Abstract: A method of at least partially removing at least one of a coating and a masking layer from an area of at least one part, including the steps of orienting the at least one part; and removing the area of the at least one of coa tmg and masking layer from the at least one part using at least one removal device. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes a plurality of parts, orienting the plurality of parts and removing the area of the at least one coating and masking layer from each of the plurality of parts using a plurality of removal devices. A system for at least partially removing at least one of a coating and masking layer from an area of at least one part is also provided. In a preferred embodiment, the removal device(s) are lasers.

Abstract: A mailer primarily composed of three layers, or sheets, that are fastened on top of one-another. A back sheet forms the back of both the outgoing and return mail pieces. The back sheet includes the reclosable flap and further includes an opening to allow external viewing of an identification code marked on a media sleeve that is placed in the finished mailer. A second sheet is a middle sheet fastened on top of the back sheet. The middle sheet also has an opening, and is attached to the back sheet such that the middle sheets opening aligns with the back sheet opening. A disk receiving slot is formed between the back sheet and the middle sheet. The aligned openings in the back and middle sheets are located in a center of the disk receiving slot. A third top sheet is removably attached on top of the middle sheet. The top sheet includes delivery markings for original mailing portion of the mailer.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing digital media for delivery. Outgoing digital media are automatedly inserted into empty digital media envelopes. A scanner scans a code on the digital media. Based on the code, the system determines an intended delivery address. The system applies delivery address information, as determined from the scanned code, to the filled envelopes. The method and system may also include steps and components for receiving and sorting incoming digital media. Incoming digital media are sorted to determine which are to be re-used as outgoing digital media for the outgoing aspect of the system. Incoming digital media are scanned to identify senders. The system identifies what new digital media the sender would like to receive in place of the returned digital media. It is determined which received digital media can be re-used to satisfy outgoing requests. The requested outgoing digital media are sorted from the incoming digital media.

Abstract: A platen structure to facilitate the transport of stacked sheet material conveyed along a transport deck of a sheet feeing apparatus. The platen structure comprises first and second segments connected by means of a compliant coupling. The first segment of the platen is operative to engage a face of the stacked sheet material and apply a stabilizing normal force thereon. The second segment of the platen is operative to engage and travel synchronously with a moving surface of the transport deck. Furthermore, the first and second segments are connected by means of a compliant coupling which is operative to facilitate the relative angular displacement of the first and second segments about at least one axis while maintaining the relative linear displacement therebetween about at least one of the other axes. The platen structure ensures reliable sheet material run-out by compensating for a reduction in sheet material weight as the final or last sheets of the stack are singulated/separated.

Abstract: A cut sheet feeder for feeding stacked sheets of material including a feed support deck defining a planar surface for supporting the stacked sheet material and a transport deck defining an inclined surface relative to the planar surface of the feed support deck. The inclined surface is operative to transport additional sheet material to the feed support deck and produce a cantilevered sheet material delivery profile. Furthermore, a rotating element is employed to engage a surface of the stacked sheet material, and separate a single sheet from other sheet material supported by the feed support deck. The cantilevered delivery profile reduces the weight acting on the stacked material, minimizes the friction developed between individual sheets of material and facilitates separation of the sheets by the rotating element. A platen structure may also be employed to bear against the stacked sheet material to ensure reliable sheet material run out.

Abstract: A system for joining the end of a web of material (4) running off a first winding roll (17) with the beginning of a web on a new winding roll (1) interchanged with the first winding roll (17) on an unwinding machine comprising devices for cutting through the web (4) being wound off, for holding the end of the web so produced, and for pressing the end of the web against the periphery of an interchanged new winding roll (1), in order to produce an adhesive bond, has a splice element (6) which can be placed on the web being wound off (4), moved beyond the region of a full winding roll (1) and pressed against its periphery. The splice element (6) contains a web cutting element (15) and a holding element (16) which, when placed in contact with the web being wound off (4), is located behind the web-cutting element (15) in the direction of motion of the web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the stacking of paper engages the oncoming sheets at their rear ends between clamping elements on upper and lower belts and is so provided that the rear ends are deflected perpendicular to the direction of feed so that the oncoming sheets can effectively shingle over underlying sheets. The clamping portions are engaged at the feeding speed of the sheets at the moment of initial contact, are then slowed down to reduce the speed of the sheets, then release the sheets and then return to the usual speed for the pickup of the next sheet.

Abstract: A brake for a sheet feed to a stacking site in which the sheets are engaged by a belt drive from the location at which they are cut from a continuous web. The brake device has an endless belt with a brake stretch parallel to the travel plane of the sheets or declined downward slightly therefrom. The brake has at least one element with a shank over the belt and projecting above the plane at the inlet side of the braking device. The rear edge of the sheet is thus engaged by the shank and the brake belt is decelerated so that the sheet is delivered to the stack at the lower speed.

Abstract: A coater for a web of material, especially a web of paper or cardboard, that travels around a backing roll, with a doctor blade that presses against the backing roll and with components for adjusting the pressure that are distributed along the doctor and affect different areas along it. The adjusting components are piezotranslators (16).