Segmented scuffer disk(s) for improved registration of print media sheets

A sheet registration system comprising:

• a tray receiving a stream of print media sheets such that a stack forms on said tray;
• a leading edge registration guide at one end of said tray;
• an axle above said tray adjacent to said end and parallel to said leading edge registration guide, said axle rotating during said receiving of said stream;
• at least one segmented scuffer disk mounted to said axle,
• each scuffer disk comprising multiple segments extending radially from said axle and perpendicular to said leading edge registration guide, and
• said multiple segments engaging a top print media sheet on said stack, as said axle rotates, so as to continuously force said top print media sheet in a first direction towards said leading edge registration guide, and
• said axle being automatically moveable above said tray such that, as said print media sheets are added to said stack and a height of said stack increases, a distance between said stack and said axle remains constant;
• and,
• a tamper positioned laterally adjacent to a side of said tray, said tamper tamping said stack in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction, said multiple segments each being independently flexible in said second direction so as to allow for movement of said top print media sheet in said second direction during said tamping as said top print media sheet is concurrently forced in said first direction.

A sheet registration method comprising:

• receiving, onto a tray, a print media sheet;
• using at least one segmented scuffer disk mounted to an axle rotating above said tray to engage said print media sheet and continuously force said print media sheet in a first direction towards a leading edge registration guide at one end of said tray;
• and,
• during said using of said at least one segmented scuffer disk, using a tamper positioned laterally adjacent to a side of said tray to tamp said print media sheet in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction,
• said at least one segmented scuffer disk comprising multiple segments and aid multiple segments each being independently flexible in said second direction so as to allow for movement of said print media sheet in said second direction during tamping as said print media sheet is concurrently forced in said first direction.

A sheet compiling and registration method comprising:

• receiving, onto a tray, a stream of print media sheets such that a stack forms on said tray;
• using at least one segmented scuffer disk mounted to an axle rotating above said tray to engage a top print media sheet on said stack and continuously force said top print media sheet in a first direction towards a leading edge registration guide at one end of said tray;
• during said using of said at least one segmented scuffer disk, using a tamper positioned laterally adjacent to a side of said tray to tamp said stack in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction, said at least one segmented scuffer disk comprising multiple segments and said multiple segments each being independently flexible in said second direction so as to allow for movement of said top print media sheet in said second direction during tamping as said top print media sheet is concurrently forced in said first direction;
• and,
• automatically moving said axle relative to said stack such that, as said print media sheets are added to said stack and a height of said stack increases, a distance between said stack and said axle remains constant.