.~.~.~ Control of advancer responsive to sensing of foremost sheet {3}
156
.~.~.~.~ Controlled pawl and ratchet actuates advancer
DEFINITION
Classification: 271/156
(under subclass 152) Device wherein the stack-urging means that is activated and deactivated by the detecting means comprises a mechanical movement that is known in the art as "pawl and ratchet" and is further explained in (1) Note below.
(1) Note. A pawl is a pivoted element having a free end that interengages with teeth on a mating wheel or bar known as a ratchet. As the pivot of the pawl oscillates arcuately or reciprocates rectilinearly its movement in one direction will cause the free end to engage a ratchet tooth to move the ratchet an increment in said direction, but the movement of the pawl in the reverse direction will permit the pawl to slide over the adjacent tooth (or teeth) of the ratchet, since reverse movement of the ratchet is prevented. Thus oscillatory or reciprocatory movement of the pawl is converted into intermittent one-way movement of the ratchet wheel or ratchet bar.
