Abstract: A sheet transfer device for transferring a sheet between two sheet processing devices comprising a switch for directing sheets from a first transport path coming from the first sheet processing device onto a two-way transport path or for directing sheets from the two-way transport path onto a second transport path for feeding sheets to the second sheet processing device. A transport pinch is provided along the two way transport path for reversing a sheet on the two-way transport path. When in use, the two-way transport path extends downward in a vertically extending free-hanging chamber wherein the sheet engaged by the transport pinch is allowed to hang freely under the influence of gravity. Thereby, a compact device is formed which is able to adjust the sheet to a suitable orientation for the second processing device. The device further prevents forces from the first processing device to disrupt the sheet's orientation in the second processing device.

Abstract: A sheet transfer device for transferring a sheet between two sheet processing devices comprising a switch for directing sheets from a first transport path coming from the first sheet processing device onto a two-way transport path or for directing sheets from the two-way transport path onto a second transport path for feeding sheets to the second sheet processing device. A transport pinch is provided along the two way transport path for reversing a sheet on the two-way transport path. When in use, the two-way transport path extends downward in a vertically extending free-hanging chamber wherein the sheet engaged by the transport pinch is allowed to hang freely under the influence of gravity. Thereby, a compact device is formed which is able to adjust the sheet to a suitable orientation for the second processing device. The device further prevents forces from the first processing device to disrupt the sheet's orientation in the second processing device.

Abstract: A sheet conveying system includes an upstream conveyor section having an endless first conveyor belt movable in a first conveying direction x and extending in a first lateral direction z, the first conveying direction x and the first lateral direction z defining a first conveying plane xz; and a downstream conveyor section having an endless second conveyor belt that adjoins the first conveyor belt and is movable in a second conveying direction x? and extends in a second lateral direction z?, the second conveying direction x? and the second lateral direction z? defining a second conveying plane x?z?. The conveyor sections are adapted to hold the sheets slip-free on the first and second conveyor belts. The second conveyor belt has a shear compliance in the second conveying plane x?z? that is larger than the shear compliance of the first conveyor belt in the first conveying plane xz.

Abstract: A sheet conveying system includes an upstream conveyor section having an endless first conveyor belt movable in a first conveying direction x and extending in a first lateral direction z, the first conveying direction x and the first lateral direction z defining a first conveying plane xz; and a downstream conveyor section having an endless second conveyor belt that adjoins the first conveyor belt and is movable in a second conveying direction x? and extends in a second lateral direction z?, the second conveying direction x? and the second lateral direction z? defining a second conveying plane x?z?. The conveyor sections are adapted to hold the sheets slip-free on the first and second conveyor belts. The second conveyor belt has a shear compliance in the second conveying plane x?z? that is larger than the shear compliance of the first conveyor belt in the first conveying plane xz.

Abstract: A device for redirecting sheets in a sheet transport mechanism, especially sheets of a print medium in a printing system includes a support member, which carries or supports at least one guide member for directing a path of travel of a sheet. The support member is configured to be mounted adjacent a first transport path of a plurality of sheets and such that the support member is movable between a first inoperative position in which the at least one guide member does not impinge upon the first transport path, and a second operative position in which the at least one guide member is introduced into the first transport path to redirect one or more of the sheets to a second, alternative transport path. The device further includes an actuator configured to move the support member between the first and second positions.

Abstract: According to the present invention a sheet handling apparatus is provided which comprises a rotary drum with openings at its peripheral wall. A strip with perforations formed therein spirals circumferentially over an outer surface of the drum in a circumferential spiralling direction, such that a screen is formed over the drum. A suction system controls a flow of air through the perforations thereby to attract sheets towards the drum. The strip is biased by means of a tensioning assembly, which exerts a tensioning force on the strip substantially parallel to the circumferential spiralling direction of the strip.

Abstract: A transport mechanism is provided for transporting sheets of a print medium in a printing system. The transport mechanism include a first conveyor device having a first conveyor body which is configured to support a plurality of sheets of print medium, the first conveyor body being movable to convey the sheets along the transport path in the printing system; and a transfer system including a second conveyor device having a movable second conveyor body for supporting the sheets of print medium and conveying the sheets further along the transport path, the transfer system being configured to transfer the sheets of print medium from the first conveyor body to the second conveyor body in a transfer region. The second conveyor body is arranged adjacent or proximate to the first conveyor body in the transfer region, and the transfer system includes spacer means which is configured to maintain a predefined spacing between the first conveyor body and the second conveyor body in the transfer region.

Abstract: According to the present invention a sheet handling apparatus is provided which comprises a rotary drum with openings at its peripheral wall. A strip with perforations formed therein spirals circumferentially over an outer surface of the drum in a circumferential spiralling direction, such that a screen is formed over the drum. A suction system controls a flow of air through the perforations thereby to attract sheets towards the drum. The strip is biased by means of a tensioning assembly, which exerts a tensioning force on the strip substantially parallel to the circumferential spiralling direction of the strip.

Abstract: A transport mechanism is provided for transporting sheets of a print medium in a printing system. The transport mechanism include a first conveyor device having a first conveyor body which is configured to support a plurality of sheets of print medium, the first conveyor body being movable to convey the sheets along the transport path in the printing system; and a transfer system including a second conveyor device having a movable second conveyor body for supporting the sheets of print medium and conveying the sheets further along the transport path, the transfer system being configured to transfer the sheets of print medium from the first conveyor body to the second conveyor body in a transfer region. The second conveyor body is arranged adjacent or proximate to the first conveyor body in the transfer region, and the transfer system includes spacer means which is configured to maintain a predefined spacing between the first conveyor body and the second conveyor body in the transfer region.

Abstract: A device for redirecting sheets in a sheet transport mechanism, especially sheets of a print medium in a printing system includes a support member, which carries or supports at least one guide member for directing a path of travel of a sheet. The support member is configured to be mounted adjacent a first transport path of a plurality of sheets and such that the support member is movable between a first inoperative position in which the at least one guide member does not impinge upon the first transport path, and a second operative position in which the at least one guide member is introduced into the first transport path to redirect one or more of the sheets to a second, alternative transport path. The device further includes an actuator configured to move the support member between the first and second positions.