Abstract: An apparatus for reorienting liner-borne inlays is provided. Such apparatus utilize electronic control devices to precisely move inlays from a first orientation and spacing to a second orientation and spacing. Embodiments of the present invention include a vacuum manifold having an elongated ridge member so that the apparatus are useful in handling thin and flexible inlays and minimize errors in inlay reorientation.

Abstract: A system for validating each of a plurality of radio frequency identification tags disposed on a web in close proximity to one another to ensure proper functioning thereof includes a narrow angle radio frequency identification tag reading station which reads a designation of each radio frequency identification tag individually in order to generate a first list of tag designations read thereby and a wide angle radio frequency identification tag reading station which reads designations of a plurality of radio frequency identification tags simultaneously from a long range in order to generate a second list of tag designations read thereby. The system also includes a processor which compares the first list of tag designations with the second list of tag designations and evaluates the functionality of the plurality of radio frequency identification tags based at least in part upon the comparison.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification tag reading/writing station is adapted to be used with a radio frequency identification tag reader/writer in order to read/write radio frequency identification tags on a continuous web of carrier material. The radio frequency identification tag reading/writing station includes a first waveguide to coax adaptor, a second waveguide to coax adapter, and a window assembly having a window therein, the window being sized and shaped such that a tag on the web of carrier material under test is exposed to radio frequency read/write energy, but such that tags on the web of carrier material adjacent to the tag under test are shielded from the radio frequency read/write energy. The first waveguide to coax adapter and the second waveguide to coax adapter are disposed end-to-end with the window assembly being disposed therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for reorienting liner-borne inlays is provided. Such apparatus utilize electronic control devices to precisely move inlays from a first orientation and spacing to a second orientation and spacing. Embodiments of the present invention include a vacuum manifold having an elongated ridge member so that the apparatus are useful in handling thin and flexible inlays and minimize errors in inlay reorientation.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding sheets and other flat articles, especially with varying thickness, or from stacks of varying height, includes a device called a prompter. The prompter (136) comprises a body (137), a drive roller (142), mounted on and driven by shaft (135), an opposing idler roller (141), and a ribbed belt (138) stretched around the rollers. The body pivots about shaft (135) at the driven roller end. The prompter may alternatively feed articles from a stack to a singulator or other device, or it may comprise the driver of a singulator. A prompter (136), used as driver, combines with a retarder (120), called a dancer, to form a singulator (133). The dancer moves back and forth along the article flow path (121), responsive to thickness of articles, or to pull force on an article by a downstream takeaway device, to thereby automatically adjust the gap at the nip (144) of the singulator.

Abstract: A paper processing device for marking original documents including a document feeder having a document singulation section, a printer for printing user determinable annotations on the document, an inverter to turn the document onto its first side and a stacker to stack the printed documents in their original order wherein printing the annotation is controlled by a print control computer. Preferably, the device includes a justifier for bringing the documents to a standard edge on which the printing is performed. The device also optionally includes a second side detector and a second printer for marking the second side of documents processed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a stream of shingled fanfold sheet device into a vertical stack comprises a first table having lengthwise belts which receive and push the shingled sheet against a stop, causing the sheet to form into a horizontal stack. The first table has powered transfer rollers positioned in the spaces between the belts. Upon command, the belts lower beneath the table surface, so that the transfer rollers engage the stack and move it sideways onto an adjacent pivotable second table. The second table pivots about an axis transverse to the lengths of the first table and second table. Preferably, the second table has a stop at one end and a detachable pallet at the other end. When the second table is rotated, the stack is made vertical so it rests on the pallet. The pallet with stack are then withdrawn from engagement with the second table for transport elsewhere. A third conveyor belt table may be positioned between the source device and the first table.

Abstract: A singulator adapted for feeding articles of varying thickness is comprised of a driver with a movable and resiliently biased retarder, called a dancer. The dancer moves back and forth along the article flow path, in response to the passage through the nip of the articles being singulated, to automatically set the gap at the singulator nip. A dancer body motion may be linear or pivoting. The path of article travel through the singulator nip is at an angle to the downstream article flow path. Thus, when a takeaway device pulls on the article, the dancer moves to open the singulator gap slightly to enable the article to more freely be taken away. A preferred dancer has an endless belt and is spring biased to lightly contact the driver at the nip in the absence of an article; and, periodic reversal of driver direction engages the dancer belt surface at the nip and moves it upstream, thereby exposing a new surface.

Abstract: A hand cart for carrying sheets and other stacked objects has a motorized self-leveling platform, so the things being carried are kept at a constant elevation convenient to a worker, whether things are being added or removed from the platform. For carrying sheets, such as moving sheets of paper in document processing operations, the cart upright and platform are tilted, and the upright has opposing wings extending at 90 degree. Thus, sheets tend to move against the wings and their alignment is either obtained or maintained. When the cart is tilted to move it about, the cart design and load positioning system desirably keep the upward force which a worker must apply to the cart handle at low levels.

Abstract: A paper edge justifying conveyor has a first roller and a second roller arranged in a generally parallel position. A guide rail positioned in a position perpendicular to said rollers provides documents with edge justification. An elastomeric band around the rollers having at least one twist on a top surface provides for edge justification of documents against the guide rail.

Abstract: A printer for adding accent colors to preprinted documents includes a transport which defines a curvilinear path along which the documents move during the printing of the accent colors thereon. The printing is accomplished through the use of multiple print heads which discharge wax based ink through multiple jets. The documents to which the accent colors are to be added are edge justified and then released in timed sequence to the curved transport path which leads through a printing zone defined by the print heads.