Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting books of sheets in which individual books are generated in succession is provided. This process entails the stacking of cut sheets that form a completed book in an offset arrangement relative to adjacent books. Each offset stacked book is removed from the other books by applying a lifting force between the lowest book in the stack and the next book in the stack while the lowest book in the stack is allowed to bend away from the next highest book in the stack. The bend forms a space, tunnel or separator entrance opportunity into which a projection or other separator structure is directed. The lowest book is lowered onto a conveyor and moved away from the stack. The process continues for each successive next-highest book in the stack. A support mechanism is provided to maintain the lowest book at a selected elevation as the projection moves inwardly. The support moves away concurrently to deposit the lowest book on the conveyor.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a continuous pinless web that is free of tractor pin feed holes within a utilization device that is originally adapted to feed web having tractor pin feed hole strips along its widthwise edges is provided. The utilization device can comprise an IBM high-volume laser printer having an image transfer drum synchronized to a pair of tractor pin feed drive units. A drive roller is operatively connected to the lower pin feed unit according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element using a differential and a separate registration motor. The image transfer drum and drive roller are each synchronized to a central drive motor that generates pulses via an encoder. The pulses track the movement of the image transfer drum. A mark sensor reads marks on the web to synchronize actual movement of the web with the image transfer drum using the registration motor.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing web that is free of tractor pin feed holes comprises the driving of the web along a predetermined path within the utilization device. A web guide is provided in an upstream location from a utilization device element. The guide engages width-wise edges of the web and forms the web into a trough to stiffen the web. A drive roller and a follower roller impinge upon opposing sides of the web and rotate to drive the web through the guide. The drive roller is located adjacent to the guide according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element. The controller includes a drive controller that controls the speed of either the drive roller or the utilization device element to maintain the web and the utilization device element in appropriate synchronization.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing web that is free of tractor pin feed holes comprises the driving of the web along a predetermined path within the utilization device. A web guide is provided in an upstream location from a utilization device element. The guide engages width-wise edges of the web and forms the web into a trough to stiffen the web. A drive roller and a follower roller impinge upon opposing sides of the web and rotate to drive the web through the guide. The drive roller is located adjacent to the guide according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element. The controller includes a drive controller that controls the speed of either the drive roller or the utilization device element to maintain the web and the utilization device element in appropriate synchronization.

Abstract: A system for utilizing web that is free of tractor pin feed holes comprises the driving of the web along a predetermined path within the utilization device. A web guide is provided in an upstream location from a utilization device element. The guide engages width-wise edges of the web and forms the web into a trough to stiffen the web. A drive roller and a follower roller impinge upon opposing sides of the web and rotate to drive the web through the guide. The drive roller is located adjacent to the guide according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element. The controller includes a drive controller that controls the speed of either the drive roller or the utilization device element to maintain the web and the utilization device element in appropriate synchronization.

Abstract: A unique system and method for directly feeding sheets into a printing device having a moving image conducting element with a plurality of images placed thereon for transfer to sheet paper and having a wait station for controlling the timing of paper transfer to the image conducting element provides a feeding table to transfer sheets from a source to a printer stack deshingler while bypassing and, thus, eliminating any need for sheet stacks. The movement of each sheet by the wait station into the image transfer element signals the cutting of a sheet from a roll of continuous web on the input side of the feeding table. Once the sheet has moved into the image transfer element the absence of a sheet at the detector signals transfer by the feeding table of the cut sheet to the stack deshingler. Simultaneously, a source of web presents and end of the web representing another sheet to a cutting unit. This sheet is (out when the current sheet at the wait station begins movement into the image transfer element.

Abstract: A system for stacking continuous folded forms coming from a folder and moving to a conveyor. A table is position adjacent and in line with the conveyor and in a position for receiving a horizontal stack of folded forms disposed on the table top. The table is a tiltable table and is able to be tilted from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position to likewise move the stack from a horizontal to a vertical stack position. A cart is movable to a position adjacent to the tilted table for receiving from the table the vertical stack for support on the cart.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating, in the production of a continuous stream of images, by an image transfer device upon a moving web, post-production operations upon the web at various locations. Locations of a web, having a plurality of images placed thereon, output from an image transfer device are tracked. Specific operations at various locations upon the web are performed by a post-production device as the web passes through it. The web is directed from the image transfer device to the post-production device. In response to the tracking of locations upon the web, the point when a location has entered the post-production device is determined. In response to this determination, the post-production device is commanded to perform its specific operation at a connect location.

Abstract: A unique system and method for directly feeding sheets into a printing device having a moving image conducting element with a plurality of images placed thereon for transfer to sheet paper and having a wait station for controlling the timing of paper transfer to the image conducting element provides a feeding table to transfer sheets from a source to a printer stack deshingler while bypassing and, thus, eliminating any need for sheet stacks. The movement of each sheet by the wait station into the image transfer element signals the cutting of a sheet from a roll of continuous web on the input side of the feeding table. Once the sheet has moved into the image transfer element the absence of a sheet at the detector signals transfer by the feeding table of the cut sheet to the stack deshingler. Simultaneously, a source of web presents and end of the web representing another sheet to a cutting unit. This sheet is cut when the current sheet at the wait station begins movement into the image transfer element.

Abstract: A system for stacking continuous folded forms or web coming from a folder and separator and moving to a conveyor. A table is positioned adjacent and in line with the conveyor and in a position for receiving a horizontally-extending stack of folded forms disposed on the table top. The table is a tiltable table and is able to be tilted from a substantially-horizontal position to a substantially-vertical position to likewise move the stack from a horizontal to a vertical stack position. A cart is movable to a position adjacent to the tilted table for receiving from the table the vertical stack for support on the cart. The cart can include a plurality of storage locations that can each be provided with a stack.

Abstract: A high speed sheet feeder for use with utilization devices that process sheets comprises a source of sheets, that can include a web cutter and a transport unit having a surface along which the sheets travel in a downstream direction. The surface can include a pair of conveyors that act as sheet justifiers and have at downstream ends thereof wait stations that can comprise pairs of nip rollers. Sheets are halted at each wait station and simultaneously passed along the surface as a sheet request signal is received from the utilization device. The transport unit can further include a bump/turn module that receives sheets from the conveyors and passes them at 90.degree. angle to their initial direction of travel into the utilization device via a port in the utilization device adapted to feed sheets upon request.

Abstract: A machine for feeding rolls of web material to a utilization device that is adapted to draw the web material into the utilization device. The roll machine includes a frame carrying a carriage that supports a pair of arms having respective chucks that are adapted to move toward and away from each other for engaging and disengaging with the core of a roll that is being supported and fed. An overhead drive arrangement is used for driving the periphery of the roll in combination with a torque roller for maintaining tension in the web. A gravity loop of the material has its position sensed for control of the roll drive means in a manner to match the rate of use by the utilization device. The drive arrangement may also include a motor that directly drives the roll core. The chucks driving the roll core may further be adaptable to variably support various roll core diameters and may include structures for positively gripping the core.

Abstract: A system for stacking continuous folded forms coming from a folder and moving to a conveyor. A table is position adjacent and in line with the conveyor and in a position for receiving a horizontal stack of folded forms disposed on the table top. The table is a tiltable table and is able to be tilted from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position to likewise move the stack from a horizontal to a vertical stack position. A cart is movable to a position adjacent to the tilted table for receiving from the table the vertical stack for support on the cart.

Abstract: A web error recovery divert system is provided. A web is printed and scanned for errors. An error is identified in a grouping of sections or pages. A replacement grouping of sections or pages is printed. The replacement grouping includes an identifying mark or banner page indicating the presence of a replacement section. The web is redirected through a cutter and diverter that identifies the banner page and, at the appropriate locations, cuts and removes the grouping having the error. The replacement grouping and the remainder of the web is driven to a post-processing unit for further operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding sheets using a reactivatable printing substance such as toner comprises a printing device for applying printing toner to a binding edge of a sheet. Printing text can be applied simultaneously to the sheet by the printing device. The sheet is transferred through a preheat station to an overlay location where additional sheets having strips of toner adjacent to a binder edge thereof are overlaid, one at a time. As each sheet is overlaid, the toner strip on the preceding sheet is fused to the uppermost sheet or by another from of sealing energy. Such fusing can be accomplished using a heated platen or wheel that bears upon the uppermost sheet. An opposing toner strip can be applied to the lower face of the uppermost sheet so that a pair of opposing toner strips on each of the opposing sheets are fused to each other.

Abstract: A high speed sheet feeder for use with utilization devices that process sheets comprises a source of sheets, that can include a web cutter and a transport unit having a surface along which the sheets travel in a downstream direction. The surface can include a pair of conveyors that act as sheet justifiers and have at downstream ends thereof wait stations that can comprise pairs of nip rollers. Sheets are halted at each wait station and simultaneously passed along the surface as a sheet request signal is received from the utilization device. The transport unit can further include a bump/turn module that receives sheets from the conveyors and passes them at a 90.degree. angle to their initial direction of travel into the utilization device via a port in the utilization device adapted to feed sheets upon request.

Abstract: A system for conveying folded web and forming discrete stacks of folded web comprising a conveyor that receives a stack of folded output web from a web folder and separator. The conveyor drives the web from an upstream end, adjacent the web folder and separator, to a downstream end. A supporting surface, which can comprise a plurality of pivoting rails biased by a spring, selectively supports the web remote from and off of the conveyor so that a compressed stack can be formed adjacent the folder and separator. At selected times, the stack is moved by the supporting surface into communication with the folder and separator so that it can be conveyed downstream. An elevator platform can be located at the downstream location for receiving successive stacks thereon. The elevator ascends and descends so that the tops of the successive stacks are aligned with the conveyor for receipt of a further stack thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking and separating sheets of web material provides a conveyor for transporting the sheets from a source of sheets. The sheets are conveyed in a stream that is aligned in a downstream direction from a source to a stacking location. A kicker mechanism is located along the conveyor to offset sheets in a direction that is substantially transverse to the downstream direction. A stacking mechanism is positioned at the stacking location for receiving each sheet from the conveyor and overlaying each sheet into a stack that extends downstream in a horizontal orientation that is substantially parallel to the ground. The kicker mechanism may include an elastomeric foot that engages and withdraws from each selected sheet to drive it transversely to the downstream direction. The sheets may be cut from a continuous web source.

Abstract: A system and method for incorporating, in the production of a continuous stream of images, by an image transfer device upon a moving web, post-production operations upon the web at various locations. Locations of a web, having a plurality of images placed thereon, output from an image transfer device are tracked. Specific operations at various locations upon the web are performed by a post-production device as the web passes through it. The web is directed from the image transfer device to the post-production device. In response to the tracking of locations upon the web, the point when a location has entered the post-production device is determined. In response to this determination, the post-production device is commanded to perform its specific operation at a connect location.

Abstract: A trough structure is provided for bending a web of paper widthwise to provide beam strength and controllability to the web of paper, for aiding in guiding the web of paper in a straight path. The trough structure causes the paper to curl widthwise to conform with the shape of the trough structure. The trough structure comprises a concave or convex lower wall upon which the paper flows, open ends through which the paper flows, and shoulders which attach to both sides of the lower wall and extend substantially horizontally from the sides of the lower wall to symmetrical positions above the lower wall. The shoulders act to contain the paper in the trough structure and guide the paper through the trough structure. A drive roll is provided for driving the paper through the trough structure. No buckling of the paper is caused when any slight misalignment occurs between the paper and the drive roll, and this slight misalignment is self-correcting due to the edge guiding function of the trough structure.