Reciprocating Conveyors Patents (Class 271/84)
  • Patent number: 11801695
    Abstract: An inkjet printing machine for printing individual sheets comprises at least one printing station and a transport system (100) for transporting the individual sheets through the printing station, along a transport direction. The transport system (100) comprises at least one gripper conveyor (150) movable along the transport direction, for gripping one of the individual sheets defining a sheet position in transport direction. The transport system (100) further comprises at least one support conveyor (190) movable along the transport direction for supporting a region of the individual sheet, wherein the supported individual sheet and the support conveyor (190) are movable along the transport direction with respect to each other. The printing machine allows for efficient and flexible handling of individual sheets, in particular large format sheets of materials such as corrugated cardboard or other materials that have a certain degree of inherent stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: BOBST MEX SA
    Inventors: Olivier Freymond, Patrick Wittwer, Javier Perez, Nicolas Mosetti, Mathieu Gavin, David Pousaz, Romain Bersier
  • Patent number: 10654233
    Abstract: A transfer device includes first and second transfer members which are movable into a first transfer state on opposite sides of a first transfer plane (P1). The first transfer member includes first magnetic field sources that form a first magnetic field array for retaining the tire component with a first magnetic attraction force (F1), while the second transfer member includes second magnetic field sources that form a second magnetic field array for retaining the tire component with a second magnetic attraction force (F2) that is larger than the first magnetic attraction force (F1) at the first transfer plane (P1), wherein in the first transfer state the second magnetic field array is offset with respect to the first magnetic field array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: VMI HOLLAND B.V.
    Inventors: Otte Haitsma, Jeroen Van Tienhoven, Peter Rutgers
  • Patent number: 9894234
    Abstract: A driving device is used in an image reading apparatus, and reciprocates a scanning unit for reading an image on an original. The driving device comprises a pull member, a driving pulley which transmits driving force to the pull member, a following pulley which applies tension to the pull member and a pulley holder having a pulley axis which holds the following pulley rotatably. Then, the pulley axis has a lock pawl capable of locking an upper end portion of the following pulley and canceling engagement with the following pulley by being tilted toward a side of an axial center by elastic deformation. Furthermore, the lock pawl is arranged at a side of a tension acting direction from the pull member to the following pulley except the farthest position from the driving pulley among positions in a circumferential direction of the pulley axis. It is possible to attach and detach the following pulley easily at a time of maintenance or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masahiro Imoto, Yasuhiro Suto, Shohichi Fukutome, Kenji Nakanishi, Kazuhiro Iguchi
  • Patent number: 9809410
    Abstract: A paper outputting mechanism includes a frame, a motor mounted to the frame, a paper supply tray assembly, a gear assembly, a paper pressing element, a blocking element and a plurality of elastic elements. A rear of the frame has a receiving room, a front of the frame has a slope connected with the receiving room. The paper supply tray assembly includes a first paper supply tray slidably mounted to the frame and a second paper supply tray placed on the first paper supply tray. A gear assembly is driven by the motor, the gear assembly drives the first and second paper supply tray to move frontward and rearward. The paper pressing element is up and down movably mounted to the frame and located over the slope. The blocking element is front and down slidably mounted to the frame and in front of the paper pressing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Foxlink Image Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuan Cheng Huang, Yung Kai Chen
  • Publication number: 20140008862
    Abstract: A paper output structure includes a printer enclosure and a paper output extending device. The paper output extending device includes a pivot shaft, a drive gear, and a toothed bar which is capable of internal telescopic extension by means of a drive gear which includes a great gear portion and a first small gear portion. A printed sheet of paper is slightly stretched so as to be dropped uncrinckled and perfectly flat into the output tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: WEN-CHUNG LO, PAN-CHIH LIU, CHANG-HSIU WU
  • Publication number: 20120161386
    Abstract: A media presenter configurable for use in either a front access or a rear access dispenser is described. The media presenter comprises a chassis including a central track defining a central handle end and a central pick end. A nose is coupled to the chassis at the central pick end, and includes (i) a presenting end distal from the chassis and (ii) a nose track arranged to couple to the central track. A removable track is coupled to the chassis and extends from a handle end of the chassis to the central handle end. The nose track, the central track, and the removable track combine to provide a presenting track extending from the handle end to the presenting end. The presenter can present media items to a customer in a rear access dispenser, or can be reconfigured by exchanging the positions of the nose and removable track to present media items in a front access dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: NCR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Deas, Gordon Burke, William G. Potts
  • Patent number: 7878322
    Abstract: A structure for supporting a pulley holder is provided with a pulley holder for rotatably supporting a pulley around which a belt is movably wound, a frame member that slidably supports the pulley holder along the direction of stretching the belt, and an urging member that elastically urges the pulley holder in a belt tensioning direction in which the belt is tensioned. The pulley holder has fitting portion that is stepwise formed along the belt tensioning direction, and the frame member has a fitting opening whose edge is stepwise formed corresponding to the fitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noriyuki Kawamata
  • Patent number: 7828281
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasunobu Terao, Mikio Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7823880
    Abstract: A stepper mechanism for transporting a substrate along a linear transport path, which includes a stationary member and first and second transport members, extending widthwise across the transport path, the stationary member and transport members each being adapted to alternatively grip and release the substrate, and independent drive units are arranged on either side of the transport path for moving the respective ends of the transport members in a transport direction (X), wherein the transport members are movable independently of one another, and at least one of the drive units is adapted to move one end of the first transport member independently of the corresponding end of the second transport member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: OCE-Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Jeroen J. G. Coenen, Bae W. J. J. A. Van Dorp
  • Publication number: 20100119245
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper discharge device that can sort sheets on a tray. The paper discharge device has paper discharge rollers, a tray and a driving mechanism. The paper discharge rollers are configured to discharge a sheet having an image formed thereon. The tray is configured to be stacked with the sheet discharged from the paper discharge rollers. The driving mechanism is configured to move the tray in a direction approaching the paper discharge rollers and a direction away from the paper discharge rollers and vary a stacking position of the sheet on the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Isao YAHATA, Hiroyuki TAKI
  • Patent number: 7708133
    Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a driven roller and a idler roller each coupled with a flexible member. A pressure roller is also included and can be forced against the driven roller to tension the flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Martin R. Williams
  • Publication number: 20090026695
    Abstract: A document storage container assembly (100) comprises a storage container (102), a first tray (330) mounted to the container so as to receive documents to be stacked, the bottom of said tray including an elongate aperture (331) opening into the storage container, and a pusher member (103) mounted on and laterally extending from at least one elongate supporting member (104, 204) which is coupled to an operating mechanism (150, 250) located within the storage container; wherein the operating mechanism is adapted to first move the pusher member through the aperture from a retracted position to an extended position above the first tray and then to move the pusher member from the extended position laterally over the first tray , before moving the pushing member from the extended position to the retracted position orthogonally to the first tray so as to push any documents on the said first tray into the container through the aperture .
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: De La Rue International Limited
    Inventors: Alexander Charles Harold James, David Richard Neal
  • Patent number: 7347416
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a printing material sheet includes a holding crossmember for holding the printing material sheet and a traveling-wave motor for driving the holding crossmember. The traveling-wave motor has a first traveler and a second traveler for mounting the holding crossmember. The holding crossmember is mounted through a spring suspension. The spring suspension can be, for example, a flexible joint in the form of a flexible bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Michael Diews, Hendrik Frank, Alexander Matern, Thomas Schaeffer, Ralf Wadlinger, Rolf Waldherr, Ivonne Schleweis
  • Patent number: 6829065
    Abstract: A glass supporting device of a scanner comprises an upper cover, a lower cover, a front cover, and a glass sheet. The upper and lower covers, and the front cover can be integrated. The lateral sides of the upper cover are installed with a plurality of sliding tracks. The sliding tracks and the edges of the top of the upper cover are formed with a shape track. Therefore, the glass sheet can be slid into the track manually for being positioned therein. The track serves for supporting the glass sheet. In the present invention, the glass sheet is easily assembled and detached. The upper cover and glass sheet is updated independently. Therefore, the assembling work is performed quickly and the cost for detaching parts are low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ta-Yi Lee, Ming-Te Hung, Lung Chen, Chia-Pin Hsien
  • Patent number: 6796556
    Abstract: A media eject system for a printer having an output tray includes an edge wing for supporting an edge of media exiting the printer, the edge wing movable between support and non-support positions. A kicker engages a trailing edge of media and moves the media into the tray. The kicker is movable between a retracted position and an extended position and operable to move the media into the tray by movement of the kicker from the retracted position to the extended position. A controller determines a print condition including at least one of a media type and a print format, and adjusts a position of the wing dependent upon the print condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Laurence Robertson, Randall David Mayo, Barry Baxter Stout, Michael Anthony Marra, III, Walter Kevin Cousins, Herman Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 6799013
    Abstract: A method and device for discharging paper, the paper discharging device having a rotary shaft rotating by a driving source, a hollow shaft into which the rotary shaft is slidably inserted, the hollow shaft rotating with the rotary shaft and reciprocating on the rotary shaft, a driving shaft disposed at a predetermined distance from and parallel to the rotary shaft to rotate with the rotary shaft, a driven gear rotatably disposed at the driving shaft and engaging a driving gear on an end of the rotary shaft, an electrical clutch selectively transmitting rotation power of the driven gear to the driving shaft, and a reciprocating portion reciprocating the hollow shaft according to rotation of the driving shaft. The paper is discharged in an oblique, rightward, or leftward direction with respect to a discharging direction due to the reciprocal movement of the hollow shaft, thereby stacking the paper on a stacker in a zigzag fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hwa-sung Shin
  • Patent number: 6690494
    Abstract: The invention includes a driving pulley mounted to a carriage driving motor fixed to a chassis frame of a facsimile apparatus, a following pulley mounted to a bracket that is movably mounted along a guide groove provided in a chassis frame, and a timing belt rotated around the driving pulley and the following pulley. The top end of a guide shaft protruded from a base block of the bracket, is movably supported by a support portion uniformly protruded from the chassis frame. A compression spring provided to the guide shaft is arranged between the support portion and the bracket, and presses the bracket to apply tension to the timing belt. The bracket is restricted so as not to approach the driving pulley using a stopper fixed to the chassis frame. Therefore, the tension of the timing belt for reciprocatingly moving the carriage mounting the print head, is not loosened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noriyuki Yamada
  • Patent number: 6685182
    Abstract: A sheet-fed printing machine having a feed system for feeding sheets from a sheet feeder to the sheet-fed printing machine, and an imaging device for setting an image on a printing plate disposed on the plate cylinder are provided. The feed system includes at least one oscillatingly moving pregripper and a drive device for the feed system, the pregripper being uncoupled from the drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Christopher Berti, Bernd Herrmann, Kurt Lötsch, Arnd Schmidt, Ulrike Weisbrodt
  • Patent number: 6639697
    Abstract: An automatic slide feeder according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise a housing configured to define an input slide tray, an output slide tray and a scan slide tray. A slide actuator operatively associated with the housing moves a slide from the input slide tray to the scan slide tray. A control system operatively associated with the slide actuator and a document scanner operates the document scanner to scan a slide positioned in the scan slide tray and operates the slide actuator to move a new slide from the input slide tray to the scan slide tray after the slide positioned in the scan slide tray has been scanned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Lisa M. Geer
  • Patent number: 6637742
    Abstract: A multi-function media eject system and method for operation particularly useful for ink jet printers. At the start of a print job, the media type and print format are determined. If the media is either banner paper or envelope, or if the print format is draft quality printing, wings and kickers of the eject system are disabled, so the media exits the printer without support from the wings or influence from the kickers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Laurence Robertson, Randall David Mayo, Barry Baxter Stout, Michael Anthony Marra, III, Walter Kevin Cousins, Herman Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 6612475
    Abstract: A shifting device for fixing and conveying a tape comprises a first head having a first surface to contact with a top of the tape, and a second head having a second surface to contact with a bottom of the tape. The first surface has a plurality of first strip-shaped projections thereon, and the second surface has a plurality of second strip-shaped projections thereon, such that the top surface of first striped-shaped projection is parallel to the first surface and the top surface of the second strip-shaped projection is parallel to the second surface. When the first head and the second head come into contact with the tape, the first strip-shaped projection is perpendicular to the second strip-shaped projection such that pressed regions of the tape which are pressed by both the first head and the second head are distributed in an array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Hannstar Display Corporation
    Inventor: Cheng-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 6588741
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stacking device as well as to a method for depositing sheets on a stack. The task of the invention is to provide a stacking device that deposits sheets on a stacking unit quickly, cost effectively and reliably. The invention solves this task with a method for depositing sheets and a stacking device that contains two gripping devices for alternately gripping and depositing sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: NexPress Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Dirk Dobrindt
  • Patent number: 6409168
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Willy Leu
  • Patent number: 6394442
    Abstract: An output device for a copier or printer includes a stapler which is capable of placing a single corner staple in a set of sheets, or alternately two evenly-spaced staples along the edge of the set. A kicker member, which is shaped to push a stapled set toward an output tray, includes a contact point which is movable, such as by a spring mechanism, relative to the rest of the kicker member, so that the kicker member can accommodate a moving stapler head within the output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Terrance J. Antinora, Bruce J. DiRenzo, Bryan C. Winkelman, Richard P. Ficarra
  • Patent number: 6270076
    Abstract: The conveyor line (1) of a conveyor has a branching point (6) with a switch (7). This switch has a pivotable switching member (8) which in one position lies in this conveyor line (1) and in the other position connects this first conveyor line (1) with a second conveyor line (10). Preceding the branching point (6) is a retaining member (11) that can be inserted into the path of movement of the transport elements (2) conveyed along the conveyor line (1). This retaining member (11) can be used to hold back the transport elements (2) approaching the branching point in order to create room for changing over the switching member (8). The transport elements are independent of one another, which makes it possible, selectively and as required, either to move the oncoming transport elements (2) along the first conveyor line (1) or to divert them into the second conveyor line (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Walter Reist
  • Patent number: 6152444
    Abstract: A shuttling media movement system moves media in a hardcopy device, such as an inkjet printing mechanism, a facsimile machine or a multi-function device. The shuttling media movement system has a first member with a first set of fingers for periodically supporting the media, and a second member having a second set of fingers for periodically supporting the media. A motor drive is coupled to the second member to periodically interleave the second set of fingers into and out of engagement with the first set of fingers to move the media with respect to the first member in the interaction zone. Vacuum forces or electrostatic forces are used to periodically grip the media against the sets of fingers. A hardcopy device is provided with such a shuttling media movement system, along with a method for moving media in an interaction zone of a hardcopy device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Steven B. Elgee, George W. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5979892
    Abstract: Controlled cilia are provided to move an object. Each of the cilia, which are made of an elastic material, are fixed over a substrate and moved between a relaxed position away from the substrate and a retracted position near the substrate to move an object relative to the substrate. The cilia are moved between the relaxed and retracted positions by an electrostatic force or heating of the cilia. The cilia are formed from a material that is initially fixed to a substrate and has an inherent stress gradient. A portion of the material is released from the substrate and the inherent stress gradient forces a free portion of the cilia away from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Donald L. Smith
  • Patent number: 5938187
    Abstract: An apparatus for feeding media to an internal drum imaging system includes a pair of parallel rails secured to a support frame that is mechanically isolated from the imaging system. The tracks are parallel to the outer circumferential edges of the internal drum. The feeding apparatus further includes a plurality of media engagement means movably coupled between the tracks. The engagement means are adapted to transport the medium to and from the internal drum along the tracks. Each engagement means includes a rail extending between the tracks and a pair of drive means pivotally connected to the ends of the rail for advancing the rail along the tracks. Each engagement means further includes a lifting means for raising and lowering the rail and a coupling means disposed to the undersurface of the rail for securing the media to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Gerber Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph J. Conlan, James M. Diener, Alan W. Menard, John R. Masotta, Richard S. Lech, Michael T. Silva, Bruce L. Davidson
  • Patent number: 5803227
    Abstract: An improved bill stacker is described that effectively rolls incoming bills onto the stack. In one aspect of the invention, the bill stacker includes a housing that encloses a stacking plate that is arranged to support a stack of bills. A gripper is typically provided to grab the leading edge of an incoming bill and a stack roller is arranged to travel longitudinally relative the stacking plate to "roll" a newly received bill onto a top end of the bill stack (if present) or the stacking plate when the first bill is being received. A variety of methods of stacking bills in a cash box using the concept of rolling an incoming bill onto the top of a stack are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: International Game Technology
    Inventors: Matthew I. Stein, Robert A. Luciano
  • Patent number: 5695187
    Abstract: An image input device is provided with an engagement assembly that releasably engages a document to hold the document on a carriage against the bias force of a biasing member. The engagement assembly includes a stop assembly that releasably engages the document and a release mechanism for releasing the original document from the stop assembly permitting the biasing member to urge the document in a discharge direction. The engagement can be operated either manually or by motor. The document can then be removed from the input device at any time except during the scanning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Tazawa, Maki Suzuki, Eisaku Maeda
  • Patent number: 5662322
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a retaining section for retaining the film holder in a suspended state and having a pair of retainer units disposed adjacent the feeding section and arranged one after another in a direction of transporting the film holder for retaining a rear end of the film holder respecting its transporting direction, and a retaining section driver unit for selectively driving the pair of retainer units to a retaining position or to a non-retaining position. When the retaining section is about to receive the film holder from the feeding section, the retaining section driver unit drives only one of the retainer units to the non-retaining position. Whereas, when the retaining section has received the film holder, the retaining section driver unit switches over the one retainer unit from the non-retaining position to the retaining position and also switches over the other retainer unit from the retaining position to the non-retaining position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masuo Kawaguti
  • Patent number: 5622360
    Abstract: A feeder station for apparatus for collating printed sheets includes a mechanism for imparting motion to individual sheets prior to the time the sheets are engaged by a pusher mechanism which propels the stack of collated sheets being formed along a conveyor. The mechanism for imparting motion to the individual sheets in the feeder station contacts the sheets within a region which is directly aligned with the path the engaged portion of the sheet travels in moving from a feed magazine to the feeder station under the influence of a gripper device, the sheet thus being transferred directly from the gripper device into contact with the motion imparting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Kolbus GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Horst Rathert, Joachim Schroder
  • Patent number: 5613415
    Abstract: A paper cutting apparatus includes an elongated fixed blade, a movable blade, a fixed member, a pair of paper holding members, and a coupling portion. The movable blade reciprocates along the fixed blade in the direction of the width of paper to cut the paper in cooperation with the fixed blade. The fixed member is arranged midway along the path of the movable blade. The paper holding members are movably arranged on two sides of the fixed member and alternately hold the cut end portion of the paper cut by the movable blade. The coupling portion detachably couples the movable blade and the paper holding members with a predetermined coupling force, and cancels the coupling between the movable blade and one of the paper holding members by using the fixed member, while coupling the movable blade and the other of the paper holding members during movement of the movable blade in a paper cutting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takaaki Sanpei
  • Patent number: 5607148
    Abstract: Device for removing copies diverted from a conveyed stream thereof in a rotary cross cutter or delivery in a sheet-fed rotary printing press includes a device for decelerating the copies which are transported at an incoming conveying speed, the decelerating device being disposed so as to act upon both sides of the copies which are to be decelerated, a device for defining a copy-transport plane, a copy guide forming a diverter disposed down-line from the decelerating device and above the device for defining a copy-transport plane, and respective structures defining two conveying planes disposed down-line from the copy guide, at least one of the conveying plane-defining structures including a pneumatically acted-upon conveying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventors: Richard B. Mack, Rainer Klenk, Thomas Mc Krell
  • Patent number: 5467975
    Abstract: A device for moving an object, such as a sheet of paper or other substrate, includes a base element, a drive mechanism to move the base element in first and second directions, such as by vibration, and a plurality of flexible ratchets fixedly secured to the base element. As the base element vibrates, the ratchets advance the sheet of paper in a direction perpendicular to the direction of vibration of the base element. Pluralities of base elements and drive mechanisms can be provided to direct movement of the substrate in various directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Babur B. Hadimioglu, Martin G. Lim, Richard G. Stearns, Calvin F. Quate
  • Patent number: 5430520
    Abstract: The exposed photosensitive materials are staggered into two lines, while being fed to the developing unit, for higher efficiency in development. The carrier unit B has a staggering unit and a parallel carrier path having a pair of parallel paths. The staggering unit staggers the photosensitive materials into each of two parallel paths alternately while moving in a direction perpendicular to the direction of feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Toki, Eiji Motooka
  • Patent number: 5409368
    Abstract: In an apparatus for detaching an article from a member attached thereto, the attached article and member are supported on a grid such that the member is in contact with a substantially rigid surface of the grid and the article is suspended away from the rigid surface. Holders hold the member to the rigid surface. While the member is held to the rigid surface, a punch detaches the article and the member. The member from which the article has been detached is gripped by a pin assembly and the gripped member is removed from the substantially rigid surface by raising the pin assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventors: Ronald E. Heiskell, Ezra E. Theys, Karl Krause, Frank Knafelc
  • Patent number: 5400652
    Abstract: A plate positioning system for presses, comprising a feeding slide guided along a first axis which is moved to and from the cutting tool of the press, at least a pair of releasable gripping mechanism (preferably gripping pliers), which are guided by the slide along a second axis to be adjustable relative to the first axis, a serving slide which is adjustable along the first axis, which serving slide includes releasable gripping mechanism (preferably gripping pliers) to advance a plate into a transfer position to be taken by the first gripping mechanism, wherein the gripping mechanism engage opposite sides of a plate at a trailing edge thereof, wherein the transfer position corresponds to the plate position for the first cut and wherein the transfer of the plate to the first gripping mechanism is performed during the first cut, the serving slide bringing the plate into the transfer position only when the gripping mechanism have reached their receiving position along both axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Alfons Haar Maschinenbau GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Thomas Haar
  • Patent number: 5375834
    Abstract: An apparatus for stacking cards, printed sheets or similar products has feeder stations situated in a row and a conveyor with pushers. The feeder stations include spaced inner and outer tables. Individual products are deposited on the tables at the feeder stations. The inner tables are provided with lateral stops and a plurality of nozzles which emerge from the upper surface at a shallow angle towards the stop. Compressed air emitted from these nozzles creates a suction force which stabilizes the products on the tables. The pushers extend between the tables and push the product through a cut-out in the outer table onto a stack of products moving in synchronization on the conveyor below the tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Kolbus GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Horst Rathert
  • Patent number: 5360508
    Abstract: An applying apparatus for applying films to a panel includes a film feed device for feeding leading edges of the films to a tentative applying position of applying the edges to the panel, an applying device for applying the films to the panel, and a movable panel conveyance device which is moved together with the applying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Somar Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Taguchi, Yoji Washizaki, Akira Igarashi, Hiroyoshi Nakano
  • Patent number: 5251892
    Abstract: A paper ejecting apparatus embodied in a printing system, such as a video color printer, that is constructed to push out or eject a printed sheet of paper. The apparatus includes long guide channels formed in a panel for feeding paper toward an ejecting direction, a pusher movable along the guide channels, a rack gear member connected to the pusher, a guide support member for movably supporting the rack gear member, and a driving source for driving the rack gear member having a pinion driven by the driving source. Also, components are added to the driving source for preventing overload thereof. The operation of the apparatus is smooth, so that the paper is securely ejected without being damaged, and the apparatus is simple in structure and causes little mechanical noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang-ho No, Ki-sun Jang
  • Patent number: 5238237
    Abstract: In order to move a piece of fabric (1) over a work table (2) using a gantry robot (4), a gripper (7) comprising a flat foam-covered plate is lowered on to the fabric by the robot shaft (6). It is found that the best control over the fabric is obtained by allowing the gripper to rest on the fabric solely under its own weight, i.e. it should not be pressed down by the robot shaft. A flexible coupling (8) allows the gripper to float, while preventing relative rotation between the robot shaft and the gripper. The coupling is mounted to be movable up and down relative to the shaft, and a coupling part (13) to which the gripper is attached can tilt along two horizontal axes. When the gripper is raised, compressed air is introduced into the coupling, causing parts (11,15) of the two coupling members (10,13) to make contact, so that the gripper is held rigidly in a horizontal position. It is held in that attitude while it is lowered on to the fabric, and the pressure is then released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignees: Cegelec Projects Limited, Courtaulds, p.l.c.
    Inventors: Paul R. Morris, David C. Munday, Keith Jeffcoat
  • Patent number: 5151009
    Abstract: A material handling system employs a sheet separator capable of handling sheets of varied thickness and flexibility and a positioner which repetitively positions sheets relative to a pressing unit in a fixed location. A sheet stacker receives and stacks the processed sheets at a rate of up to five sheets per minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Inventor: Timothy L. Lockert
  • Patent number: 5131644
    Abstract: A sorter and receiving tray for paper sheets is described, including the control of each paper sheet so that there is positive displacement of the sheet into the receiving tray. The device disclosed includes both a top and bottom feeding mechanism, each of which controls with positive displacement the placing of the sheet into a receiving tray.Additionally, the sorter of the present invention controls the curl of the paper and includes fixed trays which can be fully loaded with paper, inasmuch as the curl problem is eliminated. The sorter also includes a signal device to indicate when a receiving tray is filled with paper. The sorter and receiving tray of the present invention is particularly arranged to avoid interference between the sheets of paper, and to eliminate paper jams, mis-sorts, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: R. Clark DuBois
  • Patent number: 5116037
    Abstract: An apparatus for the fault-free receiving and issue of sheets has guide rollers which are arranged on a carriage and which engage into belts to alter the geometry of the belts when the carriage is displaced on a rail over a stack by means of a drive. In the receiving or issue operation the sheet to be stacked or a top sheet to be issued rolls, without sliding, around one of the outer guide rollers, on the stack. Disposed between the outer guide rollers on a roller shaft are rotatable suction rollers whose suction cap sucks up the top sheet by means of reduced pressure at the beginnning of an issue cycle. A control arrangement is adapted to trigger off apparatus receiving and issue cycles and establishes predetermined positions of the carriage on the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Landis & Gyr Betriebs AG
    Inventors: Andre Gerlier, Yves Berthet
  • Patent number: 5110104
    Abstract: This invention relates to the sheet transporting apparatus having a sheet storage device capable of storing sheets and provided in the middle of a sheet transport path; and a carriage unit with a sheet discharge mechanism for transporting a sheet to the sheet storage device and capable of reciprocating motion substantially above said sheet storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naho Wakao, Masakazu Hiroi, Makoto Kitahara, Yuji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5049030
    Abstract: A material handling system employs a sheet separator capable of handling sheets of varied thickness and flexibility and a positioner which repetitively positions sheets relative to a pressing unit in a fixed location. A sheet stacker receives and stacks the processed sheets at a rate of up to five sheets per minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: Timothy L. Lockert
  • Patent number: 5018463
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism installed on a circulating conveyor is composed of a clamp and a supporting plate and a latch lever axially attached to the supporting plate. The clamp is designed to be opened to a specified extent by a coiled spring. When the clamp is closed against the operation of the coiled spring, it engages with a latch of a latch lever so as to be locked.A cloth sent out from the sewing machine advances between the opened clamp and the supporting plate. The clamp is closed by an air cylinder and clamps the cloth.When the latch lever engages with a limiting lever set at a specified position in the direction of movement of the conveyor, the lock is unlocked, and the clamp is opened to release the cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignees: Pegasus Sewing Machine Mfg., Co., Ltd., Grace Sewing Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuo Nakajima
  • Patent number: 4982941
    Abstract: A jogging apparatus 22 has motor 24 mounted within a support frame 20. Motor 24 has a motor shaft 28 to which is connected hub 30. Projecting outwardly from motor hub 30 along an axis parallel to, but eccentrically offset from, the axis of motor shaft 28 is eccentric pin 34. Slotted link 32 slidably engages slot pins 36 and 38 in transverse slots 42 and 44 respectively of slotted link 32 for transverse movement of slotted link 32. Slotted link 32 also has an orthogonal slot 46 generally perpendicular to transverse slots 42 and 44. Eccentric pin 34 is slidably engaged within orthogonal slot 46 such that as motor shaft 28 is rotated, the rotational motion of shaft 28 is converted into the side-to-side motion of slotted link 32. Eccentric pin 34 projects somewhat beyond the outer surface of slotted link 32 and typically terminates in enlarged head 57. Enlarged head 57, with respect to orthogonal slot 46, describes an up and down movement within slot 46, as motor shaft 28 rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: EMF Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Phillips, Douglas Langton
  • Patent number: 4905983
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a limp fabric piece (6) wherein the fabric piece (6) is deposited on a low frictional plate (7) supported by a movable carriage (not shown) mounted on wheels (10). The carriage is then moved to a position beneath a frictional gripping device (9) which is then lowered onto the fabric piece (6). The carriage with the low friction plate (7) is then withdrawn from beneath the gripping device (9) and returned to its original position leaving gripping device (9) in frictional engagement with fabric piece (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Pacific Dunlop Limited
    Inventor: Anthony D. Mathias