Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for processing sheet material, in particular papers of value such as bank notes, checks, etc., wherein different groups of sheet material are processed one after the other, the different groups of sheet material being separated for processing by separation means. In order to avoid mixing of sheet material, it is provided to restrain the singling of separation means and bank notes until release.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an image former for forming an image on a sheet at a predetermined image-forming speed; a plurality of feeders; a carrier for carrying the sheet fed from either of the feeders to the image former; and a controller for controlling the carrier to suspend the sheet fed from either of the feeders at a first position upstream of the image former. The controller determines whether a subsequent sheet is suspended at a second position upstream of the first position and/or controls a speed at which the carrier carries the sheet, based on a feeder that feeds the sheet among the plurality of feeders and/or on the image-forming speed of the image former.

Abstract: This sheet multifeed determination device is capable of accurately detecting a sheet multifeed state, and the sheet multifeed determination device includes: a separating member side sheet speed detecting part which detects a transport speed of a sheet surface on the separating member side of a sheet transported to a nip unit of a paper feed roll and a separating member pressure-contacting mutually; a multifeed sheet detecting part which detects presence of plural sheets in the course of being transported through the nip unit; and a multifeed state determination part which determines not to be in a multifeed state of sheets when the sheet speed detected by the separating member side sheet speed detecting part is V2?0 and determines to be in the multifeed state of sheets in the case of V2>0 in a condition where the multifeed sheet detecting part detects multifed sheets.

Abstract: A medium detection apparatus is provided with: a light emitting section adapted to emit light; a light receiving section adapted to detect reflected light and output an output value in accordance with an amount of the reflected light; a medium supporting section adapted to support a medium and having a diffusing section adapted to diffuse the light emitted from the light emitting section; and a controller adapted to detect an edge of the medium based on a difference between the output value of the light receiving section when the light receiving section detects light reflected from the medium and the output value of the light receiving section when the light receiving section detects light reflected from the medium supporting section.

Abstract: High accuracy is achieved in paper feed control without increasing the size of an encoder, which would result in an increase in cost. The velocity of a paper feeding mechanism is calculated from an edge signal that is generated by the encoder in response to the motion of the paper feeding mechanism. Based on the calculated velocity, a calculation is performed as to the time needed to reach a stop position since a detection of an encoder signal edge immediately before the stop position. Based on the calculated time, a control signal for stopping the paper feeding mechanism is generated.

Abstract: A method for rotating a printer paper-feed roller wherein the roller is driven by a DC (direct current) motor. A feedback-control signal is applied to the motor until the roller reaches a desired rotational position. The feedback-control signal is a function of an error signal, and the error signal represents the difference between the actual rotational position and the desired rotational position of the roller. When the roller reaches the desired rotational position, the applied feedback-control signal is removed from the motor, and a direct-control biasing signal is applied to the motor to reduce or prevent rollback of the roller when the feedback-control signal is removed from the motor. In one example, the signals are PWM (pulse-width-modulated) signals.

Abstract: The method of detecting overlapping postal items in a postal sorting installation (1) consists in detecting variation in the length of each item by causing each item to go past a plurality of proximity detectors (4, 5, 6, 7). The proximity detectors are situated at different points of the sorting installation (1) and they are configured to evaluate the length of each item. As they pass through the sorting installation, overlapping items shift progressively relative to one another due, in particular, to friction. Thus, the total length of a set of overlapping items tends to vary, such that evaluating variation in the length of each potential item serves to provide information that is reliable for detecting overlaps. Since it is relatively easy to evaluate the length of an item, the performance of the installation is improved at low cost.

Abstract: A driving apparatus includes a plurality of driving devices, a plurality of detectors for detecting a malfunction of the driving devices, and a controller, which is responsive to a detection result of the detectors, for decreasing a driving speed of a driving device at which a malfunction is detected and increases a driving speed of another driving device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sheet handling machine capable of surely verifying whether the number of bills is one or not based on the kind of a bill even when bills different in thickness are inserted, handling the bills of different thickness mixed in, dealing with new bills issued in recent years using various novel feature technologies for bill forgery prevention, and detecting the presence of a foreign object in the bill surface. The kind of each of bills successively fed in is specified by bill checking means for identifying the kind of a bill, and reference thickness information regarding the sheet of a specified kind is read from a reference thickness table recording a bill kind and the thickness information of a bill full surface.

Abstract: A delivery processing apparatus includes an alignment stage, an aligning mechanism, including an alignment member operable to align a sheet on the alignment stage and to escape to a home position during a non-alignment period, a sheet conveyor for conveying the sheet on the alignment stage, a sheet processor for performing a prescribed processing to the sheet on the alignment stage, a delivery portion for stacking the sheets and a stacking amount detecting mechanism, including a detection member selectively moving to a detection position and a non-detection position at a region overlapping an operation region of the alignment member to detect the stacking amount of the sheet delivered to the delivery portion.

Abstract: A device and a method for detecting the edge of a recording material, in particular, a printing plate, in an exposer for recording printing originals includes an exposer having an exposure drum holding the plate, and an exposure head moved axially along the drum and focusing exposure beams onto the plate. An optical fiber is let into the drum surface and an illuminating device, moved axially along the drum, radiates light radially into the fiber. A photodetector at the fiber receives the light radiated therein. Covering the light radiated in with the plate is used to detect the plate edge. Counting cycles of a feed drive moving the illuminating device determines an axial position of the edge. Alternatively, light of a light source is radiated axially into the fiber and the light emitted radially by the fiber is received using an optical detector moved by the feed drive.

Abstract: A device for conveying sheets through a printing machine, in particular through an ink jet printing apparatus, permits adaptation to different printing material thicknesses and ensures reliable transport. The conveying device has a conveyor belt which runs over deflection rollers and guide elements and to which sheets can be fed individually one after another. An apparatus enables setting the distance between the surface to be printed of a sheet and a print head. At least three conveying segments are arranged one after another, the print head being fastened to a holding device opposite a central conveying segment. Each conveying segment is assigned at least one guide element and it is possible to adjust the height of the guide element opposite the print head in accordance with the thickness of the sheets.

Abstract: There is provided a sheet-fed printing press that is capable of rapidly performing printing preparatory work for more secured double sheet detection. A double-sheet-detector control part judges whether an ultrasonic double sheet detector outputs double sheet detected signal during test printing or during feeding a first printing sheet of successively fed printing sheets in large quantity or successive printing. Where double sheet detected signal was output, it is judged that the detection made by the ultrasonic double sheet detector is erroneous so that the double-sheet-detector control part switches to a photoelectric double sheet detector to be employed as a double sheet detector for use in large quantity or successive printing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the delivery of flat objects to a friction/suction picking device with a suction head, the objects standing in a stack on a thin edge thereof on a support surface arranged on a stop surface and transported in the direction of the picking point using conveyor means. A sensor for measuring the vacuum in the suction head, is arranged on or in the suction head, which is connected to the drive controller on the conveyor means. Depending on the measured vacuum the conveyor means can be controlled such that the front object has an inclination as low as possible with the lowest possible stack pressure on the at least one friction picking device.

Abstract: An articulated flag member arrangement detects bi-directional passage of an object. In embodiments, the articulated flag member arrangement comprises a first flag member and a second flag member wherein the first and second flag members interact with each other to detect bi-directional passage of an object, for example, using the same sensor.

Abstract: Image forming methods and apparatuses capable of performing stable and fast sheet transfer operations are provided. In a continuous feed mode, a preceding sheet and a succeeding sheet are successively fed from a sheet tray through first and second transfer rollers to an image forming position. When it is determined that a trailing edge of the preceding sheet has passed the first transfer roller, the driving of the first transfer roller is stopped for a predetermined time period. As a result, the preceding sheet and the succeeding sheet are transferred with a desired sheet interval while suppressing sheet interval variations.

Abstract: An intermediate guide member is provided attachable and removable between a head portion and a supporting frame of a stocker for printing plates. A number of intermediate guide members is an element to set a time of starting downward movement of hooks supporting a leading end of a printing plate. Three conditions in accordance with lengths of non-detection times are set for detecting the printing plate to judge authenticity of the detection. When the hooks reach vicinities of stoppers provided at supporting bars of a reversal unit, the hooks swing, are pulled-in from above the slope, and transfer the printing plate to the stoppers. Thereafter, by rotating the supporting bars and the stoppers integrally around a shaft, the printing plate is pivoted over toward a back plate, and a lower end of the printing plate is transferred from the stoppers to a receiving plate without damaging the printing plate.

Abstract: A sheet skew correcting apparatus, incorporated in a printer or the like to correct a phenomenon of obliquely feeding a sheet called skewing. The apparatus includes a transporting path in which the sheet is transported, a pair of registration rollers, a pair of timing rollers disposed upstream from the registration rollers, and a paper guide having a first and a second curved portion and constituting the transporting path. When a sheet fed into the transporting path abuts against a contact point of a registration roller pair, the sheet is further transported by an arbitrary distance in the sheet transporting direction. First and second curves are then formed in the sheet in the first and second curved portions. Then the registration roller pair is rotated in the direction opposite to the sheet transporting direction, the front end of the sheet uniformly abuts against the contact point of the registration roller pair to correct skew.

Abstract: A pickup error-sensing apparatus of an image forming apparatus and method therefor. The pickup error-sensing apparatus includes a sensing actuator rotatably disposed on a frame with respect to a paper cassette, displaceable when sheets of paper are loaded in the cassette, a paper sensor unit outputting a paper loading and unloading signals according to the displacement of the sensing actuator, a sensing actuator-operating unit operating the sensing actuator to allow the paper sensor unit to output the paper unloading signal when a pickup roller carries out a pickup movement, and a control unit determining whether the paper unloading signal is output when the pickup roller carries out the pickup movement, and determining occurrence of a pickup error to stop the image forming apparatus when the paper unloading signal is not output. The apparatus and method sense the pickup error generated from inadequate movement of the pick-up roller without installing a separate paper sensor.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring grouped resources. A system and method of monitoring resource units in a stack is provided. The system and method includes providing a group of resource units and determining a thickness of one or more of the resource units. The system and method also includes indicating when the group of resource units reaches a predetermined size after one or more of the resource units has been moved from the group.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device having an arm and a sensor that can differentiate two events. The arm is pivotally mounted to move in different directions upon the occurrence of different events. A section of the arm includes a trigger section having an unequal distribution of a sensed characteristic. A first event moves the arm in a first direction that is sensed by the sensor in a first manner. A second event moves the arm in a second direction that is sensed by the sensor in a second manner. The sensor signals a controller that oversees the image forming process. Methods of operating the arm and sensor are disclosed for detecting the two separate events, and signaling the controller accordingly.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus comprises an upper unit, a lower unit and a banding unit. When sheets being conveyed are jammed in the upper unit, the upper unit is stopped and the processes of the lower unit and the banding unit are continuously executed. After the upper unit is stopped, sheets that may possibly be conveyed into the lower unit by inertia are rejected in a safety pocket.

Abstract: High accuracy is achieved in paper feed control without increasing the size of an encoder, which would result in an increase in cost. The velocity of a paper feeding mechanism is calculated from an edge signal that is generated by the encoder in response to the motion of the paper feeding mechanism. Based on the calculated velocity, a calculation is performed as to the time needed to reach a stop position since a detection of an encoder signal edge immediately before the stop position. Based on the calculated time, a control signal for stopping the paper feeding mechanism is generated.

Abstract: A paper sheet detection apparatus comprising a conveying belt which conveys a paper sheet along a conveying surface, a detection sensor which is provided opposite to the conveying surface and detects a paper sheet conveyed by the conveying belt, a sensor guide which is provided in at least the paper sheet take-in side of the detection sensor and formed with upper and lower guide members disposed opposite to each other at both side of the conveying surface, a nozzle which is provided in the opposite surface of the upper and lower guide members, and a gas supply device which supplies compressed gas to the upper and lower guide members and ejects the gas from the nozzle between the pair of guide members.

Abstract: An image forming device capable of distinguishing the type of paper, and a driving controlling method thereof. The an image forming device includes a paper conveyance path disposed in a body of the image forming device, to guide an upside and an underside of the paper which is conveyed from a paper feeding apparatus to an image forming portion; a feeding roller disposed in the paper conveyance path, to convey the paper from the paper feeding apparatus to the image forming portion; and a paper type distinguishing sensor disposed in the paper conveyance path upstream with respect to the feeding roller, to distinguish the type of the paper and output a distinguishing signal. Accordingly, before the paper enters into the image forming portion, the distinguishing signal is output from the paper type distinguishing sensor as the feeding roller is rotated in a reverse direction to align a front end of the paper in parallel with the feeding roller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method feed paper in an image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A mechanism for sensing the status of a media stack tray which dispenses media to a printing device, the media stack tray being associated with a dispensing device which dispenses media from the media stack tray. The mechanism includes a probe having at least two positions such that the probe is located in a first position when the media stack tray has an empty status and is located in a second position when the media stack tray has a loaded status. The probe is mounted relative to the media stack tray so that when the media stack tray has a loaded status the media is normally located between the probe and the dispensing device. The mechanism also includes a detector for detecting the position of the probe.

Abstract: Control (P) of imaging device (1) senses the period of time sensor (17) senses media (5) at input feed roller (16a). When a too-long-over-sensor condition is sensed, drive of input feed roller (16a) is terminated by operation of clutch (C). A feed roller (19a) farther in the media path continue to operate. One sheet of media (5) is fed while a dual fed sheet is held in the nip of feed roller (16a) and idle roller (16b). Subsequently, feed roller (16a) is again driven to feed the dual fed sheet for normal imaging.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus a printing medium is fed such that before a paper sensor detects a trailing edge of a preceding printing medium, a paper feeding roller begins the feeding of a succeeding printing medium, and after the paper sensor detects the trailing edge of the preceding printing medium, a leading edge of the succeeding printing medium arrives at the location of the paper sensor. Thus, the feeding of printing paper is performed rapidly and consequently the printing apparatus can perform recording rapidly.

Abstract: A paper feeding device comprises a document tray for loading the document, a document-detecting sensor for detecting the document loaded in the document tray and a MYLAR® made of a sheet-shaped resilience material. A part of the MYLAR® is in contact with the document carrying surface at the upstream side of the detecting position of the document-detecting sensor The document is pushed towards the detecting position during the MYLAR® pushing the upper surface of the document. The MYLAR® is bent to form a loop. The lower guide plate is arranged to be in contact with a part of the loop When the document is not detected, the filler of the document-detecting sensor and the MYLAR® overlap each other. A long hole is set in the loop of the MYLAR®.

Abstract: An arm that directs media sheets along multiple paper paths of an image forming device. The arm is mounted to pivot when contacted by the media sheet to direct the sheets along the proper media paths, and divert the sheets from entering the improper media paths. A sensor positioned adjacent to the arm senses movement of the arm to determine the location and timing of the media sheets as they move along the paper paths. Sensor is operatively connected to a controller which tracks the movement of the media sheets through the image forming apparatus. The arm may further be positioned to determine the orientation of an internal part. The arm moves between first and second orientations depending upon the position of the internal part. The position of the arm is again determined by the sensor. The invention further includes methods of moving the position of the arm to determine the location of the media sheets and/or the orientation of the internal part.

Abstract: A system and method for adaptive and predictive analysis of sensor readings to track documents in a document processing system. The system comprises: a plurality of sensors for sensing a document, wherein each sensor includes an associated filtering system for filtering sensor readings, and a performance tracking system for collecting performance data; and a control system that and adjusts filtering characteristics of the filtering system based on the collected performance data. In addition, a correlation system is provided for using data from at least one upstream sensor to interpret an ambiguous downstream sensor signal.

Abstract: A media processing system retrieves a sheet of media and transports it to an imaging process. Misalignment of media from retrieving and transporting is removed by a media realignment process which wedges the leading edge of the media into stopped rollers while additionally advancing the trailing edge of the media for a predetermined distance. The media flexes and forms an arching buckle which aligns parallel to the leading edge of the media with the stopped rollers, thereby removing the skew of the media in relationship with the stopped rollers. The amount of over-advancement of the trailing edge of the media is modified according to the stiffness of the media. A media stiffness sensor measures the media stiffness by quantifying the deflection of the media when a portion of the media is cantilevered into deflection-measuring sensors. Imaging processes are also improved by employing media stiffness measurements to modify imaging processes.

Abstract: A document handling apparatus for processing sheets comprises a dynamic in-feed device, a sheet receiving section disposed downstream from the dynamic in-feed device, and an electronic controller. The dynamic in-feed device comprises a sheet-driving device and a variable-speed motor operatively engaging the sheet-driving device. The dynamic in-feed device inputs a sheet according to a repeatable dynamic speed profile. The dynamic speed profile is defined by an initial input speed, a subsequent decelerating or accelerating speed curve, and a final input speed that is less than the initial input speed. The electronic controller communicates with the variable-speed motor for executing the dynamic speed profile and controlling the input device according to the dynamic speed profile.

Abstract: An implementation of a technology is described herein for automatically detecting when multiple sheets of print media are fed into a print device. More particularly, described herein is a technology for indirectly and automatically determining the number of sheets of print media by determining the stiffness of print media, such as acetate and paper. At least one embodiment, described herein, includes a registration assembly of a laser printer. In this assembly, the print medium is deflected (i.e., bent, bowed, buckled, etc.). A measurement of such deflection is made. That measurement is an indication of the relative stiffness of the print medium. Assuming approximately similar densities, the stiffness of print media is directly related to its thickness. The thicker the medium the stiffer it is and vice versa. The thickness of print media is directly related to the number of sheets of print media.

Abstract: A paper sheet processing device that accommodates various types of paper sheet performs a smooth accommodating action by accurately performing a full-state detection action in respect of the accommodated paper sheets. Full-state detecting unit 2 of the paper sheet container (paper money container) stores current values exceeding a reference value as detection signals a, b, c and, of the stored detection signals a, b, c, determines that the stacker 42 constituting a paper sheet accommodating section is full based on the detection signal c stored in the substantially latter half period K′ of the paper sheet accommodating action period T′ by the paper money guiding unit 43.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for detecting overlapped mail pieces when sorting batches of flat mail pieces as the pieces are conveyed on their narrow sides, whereby the sorted mail pieces are moved successively standing on their narrow sides in a longitudinal direction along a bed or path. Positioned below the path is an electronic line camera arranged with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the feed direction of the sorted mail pieces that scans the lower narrow edges of the mail pieces through a gap in the bed. In one aspect, two sources of light, such as light emitting diodes, are positioned laterally from the line camera diagonally illuminate the mail pieces from below as the mail pieces pass over a window in the path so that the edges of the scanned narrow sides are emphasized by shadowing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to precisely locate an edge of an imageable plate mounted on a drum or other support surface. A light source and light sensor are used to measure the difference in reflectivity between the plate and the support surface. The drum or support surface contains at least one groove to increase the difference in reflectivity between the plate and the support surface. The groove may also contain an anti-reflecting layer to further increase the difference in reflectivity. The groove may also have a geometric shape that causes incident light to be directed away from the light sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for identifying overlap during the successive transport of flat mail in a double belt system. After edges have been detected on both sides of the transport path and after the distances between the detected edges and the respective guiding front edge measured by a light barrier have been determined, both sides of the longitudinal sides of the mail are acted upon with different transport speeds, ensuring that the minimum gaps are maintained. The distances between the edges and the guiding front edge are then re-measured. A double feed is detected if there is a change in distance.

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.

Abstract: A system for detecting overlapped flat objects in a sequence of flat objects have at least one of their edges exposed for viewing as they pass along a feed path. The system includes a sensor for generating a signal in response to detecting a flat object in the feed path and a camera responsive to the signal for capturing a digital image of the exposed edges of the detected flat object in the feed path. A vision system is coupled to the camera for receiving the digital image. The vision system analyzes at least a portion of the image to determine a pixel density variation along a direction perpendicular to the edges and uses the pixel density variation to output an indication of the number of edges in the image.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus allows duplex print to be performed using tabbed sheets. A plurality of paper sensors A, B, C, D, E, and F are installed on a paper output side of a paper tray 20 in a direction perpendicular to a sheet transport direction. The location of a tab 12 and the tab length in the transport direction are determined from a difference in timings of the rise or fall of output signals from the paper sensors A-F. When the tab 12 is located on the leading edge of the sheet in the transport direction and does not traverse a transport control sensor X, operation timing of a device &agr; which is activated based on the timing of the rising of output signal from the transport control sensor X is advanced by an amount corresponding to the length of the tab 12. On the other hand, when the tab 12 traverses the transport control sensor X, or when a sheet without a tab is used, the operation timing is not advanced.

Abstract: A paper sheet detection apparatus comprising a conveying belt which conveys a paper sheet along a conveying surface, a detection sensor which is provided opposite to the conveying surface and detects a paper sheet conveyed by the conveying belt, a sensor guide which is provided in at least the paper sheet take-in side of the detection sensor and formed with upper and lower guide members disposed opposite to each other at both side of the conveying surface, a nozzle which is provided in the opposite surface of the upper and lower guide members, and a gas supply device which supplies compressed gas to the upper and lower guide members and ejects the gas from the nozzle between the pair of guide members.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing pinch force control to an entrance transport element in a document handling system. The entrance transport element includes a drive roller element and a pinch roller element and a pinch force relief mechanism coupled to the pinch roller element. The pinch force relief mechanism is positionable between a pinch force mode and a non-pinch force mode. A control element is adapted to control actuation of the pinch force relief mechanism between the pinch force mode and the non-pinch force mode. When the control element places the pinch force relief mechanism in the pinch force mode, the pinch roller element is positioned such that a pinch force is exerted on a document. Conversely, when the control element places the pinch force relief mechanism in the non-pinch force mode, the pinch roller element is positioned such that a pinch force is prevented from being exerted on the document.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus allowing travel of a tabbed sheet, in which even when a tabbed sheet is made to travel, no erroneous jamming detection occurs, thus allowing the tabbed sheet to travel in the same manner as in the case of an ordinary sheet. The image forming apparatus includes: a sheet detecting unit arranged in a sheet transport path for transporting a sheet and adapted to detect the sheet; and a control unit which, when the tabbed sheet is made to travel, performs control so as to make a set value for a reference timer for a jamming judgment to be made through detection of a sheet by the sheet detecting unit different from a set value for an ordinary sheet.

Abstract: In a device for loading a feeder rack (5) in further-processing machines such as gather-stitcher machines or gathering machines (6) for folded sheets (1), sheets, booklets or similar printed products, which has a first conveyor arrangement (15) extending in planar manner for the purpose of feeding printed products (1) standing on their edges in the form of a horizontal stack (2), a second, initially upwardly sloping conveyor arrangement (16) for drawing the printed products (1) off the stack (2) in an overlapping formation and for transferring the overlapping stream (3) to the feeder rack (5), infinitely variable drives (20, 24) associated with the two conveyor arrangements (15, 16), and a light barrier (31) arranged in the feeder rack (5), a control means (23) is provided by means of which the drives (20, 24) can be controlled in dependence on the degree of coverage (BG) of the light barrier (31), as a result of which the fill level of the feeder rack (5) remains at an at least substantially constant height

Abstract: In a printing apparatus a printing medium is fed such that before a paper sensor detects a trailing edge of a preceding printing medium, a paper feeding roller begins the feeding of a succeeding printing medium, and after the paper sensor detects the trailing edge of the preceding printing medium, a leading edge of the succeeding printing medium arrives at the location of the paper sensor. Thus, the feeding of printing paper is performed rapidly and consequently the printing apparatus can perform recording rapidly.

Abstract: A system and method for feeding and transporting documents are provided. The system includes a feeder stage including a hopper, a feeder and a separator. The hopper includes a hopper wall extending toward the feeder with a waterfall step along the hopper wall and with the stack of documents engaging the hopper wall including the waterfall step to form a pocket area over a limited distance extending from the waterfall step along the hopper wall toward the feeder. A photo edge detector located in the pocket area faces the stack of documents such that when a feeding document trailing edge passes the waterfall step, the trailing edge is detected by the photo edge detector while in the pocket area. The system further includes a transport stage downstream of the feeder stage for receiving the fed documents.

Abstract: A transport method and system that operates to feed mixed size mail pieces in singular fashion and adaptively controls the velocity of the mail pieces such that overall system performance is optimized is provided. The length of a mail piece is measured and a desired gap time between the mail piece and a subsequent mail piece is calculated. The gap time between the mail piece and the subsequent mail piece is measured, and a difference between the desired gap time and measured gap time is calculated. Based on the calculated gap time difference, the velocity of the subsequent mail piece is adaptively controlled to decrease the difference between the desired gap time and the measured gap time such that the measured gap time is adjusted to be approximately equal to the desired gap time, thereby optimizing throughput of the mailing system.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus is provided, which is capable of achieving high quality processing and maintaining high productivity without giving rise to problems such as sheet jam or damage of sheets even when various sheets having different attributes are conveyed. A buffer roller 505 is inhibited from carrying out a sheet staying operation in accordance with the type of sheets conveyed from an upstream side of the apparatus, to be conveyed to a downstream side of the apparatus via the buffer roller 505.