Uniform entry of media into an alignment nip

An image forming device comprising:

• a metering device comprising first and second rollers forming a nip;
• a first media path through which media sheets from a first source travel to the metering device;
• a second media path through which media sheets from a second source travel to the metering device, the second media path having a different approach angle into the metering device than the first media path;
• and
• the first and second media paths each having an associated guide configured to contact a leading edge of the media sheets moving along the first and second media paths and direct the media sheets to initially contact a common point at the metering device.

In an image forming device, a method of controlling media placement, the method comprising:

• guiding media sheets toward an alignment mechanism having a first and a second roller from multiple media paths having varied entry angles;
• focusing the media sheets toward a substantially common point at the alignment mechanism;
• and
• sensing the approach of the media sheets toward the common point at the alignment mechanism by triggering a sensor when a leading edge of the media sheets traveling from the multiple paper paths passes a common distance away from the common point at the alignment mechanism.