Abstract: A sheet product transfer device includes an elastic belt forming a continuous loop, the elastic belt having an inner surface, a first drive unit contacting the inner surface, a second drive unit spaced apart from the first drive unit and contacting the inner surface of the elastic belt, the second drive unit driving the elastic belt at a different surface speed than the first drive unit, and a plurality of sheet product grippers arranged on the elastic belt. Also disclosed is a method for transferring sheet products comprising gripping a sheet product with a gripper attached to a continuous elastic belt, decelerating the sheet product, and releasing the sheet product.

Abstract: The present invention includes an inking or other solution unit having a first roll, a second roll, the second roll having a lower surface speed than the first roll, and an elastic belt running over the first roll and the second roll in a fixed length path during operation. The present invention also includes a method for inking or providing another solution to a printing cylinder comprising the steps of rotating a first roll at a first surface speed, rotating a second roll at a second surface speed, the first surface speed being greater than the second surface speed, moving an elastic belt over the first and second rolls, a path of the elastic belt maintaining a fixed length, and contacting the elastic belt with ink or another solution.