Abstract: The present provides a sheet conveying apparatus for conveying a sheet by sheet conveying device, including detection device which detects a skew of a conveyed sheet with respect to a sheet conveying direction, skew correcting device which pivots, in a state nipping the sheet in a skewed state, in a direction for correcting the skew of the sheet, based on a detection signal from the detection device, and control device provided with calculation device which calculates a front end position of the sheet of which skew is corrected by the pivotal movement of the skew correcting device, based on a detection signal from the detection device.

Abstract: Systems and methods of registering a sheet in an image reproduction, e.g., a xerographic, device use sheet parameters regardless of the tray or bin with which the sheets are associated, separate tallies of sheet registration correction factors for both sides of a sheet, and use registration errors detected on a first side of a sheet to generate correction factors concerning proper registration of the second side of that sheet. In embodiments, the systems and methods average registration errors for one particular side of a plurality of sheets to obtain a dampened error signal that is taken into account for registration of subsequent sheets on each respective sheet side. In embodiments, the systems and methods determine variations between actual and target system performance to affect subsequent sheet flow and registration.

Abstract: Parallel printing systems and methods incorporate inverter assemblies for not only inverting media during transport through the system but also to register the media and to provide a velocity buffer transport with different drive velocities. The inverter assemblies can include the capability to optionally deskew the media while providing lateral (cross-process) registration corrections. The method comprises simultaneously combining the inverting function selectively with deskewing, side registering, and/or velocity buffering functions.

Abstract: More accurately correcting sheet position and skew in a desired print media sheet trajectory in a printer paper path, with a registration system including sheet drive nips defined by laterally spaced and differentially driven elastomer surfaced frictional sheet drive rollers and mating undriven idler rollers have a non-slip rotational sheet engagement. The undriven idler rollers have rotary encoders producing encoder signals corresponding to their rotation by a sheet in the nip, which encoder signals are provided to a controller for the registration system to control forward and differential drive motor systems for the sheet drive rollers so as to substantially correct for errors in the desired trajectory of said sheet by sheet drag forces acting on the elastomer surfaced sheet drive rollers in the sheet drive nips.

Abstract: A method for aligning print media on a feedpath includes the steps of: aligning a sheet of print media using a deskew mechanism; measuring the skew of the sheet after it has been aligned; and comparing the measured skew with a specified skew, and if the measured value is greater than the specified value, reversing the sheet through the deskew mechanism followed by repeating the aligning, measuring and comparing steps. An apparatus for implementing alignment of print media on a feedpath comprises a deskew mechanism and sensors positioned downstream on the feedpath from the deskew mechanism to provide data sufficient to calculate the skew of the sheet.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus for conveying a sheet using a sheet conveying unit arranged along a sheet conveying path has a skew detecting unit for detecting skew of the sheet conveyed along the sheet conveying path with respect to a sheet conveying direction, a skew correcting unit that moves in a direction for correcting the skew of the skewed sheet with the sheet nipped therein on the basis of a detection signal from the skew detecting unit, and a guide unit for supporting the skew correcting unit and guiding the sheet to the skew correcting unit, in which, when the skew correcting unit moves for correcting the skew of the sheet, the guide unit is moved together with the skew correcting unit to prevent a load from being applied to a trailing edge of the sheet.

Abstract: A substrate to be cut and/or scored is pre-printed with graphics, at least first and second registration marks, and optional encoded-to-print instructions, bar-encoded data, as well as ordinary graphics. The registration marks are sensed as the substrate is automatically transported to a cutting table station that defines a cutting reference plane. Sensed detection of location of the registration marks relative to the reference plane enable the cutting plan for the substrate to be amended for precise location of the graphics on the substrate relative to the reference plane. Automated cutting according to the amended cutting plan occurs. As the registration marks were printed simultaneously with and in known relationship to the graphics, the cut line will be precise relative to the graphics. Machine readable encoded-to-print instructions optionally printed on the substrate can further amend the cutting plan.

Abstract: An imaging system, which may be applied both to black and white and color imaging systems and comprising a platen member which defines an imaging portion and a calibration portion is disclosed. The imaging portion and the calibration portion comprise separate portions of the platen member. The platen member is supported by a movably mounted support member, and moves with the support member between a platen member calibrating position and a platen member imaging position. The platen member is dimensioned to support a sheet to be imaged. An imaging module with an imaging zone is supported in a position where the imaging zone is positioned to coincide with a portion of a sheet supported on the imaging portion of the platen member, when the platen member is in the platen member imaging position. A calibration member having a reference reflectivity is adhered to the calibration portion of the platen member.

Abstract: Systems and methods of registering a sheet in an image reproduction, e.g., a xerographic, device use sheet parameters regardless of the tray or bin with which the sheets are associated, separate tallies of sheet registration correction factors for both sides of a sheet, and use registration errors detected on a first side of a sheet to generate correction factors concerning proper registration of the second side of that sheet. In embodiments, the systems and methods average registration errors for one particular side of a plurality of sheets to obtain a damped error signal that is taken into account for registration of subsequent sheets on each respective sheet side. In embodiments, the systems and methods determine variations between actual and target system performance to affect subsequent sheet flow and registration.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for aligning sheets (1), which are overlapped with an offset and supplied to the device by a stream feeder and which can be transferred to a device (63) that is located downstream, after alignment of the front edge and one lateral edge of the sheets. At least pant of a sheet can be brought to rest on the periphery of an alignment cylinder (62), which is used to align the front edge of the sheet by means of front lay marks located on the periphery of said cylinder. At least one recess is provided on the periphery of the alignment cylinder, which, by the application of a negative pressure to said recess allows at least part of the sheet to be fixed by friction on the periphery of the alignment cylinder, in such a way that in the contact zone, drive forces from said cylinder can be transferred by friction to the sheet. A measuring device (64) determines the offset of a lateral edge of the sheet in relation to a predetermined set alignment.

Abstract: A method measures the location of a sheet and then moves the sheet to a registered position. By measuring the actual location of the sheet and then moving the sheet to the registered position, the invention saves a substantial amount of time. An elongated array of LED sensors 130 stretches over several inches and is aligned with a collimated light source 110. Each sensor in the array is spaced from its adjacent sensor by a known amount. This amount can be as small as a few tens of thousandths of an inch. The edge of a sheet covers the sensors. The sheet edge is measured and the registration device moves the edge of the sheet to the registered position for receiving the developed image.

Abstract: A recording apparatus has a paper feeder wherein single sheets of paper can be set, a paper delivery device for transporting paper fed from the paper feeder to a recorder, and a control unit for controlling operation of the paper feeder and the paper delivery device. The control unit has a skew removal execution mode of only the first sheet of paper where the paper tip is bitten into a paper delivery roller forming a part of the paper delivery device and then the paper delivery roller is reversely rotated for ejecting the paper tip for the first sheet of paper at the start of recording and then forward rotating the paper delivery roller for delivering the sheet of paper whose skew is removed to the recorder and delivering the second and later sheets of paper to a record area without executing the skew removal.

Abstract: A recording start position is obtained effectively with high precision and in a short time.

Abstract: A method and system for correcting the skew in mail-related items, which are caused to move by a driving mechanism in the mailing machine. The driving mechanism comprises at least two driving belts to drive the mail-related items by friction. A plurality of openings are provided on the driving belts so that air pressure can be applied to the mail-related items in order to change the friction between different driving belts and the mail-related items. The air pressure can be positive or negative and it can be applied on the left or right side, or on both sides but with different pressures.

Abstract: Sheets which are overlapped with an offset are supplied to a device for the continuous alignment of sheets by a stream feeder. After alignment of at least the front edge and one lateral edge of each sheet, the sheets can be transferred downstream to a following device.

Abstract: A device for aligning sheets prior to transferring the sheets to a sheet-processing machine includes at least one sheet-gripping device by the aid of which the sheet to be aligned is displaceable, the sheet-gripping device having at least one positioning table displaceable by an actuating drive in at least one of a sheet travel direction, transversely to the sheet travel direction, and in a direction wherein it is pivoted about an axis extending in a direction orthogonal to the sheet travel direction, the sheet to be aligned being fixable on the positioning table; and a method for aligning sheets by the device.

Abstract: A banknote validator for determining the value and authenticity of a banknote is provided. The banknote validator includes a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, and a non-return gate. The magnetic sensor includes a magnetic circuit and an electronic circuit. The optical sensor includes a trapezoidal light guide, a broadband light source for illuminating a banknote via the light guide, and sensors for detecting light reflected from the banknote. The non-return gate includes banknote-guiding means for guiding the banknote along a banknote path and for controlling the direction of the banknote's travel based on its acceptability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting skew of an advancing sheet responsive to the detection of one or the other of aligned fiducial marks located near each of the opposite side edges adjacent the sheet leading edge. Upon detection of a first of the fiducial marks, the advance of the side edge of the sheet associated with the detected fiducial mark is repeatedly dithered rearward and then forward while the opposite side edge of the sheet continues to advance. The dithering of one side edge while continuing the advance of the opposite side edge continues until the other of the fiducial marks is detected after which the advance of the sheet is resumed.

Abstract: A method of registering a sheet in a duplex copier to alleviate the misalignment between the images copied on the front and back of the same sheet and to compensate for paper cut tolerances. The error angle of skew between a target angle, e.g. 90°, and the trailing edge of the sheet is measured and stored during a first pass. When the same sheet is fed through a second pass, the error angle is retrieved and the target angle is adjusted to compensate for the skew error of the first pass so that any misalignment between front and back images is substantially improved over systems that register images to the sheet without any knowledge of the location of the opposite side image.

Abstract: A sheet registration system in an arcuate sheet path of a compact printer with a sheet feeding system in which the lead edge of the sheet is partially arcuately buckled against a transversely extending registration gate in said sheet path (such as stalled or slower speed sheet feed roller nips, or retractable fingers) in which there is a transversely variable arcuate control baffle system in said sheet path upstream of the registration gate for accommodating skewed sheets in the sheet path and thereby providing improved alignment of the lead edge of the skewed sheets with the transversely extending registration gate. The illustrated transversely variable arcuate control baffle system is provided by a variably positionable split baffle system providing for a larger arcuate buckle for one side of a skewed sheet than the other side of the skewed sheet. This may be in proportion to a sensed initial skew of the sheet.

Abstract: A sheet transport apparatus includes the first transport rollers, the second transport rollers arranged at downstream of the first transport rollers to receive a sheet transported from the first transport rollers, a spacing device for setting the first transport rollers to a sheet nipping state or a sheet released state, a sheet detection device for detecting a sheet length in a transport direction, and a comparing device for comparing the sheet length detected by the sheet detection device with a predetermined length. It is controlled such that the spacing device is activated to switch the first transport rollers from a sheet nipping state to a sheet released state after the sheet is transported by a predetermined distance when the sheet length is longer than the predetermined length, and to maintain the first transport rollers in the sheet nipping state when the sheet length is shorter than the predetermined length.

Abstract: A paper feeding apparatus is provided with a pressing arm that presses the separator to a paper feed roller, a document guide that has a pair of guide parts for pressing a document to the paper feed roller, and a spring part that applies spring force to the pressing arm and the document guide. The guide parts are located at both edges of the separator. The document guide guides the document so that the front edge of the document passes over the paper feed roller, and presses the document to the paper feed roller.

Abstract: This invention concerns a feeding and advancing apparatus in a document processing machine for aligning and registering flat articles against a registration wall. The articles are advanced through a first feeding apparatus that pushes them towards a registration wall, and a second feeding apparatus advances them along a second direction substantially orthogonal in relationship to the first feeding apparatus when a registration sensing system causes the second drive system to engage the articles. If there is not registration of the articles at the registration wall, the first feeding apparatus will re-establish the prior registration condition when the second feeding apparatus is disengaged. Then, the first feeding apparatus will re-establish registration. Once the articles are re-registered, the second feeding apparatus will be engaged to continue advancing the articles along the second direction to the desired downstream location.

Abstract: A paper skew detection apparatus in an ink-jet printer. The paper skew detection apparatus includes a first light emitter positioned below the paper being transported to irradiate light onto the paper; a second light emitter spaced apart from the first light emitter a predetermined distance and positioned below the paper being transported to irradiate light onto the paper; and a detector positioned on one side of a carriage to receive light emitted by the first and second light emitters. Here, the carriage holds an ink cartridge, below which a print head to discharge ink is installed, and reciprocates rectilinearly in a direction orthogonal to a transport direction of the paper.

Abstract: Systems and methods of registering a sheet in an image reproduction, e.g. . , . a xerographic, device use sheet parameters regardless of the tray or bin with which the sheets are associated, separate tallies of sheet registration correction factors for both sides of a sheet, and use registration errors detected on a first side of a sheet to generate correction factors concerning proper registration of the second side of that sheet. In embodiments, the systems and methods average registration errors for one particular side of a plurality of sheets to obtain a damped error signal that is taken into account for registration of subsequent sheets on each respective sheet side. In embodiments, the systems and methods determine variations between actual and target system performance to affect subsequent sheet flow and registration.

Abstract: A sheet transport apparatus comprises a predetermined number of transport members 2 disposed in a sheet transport passage 1. At least a part of the transport members 2 is a multi-direction transport member 4 for variably setting the transport direction of a sheet 3 to a plurality of directions. To perform direction switch control of the multi-direction transport member 4, the sheet transport apparatus comprises a transport direction switch unit 8 that can switch the transport direction of the sheet 3 by the multi-direction transport member 4 at a predetermined timing. Alternatively, the sheet transport apparatus comprises a guide member 9 for regulating a side position of the sheet 3.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus in that a sheet having an image formed on a first side thereof by an image forming portion is again transported to the image forming portion so that an image may be formed on an opposite or second side of the sheet, the image forming apparatus including a sheet feeding portion, a re-transport path, a pair of registration rollers provided upstream of the image forming portion, and a loop forming space provided upstream of the pair of registration rollers so as to form the loop, wherein an entrance to the loop forming space for the sheet having passed along the re-transport path is formed downstream of an entrance to the loop forming space for the sheet fed from the sheet feeding portion.

Abstract: A sheet registration system, especially for printers, with a lower cost and lower mass-movement system for both sheet deskewing and transverse registration repositioning of the sheets in the same integral system, especially for higher speed printing. Only one main drive motor can drive both of the two spaced apart sheet feeding nips, together with a lower power, lower mass, deskewing differential drive system for providing the relative differential angular movement of the two spaced sheet feeding nips to achieve the desired amount of sheet deskewing movement, without interrupting the forward feeding movement of the sheet. Also disclosed are extensive further reductions in the component mass of the lateral translation movement for lateral sheet registration.

Abstract: A device for laterally aligning sheets in sheet-processing machines includes a pulling device having a drivable transport roller and a dabber roller mounted on a pivotable lever. A spring system cooperates with the lever for adjusting a pressing force between the rollers. The spring system has a progressive spring characteristic.

Abstract: A method for aligning print media on a feedpath includes the steps of: aligning a sheet of print media using a deskew mechanism; measuring the skew of the sheet after it has been aligned; and comparing the measured skew with a specified skew, and if the measured value is greater than the specified value, reversing the sheet through the deskew mechanism followed by repeating the aligning, measuring and comparing steps. An apparatus for implementing alignment of print media on a feedpath comprises a deskew mechanism and sensors positioned downstream on the feedpath from the deskew mechanism to provide data sufficient to calculate the skew of the sheet.

Abstract: A method for aligning print media on a feedpath includes the steps of: aligning a sheet of print media using a deskew mechanism; measuring the skew of the sheet after it has been aligned; and comparing the measured skew with a specified skew, and if the measured value is greater than the specified value, reversing the sheet through the deskew mechanism followed by repeating the aligning, measuring and comparing steps. An apparatus for implementing alignment of print media on a feedpath comprises a deskew mechanism and sensors positioned downstream on the feedpath from the deskew mechanism to provide data sufficient to calculate the skew of the sheet.

Abstract: A combination automatic document feeder and scanner operates so as to detect automatically an over-sized sheet of media. A linear image sensor detects motion of the oversized document as it is being fed into the scanner in a portrait orientation. A control algorithm responsive to the image sensor functions so those first and second portions of the over-sized sheet are successively registered over the transparent platen of the scanner and scanned.

Abstract: A sheet registration system for a sheet transport path of a reproduction apparatus providing positive feeding yet lateral registration of a wide range of different image substrate sheets. Independent sheet transport units with plural radius sheet feed rollers spaced along the sheet transport path engage sheets being fed to provide positive feeding of even very short sheets from one sheet transport unit to another, yet provide automatic opening of the nips of selected units to allow lateral registration movement of even a very long sheet in the downstream lateral sheet registration system. The same drive motor rotatably driving each sheet transport unit is controlled in rotational position to selectively open the number of open sheet feeding nips needed for the lateral registration movement of that particular sheet length. The mating idlers for the sheet feed rollers need not be moved to open the nips.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a substrate positioning system includes a plurality of pushers arranged in a spaced relation about a stage adapted to support a substrate. Each pusher is adapted to assume a retracted position so as to permit the substrate to be loaded onto and unloaded from the stage, extend toward an edge of the substrate that is supported by the stage, contact the edge of the substrate, and continue extending so as to cause the substrate to move relative to the stage until the substrate is calibrated to the stage. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A paper sensing apparatus of an office machine has a sensor actuator disposed to pivot with respect to a pivot center of a conveying roller by a printing paper when the printing paper is conveyed, and a sensing unit generating a paper sensing signal in accordance with a rotation of the sensor actuator. Accordingly, the paper sensing apparatus is capable of accurately sensing a leading end of the printing paper, and thus a top margin of the printing paper can be effectively controlled as the paper sensing apparatus is installed to be operated with respect to a rotation center of the conveying roller so that an error generated during sensing a paper top position due to a lengthened distance between the conveying roller and a transferring roller can be reduced.

Abstract: In an external drum imaging system, a plate locating mechanism and method for operation of same are provided for automatically locating printing plates of various sizes in a staging position so as to be mounted on a predetermined position on external drum of the imaging system. The predetermined position in a particular embodiment is substantially center-justified on the external drum to help prevent artifacts in the recorded image.

Abstract: A method measures the location of a sheet and then moves the sheet to a registered position. By measuring the actual location of the sheet and then moving the sheet to the registered position, the invention saves a substantial amount of time. An elongated array of LED sensors 130 stretches over several inches and is aligned with a collimated light source 110. Each sensor in the array is spaced from its adjacent sensor by a known amount. This amount can be as small as a few tens of thousandths of an inch. The edge of a sheet covers the sensors. The sheet edge is measured and the registration device moves the edge of the sheet to the registered position for receiving the developed image.

Abstract: A banknote receiving machine conveys inserted banknotes on a conveying path and corrects their conveying posture by a posture correction device. Downstream of the posture correction device, sensors detect features of banknotes from feature portions thereof. Kinds and directions of the front/back and the top/bottom of banknotes are detected by posture detecting sensors that are provided in front of the posture correction device. Position correction amounts are acquired corresponding to the kinds and the directions of the banknotes from a memory. Conveying postures are corrected based on position correction amounts and the feature portions of the banknotes in alignment with the conveying posture correcting sensors.

Abstract: The skew of a sheet of print media is precisely controlled by intentionally inducing print media deformation, so that cooperative mechanical and gravitational forces may be used to align the leading edge of the sheet. The sheet is driven into a nip region of deskew rollers in a manner that causes the print media to deform, lifting a movable member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the feedpath into the nip region. The movable member applies a return force that is generally equal along a widthwise surface region of the print media. As a result, there is a reduced likelihood that the print media will be skewed relative to the nip region. In some applications, the return force is adjustable.

Abstract: A method for aligning print media on a feedpath includes the steps of: aligning a sheet of print media using a deskew mechanism; measuring the skew of the sheet after it has been aligned; and comparing the measured skew with a specified skew, and if the measured value is greater than the specified value, reversing the sheet through the deskew mechanism followed by repeating the aligning, measuring and comparing steps. An apparatus for implementing alignment of print media on a feedpath comprises a deskew mechanism and sensors positioned downstream on the feedpath from the deskew mechanism to provide data sufficient to calculate the skew of the sheet.

Abstract: A method for locating and conveying a veneer sheet includes: causing a downstream end of a veneer sheet conveyed by a travelling conveying member to abut against a blocking member to correct the attitude of the veneer sheet in such a state that a downstream end of the veneer sheet is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the veneer sheet; and after moving the conveying member in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction until one side end of the veneer sheet perpendicular to the conveying direction reaches a predetermined position and stopping the conveying member, moving the blocking member to a position where the blocking member does not abut against the veneer sheet. Accordingly, attitude correction of a veneer sheet and locating thereof in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction can be performed effectively.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus and process are provided for transporting sheet-shaped print material. A first transport element and a first contact element are actuated to transport a sheet-shaped print material with alignment against an alignment stop. A second transport element and a second contact element are actuated to transport sheet-shaped print material past the alignment stop without alignment against the alignment stop.

Abstract: Sheets which are overlapped with an offset are supplied to a device for the continuous alignment of sheets by a stream feeder. After alignment of at least the front edge and one lateral edge of each sheet, the sheets can be transferred downstream to a following device.

Abstract: An aligning unit (8) for sheet like material (1), such sheet-like material being aligned by rotation elements (25), (34) with respect to the conveying direction (22) through a machine processing such sheet-like material (1) before the passage to a conveying plane (9). The sheet-like material (1) is contacted, on at least one side, by the rotation elements (25), (34). The rotation elements include segmented rollers respectively having a roller core (38), and a ring-shaped coating (35). The area of contact (36), (44) between the sheet-like material (1) and the segmented rollers (25) is minimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for alignment of sheet material (1) which is conveyed in one conveyor plane (9). The sheet material is conveyed on bodies (35) of revolution and aligned by means of triggerable alignment elements (25) in the conveyor direction (22) and perpendicular to the conveyor direction (22). The alignment elements (25) are assigned to an alignment unit (8). The alignment motion necessary for alignment of the sheet material in the conveyor direction (2) and perpendicular thereto takes placed by separate alignment elements (25) which can be triggered independently of one another during conveyance of the sheet material (1) with the process speed.

Abstract: Before stopper members (25) of a skew correcting mechanism (10) are evacuated from a sheet conveyor path, sheet conveyor roller pairs (8) rotate a set angle in a direction opposite to the sheet feeding direction such that a sheet is separated from the stopper members (25). The sheet conveyor roller pairs (8) are arranged so that at least one of the rollers of each pair is independently pressed against the other with a force corresponding to the type of the sheet.

Abstract: A sheet media position sensor device is disclosed which incorporates a pair of opposed nipped rollers positioned laterally across a sheet media transport path. One roller is electrically conductive while the opposed roller has an electrically conductive resilient coating. The coated roller is insulated at its mid point to divide the coating on the roller into two halves. A DC voltage is applied to the electrical conductive roller with current passing equally through each half of the adjacent coated roller. As sheet media is passed along the transport path and between the two nipped rollers, the sheet media acts as an insulator to reduce the actual contact area and therefore, the current flow between the conductive roller and the coated halves of the nipped roller. This reduced current flow is directly proportionate to the remaining contact area for each half of the roller which specifically identifies the lateral position of the sheet media.

Abstract: A facsimile machine has a stacker to which printed pages are delivered, and a paper sensor that senses whether the stacker is empty. The facsimile machine clears an internal page count to zero when the stacker is empty, increments the page count as each printed page is delivered, suspends printing when the page count reaches a limit value, and resumes printing when the stacker is emptied. While printing is suspended, facsimile reception may continue in a memory mode.

Abstract: In accordance with printer-control method and printer-control apparatus according to the present invention, in speed control for a paper-supply motor from the time when a paper-supply roller starts a paper-supply operation to the time when an upper end of a printing paper abuts against a paper-feed roller and a driven roller thereof and then the paper-supply motor is stopped with the upper end portion of the printing paper being nipped by the paper-feed roller and the driven roller thereof, when a difference between a target speed and a current speed in a constant speed section under feedback control becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value, a proportional gain coefficient used for speed control calculation is changed to a value which is larger than an usual value.

Abstract: A paper-like materials processing apparatus brings the speed in the direction for conveying paper-like materials by a shift correction roller for moving paper-like materials at an angle based on a shift amount crossing the conveying direction of paper-like material agree with the conveying speed by a conveying mechanism.