Abstract: An example automatic document feeder device includes a document tray, a pair of rollers, at least one controller that automatically adjusts a height of the document tray and the pair of rollers based on an amount of media contained on the document tray, Sand a slide aligned to the pair of rollers to alter a media pathway distance as the height of the pair of rollers changes. The controller may adjust the height of the document tray independently from adjusting the height of the pair of rollers. A guide may be provided adjacent to the document tray, wherein the guide may bend as the height of the document tray increases. A sensor may determine a thickness of media contained on the document tray.

Abstract: A media registration system including an accumulation region and a transport track to receive and transport each media sheet of a series of media sheets forming a media job in a transport direction from an intake end to a registration end proximate to the accumulation region, and to stack the media sheets of the media job in the accumulation region to form a job stack. A translator adjusts a position of the registration end of the transport track in a direction lateral to the transport direction for each sheet to align edges of each sheet of the job stack in the lateral direction. A media sensor indicates a position of each sheet along the media path to facilitate a controller to determine an accumulation status of the job stack.

Abstract: A drive transmission mechanism which transmits a rotational driving force to a roller to be shifted in directions of a rotational axis thereof is equipped with a rotary drive transmission member which is driven to rotate in a predetermined rotational direction, a holder which holds the roller in such a manner that the roller can slide freely in the rotational axis directions while rotating about the rotational axis, and a one-way clutch interposed between the rotary drive transmission member and the holder. The one-way clutch is configured to transmit a rotational driving force from the rotary drive transmission member to the holder, and also to permit the holder to rotate in the predetermined rotational direction relative to the rotary drive transmission member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting media items along a transport path. The apparatus comprises a first transport member and a further transport member that selectively apply an urging force to at least one media item to urge said media item along a transport path, wherein in a first mode of operation, the urging force is applied to said media item to transport said media item at least partially along the transport path and, in a further mode of operation, the urging force on said media item is released to allow at least one end region of the media item to move freely along the transport path.

Abstract: A medium discharging device includes a medium stacking portion, a medium discharge member and a moving mechanism. A medium having an image recorded thereon is to be stacked on the medium stacking portion. The medium discharge member discharges the medium to the medium stacking portion. The moving mechanism includes a separation member. Based on a discharge timing at which the medium is discharged from the medium discharge member, the separation member moves the medium discharge member between an advanced position at a downstream end in the medium conveyance direction and a retracted position that is located upstream of the advanced position in the medium conveyance direction, to separate from the medium discharge member a rear end of the discharged medium in the medium conveyance direction.

Abstract: An inserter device for a document printer and inserter system includes a first container sensor. A belt mechanism includes a flexible delivery belt receiving a printed document from a document printer. A motor rotates the delivery belt in response to an actuation signal from the first container sensor indicating the presence of a container at a document loading position proximate the delivery belt. A support shaft is rotatably connected to a support frame. The belt mechanism is fixed to the support shaft. The support shaft is rotated to achieve a desired belt drive angle and fixed to the support frame to maintain the belt drive angle. A rigid document diverter proximate the delivery belt deflects a document discharged from the delivery belt at the belt drive angle into the container. First and second belt tensioning assemblies are individually positioned in either a belt mechanism drive box or idler box.

Abstract: A paper ejecting device with a plurality of swinging protruding members is provided which allows a sheet jumping from a paper ejecting device to a paper receiving tray to be ejected with a desired shape by changing the corrected shape of the sheet according to the kind (size, thickness) of paper.

Abstract: A configuration of a sheet discharge apparatus, a sheet processing apparatus, and an image forming apparatus has a lower discharge tray which stacks a sheet thereon; a pair of discharge rollers which discharge the sheets onto the lower discharge tray; and a changing unit (abutment member, eccentric cam, and discharge angle moving motor) which changes the discharge angle of the pair of discharge rollers, wherein the changing unit changes the discharge angle of the pair of discharge rollers such that a first discharge direction in a first discharge mode which discharges each sheet is closer to the lower discharge tray than a second discharge direction in a second discharge mode which discharges a plurality of overlapped sheets.

Abstract: A shifting mechanism includes a guide plate, a bearing, a rotating shaft, a delivery roller, and a bearing unit. The shifting mechanism delivers a sheet of paper along a delivery passage and offsets the sheet horizontally and perpendicularly to the passage while delivering it. The guide plate has an opening forming part of the delivery passage and an end hole formed through the front end of the plate horizontally and perpendicularly to the passage. The rotating shaft extends through the end hole. The delivery roller is fixed to the rotating shaft. The sheet passes through the nip between the delivery roller and the guide plate. The bearing unit extends movably through the end hole and includes a sleeve, which supports the rotating shaft horizontally and perpendicularly to the delivery passage. The bearing unit rotates the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A multi-functional peripheral device is provided. The multi-functional peripheral device includes a bottom frame and a top frame that is installed so as to be movable with respect to the bottom frame. The height of a paper stacker, to which paper is delivered and stacked, is controllable, since the top frame is movable with respect to the bottom frame.

Abstract: A filling device including a web-forming station (A), a filling station (B), a sampling station (C), and a retrieval station (D). A first box conveyor (3) for conveying boxes exiting a folder-gluer (1) and for forwarding them from the web-forming station (A) to the filling station (B) along a forwarding path (Ta). A second box conveyor (10) for conveying boxes forwarded by the first box conveyor (3) and for transferring them from the sampling station (C) to the retrieval station (D) along a transfer path (Tt).

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes a conveyor support, a main conveyor connected to the conveyor support and having a discharge end movable between a lowered position and a raised position, a transfer conveyor having a intake end roller support holding the intake end roller in a fixed relationship with respect to the conveyor support and a discharge end roller connected to a main conveyor intake end roller, at least one idler roller, and at least one belt supported by the transfer conveyor intake end roller and the transfer conveyor discharge end roller and passing over the at least one idler roller, the main conveyor discharge end being movable between a lowered position and a raised position, and wherein the transfer conveyor discharge end roller is shifted away from the transfer conveyor intake end roller by the main conveyor discharge end moving from the lowered position to the raised position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet delivery device for a printing machine, preferably for an electrophotographically operating printing machine, comprising a transfer path on which sheets are transported from a path entry (1) of said transfer path to a path exit (2) of said transfer path via said transfer path. The object of the invention is to be able to adapt a sheet delivery device of the above-said type to various types of printing machines in a cost-effective and simple manner, preferably with minimal manipulation. In accordance with the present invention, this object is achieved in that a specific height level is assigned to the path exit (2), while the path entry (1) is configured in a height-variable manner.

Abstract: A flexible discharge attachment for the discharge a feeding machine to deliver the items being discharged at different orientations ranging from horizontal to vertical. The attachment have a multiplicity of brackets each pivotally connected to each other for simulating a curved path of items though the attachment. Each bracket has adjustable height shafts for engaging and guiding belts, which engage and move items along the length of the flexible discharge attachment. The flexible discharge attachment can be quickly and easily attached to a feeding machine and can be quickly and easily adjusted for the angle of discharge of items desired. The flexible discharge attachment is also quickly and easily adjustable to adjust the shafts and belts for different item thicknesses and for different forces applied to the items.

Abstract: A stream of successive sheets of paper, foil or the like is converted into a series of piles at a stacking station where successive sheets are caused to descend onto a pallet which is adjacent a monitoring device serving to transmit signals denoting the levels of successive uppermost sheets of a growing pile. Such signals are processed by a unit which controls one or more valves in a pneumatic elevator for the discharge end of the endless flexible conveyor which supplies successive sheets to the stacking station. The elevator ensures that the distance between the discharge end of the conveyor and the uppermost sheets of the growing pile remains within a preselected range. This contributes to the accuracy of stacking of sheets on their pallet.

Abstract: A sheet-fed printing apparatus includes a delivery section covered with a discharge section cover formed with an opening sized to allow a printed sheet to pass through. Successive printed sheets released from a chain delivery collide against a pair of first sheet-trapping elements in a closed position, and are stacked on a delivery table, with the leading edges of the printed sheets aligned with each other. If a printed sample is needed, an operator opens the first sheet-trapping elements to an open position. In synchronism with the first sheet-trapping elements, a pair of second sheet-trapping elements move to a closed position. A subsequent printed sheet passes through the opening, and stops on the second sheet-trapping elements. Thus, the printed sheet is stopped, with the leading edge thereof projecting outwardly of the sheet-fed printing apparatus. In this state, the operator can take out the printed sample without opening the delivery section cover.

Abstract: An installation for processing piece goods including a processing station and a supply unit and/or removal unit. Supply and removal units are displaceable relative to the processing device. Supply and removal units include a closed-in-itself rail track and a plurality of grippers independently traveling along the rail. Supply and removal units further include a take-over drive and a delivery drive, the drives being independent of one another. The delivery drive of the supply unit and the take-over drive of the removal unit include a feature (e.g. a toothed belt) for coupling the drive to the periphery of the processing device. The installation is applicable e.g. for producing products from a plurality of sub-products in a drum-shaped processing device. The installation is very flexible and easy with regard to conversions, adjustments, trouble-shooting and maintenance.

Abstract: A safety lock for locking an upstacker conveyor in an elevated position by means of a safety lock having a retractable member which is inserted between elevating members and the frame of the upstacker. Specifically, the safety lock is inserted between elevating members such as link members which rotate with respect to the frame as the frame is lowered and form an ever decreasing angle with the frame as the frame is lowered. By inserting a retractable member so that the angle between the structural member and frame can no longer decrease, the upstacker is effectively prevented from lowering accidentally.

Abstract: Transfer media is positioned with a positioning apparatus. The apparatus has an output repository, a sensor, a controller, a lateral transporter, and a longitudinal conveyor. The output repository has an offset edge axis. The sensor is configured to sense a lateral position of the media relative to longitudinal alignment with the offset edge axis of the output repository and output an alignment signal responsive to the sensed lateral position of the media longitudinally aligning with the offset edge axis of the output repository. The controller is configured to output a lateral movement signal in absence of an alignment signal from the sensor and output a longitudinal movement signal. In response to the lateral movement signal from the controller, the lateral transporter laterally transports the media towards alignment with the offset edge axis of the output repository.

Abstract: A layboy machine for conveying and selectively varying the lateral spacing between sheets such as sheets of corrugated board. The machine is provided with controlled tugs which automatically, precisely and quickly reposition the conveyors in the machine for different sizes of outputs from a cutter in a corrugator line and different numbers of sheets in each output.

Abstract: A sheet process apparatus includes a stapler for performing a stapling process on a sheet any a shift sheet discharge unit for performing shift sheet discharging. The shift sheet discharging discharges and stacks the sheets on a tray in a status that the sheet intended to be discharged is shifted from the sheet already put on the tray. A control unit causes the shift sheet discharge unit to perform shift sheet discharging when the stapling process by the stapler is not included in any of a previous-time job and a present-time job. The control unit also causes the shift sheet discharge unit to perform the shift sheet discharging when the stapling process by the stapler is not included in any of a previous-time job and a present-time job. In addition, the control unit also causes the shift sheet discharge unit to discharge the sheet without performing the shift sheet discharging when the stapling process by the stapler is included in at least one of the previous-time job and the present-time job.

Abstract: A sheet-like material guiding device of an offset printing press comprises a chain for holding and transporting a printed sheet; a product pile device for piling the printed sheet released from the chain; a suction device for reducing the speed of the printed sheet transported by the chain, the suction device being supported movably in the direction of transport of the printed sheet; and a belt disposed below the chain for guiding the printed sheet at nearly the same speed as the speed of transport of the printed sheet by the chain, the belt being movable so as to follow the movement of the suction device, the sheet-like material guiding device including a pair of driven rollers for supporting the belt, and a chain for supporting the driven rollers movably, with the distance between the driven rollers being unchanged. The belt can satisfactorily follow during movement of the suction device to achieve smooth transport, and a drive source for the suction device can be made small in capacity.

Abstract: A zero feed interrupt sheet stacker conveying an uninterrupted stream of sheets in which a sheet accumulator catches holds and deposits a stack of sheets upon a load receiving device. The accumulator includes a curtain which is extended into the stream of sheets at a selected point between two sheets. The curtain type apparatus provides a platform in which the portion of the platform in contact with the carried sheets does not move relative to the sheet while it is extending, during holding, or during retraction of the platform.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a diverter mechanism for use in a web fed rotary printing press, that is simple, low in mass, provides positive control of signatures passing through it, and can be located close to elements or mechanisms within the printing press for receiving signatures that have passed through the diverter mechanism. The diverter mechanism includes a nip formed using two cylinders. The nip can be rotated around an axis formed by the center of the nip, or can be rotated around a rotational axis of one of the two cylinders, to selectively aim a signature exiting from the nip at one of two or more receiving devices.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sheet distribution device in which by using a junction conveying means for conveying sheets from a main sorter unit to a slave sorter unit also as a first conveying portion of the sheet distribution device when sheet distribution devices are interconnected, the manufacture cost of the sheet distribution device is reduced. The interconnectable sheet distribution device is provided with a first conveying portion 5A for receiving an image formed sheet 2 from an image forming device 1 to convey the sheet into a body and a second conveying portion 5B for receiving the sheet 2 from the first conveying portion 5A to convey the sheet to each of plural distribution bins 4. At the time of interconnection, a third conveying portion 5D (junction conveying means) for conveying the sheet 2 from a main sorter unit S1 to a slave sorter unit S2 is used also as the first conveying portion 5A.

Abstract: The disclosed sorting device, within a conveyor of plate-like workpieces, comprises a first lower rear conveyor (40) ending in a front wheel or roller (42) driven in rotation. It also comprises a second lower front conveyor (50) located behind the first and beginning with a rear wheel or roller (52) driven in rotation. It is also provided with compression device (30, 35) for pressing the plate-like workpieces against the lower conveyors, and a sorter (60) interposed between the front roller (42) of the first conveyor (40) and the rear roller (52) of the second conveyor (50), the sorter (60) having, in cross section, a corner facing the upstream or feed end of the conveyor, with a first side parallel to the normal path of the conveyors, and a second slanted side along an ejection path passing between the first and second lower conveyors. The device also comprises deflection means (26, 32) situated slightly above the front half of the front wheel or roller (42) of the first conveyor (40).

Abstract: A zero feed interrupt sheet stacker conveying an uninterrupted stream of sheets in which a sheet accumulator catches holds and deposits a stack of sheets upon a load receiving device. The accumulator includes a curtain which is extended into the stream of sheets at a selected point between two sheets. The curtain type apparatus provides a platform in which the portion of the platform in contact with the carried sheets does not move relative to the sheet while it is extending, during holding, or during retraction of the platform.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for transferring items from a first conveying device to moving assigned item carriers carried on a second conveying device is disclosed. The item carriers and the second conveying device move in a second transporting direction which is opposite to a first transporting direction of the first conveying device. The transfer apparatus includes a transfer member which includes a continuous circulating conveying belt and a continuous circulating pressure-exerting belt. The transfer member receives items from the first conveying device between the two belts and discharges them through a discharge region to the moving item carriers. The discharge region of the transfer member pivots along the second transporting direction of the item carriers.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder feeds documents placed on a document table to a document exposure position, and has a document discharge means having a discharge roller for discharging the document after exposure onto the document table, the document discharge means being movable in the document conveying direction. The automatic document feeder includes a drive pulley mounted on an end portion of the discharge roller; a pair of transmission pulleys disposed outside the moving range of the drive pulley in the document conveying direction, and rotatably supported at a stationary part; a timing belt looped between the pair of transmission pulleys and the drive pulley; and a drive source transmittingly connected to one of the pair of transmission pulleys and disposed at a stationary part.

Abstract: A film transport apparatus (3) for sheet film is provided on the rear side of a cassette loading/unloading unit and a processing unit (2) positioned next to the latter. Film transport apparatus (3) comprises a transport table which can be moved back and forth on a horizontal plane and which transports a sheet film ejected through output opening (1b) of said loading/unloading unit into an input opening (2b) of processing unit (2). Transport table (8) is guided in vertical direction in such a manner (14) that its end (17, 20) facing input and output openings (1b; 2b), respectively, can be raised and lowered into the transport plane of said input and output openings (1b; 2b). A guideway (14) controlling the vertical movement of said transport table can be adjusted selectively into different positions of inclination and/or height in order to be able to adapt the transport plane of transport table (8) to vertical height differences between output opening (1b) and input opening (2b).

Abstract: A high capacity conveyor assembly is utilizable with pressure sealers or other business forms manufacturing or handling equipment to efficiently handle forms that may be job separated, and provides high capacity outfeed. An infeed conveyor has a first horizontal conveyance surface and feeds forms in a first direction to a pair of nip wheels, with an outfeed conveyor downstream of the wheels for also feeding forms in the first direction and having a second horizontal conveyance surface. The nip wheels are powered and include a top nip wheel and a bottom nip wheel with a nip between them, the bottom nip wheel having a top peripheral surface closer to the outfeed conveyor than is the nip. A transition element (such as a low friction shelf) has a form supporting surface lower than the bottom nip wheel top peripheral surface, and is between the nip wheels and outfeed conveyor.

Abstract: An intermediate storage apparatus for the storage of sheets has an acceptance cycle and a transportation cycle and includes a feed system and a transportation system. In the acceptance cycle the intermediate storage apparatus waits until a first detector detects the presence of a sheet at an entry and triggers off an acceptance operation in the feed system by way of a control device. The feed system stacks the sheets which are fed by a conveyor system to provide a stack in the transportation system which is locked in the acceptance cycle. As soon as the acceptance cycle is concluded, the control device decides whether the transportation system is to pass the stack into a box or into a return dish and switches on a drive unit of the transportation system to transport the stack. The intermediate storage apparatus then returns to the acceptance cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus for turning an envelope. The apparatus includes: a pivotable feed deck for receiving an envelope; a device for stopping the envelope on the feed deck; a device for raising and lowering the downstream end of the feed deck; and a pivotable upper arm drive located above the feed deck. The drive is pivotable at its upstream end and includes a pair of feed rollers fixedly secured to the upstream end of the drive, a pair of exit rollers fixedly secured to the downstream end of the drive, and a pair of biased exit rollers secured to the drive adjacent and upstream of fixedly secured exit rollers.

Abstract: A system and a method for sorting are provided for distributing articles, such as mail pieces or other flats, to predetermined destinations. At the destination, the particular article is raked by a raking assembly from a carrier for placement into a container. The container, when full, is gravity fed onto a discharge conveyor and automatically replaced with a new empty container. The carrier operates on two levels for delivery of articles to containers on two levels while maintaining the carriers in a horizontal position throughout the sorting process. A sloped front end of the carrier allows the articles to be transported at a rapid speed and in a continuous fashion.

Abstract: A method is provided for temporarily storing a series of successive textile sheets having a length L in an overlapping relationship in a collecting apparatus, including the successive steps of conveying the textile sheets one after another to an inlet of a carrier mechanism, while preventing an uncontrolled relative movement with a neighboring sheet in an overlapping contact area, clamping each textile sheet between the carrier mechanism and cooperating clamping means and conveying the clamped textile sheets along a path to an outlet of the carrier mechanism in successive steps having an adjustable step length d, removing the textile sheets from the collection apparatus at the outlet without disturbing a position of a neighboring sheets and displacing the carrier mechanism by one of translation, rotation and translation combined with rotation around one of a vertical axis and at least one horizontal axis.

Abstract: In order to avoid ergonomic problems such as carpel tunnel syndrome while improving productivity, an apparatus for feeding signatures to a patent bound binding line is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pocket adjacent a binding line for receiving signatures to be delivered to the binding line. It also includes a signature feeder for feeding signatures from a source in a generally vertical direction to a signature receiving and transferring mechanism. The signature receiving and transferring mechanism has a signature receiving end positioned in generally vertically spaced relation to the source and a signature transferring end positioned generally adjacent to the pocket. The signature receiving and transferring mechanism has a signature conveyor for conveying signatures in a continuous stream from the signature receiving end to the signature transferring end for delivery into the pocket.

Abstract: A carton blank prefeeding apparatus generally comprising a carton blank stack magazine situated above a conveyor. The conveyor is preferably tri-sectional, having a blank withdrawal section, an intermediate section and a delivery section. Typically, the blank withdrawal section and the delivery section are pivotally attached to the supporting subframe, thus allowing adjustment of the relative angles of inclination between successive conveyor sections. An upper conveyor may be situated above the delivery section to cooperate therewith in the delivery of the blanks. A center driven pulley may be utilized to drive the tri-sectional conveyor directly, as well as the upper conveyor via an interconnecting drive belt. A pair of opposing blank flexing members situated laterally of the conveyor facilitate the removal of debris on the blanks. The process of the invention contemplates first providing a stack of carton blanks. Second, individual blanks are removed from the bottom of the stack in shingled arrangement.

Abstract: A hopper loader interfaced with a variety of hoppers/feeders having a horizontal infeed conveyor with a hand-feed belt section near the input end movable between an operative position for hand-feed operation and a lowered position to facilitate automatic feeding. A positioning actuator is coupled between the hopper loader and the hopper to provide for automatic fine-tuning adjustment of the jogger position as well as for machine make-ready to accommodate changing product size. A single controller is provided for simultaneously positioning a plurality of loaders. The controller has adjustable stops for accommodating frequently used product formats. Automatic air delay shut-off saves energy by shutting off the air blast system a predetermiend delay after the loader is halted. further automatic means saves energy and prevents "over jogging" and damage to the product by turning off the jogger a predetermined delay interval after the loader stops.

Abstract: A recirculating original-sheet transport apparatus supplies a sheet from a stack of original documents to the exposure station of an image forming apparatus and restores the sheet onto the stack. It includes a sheet container for receiving originals, a sheet feeder for feeding an original sheet from the sheet container to the image forming apparatus, and a sheet restorer for restoring the sheet into the sheet container. The sheet restorer includes a turning path in which is a plurality of soft rollers having guide ribs therebetween, and a straight transport path in which is a plurality of position-variable hard rollers around which transport belts extend and between which are guide ribs as well.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying sheets of paper along a paper path comprises an outer frame having an inlet end for connection to an upstream conveying device and an outlet end for connection to a downstream conveying device. The outer frame has a hollow interior and an opening in each of the inlet and outlet ends for conveying sheets through. There is a drawer frame slidably mounted to the outer frame. The drawer frame is slidable through an open side of the outer frame between a closed position within the outer frame to an open position outside the outer frame. There is structure mounted in the drawer frame for conveying along a paper path sheets of paper received from the upstream conveying device to the downstream conveying device. The conveying structure includes structure for driving the conveying structure.

Abstract: A sheet dealing apparatus feeds sheets, received within the apparatus, to a user through a sheet delivery portion by an operation of the user or receives the sheets into the sheet dealing apparatus from the user. Also, this operation may be similarly applied to the sheet delivery mode between the sheet dealing apparatus and another sheet dealing apparatus. The sheet delivery portion is contructed so as to be retractable or extensible with respect to a body of the apparatus. A sheet delivery window formed at the delivery portion is variable in position as necessary.

Abstract: A feed table unit of a sheet-fed printing machine with machine side frames for feeding sheets of paper from a stacker to a printing unit includes a feed table including a table top, two side parts holding the table top, a conveyor having a drive for revolving the conveyor about the table top, and deflection rollers supported in the side parts for guiding the conveyor, the feed table being supported so as to be laterally displaceable with respect to the machine side frames from an operating position to a rest position, the feed table being laterally lockable into the operating position thereof, the printing unit having a drive connected with the deflection rollers in the operating position of the feed table.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for transferring flanged articles from a vibratory feeder to a discharge station which features a pair of feed rails one of which has a curved external hearing surface for providing point bearing contact with a flange of the article being transferred.A method is disclosed for discharging and orienting flanged articles for delivery from a vibratory feeding device which includes the mounting of one of a pair of feed rails above the other feed rail at an entrance end of a discharge device for supporting the flanged article with its body portion tilted away from the other rail and supporting an outlet end of the discharge device such that its rails position the body portion of the flanged article in a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: An automated teller machine (ATM) dispenses currency through a delivery port. Two opposing belts form a clamping unit during normal operation. Currency is clamped between the belts and the belts are rotated in a forward direction to deliver currency to the discharge port. If there is a problem with the delivery of the currency during dispensing, or a person fails to take money which has been delivered, the transportation unit pivots to change the delivery path and the belts move in a reverse direction to transport the currency to a storage area within the ATM.

Abstract: A sheet is moved into a tray. The height of a bundle is determined as it moves along a conveyor. A belt drive is activated to pinch the delivered sheet and advance it to a swingable applicator whose outfeed end is movable to a position just above the top of the bundle. Information is printed upon the sheet prior to entering the applicator assembly. The sheet is advanced through the applicator assembly at a speed synchronized with bundle speed. The applicator lays the sheet upon the bundle which is then moved to a wrapper. The outlet end of the applicator assembly is moved so that it is positioned just above the bundle receiving the sheet under control of a height sensor. The timing of sheet delivery is a function of bundle speed and bundle height. A microprocessor responsive to a detector sensing the feeding of the sheet to the applicator assembly and responsive to bundle height controls the initiation of advancement of the sheet from the tray.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting sheets of paper discharged from an image forming apparatus includes a tray unit having a plurality of receiving trays for receiving the discharged sheets of paper. The trays are stacked in a predetermined direction at predetermined intervals. A movable unit is arranged to be movable in the predetermined direction along the tray unit. The sheets of paper discharged from the image forming apparatus are guided to the movable unit by a movable guide. The movable unit has a feeding unit for feeding the guided sheets into the tray unit. The feeding unit is movable between a feeding position adjacent to the tray unit and a remote position remote from the tray unit. By a shifting mechanism, the feeding unit is moved to the feeding position when the guided sheets are being fed, and is moved to the remote position when the movable member moves.

Abstract: Article handling apparatus comprises a carriage mounted to a support for to and fro movement along a path (A). An article conveyor is mounted on the carriage defined by opposed conveying surfaces for conveying articles relative to the carriage along a transport path substantially parallel with the path of movement of the carriage relative to the support. First and second drives are provided for moving the carriage and actuating the article conveyor respectively, whereby in one operating mode, when the carriage is moved by the first drive, the second drive causes a compensatory movement of the article conveyor such that the opposed conveying surfaces defining the transport path remain substantially stationary. The carriage is movable to either of two dispense positions at opposite ends of the carriage path such that when the carriage is positioned at a dispense position articles held on the carriage may be dispensed by suitably opening the article conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus for stacking sheets comprises a collecting bin with a front stationary abutment and a rear limiting element adjustable to various sheet size ranges. A first deflecting roller, adjustable in the entrance direction of the sheets and mounted on a rear limiting element, provides support for a transport belt transporting the sheets. The rear limiting element is mounted on a support which is movable in the entrance direction by means of two parallel threaded spindles rotatable by a stepping motor. A second deflecting roller which is associated with the outer side of the transport belt facing the sheet stack is arranged on the support, whereas the first deflecting roller is located on the inner side of the transport belt. Adjacent to the second deflecting roller, a stationary deflecting roller is arranged such that the transport belt is guided along an S-shaped path.

Abstract: In a printer, a unit for turning over a sheet comprises: a conveying roll provided downstream of a printer head; a top roll and a bottom roll which are rotatably coupled to the front end and the rear end of a swingable link, respectively; and at least one elastic endless belt reeved around the top roll and bottom roll, the swingable link being swingable about the axis of the top roll with the top roll into contact with the conveying roll through the endless belt, and a control mechanism for operating the link so that it is swung down for a first half of a period of time for which a sheet passes through the conveying roll and the top roll, and swung up for the second half.

Abstract: Sheet stacking apparatus for a buffer tray of a reprographic machine comprises a belt feeder including, at the input end of the feeder, a baffle which imparts a curved configuration to sheets in a direction transverse to the direction of travel. The output end of the feeder is defined by an output roll which cooperates with the belt of the feeder and is movable with the adjustable end guide of the buffer tray so that, as the length of the tray is increased, the length of the sheet path through the feeder is decreased and vice versa. The curved sheet configuration is maintained as sheets are conveyed through the feeder by the belt and is then further maintained by a second baffle as sheets are fed out, by the output roll, over the buffer tray.