Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring automatically plural sheets of printed papers, includes a plurality of photosensors placed across the printed papers' moving direction for scanning and detecting a printed surface of each printed paper to produce analog signals designating dark levels of the printed surface thereof when each of the printed papers is being transferred, an AD converter for converting the analog signals into digital signals at a plurality of sampling points, a standard memory for storing such digital signals, a plurality of monitoring memories for storing such digital signals, circuitry for comparing the digital signals of the standard memory with the digital signals of the monitoring memories at the corresponding sampling points to decide whether or not the digital signals of the monitoring memories are within a tolerance range of the digital signals of the standard memory so that either "NO" signals or "YES" signals are produced, circuitry for counting only such "NO" signals to produce an "irregular

Abstract: Automatically feeding document pages into registration over the conventional platen of a copier wherein the document pages comprise single page individual sheets and plural page connected unseparated segments of elongate computer forms webs, comprising: feeding the first document page automatically to the platen and registering it in an individual sheet document mode regardless of whether the first document page is an individual sheet or the first page of an elongate computer forms web; automatically sensing whether a computer forms web was so fed to the platen by sensing whether the document length exceeds a preset length and that said document has sprocket holes; and then automatically switching from said individual sheet document mode to a computer forms web document mode for the feeding and registering of subsequent document pages of a computer forms web in response to said sensing of a computer forms web, wherein in said computer forms web document mode the subsequent computer forms web page feeding and

Abstract: Electronic alignment of paper feeding components in a machine such as an electrophotographic copier machine is achieved by placing an original master containing vernier calibrations on the document glass and a target master containing vernier calibrations in the copy paper bin. Thereupon, the machine is operated to produce a copy of the original master onto the target master producing a double set of vernier calibrations on the target master, which, when compared, provides information relating to skew angle, side edge relationship and leading edge alignment of the image to the copy paper. The vernier calibrations provide data which are keyed into a microprocessor controlled copy feeding servo mechanism to correct copy paper position and remove misalignment. The operation is repeated for various combinations of paper feed paths with techniques of original document placement and for duplex operation so that the copy paper matches image position for all modes of copier operation.

Abstract: A sheet moving apparatus comprising: a track having first and second spaced side walls and a third wall therebetween to form a sheet receiving space therebetween; and a sheet feeder for moving a sheet towards the third wall and thereafter moving the sheet in a downstream direction along the track. The sheet feeder comprises a rotatable member having a surface positioned in the sheet receiving space and a rotary drive enabling the rotatable member and its surface to be rotated. The sheet feeder also includes a rotatable or pivotal member moveable between first and second positions with regard to the rotatable member, with the pivotal member having a roller member to cooperate with the surface of the rotatable member to move a sheet towards the third wall when the pivotal member is in the first position, and the rotatable member and its surface are rotated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction device for securely holding printing plates in a processing position by sub-atmospheric pressure. The suction device comprises a turnstile arrangement with four suction tables in two mutually perpendicular planes and is connected to a motor which rotates the turnstile arrangement in 90.degree. steps. Four suction chambers are located in a hub part of the turnstile arrangement, these chambers being connected, via pressure lines, to a vacuum source for generating sub-atmospheric pressure. The supporting surface of each suction table comprises suction slots, which communicate in pairs, each of these communicating pairs of suction slots being connected to the associated suction chamber via a common suction passage. Each suction chamber comprises a piston with its piston rod being guided outwardly through an end face of the hub part and carrying a circular plate.

Abstract: Methods of a human operator processing first and second interrelated documents in pairs relative to a processing station provide a first document entry station for receiving a first document from the human operator, and a second document entry station for receiving a second document from the human operator. The human operator separates the interrelated first and second documents from each other and deposits the first document in the first document entry station while depositing the second document in the second document entry station. The deposited first document is transported from the first document entry station relative to the processing station, and the second document is transferred from the second to the first document entry station, for subsequent transport from such first station relative to the processing station.

Abstract: A position control system in a copying apparatus keeps an original positioned properly during multiple passes of the original through a transport path, for making multiple copies, by detecting the position of an edge of the original in the first pass, when the original is fed into the apparatus; setting a reference condition corresponding to the then existent side edge position; and in each subsequent pass of the original detecting its position and in the event of a deviation of the detected position from the position represented by the reference condition activating a position correcting device to displace the original to the latter position.

Abstract: A plurality of discrete length paper recirculation paths are connectable in series in accordance with the detected length of an original document, so that the shortest possible recirculation path length is selected to maximize copying speed.

Abstract: An original document feeder for copying machines, for automatically positioning originals of any substance on the exposure surface, so avoiding opening and closing the original pressing cover at each change of original, and with a considerable reduction in idle times. The feeder comprises a set of friction rollers of flexible material mounted on a single shaft, these facing each other in a transverse slot so as to compel each original sheet to bend in such a manner as to exert a force against the rollers which is greater the higher the substance or rigidity of the sheets. The feeder is also provided for a device for automatically aligning the originals, and a timer system for coordinating the conveying stages of the originals with the copying machine cycle.

Abstract: A sheet registration apparatus for positioning sheets in a registered position on a work surface such as the document platen of a convenience copier/duplicator machine. The apparatus includes a bidirectional servo-controlled sheet transport for conveying the sheet over the work surface. A sheet sensing device is disposed within the path of sheet travel. A controller monitors the sensing device and activates a position control routine following the occurrence of a predetermined level change in the signal generated by the sensing device. At the end of the position control routine, the transport is stopped thereby positioning the sheet in the registration zone. The apparatus enables sheet registration for a machine operating in a duplex and/or simplex mode. The apparatus further enables registration at any point on the document platen.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting a scalloped stream of paper sheets from a first horizontal path into an aligned second horizontal path or into a downwardly sloping third path has a flap which is pivotable in a gap separating the first and second paths between a first position of coplanarity with the first and second paths so that the stream can enter the second path by traveling along the upper side of the flap and a second position in which the flap extends above the first and second paths to block the entry of the stream into the second path while permitting the stream to advance from the first into the third path. An intercepting plate is moved across the discharge end of the first path prior to pivoting of the flap from the first to the second position to temporarily prevent (e.g., for an interval of a few milliseconds) the advancement of sheets beyond the first path.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting single flexible sheets having different rectangular formats in succession to an automatic device for further processing.

Abstract: An endless belt is disposed closely above and parallel to a transparent platen. The belt is rotatably driven to move an original document for electrophotography or the like from an inlet onto the platen into engagement with a stopper. Pressure means cause the belt to initially press against the document with a large force to ensure document transport across the platen. The belt drive means is de-energized and the pressure force reduced just before the document engages the stopper to prevent jamming of the leading edge of the document against the stopper as the belt overtravels the document due to its inertia. After an imaging exposure of the document, the stopper is retracted and the belts driven to discharge the document from the platen into a tray provided at an outlet. Means are provided to discharge static electricity from the document and facilitate document stacking in the tray.

Abstract: A device for feeding sheets from a supply station aligning the sheets in an X, Y and .theta. coordinates and then gating the sheet into a work station such as the transfer station of a copier. The device includes a pair of independently servo-controlled motors disposed on opposite sides of the sheet. Each motor drives a nip roller which transports the copy sheet. Sensors are disposed to generate signals representative of sheet position in the X, Y and .theta. coordinates. A controller uses the signals to adjust the angular velocity of the motor so that the sheet is squared and is gated onto the work station. The sensors and controller are utilized to measure different parameters associated with the sheet.

Abstract: A copying system including a pivotal document feeder disposed above the original document platen and a pivotal plate disposed along an edge of the platen. The pivotal plate functions as a reference edge to manually align documents on the platen. A control device is provided to inhibit operation of the document feeder when the plate is on the document platen or when a paper jam occurs. The device includes a nonreflective patch disposed on one surface of the plate. A reflective patch is disposed within the paper path. A photosensitive detecting assembly is disposed in spaced alignment with the paper path. When the plate is on the document platen, the photosensitive detecting assembly coacts with the reflective patch to generate a signal which inhibits operation of the document feeder. The photosensitive detector assembly coacts with the nonreflective patch to enable operation of the document feeder and to function as a paper jam detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically aligning a workpiece along the line of feed is comprised of two pivotally interconnected arms extending transversely to the line of feed with each arm having a workpiece gripping element at one end thereof adapted to engage the workpiece adjacent an edge thereof. A solenoid is operatively connected to the opposite end of one of said arms for pivoting said one of said arms on the frame of a sewing machine to move the workpiece gripping element thereon into and out of engagement with said workpiece along a substantially vertical path. A servo motor operated eccentric is connected to the opposite end of the other of said arms for moving the workpiece gripping element thereon transverse to the edge of the workpiece along a substantially semi-oval path in opposite directions to periodically engage and shift said workpiece transversely to the line of feed.

Abstract: A plurality of gimbal mounted wheels are located to protrude slightly above an alignment table to support a work piece. A pair of electro-optical scanners are located above the table to locate a marked bend line on the work piece with respect to a die in an adjacent press brake. The scanner signals for wheel alignment and to drive units located in each half of the alignment table to selectively drive the wheels and move the work piece bend line into position in the press brake. An alternate drive actuates the wheels when the wheels are aligned for maximum rotation.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for implementing a technique of shingling a stack (10) of cut sheets using fluid jets. Air (34), or other fluid under pressure, travels through a drum having exit holes arranged about its periphery. The passage of the air causes the drum (30) to self-propel. As each fluid jet contacts the uppermost sheets in the stack, a roll-wave is created. Continued rotation of the drum causes a fluid jet to describe a linear path relative to the stack surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet feeding mechanism for high-speed sheet feeding in succession at exact timing. The mechanism has output signal generating device for generating reference signals for sheet feeding, control device for releasing a rotary member from stopped state in response to the reference signal, an eccentric cam driven by the rotary member when it is in the rotation state and a rocking member to be driven by the eccentric cam, an end portion of rocking member for stopping the sheet material being positioned at the upstream or downstream side of constantly rotated members such as paired rollers in the sheet feed path to control the sheet feed timing by the rocking motion of said end portion of the rocking member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a semi-automatic aligning and feeding device (1) for copiers, for the purpose of aligning an original (25) and feeding it from a feed table (17) to an object stage (5). Sensors (L.sub.1 to L.sub.5) are provided for scanning the original in various positions. Except for one sensor (L.sub.2), the sensors are located in or on the pivotable cover (3) of the device. The original, laid by hand onto the feed table (17), is picked up by a suction bar (11) which is equipped with spring suction heads (12, 12') and is, corresponding to its particular operating state, supplied either with vacuum or with compressed air and can be moved from a starting position into an end position and back again. In the end position, the spring suction heads are supplied with compressed air so that the original is laid down in precise alignment on the object stage.

Abstract: In an inadequately fed sheet detector of the type comprising a feed board, a transparent plate mounted on one end thereof, a swinging front guide, and a luminous element and a light receiving element respectively mounted on the feed board and the front guide on the opposite sides of the transparent plate, the luminous element is inclined with respect to the vertical.

Abstract: A copying apparatus has a manual insertion paper feeding mechanism having a manual insertion portion discrete from an insertion portion through which normally used paper may be inserted for conveyance thereof, register device for once stopping paper inserted through the manual insertion portion and thereafter conveying the paper at an adjusted timing, and slip feeder provided between the manual insertion portion and the register device for effecting forward feeding of the paper inserted through the manual insertion portion and for effecting slip feeding of the paper while maintaining the forward feeding condition when the forward movement of the paper is stopped by stoppage of the register device.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus and method automatically secures three substantially planar sheet members in registration with respective portions of a sheet of material such that (1) one of the sheet members is centered between the other two, (2) the outer oppositely disposed edges of the other two are mutually spaced from one another by a predetermined distance as well as precisely positioned with respect to a first edge of the sheet of material, and (3) another edge of each of the other two sheet members is substantially aligned with the other and with an edge of the center sheet member, all of the aligned edges of the members being precisely positioned with respect to a second edge of the sheet.

Abstract: A large number of presensitized plates are stacked on a platform. The platform is controlled to lift the stack of presensitized plates so that the uppermost presensitized plate in the stack is always positioned at a predetermined level. Sucking members suck the uppermost plate and lift it away from the rest of the stack. The lifted plate is placed on a plurality of parallel endless belts and transferred to a printing section. The plate is positioned in two dimensions with respect to the printing section on the way thereto.

Abstract: In a flash-on-the-fly, web-type copier, copy sheets fed to a transfer station are adjusted to align such sheets with transferable document images formed on the web to compensate for positional deviations of such document images from nominal or expected image positions.

Abstract: A machine for stacking rectangular sheets of relatively rigid material such as panels, counters, doors, plastic sheets, or the like which has an input conveyor for receiving the panels as they are placed horizontally thereon, an elevator conveyor pivotally connected to the discharge end of the input conveyor on a horizontal axis for raising and lowering movement, a discharge conveyor at the outer end of the elevator conveyor, a conveyor drive motor for driving the conveyors, elevator motor for moving the elevator conveyor about its pivot axis, and a switch on the discharge conveyor for activating the elevator motor as a panel is discharged therefrom to raise the elevator conveyor a selected distance prior to discharge of the next panel. The machine also includes a mechanism on the input conveyor for straightening any panel disposed thereon prior to its movement onto the elevator conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to automatic sheet feed equipment, particularly for use with microfilm aperture cards that permits ready manual insertion of a sheet into the equipment. The sheets are transported on a plate 12 bearing against a register edge 26 and are moved by engagement in the nip between a drive roll 27c and a counter roll 28c. The counter roll is loosely mounted for vertical movement above the plate 12 and the edge of the plate 12 opposite to the edge 26 is unrestricted so that sheets can easily be inserted in the direction of the arrow A. The rolls preferably have polished surfaces and are each chamfered at least on the side away from the edge 26.

Abstract: A glass sheet is advanced into a sheet determining position with one side of the sheet intercepting two scan paths and the other adjacent side of the sheet intercepting one of the two scan paths. Light rays reflected from the portion of the scan paths occupied by the sheet are incident on selected photodetectors which generate a plurality of signals. The signals are acted on to determine orientation of the sheet relative to a reference plane. The information is forwarded to the program of an industrial robot to alter the path of the robot arm to position a pick up frame mounted on the arm over the sheet. Thereafter the frame engages the sheet to load same in a shipping container.

Abstract: A paper alignment mechanism for a recorder in which the paper is moved by one or both rollers at the outer edges of the paper along the X axis in accordance with one variable and a stylus is moved across the paper along the Y axis in accordance with another variable, the alignment being achieved by determining the distance between two points on a line parallel to the Y axis and an orientation line on the paper, applying a pivot near one edge of the paper and a force near the other edge, the force being in such direction as to rotate the paper to an aligned position and the relative positions between the pivot and the point of application of the force being such that the paper between them is in tension.

Abstract: A machine tool is illustrated having a workpiece support table on which a workpiece is moved by an automatically controlled workpiece gripper movable in the X and Y directions. Movement of the gripper in at least the X direction is controlled in reference to a base line which is set within the automatic control in response to abutment of the workpiece edge against a table supported stop, the stop being movable against a spring from a rest position through a first or base line set in position in response to abutment by the moving edge of the workpiece carried by the gripper. Movement of the stop through the first position automatically sets the base line within the automatic control.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling a bag that has a bag pick-up assembly movable from a pick-up position to pick up a flat folded bag from a magazine to a bag release position, a table for supporting the released bag in a generally horizontal condition, a bag opening assembly for grippingly engaging the mouth edge portions of the bag on the table and opening the bag mouth portion, the bag opening assembly including stationarily mounted lower vacuum cups on the table and vertically movable upper cups, a spout assembly for clampingly engaging an opened bag, transferring the clamped bag from a bag transfer position to a filled bag release position, discharge a weighed charge into the clamped bag, and release the filled bag, the spout assembly including spout jaws and bag holders to clamp the opened bag to the jaws, a bag transfer assembly for moving the opened bag on the table to the spout in the bag transfer position, the transfer assembly including a pair of fingers that are movable toward one another and into the bag that

Abstract: The disclosure relates to new methods and means for removing fabric plies one at a time from a stack, transporting the individual plies to a secondary location, precisely orienting and aligning the plies for a subsequent operation and, in some cases assembling one ply with another in preparation for a sewing operation. In one of its advantageous forms, the equipment specifically illustrated herein is especially useful for picking individual shirt cuff and liner plies from separate supply stacks, transporting them to a load station, and assembling the plies one on top of the other, in proper alignment and orientation for sewing. In a secondary mode, the equipment of the invention may be used to transport individual fabric plies, such as entire short sleeve shirt sections, to a sewing or other processing station.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of piling veneer sheets for plywood sheets at a predetermined position comprising at least one stage of conveyer means having two horizontal, parallel and spaced conveyer belts to support a veneer sheet, stopping means to stop the veneer sheet when one edge of the veneer sheet reaches a predetermined position, detecting means to detect the veneer sheet when the veneer sheet is fed to or adjacent to the predetermined position, and pressing means for pressing the veneer sheet downwards in response to a signal from the detecting means to a predetermined piling position.When the veneer sheet is stopped, one terminal edge is at said predetermined position. Thus, when veneer sheets are piled, the edges of the sheets maintain their position so that piled sheets can be readily used in plywood manufacturing process, and productivity of plywood sheets is improved.

Abstract: A top-sheet feeder in which the feed table comprising suckers engaging a sheet fed from the top of the stack, is pivotable to position the input end of the feed table at any offset position the sheet may have occupied at the top of the stack; the feed table comprising an end portion to direct the suckers upstream of the pivot normal to the leading edge of the sheet and thus align them correctly for output from the feeder.

Abstract: Frame including at least one: gripper, sensor and an orientating device. In response to the sensor, the gripper selectively secures independent material sheets. The orientating device then positions the material sheets in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a device for adjusting an original to be copied, in particular an original which is repeatedly conveyed through the exposure station of a photocopying machine, including a transport mechanism with a deviatable transport band arrangement adapted to transport said original at a variable speed, and when said original is to be copied a number of times, in a closed path, further including a device for lengthening the path on one side, two switches positioned transversely and normal to the direction of flow and adapted to be actuated by the original whereby a switching circuit to a servomotor is closed when the leading edge of the original deviates from a correct position, said servomotor being connected to a correcting element adapted to change the length of the path of the original on one side of said transport band arrangement, the improvement comprising generator means adapted to put out a first signal proportional to the transport speed of said original, said servomo

Abstract: A gate for allowing copy paper to pass at a selected one of a plurality of points in a copy cycle so that the leading edge of the copy paper mates with the leading edge of an image. The gate control mechanism includes a solenoid responsive to specific points in the copy cycle and to different sizes of copy paper such that the solenoid is actuated at different points in the copy cycle dependent upon the size of copy paper. The solenoid moves a gate arm which positions an interposer in a first position whereby it is struck by one of a plurality of tabs. The interposer is moved by the tab, causing a pivot shaft to rotate, thus releasing a pawl and allowing the gate shaft to rotate opening the gate.

Abstract: Method for positioning lumber being transported on a conveyor prior to sorting or other similar processing, comprises centering the lumber intermediate its ends on the conveyor, reducing the number of conveyor lines required. The apparatus includes a first displacement member, for laterally even ending the lumber in a first direction, and a sensing member, for sensing the length of the lumber relative to the plane of the even ending. The lumber then is displaced laterally in a second, 180.degree. opposed, direction by a second displacement member until lumber engagement members, upon signal of the sensing member, selectively stop each piece of lumber at a particular transverse position on the conveyor corresponding to the length of that piece of lumber. The lumber engagement members comprise continuous chains interposing the lines of the conveyor and having segmented stops pivotally mounted thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically delivering discrete pieces of stationery, particularly envelopes, serially at a controlled rate from a stack of stationery into a programmable printing machine such as an automatic or a manual typewriter. Simultaneously, discrete pieces of stationery which have been printed by the typewriter are automatically fed back into the stack at the same rate at which they were delivered therefrom. The speed of operation of this automatic stationery handling apparatus is automatically coordinated to the speed at which discrete pieces of stationary can be processed by the programmable typewriter.

Abstract: In a copier, an original document feed moves two originals to be copied simultaneously onto a document glass. The document glass is 11 inches by 17 inches and accommodates two 81/2 by 11 inch documents side-by-side. The dual document feed is loaded sequentially with two originals and registers the two originals side-by-side to right and left corner references at an entry station. The entry station includes aligning rollers whereby the operator need only position the originals close to the correct position. The aligning rollers then corner-register the documents side-by-side. After the originals have been registered side-by-side in the entry station, they are automatically fed forward substantially simultaneously to be registered side-by-side on the document glass. Electronic control circuits are shown whereby the dual document feed apparatus may be controlled to feed either single or dual original documents.

Abstract: A document feeding apparatus sequentially feeding documents, including an automatic feeder for removing one document at a time from a stack and for delivering each document to a feed path. An endless conveyor moves each document along the path towards a document aligning gate means that temporarily interrupts the movement of the documents to effect desired alignment thereof. The automatic feeder and the document aligning gate are automatically controlled so that the documents are selectively removed from the stack as a function of the preceding document moving along the path. A pair of printing heads are positioned along the path and are respectively actuated in response to movement of the documents so that the documents can be printed at accurately positioned locations on a surface thereof.

Abstract: A device for interrupting the feeding of sheets to a sheet-fed printing press. A feed table is provided having stops to define the registered position of successively fed sheets. After a register interval during which the sheet settles against the stops the sheet is picked up by a gripper cylinder. Photocells are provided for detecting failure of a sheet to register during the register interval. The photocells energize a retaining device on the feed table having a retaining foot which presses downwardly against the non-registered sheet to prevent such sheet from being picked up by the gripper cylinder. A device providing a time delay is interposed ahead of the retaining device to delay operation of the retaining device for a brief time interval to insure that the preceding sheet picked up by the gripper cylinder is clear of the feed table. A latch is provided to maintain the foot in pressing engagement with the sheet, but the foot is resiliently mounted so that an offending sheet may be manually removed.

Abstract: The openable end of a collapsed bag is aligned in an alignment station on the base of the bag aligner machine. The bag is removed from a bag pickup station by a pick-off arm and moved to a preliminary position. At this point the bag is transferred to a bag holder which moves upwardly relative to the base to move the openable end of the bag into a bag-edge locator. This locator includes first and second alignment members which are interconnected in generally a V configuration and the bag openable edge is moved by a first motor into the open V end between the first and second alignment members to abut the closed V end under the urging of the first motor and additional urging of resilient means. This positively locates the edge of the bag so that it may be subsequently gripped, opened and then filled at a subsequent filling station.

Abstract: A device for directing strips of thermoplastic material which is provided with a first roller and first movable needles or photo electric cells, for correcting the position of the strip in a longitudinal direction in which the first roller and the first needles or cells are driven at the same rate, and second movable needles or photocells and a second roller for correcting the position of the foil in a transverse direction with, the second movable needles or cells and second roller being driven at the same rate.

Abstract: A photocopying machine including a device for reorientating an original circulating through the machine for multiple copying. The device consists of a row of microswitches extending transversely to the direction of travel of the original, each microswitch being arranged, when contacted by the sheet before another sheet, to apply a brake to the sheet at a location behind it until the sheet has been reorientated sufficiently to contact other microswitches.

Abstract: The method and apparatus aligns the leading edge of pliable sheet material such as paper, transverse to its intended direction of travel. Feed means positively advances the material between guide members towards an alignment member pivotally mounted but releasably secured by a latch means in the plane of the desired leading edge orientation for the sheet material. Position sensing means adjacent the alignment member senses proper leading edge orientation. The latch means responds to the position sensing means operation to release the alignment member and sheet material for movement towards transport means adapted to positively engage the sheet material leading edge to convey the properly orientated sheet material.In a typical configuration, the feed means is a set of feed rollers, the alignment member is a pivotally mounted mechanical gate assembly, and the leading edge alignment sensing means is a mechanical trigger member or photoelectric sensing means.