Abstract: A spectral-characteristic acquisition apparatus and a method of obtaining spectral characteristics. The spectral-characteristic acquisition apparatus includes a conveyor including a first conveyance roller pair disposed in a conveyance direction in which an object is conveyed and a second conveyance roller pair disposed downstream from the first conveyance roller pair in the conveyance direction, a sensor to detect that the object has reached the second conveyance roller pair, circuitry to control the second conveyance roller pair to drive by a predetermined amount with a driving force greater than a driving force of the first conveyance roller pair upon detecting that the object has reached the second conveyance roller pair by the sensor and to stop driving, and a color data obtainer to obtain color data from the object at a position where the object stops moving. In the spectral-characteristic acquisition apparatus, the circuitry estimates a spectral characteristic of the object.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for the creation of predictable and accurate defects in a fiber tow of an Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) process, with such artificial defects being useful to support calibration of an in situ inspection system used in the AFP process. Various embodiments include methods for creating such artificial defects that support calibration of an in situ inspection system of an AFP system or process. Various embodiments may also include a defect stencils for an AFP system or process.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a discharge roller discharges a sheet conveyed by a first conveying path. The discharge roller switches between: a mode of conveying a sheet in a sheet discharging direction to discharge a sheet; and a mode of reversing a direction of conveying a sheet from the sheet discharging direction and feeding a sheet to a re-conveying path. A pivot plate at an open position constitutes a second conveying path. The pivot plate at a closed position closes the second conveying path. The pivot plate is provided with a penetrating portion penetrating the pivot plate over an entire thickness of the pivot plate. The penetrating portion constitutes part of the re-conveying path when the pivot plate is disposed at the closed position. Part of the pivot plate is exposed outside the housing.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus including an wall disposed on a first side of the image reading apparatus in a width direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of a sheet is provided. The wall extends in a direction orthogonal to the width direction. The image reading apparatus further includes a first driven roller disposed on a second side in the width direction relative to the wall; a first driving roller opposed to the first driven roller; a first driven shaft inserted into the first driven roller and urged against the first driving roller; a second driven roller disposed on the second side relative to the first driven roller; a second driving roller opposed to the second driven roller; a second driven shaft inserted into the second driven roller and urged against the second driving roller; and a reader unit configured to read the image on the sheet.

Abstract: The present application relates to techniques and equipment to manufacture mailpieces containing inserts. The equipment can be an inserter or an envelope wrapper that collects documents and inserts on a collating track before the material is inserted into an envelope by inserting equipment or wrapped with paper or film to make an envelope by wrapping equipment. More specifically, the present application relates to a rotary insert feeder that feeds inserts to a collating track on inserting or wrapping type equipment.

Abstract: A discharge mechanism includes a rotating shaft that is rotatable, a plurality of roll portions provided around the rotating shaft, an opposing member provided above the roll portions so as to oppose the roll portions, the opposing member holding and conveying a material to be conveyed, in cooperation with the roll portions so that the material to be conveyed is discharged onto a discharge section, and a protrusion formed on an outer periphery of the rotating shaft, the protrusion not protruding beyond the outer diameter of the roll portions.

Abstract: A conveying device for a gathering section used for processing of printed products includes a plurality of saddle-shaped segments which respectively form a saddle-shaped roof for supporting the printed products during a conveying operation along a conveying path. Pusher segments are respectively arranged with the saddle-shaped segments to form a rear end stop for the conveying the printed product. Alignment segments are respectively arranged with the saddle-shaped segments to form a front end stop for a front edge of the printed products.

Abstract: A transfer roller lies opposite to a supporting roller across an image carrying belt and abuts against the outer surface of the image carrying belt to form a transfer nip. A driving force transmission unit transmits driving force from a driving source to a driving roller. A drive control unit performs drive control of the driving source. A feedforward control unit performs feedforward control on the driving source via the drive control unit. An entry detecting unit detects entry of a sheet in the transfer nip. The feedforward control unit considers an entry detection signal output by the entry sensor as a trigger for performing feedforward control after a predetermined time.

Abstract: A transport system for conveying sheet material along a feed path. The transport system includes an electro-dynamic propulsion system for moving sheet material, or a stacked collation of sheet material, along a support deck which defines the feed path. More specifically, the electro-dynamic propulsion system includes at least one guideway and a ferromagnetic element disposed internally of the guideway. The guideway includes a magnetic coil to produce a variable magnetic field. By varying the flux density and polarity of the magnetic field the ferromagnetic element may be propelled within the guideway. An abutment member is coupled to the ferromagnetic element, extends through the elongate opening of the support deck and engages an edge of sheet material. A processor is operative to control the electro-dynamic propulsion system and, accordingly, the rate of travel and position of the sheet material along the feed path.

Abstract: A sheet transport roller system and methods for reducing sheet skew using a sheet transport roller system are disclosed. A sheet transport roller system for use in a document processing device may include a plurality of idler rollers, a plurality of drive rollers and a load distribution mechanism. Each drive roller may correspond to a corresponding idler roller. The load distribution mechanism may be configured to support the plurality of idler rollers and to equalize normal forces applied by each idler roller towards the corresponding drive roller. The load distribution mechanism may include a center loading spring in contact with the document processing device.

Abstract: A system for transferring tubular blanks to a packing machine includes an apparatus intermittently positioned in a zone (Z) situated in front of the line with an open tubular blank (150) hooked to a retainer (22). The apparatus includes a rotating member (510), activated in phase with the line movement, arranged between longitudinal walls (490), and having a series of transfer devices (525), angularly equidistanced along a circumference tangential to an upper line branch. The transfer devices have dynamic seating (460) for encountering in zone (Z), a tubular blank flap (1C). The tubular blank is freely inserted in the dynamic seating (460), and subsequently by hooking the seating, the transfer means are deactivated in proximity to the upper branch (470) in phase with the arranging of segments from radial to vertical first delimiting the dynamic seating (460) and a compartment (450) corresponding to the dynamic seating.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for registering and moving a sheet article along a path that can use an actuator to mimic a biased device such as a spring-loaded device. The actuator can include a solenoid and an arm. The movement of the arm with the solenoid can be done by pulse-width modulation by providing a high pulse-width modulation duty cycle to the solenoid to provide a resistive force on the arm and providing a low pulse-width modulation duty cycle to the solenoid to provide a less resistive force on the arm. Inserting stations use in sheet article inserting system that employ the actuator are also provided.

Abstract: A pin conveyor for printed sheet material has a chain, a plurality of pins extending from the chain to push printed sheet material, and a receipt area for the printed sheet material, the chain and pins passing through the receipt area. The receipt area has at least one of the following a non-linear cross-section with the chain and pins passing through the receipt area, an inclined transport section of the chain, or a belt contacting the printed sheet material and running at or slower than a speed of the chain. A transfer unit with an overhead conveying unit and a method for delivering printed sheet material is also provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, an image forming unit, a guide member, and a cover. The guide member is configured to be pivotable with respect to the apparatus body and is configured to guide the sheet along a transporting path. The cover is configured to be pivotable with respect to the apparatus body and is configured to open and close at least a part of the transporting path. The guide member includes a first engaging portion and the cover includes a second engaging portion which engages the first engaging portion of the guide member. One of the guide member and the cover includes an engagement guiding portion which guides one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion toward the other one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, such that the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion engages with each other.

Abstract: A device is provided for feeding horizontally oriented packages or bags at a regular interval to a zipper profile attaching device. The loose packages or bags are placed onto a servo-driven lugged chain conveyor wherein the lugs are evenly spaced at the nominal desired center-to-center spacing of the packages or bags. The servo-driven lugged chain conveyor feeds the packages or bags to be captured between upper and lower secondary constant velocity conveyors. The lower secondary constant velocity conveyor includes an encoder which is used to slave the servo of the servo-driven lugged chain conveyor, with an adjustable programmable ratio. This achieves a consistent center-to-center distance of the horizontally oriented packages or bags which are then fed to a zipper profile attaching device.

Abstract: A transport system for conveying sheet material along a feed path. The transport system includes an electro-dynamic propulsion system for moving sheet material, or a stacked collation of sheet material, along a support deck which defines the feed path. More specifically, the electro-dynamic propulsion system includes at least one guideway and a ferromagnetic element disposed internally of the guideway. The guideway includes a magnetic coil to produce a variable magnetic field. By varying the flux density and polarity of the magnetic field the ferromagnetic element may be propelled within the guideway. An abutment member is coupled to the ferromagnetic element, extends through the elongate opening of the support deck and engages an edge of sheet material. A processor is operative to control the electro-dynamic propulsion system and, accordingly, the rate of travel and position of the sheet material along the feed path.

Abstract: When a sheet is conveyed from a processing tray to a stacking tray, a bar-like pushing member is moved in a direction of the stacking tray in synchronization with an ejector. Consequently, simultaneously with the movement of the sheet by the ejector, a lower surface of a leading end of the sheet is pushed to relax and reduce a contact force between the lower surface of the leading end of the sheet and the stacking tray (or an upper surface of a sheet already stacked on the stacking tray). As a result, static friction at the leading end of the sheet is changed to dynamic friction and the entire sheet is conveyed to the stacking tray without bending.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a nip roller group for pressing a face of a conveyance belt on which a recording medium is held includes a pair of first end pressing parts which are arranged in the width direction of the conveyance belt at a distance corresponding to the recording medium having a predetermined size, and a first center pressing part which is arranged between the pair of first end pressing parts. Herein, a pressing force of the first center pressing part is set to be smaller than pressing forces of the first end pressing parts.

Abstract: A rotary gatherer has drums for delivering printed sheet materials and a conveyor having a conveyor chain and a first pin and a second pin connected to the chain and defining a pocket for receiving the printed sheet materials from the drums. The first pin may include a first section movable horizontally and vertically along a predetermined path with respect to the conveyor chain when subjected to a vertical force. A conveyor, a pin and a related method also are disclosed.

Abstract: A paper storage apparatus for stacking and storing paper in sequence comprising a first discharge roller 21 for discharging paper (check S1) in a specified discharge direction; a paper storage pocket (check storage pocket 12) for stacking the paper at a position offset from the specified direction in which the check S1 is transported by the first discharge roller 21, a movable first guide member (paper guide 60) having a first position disposed at an inclined angle relative to the direction the check S1 is discharged by the first discharge roller 21, for guiding the check S1 into the storage pocket 12, and a second position displaced from the first position for applying pressure upon the check(s)in the check storage pocket 12 and a movable second guide member (paper shift lever) 40 positioned between the first discharge roller 21 and first guide member (paper guide 60) which pivots from a first position in response to the leading edge of the paper to allow the paper to advance into a second position for urgin

Abstract: An apparatus for deflecting sheet material from a first transport direction to a second transport direction while maintaining the orientation of the sheet material comprises a deflecting area (5) with a sheet-material supply zone (5a) and a sheet-material removal zone (5b), as well as at least one slider (11) with slider elements (12), which engages on the trailing edge of the sheet material to be deflected. By moving the slider from the sheet-material supply zone to the sheet-material removal zone around a rotation axis (13) the sheet material is deflected by the desired deflection angle. The sheet-material transport path preferably has two steps and the rotation axis (13) of the sliders (11) is preferably arranged in such a fashion that the slider elements (12) substantially only engage with the sheet-material transport path in the deflecting area (5) and emerge from the sheet-material transport path both upstream of the sheet-material supply zone (5a) and downstream of the sheet-material removal zone (5b).

Abstract: A paper storage apparatus for stacking and storing paper in sequence comprising a first discharge roller 21 for discharging paper (check S1) in a specified discharge direction; a paper storage pocket (check storage pocket 12) for stacking the paper at a position offset from the specified direction in which the check S1 is transported by the first discharge roller 21, a movable first guide member (paper guide 60) having a first position disposed at an inclined angle relative to the direction the check S1 is discharged by the first discharge roller 21, for guiding the check S1 into the storage pocket 12, and a second position displaced from the first position for applying pressure upon the check(s)in the check storage pocket 12 and a movable second guide member (paper shift lever) 40 positioned between the first discharge roller 21 and first guide member (paper guide 60) which pivots from a first position in response to the leading edge of the paper to allow the paper to advance into a second position for urgin

Abstract: A vacuum belt conveyor for transferring a web threading tail in a web manufacturing machine has a frame construction (15) and an air permeable belt loop (20), which is arranged around rolls (16, 17). The vacuum belt conveyor also has a first vacuum means (22) for creating a vacuum effect for the part of the belt loop (20) that transports the web threading tail (14) and a second vacuum means (23) for creating a vacuum effect in connection with the first roll (16). The second vacuum means (23) is arranged in the frame construction (15) for creating a vacuum to be introduced to the first roll (16) inside the belt loop (20).

Abstract: A backing plate support system is provided for a mailpiece feeder mechanism wherein mailpieces are conveyed vertically, on-edge along a transport deck to a transfer station for subsequent sortation and delivery. The backing plate support system includes a guide track disposed along and adjacent to the transport deck and a plurality of backing plates each having a guide support fitting at its base. The guide support fitting engages the guide track and supports the backing plate in an orthogonal position relative to the transport deck. The backing plate support system, furthermore, includes an advancing belt disposed adjacent the guide track and adapted to be driven linearly along the transport deck and a mechanism for coupling each backing plate to the advancing belt. The mechanism facilitates relative movement of the backing support plate relative to the advancing belt in one direction while inhibiting relative motion thereof in an opposing direction.

Abstract: An image-to-sheet closed loop registration system tracking the image drum position and/or velocity and coordinating movement of the sheet into the transfer nip based on such information.

Abstract: A paper storage apparatus for stacking and storing paper in sequence comprising a first discharge roller 21 for discharging paper (check S1) in a specified discharge direction; a paper storage pocket (check storage pocket 12) for stacking the paper at a position offset from the specified direction in which the check S1 is transported by the first discharge roller 21, a movable first guide member (paper guide 60) having a first position disposed at an inclined angle relative to the direction the check S1 is discharged by the first discharge roller 21, for guiding the check S1 into the storage pocket 12, and a second position displaced from the first position for applying pressure upon the check(s)in the check storage pocket 12 and a movable second guide member (paper shift lever) 40 positioned between the first discharge roller 21 and first guide member (paper guide 60) which pivots from a first position in response to the leading edge of the paper to allow the paper to advance into a second position for urgin

Abstract: In one embodiment, an image forming device includes an image forming mechanism for forming an image onto print media. The device includes a media pusher having at least one flexible arm for moving the imaged media along a media path.

Abstract: A roller support includes a body member, a bushing member, and a step member. The body member includes a first guide roller receiver that is adapted to receive an end of a first guide roller. The bushing member extends from a surface of the body member and has a central bore that extends through the body member. The step member is positioned adjacent the bushing member and extends from the surface of the body member in the direction of the bushing member.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus for an image information processor includes a driving apparatus having a sheet supply opening and a sheet discharge opening arranged above and below and in the same direction, and a registration roller, a delivery roller, a scan roller, and a delivery roller arranged in order along a sheet conveying path formed in an opening curve of a substantially C-shape. The driving apparatus drives the rollers in mutual operations with selective combinations according to a sheet conveying process, and includes a driving motor controlled to change driving modes in the forward and reverse directions, and a power switching device for selectively transferring a rotational force to first and second power transmission systems according to the driving modes of the driving motor, whereby changes in sheet conveying speeds are controlled to secure reliability in the skew-feed correction of a sheet when supplying a large capacity of sheets at a high speed, and to adjust image resolution by mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recording apparatus which has a positioning means for manual sheet feeding for aligning a sheet feeding position, and a positioning means for auto sheet feeding provided on an auto sheet feeder for aligning the sheet feeding position, and a sheet fed from the auto sheet feeder does not abut against the positioning means for manual sheet feeding, when the auto sheet feeder is attached to the recording apparatus main body.

Abstract: An apparatus for changing the position of flexible flat objects, in particular printed products, as they are advanced on a first conveyor in an overlapping stream, and which includes a position changing device positioned above the first conveyor and which comprises a displacement member which is moved along a movement path by means of a drive. The movement path includes one section which extends rectilinearly and in the conveying direction and the displacement member is driven at a speed which corresponds at least approximately to the conveying speed of a second conveyor toward which the displacement member conveys the objects. The second conveyor delivers the objects to a discharge conveyor which is provided with transport clamps which are delivered individually to a fitting point where they receive an object from the second conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for transforming an overlapping stack of flexible flat objects, such as printed products, arriving on a first conveyor into an overlapping formation on a second conveyor which is positioned downstream of the first conveyor. A displacement element is guided to reciprocate on a guide rail and has a hook which acts to engage and displace each of the objects from the first conveyor into an active region of the second conveyor. The second conveyor is driven at a conveying speed which is greater than that of the first conveyor. Also, the speed of the displacement element in the direction of conveyance is greater than the conveying speed of the first conveyor, and thus the objects are fed to the second conveyor separately and at an increased spacing.

Abstract: A document feeder with overlap protection that prevents the overlap of successive documents moving from a document stack and that utilizes a nudger. An independent motor selectively drives the nudger. Document edge detectors sense the location of documents at the nudger and at other locations fed from the document stack and send control signals to the independent motor so that a proper distance is maintained between successive documents. A document edge detector can be placed at various locations along the path of document travel.

Abstract: A battery plate stacker is delineated for enveloping expanded metal battery plates and stacking positive and negative plates in an alternating pattern, comprising, a battery plate feeder; a carrier coupled to the battery plate feeder; and a wire flattener module coupled to the carrier that conveys expanded metal battery plates through the wire flattener module. The wire flattener module includes one or more pairs of rotatable members, each pair being aligned with a separate edge portion of an expanded metal battery plate while lying on the carrier. As the plate is conveyed through the pair(s) of members, they force any wires extending away from the surfaces of the plate back into positions flush with the plate surfaces, thereby avoiding puncturing of the separator material when it is crimped around the plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a stack of flat articles from a cartridge. The method and apparatus are adapted for use in connection with a method and apparatus for automatically stacking mail into cartridges in output compartments of a sorting machine, robotically transferring filled cartridges from the output compartments to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter, is provided.

Abstract: A pusher block assembly is provided for use in the aligner section of a printing press. The assembly includes a pusher which automatically tilts rearwardly and translates downwardly at the discharge end of the aligner section, thereby preventing damage to the trailing edges of the articles transferred to the printing section of the press. The pushers are also pivotable between upright and horizontal positions. This feature eliminates the need for removal of the pusher block assembly when relatively long articles are conveyed by the aligner section.

Abstract: A diverter apparatus and method are provided for high-speed media processing for diverting media such as envelopes or envelope inserts including folded sheets of paper from a conveying path and in a divert direction substantially opposite to the direction of the conveying path. In the preferred embodiment, the diverter apparatus includes a rotation member such as a belt which can be moved in opposite directions and which includes a plurality of push members thereon for engaging and conveying media. A closed-loop servomotor or a step motor can be utilized to drive the belt. In an advance mode, the belt rotates so that at least one push member causes media to be conveyed in the direction of the conveying path. In a divert mode, rotation of the belt is reversed so that at least one push member diverts and conveys media in a divert direction opposite to the direction of the conveying path. Diverted media is advanced to a divert chute through which it can pass to a collecting bin.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading envelopes onto switching machines, characterized in that there are provided:a sliding plane with a lower support rim on which said envelopes rest;a plurality of pusher members arranged in successions, said pusher members being suited to successively engage said envelopes and cause each of them to advance towards the following pusher;means suited to remove said lower support rim when the envelope passes in correspondence with the area for the introduction into the machine so as to allow the envelope to fall onto the switching machine.

Abstract: A system for separating alternately stacked first and second sheets (5,6) such as film plates and paper. The system comprises a first sheet holding device (8,9) for holding a first sheet (5) of the stack; an eccentric (2) for causing relative separation movement between a sheet held by the first sheet holding device and the remainder of the stack so that the held sheet is positioned spaced above the remainder of the stack, the first sheet holding device being laterally moveable to feed the separated first sheet to an exit (12). A second sheet removal device (14) is provided for laterally feeding a second sheet (6) from the stack to an exit in generally the same lateral direction as the first sheet.

Abstract: An article to be inserted in a conveying arrangement is picked up by the vane of a rotating element, and pushed into the conveying device. Because the motion of the element is rotational, a high feed rate can be achieved, and the article can be contacted without damage.

Abstract: An object discharge mechanism of an object picking device for discharging a bottommost object from a stack of objects includes a bottom platform on which the bottommost object of the stack of objects rests. The platform has a longitudinal slot running along an object discharge direction. The upper portion of a belt, stretched between two vertically mounted pulleys, runs through the longitudinal slot parallel to the upper surface of the bottom platform. Discharge projections are mounted periodically on an outer surface of the belt. The discharge projections push objects across the bottom platform in the object discharge direction when the belt is rotated. The object discharge mechanism also includes a lifting member for lifting all objects above the bottommost object in the stack of objects. The lifting member reduces the frictional force created by the weight of the stack of objects on the bottommost object during discharge of the bottommost object.

Abstract: The conveying device exhibits a plurality of clamps which are each articulated, via a carrying arm and a linking member, on rotational elements. The pivot position of the carrying arm is controlled by a first slotted-guide path and, separately from this, the position of the linking member is controlled by a second slotted-guide path. This permits pivoting of the clamps even independently of the movement of the carrying arms. The clamps can thus be controlled in an optimum manner for the respective purpose. In particular, it is possible, with constant speed of the rotational elements, to change the speed of the clamps and, at the same time, to control the direction of the clamps independently.

Abstract: A sheet holding device includes a sheet-holder having a concavely-curved surface for receiving a sheet, a sheet feeder at a first end of the concavely-curved surface for feeding a sheet thereon, a releasable holder at the second end of the concavely-curved surface including a recess in the concavely-curved surface at the second end located to be covered by the leading edge of the sheet, and a vacuum-producing device selectively actuatable to produce a vacuum in the recess when covered by the leading edge of the sheet.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention apparatus for inserting enclosures into an envelope comprises an insertion section and an envelope staging section located upstream and below the insertion section. The envelope staging section includes structure for holding and forwarding an envelope fed from an envelope feeder. Envelope transport structure transports an envelope forwarded from the envelope staging section to the insertion section. The envelope transport structure includes a vacuum deck located at the insertion section and a vacuum drum located between the envelope staging section and the vacuum deck. The envelope transport structure further includes a plurality of envelope transport belts operating in cooperation with the vacuum drum and the vacuum deck. A plurality of backstops are located at the downstream end of the insertion section. A pivoting sucker bar assembly lifts open a top panel of the envelope when the envelope is against the backstops.

Abstract: A sheet passage is formed so as to extend from a sheet feed position via a printing position to a sheet delivery position, delivery rollers driven by a driving unit are disposed between the printing position and the sheet delivery position on the sheet passage, pressure rollers are disposed on one side of the sheet passage so as to be in contact respectively with the delivery rollers disposed on the other side of the sheet passage, a back sheet guide is disposed between the delivery rollers and the sheet delivery position, and a printed sheet delivered by the delivery rollers and guided by the back sheet guide is transferred to a printed sheet storage unit by sheet transfer arms.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus having a drive roller in an imaging zone includes a guideplate assembly for controlling the velocity of a substrate. The assembly has a guideplate with the inlet end disposed adjacent to a dispensing magazine and the outlet end disposed adjacent to the imaging zone. The guideplate assembly has a pushing finger movable therealong, a velocity-controlling sidewall and a spring-loaded biasing member disposed along opposed edges of the guideplate. The biasing member urges an edge of the substrate into frictional contact against a portion of the sidewall directly opposite the member while the pushing finger simultaneously engages the substrate to propel the substrate at a predetermined controlled velocity toward the outlet end of the guideplate against the frictional force imposed on the substrate by the sidewall. The predetermined controlled velocity is at least ninety percent of the rotational speed of the drive roller.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes a first feeding device having an endless traction member circulated at a constant speed and a carrier pawl mounted on the traction member for engaging a trailing edge of a sheet to be advanced. The apparatus further has a second feeding device being a continuation of the first feeding device and having an endless traction member; a carrier device mounted on the second traction member for engaging a trailing edge of a sheet to be advanced; and a drive for circulating the last-named traction member with a periodically changing travelling speed having a minimum value not higher than the speed of the traction member of the first feeding device and a maximum value greater than the speed of the traction member of the first feeding device and at the most equal to an initial speed with which the sheet enters a sheet handling station downstream of the second feeding device. The initial speed is at least as high as the constant speed of the traction member of the first feeding device.

Abstract: A label feeder for use with an automated packaging machine wherein open-top containers are moved along a conveyor line. The label feeder comprises an open frame with a substantially horizontally extending supporting arm extending therefrom and a motor mounted thereon. The supporting arm has at least one label hold bin for holding the labels mounted on it as well as an endless conveyor for moving the label from the label hold bin to a position directly over the open-top container. A loading ram system and an unloading ram system, each with vacuum means, are mounted on the supporting arm to pick a label from the hold bin and deposit a label into the containers, respectively. The label feeder is portable and is used as needed in association with the packaging machine to place the individual label into the open-top container either before or after the articles have been added and before the container is sealed close.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting sheet-like products includes a belt conveyor with a flexible conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is driven in a conveying direction at a conveying speed. A takeover conveyor has individually controllable clamps which are arranged one behind the other on a carrying member. The clamps are driven in a rotating direction, and the clamp mouths are directed in the takeover region forward in rotating direction. The products fed to the takeover region are in each case pressed against the conveyor belt by a pressing roller at the free end of the first clamping jaw of the clamp. Since the clamp speed of the clamps is greater than the conveying speed, the following clamp thus catches up with the held product and seizes it at the trailing edge.

Abstract: The processing drum, rotatable about the axis for processing printing products, has advancing means for the step-by-step advancing of the printing products deposited in a straddling manner on the rests. In the upper region of the circulating path, these advancing means perform a working stroke about the axis and in the lower region a return stroke. The processing drum has a drawing member reaching around it from below, on which drawing member holding members are arranged at the spacing (A) of the rests, in order to prevent the printing products from falling down when they pass through the lower part of the circulating path and at the same time to support the elongate processing drum.