Abstract: A crown cap and closing device. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A lid-container assembly made of synthetic plastic material suitable for the transportation and storage of hazardous materials in conformity to the UN standard. The container includes a bottom and a substantially cylindrical or cone trunk side wall having an upper edge that bounds an access opening. The container is provided with a first external annular strip provided with a first circular rib and with at least one second circular rib for snap fitting of the lid. The lid includes a central part and a peripheral wall that conforms to the side wall of the container and further includes a second external annular strip that releasably engages the corresponding external annular strip of the container. The second external annular strip has an upper annular element that connects to the peripheral wall by an upturned U-shaped upper annular channel, and includes a lower annular element inserted into a lower annular channel in the form of an upwards pointing U, and an intermediate annular element for tear opening.

Abstract: A container provided with a sealing lid comprises a jar (11), a lid (12) for closing the jar, a rubber sealing ring (13), adapted to be interposed between an upper edge (17) of the jar (11) and a lower flange (18) of the lid (12), and a wire-shaped hooking element (14) of the lid (12) to the jar (11) for closing the container. The jar (11) is provided, in the proximity of its upper edge (17), with a collar (21) radially projecting from the jar side surface (22) so as to define below a circumferential step-like seat (23). The wire-shaped hooking element (14) is shaped with a pair of pivoting ends (20) rotatably received inside respective holes (19) in the lid (12) and with at least one curvilinear locking portion (24), in an intermediate position with respect to said pivoting ends (20).

Abstract: A cap (100) for a container comprises a disc-shaped top section (102), an annular side section (104) projecting from said disc-shaped top section (102), and a locking flange (111) disposed at an extremity of said annular side section (104) opposite said disc-shaped top section (102), and further comprises a locking flap (116) extending from said annular side section (104), which is mobile between a locked first position wherein a portion (114) of the locking flange (111) extends inwardly from the annular side section (104), and an unlocked second position wherein the locking flange (111) is at least partially recessed relative to the annular side section (104).

Abstract: A flow control device (20) and process are provided for controlling the flow of a pressurized fluid substance from a supply system (22). The device (20) includes a housing (30/40) that defines an orifice (84) for communicating between the supply system (22) that has an outlet end defining a discharge opening (57). The device 20 further includes a valve (140) having a flexible, resilient valve head (160) that has confronting, openable portions (186) movable from a closed configuration to an open configuration when the valve head (160) is subjected to a pressure differential acting across the valve head (160). The valve (140) is located across the housing outlet end discharge opening (57) so that the valve (140) and the housing (30/40) together define an expansion chamber (198) between the orifice (84) and the valve (140).

Abstract: A tamper-evident cap (2) for engagement to a container closure plug (100), the cap including a panel (10) having a container closure plug-facing side and a preweakened region defining a tear strip (17), the tear strip having a tear strip pin (30) extending from the closure plug-facing side and configured for receipt by the container closure plug, a sidewall (12) extending from the closure plug-facing side, and a center post (20) extending axially from a central region of the panel, wherein the center post is configured to engage the container closure plug, the center post having a post preweakened region.

Abstract: Containers are described that allow a consumer to see inside the container and to more easily access the products. One form of the container includes a base member with a lid defining a window. A flexible laminate with a peelable flap portion is attached to the lid to provide access to the products inside. The flexible laminate includes a first film layer laminated to a second film layer. The first film layer includes a first cut line defining a peelable flap portion and the second film layer includes a second cut line offset from the first cut line that defines an opening into the container. First and second reclose surfaces defined between the cut lines on the corresponding film layers include pressure-sensitive adhesive to allow the container to be re-sealed via movement of the peelable flap portion back into engagement with the flexible laminate remaining with the container.

Abstract: An ergonomic leakproof travel container comprising a body member having a front side, a back side, and a continuous sidewall, wherein the continuous sidewall has an outer surface and inner surface forming a hollow interior; a first lid member hingedly attached to the body member via a first hinge member; a second lid member independent from the first lid member, wherein the second lid member is hingedly attached to the body member via the first hinge member, a chambered storage insert sized and shaped to fit in the hollow interior; a latch member attached to a second hinge member on the front side, wherein the latch member is configured to secure the first lid and second lid in a closed position; a first gasket positioned between the body member and the second lid creating a first leakproof seal; and a second gasket positioned between the chambered storage insert and the second lid creating a second leakproof seal.

Abstract: A secure flexible and lockable container or cover in which to store items, keep items out of sight or to protect the items being covered and adaptable for use in vehicles comprising a multi-layered sheet which includes an intermediate mesh-like theft-proof layer having an outer surrounding adjustable cable with a locking mechanism, one or more tension anchors to secure the unit in place to a fixed article, a locking mechanism, an anchor mounting platform and cable stays.

Abstract: A joint compound system is provided including a main container of base joint compound; and an additive container isolated from the base joint compound and housing at least one and preferably multiple additive packages constructed and arranged so that the additive packages are protected from exposure to moisture prior to their ultimate mixing with the base joint compound.

Abstract: A reusable closure system is disclosed for flexible packaging applications. The system generally includes base and lid portions. The base portion can be bonded to underlying package material and includes first and second fields of touch fasteners separated by a multi-layer buffer zone. The buffer zone can be at least in part co-located with a frangible region of underlying package material. In some embodiments, the buffer zone is substantially free of active bonding agent, such that there is little or no active bonding agent overlapping the frangible region. One of the touch fastener fields of the base can be deployed at least partially within the area defined by the frangible region. The other touch fastener field is deployed around the buffer zone. The lid portion can be bonded to the package material and/or base portion, and includes a hinge and another touch fastener field to mate with the base fields.

Abstract: A chemical storage container enables easy installation of a chemical nozzle and a pressurized gas supply nozzle. The chemical storage container includes a metal can having a top opening, a chemical storage bag disposed in the metal can and an ejection member mounted to the chemical storage bag. The top opening of the metal can is closed by a lid to which a chemical nozzle and a pressurized gas supply nozzle are mounted. The chemical nozzle penetrates through the ejection member. A pressurized gas from the pressurized gas supply nozzle is supplied through the ejection member into a pressurization space formed between the metal can and the chemical storage bag.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for providing protection against forces directed to an item (or items) is disclosed. The packaging apparatus designed to protect the item during, for example, transport of the item subject to sudden movement by a transportation vehicle (carrying the item) that may cause other items to contact the item. The packaging apparatus may include one or more force bearing features, each of which may include a fill material positioned to provide a counterforce against a force (or forces) in a direction toward the item. The packaging apparatus is also suitable for protecting cylindrical objects (such as drums) during transport. In this regard, several force bearing features disposed on opposing sides of a base member. Further, a strap can be secured to the transport vehicle to combine to provide additional force acting against unwanted movement of the items.

Abstract: A two part adhesive packaging system is provided. The packaging system includes two containers for holding a two-part adhesive. The packaging system further includes a connector having two ports for communicating with the containers. A mixing nozzle is attachable to the containers. The mixing nozzle includes a membrane disposed therein. The membrane is configured to break upon application of a sufficient force thereon, such as by pumping or pushing the two-part adhesive from the containers.

Abstract: A flowable material dispenser including a barrel defining a cylindrical interior volume for holding a flexible material bag containing a flowable material. A nozzle is attached to the first end of the barrel for discharging the flowable material through a nozzle hole; and a closure is disposed on the second end. A center nut disposed on the closure holds a threaded drive rod threadably and rotatably inserted in the center nut. The drive rod includes an inner end and an outer end. Drive structure for imparting rotational forces to the drive rod moves the drive rod reciprocally and axially within the cylindrical interior volume of the barrel to twist and wring out flowable material contained within the flexible material bag.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing product that includes a dispenser body having first and second interior sections, a lid, and a release mechanism. Product in the first interior section passes through an opening in the second interior portion and into an inner channel for dispensing. The inner channel includes a prong that prevent product from reverting back to the first interior section. The lid includes a lip that, when the dispenser is closed, creates a seal about the inner channel. When the dispenser is to be opened, the user may activate the release mechanism, which includes an upper portion and an activation portion. The user inwardly presses the release activation portion, which deflects or bends a portion of the inner channel away from the lip. The user may also downwardly press on the release mechanism to release the upper portion from engagement with the lip and the sidewall.

Abstract: A capsule includes a deformable and/or compressible casing provided with a base wall and a side wall defining a cavity suitable for containing an initial product to be combined with a fluid to make a final product. The deformable base wall is provided with an outlet passage for the outflow and dispensing of the final product, and when the casing is compressed and/or crushed, it changes from an initial configuration to a final configuration. The capsule further includes a closing device inside the cavity, substantially facing and adjacent to the base wall and provided with a closing portion arranged inside the cavity for engaging and closing the outlet passage in the initial configuration of the base wall, and for disengaging and opening the outlet passage, so as to dispense the final product through the outlet passage in the final configuration of the base wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel head (1) for a vessel (30), comprising: a vaulted dish area (2) having a vault radius R, a connecting contour (5) comprising in a first contour section (6) a first radius of curvature (r1) and in a second contour section (7), a second radius of curvature (r2), wherein the first radius of curvature (r1) is larger than the second radius of curvature (r2) and a knuckle area (3) surrounding the dish area (2) and tracing the connecting contour (5) is configured between the connecting contour (5) and the dish area (2) comprising, extending along the first contour section (6), a first knuckle section (10) having a first knuckle radius (r1k1) and a second knuckle section (12) having a second knuckle radius (r1k2). The invention further relates to a tool and a method of manufacturing such a vessel head (1).

Abstract: A system and methodology facilitates the handling of oilfield material. The oilfield material is stored in at least one silo which enables use of gravity to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other suitable equipment. Each modular silo is transportable and may be engaged with a support structure via a pivot connection. Once engaged, the silo is pivoted to a raised, upright position on the support structure. The oilfield material is then moved to an interior of the silo, and gravity may be used to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other equipment in a controlled manner.

Abstract: Containers for disposal of waste materials, used or unused having desired burn properties. The containers have tailored or engineered properties based on material construction so that they are burnable and alter burn properties of the source materials, used or unused, contained therein. The containers may also include cavities into which accelerants, retarders, combustion aids, fuel value enhancing agents, additives to change an ash composition, other additives or the like are added.

Abstract: A storage system having at least two parallel racks and an aisle extending between respective sets of adjacent racks, through which shuttles can move forward and backward over respective guides parallel to the racks on a multitude of superposed levels for placing products in storage positions and/or removing products from storage positions. The storage system further includes a maintenance cart which can be moved through an aisle and which defines a working space for an individual, bounded at least partially by a frame of the maintenance cart, for carrying out maintenance from the working space on a shuttle, wherein the frame extends over at least two levels of the multitude of levels and forms a screen for the working space against shuttles in the aisle in question. The maintenance cart can be moved over a guide for the shuttles through an aisle.

Abstract: A scraper for use on a scraper chain conveyor, the scraper having an upper element and a lower element. A chain bed for receiving at least one horizontal chain link and at least one vertical chain link is formed in both upper and lower elements. The upper element and lower element are connected together by means of form-fit surfaces provided on the upper element and the lower element, such that these form-fit surfaces engage with each other when the two elements are assembled for operation to form a form-fit lock. A chain link presses from behind against the lower element or the upper element of the scraper in the direction of transport and this force reinforces the form-fit lock between the two elements.

Abstract: A conveyor flight for a chain comprising at least two spaced apart links, and two side plates that connect the links, with each side plate including two spaced apart extension pins extending from the side plate. The flight comprises a metal support, and the metal support includes two spaced apart cylindrical portions adapted to receive the two spaced apart extension pins. The flight also includes a flexible casing surrounding the metal support.

Abstract: An endless egg conveyor is provided. The conveyor includes an endless element running around a set of rotational wheels and a drive unit defining a conveying direction. The conveyor has an upper run and a lower run and head sections where the direction of movement of the endless element is reversed. The conveyor also includes an egg retaining pocket coupled to the endless element, moving in the conveying direction. The retaining pocket has a central axis and an upper receiving opening to receive an egg with a longitudinal axis of the egg aligned with the central axis. The retaining pocket is coupled to the endless element by a bearing structure allowing rotation of the retaining pocket around a rotational axis extending parallel to the rotational axes of the rotational wheels, allowing the retaining pockets to remain in an upright position in every position in the lane.

Abstract: A sewer and/or road cleaning vehicle is provided. The cleaning vehicle includes a dirt removal container with a central longitudinal barrel axis, container walls and a container bottom. The dirt removal container has a shape of a barrel and is arranged to accommodate and transport mineral dirt residues collected during cleaning. A clearing device is provided to empty out the dirt removal container. The clearing device includes a conveying screw and is arranged on a carrier inside the dirt removal container. The carrier is pivoted around the central longitudinal barrel axis by a pivoting drive so that the conveying screw is laterally deflected in a first and in a second direction along the container walls relative to a center position associated with the container bottom. A discharge screw assembly is arranged downstream of, and transversely to, the conveying screw to discharge the mineral dirt residues outwardly.

Abstract: A sample transfer device has sample container transfer mechanisms which are arranged between a conveyance path for conveying a sample container holder to one of plural analysis devices. A sample container housing a sample is mounted in the sample container holder. The sample container transfer mechanisms transfer the sample container between the sample container holder and a sample container rack, which is used for mounting the sample container in the analysis device and for conveyance. The sample transfer device determines whether or not an analysis device is in a state suitable for receiving the sample container, and if the analysis device is determined not to be in a state suitable for receiving, controls the sample container transfer mechanism to convey the sample container to the other analysis device via the conveyance path. In this way, it is possible to suppress delays in analysis processing and decreases in throughput.

Abstract: A tube conveyor with a device for protecting the conveyor belt of the tube conveyor against volumetric overloading, the tube conveyor containing a middle part, situated between a filling site and a discharge site. The conveyor belt coiled essentially into the shape of a tube by the action of rollers mounted on roller stands, a measuring stand is arranged behind the filling site, the measuring stand comprising a stationary frame and a swiveling frame able to pivot relative to the stationary frame, the stationary frame comprising lower rollers mounted beneath a horizontal transverse axis of the coiled conveyor belt, the swiveling frame having upper inclined rollers mounted above the horizontal transverse axis of the coiled conveyor belt and having a force measuring device provided for continuous detection of the loading forces transferred from the conveyor belt, and provided for sending signals representing the loading forces to a control unit.

Abstract: A system is for monitoring a conveyor belt configured to be used as an at least partially enclosed belt conveyor and defining a longitudinal direction. An antenna is embedded in the conveyor belt and extends in the longitudinal direction. The system includes a transmitter for inducing an electrical field in the antenna and a detector for detecting the electrical field induced in the antenna. The transmitter and the detector are arranged in a spaced relationship with respect to the longitudinal direction so as to reduce cross talk between the transmitter and the detector. The conveyor belt is configured to move in the longitudinal direction and convey the antenna past the detector and the transmitter. The spaced relationship and the length of the antenna are mutually configured such that the antenna couples the transmitter to the detector longitudinally as the antenna moves past the detector and the transmitter.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a connection part rotatably mounted to a rotatable member. The connection part is in the form of a disc 36 of plastics material, with a central cavity with four radial passages extending therefrom leading to nozzles for steam to pass therethrough for cleaning purposes. In use the disc is rotated at a required speed to, for instance, clean a conveyor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for aligning preforms in a row and righting same, the device including a bowl centrifuge formed by: a horizontal circular platen rotating about a vertical axis; a fixed peripheral rail; at least a first angular sector for aligning the preforms against the rail; and at least a second angular sector for righting the preforms. The device includes a unit for actively ejecting incorrectly aligned preforms from the row of correctly aligned and righted preforms.

Abstract: A singulator conveyor system having conveyors arranged in adjacent parallel configuration for separating and orienting side-by-side packages having unequal loading, different sized packages (e.g., boxes, flats and softpacks), partially filled bags, long and slender articles, and packages having an offset center of gravity. Two of more small items abreast of one another are separated while permitting large items to pass thorough the singulator even when the item is a large bag of small items. A first conveyor lane includes a high friction surface for conveying articles forward along a vertical side wall. A second conveyor adjacent thereto has a low friction surface including both forward and lateral conveying forces urging parcels forward and away from the first conveyor and side wall toward a third conveyor having a high friction conveying surface wherein the longitudinal edge of the second conveyor is below the first conveyor and above the third conveyor.

Abstract: A goods to operator workstation is attachable to an input and a discharge conveyor system. The goods to operator workstation comprises a container staging platform that receives a product container from the input conveyor system and linearly moves the product container to an order pick position for an operator to pick articles from. A holding platform is pivotally movable between the order pick position and a discharge position to discharge a picked order container onto the discharge conveyor system after picking. Wherein when the holding platform moves back to the order pick position, the holding platform passes through the staging platform to transfer the order container from the staging platform to the holding platform so that the staging platform can retract and receive a new order container from the input conveyor system while the operator is picking.

Abstract: A material handling system includes a belted conveyor that longitudinally transports low profile articles. An actuating mechanism selectively positions a counter rotating cylindrical roller brush diagonal across the conveyor surface to divert the low profile articles to a lateral destination off a side of the belted conveyor and can position the cylindrical roller brush away the belted conveyor to allow the low profile articles to transport to a longitudinal destination at a terminal end of the belted conveyor.

Abstract: A container filling plant for handling different containers, and a method of operating a container filling plant for handling different containers. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A separation/collection device is provided in a paper sheet conveyance device for generating an airstream in a conveyance duct and for conveying a paper sheet inserted into the conveyance duct by being pushed from behind by a conveyance subsidiary body moving in the conveyance duct by receiving the airstream. The separation/collection device separates and collects the conveyance subsidiary body and the paper sheet at an ending portion of a conveyance path. The separation/collection device includes a separation unit that passes the paper sheet pushed and conveyed by the conveyance subsidiary body, in a downstream direction, and that stops the conveyance subsidiary body by contacting the conveyance subsidiary body with the separation unit, a tubular path part that receives the paper sheet output from the separation unit, and a rib provided on an inner wall of the path part.

Abstract: A post-processing apparatus includes a side edge part removing portion that removes a side edge part from a sheet; a side edge part housing portion that houses the removed side edge part and is able to be pulled out from an apparatus body; a guide plate that is inclined in a direction intersecting with a moving direction of the side edge part and guides the removed side edge part along the moving direction to the housing portion; and a second guide plate that is arranged between the housing portion and the guide plate, and is transformable into a first form having substantially mountain-shaped inclined surfaces in which both end portions of the second guide plate along the moving direction are lower than a center portion thereof, and a second form having substantially valley-shaped inclined surfaces in which both the end portions are higher than the center portion.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a sheet conveyance apparatus comprises a roller, an acceleration sensor, and a controller. The roller conveys a sheet. The acceleration sensor is attached to the roller to output a signal indicating a direction of gravitational acceleration applied to the roller at the time the roller rotates. The controller acquires cumulative angle at which the roller rotates based on the signal output by the acceleration sensor. The controller determines whether to replace the roller based on the cumulative angle acquired by the rotation angle acquisition section.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting the presence of metallic objects in media to be conveyed in a medium transport system is disclosed. One or more metal detectors are included in the medium transport system to detect the presence of metal in the medium being transported. Signals from the metal detectors are sent to a system processor, which analyzes the signals, and produces proximity, duration, and/or intensity values therefrom. One or more microphones may also be included which detect the sound created as the medium is being transported. The processor computes sound values from the microphone signals, and analyzes the computed sound values along with the proximity, duration, and/or intensity values in order determine if the conveyance of the medium along the transport path should be stopped due to the presence of metal in the media or a jam occurring within the medium transport path.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting the presence of metallic objects in media to be conveyed in a medium transport system is disclosed. One or more metal detectors are included in the medium transport system to detect the presence of metal in the medium being transported. Signals from the metal detectors are sent to a system processor, which analyzes the signals, and produces proximity, duration, and/or intensity values therefrom. One or more microphones may also be included which detect the sound created as the medium is being transported. The processor computes sound values from the microphone signals, and analyzes the computed sound values along with the proximity, duration, and/or intensity values in order determine if the conveyance of the medium along the transport path should be stopped due to the presence of metal in the media or a jam occurring within the medium transport path.

Abstract: A sheet detecting apparatus has an abutment member against which a leading edge of a conveyed sheet abuts, a holding member with a positioning portion to hold the abutment member, and an indicator flag moving in association with movement of the abutment member. The abutment member moves between an abutment position and a retracted position, the holding member moves between a first position and a second position retracted from the first position, the abutment member is pushed by the leading edge of the sheet when the holding member is at the first position, with the push moving the holding member to the second position, the holding member is moved in a direction away from the first position so that the leading edge of the sheet is separated from the abutment surface, and the holding member moves from the second position to the first position when the abutment member is pushed by the sheet to the retracted position.

Abstract: A web path for conveying a web material includes at least two support rollers contacting a single major surface of the web material, wherein the web material is of indefinite length and has a first and a second edge. A first support roller contacts a first edge region of the web material, and a second support roller contacts a second edge region of the web material such that the web material has a substantial un-contacted region between the first and the second support roller including at least about 50% of the width of the web material. At least one of the first support roller and the second support roller are supported on a bowed shaft such that at least one of the first and second support rollers is angled with respect to the direction of motion of the web.

Abstract: A stacker device in an items processing system is a last station of a mail line. The stacker device has a receiving plate to receive flat items, a longitudinal alignment wall, graduated in at least two steps, at a rear side of the stacker device, and a stop wall that is arranged at the downstream end of the receiving plate.

Abstract: There is provided a stacking apparatus capable of stably conveying and stacking sheets without occurrence of damage or buckling of the sheets in the structure of discharging the curled sheets one by one. In regard to each of a plurality of clamp guides which project toward stacking trays from a conveyor to guide sheets S, the projecting position varies in accordance with a size and an amount of stacked sheets on the stack trays. The stacking tray comprises an inclined surface and a curved surface. An upper guide is located to face the inclined surface by a predetermined interval, and the upper guide is located not to face the curved surface or is located to face it by an interval larger than a predetermined interval.

Abstract: Provided is a tape dispenser that easily cuts a tape. A tape dispenser includes a drum mounted with a tape roll, a frame supporting the drum, a guide roller rotatably disposed in the frame and guiding a tape at a front side of the drum, and a cutter blade disposed at a front end of a support of the frame and cutting the tape. Here, the cutter blade includes side ends extending in a tape extending direction from a front end on which a plurality of cutting protrusions are formed, and the front end of the cutter blade inclines with respect to the side ends.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a rotating member including a first end and a second end, the rotating member having an inner surface and defining an axis of rotation that extends from the first end to the second end, a holding member having an inner surface, an outer holding surface, and a collar at a first end of the holding member, the inner surface enclosing an engaging portion of the rotating member, the holding member configured to rotate relative to the rotating member, and a cap attached to the first end of the rotating member and retaining the holding member on the rotating member, the collar of the holding member positioned at least partially directly between an end surface at the first end of the rotating member and a stop surface of the cap, an end gap between the end surface and the stop surface providing clearance for the collar.

Abstract: A coating film transfer tool has a head part in order to provide a coating film transfer tool that is capable of reducing operation failure of an internal mechanism such as a rotation transmission mechanism, and improving feeling of use. The head part is provided with a transfer roller for transferring a coating film layer of a transfer tape T to a transferred surface by abutting on a back side of the transfer tape T. In addition, the head part is provided with a debris removal roller for removing debris of the coating film layer of the transfer tape T adhering to the transfer roller. The debris removal roller is disposed at a rear of the transfer roller and is arranged in close proximity to or in contact with the transfer roller.

Abstract: A post-processing unit in an image forming apparatus includes a stapler, an exit tray, a height detector, and a shifting controller. The stapler staples a sheet sheaf. The exit tray is configured to be elevated and lowered and to receive the sheet sheaf stapled by the stapler. The height detector detects a height of the sheet sheaf on the exit tray. The shifting controller shifts the sheet sheaf to be ejected in a situation in which the stapler staples one location at a trailing end of the sheet sheaf in a conveyance direction of the sheet sheaf. The shifting controller shifts the sheet sheaf in a front-rear direction, which is a direction perpendicular to a vertical direction and to the conveyance direction of the sheet sheaf, so that the stapled location in the sheet sheaf on the exit tray matches a detection point of the height detector.

Abstract: A binding device includes a first pushing member that includes protrusions along one direction and that pushes a recording-material bundle as a result of pushing the protrusions against one of surfaces of the recording-material bundle, the protrusions disposed side by side in a direction that intersects the one direction; and a second pushing member that includes protrusions along the one direction and that pushes the recording-material bundle as a result of pushing the protrusions against the other surface of the recording-material bundle, the protrusions disposed side by side in the direction that intersects the one direction, wherein, in at least one end portion in the one direction of each protrusion of at least one of the first pushing member and the second pushing member, a hollow is disposed in a top portion of each protrusion.

Abstract: According to embodiments, a sheet post-processing apparatus includes a processing tray, a vertical alignment section, a horizontal alignment section and a controller. The controller is configured to control the horizontal alignment section to shift the sheet to a first alignment position a predetermined distance from the center of the processing tray in the sheet width direction, control the horizontal alignment section to align the sheet in the sheet width direction at the first alignment position, and control the vertical alignment section to align the sheet in the conveying direction at the first alignment position, control the horizontal alignment section to realign the sheet at the first alignment position.

Abstract: A delivery system is used for delivering printed sheets which can be fed in a region of an inlet side of a delivery device. The delivery device includes at least one first discharge station and one second discharge station which is mounted downstream of the first discharge station, which is upstream in the transport path. The delivery stations are associated respectively with a format or transport-relevant device which can be controlled by a drive including a control element for adapting or correcting the guiding and delivery of the sheets in the relevant discharge station. At a delivery device level upstream of a lateral inlet in a stacking space of the upstream second discharge station, at least one operator interface, with at least one actuating device is provided.