US3709485A

US3709485A - Control circuit for sorting system

Info

Publication number: US3709485A
Application number: US00146329A
Authority: US
Inventors: T Acquaviva
Original assignee: Xerox Corp
Current assignee: Xerox Corp
Priority date: 1971-05-24
Filing date: 1971-05-24
Publication date: 1973-01-09
Anticipated expiration: 1990-01-09

Abstract

A control circuit for a high speed copier sorting system having a plurality of sheet conveyors each having an associated motor drive for driving a predetermined one of the sheet conveyors for transporting sheets along a predetermined path past trays into which the sheets are distributed in accordance with a predetermined control logic. A jam detection circuit times signals received and is coupled to the motor drive to de-energize same in the event of a jam condition. A first circuit for supplying signals to the jam detection circuit indicative of the transit of sheets along the conveyor path. A second circuit for supplying signals to the jam detection circuit indicative of the transit of sheets leaving the conveyor path and entering a predetermined tray. A third circuit for counting reference signals representative of the number of copies produced by a copier. A fourth circuit for counting signals of the second circuit. A fifth circuit for comparing counts of the third circuit and fourth circuit and supply a reset signal to the fourth circuit during normal sorting. In addition, the fourth circuit is coupled to the jam detection circuit to indicate a jam in the absence of a reset signal.

Description

United States Patent 1 Acquaviva, Jr. 1 Jan. 9, 1973 [54] CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR SORTING [57] ABSTRACT SYSTEM A control circuit for a high speed copier sorting [75] Inventor: Thomas J. Acquaviva, Jr., Penfield, system having a plurality of sheet conveyors each hav- N.Y. ing an associated motor drive for driving a predetermined one of the sheet conveyors for transporting [73] Asslgneei21 Corporation, Stamford Sheets along a predetermined path past trays into which the sheets are distributed in accordance with a Filed: y 24, 1971 predetermined control logic. A jam detection circuit [21] APPL No; 146,329 times signals received and is coupled to the motor drive to tie-energize same in the event of a am condition. A first circuit for supplying signals to the jam de- U-S- Cltection circuit indicative of the Ura sit of sheets along Cl. t ..B65h the conveyor path A second ircuit for upplying Flew of Search 271/64, 57; 270/58 56; signals to the jam detection circuit indicative of the 340/259 transit of sheets leaving the conveyor path and entering a predetermined tray. A third circuit for counting [56] References C'ted reference signals representative of the number of co- UNITED STATES PATENTS pies produced by a copier. fourth circuit for countlng signals of the second circuit. A fifth circuit for 3,347,367 /1967 Smith ..27l/64 X comparing counts of the third circuit and fourth cir- 3,6l8,936 ll/l97l Ziehm ..27l/64 Primary Examiner-Allen N. Knowles Attorney-James J. Ralabate, Donald F. Daley and Melvin A. Klein cuit and supply a reset signal to the fourth circuit during normal sorting. In addition, the fourth circuit is coupled to the jam detection circuit to indicate a jam in the absence of a reset signal.

7 Claims, Drawing Figures JAM DETECTION CIRCUIT (FIG. IO)

.327 ,azo

SOLENOID SOLENOID M MATRIX MATRIX omvsa DRIVER CIRCUIT cmcurr a9 32/ MOTOR DtLUDhR vacuum 3 cl ignE aaa ass was) i F i a COMPARISON COMPARISON Q CIRCUIT cmcurr 1 i as? 53/ SQRTER SORTER 3/3 COUNTER COUNTER PROCESSOR M MOTOR COUNTER L 27 LOGIC cmcun' :32

7 MODE SELECTOR CIRCUIT 1 PATENTEUJAH 9mm sum OlflF 10 INVENTOR. THOMAS J. ACQUAVIVA JR.

BY MA ATTORNEY PATENTEDJMI 9|B73 3,709,485

SHEET UZUF 10 PATENTEUJM! 9 I975 SHEET DHUF 10 PAIENIEDJM 9 I973 SHEET OSUF1O minnow 9:915 3.709.485 SHEET UBOF 10 FIG. 5

259 FIG. 6

Pmmwm 9:915 3.709.485

SHEET 08 0F 10 JAM DETECTION l CIRCUIT (FIG. IO) I I SOLENOID SOLENOID .m MATRIX MATRIX DRIVER DRIVER CIRCUIT I CIRCUIT MOTOR DECODEFJ DECODER 353 CII)RIVET ass ass CQMPARISON COMPARIS i CIRCUIT CIRCUIT 5 337 sa/ SORTER (A f K SORTER 3/3 COUNTER COUNTER PROCESSOR COUNTER MOTOR 00 k2? LOGIC XX CIRCUIT MODE A 30/ SELECTOR Y CIRCUIT 2 FIG. 8

PATENTEBJM 9191s 3.709.485

SHEET 09 0F 10 I l/l Kl I K2 FIG. 9

PATENTED m 9 I973 SHEET 10 [1F 10 BM. ea

CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR SORTING SYSTEM This invention relates to apparatus for sorting documents and more particularly to a control circuit for a high speed modular apparatus for sorting documents.

Sorters for copying machines are of several types. One type shifts copy receiving trays relative to a fixed sheet feed path as described, for example, in U. S. Pat. No. 3,356,362. Another type feeds copy sheets to a plurality of modular assemblies in a serial fashion as described, for example, in U. S. Pat. No. 3,484,l01. With the advent of high speed copier machines where sheet jams may become more frequent, it is desirable to control the routing of the copy sheet material and to facilitate the detection of sheet jams both along the transport path and in the vicinity of the trays. Heretofore, control circuits were such as to detect certain jam conditions but not altogether satisfactory in ensuring detection under various conditions.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve the sorting of sheet material.

It is another object of the present invention to improve jam detection of sheets supplied to high spedd sorting apparatus. j

It is a further object of the present invention to enable jam detection of sheet material in the transport path as well as in the vicinity of the trays. i

It is a further object of the present invention to int rrogate a counting sheet system for jam detection. 1

These objects as well as others will become more apparent upon considering the following description which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a copying machine incorporating a sorting apparatus according to the present invention; j

FIG. 1(a) is a view of the control panel of the sorting apparatus;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the exterior of the sorting apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the sorting apparatus;

FIG. 3(a) is a front view of the sorting apparatus with cover open illustrating certain details of the latch assembly.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the drive mechanism of the sorting apparatus;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are end and front sectional views of.

the trays and stacking control apparatus;

FIGS. 7(a) through 7(d) are front views illustrating sequential operation of the stacking control apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the control circuitry for the sorting apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of the motor circuit of the control circuitry; and

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of the jam detection circuitry.

GENERAL For a general understanding of reproduction apparatus with which the present invention may be incorporated, reference is made to FIG. 1 wherein various components of a typical electrostatic printer system are illustrated. It should be understood, however, that any type of printer system could be used with the present invention and not necessarily the printer system described herein. The printer system is of the xerographic type and is generally designated with the reference numeral 10. As in all xerographic systems, a light image of an original to be reproduced is projected onto the sensitized surface of a xerographic plate to form an electrostatic latent image. Thereafter, the latent image is developed with toner material to form a xerographic powder image corresponding to the latent image on the plate surface. The powder image is then electrostatically transferred to a record material such as a sheet or web of paper or the like to which it may be fused by a fusing device whereby the powder image is caused permanently to adhere to the surface of the record material.

The xerographic processor indicated by the reference numeral 11 is arranged as a self-contained unit having all of its processing stations located in a unitary enclosure or cabinet. The printer system includes an exposure station at which a light radiation pattern of a document to be reproduced is positioned on a glass platen 12 for projection onto a photoconductive surface in the form of a xerographic belt 13.

Imaging light rays from the document as flash illuminated by lamps 18 are projected by a first mirror 20 and a projection lens 21 and another mirror 23 onto the belt 13 at the focal plane for the lens 21 at a position indicated by the dotted line 25.

As an interface structure and for unobstructive optical projections, the side of the cabinet is formed with an enlarged rectangular opening to permit the projection of image light rays from the lens 21 to the mirror 23. Similarly, the cabinet supporting the document plane is formed with a corresponding rectangular opening that mates with the opening in the printer cabinet when the two cabinets are operatively joined together for copy/duplicating purposes. Suitable light-type gaskets may be utilized adjacent the exterior of each opening in the cabinets in order to minimize the leakage of unwanted extraneous light. The xerographic belt 13 is mounted for movement around three parallel arranged rollers 27 suitably mounted in the frame of processor 11. The belt may be continuously driven by a suitable motor (not shown) and at an appropriate speed corresponding to the discharge responsive the photoconductive material that comprises the belt and the intensity of the imaging light rays from the document. The exposure of the belt to the imaging light rays from the document discharges the photoconductive layer in the area struck by light whereby there remains on the belt an electrostatic latent image of configuration corresponding to the light image projected from the document. As the belt continues its movement, the electrostatic latent image passes a developing station at which there is positioned a developer apparatus 29 for developing the electrostatic latent image. After development, the powdered image is moved to an image transfer station whereat record material or sheets of paper just previously separated from a stack of sheets 20 is held against the surface of the belt to receive the developed powder image therefrom. The sheet is moved in synchronism with the movement of the belt during transfer of the developed image. After transfer, the sheet of paper is conveyed to a fusing station where a fuser device 31 is positioned to receive the sheet of paper for fusing the powder thereon. After fusing of the powder image, the sheet is conveyed through an opening in the cabinet to a sorting apparatus 32 for distributing into trays or bins in a manner as will be described more fully hereinafter. The sheets are separated from the stack and fed from the top of the stack by means of a separator roll device 33 and timed sequence of the movement of the developed images on the belt 13.

Further details of the processing devices and stations in the printer system are not necessary to understand the principles of the present invention. However, a detailed description of these processing stations and components along with the other structures of the machine printer are disclosed in copending application Ser. Nos. 731,934, filed May 24, 1968, and 756,598, filed Aug. 30, 1968, which are commonly assigned with the present invention.

It will be appreciated that the printer system may be operated in conjunction with a roll converter unit indicated by the reference numeral 35. The roll converter unit 35 is adapted to convert a relatively large roll of paper 36 into various sizes of sheets of paper by means of a cutter device 37 and a suitable control system (not shown) arranged to control cutting and feeding of the individual sheets into operative cooperation is assured between the various units operating with the printer system by the physical association of the cabinets for the units and the matching openings which enable full cooperation of the imaging light rays and sheet transport path between the units. In this regard, locking clamps may be provided on all the units for preventing the inadvertent movement of such units during use and interlocks which is an alignment device may be utilized on each unit for ensuring upper alignment and to terminate or suspend operation in the event misalignment or separation of the units occur. For facility and needs of operation, each of the units provided with caster wheels and locking brakes thereby aiding in the movement of the units into and out of cooperative engagement.

SORTING APPARATUS Referring now to FIGS. 2-6, sorting apparatus 32 comprises a base frame 51 which supports upper and

lower sorting assemblies

53, 55, respectively. Lower sorting assembly 55 includes a unitary framework 57 defining a series of bins or trays 59 which receive copy sheets in a downward direction. Similarly, upper sorting assembly 53 has a unitary framework 57 which defines a series of trays or bins 59 for receiving copy sheets.

Sheets enter the sorting apparatus through an opening 61 formed in the frame of the lower sorting assembly 55. The sheets pass through guides 63 to a pair of pinch rolls 65 and 67 which direct their travel to a horizontal transport 69 which is made up of a plurality of horizontal driving belts 71 which are above the sheet path and free wheeling rollers 73 positioned below the sheet path. Above rollers 73 are rollers 74 which are positioned within belts 71 and are spring loaded downward to ensure proper traction between the belts and sheets being transported. The sheets traveling on the horizontal belts are deflected downward into an appropriate tray by fingers or gates 76 actuated into the sheet path by an associated solenoid in accordance with the control logic. The control logic is triggered by the passage of a sheet from the horizontal transport into a tray which causes the breaking of the light beam between a light source 78 and a photo-transistor 80. The breaking and then re-establishment of the light beam results in the open gate closing and the next gate opening which continues until the last copy is received in the appropriate sorting assembly.

The upper sorting assembly 53 includes a transport made up of horizontal belts 117 which moves above the sheet path and free wheeling rollers 1 19 positioned below the sheet path. Above rollers 119 are rollers 121 which are positioned in belts 117 to ensure proper traction as in the case of rollers 74. Fingers or gate members 123 serve to deflect the copy sheets into the bins or trays when actuated by the control logic which includes a light source 125 and phototransistor 127.

To transport the copy sheets into the upper sorting assembly, there is provided a vertical transport 129 made up of vertical belts 131 which moves against roll rs 133. The vertical transport 129 receives the sheets hen solenoid actuated sheet deflector 135 is positi ned so as to direct the sheet upwardly in accordance w'th control logic as will be described hereinafter.

{Horizontal belts 71 are received and supported in a pivotable cover 137 connected to the frame by one or mpre hinges 139. Similarly, horizontal belts 117 are received in and supported by a pivotable cover 141 c nnected to the frame by one or more hinges 139. By this arrangement, if a jam occurs within the transport p th, the

belts

71 and 117 may be raised clear from the tr nsport path by pivotable movement of the covers 1 7 and 141, respectively. Torsion springs 143 extend a] ng the length of

covers

137 and 141 and serve to fa ilitate raising of the covers. In the event that a jam occurs in the vertical transport 129, a hinged cover 145 is rovided for easy access to the transport path. It will no w be appreciated that if a jam occurs anywhere along the sheet path, the sheet may be cleared expeditiously by opening of the

covers

137, 141 or 145 to a displaced popition away from the sheet path sufficiently so that an operators hand may be inserted and the jammed sheet removed from the sheet path. A latch assembly 147 including spring biased pins 149 serves to maintain each of the

covers

137 and 141 in a raised position to prevent inadvertent closing on the hand of an operator. Handle 151 operates to retract the spring biased pins for closing of the covers.

Sheets may be sorted by either the lower sorting assembly 55 or the upper sorting assembly 53 or both together for long runs. The lower sorting assembly includes a drive motor 153 which drives transport belts 71 through a timing belt 155 (FIG. 4). Transport belts 71 drive gears 157, 159 which, in turn, drive pinch rolls 67 through a timing belt 161 which is mounted on a pulley 163 driving shaft 165 carrying the pinch rolls 67. It will be appreciated that by virtue of the flexibility of belt 161, that transport belts 71 which are housed in cover 137 may be pivoted away from and into the sheet path. A spring 169 connected to the frame and a link member 201 maintains proper belt tensioning during operating conditions. The pinch rolls 67 desirably are driven at a speed or rate slightly lower than the speed at which the belts 71 are moving so that the paper is pulled smoothly along its transport path rather than being pushed or jerked.

Upper sorting assembly 53 includes a drive motor 167 which drives the transport belts 117 through a timing belt 209. Transport belts 117, in turn, drive transport belts 131 through a timing belt 211 mounted on pulleys 213 and 214 and a belt 203 which is mounted on

pulleys

215 and 216 which serve to drive shaft 217 drivingly connected to the belts 131. It will be appreciated that belt 203 is able to flex when belts 117 and cover 141 are raised above the sheet path. A spring 205 connected to link 207 maintains proper belt tension for accomplishing the desired drive operation. It will be noted that a shaft 219 which is at the lower ex tent of the transport belts 131 is drivingly connected .to a pinch roll 67 through an O-ring 221 which is received on a pulley 223 mounted on a shaft 225 which carries gear 227 which meshes with a gear 229 mounted on a shaft 165.

The driving mechanism described above enables the vertical transport to be driven by motor 167, and pinch rolls 67 to be driven through the upper or lower sorting assemblies by

motors

153 and 167, respectively. To ac complish this operation, a pair of overrunning clutches 231 and 233 are mounted on shaft 165. The shaft 165 may then be driven through either the upper sorting as? sembly drive motor or the lower sorting assembly drive motor. It will now be appreciated that when clutch 231 is in driving relation that clutch 233 overruns and vice versa. By virtue of this driving arrangement, the pinch rolls 65 and 67 may be operated to provide alternate sorting paths into the two sorting assemblies. Thus, in the event that drive motor 153 becomes inoperative, the pinch rolls are driven by drive motor 167 throug clutch 233. Furthermore, by virtue of the flexibility 0

belts

161 and 203, the transport belts may be moved out of the sheet path to remove sheet jams expediltiously.

STACKING CONTROL APPARATUS Associated with each of the trays 59 is a stacking control apparatus 250 which serves to ensure that the sheets when received in a tray do not bounce to interirupt the light beam and assures proper stacking alignment of the sheets. The stacking control apparatus comprises a roller assembly 251 which includes an X- shaped frame 253 with loop portions 255 engaging wire framework 57. Suspended from X-shaped frame 253 is a roller member 257. It will be noted that the configuration of frame 253 is such that a crimped or offset portion 259 is located in the vicinity of roller member 257 to enable sheets to enter tangentially to the roller. By this structure the sheet acceleration is controlled to prevent bouncing of the sheets off the tray bottom back into the light beam.

The sheets are aligned in the trays to form desirable stacks. Associated with roller assembly 251 is a plurality of hanging wire devices 265 which serve to retard the velocity of an incoming sheet and further compress the top of the stack being formed in its tray. It will be noted that pairs of hanging wire devices are suspended from framework 57 symmetrically on each side of the sheet centerline. It will be further noted that each of the hanging wire devices has generally W-shaped portions 267 and loop portions 269 for free pivoting on the framework as they are impacted by incoming sheets. By this structure, the top of a stack fonned is compacted to assure clearance in the sheet path for the next incoming'sheet. The hanging wire devices are easily mounted on the framework due to the cooperation between W-shaped portions 267 and loop portions 269 with the framework. It has been found that the hanging wire devices which are made of a conductive metal contribute to the dissipation of static electricity normally imparted to the sheets being transported along their path.

SORTING APPARATUS CONTROL CIRCUIT A description of the control circuitry for the sorting apparatus may best be understood in connection with the control panel of FIG. 1a, the block diagram of FIG. 8, the motor drive circuit of FIG. 9, and the jam detection circuit of FIG. 10. The mode of operation for the sorting apparatus is determined by pressing a one of switches S1, S2, or S3 on the control panel which then set a mode selector circuit 301 for upper sorting assembly 53, lower sorting assembly 55, or off condition, respectively. If S1 is closed an output from mode selector circuitry 301 is supplied to a motor logic circuit 303 which, in turn, supplies a signal 305 to a motor drive circuit 307 for energizing motor 167. By closing switch S2, motor logic circuit 303 supplies a signal 309 to motor drive circuit 307 which operates to energize motor 153. 'FIG. 9 illustrates the motor drive circuit in detail. It will be noted that motor 153 has a triac Q1 and a power source 311 connected across its terminals and that motor 167 also has a triac Q2 and power source 31 1 connected across its terminals. It will be appreciated that a signal 309 serves to energize a relay Kl causing Q1 to conduct which then provides a conductive path for power source 311 to cross motor 153. In similar fashion, signal 305 serves to energize relay K2 which causes 02 to conductthereby enabling power to be placed across the terminals of motor 167. It will be further noted that motor logic circuit 303 provides a signal 313 to sheet deflector 135 at the entrance of the sorting apparatus to assure a sheet path consistent with the motor drive circuit.

The sheets are transported along their selected path and enter a first tray of the selected sorting assembly. Phototransistors and 127 detect each sheet being deflected into its tray by

fingers

76 and 123, respectively, and signal counters 315 and 317, respectively.

Counters

315 and 317 supply an input to

decoders

319 and 321, respectively.

Decoders

319 and 321 serve to energize the selected solenoid driver of

solenoid driver circuits

323 and 325, respectively, which, in turn, energize the proper solenoid of the

solenoid matrix

327 and 329, respectively.

At the same time, signals 330 from the processor which are taken from the pulsing of flash lamps 18 or any other suitable processor reference count are received by a counter 332 and signals 331 supplied to

comparison circuits

333 and 335,. respectively.

Comparison circuits

333 and 335 also :receive signals from

counters

315 and 317, respectively. If the counters of the processor and sorting assemblies agree, then reset

signals

337 and 339 are supplied to

counters

315 and 317, respectively.

A jam detection system of the control circuitry of the sorting apparatus enables detecting different types of jams which may occur while the sheet is on a belt transport or upon entering a particular tray. A jam detection circuit 345 (FIG. 10) serves to detect jams in the vicinity of the trays by timing the duration of

signals

349 and 351 supplied by

phototransistors

80 and 127, respectively. Jam detection circuit 345 supplies a signal 347 to motor logic circuit 303 to de-energize whichever motor is in operation at the time. if a jam occurs while the sheet is on the transport belts, then a timing signal 353 supplied from a sensor 355 (FIG. 3) located at the entrance of the sorting apparatus is received by the jam detection circuit 345 and compared with

signals

349 and 351. In this manner, jams are detected both during the transport of the sheets on the belts as well as in the vicinity of the trays as they are deflected by the fingers associated therewith.

As a special jam detection feature for the sorting apparatus, counters 315 and 317 are interrogated by jam detection circuit 345 at the completion of the run to ascertain if all sheets were actually received in the trays. By this arrangement if a last sheet has not been received a count will remain and as a result ajam signal 347 supplied to motor logic circuit 303 for de-energizing the appropriate sorting assembly.

In operation, sheets entering the sorting apparatus pass sensor 355 generating signal 353. With the sorting apparatus energized by depressing S1 or S2 and a sheet arrives at the apparatus a signal 400 is produced at the output of a gate 401 which is then inverted by a gate 402. This signal causes a sharp pulse at the output of a pulse forming network 403 which sets a flip-flop 408 to start a timer 410. Timer 410 is preset for a predetermined time which is slightly greater than the time it takes for the first sheet to enter the furthest bin in the sorting apparatus.

If a sheet breaks the light beam in the lower sorting assembly 55 of the sorting apparatus, phototransistor 80 produces signal 349 which is converted into a pulse by a pulse forming network 404. The output of network 404 produces a pulse to reset flip-flop 408 which causes the timer 410 to stop timing. Likewise if a sheet is directed to the upper sorting assembly 53, phototransistor 127 produces signal 351 which is converted into a pulse by a pulse forming network 405. The output of network 405 produces a pulse which resets flip-flop 408 which causes timer 410 to stop timing. A gate 413 serves to direct initializing and reset pulses to the flip-flop 408.

If a sheet jams on either transport of the sorting assemblies, signals 349 and 351 do not occur, and timer 410 will time out producing a pulse at gate 425. This generates a jam signal 347 at the output of gate 426 which is supplied to the motor logic circuit 303 to stop the motors.

If a sheet jams in the vicinity of the trays, i.e., in the path of light beams from light sources 78 and 125, signal 349 or signal 351 is continuously present. This leaves a signal on a gate 417 which signals a gate 418 to start timer 422. Timer 422 is set for a predetermined time which is greater than the time for a sheet to pass the light beam. If the sheet jams, the timer 422 times out and a jam signal is produced at a gate 425 which causes the motors to stop.

A further method of jam detection is to interrogate the sheet counters 315 and 317 at the completion of a run to ascertain if all sheets were actually received in the trays. An interrogation circuit 429 interrogates

counters

315, 317. If a count remains in

counters

315, 317 there will be a signal at the output of a gate 429. When the processor completes a run, a signal 310 is supplied to one input of gate 430. The output of gate 430 will signal gate 425 enabling a jam signal 347.

Another jam situation which may be detected is if the last sheet or sheets jam in the upper transport while sorting continues in the lower sorting assembly. This may happen, for example, if another copy run commences prior to completing a previous copy run. When a sheet enters the sorting apparatus, signal 400 is produced and is inverted by gate 402 and supplied as an input to gate 432. If the sheet deflector is operated, signal 313 will appear at other input gate 432 after being inverted by a gate 433. The output from gate 432 is inverted by a gate 435 and sets a flip-flop 437. Normally, at the completion of the run in the upper sorting assembly 53, flip-flop 437 is reset by the elivered coincidence signals 337 or 339. If

signals

337 or 339 do not occur due to a jam in the upper sorting ssembly, and if the beam of the lower sorting assembly is broken by the first sheet of the next run, signal 349 will be supplied as an input to a gate 439 which results i ajam signal 347.

In order to enable location of a jam condition there re provided jam indicator lamps L1 and L2. If there is jam in the sorting apparatus and the sheet deflector is 0t operated, or a count remains in counter 315, then a s'gnal 445 will appear at the input of a lamp driver circuit 450 causing lamp L1 to be energized. Also, when a j m, or a count remains in counter 317 or the beam of t e upper sorting assembly is broken, there is a signal to 1 mp driver circuit 451 causing lamp L2 to be energ zed. It should be understood that the jam detection c rcuit can be by-passed by activating the jam by-pass s itch S4 which energizes a relay K3.

While the invention has been described and illust ated herein as preferred form of the invention, it will b} apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and odifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and intent of the invention which is to be limited only to the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A control circuit for a sorting system comprising:

motor means for driving a conveyor transporting sheets along a predetermined path past trays into which the sheets are distributed in accordance with a predetermined control logic,

a jam detection circuit for detecting sheet jam conditions, including timing means,

first circuit means for supplying signals to said jam detection circuit indicative of the transit of sheets along the conveyor path and for setting said timing means,

second circuit means for supplying signals to said jam detection circuit indicative of the transit of sheets leaving the conveyor path and entering a predetermined tray and for resetting said timing means, said jam detection circuit being coupled to said motor drive means and responsive to signals supplied from said first and second circuit means for de-energizing said motor drive means in the event of a jam condition,

third circuit means for counting reference signals representative of the number of copies produced by a copy processor,

fourth circuit means for counting signals of said second circuit means,

fifth circuit means for comparing counts of said third with said fourth circuit means,

said fifth circuit means supplying a reset signal to said fourth circuit means during normal sorting operation,

said fourth circuit means being coupled to said jam detection circuit to indicate a jam condition in the absence of the reset signal.

2. The control circuit of claim 1 wherein said second circuit means sets other timing means of said jam detection circuit and then resets said other timing means in the event of no jam. I

3. The control circuit according to claim 1 wherein said motor drive means includes at least two motors, at

least a one of said drive motors operating individually and consecutively with another of said drive motors depending upon the length of the sorting run.

4. The control circuit according to claim 3 wherein each of said drive motors is associated with a sorting module.

5. The control circuit of claim 4 including sheet deflection means associated with. said modules for directing sheets to a predetermined one of said modules for setting a memory device, said memory device also receiving an input signal from said first eircuit means, said fifth circuit further supplying a signal

Claims

1. A control circuit for a sorting system comprising: motor means for driving a conveyor transporting sheets along a predetermined path past trays into which the sheets are distributed in accordance with a predetermined control logic, a jam detection circuit for detecting sheet jam conditions, including timing means, first circuit means for supplying signals to said jam detection circuit indicative of the transit of sheets along the conveyor path and for setting said timing means, second circuit means for supplying signals to said jam detection circuit indicative of the transit of sheets leaving the conveyor path and entering a predetermined tray and for resetting said timing means, said jam detection circuit being coupled to said motor drive means and responsive to signals supplied from said first and second circuit means for de-energizing said motor drive means in the event of a jam condition, third circuit means for counting reference signals representative of the number of copies produced by a copy processor, fourth circuit means for counting signals of said second circuit means, fifth circuit means for comparing counts of said third with said fourth circuit means, said fifth circuit means supplying a reset signal to said fourth circuit means during normal sorting operation, said fourth circuit means being coupled to said jam detection circuit to indicate a jam condition in the absence of the reset signal.

2. The control circuit of claim 1 wherein said second circuit means sets other timing means of said jam detection circuit and then resets said other timing means in the event of no jam.

3. The control circuit according to claim 1 wherein said motor drive means includes at least two motors, at least a one of said drive motors operating individually and consecutively with another of said drive motors depending upon the length of the sorting run.

5. The control circuit of claim 4 including sheet deflection means associated with said modules for directing sheets to a predetermined one of said modules for setting a memory device, said memory device also receiving an input signal from said first circuit means, said fifth circuit further supplying a signal to reset said memory device.

6. The control circuit according to claim 4 wherein said jam detection circuit includes lamp means to identify the module at which a jam occurs.

7. The control circuit according to claim 1 including by-pass switching means for by-passing said jam detection circuit.