Abstract: A method is provided for arranging a plurality of orders for printed articles in order to reduce wasted space when printing the orders in multiple column's. A plurality of orders for at least one printed article are obtained, and the orders are sorted according to the number of printed articles in each order to produce a sorted arrangement of the orders. For each successive order in the sorted arrangement of orders, the order is placed in a column which currently has a lowest number of total printed articles. In a preferred embodiment, the first K orders in the sorted arrangement of orders are placed in columns 1 to K, where K is the total number of columns. Also provided is a system for producing custom printed articles.

Abstract: A method is provided for tracking printed articles. Input indicating that a first carrier is being mounted to take up printed articles is read, and an ID of the first carrier is read in. A record associating the printed articles with the first carrier is made. In a preferred embodiment, the ID of the first carrier is read in by reading a bar code of the first carrier. Also provided is a system for producing custom printed articles.

Abstract: A method is provided for reserving a portion of web to be used as a leader portion. A measurement of the length of a web is obtained, and a plurality of print jobs are received. At least one print job length is determined, and an operation involving the at least one print job length and the web length is performed. In a preferred embodiment, the operation is performed by subtracting a sum of the lengths of the plurality of print jobs from the web length to obtain a difference. Also provided is a system for producing custom printed articles.

Abstract: A compact single bin finisher adaptable to form collated sets of copy sheets outputted from a copier/duplicator. The finisher includes an output tray adapted to support the collated sets and to support copy sheets during accumulation of a set. A set accumulation module having an accumulation platform is disposed in a plane which is displaced both horizontally and vertically from the output tray. A transport device carries sheets into the accumulation module. A predetermined number of sheets form a set which may be stapled and is ejected onto the output tray.

Abstract: A stapler mechanism for fastening variable thickness documents includes a stack receiving receptacle disposed between the head/hammer assembly and the clinching or anvil assembly of said stapler. A sensing device is coupled to the stapler mechanism and generates control pulses indicative of relative motion between the head/hammer assembly. A controller processes the signals and generates control signals which vary the stroke and the force driving the hammer and returns the head/hammer assembly to its home position following a stapling cycle.

Abstract: A square hard-cartridge diskette, housing a two-sided floppy disk, is constructed and arranged to be symmetrical about a diagonal axis, such that the diskette is oriented for use of one disk side, or the other, by rotating the cartridge 180.degree. about this diagonal axis. The diskette carries locating notches and polarizing edges which operate, respectively, to properly locate the diskette within a using disk drive, and to prevent improper insertion of the diskette into the disk drive. The locating notches and polarizing edges are located symmetrically relative this diagonal axis. Head-access openings and disk cleaning members are located on this diagonal axis.