(19)
(11) EP 1 952 996 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
12.12.2012 Bulletin 2012/50

(43) Date of publication A2:
06.08.2008 Bulletin 2008/32

(21) Application number: 08001907.8

(22) Date of filing: 01.02.2008
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
B41J 3/60(2006.01)
B41J 13/00(2006.01)
 B41J 11/00(2006.01)
B65H 29/58(2006.01)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR
Designated Extension States:
AL BA MK RS

(30) Priority: 05.02.2007 US 899558 P
30.03.2007 US 731298

(71) Applicant: Pitney Bowes, Inc.
Stamford, CT 06926-0700 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • Smith, Aaron D.
    Beacon Falls, Connecticut 06403 (US)
  • Allen, Robert J.
    Shelton, Connecticut 06484 (US)
  • Fairweather, James A.
    Milford, Connecticut 06460 (US)
  • Baldino, Neil F.
    Sandy Hook, Connecticut 06482 (US)
  • Lyga, Thomas M.
    Southbury, Connecticut 06488 (US)

(74) Representative: HOFFMANN EITLE 
Patent- und Rechtsanwälte Arabellastrasse 4
81925 München
81925 München (DE)

   


(54) Multi-function low profile print interface for a sheet handling device


(57) A print interface system (50) includes a printer (52) integrated in combination with a sheet handling system such as a mailpiece inserter (10). The print interface system (50) facilitates the handling of sheet material (12) in various operating modes, including conventional printing, duplex printing, and mailpiece creation modes. The system includes an interface module having upper and lower housing segments defining first and second feed paths (FFP,SFP). A first feed path (FFP) directs sheet material to a stacking surface of the upper housing segment and a second feed path (SFP) directs sheet material to a downstream module of the sheet handling device. A repositionable diverter bifurcates the path exiting the printer (52) to direct sheet material (12) to one of the two feed paths (FFP,SFP). Furthermore, the upper housing segment is pivotally mounted to the lower housing segment to provide internal access to one of the first and second feed paths (FFP,SFP).







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