Abstract: In one example, a system for a vapor manager includes a media guide to receive partially dried inkjet media from a heated pressure roller, and a plurality of apertures through the media guide to direct air on to a first portion of the partially dried inkjet media and direct air away from a second portion of the partially dried inkjet media.

Abstract: A printing press includes a printing cylinder, inkjet heads, and an ink drying lamp. A non-metal sheet is attached to an outer surface of the printing cylinder. The non-metal sheet includes a main body made of a non-metal material in a sheet-like shape, and a plurality of ventilation portions through which air passes in a thickness direction of the main body. This makes it possible to efficiently dissipate heat of the printing cylinder while preventing the printing cylinder from being overheated when an amount of heat generated at the time of printing is transferred to the surface of the printing cylinder.

Abstract: A powdering device for a printing press includes a metering roller and a manifold. A plurality of injectors are provided downstream of the manifold in a conveying direction of the powder. The powdering device is operable in accordance with a method in which a total powder stream is subdivided into partial powder streams that are subsequently separately mixed with compressed air to create powder/air streams.

Abstract: A device for guiding sheets in a sheet-fed rotary printing press or diecutter includes a sheet-guiding plate with openings and a cover plate disposed parallel thereto and being displaceable by an applied operating pressure. A flexible intermediate layer disposed between the sheet-guiding plate and the cover plate has passages with a cross section which is variable by the operating pressure. A sheet brake, a diecutter and a printing press having the sheet guiding device are also provided.

Abstract: A surface, especially a galvanically molded transport cylinder sleeve, has a surface structure for contacting printing material, in particular sheets of paper. The surface structure includes first structural elevations spaced apart from each other by a minimum distance A1 and having a height B1 and second structural elevations spaced apart from each other by a minimum distance A2 and having a height B2 with B2<B1. A ratio between the distances A1 and A2 ranges between 10:1 and 1:1. The surface has support areas for supporting the printing material. The printing material is prevented from contacting a planar horizontal surface between the support areas of first, higher structural elevations due to second, lower structural elevations with support areas thereof that are formed between the first, higher structural elevations. A machine for processing printing material and a method for producing areas with a surface structure, are also provided.

Abstract: In a printing press, a transfer cylinder assembly for transferring a freshly printed substrate is provided. The transfer cylinder assembly comprises a transfer cylinder, a first attachment structure comprising a plurality of loops coupled to the transfer cylinder, and an anti-marking device. The anti-marking device comprises a second attachment structure comprising a plurality of hooks and a flexible jacket to engage the freshly printed substrate as it is transferred over the transfer cylinder assembly. The second attachment structure is at least semi-permanently coupled to the flexible jacket, and the anti-marking device is removably attached over the transfer cylinder by coupling the second attachment structure with the first attachment structure.

Abstract: In a printing press and attached onto the transfer cylinders, an anti-marking system that uniformly supports the transport and the release of the wet printed sheet from one station to the next. The anti-marking sheet consists of a two plus layer system, the outer layer being a textured surface and the inner layer being a microcellular material that is both compressible and resilient. The outer textured layer may be treated with either conductive/anti-static layers or an ink repellent layer or both. The two plus layer system is easily attached to both transfer cylinders and tracking/skeleton wheels using any combination of fixtures from Velcro™, magnetic, metallic, and pressure sensitive double sided tape to elastic loops.

Abstract: An air blowing device for a printing press includes a plate cylinder, blanket cylinder, impression cylinder, air blowing equipment, air suction equipment, and cover. The plate cylinder is rotatably supported. Ink from an inking device and dampening water from a dampening device are supplied to the outer surface of the plate cylinder. The blanket cylinder is rotatably supported in contact with the plate cylinder. The impression cylinder is rotatably supported in contact with the blanket cylinder and cooperates with the blanket cylinder to print on a printing target body under conveyance. The air blowing equipment discharges air from one end side toward the other end side of the blanket cylinder. The air suction equipment takes in air, discharged from the air blowing equipment, at the other end side of the blanket cylinder. The cover forms an air passage extending from the air blowing equipment to the air suction equipment in an axial direction of the blanket cylinder.

Abstract: A sheet-processing machine includes a revolving sheet holding device for aiding in transporting sheets to be processed. A device for producing suction air or air blast has a movable air delivery element accommodated on the revolving sheet holding device. An actuating element cooperatively engages with the air delivery element for driving the air delivery element. The actuating element is either fixed to a frame of the machine or is movable relative to the sheet holding device.

Abstract: A machine for sheet-fed rotary printing or sheet coating has a sheet gripper system, an upstream feed system, and an upstream feeder. A surface refinement station for the sheet is disposed downstream of the feeder and upstream of a transfer of the sheet to the sheet gripper system.

Abstract: A flexible jacket covering for a printing press transfer cylinder having a low density selvage for attaching one edge of the jacket to a hook and loop attachment strip on the transfer cylinder. The covering is cut from fabric woven on a shuttleless loom. The fabric has a reduced density selvage formed by reducing the density of warp threads in the selvage is no more than the warp thread density in the body of the covering fabric and preferably to about half the warp thread density in the body of the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for cooling material to be printed and printing machine elements at sheet-fed rotary printing machines by means of cooled compressed air. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which requires little space, is able to cool effectively the material to be printed as well as the machine elements, which are undesirably heated by the dryers. Pursuant to the present invention, this objective is accomplished by providing an apparatus wherein cooled, compressed air is supplied over one or more sheet-guiding devices for guiding the sheets pneumatically along the sheet-guiding path, and a cooling device is disposed in the cross section of flow of the compressed air or the sheet-guiding device.

Abstract: During a washing cycle of a rubber blanket on a blanket cylinder some revolutions of the blanket cylinder are initially performed during which the cleaning element is lifted off the blanket cylinder temporarily when the clamping channel passes under the cleaning element.

Abstract: A computer controlled power saving automatic zoned dryer for a printing press has a dryer head facing the substrate travel path, having a multiplicity of IR lamps connected individually or in groups to form a plurality of heating zones running longitudinally and each extending laterally side by side across the substrate travel path. The radiant heat output of each heating zone is controlled separately by means of a control unit connected to a power supply. The control unit individually regulates output of the heating zones. Unneeded zones are turned off to reduce cost of power and conserve energy. A plurality of heat sensors spaced laterally across the substrate path measure the surface temperature of substrate heated areas corresponding to the heating zones being operated and maintain an automatic set point temperature.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for dusting printed sheets, which is disposed between the last printing or finishing unit of a printing machine and a print delivery device, comprising one or more nozzles for blowing powder onto the sheet and a conveyor cylinder which moves the sheet to be dusted past the nozzles, wherein the conveyor cylinder is disposed directly after the printing or finishing unit such that the sheet is directly received from the printing or finishing unit.

Abstract: A method by which stacks of printed sheets can be formed and, at the same time, the risk of soiling of the stacked sheets can be reduced to the maximum extent. To this end a printing machine is proposed, in particular a sheet-fed printing machine, into which unprinted and intermediate sheets are alternatively feed, wherein the printing is registered such that the printing occurs only on the unprinted sheets and not on the intermediate sheets. In this way, the intermediate sheets prevent damage to the print on the printed sheets.

Abstract: A supporting or guiding device for sheets in a sheet processing machine includes a supporting or guiding layer having a supporting or guiding surface formed with a plurality of outlet openings for applying a throttled air flow therethrough to a respective sheet. A covering plate is spaced away from the supporting or guiding surface, and at least two intermediate layers are formed with a plurality of openings and disposed between the supporting or guiding surface and the covering plate. The covering plate is connected via a plurality of inlet openings to at least one blast air source. A respective opening formed in one of the intermediate layers is connected to two respective openings formed in the other of the intermediate layers, and an opening formed in the other intermediate layer is connected to two respective openings formed in the one intermediate layer, between one of the respective inlet openings and one of the respective outlet openings associated therewith.

Abstract: A device for removing electric charges from flat or printed material that is transported through a feed channel made up from grounded metal plates, particularly for printed material on the conveyor of a printer or copy machine. At least one discharging mechanism situated approximately perpendicular to the transport direction of the printed material is disposed opposite the outer surface of the metal plates turned away from the feed channel, whereby the discharging devices are situated so that they are essentially opposite each other or staggered in the transport direction of the printed material. The discharging devices are made up of either passive means and/or active devices positioned approximately perpendicular to the transport direction of the printed material across the entire width of the feed channel.

Abstract: A printing press includes first and second impression cylinders and a varnish supply unit. The first impression cylinder has a gripper unit for holding a sheet-like object, and is rotatably supported. The varnish supply unit supplies varnish to the sheet-like object held by the first impression cylinder. The second impression cylinder is in contact with the first cylinder, and has a gripper unit for receiving the sheet-like object held by the first impression cylinder. The sheet-like object held by the gripper unit is transported such that its varnish-coated surface opposes a surface of the second impression cylinder. A fluorine-contained polymer layer is formed on that surface of the second impression cylinder which is in contact with the varnish-coated surface of the sheet-like object.

Abstract: A sheet discharge unit has a transfer passage 3 for transferring a sheet of printed paper 2 toward a sheet receiving tray 20, and a pair of left and right jump wings 11, 11 located at both sides of the transfer passage 3 and moveable between a guide position in which the jump wings protrude upward from a bottom wall of the transfer passage and await position in which the jump wings are retracted below the bottom wall. In one embodiment, each of the jump wings 11, 11 comprises divided wing components laterally spaced in a direction S perpendicular to a sheet transfer direction T. In an alternative embodiment, each of the jump wings comprises a unitary body having a plurality of convex segments and a plurality of concave recesses which are alternately located in the direction S.

Abstract: A method of setting guide elements for a flat material along a printing-material conveying path in a rotary printing machine includes determining a job-specifically optimized actuating position for a positioning of sheet-guiding elements and of sheet-conveying elements by using job-specific printed-image information known from a prepress stage. The sheet-guiding elements and/or the sheet-conveying elements are positioned in relation to a printed image by using the determined job-specifically optimized actuating position.

Abstract: A delivery of a sheet-processing machine having gripper rows for drawing sheets, during operation, along a conveying section having endless conveying chains bearing the gripper rows and, during operation, running through the delivery in a revolving direction, and having a pair of chain wheels which are rotatable about a common axis of rotation, are in engagement with the conveying chains and form a deflecting region of the conveying section, includes a blast-air source for expelling an air curtain actable upon a side of the sheets being drawn past the sheet-deflecting region, that side being directed towards the axis of rotation of the chain wheels, the air curtain being movable past the sheet-deflecting region in the same direction as the grippers, while the sheets passing the sheet-deflecting region are being subjected to the action of the air curtain.

Abstract: A wax coating device for a wet type electrophotographic color printer is capable of preventing the coating operation when printed matter is not supposed to be wax-coated. The wax coating device includes: a coating roller rotatably disposed so as to be partially immersed in the wax of a wax tank; a pressing roller disposed so as to be in tight contact with the coating roller for pressing the printed matter passing between the pressing and coating rollers against the coating roller; a pressing roller spacer for permitting the printed matter to pass between the pressing and coating rollers by spacing the pressing roller apart from the coating roller; and a coating prevention section for preventing contact of printed matter with the coating roller when the printed matter passes between the spaced pressing and coating rollers by being selectively advanced between and withdrawn from the pressing and coating rollers in accordance with the operation of the pressing roller spacer.

Abstract: A powder apparatus for a sheet-fed rotary printing press includes a nozzle, valve, state detection unit, arithmetic operation unit, and controller. The nozzle sprays powder onto a printed surface of a sheet delivered after printing. The valve adjusts a quantity of powder sprayed from the nozzle. The state detection unit detects a quantity of powder attaching to the sheet. The arithmetic operation unit and controller control the valve on the basis of data output from the state detection unit and indicating a powder quantity.

Abstract: A method for improving human interaction with a printer and its hardcopy output. The method comprises printing a first page and placing it into an output bin followed with a pause to allow for full drying of the print. However, this pause will be interrupted if the page is removed from the output bin and thereby expedite any subsequent printing output that may be queued follow.

Abstract: An ink-fouling preventing sheet which is attached to a feed or delivery cylinder that supports and moves a printed paper in an offset press. The sheet comprises a flexible sheet base; an adhesive layer formed on the base; many small balls partially buried in the adhesive layer; a primer layer applied over the exposed convex portions of the small balls in the adhesive layer; and a set resin layer made of a silicone-modified urethane resin and applied on the primer layer to take the convex shapes of the small balls.

Abstract: A printer having a system to manage the output path of wet printed media is disclosed. In such a system, the wet printed media are held for a time before being ejected into an output tray to avoid the smearing of the wet print markings made on the media. The system achieves this holding time by causing the wet printed media to travel an additional distance over movable ramps before being ejected. In addition, the movements of the ramps are synchronized with the various operations in the printing cycle of the printer.

Abstract: In order to prevent a coating liquid from scattering outside the surface of a printed sheet, an on-demand coating head having plural jet sections is arranged along a direction parallel to the left and right edges of the printed medium, and jets only liquid droplets along a predetermined direction by vibration of a piezoelectric vibrator plate and a coating area with a width extending along a direction parallel to the edges of the printed medium. That is, the head is in a reciprocating manner moved on the printed medium along a direction perpendicular to a direction of arrangement of the jet sections, and the head is in a relative manner moved on the printed medium along a direction perpendicular to the above moving direction by a secondary coating scanning control circuit.

Abstract: A chain delivery assembly for withdrawing sheets from a rotating cylinder of a sheet-fed offset printing press includes first and second spaced apart sprockets independently mounted for rotation about a common axis which is parallel to the axis of the rotating cylinder, first and second gears being coaxially affixed adjacent to the first and second sprockets, respectively. A pair of chains, carried by the sprockets, have grippers for engaging leading edges of sheets to carry them away from the cylinder. A rotatable shaft, mounted away from the chains and whose axis is parallel to the axis of the rotating cylinder has third and fourth gears affixed to opposite ends thereof. The first gear is operatively connected to the third gear for rotation of the rotatable shaft and the fourth gear. The fourth gear is operatively connected to the second gear to drive the second sprocket in coordinated rotation with the first sprocket.

Abstract: A transfer cylinder for supporting freshly printed sheet material between printing units or at the delivery unit of a printing press is provided with an ink repellent, flexible jacket covering for supporting and transporting the sheet material without transfer of wet ink from one sheet to a successive sheet and without smearing the ink or causing indentations on the surface of the sheet material. The circumferential support surface of the transfer cylinder is covered with a conductive, fluoropolymer layer secured to the surface of the transfer cylinder beneath the protective, wash-free disposable flexible jacket covering. The low friction properties of the conductive base covering permit free movement of the ink repellent, flexible jacket covering relative to the transfer cylinder surface. Electrostatic charges delivered to the flexible jacket covering by the printed sheet material are drawn away from the flexible jacket covering and are discharged into the transfer cylinder by the conductive base covering.

Abstract: For changing demands in terms of the support of printed sheets as they are deflected in a sheet-fed printing press, the sheet-fed printing press is equipped with a retrofittable sheet guide drum. The drum includes segments on its face end and which in a first setup state has skeleton-shaped sheet supports separably connected to the segments and in a second setup state has a flexible drum jacket separably connected to the segments.

Abstract: A printing medium discharge apparatus used for discharging a printing medium from a rotary drum in an ink jet printer for printing a desired image onto the printing medium by an ink jet while holding the printing medium on the rotary drum, includes a printing medium carry and discharge device and a printing medium press device. The printing medium carry and discharge device carries thereon the printing medium from the rotary drum, on the printing medium an image having been printed, to make a non-image formation surface of the printing medium including no image formation region contact the printing medium carry and discharge device, and discharges the printing medium carried thereon to be moved apart from the rotary drum.

Abstract: A method for smear-free guidance of a printed sheet on a given sheet-guiding cylinder of a printing press includes taking over a leading edge of the sheet by a gripper device of the given sheet-guiding cylinder from a preceding or up-line sheet-guiding cylinder and, after the take-over of the leading edge of the sheet by the gripper device, fixing a first section of the underside of the sheet to the circumferential surface of the preceding or up-line sheet-guiding cylinder in a manner that the sheet, which has been pushed onwardly by the preceding or up-line sheet-guiding cylinder, is kept spaced from the circumferential surface of the given sheet-guiding cylinder, and the circumferential surface of the given sheet-guiding cylinder is located, as viewed in radial direction, within a circular path described by the gripper device during the rotation of the given cylinder.

Abstract: For powdering printed products it is proposed that they be moved through a nip formed by a powder application roller (38) and a support roller (32). Those two rollers have axial circumferential recesses (52, 54) which are each able to receive at least part of a gripper rod (24) moving a printed product and which are synchronized with the movement of a gripper rods. At a location upstream of the nip in the direction of rotation, powder is applied to the circumferential surface of the application roller (38) by a nozzle strip (62), which powder is then transferred in the passage nip from the application roller to the printed products.

Abstract: A device for guiding sheet material in a printing press, the device having a guide surface located below a path in which a sheet is guidable, includes nozzles arranged in zones within the guide surface, the zones including a first zone extending along a longitudinal axis of the guide surface, and a second and a third zone, respectively, located at left-hand and right-hand sides of the first zone, the nozzles in the first zone being blast nozzles having a blowing direction with a component extending orthogonally relative to the guide surface, the nozzles in the second and third zones being blast nozzles having a blowing direction extending essentially from the longitudinal axis of the guide surface to lateral edges of the guide surface, the nozzles of the first zone being suppliable with blast air independently of a supply of air to the nozzles of the second and the third zones; and a method of operating the guiding device.

Abstract: A device for guiding freshly coated sheets utilizes upper and lower air supply chambers which are both connected to a blower through supply conduits and a return conduit. An arrangement of throttle valves is used to connect one of the air supply conduits to either the discharge or the return side of the blower. This allows the device to operate in two modes, a support mode and a suction mode.

Abstract: Freshly printed sheets are transferred from one printing unit to another by transfer cylinders each having an ink repellent, electrically conductive, striped flexible jacket covering that is movable relative to the sheet support surface of the transfer cylinder. The jacket covering is made of a flexible fabric material that is pre-stretched, pressed flat, cut to size and treated with an ink repellent compound and is also treated with an anti-static ionic compound or is otherwise rendered electrically conductive by one or more conductive strands. Electrostatic charges carried by the freshly printed sheets are discharged through the ink repellent, electrically conductive, flexible jacket covering into the grounded transfer cylinder. A low friction, electrically conductive cylinder base covering that includes center alignment marks is secured to the transfer cylinder for engaging the flexible jacket covering.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which an imaged sheet is discharged onto a stacking portion, includes a recording device for forming an image on a sheet, a discharge device for discharging a sheet on which the image was formed onto the stacking portion, a support means disposed downstream of the discharge device in a sheet discharging direction along a width-wise direction of the sheet to be discharged to support one surface of the sheet, and a shift device for shifting the support device between a support position to support the sheet to be discharged above the stacking portion and a retard position so as not to support the sheet.

Abstract: A printed image after-processing apparatus includes a rotatable contact member coated with an excess ink removing liquid incompatible with a printing ink forming a printed image on a printing sheet and having a surface tension lower than that of the printing ink; a counter member having a surface roughness of 0.5 .mu.m or less, for feeding the printing sheet after printed between the counter member and the contact member to thereby make a printed surface of the printing sheet into contact with the contact member; a supplying device for supplying the excess ink removing liquid to the contact member; and a cleaning device contacting with the contact member.

Abstract: A transfer cylinder for supporting freshly printed sheet material between printing units or at the delivery unit of a printing press is provided with an ink repellent, flexible jacket covering for supporting and transporting the sheet material without transfer of wet ink from one sheet to a successive sheet and without smearing the ink or causing indentations on the surface of the sheet material. The circumferential support surface of the transfer cylinder is covered with a conductive, fluoropolymer layer secured to the surface of the transfer cylinder beneath the protective, wash-free disposable flexible jacket covering. The low friction properties of the conductive base covering permit free movement of the ink repellent, flexible jacket covering relative to the transfer cylinder surface. Electrostatic charges delivered to the flexible jacket covering by the printed sheet material are drawn away from the flexible jacket covering and are discharged into the transfer cylinder by the conductive base covering.

Abstract: An extractor and a ventilation control window are coupled to the housing of a sheet delivery conveyor to extract unwanted heat, moisture, volatile vapors and obnoxious odors from the conveyor housing to eliminate the need for a separate venting system above the sheet delivery stacker. The suction airflow is varied by adjusting the speed of a vacuum source or motor driven fans, or by adjusting a ventilation window. A sheet control ventilation window is covered by a slidable, transparent panel which permits the operator to observe the orientation of the freshly printed sheets as the suction airflow is adjusted to precision. The sheet control window is also covered by a slidable screened panel which prevents introduction of objects into the press. Volatile vapors, moisture laden air and the like are also extracted from laterally opposite sides of the sheet delivery path, thus helping to control air turbulence at the delivery sheet stacker.

Abstract: A transfer cylinder for supporting freshly printed sheet material between printing units or at the delivery unit of a printing press is provided with an ink repellent, flexible jacket covering for supporting and transporting the sheet material without transfer of wet ink from one sheet to a successive sheet and without smearing the ink or causing indentations on the surface of the sheet material. The circumferential support surface of the transfer cylinder is covered with a conductive, fluoropolymer layer secured to the surface of the transfer cylinder beneath the protective, wash-free disposable flexible jacket covering. The low friction properties of the conductive base covering permit free movement of the ink repellent, flexible jacket covering relative to the transfer cylinder surface. Electrostatic charges delivered to the flexible jacket covering by the printed sheet material are drawn away from the flexible jacket covering and are discharged into the transfer cylinder by the conductive base covering.

Abstract: A mimeographic printing machine includes a flexible rotary cylindrical printing drum, a lower pusher roller, an inside pusher roller, inside pusher roller controller, and printing sheet conveyor. A stencil paper is wound on the outer surface of the flexible rotary cylindrical printing drum. The lower pusher roller is provided in parallel with the flexible rotary cylindrical printing drum with a predetermined space between the lower pusher roller and the flexible rotary cylindrical printing drum and inside the flexible rotary cylindrical printing drum. The inside pusher roller controller moves the inside pusher roller between a deformation position to push the flexible tubular wall radially outwardly thereby to deform the flexible tubular wall towards the lower pusher roller in the case of printing, and a steady position to release the flexible tubular wall from the deformation in the case of non-printing. The printing sheet conveyor moves the printing sheet from the sheet supplying section through the space.

Abstract: A ready-made fabric sack with an elastic string around the periphery of the sack opening to be placed over a transfer cylinder in a printing press. When placed over the transfer cylinder, the inherent resiliency of the fabric and string causes the sack to envelop the cylinder to provide a resilient fabric surface which prevents smearing and streaking of wet printed sheets.

Abstract: A paper guide wheel for printing presses is formed to include an outer surface eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation of the wheel so as to form an air gap between the outer surface of the wheel and the paper as the paper is drawn thereover during movement through the press. The air gap gradually narrows as the wheel turns, allowing the freshly inked surface of the paper to gently nest against the outer surface at a point removed from the leading edge of the paper. The outer surface has a slightly convex contour in the axial direction to avoid marking of the paper by contact with the axial extremes of the outer surface. Foam material may be provided on the wheel rim to assist in supporting the paper without marking the freshly inked image.

Abstract: In a slip sheet insertion-delivery apparatus, a plurality of printing sheet grippers opposite to some of a plurality of gripper pads mounted on a gripper pad shaft and slip sheet grippers opposite to the remaining gripper pads are mounted on one gripper shaft. The slip sheet grippers are loosely fitted on the gripper shaft through corresponding torsion springs. A cam mechanism is arranged to simultaneously open/close the printing and slip sheet grippers near a cylinder. Another cam mechanism including a plurality of cams is arranged to simultaneously open/close only the slip sheet grippers at a slip sheet insertion position.

Abstract: A sheet of paper, upon which characters have been printed by a printhead, is stacked at a collection station using a mechanism that conveys the sheet to a position above a stack of previously printed sheets, while supporting the sheet so that it does not contact the top sheet in the stack as it is conveyed. When the sheet is directly above the stack, the sheet is dropped vertically downwardly in a manner such that there is very little, if any, sliding between the sheet that is dropped and the top sheet in the stack. The possibility of smearing undried ink on the top sheet of the stack is thereby minimized. The active paper drop mechanism preferably includes a pair of pivotally mounted arms that gradually pivot under the sheet as it is conveyed, to support the sheet, and then rapidly swing out of the way so that the sheet falls downwardly.

Abstract: The attachment is selectively usable to apply heat, anti-offset powder, or both heat and powder to freshly printed sheets passing to the sheet collection station of a printing press. Operation of the heat and/or powder applying assemblies is changed automatically to compensate for changes in the press speed. The location at which heat is applied to the sheets is upstream from that at which powder is applied, and is spaced from the collection station. Shields and air currents assist in regulating heat transfer. A compact housing assembly supports both heat and powder applying components.

Abstract: An active paper drop mechanism (20) for ink-jet printers is provided. The mechanism comprises a pair of opposed, movable rail members (22) associated with opposed walls (14) of a horizontal-disposed output collection tray (12) for receiving sheets (10) of printed media.In particular, each rail member is provided with return spring (26) that act to maintain the rails in a closed position. In that position, the rails support a sheet of the print medium during the printing operation, thus giving the ink on the previously printed-on sheet (10') time to dry.The rails are provided with a wing member (32) and are pivotally secured (38) in the floor of the output tray, with the pivot point spaced inwardly from the wing member. Downward pressure against the wing member thus causes the rail to rotate outward from its closed position, into a recess (24) provided in the side of the output tray. This provides sufficient clearance for the sheet to drop into the output stack.

Abstract: A printing press has an apparatus for preventing contact of wet ink sheets with the chain delivery mechanism. The printing press has an impression cylinder and a blanket cylinder through which sheets are drawn by the chain delivery mechanism. The chain delivery mechanism has two sprockets mounted to a shaft, each of which rotates runs of chain to pull the sheets from the cylinders. A nozzle is mounted adjacent the shaft for discharging jets of air against the sheets to push them away from the shaft. An air compressor supplies air to the nozzle. A regulator valve allows the pressure at the nozzle to be varied depending upon the type of sheets.