Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving image data and control characters across an interface that is subject to noise for output to a printer. The image data and the control characters are transmitted across the interface to a receiver device. A determination is made as to whether or not a line of image data has been sufficiently transferred to the receiver device and, if the current line of image data has not been sufficiently transferred, there is provided for output to the printer a prior sufficiently received line of image data in replacement of the current line of image data so that the prior line of image data is printed at least twice in succession.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the transport and the positioning of sheets. Using a measuring unit (2) which comprises a light source (12), an optical element (14) and photoelectric elements (16), the position of a sheet (6) is monitored and controlled. For this purpose, the output signals of the photoelectric elements (16) are supplied to a control unit (20) which, on the basis of data supplied by the printer countrol unit (24), provides corresponding control signals for the sheet transport rollers (34) or the drive means (36) of the transport (38) for re-adjustment of the measuring unit (2).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for feeding strips having a fusion adhesive coating on one of their surfaces to an advancing transport unit, in particular a sheet-stack binding apparatus where loose sheets are bound to form brochures or books. The method is carried out in that a thickness range of a sheet stack to be bound is associated with a specific width of a strip coated with a fusion adhesive, in that the association is effected in that the thickness of the sheet stack to be bound is determined or in that a selectable predetermined value is provided and in that the sheet-stack thickness value preselected or determined is used to control a drive mechanism (5, 6) which transfers the strip associated with the thickness range of the sheet stack to be bound from separate standby positions (7') of a number of strips (1c, 1d) of different widths to a handling position (12').

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the alignment, in a lateral (cross-track) direction, of a web moving along a path to minimize lateral deviation between successive discrete areas of such web. The apparatus includes a steering roller for supporting the web for movement along such path. The steering roller is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the span of the web approaching the steering roller. As the web moves along the path, the lateral position of a marginal edge of the web relative to a reference plane is sensed. When such lateral edge position is at either of two spaced predetermined locations relative to such reference plane, signals indicative of the presence of such edge at such locations are produced.

Abstract: Apparatus for sequentially registering a sheet, movable along a travel path, relative to such travel path, clamping such sheet at its registered location and guiding such sheet as it moves from its registered location. Such apparatus comprises an elongated member having a sheet registration portion, a sheet clamping portion, and a sheet guiding portion. The elongated member is sequentially moved relative to the sheet travel path to: a first position where the registration portion intercepts and stops a sheet moving along the travel path at a registration location to effect registration of the sheet, and the sheet clamping portion and sheet guiding portion are inoperative; a second position where the sheet clamping portion secures the registered sheet at such registration location; and a third position where the clamping portion releases the registered sheet, and the sheet guiding portion guides the sheet as it moves away from the registration location.

Abstract: A mechanism for registering sheets, respectively notched at their leading edge and transported by a sheet transport apparatus along a travel path, in both an in-track and cross-track direction at a preselected location in such travel path. The registration mechanism comprises an elongated member supported for movement transverse to its longitudinal axis. Such member is selectively movable along its longitudinal axis to a first position intercepting the travel path adjacent to the preselected location or a second position remote from the travel path. When the member is in its first position, a portion of the member is received in an opening of a receiver located adjacent to the travel path. The opening is oppositely directed to, and generally aligned with, the notch in the lead edge of a transported sheet. Thus when the transported sheet engages the member, the member is urged by the portion of the sheet forming the notch into the opening.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in an electrographic copier having a plurality of electrographic process stations for forming visible images on the surfaces of discrete dielectric sheets. Such apparatus establishes a predetermined operative interface between a discrete dielectric sheet and an electrographic process station so that the function of such process station is uniformly applied to the surface of such dielectric sheet. The apparatus includes a member for supporting a dielectric sheet, such member having a sheet supporting surface mounted for movement along a path from a location remote from a process station to a location which is a predetermined distance from such station and then away from such station.

Abstract: In an electrographic copier, a buffer station for storing discrete sheets, adapted to have transferable images formed respectively thereon, and for distribution of such sheets into a track assembly where such sheets are transported into operative relation with electrographic process stations of such copier. The buffer station safely stores a plurality of sheets in spaced relation to prevent contact between adjacent sheets. The buffer station is indexable relative to the track assembly for alignment with such track assembly so as to receive a sheet from or distribute a sheet to the track assembly. The stored sheets are selectively released from the buffer station when respectively aligned with the track assembly.

Abstract: A magnetic brush developer apparatus for developing an electrostatic charge pattern on a member by contacting the member with particulate magnetic developer material, such material being contained within the zone of contact to prevent uncontrolled escape from the zone and contamination of the environs. The apparatus includes an applicator for transporting developer material in a non-agitated state into contact with the charge pattern on the member. A portion of the developer material in contact with such charge pattern is magnetically agitated to form in such material an agitated zone bounded by the non-agitated material to establish a sealing zone about the agitated zone.

Abstract: Apparatus for decelerating a sheet moving at a predetermined linear speed along a travel path. The apparatus, located in juxtaposition with the sheet travel path, engages a sheet traveling along such path to apply a deceleration force to such sheet. The deceleration force imparted to such sheet is progressively increased to gradually slow the linear speed of such sheet from the predetermined linear speed to a lesser linear speed.

Abstract: A continuous forms feeder in which the restacking of the continuous forms is facilitated. Panels of the continuous forms are sequentially fed at a predetermined linear speed from a stack in a supply station through a work station, such as a print or exposure station of a reproduction apparatus, to a storage station. During the movement of the first several panels through the work station, the linear speed is reduced relative to the predetermined linear speed to provide more time for effecting proper restacking of the continuous forms in the storage station.