UNIVERSAL INTERFACE MODULE INTERCONNECTING VARIOUS COPIERS AND PRINTERS WITH VARIOUS SHEET OUTPUT PROCESSORS

摘要

A universal interface for operatively connecting and feeding thesequential copy sheet output of various reproduction machines of widely varyingranges of sheet output level heights to various independent copy sheetprocessing units having widely varying sheet input level heights with afree-standing movable interface module of a fixed narrow width. A sheet feedingpath extends from one side of the module to the other for transporting the copysheets. This sheet feeding path is preferably bi-directional and reversible forfeeding copy sheets therethrough from either side. It is repositionable byvertically repositioning over a large vertical height range integral sheet pathends opening at opposite sides of the interface module, a retention systemretains the sheet path ends at a selected height position mating with a selectedreproduction apparatus sheet output level and a selected copy sheet processingunit sheet input level. The disclosed sheet feeding path varies in lengthautomatically with this path end repositioning, yet remains substantially linear,and may utilize baffles telescoping automatically.