Abstract: System and method for adaptively switching a print mode from duplex to simplex. In one embodiment, a processor monitors memory to detect a duplex page followed by multiple contiguous simplex pages. The processor estimates a first time for the duplex sheet corresponding to the duplex page to traverse a duplex media path for switching from a duplex print mode to a simplex print mode. The processor also estimates a second time for simplex sheets corresponding to the multiple contiguous simplex pages to traverse the simplex media path in the simplex print mode, and estimates a third time for the simplex sheets to traverse the duplex media path in the duplex print mode. If the third time is less than a sum of the first time and the second time, the processor modifies the instructions to print the multiple contiguous simplex pages in the duplex print mode.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus including: a housing; first through third conveyance paths, the second and third paths merging with the first conveyance path at a joining position; and a first guide member disposed at the joining position, wherein (a) the first guide member is configured to be kept, in a normal state, at a first position at which the first guide member closes at least part of the first conveyance path and opens the second and third conveyance paths to the first conveyance path, at the joining position and (b) the first guide member is configured to be moved, by contacting a sheet conveyed through the first conveyance path, to a second position at which the first guide member opens the first conveyance path and closes at least part of the second conveyance path and at least part of the third conveyance path with respect to the first conveyance path.

Abstract: A rotary body protecting apparatus includes first and second rotary bodies, a cover, a cover detection unit, an optical detector, and a control device. The second rotary body is arranged in the same axial direction as that of the first rotary body and rotates while opposing the first rotary body. The cover opens/closes an opposing position of the first second rotary bodies. The cover detection unit detects a closed state of the cover. The optical detector is close to the opposing position of the first and second rotary bodies and arranged in the vicinity of the ends of the first and second rotary bodies. The optical detector includes a light-projecting portion which projects light in the axial directions of the first and second rotary bodies, and a light-receiving portion which receives the light from the light-projecting portion.

Abstract: A displacement device for a machine for processing flat printing materials includes a slide displaceable along a displacement path in and counter to a thrust direction, and being divided along the thrust direction into two slide parts. A drag joint forms a mutual connection between the slide parts. The drag joint has a joint axis extending perpendicularly to the displacement path. A machine for processing flat printing materials, such as a sheet-processing rotary printing press, is provided with the displacement device.

Abstract: A printing apparatus and a printing method capable of preventing stacks of printed sheets from falling apart which can occur when continuously printing stacks of sheets of different sheet sizes. A printing press is controlled to suspend printing for removal of printed sheets, to change the storage destination of the printed sheets or to change printing order, based on a result of sequential or simultaneous comparisons between print sizes of a plurality of print data and a previously determined permissible limit.

Abstract: A sheet processing device is provided in a sheet-fed printing press. Sheets are conveyed to a sheet transport cylinder and are processed on the sheet transport cylinder. The sheets are each removed twice from the sheet transport cylinder.

Abstract: A sheet processing device is provided in a sheet-fed printing press. Sheets are conveyed to a sheet transport cylinder and are processed on the sheet transport cylinder. The sheets are each removed twice from the sheet transport cylinder.

Abstract: A metering roller and feed guide are included in a desktop printer between a first roller and a print zone. During first side printing, a media sheet is fed along the first roller and directed by an upper feed guide over the refeed guide to a second roller. The metering roller feeds the media sheet through the print zone. As the trailing edge approaches a metering pinch line, the metering roller stops. After a drying time, the second roller reverses direction moving the media sheet back toward the refeed guide. The refeed guide blocks the original path and directs the media sheet toward a repick guide and the first roller. The media sheet is fed onto the first roller for second side printing. In one embodiment the media sheet is wrapped around the first roller and unwrapped into the input tray during the refeed process to accommodate long media sheets.

Abstract: In a printing position adjusting mechanism employed in an image forming apparatus using a continuous form recording medium having perforated tear lines at predetermined intervals, are sensors are provided for detecting a leading edge of the recording medium and outputting a predetermined signal synchronously with the feeding of the recording medium. With the printing position adjusting mechanism, the period of time, between the detection of the leading edge of the continuous sheet and outputting of the predetermined signal, is adjustable. The apparatus starts printing upon receiving the predetermined signal which is outputted after a predetermined time has elapsed after the leading edge of the continuous sheet is detected.

Abstract: A sheet proofing mechanism for a printing, duplicating and like machine wherein sheets are delivered seriatim by a conveyor in a path over a receiving tray whereat the sheets drop onto a stack of sheets in the tray. Releasable gripping fingers are provided on the conveyor, and stripping fingers strip each released sheet from the conveyor and direct the sheet into the tray. A sheet proofing mechanism includes deflecting fingers spaced along the path from the stripping fingers for deflecting a released sheet from the conveyor to a proofing station. A tripping cam is provided along the path for selectively releasing the gripping fingers at a first point to allow the stripping fingers to strip the released sheet from the conveyor and at a second point to allow the deflecting fingers to deflect the released sheet to the proofing station. The machine also includes a numbering head for sequentially numbering the sheets, with an indexing lever for indexing the numbering head.

Abstract: The pneumatic controller for detecting the presence or absence of sheets fed through a press machine includes a suction system having a suction duct in a sheet feed cylinder of the press machine and a vacuum pump connected to the suction duct, the suction duct opening onto a surface of the sheet feed cylinder on which one of the sheets contacts at least partially obstructing an air flow through the suction duct during normal press operation. To rapidly detect a sudden increase in the air flow through the suction duct caused by a missing sheet, the pneumatic controller is provided with a flow sensor (1) in the suction duct having a hot wire (16) and a surrounding protective jacket (15), and an analyzing circuit (2) connected to the flow sensor. The analyzing circuit (2) detects the temporary cooling of the hot wire (16) caused by the increase in the air flow rate and the analyzing circuit (2) detects the change of resistance of the wire and generates and amplified voltage output signal.

Abstract: In a mailing machine including a postage meter, wherein the postage meter includes rotary printing structure for printing indicia on a sheet fed to the machine, and the machine includes apparatus for driving the printing structure, wherein the driving apparatus includes a drive gear, the driving apparatus includes a locking member movable into and out of locking engagement with the drive gear, the driving apparatus includes an actuating member for moving the locking member, and wherein the machine includes trip structure for sensing a sheet fed to the machine, an improvement comprising: a source of supply of d.c. power; a first circuit connected across the power supply and including a solenoid and a trip switch actuatable for energizing the solenoid; a second circuit connected across the power supply and including a d.c.

Abstract: A meter base drive assembly (4) is a part of a postage meter base (2), to which a postage meter is mounted. The assembly includes envelope drive (62), a tape dispenser (86) and a print head drive (84) mounted to a base frame (12). The drive assembly includes a motor drive (6), pivotally mounted (10, 14) to the frame, which drive a pulley (8) in a first rotary direction. First, second and third driven pulleys (16, 18, 56) are operably coupled to the envelope drive, print head drive tape dispenser respectively. A dual pulley (20), including first and second ppulley element (28, 53), is pivotally mounted (34, 36; 102, 104) to the frame. One side (30) of a first drive belt (26) engages the drive pulley and the second driven pulley. The second side (32) of the first drive belt engages the first pulley element. A second drive belt (52) engages the second pulley element and the second driven pulley so that the first and second driven pulleys are rotated in opposite rotary directions.

Abstract: A postage meter having a rotable print drum also has a control arrangement ensuring that power is fed to the motor which drives the print drum via at least two parallel paths. One of these paths is operative to cause the motor to be driven until an envelope trip switch signifies that the envelope is fully discharged from the meter, irrespective of whether the other path is electrically conductive or not.

Abstract: A self-standing printing apparatus is described which includes a paper feeder for feeding individual sheets of paper, an impression cylinder and an accessory shaft adjacent the impression cylinder on which various types of printing heads may be mounted, including a numbering device. A counter roller may also be provided adjacent the impression cylinder for perforating the paper against perforating strips which may be provided on the surface of the impression cylinder. The impression cylinder is adapted to move out of contact with the various printing heads on the accessory shaft and the counter roller when the paper supply is interrupted. As the paper supply is reinstated, the impression cylinder automatically moves back into position. A particular paper supply and transfer device is also described as well as a novel inking unit. A stacking plate for stacking the printed sheets along with jogger devices are provided.

Abstract: An impact-type, printing apparatus which is readily adjusted to enable the impact face of the associated print hammer to be precisely located with reference to the plane of a character (or a typewheel) to be printed to enable printing in special fonts like E13-B. First and second eccentric members and a separate moveable member are used to provide the adjustments necessary for the precise location of the impact face.

Abstract: In combination with apparatus for printing indicia on a sheet, and a microcomputer for controlling the indicia printing apparatus to cause the indicia to be printed a predetermined marginal distance from an edge of the sheet, there is provided an improvement for changing the marginal distance. The improvement comprises: operator-controlled apparatus for providing at least one signal representative of at least one increment of distance; and programming the microcomputer for processing the at least one signal to provide a changed marginal distance, wherein the changed marginal distance includes the predetermined distance changed by the at least one increment of distance.

Abstract: Sheet handling apparatus is provided which includes structure for feeding a sheet in a predetermined path of travel, for sensing the sheet in the path of travel and providing at least one sensing signal indicative thereof, for printing postage indicia on the sheet, and for controlling the printing structure. The sensing structure is coupled to the controlling structure, which includes a microcomputer adapted to be energized from a local source of supply of power. The microcomputer is responsive to the at least one sensing signal for providing a time delay before commencement of operation of the printing structure to cause the postage indicia to be printed on the sheet a predetermined marginal distance from a reference edge of the sheet. The controlling structure includes a keyboard coupled to the microcomputer. The keyboard includes at least one key selectively operable for generating at least one key signal representative of a desired change in the marginal distance.

Abstract: The mechanism allows a document of various thicknesses and indeed variable thickness to be franked. Said mechanism includes a frame (11) which supports a pressure roll (5) and a lower feed roll (4) and urged towards the chassis by means of three springs (14) so as to allow the shafts of said rolls (4) and (5) to move in any direction.

Abstract: A rotary printing press assembly includes an inspection apparatus interposed between a sheet feeder for feeding printed sheets and a rotary printing press having a printing cylinder for printing additional indicia on the printed sheets. The inspection apparatus has a pair of inspection cylinders rotatable in opposite directions. A printed sheet is supplied from the sheet feeder and is held at its face and back against peripheral surfaces of the inspection. Detectors are disposed in confronting relationship to the peripheral surface of the inspection surface cylinders for inspecting the printed sheet on the inspection cylinders for any defect and for generating signals in response to detection of any defect on the printed sheet. The printing cylinder is movable away from an operational position adjacent an impression cylinder to an inoperational position away therefrom in response to a signal from the detectors indicating a defective sheet.

Abstract: The basic press structure includes a printing couple consisting of a lower printing cylinder, having a single work area, and a large printing cylinder, having an effective diameter which is a whole multiple, greater than one, of the effective diameter of the lower printing cylinder, and has a number (equal to the whole multiple) of work areas, in each of which one of a variety of the especially constructed removable and interchangeable segments may be mounted. One of a variety of different printing surfaces may be carried in each of the various work areas on the cylinders of the printing couple, in a wide range of combinations. The printing couple is mounted in a frame structure constructed so as to provide a plurality of module mounting positions, at each of which one of a variety of printing modules may be mounted in cooperative relationship with the large printing cylinder.

Abstract: Paper gripper improvement in a printing press of the type having a frame, a large paper carrying impression cylinder drum mounted on the frame and a plurality of retractable printing stations mounted on the frame and spaced around the drum. Each gripper has a stationary finger and a second finger reciprocatable with respect to the stationary finger. A cam is connected to operate the reciprocatable finger to grip the paper as it is fed onto the drum. To detect a missing paper, an electrical circuit is completed by contact between the stationary finger and the reciprocatable finger in the absence of a paper between them insulating them from each other, whereby the need for photo-cells or other detectors to detect missing papers is eliminated. The inking rollers are driven separately from the drum to facilitate retracting the printing stations in the event of a missing paper.

Abstract: A lithographic sheet fed press having means for clearing a jamming condition in which a plurality of sheets become wedged between the blanket and impression cylinders. The blanket cylinder is journaled in eccentric bushings having respective operating arms. Toggle linkages are respectively interposed between each arm and the associated frame plate and settable in a slightly overcenter operating condition for maintaining normal printing pressure between the blanket cylinder and the impression cylinder. A toggle-breaking power actuator is laterally coupled to the toggle linkages for breaking the same to the opposite side of dead center. A back-off power actuator is coupled to the bushings for imparting substantial rotation to the bushings accompanied by relief of pressure and full collapse of the toggle linkages with scissoring action. The actuators are energized in sequence to secure (a) release of the toggle linkages and (b) backing off of the blanket cylinder from the impression cylinder.

Abstract: A number printing machine for use with an offset printing press in which, with only a single numbering device, both a present and a successive number printing operation in which a desired number is printed a desired number of times can be carried out. Either of the two printing modes of operation can be selected by one action. A counter is provided which counts the number of times of printing of a number up to a value set on a dial unit. Once the preset value has been reached, a solenoid is actuated in response to which the number to be printed is changed to the next succeeding number.

Abstract: The basic press structure includes a printing couple consisting of a lower printing cylinder, having a single work area, and a large printing cylinder, having an effective diameter which is a whole multiple, greater than one, of the effective diameter of the lower printing cylinder, and has a number (equal to the whole multiple) of work areas, in each of which one of a variety of the especially constructed removable and interchangeable segments may be mounted. One of a variety of different printing surfaces may be carried in each of the various work areas on the cylinders of the printing couple, in a wide range of combinations. The printing couple is mounted in a frame structure constructed so as to provide a plurality of module mounting positions, at each of which one of a variety of printing modules may be mounted in cooperative relationship with the large printing cylinder.

Abstract: A system for duplicating images wherein a copy sheet is delivered to a first gripper of an impression cylinder. A first image is transferred to one side of each sheet, and each sheet is then released by the first gripper and delivered to a reversing means. A second gripper includes means for engaging the trailing edge of each sheet and the sheets are thus re-fed to the impression cylinder by this second gripper, trailing edge first. The re-feeding is in synchronism with the second image whereby this second image is transferred to the opposite side of each sheet. The second gripper is provided with inverting means to accommodate the re-feeding. In addition, separate gripper means are provided on the second gripper for engaging the trailing edge of a succeeding sheet whereby the second gripper simultaneously engages the trailing edge of one sheet and the formerly trailing edge of a previously introduced sheet.

Abstract: A system for providing duplex images on copy sheets wherein the images are formed on the copy sheets by delivering the sheets to an impression cylinder for transfer of the images to the sheets. First and second ink images are provided, and each sheet is fed to the impression cylinder in synchronism with a first image for transfer of the first image to one side of each sheet. Each sheet is then removed to a staging area which includes a conveyor mechanism for re-feeding the sheet to the impression cylinder, trailing edge first. The re-feeding is in synchronism with the movement of the second image whereby this second image is transferred to the opposite side of each sheet. The impression cylinder is provided with a first gripper for engaging the leading edge of each sheet and with a second gripper for engaging the trailing edge of each sheet. The staging area comprises a plurality of conveyor belts and a chamber with air exhaust means beneath the belts.

Abstract: A system for duplicating images wherein a copy sheet is delivered to an impression cylinder. A first image is transferred to one side of each sheet. Each sheet is then removed from the impression cylinder, delivered to a reversing means and then to the impression cylinder, trailing edge first. The re-feeding is in synchronism with the second image whereby this second image is transferred to the opposite side of each sheet. The impression cylinder is provided with a first gripper for engaging the leading edge of each sheet when the sheet is first fed to the impression cylinder. A second gripper is provided on the impression cylinder for engaging the trailing edge of each sheet. The impression cylinder thus simultaneously carries the sheets as the sheets are moved through the stages of operation.

Abstract: A sheet-fed, high-production, multi-purpose printing press assembled from a group of especially constructed components, including frames, cylinders, sub-assemblies, printing modules and removable and interchangeable segments, each being adapted to be assembled in a wide variety of combinations with the others to produce various simple configurations, to perform single printing functions with high efficiency, as well as various more complex configurations to perform a variety of printing functions and/or combinations of functions (in some cases including concurrent printing and collating).

Abstract: A document encoding system transmits an incoming document at a high transport speed. When the document is received at an encoding station it is first stopped and registered and then retransmitted for encoding at a relatively low speed, the exact value being dependent on whether MICR or OCR encoding is used. After characters are encoded on the document the trailing edge is detected and the document is caused to accelerate to the high transport speed where it is transmitted for further processing.In a second alternative embodiment, information relating to character field positions is used to transmit the document at the relatively low speed when encoding and at a heightened speed when otherwise in the encoding station but not encoding.In a third alternative embodiment, the document is received by the encoding station on the fly at the high transport speed. It is advanced at that speed until decelerated to the relatively low speed at the first encoding position.

Abstract: In an automatic mail processing apparatus, the mail is fed one by one by a feeding mechanism to a transport path having a stamp detecting station and a canceling station. At the former station, each piece of the mail is scanned by a pair of detectors which determine the presence or absence of a stamp at the lower end portion of both surfaces of the piece of mail. In the absence of a stamp at the particular portion, the piece of mail is switched to another transport path where it is reversed for subsequent rescanning. When the reversed piece of the mail is fed back to the transport path, the operation of the feeding mechanism is temporarily stopped to prevent the reversed piece of the mail from meeting with subsequent pieces of the mail to be fed by the mechanism.