Importance

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Abstract

A print cutter suitable for use in an order finishing station or as a stand-alone unit includes a reel mount for accepting a reel of photographic prints formed in a continuous web. An automatic threader threads the leading end of the web through a loop guide into the first set of drive rollers. A leading end sensor senses the leading end of the web as it is automatically threaded through the loop guide to stop the threading process when the leading end of the web reaches the feed rollers. The same sensor is utilized to monitor the size of the loop of the print web present in the loop guide and to feed additional prints from the reel into the loop guide as required to maintain predetermined loop size. An accurate measure of print length is maintained by feeding the prints to the cutter using a roller pair including a nondeformable roller engaged with the undersurface of the prints and a deformable roller engaging the upper surface of the prints. The nondeformable roller is driven by a stepper motor. A decurling roller is provided which is pressed into contact with the upper surface of the prints after they have been cut to reverse bend the prints and remove the curl that is inherent in the prints due to their position on the circular reel. The decurler roll is adjustable to change the degree of reverse bend applied to the prints to accommodate varying amounts of curl. A diverter bar is swingably mounted on the print cutter adjacent the print exit to allow good prints to be deposited directly into a print tray, while makeover prints are held up above the good prints so that at the end of an order, the makeover prints are present at the top of the print stack.

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First Claim