stack. The even distribution of pressure from the fingers avoids curling or buckling of the sheets in the stack prior to stapling.