Abstract: A merging module connects two printing systems at approximately 90 degrees to one another. The merging module includes a sheet rotator in a plane that is common to the paper paths of both print engines and a buffer. It also includes two bypass paths (one above and one below the rotator) to route the two paper paths around the rotator and enable both print engines to deliver their output to the appropriate finishing device as well as to the buffer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for pre-creeping a force applying spring blade member having characteristics for ordinarily generating a higher than required initial force in a controlled force applying process. The apparatus includes a retainer that can be packed and sealed within storable container. The retainer includes a first set of walls defining a first slot for receiving and retaining a first edge of a generally rectangular spring blade member, and a second set of walls defining a second slot for receiving and retaining a second and opposite edge of the blade member. The second slot is in communication, and forms a blade creeping angle, with the first slot. The blade creeping angle and a controlled aging period of time for a packaged blade member are selected so as to cause the blade member to precreep through a precreep phase during the controlled period of time in accordance with a bend induced therein at the blade creeping angle.

Abstract: A method and solenoid assembly for extending the wear life of the solenoid. These include: enabling rotation of the solenoid plunger within the solenoid housing to expose a new solenoid plunger surface when solenoid plunger surface reaches a failure mode; reducing and/or eliminating side load on the solenoid; reducing the clearance or tolerance between the solenoid housing and the solenoid plunger to reduce solenoid wear; and a stop feature improvement with less stress concentration.

Abstract: A spring force applying blade device for exhibiting a reduced creep rate when bent in a force applying application. The spring force applying device includes a guide member for supporting a blade member. The guide member has a curved portion for supporting a blade member bent thereover for applying a force. The spring force applying blade device also includes a spring blade member that has a first edge that is attached to the guide member, and a second and opposite edge for applying a force when bent over the curved portion of the guide member. The blade member is comprised of a plurality of blade layers for reducing stress and for reducing a creep rate of the blade member when bent over the curved portion of the guide member in a force applying application. The plurality of blade layers are attached together at the first edge of the blade member and are free to slide relative to each other at the second and opposite edge.

Abstract: There is provided, within a printing system, a system for binding a set of individually folded N-up prints. The binding system includes a folding device for folding each of the N-up prints, one at a time, such that each individually folded N-up print includes a folded edge. The binding system further includes a stacker for receiving the set of individually folded N-up prints when delivered thereto and a binding device for applying an adhesive layer to the stacked set of individually folded N-up prints. The adhesive layer contacts each of the folded edges of the individually folded N-up prints so as to provide a secure binding relationship between each of the individually folded N-up prints. During the printing and binding mode, if a different type of substrate is detected in the substrate tray other than the type selected, operation of the binding system is inhibited.

Abstract: A document finisher includes a printing station for printing on the binding of a book. The printing station in one embodiment prints on the binder tape before the book is bound. In a second embodiment, the printer prints on the binding after the book is bound. The printing stations are space efficient and designed to be easily incorporated with preexisting stations in document finishers. Ink jet printers and impact-type printer may be utilized.

Abstract: A reel on which a supply of binding tape is mounted. The reel has a hub adapted to be mounted on a shaft with at least one flange extending radially outwardly therefrom. The flange is adapted to engage a braking member to maintain the binding tape unwinding from the reel under tension as the reel rotates. The flange is mounted in a core of the reel with a pair of opposed, spaced frames extending radially outwardly from the core. The binding tape is wound about the core between the frames. A tape cleaning tool is molded integrally with the hub. The tool is molded operator removable from the hub and facilitates cleaning of the tape guides during routine maintenance.

Abstract: An electrostatic copying machine having (1) a xerographic surface on which a latent electrostatic image is formed, (2) a developing station for developing the latent image by contacting the latter with developer material, and (3) a transfer station for transferring the developed image to support material, has a developer material replenishment device which replenishes developer material in the developing station in accordance with the amount of support material fed to the transfer station.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and apparatus for properly placing copy sheets from a high speed copy machine into an exit tray. The invention utilizes a variable speed motor to control the rollers which reside at the end of the paper path. One or more paper guides mounted to the drive rollers, enable the motor to operate over a wide range of speeds, yet still work efficiently. The motor accelerates to its highest speed as the copy sheet enters the nip between the drive and idler rollers, and is decelerated to its slowest speed as the trailing edge of the copy sheet exits the nip. The trailing edge of the copy sheet then moves off of the roller and onto the paper guide. The speed of the motor can then be increased without having to wait for the copy sheet to move into the output area. This substantially reduces the period of time required to reproduce copies.