Abstract: The transporting of flimsy print media sheets having curled sheet edges being fed from a fuser or other input onto a vacuum sheet transport belt system is provided with improved acquisition by simultaneously blowing the upper surface of the sheet's curled lead edge area down towards the vacuum belt transport with a positive pressure airflow while the vacuum sheet transport is attracting the sheet with its an underlying vacuum manifold airflow. Both the vacuum manifold airflow and the positive pressure airflow may be respectively provided solely by the air intake and the air exhaust from a single blower. The positive pressure airflow may be provided from a manifold extending transversely over at least the upstream end of the vacuum belt transport, spaced therefrom, and feeding air to one or more air jets.

Abstract: A stacker for stacking labels die-cut from a continuous web by a die cutter into vertical stacks. The stacker is of the kind that includes at least one stacking chute having an upper opening and a number of mainly vertically arranged walls, at least one overlying belt conveyor having a conveyor belt designed with a number of suction holes distributed along the belt and having a lower run with a direction of conveyance running from the die cutter to the stacking chute, and a suction box located above the lower run and connected to a vacuum source communicating with the suction holes of the lower run via the suction box in an area around the die cutter but not in an area around the stacking chute. A channel for receiving the lower run of the conveyor belt or a lower part of this run is designed in at least a front wall of the walls of the stacking chute, seen in the direction of conveyance, said channel is extending in this direction.

Abstract: A device for transporting sheets to a sheet processing machine includes a feed table, and at least one suction belt endlessly revolvable over the feed table. The suction belt is subjectible to vacuum from suction regions of different pressure levels disposed behind one another in a direction of sheet transport and the suction regions are producible by a single vacuum source. The suction belt is formed with through openings, and the feed table is formed with suction openings and ventilation openings, both of which correspond with the through openings formed in the suction belt.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus for transporting sheets to a sheet processing machine, in particular a printing press, has a suction belt table between a sheet in-feed and the sheet-processing machine. A transport belt of the suction belt table is formed with at least two rows of suction openings that exert a holding force on the sheet. Ventilation openings that reduce a frictional force of the suction belt on the feed table are provided below the transport belt in a region between the rows of suction openings.

Abstract: A transport device for transporting flat goods has at least one transport belt having longitudinal edges and a transport area. At least one vacuum device and at least one guide with sidewalls are provided. The transport area of the at least one transport belt is arranged in the at least one guide such that at least one vacuum slot is formed between at least one of the longitudinal edges of the transport belt and one of the sidewalls neighboring the at least one longitudinal edge. The at least one transport belt has a profiling configured such that vacuum acts on the flat goods via the profiling.

Abstract: A stencil printing machine having an exfoliation suction apparatus including a case having a guide plate at its upper face, a suction force generating portion provided at the case and an exfoliation suction port provided at one end portion of the guide plate for constituting suction force for exfoliating print sheet from a printing drum by suction force by the suction force generating portion in which the exfoliation suction port is arranged to be proximate to a press roller orthgonally to a center line of a squeegee roller intersecting with an axis line of the printing drum and on a lower side of a reference line passing through a position of bringing the press roller and into press contact with the printing drum.

Abstract: A printer having a media transport with a rigid, air-transmissive platen. A movable air-transmissive flexible web overlays the platen, and a suction device communicates with the platen to draw air through the web and through the platen, such that a sheet of media carried on the web is biased toward the platen. A second movable web below the first web limits air flow through at least a selected portion of the platen other than a portion overlaid by the sheet. The movable web may be a continuous belt, which may have two separate air-blocking regions that are positioned beyond the platen when full airflow is desired, and at least partly registered with the platen to block airflow to peripheral platen portions.

Abstract: A smoothing device includes guide surface sections for a flat printing material whose leading edge is pulled in a direction of travel over the guide surface sections. The guide surface sections have openings which communicate with throttling ducts that are pressurized with compressed air during operation. The guide surface sections form a smoothing notch and have air passage openings which communicate with a flow duct. The air passage openings are configured to cause pressure conditions when there is an air throughflow during operation such that the flat printing material forms a bead projecting into the smoothing notch.

Abstract: A device for transferring segregated flat-shaped products includes a transfer device and a transport device by which the products transferred from the transfer device are further transported along a transport path. The transport device includes a moveable transport surface having suction openings communicative with a vacuum container. The transfer device includes a roll arranged transverse to the transport path and having suction orifices arranged about a circumference thereof. The roll has internal channels having openings in opposed axial end faces of said roll which are communicative with the suction orifices. Vacuum chamber members are disposed axially at the opposed end faces of the roll which is rotatable relative to the vacuum chamber members. Each of the vacuum chamber members has a concentric grove and a ventilation channel which correspond to the openings of the internal channels.

Abstract: A guiding device for an areal printing material, the guiding device having an areal structure with a guide surface facing towards the printing material, and wherein the areal structure includes a supporting layer, and a surface layer is provided for forming the guide surface and covering the supporting layer; and a rotary printing machine equipped with the guiding device.

Abstract: A stacker for stacking labels die-cut from a continuous web by a die cutter into vertical stacks. The stacker is of the kind that includes at least one stacking chute having an upper opening and a number of mainly vertically arranged walls, at least one overlying belt conveyor having a conveyor belt designed with a number of suction holes distributed along the belt and having a lower run with a direction of conveyance running from the die cutter to the stacking chute, and a suction box located above the lower run and connected to a vacuum source communicating with the suction holes of the lower run via the suction box in an area around the die cutter but not in an area around the stacking chute. A channel for receiving the lower run of the conveyor belt or a lower part of this run is designed in at least a front wall of the walls of the stacking chute, seen in the direction of conveyance, said channel is extending in this direction.

Abstract: A delivery for a printing machine that processes sheets passing through the latter in a processing direction, includes sheet brakes adjustable transversely to the processing direction and a respective braking element having a vacuum passing therethrough, the braking element being cooperatable with the sheet and revolving during the operation thereof, and a supporting element through which vacuum does not pass, the respective braking element being replaceable by the supporting element for converting one of the sheet brakes to a respective sheet support adjustable transversely to the processing direction; and a printing machine having such a delivery.

Abstract: A multistage printing machine is disclosed with a vacuum conveyor between stages, and in which supplemental air is provided adjacent at least one printing cylinder.

Abstract: A sheet-braking device for a sheet-processing machine includes a plurality of brake modules with a revolving suction belt formed with at least one suction opening. The brake modules have assigned thereto individual drives with controls for stipulating a reference speed relative to a speed of the machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the transport of workpieces (W), in particular of suspended, panel-shaped workpieces (W), such as sheets or plates. This apparatus has at least one rotationally driven conveyor belt (1, 2) for the workpieces (W) to be laid onto the latter and a holding device (3), past which the conveyor belt (1, 2) is led. The holding device (3) retains the workpieces (W) on the conveyor belt (1, 2) by means of a magnetic field passing through the latter (1, 2) and/or by generating a vacuum at suction orifices (4) of the conveyor belt (1, 2). The holding device (3) possesses at least one magnetic device (3a), with a magnetic conveyor belt (1), and at least one vacuum device (3b) separated from this and having a vacuum conveyor belt (2). The magnetic device (3a) and/or the vacuum device (3b) can be displaced with their respective conveyor belt (1, 2) relative to a common reference member (5) and can be brought into contact with the workpieces (W) to be transported.

Abstract: Described are techniques for preventing the forces attributable to shrinkage of print media from shifting print media on the media-carrying belt in the vicinity of the print zone. In one approach, a “hold zone” is identified immediately upstream of the print zone. In the hold zone, a mechanism is employed for securing the media to be immovable relative to the belt. The hold mechanism provides sufficient force to overcome tension transmitted to the dry portion of the media as the remaining portion shrinks. In one embodiment, the hold mechanism is a roller that pinches the media against the belt. In another embodiment, the amount of vacuum pressure applied to the belt is regulated so that the suction force applied to the media in the hold zone is greater than the suction force applied to the media in the portion upstream of the hold zone.

Abstract: A recording-medium transport device includes a pair of pinch rollers arranged closer to a printing head than to a subordinate roller and pinching and transporting a belt and a sheet of paper toward the printing head. The pair of pinch rollers can pinch the sheet of paper together with the belt, while maintaining the belt flat. As such, an image of high quality can be formed, e.g., printed on the recording medium. Furthermore, the recording medium does not divert from a transporting path. Thus reliable image formation can be achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for feeding flat objects overlapping in slats, particularly metal sheets, at least to a front edge stopper of a processing machine, particularly a tin printing machine or a tin-plate varnishing machine, with a first conveyor on which the objects lie.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting envelope blanks in an envelope making machine comprises at least one conveyor belt having a plurality of perforation holes therein, on which envelope blanks are transported through the machine in a conveyor plane. Beneath the conveyor belt is at least one suction chamber by means of which ambient air can be sucked through the perforation holes to retain blanks on the conveyor belt. At least one guide belt is provided on at least one side beside the conveyor belt in the direction of movement thereof. The conveyor belt and the guide belt are drivable so as to move synchronously in the direction of travel of the envelope blanks.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is formed of a transfer unit and an image reading unit. The transfer unit includes a transfer belt disposed along a contact glass held vertically for transferring a document or photograph to a reading position; a first suction portion for allowing the photograph to be sucked onto the belt; and a second suction portion for sucking the photograph at an upstream side of the first suction portion in a transfer direction. The first and second suction portions hold the photograph at a reading position apart from the contact glass by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a substrate in a printing system includes a transport belt provided with a plurality of holes which extend through a thickness of the belt, and a vacuum table which generates a vacuum, and is positioned on one side of the transport belt. A porous sheet is positioned between the belt and the vacuum table, while the vacuum table, the porous sheet, and the transport belt are in fluid communication. The vacuum generated by the vacuum table creates a suction on the substrate placed on the transport belt, and the porous sheet restricts fluid flow between the table and the transport belt to maintain a desired vacuum as an area of the transport belt covered by the substrate varies as the substrate is transported through the printing system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to decelerate printed product in a stacking process is provided. The printed product may be a product such as printed paper, foil, or plastic. A continuous web of product may be cut into single items, one item at a time, and then the items may be stacked on top of one another. The apparatus may be comprised of a cylinder, which is comprised of a vacuum chamber having perforations and a blowing chamber having perforations. A first slow delivery tape, and first and second fast delivery tapes may also be provided. Each of the delivery tapes may have perforations to allow air to pass through and from or to the cylinder. The first slow delivery tape is wrapped around the cylinder. The first and second fast delivery tapes are wrapped around rollers and may help to create separation between individual cut items and may control moving items. The first slow delivery tape may slow down items to allow stacking of items.

Abstract: A transport device for transporting flat goods has at least one transport belt having longitudinal edges and a transport area. At least one vacuum device and at least one guide with sidewalls are provided. The transport area of the at least one transport belt is arranged in the at least one guide such that at least one vacuum slot is formed between at least one of the longitudinal edges of the transport belt and one of the sidewalls neighboring the at least one longitudinal edge. The at least one transport belt has a profiling configured such that vacuum acts on the flat goods via the profiling.

Abstract: A device for conveying an imbricated stream of sheets from a sheet pile to a sheet-processing machine includes a conveying table provided with at least one revolvingly drivable, air-permeable conveyor belt. The belt has a top strand with an underside slidable over the conveying table, and a plurality of suction chambers arranged behind one another for subjecting the conveyor belt to negative pressure, so that the conveyed sheets are retained on the conveyor belt until they are transferrable to the sheet-processing machine. It further includes a common negative-pressure supply provided for negative-pressure activation of all of the suction chambers, and at least one throttle via which the suction chambers, respectively, are pneumatically connected to the common negative-pressure supply.

Abstract: In a printer, liquid ink is applied to a print medium as the medium is passed through the printer. A low pressure zone is generated along one surface of the print medium to hold a portion of the print medium substantially flat for a period of time during and after the liquid ink is applied to the print medium. By subjecting the portion of the print medium to the low pressure zone, cockling of the print medium is prevented.

Abstract: A device for superposing sheets of paper comprising a lower vacuum conveyance unit for one row of sheets of paper (R1) and an upper vacuum conveyance unit for another row of sheets of paper (R2). The ends of the vacuum conveyance units can be adjusted independently from each other, crosswise to the direction in which the paper advances (P). One vacuum conveyance unit can be adjusted in a slanted position in relation to the direction in which the paper advances (P) so that it cuts across the vacuum conveyance unit on the opposite side.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively streaming and merging side-by-side sheets is provided. In general, sheets enter in a side-by-side orientation onto an input feed surface and are directed selectively upwardly or downwardly onto overlying upper and lower feed surfaces by a diverter assembly having two diverter sides. The diverter sides can be independently moved to direct sheets upwardly or downwardly. The upper feed surface and lower feed surface have opposing edge guides. The upper feed surface and lower feed surface can be moved with respect to each other so that the edge guides are placed one sheet width apart or more than two sheet widths apart. By orienting the two diverter halves, and setting the desired distance between the upper and lower edge guides, sheets can pass along each of the upper and lower surfaces in a side-by-side streamed or over-lapping merge orientation.

Abstract: A vacuum holddown has a holddown member with an outer surface for temporarily capturing a flexible sheet material via a vacuum force distributed across the outer surface through discrete vacuum channels. A vacuum force valving mechanism abuts an inner surface of the holddown member in a selectable sliding engagement. The valving mechanism has a pattern of apertures therethrough in predetermined pattern such that discrete valve mechanism positions produce discrete vacuum force patterns at the outer surface of the holddown member.

Abstract: An ink-jet apparatus employs a platen having an array of vacuum ports that are each filtered. The filter is constructed to provide restricted-airflow rates which remain uniform when the platen is either fully covered or partially uncovered. The filter mechanism provides both airflow restrictions such that ink drop flight trajectories in the printing zone are unaffected, acoustic dampening of the vacuum pump is provided, and vacuum pressure is kept relatively high proximate the print media edges.

Abstract: A method is proposed for separating flat, stacked products, which are preferably fed individually, at a distance from one another and lying one behind another, to a further processing process, first of all the uppermost product being lifted, at least partially and preferably completely, off the stack of products and subsequently transported away in the transport direction to the further processing process, the transport direction forming an angle (&agr;), preferably in the range from 30° to 150° with the vertical axis of the stack of products, wherein the products are transported away in such a way that as a product that still partially overlaps the stack with its trailing edge region is being transported away, a following product is already being lifted off the stack of products, in its trailing edge region, to be transported away.

Abstract: A belt-type support for moving print media such as paper through a printer includes a flexible belt that is supported in a manner such that friction is minimized and such that the paper that is supported on the belt is advanced precisely through the print zone of the printer. The support is provided in conjunction with a uniform distribution of vacuum pressure to the paper carried by the belt. In one preferred embodiment, there is provided a rigid, flat platen for supporting a uniformly porous belt. The platen has a number of rollers on its surface to minimize the friction developed between the platen surface and the moving belt. The platen surface also includes ports to provide a uniform distribution of vacuum pressure to the porous belt. In another embodiment, sliders are carried in the support surface of the platen to minimize frictional contact with the moving belt.

Abstract: An ink-jet apparatus is disclosed having a vacuum type print media transport subsystem for moving the print media through a printing zone. A transport belt is provided with an array of perforations such that vacuum flow is restricted. The perforations only pass vacuum induced airflow through the belt when over vacuum ported platen regions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for sticking a sheet material on a screen of a picture tube without scratching the surface of the sheet material. In this apparatus for sticking a sheet material on the screen of a picture tube with an adhesive, the picture tube is conveyed while a sheet material (2), to which an adhesive is applied on one face, being pressed on the screen of the picture tube by a pressure roller (80), and the sheet material is gradually transferred from a sheet material transferring member (12) to the screen of the picture tube. The sheet material transferring member (12) comprises a box member (32) in which one face is opened and a sucking mouth is formed, and a sucking belt (38) which is arranged to block the whole open face of the box member, provided with a large number of through holes for sucking the sheet material, and is supported in such a manner as to be movable along a conveying direction of the picture tube in the box member.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for transporting at least a portion of a web of flexible material between first and second structures spaced from each other. The apparatus includes at least two pulleys located at spaced locations from each other, and an air-pervious endless belt movably mounted on the first and second pulleys. The belt has a run traveling from the first pulley, adjacent the first structure, to the second pulley, adjacent the second structure, and the belt is adapted and arranged to receive the at least a portion of the web from the first structure. An underpressure source is arranged to produce an underpressure adjacent to the run of the endless belt. A nose shoe is disposed beyond the second pulley and spaced from the second pulley, so as to define an opening between the nose shoe and the second pulley at a second position where the at least a portion of the web leaves the endless belt.

Abstract: An ink-jet apparatus is disclosed having a vacuum type print media transport subsystem for moving the print media through a printing zone. A transport belt is provided with an array of perforations such that vacuum flow is restricted. The perforations only pass vacuum induced airflow through the belt when over vacuum ported platen regions.

Abstract: A counter-stacker (10) for tortillas includes a housing (12), a perforated belt (16) within the housing (12), the perforated belt (16) adapted and arranged to receive incoming tortillas (42) and form vacuum-lifted tortillas (42A). At least one stacker belt (26) is rotatably mounted within the housing (12). A vacuum housing (28) is sealably mounted to the housing (12), the vacuum housing (28) connected to a means of producing vacuum (30). At least one stacker canister (32) is positioned under a rear end of the perforated belt (16). A bottom perforated plate (36A) has a plurality of bottom perforated plate openings (36AA) therethrough positioned within the perforated belt (16). A top perforated plate (36B) is slidably positioned on top of the bottom perforated plate (36A), the top perforated plate (36B) comprising a plurality of complimentary positioned top perforated plate openings (36BA).

Abstract: A feeder for a sheet-fed printing press includes a feeding table having a surface which, at least in subregions thereof, is formed with through openings, over which sheets separable or singlable by a suction head are transportable against lays for aligning the sheets and through which air feedable under the sheet in the region of the suction head is dischargeable in a downward direction, the feeding-table surface having edge portions formed with a respective inclination, the edge portions defining the openings.

Abstract: A suction conveyor conveys sheets which are stacked in a hopper of a sheet stacker. The suction conveyor includes a suction box and a suction belt that cycles along the surface of the suction box. Porous sections, having sets of suction holes or the like, are formed intermittently at a prescribed pitch on the suction belt. The leading section of the sheet is suctioned to these porous sections, and the sheets are conveyed by the motion of the belt. A scraper at a terminal end region of the conveyance path forcibly peels off the sheet from the porous sections of the suction belt. The sheets are dropped down with the trailing end dropping before the leading end and are stacked in the hopper.

Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus includes laterally spaced, longitudinally arranged conveyors for supporting edge regions of a sheet, the conveyors driven to deliver the sheet horizontally to a stacking area. At the stacking area the conveyors are separated to drop the sheet onto a stack of sheets. During the delivery of the sheet to the stack, the mid-span of the sheet is supported from above to prevent sagging of the sheet. The mid-span is supported by at least one low pressure chamber which extends along the delivery path of the sheet. The low pressure chamber includes a plurality of suction compartments arranged in sequence, each suction compartment including a horizontally disposed air nozzle and an air outlet to create a horizontal "Fanno effect" air stream adjacent a top surface of the sheet to create suction within the low pressure chamber which holds the sheet in sliding contact against a bottom surface of the low pressure chamber.

Abstract: A device for depositing paper sheets, in particular on a sheet pile or stack in a delivery of a printing machine, includes a revolving belt, a drive motor for driving the revolving belt separately from any other drive system, and at least one suction device having a discretely effective suction action, the suction device being disposed on the revolving belt, the revolving belt being constructed as a toothed belt for transmitting torque and synchronicity between the drive motor and the suction device; and a method of operating the depositing device.

Abstract: Apparatus for receiving, transporting and stacking thin sheets onto a transport pallet includes a vacuum conveyor for transporting the sheets one at a time from a horizontal collection station vertically downward and then horizontally onto a collection pallet.

Abstract: An apparatus for advancing at least two different types of substrates from a moving surface to a fusing station is disclosed. A constant speed transport positioned to receive the substrate from the moving surface advances the substrate to the fusing station. An air moving device moves air such that air pressure induces a drive force on the substrate on the transport. A sensor generates a first signal when the substrate is of a first type and generates a second signal when the substrate is of a second type. The air moving device induces a first drive force when the sensor generates the first signal and induces a second drive force when the sensor generates the second signal.

Abstract: Certain parameters in a high speed order change in a corrugator, including a small gap between orders and the relative lengths of the old and new order sheets, require altered order change and discharge routines on the downstacker conveyor system in order to prevent edge butt between the last sheet of the old order and the first sheet of the new order. Alternate order change and order discharge routines, which are automatically implemented by the downstacker system controller, include accelerated movement of the old order shingle out of the downstacker vacuum conveyor to outrun the incoming first sheet of the new order or, alternately, allowing the first sheet of the new order to overrun the tail end of the old order and utilizing, if necessary, a device to divert the lead edge of the first new order sheet upwardly to allow the shingle to be reestablished.

Abstract: A sheet is conveyed by a conveyor belt which attracts the back side of the sheet under vacuum along a conveyance passage including a bent portion. An air blower is provided to blow an air flow against the upper surface of the conveyor belt at the bent portion of the conveyance passage so that the sheet is bent along the surface of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A sheet inspection apparatus for a sheet-fed offset printing press includes an endless conveying unit, a plurality of gripper units, and an inspection unit. The conveying unit has a conveying path and a return path and conveys a sheet delivered from a printing unit. The gripper units are supported by the conveying unit at a predetermined interval along a sheet conveying direction to grip one end of the sheet. The inspection unit is arranged on an opposite side of the conveying path with respect to the return path to optically inspect a printed state of the sheet conveyed on the conveying path. The inspection unit is arranged at a position where an optical inspection operation for the sheet at an inspection position on the conveying path is not impeded by the gripper units traveling on the return path.

Abstract: A sheet transfer system for transferring sheets on which an image is recorded by an image forming system and discharging the sheets to a tray includes a conveyor belt and a vacuum fan which generates a suction force for attracting the sheets against the conveyor belt. The suction force is stronger at the downstream side portion of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A device for conveying a stream, in particular an imbricated or shingled stream, of sheets to a sheet processing machine, having a conveyor table formed with suction holes, and at least one endless transport belt formed with suction holes extending therethrough and being revolvingly drivable around the conveyor table, includes at least one suction box disposed under the conveyor table and having vacuum applied thereto, the one suction box being connected, via the suction openings formed in the conveyor table, to an underside of the transport belt, the one suction box being individually assigned to the respective one endless transport belt and being formed with a single suction chamber, the one suction box having at least two suction connections spaced apart from one another, as viewed in a sheet transport direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for advancing a sheet. The apparatus includes a transport which has the sheet releasably secured thereto in one mode of operation, and, in another mode of operation reduces the frictional force between the sheet and the transport to facilitate relative movement therebetween. A controller, in communication with the transport, selects the mode of operation of the transport.

Abstract: A machine for conveying, discharging and stacking sheets such as carton blanks is disclosed in which the velocity of the blanks is substantially reduced as they are discharged from the conveyor into the stacking area.

Abstract: For each displaceable closing member (19) for controlling and scaling sheet layers (2, 2'), the pneumatic control (17) has in a control surface (26) two control openings (23), between which is formed an additional sliding surface (40) for the graphite closing member (19). Individual closing members (20) are used for the constant position fixing of the control (17) and, facing the openings (23, 24), the closing members (19, 20) slide on a sieve (19), so that limited fault susceptibility occurs at high working speeds.