Abstract: A sheet storage apparatus and a printing apparatus include simplified mechanisms for supporting a sheet and for guiding the sheet. A sheet storage device that can store a sheet discharged from a discharge port of a printing apparatus includes multiple flappers provided below the discharge port and arranged in a width direction of the sheet, each flapper being rotatable between a first posture in which the sheet discharged from the discharge port is guided downward in a gravitational direction by using a first surface, and a second posture in which the sheet is supported by using a second surface being different from the first surface; and a connecting unit which connects the plurality of flappers to one another.

Abstract: A reception apparatus that receives an article discharged from a processing apparatus includes a first rod, second rod and a reception sheet. The first rod extends in a direction crossing a direction of the discharge below a discharge port of the processing apparatus in a gravity direction. The second rod extends in the direction crossing the direction of the discharge at a position farther away from the discharge port than the first rod. The reception sheet has flexibility, is supported by the first rod and the second rod, and receives the article discharged between the first rod and the second rod. The first rod is capable of being disposed at a first position and a second position which are different from each other in the gravity direction.

Abstract: A reception apparatus that receives an article discharged from a processing apparatus includes a first rod, a second rod, a reception sheet and two side rods. The reception sheet has flexibility, is supported by the first rod and the second rod and receives the article between the first rod and the second rod. The two side rods can rotate, extend and contract independently from each other with respect to the processing apparatus while respectively supporting both end portions of the second rod.

Abstract: A movable rod member is provided that changes the shape of a medium receiver of a medium storage portion by changing the location of the movable rod member. The location of the movable rod member is changed in accordance with the condition of a medium, so as to change a method of storing the medium.

Abstract: A movable rod member is provided that changes the shape of a medium receiver of a medium storage portion by changing the location of the movable rod member. The location of the movable rod member is changed in accordance with the condition of a medium, so as to change a method of storing the medium.

Abstract: According to one example, there is provided a controller readable medium on which are stored controller readable instructions. The instructions are such that, when executed by a controller, perform the steps of commencing the printing of a print job on a media sheet, determining when about half of the media sheet ejected out of a printer media output is at the level of a stacker unit, activating a first array of fans to retain a portion of the ejected media sheet, completing the print job, and activating a second array of fans to blow the trailing edge of the ejected media sheet over the stacker unit.

Abstract: A feeder device for printed products is provided including at least one first drum rotatable about a first axis; at least one second drum rotatable about a second axis; and an actuator coupled to the at least one first drum and the at least one second drum for reciprocating the at least one first drum and the at least one second drum axially. A printed product conveying device and a method of transporting printed products are also provided.

Abstract: A printer has a path for a sheet. A donor web is disposed on one side of the path; a platen roller is disposed on the other side of the path and supports the sheet during printing. An edge sensor is located in path at a known distance from the nip of the print head and the platen. Edge sensor senses the lead edge of the sheet and then the control circuit drives the lead edge to a distance D from the heat line of the print head. The head lowers, is selectively energized and the platen moves to carry the donor web and sheet past the head and provide a borderless printed image on the sheet.

Abstract: In a sheet post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the sheet post-processing apparatus is provided with discharge rollers for discharging a sheet, a fixed stacking portion for supporting a portion of the discharged sheet, a storage tray established below the fixed stacking portion with a larger surface area, and a stapler for applying a finishing process to the sheet in a state of straddling the fixed stacking portion and the storage tray. A pushing member moves the sheet finished by the stapler in a direction different from a discharge direction by the discharge rollers to discharge the sheet to the storage tray, thereby providing the sheet post-processing apparatus that can securely discharge the stapled sheet bundle to a storage tray after a post-processing such as stapling.

Abstract: A rotary blade device for interacting with printed materials has a rotating arm, a first pulley rotatably supported on the rotating arm, a first blade fixed to the first pulley, a fixed pulley, and a first belt connecting the first pulley to the fixed pulley so that as the arm rotates, the first pulley rotates with respect to the arm.

Abstract: A signature transport device has a conveyor for moving a plurality of signatures in a first direction, and a rotary blade device having a first blade having an edge for lifting a first signature of the plurality of signatures from the conveyor, the edge being parallel to the first direction, and the first blade rotating about an axis perpendicular to the edge. A printing press and rotary blade device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method of raising sheet-like products (2), in particular printed products, which are taking part in a conveying process and follow sequentially one after the other, the products (2) resting, at least in certain regions, on a conveying means (1) during the conveying process, it being the case that, for at least a period of time of the raising operation, gravitational force being overcome in the process, the products (2) are pivoted actively about an axis (B) which extends essentially parallel to the direction (A) in which the conveying process is oriented immediately prior to the raising operation.

Abstract: A device for collecting printed sheets in a certain sequence astride and atop one another to form a printed product has a saddle-shaped support supplied by a sheet feeder with printed sheets. The saddle-shaped support is arranged above a conveying device transporting the printed products to a further processing step. The saddle-shaped support has a circulating traction mechanism and driving members connected to the circulating traction mechanism. The driving members act on the printed products to convey the printed products in a direction parallel to a conveying direction of the conveying device.

Abstract: An improved transport device for transporting signatures from a continuously moving saddle chain has a first pair of belts arranged opposite to each other. A signature moving with continuously speed on a saddle chain is gripped between the pair of belts and accelerated away from the saddle chain to a working station.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing books or brochures with a book block of printed sheets which are thread-stitched at the side of the fold, wherein the method includes successively and in a predetermined sequence supplying the printed sheets spread in the middle and with the side portions thereof directed downwardly to a stitching saddle which interacts with a stitching device arranged at a right angle relative to the fold of the printed sheets. The printed sheets are positioned on the stitching saddle in accordance with the stitching position and are subsequently transferred to the stitching device for sewing the printed sheets into book blocks. The method further includes aligning the trailing edge of a supplied printed sheet on the stitching saddle flush on the right hand side in accordance with one of the top edge and the bottom edge of a book block which has at least been partially sewed by the stitching machine.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus having a frame with an inlet for sheet stock and first and second sheet receiving structures. A sheet guide member is provided and is movable between positions for facilitating guiding of the sheet stock to a respective one of the first and second sheet receiving structures. A sheet stock size selection device produces control signals indicative of a size of the sheet stock inputted at the inlet. A control device is responsive to the control signals for controlling movement of the sheet guide member. The sheet guide member includes a clamp member thereon movable into and out of engagement with a support in one of the sheet receiving regions to physically hold the sheet stock delivered thereto in place. The sheet guide member additionally includes an auxiliary roller and a lever arm with a linkage interconnecting the lever arm, the sheet guide member and the sheet clamp member.

Abstract: Pocket signature feeding machines have been provided with a double indicia scale on a pocket backplate and the scale is related to the centerline of the pocket so that the signatures may be precisely centered in the pocket when the left and right signature guides have their respective indicators pointing to the same indicia on the pocket backplate scale. A sheet that is 10 inches in width can be centered by having the respective left and right indicators set at a number 10 on each scale portion of the double scale. The signatures are bowed by side guides engaging opposite vertical edges of the signatures in the hopper. Also, an outer scale with indicia thereon is provided for setting the side guides at a distance that will cause an automatic, correct bowing of signatures. A gripper mechanism cooperating with a signature picker times the drop of signatures onto the saddle of the gathering conveyor.

Abstract: This invention disclosed herein deals with an apparatus for removing and stacking trousers after they have been processed through a separate apparatus for crease permanency or pressing.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for feeding substantially rectangular laundry articles to a laundry processing apparatus, wherein the laundry article can be positioned in a stretched, hanging and folded state across a bar, which is slidable between two opposed conveyor faces, which pull the laundry article off the bar with a fold so that the laundry article is quickly removed from the bar, thereby making it possible to quickly insert a new laundry article on the bar. A significantly increased productivity with a given number of operators can be achieved through the use of the method and the apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: A catch type sheet tray for accommodating sheets sequentially driven out of an image forming apparatus by catching the leading edges of the sheets. The tray has a transport unit for transporting the sheet driven out through the outlet downward. A holder receives the sheet conveyed by the transport unit by catching the leading edge of the sheet while causing the trailing edge of the sheet to hand down to the outside. A mounting section mounts the transport unit on a portion of the apparatus from which the horizontal tray has been removed. The catch type tray is mounted on the apparatus in place of the horizontal tray.

Abstract: A fabric piece handling apparatus for picking up and placing fabric pieces. The fabric piece handling apparatus includes a pickup assembly having a pair of opposed jaws, a "trapeze" unfolder assembly adjacent to the pickup assembly, and a vacuum assisted magazine for supplying a stack of fabric pieces to the pickup assembly.

Abstract: An automatic device for stacking sheets of paper is improved for increasing the amount of stacked sheets. An image tracing output device is so constructed that a sheet exiting from a sheet exit portion is guided to the exterior of a fixed rod of sheet stacking unit by a plate for putting sheet flow in good order. When the forwarded amount of the sheet attains approximately a half of a predetermined length, a contacting portion supported by swinging rods descends to be brought into contact with the sheet. The contacting portion continues to descend further to be brought into contact with the fixed rod. As the result, the sheet is hung also on the inner side of the fixed rod. When it attains a predetermined length, it is cut and the swinging rods return to their initial position.

Abstract: Printed products are transported in the direction of conveyance suspended, held by their fold, from transporting clamps of a conveying device. The end area of the printed products rests on a supporting mechanism and the uppermost product part protrudes with its marginal section over the bottommost product part. To the two product parts there is in each case assigned a gripper of the opening device. The grippers are disposed on a revolutionally driven drawing member. The clamping tongue of the first gripper grips underneath the marginal section and, upon running up against an opening crank, lifts the product part from the bottommost product part. The second gripper grasps the lifted-off product part in the marginal section and, when the clamping tongue is lowered into the closed position, the latter clamps the product part between itself and the clamping jaw of the first gripper, by the end edge. The first gripper revolves at a greater velocity than the second gripper.

Abstract: A catch tray for a copier/printer holds and stacks copies of a wide variety of sizes exiting a copier/printer without operator involvement. The copies are allowed to fall into a funnel type baffling device with flexible friction paddles that drive the incoming copies into the catch tray and holds them in place while simultaneously allowing a major portion of each copy sheet to flip and hang down over a curved portion of the outer wall of the catch tray.

Abstract: A copy output stacker for a wide format copier/printer holds and stacks a wide range of copy sizes exiting a copier/printer. The copies are stacked conveniently in front of the copier/printer without occupying much space. The stacker includes the use of an inverted "window shade" assembly with its roller spring mechanism attached on one end of the base of the roll feed/cutter assembly of the copier/printer, while the other end is pulled out and attached at an angle in front of the media supply drawer in order to form a pocket to catch copy sheets exiting the copier/printer.

Abstract: A stacking device which may be used with plotters, printers, copiers, or other paper or material handling machines for stacking single sheets of paper or material exiting such machines, and cutting and stacking a plurality of sheets from continuous sheets of paper and material exiting such machines. A motor mounted on a paper or material handling machine is used to rotate a drive shaft causing two arms to rotate. A stacking rod is attached to the rotating arms. Sheets of paper or material exiting the machine are stacked on top of the stacking rod. The arms are initially rotated to an upward position so that a sheet exiting the machine is draped over the stacking rod. The motor then rotates the arms to a downward position where the sheet hangs vertically draped over the stacking rod. This procedure may be repeated for the purpose of stacking other sheets on the rod. Switches may be used to control movement of the arms. A cutter is used to cut individual sheets from a continuous sheet exiting the machine.

Abstract: A succession of web workpieces are first positioned at a loading station one after the other flat on an upstream input conveyor and then are transported by the conveyor in a transport direction through a treatment station where the workpieces are acted upon to a downstream output table. The workpieces are then gripped one at a time, and then lifted off the output table and displaced laterally of the transport direction to a return conveyor extending in the transport direction. These workpieces are then moved by the return conveyor opposite the transport direction to the loading station.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus for a sewn workpiece, adapted for clamping, draping such workpiece as is one-sidely thicker which is buttoned or buttonholed by a button sewing machine or buttonholing machine. The apparatus is capable of stacking the workpiece in parallel with the horizontal, thus ensuring stability of the workpiece as stacked even if a multiple of the one sidedly thicker workpieces are stacked.

Abstract: A plurality of workpieces, hanging from a sewing machine, are stacked on a workpiece stacking panel in such a manner that the lower end each of the workpiece is clamped on a workpiece draping cylinder by a first swingable clamping member and the intermediate portion thereof is thrown by a workpiece throw-over member and turned over the draping cylinder. A second swingable clamping member is provided under a working table to clamp the topmost workpiece on the stacking panel. The stacking panel is adapted for gradual downward movement according to quantity of the workpieces to be stacked on the panel.

Abstract: An applicator for a crease setting composition includes two or more applicator heads mounted over a surface having vacuum means for gripping a fabric. The applicator heads can be raised and lowered in unison and moved back and forth over the surface. When the rear edge of the fabric is sensed, the applicator heads drop onto the fabric and then are moved backwards while applying the crease setting composition to the fabric. When the front edge of the fabric is sensed, application of the setting composition is discontinued and the applicator heads are raised from the fabric. Channels or grooves in the surface, which supports the fabric during application of composition, receive the creases so that accurate alignment is maintained between the applicator heads and the creases. Air pressure is used for dispensing the composition.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism installed on a circulating conveyor is composed of a clamp and a supporting plate and a latch lever axially attached to the supporting plate. The clamp is designed to be opened to a specified extent by a coiled spring. When the clamp is closed against the operation of the coiled spring, it engages with a latch of a latch lever so as to be locked.A cloth sent out from the sewing machine advances between the opened clamp and the supporting plate. The clamp is closed by an air cylinder and clamps the cloth.When the latch lever engages with a limiting lever set at a specified position in the direction of movement of the conveyor, the lock is unlocked, and the clamp is opened to release the cloth.

Abstract: A device to automatically transfer pantyhose articles from a sewing machine to a conveyor for packed pantyhose articles includes a carriage 2 reciprocable on a horizontal track 10 extending from an unloading station of a sewing machine (LC) to a loading station of a conveyor (BG) for packed pantyhose articles. Grippers having flat horizontal tips, one being fixed, the other being vertically movable, hold an elastic band 40 of a pantyhose article when the bodice is fitted over the sewing forms 9 of the sewing machine. A stylus is associated with and extends parallel to the tips of the gripper 3 and is movable in a direction perpendicular thereto to rotate the bodice of the pantyhose. The gripper engages the pantyhose while it moves through approximately 90.degree. about its own horizontal axis in order to make the seams of the pantyhose coincide over the same vertical median plane. A rotator 6-9 acts to rotate the gripper 3 and the stylus 5 through approximately 90.degree.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring groups of pantyhose from loading stations to an unloading station with intermediate accumulating stations inbetween. An endless conveyor belt advances the pantyhose groups from either of the unloading stations to the next empty intermediate accumulating station, from one intermediate accumulating station to the next, and from an adjacent intermediate accumulating station to the unloading station. The belt operates in either direction depending on location of the station from which the pantyhose groups are to be advanced with respect to the unloading station. The conveyor belt is formed of a plurality of spaced elements and the platform is formed of spaced strips provided for extension through the spaces in the belt to support and retain pantyhose groups at a station while the belt advances pantyhose groups between other stations. The platform is retractable through the belt to place the pantyhose group on the belt for advancing from the station to the next station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for pairing up at least two flexible sheets, in particular the front and rear panels of an article such as a T-shirt. The process comprises forming a stack of each type of sheets and arranging these stacks on two plates (2, 3), picking up along a line, at least one sheet of each stack by means of two gripper assemblies (7, 8) displaceable above the plates (2, 3) between a lower sheet gripping position and an upper position in which the gripped sheets are suspended above the plates, moving a deposit member (15) above the plates (2, 3) along a trajectory in which the deposit member comes into contact with the gripped sheets while sliding therealong to a position intermediate their height, and actuating the gripper assemblies (7, 8) so as to release the sheets on the deposit member (15).

Abstract: An apparatus for removing signatures from a hopper includes a rotatable drum. A first feeder mounted within the drum removes a first signature from the hopper during rotation of the drum through a predetermined acruate distance. A second feeder mounted within the drum partially removes a second signature from the hopper during rotation of the drum through the predetermined arcuate distance before the feeding of the first signature from the hopper is completed. The second feeder engages the second signature and starts removal of the second signature from the hopper while the first feeder is finishing removal of the first signature from the hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting sheets of different lengths in a tray having first and second parts and wherein the second part of the tray consists of a first portion which adjoins the first part and from there extends downwardly to receive the trailing part of sheets of intermediate lengths, and a second portion which adjoins the bottom point of the first portion and from there extends upwardly in order to receive the trailing part of sheets of longer lengths than the intermediate lengths.

Abstract: A device for stacking pieces of fabric which includes a fold bar, at least one gripper movable in translation for grasping succesive pieces of fabric on the fold bar, a fold bar support which is movable between a rear position and a front position for receiving the pieces of fabric from the outlet of a sewing machine, a stacking table positioned adjacent to the fold bar, the gripper being driven in an alternating motion between a position in which it is located over the fold bar support when the support is in its rear position, and a position in which it is located over the stacking table and a guide bar which faces the stacking table at a level which is higher than the greatest possible height to which the fabric can be stacked.

Abstract: Sheet material 10 is advanced from a reel 11, cut by cutter 14 and then each segment is moved parallel to its cut edges through sewing machines 22, 23 so as to sew the hems of the work product. The finished product is advanced rapidly in its direction of movement to transfer roll 85, one end 18 of the work product is pulled over a conveyor while the trailing end is urged against the high speed transfer roll 85 which rapidly pulls the trailing portion 19 of the work product out of the way of the next oncoming work product and directs the trailing portion of the work product downwardly to the near side of the conveyor. Each bundle 28 of work products is advanced out of the way so as to make room for accumulating a subsequent bundle on the conveyor.

Abstract: A machine for inserting and taking up long and flat textile pieces into and from a drying and ironing machine comprises an oscillating outfit provided with a longitudinal beam, a slide fixed to this beam, two rolling pieces rolling in opposite directions and maintained in the slide, and two movable and symmetrically shaped carriages. Each of these carriages comprises a U-shaped rigid frame with opposed cheeks. One carriage bears a gripper for the prehension of the textile piece, and one of the two carriages is provided with an operating handle which bears a block which comes into friction contact against the edge of the longitudinal beam in order to maintain the front edge of the textile piece longitudinally tensioned.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary vacuum arm bag or sheet transferring and stacking device and a stack-handling system enabling an indexing of counted bag stacks. The transferring device grasps and retains the bags adjacent margins transverse to the direction of web advance while at least a portion of the opposed margins parallel to such directions are spaced inwardly from the arms to define a slot or gap thru which stack-retaining fingers project contributing to remove a bag from a pair of arms and retaining the bag in a stack wherein respective margins overlie each other. Also disclosed is a stack-handling system having the ability to remove a completed stack from the stacking station and yet allow, if desired, continuous bag machine operation and, as a result, uninterrupted transfer of sheets or bags to the stacking stations.

Abstract: A workpiece stacker located at the side of a table on which a sewing machine is mounted. The stacker includes mechanism whereby a workpiece is transferred from the back of the table behind the sewing machine and stacked on a support arm adjacent the front of the table where the stacked workpieces are readily accessible to the operator seated at the front of the machine.

Abstract: A stacker for seizing and successively stacking sewn articles received from a sewing machine. A main support structure has a frame pivotally connected to it and extending upright, carrying a horizontal stacking bar for movement between an article receiving position extending laterally along the sewing table for receiving a sewn article from the sewing machine, and a retracted position spaced outwardly from the table. A clamping bar is carried parallel to the stacking bar by arm members pivotally connected to the frame for movement between an open position spaced from the stacking bar and a clamping position confronting it for gripping the sewn article therebetween.

Abstract: Fabric piece stacker applied to a sewing machine which permits loading and sewing a piece while the stacker is in its operative phase, comprising a vertical element at an end of which a first rod is pivoted, connected in turn, through a pin, to a second rod; two parallel bars are fixed at the free ends of the rods and pneumatic cylinders are provided for enabling the vertical element and the two rods to oscillate in sequence in order to stack the sewn piece.

Abstract: A laundry piece stacking device which stacks a predetermined number of laundry pieces uniformly and evenly in a stack. Laundry pieces of a predetermined size are conveyed from an ironing area along a double feed conveyor to a swing arm conveyor. The swing arm conveyor is pivotable and rotates in an arc above a work discharge zone. By appropriate adjusting elements, the laundry pieces are evenly draped over a first conveyor in a stacking arrangement until the number of pieces in the stack equals a predetermined count. At that time, the first conveyor and a second, adjacent conveyor are activated for a brief interval so that the first stack formed is transported away from the work deposit zone towards a workpiece receiving area located at the far end of the second conveyor means. The swing arm conveyor is inhibited from operation during this time period. After one stack is removed, additional stacks are formed on the first conveyor and sequentially conveyed towards the receiving area.

Abstract: A mechanism for stacking and accumulating a plurality of stacks of predetermined numbers of flat flexible articles, such as pillowcases and like products, sequentially received therein, such as from a machine fabricating such articles.

Abstract: An in-line vertical-to-horizontal conveying system useful for transferring flexible sheet material from a vertical location to a horizontal position is disclosed. A triangular shaped material transition board means is utilized to effect the transfers. Further, hold-down bars and endless belts are used to maintain continuous flow of the sheets over a surface of the transition board means.

Abstract: A small piece stacker and counter for use in association with laundry ironing machines comprising a conveyor belt means having space defined between two belts with passage therethrough of the piece, blow down means for the blowing down of the piece through the spaced apart conveyor belts, and catch means for the catching of the piece at a central portion thereof.

Abstract: A device for the removal of flexible workpieces which are draped over a workpiece holding arm and which hang downwardly from each side thereof, in particular, over a work-handling arm of an arm-down sewing machine, comprises a horizontally disposed carrying arm or rod which is adapted to receive the sewn material and support it so that portions hang downwardly from each side thereof. A material engagement clip, which has a pair of clamping arms arranged below the carrying arm, is mounted for movement in directions substantially parallel to the carrying arm in order to move the clamping arms on respective sides of the workpiece and subsequently to move the clamping arms together so that they clamp the workpiece and strip the workpiece from the carrying arm when the clamping arms are moved outwardly from the carrying arm.

Abstract: In an arrangement for collecting and stacking hosiery articles in general, such as stockings, panty-hose and the like, coming from a circular hosiery knitting machine, an improvement consisting in that the suction plate of the temporary collection space has two arrays of perforations, one with more closely spaced holes and the other with widely spaced, longitudinally arranged holes, so as to create a whirling motion of air and a differential pressure field which aids in distending the articles so as to have them orderly dropping onto a rod-like supporting member positioned beneath said temporary collection space.

Abstract: A garment stacking device in which a plurality of garments are stacked in a vertical position over a stacking bar in which a thrust element is provided to cooperate with the other elements of the stacking device to hold the lower ends of the stacked garments free of the zone where a newly inserted end is to fall from each succeeding garment being stacked.