Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An automatic stapling apparatus and method is disclosed which may have a stapling mechanism moved by a stapler engaging mechanism into a stapling position in relation to a stack of sheets to be stapled, inserted through a stack insertion opening, and adapted to staple a stack of sheets up to a maximum thickness, and may comprise: a sheet stack thickness gauging apparatus adapted to move into a sheet stack thickness gauging position prior to the stapling mechanism being moved by the stapler engaging mechanism into the stapling position; the sheet stack thickness gauging apparatus being further adapted to engage any object within the insertion opening in position to be engaged by the stapler which is of a thickness greater than or equal to a pre-selected thickness; and, a safety disconnect apparatus adapted to prevent the operation of the stapler in the event that the sheet stack thickness gauging apparatus engages an object in the insertion opening in position to be engaged by the stapler which is of a thickness greater than or equal to the pre-selected thickness. The apparatus and method may further comprise the safety disconnect apparatus being adapted to prevent the operation of the stapler engaging mechanism. The sheet stack thickness gauging apparatus may further comprise: a safety gate lever pivotally mounted for pivoting movement about a pivot axis by the operation of a portion of the stapler engaging mechanism prior to the stapling mechanism being moved by the stapler engaging mechanism into the stapling position, up to a point where the sheet stack thickness gauging apparatus is in an operating position.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim