A new paper separation and feed mechanism is proposed to realize a highly reliable paper handling system for printers. A prototype mechanism consisted of a roller-type separation electrode coated with an insulating film, a ground electrode, and a paper pile between the electrodes. When electrostatic field was applied between the electrodes, it was confirmed that only the top paper was separated. However the applied voltage had to be increased to separate subsequent papers, because charge on the insulating film was cancelled by the attached paper. Then a biased charger roller was settled in contact with the separation electrode to charge the insulating film on the separation electrode. In this system, reliable paper separation and feed was realized and a feed speed over 600 mm/s was demonstrated.
Shinjiro Umezu, Jumpei Shiraishi, Hiroyuki Kawamoto, "New Paper Feed Mechanism Utilizing Electrostatic Force" in Proc. IS&T Int'l Conf. on Digital Printing Technologies (NIP20), 2004, pp 194 - 197, https://doi.org/10.2352/ISSN.2169-4451.2004.20.1.art00046_1