Abstract: A sheet conveyance device according to an aspect of the invention includes a guide member and a flexible guide assist member. The guide member constitutes a conveyance path for guiding a conveyed sheet. The guide assist member is provided in the guide member, the guide assist member is brought into contact with the conveyed sheet to apply a force to the sheet, and whereby the guide assist member assists the guidance of the sheet conveyance. The sheet conveyance device is characterized in that a sheet scanner is provided in the guide assist member. In the sheet scanner, photoelectric conversion devices formed by organic semiconductor devices are arranged.

Abstract: According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a method, a system, and a printmaking device for calibrating sensors. The method begins by transporting a media sheet along a media path, the sheet having a lead edge, a trail edge and a measurement edge. Next, the method halts the forward motion of the sheet after the lead edge of the sheet passes a fixed reference. After that, the method moves the sheet laterally relative to the media path across the at least one edge sensor using a sheet actuator. Then, the method records an actual position of the sheet actuator and an output of at least one edge sensor. Finally, the method calculates a calibration factor based on the actual position of the sheet actuator and the output of the at least one edge sensor.

Abstract: Accurate sheet leading edge registration system and method including a first and second nip assembly, a first sheet leading edge sensor and a controller. The first and second nip assemblies being spaced apart from one another. The first sheet leading edge sensor capable of detecting an arrival of a leading edge of a sheet at a point in the process direction. The arrival being associated with engagement of the first and second nip assemblies with the sheet. The controller capable of imparting a rotational skew velocity to the sheet using the first and second nip assemblies. A center of rotation of the skew velocity being offset laterally from a center of the sheet leading edge. The method includes providing at least the above-mentioned nip assemblies, first sheet leading edge sensor and controller.

Abstract: A post-processing apparatus has a standby tray to receive a paper sheet to be supplied from a digital copier, a processing tray to receive a paper sheet dropped from a standby tray, and a stapler to staple the rear end aligned on the processing tray. When a first paper sheet is supplied to the standby tray, the standby tray roller is brought into contact with the paper sheet and rotated reversely, the paper sheet is returned a little, and the rear end of the paper sheet is placed at the holding position on the tab. Then, the press member presses the rear end of the paper sheet, to receive a second paper sheet.

Abstract: The present application is directed to devices and methods for moving media sheets within an image forming device. One embodiment includes a registration mechanism located along the media path. The mechanism may include a series of discrete registration nips that each includes a pair of drive rolls and idler roll. The nips are spaced at intervals across the media path. Guide ribs are arranged across the media path and may be positioned between the nips. The guide ribs further guide the media sheets through the registration mechanism and along the media path.

Abstract: A method of singulating overlapping items includes receiving the overlapping items in a singulation device, the device including a first transport element configured for rotation in a first direction and a second transport element in opposing relation to the first transport element, wherein the second transport element is configured for rotation in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The method further includes rotating the first transport element at a first transport speed, rotating the second transport element at a second transport speed substantially equal to the first transport speed, conveying the overlapping items between the transport elements along a transport path, decreasing the second transport speed to singulate the overlapping items, decreasing the first transport speed to reduce a speed of a lead item, and transporting the lead item away from the singulation device.

Abstract: An open configuration is provided for the housing of a particulate material dedusting apparatus through which particulate material passes to be cleaned by air passing through wash decks to separate dirt and debris from the particulate material for discharge from the housing. The front wall and side access doors of the housing are configured to be openable for full access to the front and rear chambers. The primary wash deck is detachably mounted within the housing for removal for cleaning purposes. The generally horizontal floors of the housing are formed with a slope to allow water to drain from the housing. The open configuration of the deduster housing facilitates cleaning, draining and drying of the housing to expedite changeover from one material to another. Furthermore, the open configuration allows access for improved welding to eliminate cracks and openings in joints which accumulate dirt and debris during operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a waste separation apparatus comprising a vortex initiator (10) and a vortex generator (20). The vortex generator (20) is arranged to direct the airflow from the vortex initiator (10) towards the waste to be separated. The airflow is used to separate less dense waste from more dense waste.

Abstract: In a sheet package, the degree of stiffness of a side end portion on a side wall portion side making contact with a contact member in a storage portion of a printing unit is greater than the degree of stiffness of a side end portion on the side wall portion side that is pressed by a pressing guide member. Accordingly, when the sheet package is stored in the storage portion, even if the lid body is closed in a condition in which the sheet package is not loaded properly, that is, even if the side end portion of the sheet package is sandwiched between the lid body and the contact member, or a top face on the side on which the contact member is provided, the sheet package is never crushed and the sheet package can be correctly pushed into the storage portion by a pressing force of the lid body.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus includes first and second sheet sensors provided in order from upstream to downstream sides in feeding direction on a paper feed path, sheet conveyor roller sets arranged along the path, and a roller controller individually controlling groups of rollers on the upstream and downstream sides of the first sheet sensor, in response to a change in values of output signals from first and second sheet sensors. The roller controller includes an overlapped feeding determining device outputting a determination signal assuming a first value when overlapped feeding occurs and a second value otherwise, in response to the change in values of the output signals from the sensors, an overlapped feeding eliminating device eliminating overlapped feeding by controlling the roller controller upon receiving the determination signal of the first value, and a conveyor roller stopping device stopping the sheet conveyor rollers if the overlapped feeding eliminating process should fail.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a conveyor belt, an image forming unit, and a guide unit. The conveyor belt has a conveying surface that mounts and conveys a recording medium. The image forming unit forms an image on the recording medium placed on the conveying surface. The guide unit supports and conveys the recording medium to the conveying surface in a conveying direction. The guide unit includes a first guide plate and a second guide plate. The first guide plate is flexible. The first guide plate has a first distal end portion at a downstream side thereof in the conveying direction and is disposed near the conveyor belt. The second guide plate is flexible. The second guide plate has a second distal end portion disposed in direct confrontation with the first distal end portion to nip the recording medium in cooperation with the first distal end portion.

Abstract: A multi-function peripheral includes a main body and a paper feeding module. The paper feeding module includes a supporting base, a feeding element and a paper separating elastic element. The supporting base is disposed on the main body. The supporting base is suitable for supporting multiple paper sheets and defines a paper feeding path. The feeding element is disposed above the supporting base for feeding the paper sheets along the paper feeding path. The paper separating elastic element has a fixed end connected to the supporting base and a free end disposed on the paper feeding path. When the feeding element feeds the papers along the paper feeding path, the free end applies a frictional force on the paper sheets such that one paper sheet passes the paper separating element and keeps moving while the rest of the paper sheets are blocked from moving by the paper separating elastic element.

Abstract: A card processing unit may include a card processing part for performing predetermined processing to a card, a card stack part in which a plurality of cards are stacked and stored, and a card feeding part for carrying a card between the card processing part and the card stack part. The card stack part may be structured such that the card stack part is capable of being separated from the card feeding part as a module and mounted on a main body base as a module. A plurality of card stack parts and a plurality of card processing parts may be mounted on the main body base as modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling the flow of banknotes between at least two locations, in particular a Central Bank and/or Monetary Authority and a local financial institution, said method comprising the following steps: i) collecting banknotes at the local financial institution, ii) subjecting the banknotes received in step i) to a fitness measurement so as to obtain a flow of “fit” banknotes and a flow of “unfit” banknotes, iii) returning the flow of “unfit” banknotes to the Central Bank and/or Monetary Authority, and iv) bringing the flow of “fit” banknotes into circulation.

Abstract: A starting unit starts, in parallel with a blowing operation for a first tray, a blowing operation for a second tray that is to perform a feeding operation next. When a predetermined time elapses after starting the blowing operation for the second tray, a feeding unit switches from the first tray to the second tray, and feeds the recording medium from the second tray. When the blowing operation is performed for a number of trays before switching the trays and the number of trays is equal to or larger than a predetermined number, a control unit limits the number of trays for performing the blowing operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting a gas-driven stream of generally flat and light-weight articles of varying dimensions execute a, preferably optical, inspection and upon so finding a non-conforming article remove the latter from the stream. In particular, the inspection and the sorting are executed during a substantially straight movement of the articles. The removing is executed through gas driving in a direction substantially transverse to the straight movement. Advantageously, the inspection is preceded by orienting the articles through a centrifugal force that orients said articles against an inclined wall in a transition to the vertical movement. Also airflow means (83,84) can be used to confine the articles in a thin layer.

Abstract: An original reading apparatus includes an original transport mechanism that has a pickup roller (R1) and the like and an original reading mechanism that has a light source unit (6) and the like, and captures an image of an original transported by the original transport mechanism. When multi-feeding has occurred, in which when a read original (P1) is transported, another original (P2) is also transported, and the other multi-fed original (P2) is not positioned between the read original (P1) and the light source unit (6) (that is, when a read face (P1a) of the read original (P1) is not obstructed), the reading operation of the read face (P1a) of the read original (P1) is continued by the original reading mechanism.

Abstract: A printing device, which is usable to produce printed products, is supplied with a material web of a predetermined length. The length of the required web is defined by the printed product to be produced. The material web is assembled from several partial webs, having defined lengths. The supply of these partial webs to the printing device is provided automatically with the use of a material management system. A control unit of this system determines the length for the partial webs that have been chosen for a certain production request. These partial webs are sent to the printing device in a certain sequence so that the last one of these partial webs to be used has the least web length of the several partial webs. The minimum length of the last partial web is determined by an end of the partial web finishing the production. This sequence is determined, at the earliest, after the cycle time has ended.

Abstract: A pickoff system for removal of mail pieces one at a time from the end of a stack includes a pickoff belt mechanism positioned to frictionally engage an outer surface of a mail piece at the end of the stack and transport it transversely to a thickness direction of the stack, which mechanism includes one or more belts mounted on rollers and driven by a drive motor. A sensor is positioned to determine mail piece movement speed as it is being transported by the pickoff belt mechanism, and a measurement device determines belt movement speed during operation of the pickoff belt mechanism. A system is provided for reducing or stopping slipping of the mail piece relative to the belt during transport by the belt pickoff mechanism. A controller is connected to the sensor and the belt movement speed measurement device.

Abstract: A pickoff system for removal of mail pieces one at a time from the end of a stack includes a pickoff belt mechanism, a sensor positioned to determine mail piece movement speed, and a measurement device determines belt movement speed during operation of the pickoff belt mechanism. A vacuum system includes a vacuum pump and a vacuum manifold positioned to apply suction to the mail piece in a direction that tends to hold the mail piece against the belt of the pickoff belt mechanism. A controller is configured to compare the belt movement speed and the mail piece movement speed during operation, and when mail piece movement speed is slower than belt movement speed, indicating slipping of the mail piece relative to the belt of the pickoff belt mechanism, the controller temporarily increases suction force applied to a mail piece being transported by the pickoff belt mechanism.