Importance

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Abstract

A seamless paper media gate (10) for supporting moving sheets thereon while enabling the sheets to be directed in a range of angular directions, includes a plate member (12), a deflector member (48), and a spring (44). The plate member includes a first sheet supporting surface (14), and an end portion (16). The end portion includes a transition surface (18), which in cross section terminates at a transition edge (20). The deflector member is rotatably mounted on the plate member and includes a second sheet supporting surface (22). The deflector member includes in cross section a first finger portion (26) upon which the second surface is tapered to a point (28) which forms a lineal edge (27) that engages the transition surface. The deflector member also has a first rib (38) that engages a of a first slot (34). The rib includes a cam surface (43) that suitably engages a cam support surface of the slot to provide a fixed pivot point as the deflector member rotates. The spring is a three-way spring that acts on said deflector member and urges the lineal edge to maintain engagement with the transition surface, and urges the cam surface to be in engagement with the cam support surface of the slot. In all angular positions in the range the lineal edge is in gapless connection with the transition surface so that documents may be moved thereon without snagging.

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First Claim