Abstract: In a method and device for controlling several stepping motor modules in printing or copying machines, sets of ramp data are centrally calculated in a computer in a calculation phase and are transmitted via a bus system to one logic unit each in a loading phase. The ramp data are stored in the stepping motor modules in non-volatile memories and are loaded to corresponding main memories depending on operating conditions. When a stepping motor module is operational, the current set of ramp data is transmitted by a control unit. A start signal transmitted by the control unit initiates the conversion of the set of ramp data selected in the corresponding logic unit into impulses of variable distance.

Abstract: A printing device, in particular a printer or a copier, and method for its operation which includes a first electrographic printing unit for printing an image pattern on a sheet-type material in a first transfer printing transport path as well as a second electrographic printing unit for printing an image pattern on a sheet-type material in a second transfer printing transport path, and further including an input section via which the sheet-type material can be supplied individually one after the other to both the first and second electrographic printing units, and further having an output section via which the printed sheet-type material from either the first or second electrographic printing units is ejected individually one after the other. The first and second printing units are in first and second transfer printing transport paths that are connected by connecting paths that form first and second rings.

Abstract: A printer or copier has a paper feeder provided with a plurality of compartments which hold paper for feeding the paper to the printer and a circuit to control conveying of the paper to the printer. The paper feeder includes a drive to move the paper from the paper compartments to a conveying path where it is carried to the printer. A branching portion is provided in the conveying path. Further paper feeders may be connected in series to the first paper feeder, each paper feeder having a plurality of paper compartments and feeding the paper out of a lower paper feed path to the next paper feeder device.

Abstract: A printing device, in particular a printer or a copier, which includes a first electrographic printing unit for printing an image pattern on a sheet-type material in a first transfer printing transport path as well as a second electrographic printing unit for printing an image pattern on a sheet-type material in a second transfer printing transport path, and further including an input section via which the sheet-type material can be supplied individually one after the other to both the first and second electrographic printing units, and further having an output section via which the printed sheet-type material from either the first or second electrographic printing units is ejected individually one after the other.

Abstract: An active switching mechanism is used for diverting paper sheets from a first area (A) to either possible paths (ab or ac). The sheets along the first path (ab) can be directly conveyed to a second area (B), and the sheets along the second path (ac) can be directed through a passive switching mechanism (4) to a third area (C), the direction of the moving sheets being reversed through a reversing mechanism, thereby enabling said sheets to be conveyed in the reverse direction from the third area (C) along a third path (cb) to the second area (B), using a passive switching device (4).

Abstract: A method for operating a printer or copier is disclosed.