EP0517903B1 - Endverarbeitungseinrichtung für eine bilderzeugungseinrichtung - Google Patents

Endverarbeitungseinrichtung für eine bilderzeugungseinrichtung Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0517903B1
EP0517903B1 EP92903799A EP92903799A EP0517903B1 EP 0517903 B1 EP0517903 B1 EP 0517903B1 EP 92903799 A EP92903799 A EP 92903799A EP 92903799 A EP92903799 A EP 92903799A EP 0517903 B1 EP0517903 B1 EP 0517903B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
reproduction
tray
sets
housing
sheets
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP92903799A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0517903A1 (de
Inventor
Robert Howard Shea
Frank Hacknauer
Steven Matthew Russel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Eastman Kodak Co
Original Assignee
Eastman Kodak Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US07/636,786 external-priority patent/US5080340A/en
Priority claimed from US07/636,785 external-priority patent/US5108082A/en
Priority claimed from US07/636,792 external-priority patent/US5108081A/en
Application filed by Eastman Kodak Co filed Critical Eastman Kodak Co
Priority to EP95106413A priority Critical patent/EP0676302B1/de
Publication of EP0517903A1 publication Critical patent/EP0517903A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0517903B1 publication Critical patent/EP0517903B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H45/00—Folding thin material
    • B65H45/12—Folding articles or webs with application of pressure to define or form crease lines
    • B65H45/14—Buckling folders
    • B65H45/142—Pocket-type folders
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42B—PERMANENTLY ATTACHING TOGETHER SHEETS, QUIRES OR SIGNATURES OR PERMANENTLY ATTACHING OBJECTS THERETO
    • B42B4/00—Permanently attaching together sheets, quires or signatures by discontinuous stitching with filamentary material, e.g. wire
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42C—BOOKBINDING
    • B42C1/00—Collating or gathering sheets combined with processes for permanently attaching together sheets or signatures or for interposing inserts
    • B42C1/12—Machines for both collating or gathering and permanently attaching together the sheets or signatures
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H29/00—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
    • B65H29/58—Article switches or diverters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H31/00—Pile receivers
    • B65H31/04—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates
    • B65H31/08—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates the articles being piled one above another
    • B65H31/10—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates the articles being piled one above another and applied at the top of the pile
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H31/00—Pile receivers
    • B65H31/34—Apparatus for squaring-up piled articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H31/00—Pile receivers
    • B65H31/34—Apparatus for squaring-up piled articles
    • B65H31/36—Auxiliary devices for contacting each article with a front stop as it is piled
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H33/00—Forming counted batches in delivery pile or stream of articles
    • B65H33/06—Forming counted batches in delivery pile or stream of articles by displacing articles to define batches
    • B65H33/08—Displacing whole batches, e.g. forming stepped piles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H37/00—Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating devices for performing specified auxiliary operations
    • B65H37/04—Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating devices for performing specified auxiliary operations for securing together articles or webs, e.g. by adhesive, stitching or stapling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H5/00—Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines
    • B65H5/26—Duplicate, alternate, selective, or coacting feeds
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/65—Apparatus which relate to the handling of copy material
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/65—Apparatus which relate to the handling of copy material
    • G03G15/6582—Special processing for irreversibly adding or changing the sheet copy material characteristics or its appearance, e.g. stamping, annotation printing, punching
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00362—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes relating to the copy medium handling
    • G03G2215/00367—The feeding path segment where particular handling of the copy medium occurs, segments being adjacent and non-overlapping. Each segment is identified by the most downstream point in the segment, so that for instance the segment labelled "Fixing device" is referring to the path between the "Transfer device" and the "Fixing device"
    • G03G2215/00417—Post-fixing device
    • G03G2215/00426—Post-treatment device adding qualities to the copy medium product
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00362—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes relating to the copy medium handling
    • G03G2215/00535—Stable handling of copy medium
    • G03G2215/0054—Detachable element of feed path
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00362—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes relating to the copy medium handling
    • G03G2215/00789—Adding properties or qualities to the copy medium
    • G03G2215/00822—Binder, e.g. glueing device
    • G03G2215/00827—Stapler
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00362—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes relating to the copy medium handling
    • G03G2215/00789—Adding properties or qualities to the copy medium
    • G03G2215/00869—Cover sheet adding means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00362—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes relating to the copy medium handling
    • G03G2215/00789—Adding properties or qualities to the copy medium
    • G03G2215/00877—Folding device
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00362—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes relating to the copy medium handling
    • G03G2215/00886—Sorting or discharging
    • G03G2215/00894—Placing job divider sheet
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00362—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes relating to the copy medium handling
    • G03G2215/00919—Special copy medium handling apparatus
    • G03G2215/00936—Bookbinding

Definitions

  • This invention relates in general to finishers for use with reproduction apparatus, and more particularly to a modular finisher which includes a stapling device and may optionally include any combination of auxiliary devices including a supplemental sheet insert tray, a Z-folding device, or a saddle stitcher.
  • reproduction apparatus such as electrostatographic copier/duplicators, electronic printers, or the like, have been significantly improved as to their sophistication of operation, ease of use, and speed.
  • handling of the original information to be reproduced and of the completed reproductions into completely finished sets so as to match overall reproduction output productivity with reproduction apparatus speed has assumed increased importance.
  • precollated reproduction sets has an additional advantage in that the sets are immediately available for further handling to provide desired completely finished reproduction sheet sets. This of course improves the overall productivity of the reproduction system.
  • a typical example of such further reproduction sheet set handling is stapling of the sheets in a set together to form the completely finished reproduction set. Finisher apparatus to carry out reproduction set stapling is shown in U.S. -A- 4,134,672.
  • a finisher apparatus is coupled in series with a copying apparatus.
  • the finisher is able to fold and to staple the incoming sheets into sheet sets.
  • finishers of the above type have beem very successful, they are limited in that they typically can effect only some types of finishing. Completed reproduction sets may require additional or other finishing operations, such as for example folding oversized sheets, saddle stitching the reproduction set to form a booklet, or insertion of supplemental sheets (e.g., covers).
  • supplemental sheets e.g., covers
  • auxiliary devices to accomplished these various ends are available in the industry today, although for the most part these devices are of the off-line type. That is to say, such auxiliary devices are not integrally associated with the reproduction apparatus (and basic finisher apparatus) and require either manual or mechanical intervention to bring reproduction sets to such devices in a form in which such auxiliary devices can perform the desired operation thereon. This adds expense to the overall reproduction process, and complexity to the total reproduction apparatus system, without adding to the efficiency or increasing the productivity of operation thereof.
  • the improved finisher apparatus comprises a receiver for receiving sheets of reproduction sets from the reproduction apparatus.
  • a first feed path extends from the receiver to a sheet collector where received sheets are directed. Collected sheets are stapled into finished reproduction sets.
  • a second feed path extends from the sheet collector to a set collector where finished reproduction sets are collected.
  • the finisher also includes at least one of the following devices: a Z-folder, a saddle stitcher, and an insert tray. Sheet transport paths are provided to any of the included devices.
  • Fig. 1 shows the improved modular finisher apparatus according to this invention, designated generally by the numeral 10.
  • the finisher apparatus 10 may be associated with an electrostatographic copier or copier/duplicator, a thermal or electronic printer, or a photographic printer, or any other like reproduction apparatus.
  • the reproduction apparatus of the illustrated embodiment, shown only in part in Fig. 1, is designated generally by the numeral 12.
  • the purpose of the modular finisher 10 is to efficiently finish reproduction sets from any conventional well known reproduction apparatus to form completely finished reproduction sets of a desired configuration at a speed which makes maximum use of the speed of the reproduction apparatus.
  • reproduction sheets refers to sheets bearing information reproduced in any well known manner by the reproduction apparatus or other sheets inserted into a reproduction set, such as for example blank sheets, cover sheets or tab stock; and the term “reproduction sets” refers to a plurality of reproduction sheets which when viewed together make up a copy corresponding to a multi-page original information bearing document.
  • the timing and control of the various operative components of the modular finisher apparatus 10 with respect to each other and to the reproduction apparatus are controlled by a logic and control unit C including a microprocessor for example.
  • the microprocessor receives input and timing signals from sensors (not shown) located at points in the paths of sheets through the finisher and associated with the components of the finisher. Based on such signals and a program for the microprocessor, the unit C produces signals to control the operation of the various components of the finisher.
  • the production of a program for commercially available microprocessors suitable for use with this invention is a conventional skill well understood in the art. The particular details of any such program would, of course, depend on the architecture of the selected microprocessor.
  • Typical high productivity reproduction apparatus reproduce information on individual sheets in a precollated manner so that the sheets upon exiting the apparatus (at chute 14 in the illustrated embodiment) may be readily grouped into reproduction sets.
  • the reproduction apparatus may include a recirculating document feeder of the type described in the aforementioned U. S. Patent No. 4,169,674, operating to recirculate document sheets from a document sheet stack seriatim from the stack of document sheets to an exposure station of a reproduction apparatus for copying and then returned to such stack, in order, a number of times equal to the desired number of reproductions to be made of such stack.
  • reproduction apparatus including a mechanism for capturing or creating information electronically, information can be electronically acquired and saved in a memory storage device to thereafter be recalled at a desired time to form the desired number of multiple precollated reproductions sets.
  • the finisher 10 constructed to provide a device in modular form which can accomplish the production of completely finished reproduction sets in a selectable variety of forms, includes an upper transport module 20, a stapling module 30, and an output hopper 50. Additionally, the finisher has provisions for optional auxiliary devices selected from the group including a Z-folder 70, a saddle stitcher 90, and an insert tray 150. By its unique construction, the modular finisher 10 according to this invention can readily accommodate any combination of the optional auxiliary devices.
  • the upper transport module 20 of the finisher 10 is incorporated in a self-contained housing 22 having a first transport path P1.
  • the transport path P1 is defined, for example, by wire-form or sheet metal guides and driven nip rollers located at appropriately spaced intervals with respect to the guides.
  • the upper transport module 20 is positioned such that the entrance E to the path P1 is adjacent to the chute 14 of the reproduction apparatus 12. In this manner, the information-bearing reproduction sheets of a reproduction set exiting the apparatus 12 are received seriatim in the path P1 and directed under normal operating circumstances to a sheet delivery station 24.
  • the sheet delivery station 24 (which may be for example of the type shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,765, issued June 5, 1990, in the name of Russel et al) directs the received sheets of a reproduction set to the stapling module 30.
  • the station 24 includes a selectively adjustable ramp which elevates at selected intervals to guide delivered sheets in a manner that assures that subsequently delivered sheets are directed to the top of a stack of sheets as they are collected in the stapler module 30 described hereinbelow. It is readily apparent that without such elevation of the delivery station ramp, there may be a condition where such subsequently delivered sheets jam into the previously delivered sheets.
  • the upper transport module 20 also includes a bypass transport path P 1A similarly defined by wire-form or sheet metal guides and spaced driven nip rollers.
  • path P 1A sheets are directed to a proof set hopper 26 readily accessible to an operator for retrieval and review.
  • a diverter 28 is normally positioned (solid line position of Fig. 1) to maintain transport of sheets along the path P1.
  • the diverter 28 is selectively moved by a solenoid actuator, for example, to a position (broken line position of Fig. 1) to direct sheets into the Path P 1A .
  • the reproduction apparatus may be programmed to produce an additional reproduction set to the desired number of reproduction sets.
  • the sheets constituting the first reproduction set are directed to the hopper 26 to form, in effect, a proof set for the desired review.
  • Production of the second set may then be delayed for a period of time sufficient to accomplish review of the proof set.
  • the diverter 28 is returned to its normal position so that sheets constituting the second reproduction set (and all subsequently produced reproduction sets) are directed to the sheet delivery station 24 to begin the finishing process.
  • the reproduction set is not in the desired condition, the operation of the reproduction apparatus 12 can be cancelled and reset to correct the condition of the set before repeating the reproduction process.
  • the stapling module 30 is incorporated in a self-contained housing 32.
  • the housing 32 serves to support the housing 22 of the upper transport module 20 at a desired vertical location relative to the sheet exit chute 14 of the reproduction apparatus 12.
  • the stapling module includes a tray 34 positioned to accept the sheets making up a full reproduction set from the sheet delivery station 24 of the upper transport module 20.
  • the sheets of the reproduction set, delivered seriatim through the station 24, are respectively corner registered on the tray 34 against a registration gate 36a selectively located to intercept the reproduction set travel path and an edge guide 36b at right angles to the gate.
  • Such corner registration may be effected for example by a rotating flexible disk jogger 38, or any other well known mechanism which can urge the individual sheets of the reproduction set in a direction perpendicular to sheet travel against the gate and edge guide.
  • a sheet S is moved in mutually perpendicular directions respectively by the jogger 38, rotating in the direction of its associated arrow, and under the influence of gravity, in the general direction of sheet travel.
  • the sheet S thus moves from its solid line position through its broken line position into the corner formed by gate 36a and edge guide 36b.
  • a stapling assembly 40 controlled by unit C is activated to place staples at a desired location (or plurality of locations) along the lead edge of the reproduction set registered against the gate 36a.
  • An exemplary stapling assembly is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,952, issued Feb. 27, 1990, in the name of Russel et al.
  • the stapling assembly 40, of the type disclosed in the Russel et al patent, is described herein only to the extent necessary for a complete understanding of the modular finisher 10 according to this invention.
  • Such stapling assembly includes a single staple unit 42 movable along rails relative to the lead edge of the registered reproduction set, and has an off-set pivotable clincher 44 operating in timed conjunction with a staple head 46 to effect stapling of such registered set.
  • the stapling assembly may be of any suitable construction, such as for example having a plurality of relatively fixed location staple heads, or having a pivotable staple head acting in conjunction with a relatively fixed location clincher.
  • the output hopper 50 is attached to the housing 32 adjacent to an external wall thereof.
  • An entrance slot 52 in the external housing wall provides for communication between the output hopper 50 and the stapling module 30.
  • stapled reproduction sets (or alternatively sets which pass directly through the stapling module without being stapled) are directed to the output hopper and stacked for ready operator retrieval.
  • a pair of foam rollers 54 urge the reproduction sets toward a tray 56 angled from the horizontal in an "up hill" direction relative to the path of the incoming reproduction sets.
  • the rollers 54 are of a relatively large diameter foam construction to enable the rollers to handle a wide variety of thicknesses of reproduction sets.
  • a pair of dangler arms 58a, 58b, formed of relatively light weight flexible material intercept the travel path of the incoming reproduction sets to urge the sets onto the tray 56.
  • a plurality of fingers 62 are movable under the control of unit C to a remote position (broken line) relative to the incoming reproduction sets as a set is being registered against the guide plate 60, and to a position (solid line) overlying the set stack once a set has been registered.
  • the fingers 62 are spring urged for example to apply a downward force on the stack of reproduction sets on the tray 56 to hold the set stack against the guide plate 60 thereby substantially preventing dishevelment of the stack.
  • the elevation of the tray 56 is controlled by an elevator mechanism 64 of any suitable type, such as for example a spring-urged support, a rotating screw thread, a chain drive or the like.
  • the tray 56 is lowered by the elevator mechanism 64 as reproduction sets are delivered and stacked on the tray.
  • a motor M connected to the output hopper 50 selectively reciprocates the hopper in a direction cross-track relative to the path of incoming reproduction sets delivered to the tray 56.
  • the timing of reciprocation of the output hopper is selected such that sequentially received reproduction sets are offset for ease of separation and removal from the tray by an operator.
  • the Z-folder 70 is for the express purpose of folding large individual sheets into a reduced overall size where the folded sheets can be included for example in a booklet or stack with other smaller sized sheets.
  • an 279mm x 432 mm (11"x17") sheet is folded so that its overall dimensions are 279mm x 216 mm (11"x8 1/2") (see Figs. 3a, 3b) for inclusion in a reproduction set with basic overall dimensions 279mm x 216mm of (11"x8 1/2").
  • the Z-folder 70 includes a driven cluster of rotating rollers 72 and sheet guide chutes 74 and 76 which cooperatively act on a sheet to achieve the desired folded configuration for the sheet.
  • the cluster of rollers 72 and guide chutes 74 and 76 are mounted on a frame 82 readily receivable in the housing 22 of the upper transport module 20 on cooperating slide guides 84 for example. In this manner, if it is desired to include a Z-folder in the finisher 10, a Z-folder module is merely slid into place in the finisher.
  • a diverter 78 When it is desired to effect folding of a sheet, such sheet is transported along the path P 1A and then directed by a diverter 78 into the path P 1B .
  • the diverter 78 is controlled for example by a solenoid actuator for movement to a position (solid line position of Fig. 1) for directing sheets along the path P 1A to the Z-folder 70 or to a position (broken line position of Fig. 1) for directing sheets to the proof set hopper 26.
  • a sheet Z in the path P is urged into the nip between rotating roller 72a, driven by a motor to become a driving roller, and idler roller 72b of the roller cluster 72 (see Fig. 4a).
  • the roller pair 72a, 72b urge the sheet into the upper chute 74 until the lead edge of the sheet engages an adjustable stop 74a (see Fig. 4b).
  • the adjustment of the stop 74a is selected such that the distance between the stop 74a and the first fold nip between the rollers 72a and 72c is substantially equal to the desired distance between the lead edge of the sheet and the first fold F1 (see also sheet S in Figs. 3a, 3b).
  • the stop 74a prevents the sheet Z from moving further into the chute 74, the urging of the sheet by the rollers 72a and 72b causes the sheet to buckle and be fed into the first fold nip between the rollers 72a and 72c (see Fig. 4c).
  • the first fold F1 is then formed by the rollers 72a and 72c, and the folded sheet is urged by such rollers into the lower chute 76 (see Fig. 4d).
  • the sheet Z continues to be driven into the chute 76 until such new lead edge engages the stop 76a (see Fig. 4e).
  • the stop 76a prevents the sheet from moving further into the chute 76.
  • the urging of the sheet Z by the rollers 72a and 72c thus causes the sheet to buckle and be fed into the second fold nip between the rollers 72a and 72d (see Fig. 4f).
  • the second fold F2 is then formed by the rollers 72a and 72d (see Fig. 4g), and the folded sheet is thereafter urged by such rollers in a direction out of the Z-folder opposite to its incoming direction (see Fig. 4h).
  • the distance between the stop 76a and the second fold nip between the rollers 72a and 72d is designed to assure that the distance between the second fold F2 and the initial lead edge of the sheet Z is substantially equal to the desired overall dimension of the sheet in the in track direction for the Z-folded sheet.
  • the Z-folded sheet is then directed by the rollers 72a and 72d to an area where the sheet overlies the sheet delivery station 24.
  • the sheet clears the driven roller cluster 72 of the Z-folder, it is urged by a dangler member 80 onto the station 24, and then, under the influence of gravity, changes its direction of travel.
  • the folded sheet can thus be delivered through the finisher 10 for any desired further operation thereon, just as any other delivered sheet.
  • a unique aspect of the Z-folder 70 is that it is constructed so as not to interfere with the bypass of sheets to the proof set hopper 26 even though it crosses the path P 1A thereto.
  • the upper chute 74 of the Z-folder has a slot 74b formed therein (see Fig. 1).
  • the slot 74b is aligned with the path P 1A so that a sheet traveling in such path can be directed without interference to the hopper 26.
  • This arrangement serves to enable the finisher 10 according to this invention to have its desired multi-functionality in a distinctly compact configuration
  • the module defining the optional saddle stitcher 90 of the modular finisher 10 according to this invention is for the purpose of providing the finisher with the capability of making center stapled and folded booklets.
  • the saddle stitcher 90 has five major components: a transport path P3, a stapling mechanism 92, a folding mechanism 94,an edge registration assembly 96, and a booklet-receiving output hopper 98.
  • the major components of the saddle stitcher are readily receivable in the finisher 10.
  • the major components are, for example, slidably receivable on cooperating slide guides 100 in the housing 32. In this manner, if it is desired to include a saddle stitcher module 90 in the finisher 10, the components of the saddle stitcher module are merely received in place in the finisher.
  • the transport path P3 for the saddle stitcher 90 is located such that it communicates with the path P1 of the upper transport module 20 downstream, in the direction of sheet travel, from the diverter 28.
  • a diverter 102, associated with the path P3, is movable for example by a solenoid actuator to a position (solid line position of Fig. 1) remote from the path P1, or to a position (broken line position of Fig. 1) intercepting the path P1 to direct sheets into the path P3.
  • Sheets received seriatim in the path P3 are aligned in the cross-track direction by a jogger mechanism 104 (similar for example to the jogger 38 associated with the stapling module 30).
  • the stapling mechanism 92 thereof is actuated by the control unit C to staple the reproduction set along the stapling line, substantially corresponding to the center line of the sheets in the sheet travel direction.
  • the gate 106 is pulled out of the path P3 by a solenoid actuator 106s enabling the stapled reproduction set to continue its travel in the path P3 under the influence of gravity for example.
  • the stapled reproduction set continues its travel until the lead edge thereof is registered against a second gate 108 located to intercept the path P3 downstream of the gate 106.
  • the folding mechanism 94 includes a knife blade 110 selectively actuatable into cooperative relation with a double set of folding nip rollers 112.
  • a complete stroke of the knife blade 110 contemplates travel of the blade a distance sufficient to urge the reproduction set being folded completely through the folding mechanism 94 and out of the nip roller pairs 112 where the formed booklet falls under the influence of gravity into the output hopper 98.
  • the hopper 98 is mounted in the housing 32 of the modular finisher 10 on slides 98a so as to enable the hopper to move to a convenient location, for example external to the housing, to facilitate operator retrieval of the folded booklets collected in the hopper.
  • the insert tray 150 is for the purpose of providing the modular finisher 10 according to this invention with the ability to selectively add additional sheets to a reproduction set.
  • the additional sheets may be preprinted cover sheets of the same or different stock characteristics to the sheets of the reproduction set, or may be sheets utilized within a reproduction set to separate distinct portions of the set.
  • the insert tray 150 includes a sheet receiving hopper 152 removably locatable in the top cover 154 for the finisher 10.
  • the hopper 152 has appropriate guides (not shown) for aligning a stack of sheets therein relative to a sheet feed device 156.
  • the sheet feed device 156 of any well known type such as a scuff feeder or a vacuum feeder for example, is activated by the control unit C when it is desired to selectively feed a single sheet from the hopper 152 to have such sheet inserted into a reproduction set being received by the finisher 10.
  • the sheet is fed into a transport path P4 communicating with the transport path P1 of the upper transport module 20 between the entrance E and the diverter 28. Accordingly, the additional sheet is selectively inserted into the path P1 at a desired time during the finishing of a reproduction set to be treated the same as any other sheet in the set during the finishing operation.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Folding Of Thin Sheet-Like Materials, Special Discharging Devices, And Others (AREA)
  • Paper Feeding For Electrophotography (AREA)

Claims (9)

  1. Modulare Endbearbeitungsvorrichtung (10) zum Herstellen vollständig bearbeiteter Sätze von Reproduktionen zur Verwendung mit einem Reproduktionsgerät, das Sätze von Reproduktionen einer Reihe von auf Blätter reproduzierten Reproduktionen erstellt, gekennzeichnet durch
    - ein erstes Gehäuse (22),
    - eine Abdeckung (154) für das erste Gehäuse,
    - eine erste Einrichtung zum Aufnehmen einer modularen Zusatzvorrichtung in der Abdeckung,
    - eine im ersten Gehäuse (22) vorgesehene Einrichtung (E) zum Aufnehmen von Blättern von Reproduktionssätzen aus dem Reproduktionsgerät (12),
    - im ersten Gehäuse vorgesehene Mittel zum Bilden einer sich von der Aufnahmeeinrichtung (E) wegerstreckenden ersten Transportbahn (P₁),
    - eine zweite Einrichtung (84) zum Aufnehmen einer modularen Zusatzvorrichtung im ersten Gehäuse,
    - ein dem ersten Gehäuse zugeordnetes zweites Gehäuse (32),
    - eine im zweiten Gehäuse angeordnete und mit den Mitteln zum Bilden der ersten Transportbahn (P₁) in Verbindung stehende Vorrichtung (34) zum Sammeln von Einzelblättern, die von den die erste Transportbahn bildenden Mitteln stammen,
    - eine im zweiten Gehäuse angeordnete Vorrichtung (30) zum Heften gesammelter Blätter zu gehefteten Sätzen von Reproduktionen,
    - eine dem zweiten Gehäuse zugeordnete Vorrichtung (50) zum Sammeln gehefteter Sätze von Reproduktionen,
    - eine im zweiten Gehäuse angeordnete Einrichtung (52), die eine zweite Transportbahn von der Einzelblattsammeleinrichtung zur Sammelvorrichtung für geheftete Sätze bildet, um Sätze gehefteter Reproduktionen von der Einzelblattsammeleinrichtung (34) zur Sammelvorrichtung (50) für Sätze zu transportieren,
    - eine dritte Einrichtung (100) zum Aufnehmen einer modularen Zusatzvorrichtung im zweiten Gehäuse, wobei mindestens eine Zusatzvorrichtung aus einer Gruppe von aus einer ZickzackFaltvorrichtung (70), einem Sattelhefter (90) und einer Ablage (150) bestehenden Vorrichtungen auswählbar ist und die mindestens eine ausgewählte Zusatzvorrichtung in der ersten, zweiten oder dritten Einrichtung zum Aufnehmen der jeweiligen Zusatzvorrichtung aufgenommen wird, und
    - Mittel zum Bilden von Blatt-Transportbahnen (P1A, P₃, P₄) von den die erste Transportbahn (P₁) bildenden Mitteln zu einer der ausgewählten modularen Zusatzvorrichtungen.
  2. Modulare Endbearbeitungsvorrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Sammelvorrichtung für Sätze von Reproduktionen ein außen am zweiten Gehäuse (32) angebrachtes Ausgabemagazin (50) und eine im zweiten Gehäuse ausgebildete Öffnung (52) aufweist, die zwischen den die zweite Transportbahn bildenden Mitteln und dem Ausgabemagazin (50) eine Verbindung herstellt.
  3. Modulare Endbearbeitungsvorrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Ausgabemagazin (50) eine Ablage (56) und einen mit der Ablage gekoppelten Hebemechanismus (64) aufweist, um die Ablage relativ zur Öffnung (52) im zweiten Gehäuse (32) wahlweise zu heben oder zu senken, damit das obere Ende eines Stapels von auf der Ablage befindlichen Sätzen von Reproduktionen derart in einer Ebene positionierbar ist, daß der folgende Satz von Reproduktionen auf dem Stapel abgelegt werden kann.
  4. Modulare Endbearbeitungsvorrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Ausgabemagazin (50) einen mit der Ablage (56) verbundenen Mechanismus (M) aufweist, der die Ablage wahlweise in eine Richtung quer zur Bewegungsrichtung eines auf die Ablage verbrachten Satzes von Reproduktionen bewegt, und daß Mittel vorgesehen sind, die den Betrieb des Mechanismus zwischen dem Aufnehmen aufeinanderfolgender Sätze von Reproduktionen derart steuern, daß die Sätze beim Stapeln auf der Ablage relativ zueinander versetzt sind.
  5. Modulare Endbearbeitungsvorrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Ablage (56) des Ausgabemagazins (50) relativ zur Bewegungsrichtung der auf die Ablage verbrachten Sätze von Reproduktionen derart in einem Winkel zur Horizontalen angeordnet ist, daß sie die Bahn der auf die Auflage verbrachten Sätze schneidet.
  6. Modulare Endbearbeitungsvorrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Ausgabemagazin (50) eine relativ zur Ablage (56) angeordnete Führungsplatte (60) aufweist, um die Vorderkanten der auf die Ablage verbrachten Sätze von Reproduktionen auszurichten, und eine Vorrichtung (62) umfaßt zum Aufbringen einer Kraft auf die auf der Ablage befindlichen gestapelten Sätze von Reproduktionen, um den Stapel in seiner ausgerichteten Stellung in Anlage an der Führungsplatte zu halten.
  7. Modulare Endbearbeitungsvorrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Vorrichtung (62) mindestens einen Finger aufweist, der in eine erste Position bewegbar ist, in der er in Berührung mit dem obersten Satz des auf der Ablage befindlichen Stapels von Reproduktionen gelangt, sowie in eine zweite, vom Stapel entfernte Position, und Mittel umfaßt zum wahlweisen Bewegen des mindestens einen Fingers in seine vom Stapel entfernte Position, wenn ein Satz auf den auf der Ablage befindlichen Stapel gelangt, um nicht den auf die Ablage gelangenden Satz zu behindern, und zum anschließenden Bewegen des mindestens einen Fingers in seine Position, in der er auf dem Stapel aufliegt, um diesen in seiner an der Führungsplatte (60) ausgerichteten Stellung zu halten.
  8. Modulare Endbearbeitungsvorrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das erste Gehäuse (22) eine Sammelablage (26) für einen zu prüfenden Satz von Kopien aufweist, Mittel, die eine zweite Transportbahn (P1A) bilden, mit den die die erste Transportbahn (P₁) bildende Mitteln in Verbindung stehen und sich zur Ablage für den zu prüfenden Satz von Kopien erstrecken, und eine Vorrichtung (28) zum wahlweisen Umlenken der Blätter von den die erste Transportbahn bildenden Mitteln zu den die zweite Transportbahn bildenden Mitteln, um die Blätter zur Ablage (26) für den zu prüfenden Satz von Kopien zu transportieren.
  9. Modulare Endbearbeitungsvorrichtung (10) nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine Steuereinrichtung (C) vorgesehen ist, die (1) das Reproduktionsgerät steuert, um einen über die gewünschte Anzahl der erforderlichen Sätze von Reproduktionen hinausgehenden zusätzlichen Satz von Reproduktionen herzustellen, (2) die Umlenkvorrichtung so einstellt, daß diese die Blätter des ersten Satzes von Reproduktionen zur Ablage für den zu prüfenden Satz von Kopien transportiert, und (3) die Herstellung des zweiten Satzes bzw. aller weiteren Sätze von Reproduktionen so lange verzögert, bis der auf die Ablage für den Satz von Reproduktionen gelangte Satz von Reproduktionen geprüft worden ist.
EP92903799A 1991-01-02 1991-12-19 Endverarbeitungseinrichtung für eine bilderzeugungseinrichtung Expired - Lifetime EP0517903B1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP95106413A EP0676302B1 (de) 1991-01-02 1991-12-19 Sattelheftvorrichtung für eine Endverarbeitungsvorrichtung

Applications Claiming Priority (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/636,786 US5080340A (en) 1991-01-02 1991-01-02 Modular finisher for a reproduction apparatus
US07/636,785 US5108082A (en) 1991-01-02 1991-01-02 Z-folder for a reproduction apparatus finisher
US636786 1991-01-02
US07/636,792 US5108081A (en) 1991-01-02 1991-01-02 Saddle stitcher for a reproduction apparatus finisher
PCT/US1991/009526 WO1992012087A1 (en) 1991-01-02 1991-12-19 Modular finisher for a reproduction apparatus
US636792 2003-08-07
US636785 2003-08-08

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95106413.8 Division-Into 1991-12-19
EP95106413A Division EP0676302B1 (de) 1991-01-02 1991-12-19 Sattelheftvorrichtung für eine Endverarbeitungsvorrichtung

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0517903A1 EP0517903A1 (de) 1992-12-16
EP0517903B1 true EP0517903B1 (de) 1996-04-03

Family

ID=27417599

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92903799A Expired - Lifetime EP0517903B1 (de) 1991-01-02 1991-12-19 Endverarbeitungseinrichtung für eine bilderzeugungseinrichtung
EP95106413A Expired - Lifetime EP0676302B1 (de) 1991-01-02 1991-12-19 Sattelheftvorrichtung für eine Endverarbeitungsvorrichtung

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95106413A Expired - Lifetime EP0676302B1 (de) 1991-01-02 1991-12-19 Sattelheftvorrichtung für eine Endverarbeitungsvorrichtung

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (2) EP0517903B1 (de)
JP (1) JP3269557B2 (de)
DE (2) DE69118522T2 (de)
WO (1) WO1992012087A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5449157A (en) * 1993-02-08 1995-09-12 Konica Corporation Recording sheet finishing apparatus
NL1000855C2 (nl) * 1995-07-20 1997-01-21 Oce Nederland Bv Inrichting voor het verzamelen van gevouwen en ongevouwen kopievellen.
FR2739846B1 (fr) * 1995-10-12 1997-12-19 C P Bourg Sa Machine de finition de livrets
EP0781722B1 (de) * 1995-12-28 2000-05-10 Canon Aptex Kabushiki Kaisha Apparat zum Falzen von Blättern
DE29819627U1 (de) 1998-11-04 1999-01-28 Bronst, Kullen, 22309 Hamburg Schleuse für Staubschutzgehäuse
US7450881B2 (en) * 2002-04-18 2008-11-11 Krdc Co., Ltd. Finishing apparatus of image forming apparatus
US7207557B2 (en) * 2003-06-04 2007-04-24 Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc. Image forming system and single-sheet processing machine
US8657512B2 (en) 2009-08-26 2014-02-25 Provo Craft And Novelty, Inc. Crafting apparatus including a workpiece feed path bypass assembly and workpiece feed path analyzer
JP5394863B2 (ja) * 2009-09-09 2014-01-22 ニスカ株式会社 シート折り装置及びこれを備えた画像形成システム

Family Cites Families (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE68459C (de) * Firma MASCHINENFABRIK HEIDELBERG, MO-LITOR & ClE, in Heidelberg Mit einer Falzvorrichtung verbundene Drahtheftmaschine
JPS51193A (ja) * 1974-06-08 1976-01-05 Yasumata Kure Chibusaikuseiki
US4169674A (en) * 1974-11-13 1979-10-02 Eastman Kodak Company Recirculating sheet feeder
US4134672A (en) * 1976-03-30 1979-01-16 Eastman Kodak Company Copier finisher for an electrographic reproducing device
JPS5444746A (en) * 1977-09-14 1979-04-09 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd Multilayer contact structure
US4270742A (en) * 1978-03-27 1981-06-02 Hiroshi Kobayashi Paper stack binding and folding device
JPS54145273A (en) * 1978-04-29 1979-11-13 Michiharu Murota Roasting apparatus
JPS55115541A (en) * 1979-02-24 1980-09-05 Ricoh Co Ltd Sheet carrying device
US4313670A (en) * 1979-10-30 1982-02-02 Xerox Corporation Reproduction machine with a pivotal stapling device
US4410170A (en) * 1980-07-10 1983-10-18 Bruce Wertheimer Machine for stapling and folding a stack of paper sheets to form a book
DE3234746A1 (de) * 1982-09-20 1984-03-22 Agfa-Gevaert Ag, 5090 Leverkusen Sortierender kopienablagetisch
US4592651A (en) * 1984-05-10 1986-06-03 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Copier with bookbinding function
US4603971A (en) * 1984-09-17 1986-08-05 Xerox Corporation Finisher mode switching
US4917364A (en) * 1985-03-15 1990-04-17 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Sheet processing apparatus
US4717134A (en) * 1985-03-15 1988-01-05 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Sheet folding apparatus
US4595187A (en) * 1985-07-26 1986-06-17 Xerox Corporation Saddle stapler accessory
US4917366A (en) * 1986-02-25 1990-04-17 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Sheet handling apparatus
US4878656A (en) * 1987-03-20 1989-11-07 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Sheet finisher
DE68919915T2 (de) * 1988-06-14 1995-05-04 Canon Kk Blattnachbearbeitungsvorrichtung.
US4903952A (en) * 1988-08-29 1990-02-27 Eastman Kodak Company Finisher apparatus
US4930765A (en) * 1988-12-27 1990-06-05 Eastman Kodak Company Sheet collection mechanism for stacking long and short sheets
US4871158A (en) * 1989-02-27 1989-10-03 Xerox Corporation Very high speed duplicator with finishing function
US5083760A (en) * 1989-04-18 1992-01-28 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Finisher for an image forming apparatus
US5007625A (en) * 1989-08-24 1991-04-16 Xerox Corporation Selectable sheet offsetting

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Patent Abstracts of Japan, Vol 12, No 296,(M731);& JP 63 74874, 05 April 1988 (RICOH CO LTD). *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69118522D1 (de) 1996-05-09
EP0517903A1 (de) 1992-12-16
EP0676302B1 (de) 1998-11-25
JPH05505154A (ja) 1993-08-05
DE69130540T2 (de) 1999-06-17
EP0676302A3 (de) 1995-11-08
EP0676302A2 (de) 1995-10-11
WO1992012087A1 (en) 1992-07-23
JP3269557B2 (ja) 2002-03-25
DE69118522T2 (de) 1996-10-31
DE69130540D1 (de) 1999-01-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5080340A (en) Modular finisher for a reproduction apparatus
US5108082A (en) Z-folder for a reproduction apparatus finisher
US4611741A (en) Booklet finishing apparatus
US4444491A (en) Very high speed duplicator with finishing function
US4626156A (en) Finishing apparatus with cover inserter
EP0652178B1 (de) Automatische Maschine zur Endbearbeitung der Papierhefte für elektronische Drucker
JP3147310B2 (ja) 多段ビンソータ
EP0028163B1 (de) Elektrostatographischer Reproduktionsapparat
EP0063470B1 (de) Sortiergerät und Verfahren zum Sortieren von Blättern in Sätze
DE69313344T2 (de) Vorrichtung zum Einlegen von Bogen und Verfahren zum Einlegen von Bogen in einem kontinuierlichen Strom
US6532856B2 (en) Paper cutting apparatus and image forming apparatus
US4411515A (en) Very high speed duplicator with limitless finishing function
JPH085260B2 (ja) 仕上装置
EP0028165A1 (de) Elektrostatographisches Reproduktionssystem
EP0046674A2 (de) Reproduktionssystem zum Herstellen und Sortieren von Kopien von einem Dokumentensatz
GB2048834A (en) Method and apparatus for producing sets of collated copies
JP2904720B2 (ja) シートの反転及びスタッキングシステム
JPS61156063A (ja) 仕上げ装置
US5108081A (en) Saddle stitcher for a reproduction apparatus finisher
DE69520773T2 (de) Zwei-Wege Blattzuführvorrichtung
CA1163229A (en) Very high speed duplicator with finishing function
EP0517903B1 (de) Endverarbeitungseinrichtung für eine bilderzeugungseinrichtung
US5501442A (en) Dual mode tamper/offsetter
GB1559290A (en) Sheet collecting apparatus
US5443249A (en) In-bin stapling system with interactive registration wall

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LU MC NL SE

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): DE FR GB NL

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19930113

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19940621

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

XX Miscellaneous (additional remarks)

Free format text: TEILANMELDUNG 95106413.8.

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

XX Miscellaneous (additional remarks)

Free format text: TEILANMELDUNG 95106413.8.

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69118522

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19960509

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732E

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20020617

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20021104

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20021202

Year of fee payment: 12

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20031219

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040701

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20031219

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040831

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST