Abstract: A batch sheet feeder has an upstream first conveyor section arranged to convey sheets singly in a downstream direction to a downstream second conveyor section. The second conveyor section has an upper second conveying section and a lower second conveying section forming a gap therebetween. The gap is largest at an upstream end of the second conveyor section and diminishes in size toward a downstream end of the second conveyor section. A gate positioned proximate the downstream end of the second conveyor section selectively blocks sheets fed along the second conveyor section. In another embodiment, the sheet feeder has a sheet conveyor, sheet sensor, and visual attribute sensor. The visual attribute sensor has a field of view covering an area of the conveyor at a certain downstream location so as to sense an area of any sheet on the conveyor at this downstream location. The visual attribute sensor can compare a sensed area of a sheet at the downstream location with a stored visual attribute.

Abstract: A paper sheet finishing system includes a sheet guiding mechanism having nip rollers to transport a sheet forward, at least one diverter gate through which the sheet passes when the at least one diverter gate is open, and a temporary compiler to support the sheet after the sheet passes the at least one diverter gate, a diverter member to travel in conjunction with the at least one diverter gate, and at least one rear suppressor member connected to the diverter member to push a trailing edge of the sheet forward and pitch a leading edge of the sheet downward after the sheet controllably descends past the temporary compiler with reduced flutter and improved positioning during compilation of the sheets.

Abstract: A buffer transport system for staging accumulated documents produced by an input module of an inserter system. The system including a plurality of roller nips in series. Each of the roller nips are driven by an independently controllable motor in communication with a controller. The series of roller nips form stopping stations along the length of the buffer transport. Each of the stopping stations has a uniform length and is comprised of two or more of the roller nips. The roller nips in any given stopping station are electronically geared together under the control of the controller. The controller controls stopping stations to transfer accumulated documents within the stopping stations to a next downstream stopping station when it is sensed that the next downstream stopping station is open. If the next downstream station from a given station is not open, then the controller does not instructs the station to transfer documents downstream.

Abstract: A flexible buffer transport system for staging accumulated documents for transfer to a synchronous downstream transport. Control of movement of accumulations in the buffer being independent of the length of the documents. The system includes a plurality of roller nips in series. The roller nips are spaced a uniform distance apart. Each of the roller nips are driven by an independently controllable motor in communication with a controller. Position sensors also communicate with the controller. The sensors sense positions of lead and trail edges of accumulations of documents within the buffer transport system. For each sampling period in the operating cycle and for each roller nip, the controller determines motion control. First, the controller determines which nips should be slaved together based on which are needed to control a particular accumulation of documents under its control.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet delivery and position controlling apparatus for an ink jet printer. The sheet delivery and position controlling apparatus includes a sheet discharging unit having a sheet delivery roller for discharging in sequence printed sheets to a sheet stacker, a delay unit having a swivel unit pivotally provided between the sheet delivery roller and the sheet stacker for movable between a first position which does not interfere with the sheet discharged from the sheet delivery roller and a second position which interferes with the sheet discharged from the sheet delivery roller to delay a time period to be placed on the sheet stacker after the printed sheets are discharged, a driving motor, a power transmission unit for transmitting power from the driving motor to the swivel unit to selectively swivel the swivel unit to the first position and the second position, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the driving motor.

Abstract: An inserter (10) for synchronously feeding a preprinted portion (X1) of a pamphlet into a printing press (P) to be adhered to a complemental portion of the pamphlet in substantial registration to form the completed pamphlet is disclosed. The inserter (10) broadly includes a feeder assembly (12), an aligner assembly (14), and a drive assembly (16). The feeder assembly (12) moves a plurality (Xn) of sequential preprinted portions (X1, X2 . . . Xn,) of the pamphlets along a substantially horizontal support surface (42) and then feeds them, one at a time, into the aligner assembly (14). The aligner assembly (14) includes aligner pins (246,248), that are universally spaced independent of the dimension of the preprinted portions (Xn), that aligns each of the pamphlet portions into the desired alignment so that the aligner assembly (14) can introduce them one at a time into the printing press (P) in sufficient registration to allow the formation of the completed pamphlets.

Abstract: A delivery of a sheet-processing printing machine has a sheet-pile stacking station whereon a safety guard is provided which is suspended from a pivot pin and, at least during a regular sheet-pile forming process, provides a view of a downline top edge of the sheet pile, as viewed in the processing direction. In this regard, the safety guard is constructed so that it is swingable together and swingable apart in the manner of a hinge, via a hinge pin disposed parallel to the pivot pin; and a machine for processing flat printing materials, and a sheet-processing printing machine, respectively, equipped with the delivery.

Abstract: Sheets (57) exit printer (1) into finisher (3) through corrugation rollers (13a-13d, 15a, 15b, 15aa, 15bb) encounter actuator tab (9a) to thereby rotate actuator (9) upward. Bails (11a-11b) are engaged by this and rotate upward. Each bail has a wing (11d, 11dd, 11e), which prevents curling. When the sheet is exited, gravity acting on the sheet and the actuator tab causes the sheet to drop. The bails also drop under gravity. The sheet is positioned to drop flat and near the exit, as intended for the finisher to form stacks of sheets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet delivery and position controlling apparatus for an ink jet printer. The sheet delivery and position controlling apparatus includes a sheet discharging unit having a sheet delivery roller for discharging in sequence printed sheets to a sheet stacker, a delay unit having a swivel unit pivotally provided between the sheet delivery roller and the sheet stacker for movable between a first position which does not interfere with the sheet discharged from the sheet delivery roller and a second position which interferes with the sheet discharged from the sheet delivery roller to delay a time period to be placed on the sheet stacker after the printed sheets are discharged, a driving motor, a power transmission unit for transmitting power from the driving motor to the swivel unit to selectively swivel the swivel unit to the first position and the second position, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the driving motor.

Abstract: A conveyor or article transportation system for conveying or transporting, for example, pieces or units of mail, or similar flat articles, has a pair of guide fingers operatively extending downstream from a downstream end of the conveyor so as to project into a stacking chamber within which the pieces or units of mail, or flat articles, are to be stacked. The guide fingers effectively vertically support the downstream end portions of the pieces or units of mail, or articles, such that the downstream end portions of the mail or articles do not curl or curve downwardly, or sag, whereby the pieces of mail or articles are deposited within the stacking chamber in a substantially flat state so as to prevent rollover of the pieces of mail or articles which would otherwise become jammed within the stacking system and cause upstream jamming or interruptions within the conveying system.

Abstract: In an image recording apparatus with excellent quality which can prevent image degradation and the like due to stacking too much recording material on a discharge tray, when the recording operation is carried out, a sensor measures the distance from the upper surface of a flapper to the stacked object. The output obtained here is taken in by a distance detecting circuit. After a calculation circuit carries out comparison and calculation, the distance is calculated and is transmitted to a control circuit. By comparing the calculated distance with thickness data with regard to the recording material and the like stored in advance in a memory device in the control circuit, the allowable residual amount of stack and the allowable residual number of sheets of stack are further presumed.

Abstract: A device for vertically forming partial stacks of printed products. Said device comprises a belt conveyor (1) for transporting printed products, a bulging device (11), by which the printed products conveyed on the belt conveyor (1) may be provided with a convexity around an axis extending in the conveying direction of the belt conveyor (1) vertically extending collecting shaft (2), adjustable in format and disposed at one end of the belt conveyor (1) in the extension thereof, and having an openable stacking support (21) disposed therein, from which a stack of printed products may be picked up, and a first supporting finger (3), disposed on the side of the belt conveyor (1) facing away from the collecting shaft (2) and above the stacking support (21), said finger being displaceable by a displacing device (5) from a starting position, in which it extends centrally into the collecting shaft (2) above the stream of printed products, vertically downwards into said stream of conveyed printed products.

Abstract: A device for separating a sheet pile during the running operation of a pile-forming sheet-processing machine includes a separator which, when an auxiliary pile carrier is pushed into a sheet pile to be separated, is movable between a rear upper edge of the sheet pile to be separated and a following sheet for a new sheet pile, for the purpose of lifting a rear lower edge of the new sheet pile at least into an effective range of a rear sheet stop; and a pile-forming sheet-processing machine and a pile-forming sheet-fed printing machine, respectively, including the separating device.

Abstract: A sheet discharging apparatus including a sheet discharging device which discharges a sheet on a sheet discharging tray. A sheet tip portion guide device holds thereupon a tip portion of the sheet discharged from the sheet discharging device, guides the sheet in a sheet discharging direction while holding the tip portion of the sheet thereupon, and releases the sheet by releasing the tip portion of the sheet held thereupon.

Abstract: A sheet treating apparatus capable of stacking discharged sheets in the shape of bundle, including a sheet stacking device so positioned that the downstream side in the discharging direction is higher than the upstream side and serving to stack the sheets, a sheet receiving member so provided as to project from the sheet stacking device and serving to receive the upstream end of the sheets on the sheet stacking device, a sheet advancing device for advancing the sheet onto the sheet stacking device, an elastic annular sheet trailing end aligning member rotatably provided in the vicinity of the sheet advancing device and serving to move the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking device toward the sheet receiving member, and a pivotally movable regulating member provided in a vertically pivotable manner in the vicinity of the sheet advancing device and provided with an inclined face adapted to descend after the sheets are discharged onto the sheet stacking device and to guide, in the descended state, the trailing

Abstract: A sheet discharging apparatus including a sheet discharging device which discharges a sheet on a sheet discharging tray. A sheet tip portion guide device holds thereupon a tip portion of the sheet discharged from the sheet discharging device, guides the sheet in a sheet discharging direction while holding the tip portion of the sheet thereupon, and releases the sheet by releasing the tip portion of the sheet held thereupon.

Abstract: A sheet discharging apparatus including a sheet discharging device which discharges a sheet on a sheet discharging tray. A sheet tip portion guide device holds thereupon a tip portion of the sheet discharged from the sheet discharging device, guides the sheet in a sheet discharging direction while holding the tip portion of the sheet thereupon, and releases the sheet by releasing the tip portion of the sheet held thereupon.

Abstract: A device for transferring to a downline sheet-guiding cylinder of a reversing device in a sheet-fed rotary printing machine, a trailing edge of a sheet guided on an upline sheet-guiding cylinder, includes at least one lifting device for lifting the trailing edge of the sheet from the upline sheet-guiding cylinder, and a gripper device disposed on the downline sheet-guiding cylinder, the gripper device having a gripper pad extensible out of the periphery of the downline sheet-guiding cylinder for receiving the trailing edge of the sheet from the lifting device outside the periphery, and retractable into the periphery of the downline sheet-guiding cylinder after receiving the trailing edge of the sheet, the lifting device being at least one adjustable blowing nozzle disposed in a stationary manner or on the upline sheet-guiding cylinder, for blowing air beneath the trailing edge of the sheet; and a method of transferring the trailing edge of the sheet.

Abstract: A device for delivering, depositing, and aligning sheets in a stack container of an apparatus by a sheet handling device. The sheet handling device includes a delivery mechanism delivering sheets along a sheet delivery direction, and a sheet deposition mechanism. The sheet deposition mechanism, driven in a circulating fashion, has a sheet alignment and hold-down member. The delivered and deposited sheets are aligned against a sheet stop lying at right angles to the sheet delivery direction and are held down on the sheet stack container. To provide precise, reliable, and rapid stacking of sheets, the sheet deposition mechanism is independently controlled for completely guided lowering and deposition of a delivered sheet. Moreover, the sheet deposition mechanism and the sheet alignment and hold-down member can be operated in a discontinuously circulating fashion and in synchronism with sheet delivery.

Abstract: A device (1) for the intermediate storage of photographic material (4-8) in sheet form includes an entrance (2) for receiving the material (4-8), an exit (3) for discharging the material (4-8) and several rotatably supported rollers (9-16; 40, 41) which are provided to transport of the material in sheet form (4-8) from the entrance (2) to the exit (3) and can be driven by at least one drive means (17-22). A monitoring means (23, 24A, 24B) for monitoring positions of intermediately stored sheets (4-8) of the photographic material (4-8) is also provided. A control means (23) controls the rotation speeds of the driveable rollers (9-16; 40, 41) in such a way that during operation the rotation speed of at least one of the rollers (9-16; 40, 41) can be adjusted independently of the rotation speeds of the other rollers (9-16; 40, 41) in response to the monitored positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for receiving at least one sheet from a first upstream direction and feeding the at least one sheet in either a second mainstream direction or a third disposal direction. Conventionally, this invention may be used to reorient a sheet, or an accumulation of sheets, from landscape to portrait or vice versa, and to dispose of an incorrect accumulation of sheets into an out-sort station.

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: A sheet processing device according to the present invention is formed of an image forming device, an ejecting device and a stacking device; wherein the sheet processing device further includes an auxiliary support device which is disposed at a distal side in a sheet ejecting direction of the support device. The auxiliary support device is rotatably moved between a support position for supporting at least a forward end of the sheet and a retracting position from the support position. Whereby the stacking area of the support device can be varied, and the ejecting of the sheets temporarily stacked on the stacking device can be easily accomplished.

Abstract: A device for justifying an end of a section released from a drop stacking machine. A capture member for engaging an end of the section is slidably mounted to a frame and is shiftable between an extended capture position wherein the capture member is position to engage the end of the section to be dropped from the stacking machine and a retracted position. An end stop having a justifying surface is mounted to the frame. An actuator connected to the capture member shifts the capture member between the extended capture position and the retracted position, and in the process brings the section end into contact with the justifying surface. A control system having a sensor is provided for detecting the presence of a section waiting to be dropped from the stacker and in response thereto activating the actuator. Accordingly, when a section is dropped from the stacking machine the section end is captured by the capture member.

Abstract: A sheet post-processing device includes a storing tray for storing a sheet, and a process tray for post-processing the sheet. The sheet post-processing device has a first mode for guiding the sheet from an image forming device to the storing tray, and a second mode for guiding the sheet from the image forming device to the process tray and guiding the sheet to the storing tray after predetermined post-processing is operated. A guide device is formed in the sheet post-processing device for guiding the sheet from the image forming device to allow the sheet to pass at a portion spaced from the sheet placing surface of the process tray and to reach the storing tray. The guide means is transferred to a position for guiding the sheet to the storing tray in case of the first mode, and is transferred to a position to allow the sheet to be placed on the sheet placing surface of the process tray in case of the second mode.

Abstract: A method and mechanism are provided for supporting and stacking a liquid ink printed sheet moving along an in-track path and direction in a liquid ink printing system and having a flat, cross-track dimension "D1" defined by a first edge and a second and opposite edge of such sheet. The mechanism for the method includes an output tray defining and providing a stacking surface for holding the liquid ink printed sheet in a stack; and a first member having an edge supporting portion and an edge guiding portion for supporting and guiding the first edge of the liquid ink printed sheet, the first member being mounted at a first position having a first desired height distance above the stacking surface, and the first member extending along the in-track path and direction.

Abstract: A carrier (2) of an apparatus (1) is pivotably mounted on a shaft (6) and can be moved by means of a stepper motor (34) via a cable (40). Apparatus (1) is positioned above tray surface (29) of storage container (28) and has a motor-driven impeller (27) and motor-driven separating fingers (25, 26). Driving motors (7 and 13, respectively) and their appropriate drawing means (12 and 20, 24 respectively) for impeller (27) and for separating fingers (25, 26) respectively are arranged on carrier (2). The sheets are individually arranged on top of one another to form a stack on tray surface (29) and are aligned by impeller (27) on front stopping edge (41), while separating fingers (25, 26) serve to temporarily retain subsequently arriving sheets as long as the finished stack of sheets still lies on tray surface (29).

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: Method for depositing different products produced by a printing press in a continuous printing operation, the printing press having at least one controllingly variable printing form, includes separating the products from one another in accordance with a control varying the printing form, and feeding the products individually to a further processing location, and a device for performing the method.

Abstract: A delivery unit (1) of a copying apparatus is equipped with a paper delivery tray (2), provided in a top cover (4). The paper delivery tray (2) consists of at least one inclined delivery surface (2a, 2b) for a sheet stack, an output slot (10) formed by paper output rollers (8), and a paper contact surface (6) arranged after the output slot (10). A bar (12), which fits around the output slot (10) and can be pivoted onto the sheet stack (5) located on the delivery surface on the basis of a signal form the copying apparatus, is provided in a wall (7) of the paper delivery tray.

Abstract: The apparatus according to the invention comprises a collector bin (2) for fed sheets (5) that is made up of a sheet support (4) and a sheet stop (12). A retaining apparatus (8) for the fed sheets (5) is provided facing the sheet support (4), and a stop finger (10) can be pivoted into the paper path. A jogger wheel (6), with which the fed sheets (5) can be transported toward the sheet stop (6), is installed above the sheet support (4) rotatably about a shaft (A). A holding element (14) for the stop finger (10) can be moved on the shaft (A) independently of the rotary movement of the jogger wheel (6), and a stopgap closure element (16) is also arranged on the holding element (14) in such a way that the stop finger (10) or the stopgap closure element (16) can be introduced into the paper path.

Abstract: A sheet guiding device for printing presses, wherein, for recto printing, a sheet decurler is pivotable into a gap formed in a guide surface and, for recto/verso printing, the sheet decurler is pivotable out of the gap, a surface element of the guide surface being displaceable for closing the gap wherein the sheet decurler is engageable, includes a drive lever which, for switching to recto printing, is operatable for displacing the surface element in order to form the gap and for engaging the sheet decurler and pivoting it into the gap, the drive lever, for switching to recto/verso printing, being operatable for releasing the sheet decurler to swivel out of the gap and for engaging and displacing the surface element.

Abstract: Method of introducing an auxiliary sheet pile carrier above a main sheet pile to be removed, the introduction being effected during uninterrupted feeding of additional sheets above the main sheet pile in a sheet travel direction and in synchronism with the travel of a sheet to be deposited, includes controlling respective drives at a sheet delivery by a control device which determines actual data of a printing press, so that the auxiliary pile carrier traverses a velocity profile identical with a velocity profile of the sheet to be deposited in order to avoid relative movement between the auxiliary pile carrier and the sheet to be deposited.

Abstract: Sheet delivery for a printing press includes a removable sheet stop, and sheet catchers movable into the sheet delivery for catching sheets to be deposited on a sheet pile while the sheets are yet above the sheet pile, for purposes of both removing a sample sheet and inserting an auxiliary pile holder, the sheet catchers being disposed at an outer end of the sheet pile and being introducible with a close spacing from delivery grippers transporting the sheets to be deposited, the sheet stop being removable from the sheet pile for enabling a sample sheet to be taken, and the sheet catchers being bringable into a position therein at least by respective front ends thereof they have a slight spacing from the sheet pile enabling the auxiliary pile holder to be inserted, the surface of the sheet pile being lowerable so that the auxiliary pile holder is insertable between a lower end of the sheet stop and a top surface of the sheet pile.

Abstract: A method for stacking sheets has a conveyor having a downstream end spaced upstream in a horizontal transport direction from a stacking station for delivering the sheets continuously one after the other at a predetermined upper level in the direction to the station and a main platform vertically displaceable in the stacking station between an upper position below the upper level and a lower position. An auxiliary platform below the upper level is formed by a plurality of parallel rods horizontally displaceable in the direction between an extended position in the station above the main platform and a retracted position upstream of the main platform.

Abstract: A bill processor for use in a bill handling machine comprises a first bill transport passage for guiding a bill inserted in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of bills stacked in a stacker toward substantially middle of interior of the main body of the bill handling machine, and a second bill transport passage for guiding the bill from the termination end of the first bill transport passage along the longitudinal direction of the stacked bills, wherein the first bill transport passage is formed in a meandering form along the longitudinal direction of the stacked bills, whereby the depth of the bill processor can be made small.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking sheets has a conveyor having a downstream end spaced upstream in a horizontal transport direction from a stacking station for delivering the sheets continuously one after the other at a predetermined upper level in the direction to the station and a main platform vertically displaceable in the stacking station between an upper position below the upper level and a lower position. An auxiliary platform below the upper level is formed by a plurality of parallel rods horizontally displaceable in the direction between an extended position in the station above the main platform and a retracted position upstream of the main platform.

Abstract: A sheet receiving and stacking apparatus includes a base table with a stacking section for stacking a rectangular sheet, and a guide device for receiving the rectangular sheet and guiding the rectangular sheet to the stacking section of the base table. The guide device has a plurality of guide sections rotating in contact with the rectangular sheet above said stacking section.

Abstract: A delivery interrupt mechanism for a printing machine includes a support frame having a stationary guide defining a guide path. A flexible finger is slidably supported by the guide for movement along a curved portion of the guide path while substantially conforming in shape to the curved portion between a retracted position and an extended position in which the finger extends from the frame to support leading edges of printed sheets in a printing machine. The finger is connected to a rotatable input shaft mounted on the frame so that the finger is moved along the curved portion of the guide path between its retracted and extended positions when the input shaft is rotated.

Abstract: A buffered stacking system for selectively diverting horizontally disposed documents from a generally horizontal main conveying path, stacking the documents in a horizontal orientation and dropping the documents into replaceable receiving receptacles is provided. The system has a primary horizontal conveyor belt with a lower horizontal reach defining a horizontal primary conveying path. A plurality of sorting stations are located serially along and below the primary conveying path. Each of the sorting stations has at least one diverter arm disposed along the conveying path. The diverter arms are selectively movable from a generally horizontal position which allows passage of the documents along the conveying path to an inclined position to divert the document into the corresponding sorting station. The diverter arms divert the document in a downwardly inclined direction into a stacking station.

Abstract: A sheet media handling system is provided for use in a sheet processor, such system incorporating a pair of pivotal rail members which adjust laterally to afford support of variously-sized sheets. The system employs both input and output support structures, the input support structure including a pair of relatively movable side walls which adjust to accommodate sheets of different size. The rail members are linked by cooperative camming engagement with an elongate linkage arm which extends between the rail members to ensure simultaneous pivot of the rail members between respective sheet-supporting and sheet-releasing positions.

Abstract: A passbook transport and handling apparatus (10) for transporting a passbook between a customer using an automated banking machine and a printer (12) located inside the banking machine includes first belt flights (32) movable on first pulleys (22). The transport further includes second belt flights (34) movable on second pulleys (28). The second belt flights are disposed traversely intermediate of the first belt flights so that a passbook carried therein between is engaged firmly but with limited slippage. The passbook is guided through the transport by a first fixed edge guide (44). A second edge guide (46) is mounted on a spring (48) so as to bias the passbook into alignment as it passes through the transport. A gate member (72) is movable between positions blocking or admitting a passbook to the transport. Movement of the gate member as well as the belt flights is under control of a processor.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method separates from a stream of boxes a desired number of boxes into a stack of boxes. A conveyor moves the stream of boxes along a path. A speed wheel mounted upstream of the conveyor- or register the speed of the stream of boxes by determining the machine speed. An adjustable backstop is spaced from the conveyor by a length of the boxes in the board path direction for stopping the longitudinal movement of the boxes. A photocell is mounted in association with the conveyor to count the boxes and determine when a trailing edge of the last box passes. It is automatically determined when a leading edge of the box will engage the backstop after the trailing edge passes the photocell. A plurality of fingers are inserted into the stream of boxes by firing a cylinder when the leading edge of the last box engages the backstop therein placing the finger in the stream to temporarily stop the flow of boxes to the stack.

Abstract: A sheet receiving and stacking apparatus is formed of a base table with a stacking section for stacking a rectangular sheet, and guide members for receiving the rectangular sheet and for guiding the rectangular sheet to the stacking section of the base table. The guide members have at least one movable member which protrudes out on the stacking section side of the base table. The movable member receives the side edge of the rectangular sheet floating downwardly, retreats to the outside of the stacking section with the weight of the rectangular sheet, and is movable to protrude again towards the stacking section side when freed from the weight of the rectangular sheet.

Abstract: Remittance processing apparatus and method in which the leading edges of a pair of documents such as a payment coupon and a check conveyed along a path are engaged with a gate to control passage of the documents along the path. The gate is held in a closed position until the leading edges are aligned with each other and thereafter opened to release the documents. The documents are then engaged by feed rollers rotating at speeds such that one of the two documents is fed ahead of the other to a stacking tray with a stacking belt which engages one side of the documents. The tray is urged toward the belt with a force which remains substantially constant regardless of the number of documents stacked in the tray.

Abstract: A frame is designed for temporarily supporting a horizontal plate-like workpiece until it undergoes a vertical translation between guiding and squaring stops, which frame is located in a machine. The frame comprises lateral retractable supporting surfaces which are either edges of a horizontal flat bar or sides of a horizontal flat bar. When the supporting surfaces are the edges of the horizontal flat bar, the bar is mounted so that it can be moved from a straight line position retracted from the supporting of the sheet to a curved position for supporting the edge of the sheet. The bars can also be positioned utilizing the side and are moved either by pivoting or by a four-bar linking arrangement between the retracted and engaged positions. Finally, the bars can be mounted for rotation along one edge between the engaging and retracted positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for auxiliary stack formation in a sheet-delivery machine having front and rear stationary stops and a front sheet-retaining device a stack board for receiving sheets, and being moveable rearwardly in a gap above the main stack, the stack board receiving the sheets forming the auxiliary stack, a set of spaced-apart lower rear stops mounted on a horizontally disposed carrier, the carrier being vertically moveable relative to the stationary rear upper stops, between a lower position wherein the lower stops extend beneath the main stack and a upper position wherein the lower stops are above the main stack for preventing rearward movement of the auxiliary stack sheets; wedge members mounted on the carrier, engageable by the advancing stack board for moving the carrier between the lower and upper positions; and a plurality of rear sheet retention devices disposed horizontally in spaced-apart relation and mounted on the carrier for movement between a recessed position behind the rear stops, and a sheet

Abstract: A labeling machine in which pressure sensitive adhesively backed labels are releasably adhered to a backing strip moving along a path from a dispensing roll to a take-up roll. The labels are removed from the backing strip onto a rotating applicator drum at a first station along said path, and the thus removed labels are transferred from the applicator drum to articles being successively presented at a second station. The improvement comprises a scanning unit, a comparator unit, and a removal unit. The scanning unit is positioned in advance of the first station for reading indicia appearing on the labels adhered to said backing strip. The comparator unit is associated with the scanning unit for comparing the indicia on the labels with a preselected standard and for generating a control signal in the event of a mismatch between the standard and the indicia appearing on an incorrect label.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing printed paper in a cut-sheet feed rotary press comprising receiving printed sheets from a printing press on a receiving device at a paper discharge, one sheet at a time, and stacking such received sheets, one on the other, withdrawing and transferring the stacked sheets to a further processing station, the apparatus comprising a printing press having a paper discharge, a paper-receiving device at the paper discharge for receiving the discharged paper, and a conveyer for conveying the paper-receiving device with the discharged paper thereon, from the paper discharge to a further processing station for the discharge of paper therefrom and for returning the paper-receiving device to the paper discharge after the printed paper thereon have been discharged therefrom at the further processing station.

Abstract: The stack-forming device (10) has a stack compartment (20), which is closed at the bottom by slide plates (22) and to which printing products (16) are fed by the conveying device (14). Above the slide plates (22), intermediate-bottom elements (58) can be pushed into the stack compartment (20), on which elements the fed printing products (16) can be deposited one on top of the other at the beginning of a preliminary stack formation. As soon as a certain number of printing products have been stacked, the intermediate-bottom elements (58) are drawn out of the stack compartment (20), as a result of which the stacked printing products (16) fall onto the slide plates (22), and the preliminary stack is completed by feeding further printing products (16). The finished preliminary stack is then set down onto the depositing table (30) by moving the slide plates (22) apart.