Inventors:
Walter Gysling - Excelsior MN
Assignee:
National Computer Systems - Edina MN
International Classification:
B65H 306
Abstract:
An automatic sheet feeding apparatus (20) for feeding sheets in a forward direction to a scanner device (22) or the like is disclosed. Sheet feeding apparatus (20) includes a frame including side plates (34, 36) a hopper table (40) pivotally mounted at a back edge, and transversely extending frame members (38). A lift mechanism (44) is interconnected to the hopper table (40) for raising the same. A pick roller (26) is utilized to advance the uppermost sheet of the stack of sheets (28) toward the scanner device (22). In addition, the pick roller (26) is operatively interconnected to the lift mechanism (44) to activate the lift mechanism (44) upon being lowered below a predetermined height such that the hopper table (40) is raised by the lift mechanism (44). Sheet separator rollers (30, 32) are positioned forwardly of the pick roller (26) for separating the uppermost sheet from any of the sheets inadvertently moved forwardly therewith. An integral drive mechanism (57) is provided for driving the pick roller (26), the sheet separator rollers (30, 32), and the lift mechanisms (44).