Abstract: An actuator including a pneumatically distended elastomer membrane that is pressurized and depressurized using electrostatically actuated flap valves laminated onto a printed circuit board. The flap valves close only at zero pressure gradients and flows so that elevated closing and hold-off pressures are achieved. Fluid expelled from the elastomer membranes during collapse are vented through a wall of the actuator. An air jet object mover utilizes an array of the pneumatic actuators as valves to open and close air jet vents. A fiber optic micro-switch utilizes pneumatic actuators to position a mirror.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved cutting of an object is provided. The object can take the form of many different structures including thin formations that require cutting precision, support, and dimensional control. In accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention, the method of cutting a member uses a laser and begins with the step of providing a template removably adhered to the member. The laser then projects through the template, without intersecting with the template, to cut the member and manufacture the desired formation. The laser does not intersect with, and therefore does not cut, the template structure and cause excess laser cutting dust.

Abstract: A media transport array for forming sequential media streams feeding a media processing system in which serial flows, parallel flows, or both are desired are structured from standard, batch fabricatable media path modules. Each media path module includes a frame unit, intermodule latching means, media control electronics, and media state sensing electronics. Within each media path module, at least one media transport nip receives media and passes it to an independently actuated media director. Media guides support media as it moves into and out of the media director.

Abstract: An actuator including a pneumatically distended elastomer membrane that is pressurized and depressurized using electrostatically actuated flap valves laminated onto a printed circuit board. The flap valves close only at zero pressure gradients and flows so that elevated closing and hold-off pressures are achieved. Fluid expelled from the elastomer membranes during collapse are vented through a wall of the actuator. An air jet object mover utilizes an array of the pneumatic actuators as valves to open and close air jet vents. A fiber optic micro-switch utilizes pneumatic actuators to position a mirror.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved cutting of an object is provided. The object can take the form of many different structures including thin formations that require cutting precision, support, and dimensional control. In accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention, the method of cutting a member uses a laser and begins with the step of providing a template removably adhered to the member. The laser then projects through the template, without intersecting with the template, to cut the member and manufacture the desired formation. The laser does not intersect with, and therefore does not cut, the template structure and cause excess laser cutting dust.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sensing the position, size, shape and location orientation of one or more objects in two dimensions. The position sensor uses arrays of light sensors mounted on a substrate. When an object passes in proximity to the light sensors light energy from a plurality of light sources is either reflected from the object to the light sensors, or is emitted directly to the light sensors. The light energy is then converted to individual signals and transmitted through circuit traces in a printed circuit board to a local controller. The information may then be processed to determine the size, position, shape and location orientation of an object.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging books or other bound documents which includes a cradle for supporting a book and an optical system positioned above the cradle. The optical system is mounted for movement along a vertical axis toward and away from the cradle. It includes an upper portion supporting a camera and mirror arrangement and a lower portion comprising a platen assembly. The upper and lower portions are mounted for independent movement along the vertical axis over a first range of travel remote from the cradle, and are coupled for movement as a single unit over a second range of travel, toward and proximate to the cradle. When the upper and lower portions are coupled, the optical system has an optical path of a predetermined length extending from the platen surface, through the mirror arrangement and through the camera.

Abstract: A device for enhancing the transport of sheets in a printing machine is constructed upstream of the image transfer station to flatten the paper against the transport belt or drum on which it is riding. An air cushion is generated by expelling pressurized air through an array of holes to provide an air bearing for the sheets as it travels in its transport path. The air cushion is designed to flatten the paper against the belt or drum.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for collecting or collimating light for detection. More particularly, the invention is directed to a technique for detecting the edge of an object using an apparatus having a plurality barriers or shield structures that are advantageously aligned with an optical sensor array to collect or spatially filter generated light for improved detection of the light. The invention also relates to methods of forming the structure. Application of the invention is found in the field of detecting edges of objects such as sheets of paper that are fed through imaging devices along a paper path.

Abstract: A flap valve structure having a valve support structure that includes an orifice for modulating fluid flow. A flexible flap valve element is disposed over the orifice to open and close the orifice. The flexible flap valve element has first and second ends. The first end is clamped to the flap valve support structure and the second end of the flap valve is tethered by at least one flexible tether substantially narrower than the width of the first end of the flap valve. The tethers extend from the second end of the flexible flap element and are connected to the flap valve support structure. A control device is connected to the flap valve structure to selectively hold the flexible flap valve element in an open or closed position over the orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging books or other bound volumes which includes a book supporting system and an optical system positioned above the book supporting system and mounted for movement along a vertical axis toward and away from the book support system. The book support system includes an inner platform and an outer platform with the inner platform being mounted for vertical movement relative to the outer platform. A cradle having pivotable side support plates is mounted on the inner platform, and support arms are mounted on the outer platform. The support arms are positioned so that the support plates rest thereon so that as the cradle is moved downwardly, the support arms pivot the side support plates upwardly.

Abstract: A decoupling mechanism is provided for passively or actively decoupling an exhaust from a modular air transport system by diverting an amount of air exiting a channel in a first module in a direction other than the process direction through use of the Coanda effect. This decouples the amount of air from a downstream module. This is achieved by providing edge surfaces of the channel outlet, formed on top and bottom plates of the first air module, so that one of the two edge surfaces has a larger radius of curvature than the other. An air vent formed by a gap between the other of the edges and the second module is also provided to assist in the Coanda effect.

Abstract: A bistable valve useful for paper handling applications is disclosed. The valve can be batch fabricated in two dimensional valve arrays, with each valve in the array being controlled by passive matrix addressing. Typically, each valve includes a valve housing an electrically conductive movable element such as cantilever beam, diaphragm or film. Valve action is provided by use of housing embedded switching electrodes for moving the movable element between an aperture blocking position and an aperture open position. To reduce unswitched movement when the switching electrode bias is reduced or not present, electrostatic or mechanical catches can be used.

Abstract: A roller assembly is provided with openings in its outer surface for selective communication with a source of vacuum or a positive pressure. The openings may be angled along the roller rotational axis to impart a component of velocity to the paper perpendicular to the tangential roller surface velocity. Additionally, by selectively connecting the openings with sources of pressure and vacuum, enhanced paper alignment is achieved, multiple paper feeds eliminated, transitions between different velocities of rollers completed, or paper reverted so that printing can be achieved on first and second sides thereof.

Abstract: A bistable valve useful for paper handling applications is disclosed. The valve can be batch fabricated in two dimensional valve arrays, with each valve in the array being controlled by passive matrix addressing. Typically, each valve includes a valve housing having an aperture plate defining an aperture therethrough, and an opposing plate positioned in spaced apart relationship to the aperture plate. A flexible film or strip is attached at its first end to the aperture plate and at its second end to the opposing plate. Valve action is provided by use of at least two switching electrodes for moving the flexible film between an aperture blocking position and an aperture open position, with at least one of the switching electrodes positioned adjacent to the aperture plate and at least one of the switching electrodes positioned adjacent to the opposing plate. To reduce unswitched movement when the switching electrode bias is reduced or not present, at least two electrostatic or mechanical catches are used.

Abstract: A system for transporting a sheet of material including an actuator, a position sensing system, and a tactile sensor system. The actuator imparts a known force to a sheet, moving it through to the position sensing system, which measures the sheet velocity at various points. Afterward, the sheet moves through the tactile sensor system, which determines the coefficient of friction of the sheet. Given these quantities, a controller can determine the mass of the sheet, which can be used alter the performance of the sheet transport system.

Abstract: A system for measuring the mass of a sheet of material including an actuator, a position sensing system, and a tactile sensor system. The actuator imparts a known force to a sheet, moving it through to the position sensing system, which measures the sheet velocity at various points. Afterward, the sheet moves through the tactile sensor system, which determines the coefficient of friction of the sheet. Given these quantities, a controller can determine the mass of the sheet, which can be used alter the performance of a reproductive machine. A second embodiment of the mass measuring system includes an actuator, a position sensing system, and a subsystem for eliminating friction. The actuator applies a force to a sheet to move it into and through the subsystem. The position sensing system incorporated in the subsystem senses the acceleration of the sheet. Given this quantity, a controller can determine the mass of the sheet.

Abstract: A fluid transport system for moving flexible objects includes a conveyor configured to direct fluid flow against opposite sides of flexible objects. A sensor unit senses motion state of flexible objects, and a motion analysis unit is connected to the sensor unit to calculate relative or absolute movement of flexible objects based on the motion state. Overall movement, position, velocity, and orientation of flexible objects can be determined, as well as internal movement of the object attributable to flexure or edge curling. A motion control unit is connected to the motion analysis unit to modify fluid flow directed against opposite sides of flexible objects, accurately adjusting motion of flexible objects.