Automatic Document Feeder Multi-Feed Corrector
AssigneeLexmark International, Inc.
InventorsCharles Brandon Langrel, Brandon Christopher Reynolds
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A paper feed system for use in a printing apparatus that detects multi-feeds and separates all sheets while allowing a single sheet to continue is disclosed. The separation system uses a motor for the separator roller that can be torque controlled, allowing varying torques depending on media type and/or user input. The separation system can also detect multi-feeds, correct them, and ultimately feed one sheet at a time through the automatic document feeder.
Claims10
A multi-feed separation system in an automatic document feeder, comprising:
- a pick assembly with a pick motor and a pick tire;
- a feed belt, wherein the pick tire and the feed belt are driven by the pick motor to move media in a process direction;
- a separator roller driven by a separator motor in a direction opposite the process direction to apply a torque to the media;
- a multi-feed sensor;
- wherein the separator motor torque may be increased when a multi-feed of media is detected to clear the multi-feed.
The method of claim 5, wherein the separator roller is torque controlled with a separator motor current.
A scanning unit of a printer with an automatic document feeder that includes a multi-feed separation system, comprising:
- a scanner unit;
- a pick assembly with a pick motor and a pick tire;
- a feed belt, wherein the pick tire and the feed belt are driven by the pick motor to move media in a process direction to the scanner unit;
- a separator roller driven by a separator motor in a direction opposite the process direction to apply a torque to the media;
- a multi-feed sensor;
- wherein the separator motor torque may be increased when a multi-feed of media is detected to clear the multi-feed.
The system of claim 7, wherein the sensor is ultra-sonic.
The method of claim 10, wherein the separator roller is torque controlled with a motor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.