Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a modular printing system has a plurality of modules for processing sheets. One module is a collator module configured to retain the sheets. The collator module has a collator controller and sensors linked to the collator controller. The sensors are arranged to detect erroneously processed sheets. The collator controller is configured to generate an error signal in response to detection of an error. The collator module also includes a feed assembly for presenting the sheets. A printer module is configured to receive sheets presented by the feed assembly. The printer module includes a printer controller and sensors linked to the printer controller. The sensors are arranged to detect erroneously processed sheets and to generate an error signal in response to detection of an error. The module printing system also includes a system controller linked to the collator controller and the printer controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for indexing a seal roll which is engagable by a heat seal head to prevent the contact area of said heat seal head from successive landing at the same location on the seal roll includes a driven pulley mounted coaxially with the seal roll and components for indexing to turn the driven pulley. The components include a rocker mounted on a common axis with a drive pulley via a one-way clutch and an actuator connected eccentrically to the rocker such that reciprocating motion of the actuator rotates the rocker in opposite directions. In one direction, the rocker rotates the drive pulley via the one-way clutch to index the roll via the drive belt and driven pulley. In an opposite direction, the clutch permits rotation of the rocker in the opposite direction free of rotation of the drive pulley. A brake member is connected to the rocker eccentrically of the common axis, the brake member clamping the drive belt against a stop member for seizing rotation of the roll during the heat seal procedure.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a modular printing system has a plurality of modules for processing sheets. One module is a collator module configured to retain the sheets. The collator module has a collator controller and sensors linked to the collator controller. The sensors are arranged to detect erroneously processed sheets. The collator controller is configured to generate an error signal in response to detection of an error. The collator module also includes a feed assembly for presenting the sheets. A printer module is configured to receive sheets presented by the feed assembly. The printer module includes a printer controller and sensors linked to the printer controller. The sensors are arranged to detect erroneously processed sheets and to generate an error signal in response to detection of an error. The module printing system also includes a system controller linked to the collator controller and the printer controller.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a modular printing system has a plurality of modules for processing sheets. One module is a collator module configured to retain the sheets. The collator module has a collator controller and sensors linked to the collator controller. The sensors are arranged to detect erroneously processed sheets. The collator controller is configured to generate an error signal in response to detection of an error. The collator module also includes a feed assembly for presenting the sheets. A printer module is configured to receive sheets presented by the feed assembly. The printer module includes a printer controller and sensors linked to the printer controller. The sensors are arranged to detect erroneously processed sheets and to generate an error signal in response to detection of an error. The module printing system also includes a system controller linked to the collator controller and the printer controller.