Dual decurler and control mechanism therefor

Abstract

A compact dual decurler mechanism that provides a single straight paper path for achieving bidirectional decurling capability. The dual decurler mechanism consists of two pairs of drive roll and pinch shaft and a camming mechanism for controlling their engagements. The first and the second pairs are oriented in opposite directions in a manner that they can selectively form opposite bending nips for decurling incoming sheets of different curl directions. The operation of the dual decurler can be software controlled through the use of an electric indexing clutch such that, depending on system inputs on image area coverage and the type of finishing device being used, the first pair can be adjusted for toward image (TI) bending, the second pair for away image (AI) bending, or both be set at a neutral setting that keeps both nips open when no decurling is needed. The architecture of the single straight paper path of the dual decurler can minimize paper jams and avoids potential damage to sheets.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.