Abstract: Flat articles such as letter envelopes or letter envelope blanks or the like are aligned for further processing by transporting the articles through an alignment path with the help of a pulling mechanism that seizes or entrains each individual article along its leading edge as viewed in the transport direction and moves the article by pulling the article against a stop member or members which are also moved, but with a slower speed than the pulling of the article. Once the leading edge of the article bears against the stop member or members, the article is aligned and ready for further processing. The entraining or seizing takes place in an area positioned substantially centrally along the leading edge of an article between ends of the leading edge of an article.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheet handling apparatus having a hopper drum (1) for receiving individual signatures (23) from a feed tray, the hopper drum being equipped with at least one set of signature seizing grippers (16). A hopper drum surface element (13) revolves counter to a direction of rotation (7) of the hopper drum (1) upon reversal of direction (33) of the signatures (23). A seizing element (26) is assigned to the direction reversal position (38) of the signatures (23).

Abstract: A roller assembly is provided with openings in its outer surface for selective communication with a source of vacuum or a positive pressure. The openings may be angled along the roller rotational axis to impart a component of velocity to the paper perpendicular to the tangential roller surface velocity. Additionally, by selectively connecting the openings with sources of pressure and vacuum, enhanced paper alignment is achieved, multiple paper feeds eliminated, transitions between different velocities of rollers completed, or paper reverted so that printing can be achieved on first and second sides thereof.

Abstract: A vacuum drum apparatus on which a mask is mounted having a resilient surface and an array of holes suitable for a substrate of a given size. The drum is a circular cylinder perforated with an array of holes. A hollow chamber within the drum is connected to a controlled pressure source for providing a vacuum. The mask may be magnetically attracted about the outer surface of the drum. Thus, the mask may be made of a flexible ferromagnetic sheet. The mask is preferably elastomeric and may include an inextensible layer.

Abstract: Drum-type imagesetter for producing an image on a flexible sheet of radiation-sensitive material, which comprises retaining bars (62) for retaining a sheet in a substantially cylindrical configuration, and an exposure system (70) for image-wise exposing the curved sheet, the radial position of the sheet retaining bars (62) being controlled by adjustment screws (49, 50) allowing different drum diameters to be set.

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

Abstract: A device for the temporary guidance of successively transported sheets along a guiding surface defined by opposite side edges of a sheet, includes a sheet guiding element revolving in a given direction during operation. The guiding element has a groove oriented at least substantially in the given direction and the guiding element has at least one suction opening formed therein. The at least one suction opening has an aperture cross section in the groove to be temporarily covered by a sheet, and the at least one suction opening is subjected to a periodic underpressure exerting a suction effect on a sheet. Such a device exhibits good guiding characteristics at high sheet speeds.

Abstract: Device for conveying a stream of sheets to a sheet-processing machine having a conveyor table with endless transport tapes formed with through-holes and drivable around the conveyor table, and a suction box arranged below the conveyor table and connected with an underside of the transport tapes via suction openings formed in the feed table includes three suction chambers formed in the suction box and extending in succession in a sheet transport direction, the suction chambers including a first suction chamber subjectible to underpressure by a first vacuum source, a third suction chamber facing towards the sheet-processing machine, and a second and middle suction chamber subjectible in common with the third suction chamber to underpressure by a second vacuum source.

Abstract: An arrangement has a rotor with rotor arms that are arranged in a drum-like manner around an axis of rotation and project on one side from a carrying element that is driven in rotation. The arrangement also has a sucker arrangement that includes a carrying arm which is driven by a drive. At a free end of the carrying arm there is arranged an extension arm with a suction head. The movement path of the suction head runs in the interior of the rotor, with the exception of an approximately V-shaped section of the movement path projecting in a radial direction outside the rotor. When the extension arm runs through this section, it passes through a cutout of the rotor in order to grip a corner region of a printed product and move the printed product into the interior of the rotor. A rotor arm then engages beneath the printed product and lifts it further in order to deliver it to a range of action of a removal conveyor.

Abstract: An automatic document conveying device comprises a document table on which documents are placed; a vacuum separating/feeding means for feeding the set documents placed on the document table; a set document stopper for positioning the front ends of the documents placed on the document table; and a discharged document stopper for restraining the movement of the document discharged onto the set documents after being fed by the vacuum feeding means and subjected to image processing. A first opening and a second opening are provided in the document table. The vacuum separating/feeding means is disposed below the first opening. A feed drum connected to the vacuum chamber of the vacuum separating/feeding means via an opening/closing means is disposed below the second opening.

Abstract: A device for decollating stacks of flat objects includes a stack magazine. The base of the stack magazine supports the stack and includes revolving rollers that form a continuously moving series of rollers, pass underneath the stack magazine, and roll along the lowest object of the stack. A conveyor system is arranged underneath the upper run of the series of rollers and extends at an angle to the series of rollers. The lowest object that is removed from the stack by one passing roller is deposited on the conveyor system. A suction device moves or suction devices move between the rollers in the cycle in which the rollers pass underneath the magazine. The suction device or devices pulls or pull down one lateral edge of the lowest object between two rollers. The leading roller still supports the stack via the object and the trailing roller passes between the object and the object situated above so as to cause a secure separation of the lowest object from the stack.

Abstract: A vacuum hold down conveyor system employing a vacuum table with a plurality of suction grooves and relief grooves extending parallel to a direction of travel. A vacuum generator is fluidly connected to the suction grooves to create a sub-ambient pressure in the suction grooves. A belt is translatable relative to the vacuum table to simultaneously occlude the suction and the relief grooves. The relief grooves are exposed to a pressure greater than the suction grooves to thereby reduce the net downward force on the belt as it translates across the vacuum table.

Abstract: A sheet reversing apparatus for a sheet-fed rotary press with a reversing mechanism includes a paper convey cylinder, gaps, a reversing mechanism, a paper trailing end holding member, a moving unit, and a pivoting unit. The moving unit performs a moving operation of the paper trailing end holding member which projects or retreats along an arc with respect to the outer surface of the paper convey cylinder in accordance with a pivotal movement of the paper convey cylinder. The pivoting unit performs a pivoting operation of the paper trailing end holding member in accordance with a movement of the paper trailing end holding member.

Abstract: A vacuum drum apparatus on which a mask is mounted having a resilient surface and a plurality of holes suitable for a substrate of a given size. The vacuum drum apparatus is balanced for rotation at high speeds by attaching a counterweight to the mask. The drum is a circular cylinder perforated with an array of holes. The drum has flat surfaces on its outer surface that are used to mount the mask and the substrate on the drum. A hollow chamber within the drum is connected to a controlled pressure source for providing a vacuum. The mask may be magnetically attracted about the outer surface of the drum. Thus, the mask may be made of a flexible ferromagnetic sheet. The mask may also be staged on the drum with other mechanical type entanglements. The mask is preferably elastomeric and may include an inextensible layer.

Abstract: A suction feeder can feed photosensitive material sheets of different sizes with the suction force applied thereto kept substantially constant. The suction feeder has a motor-driven endless suction belt having numerous suction holes formed uniformly over the entire area thereof. A suction box is provided under the carrier side of the suction belt and has a belt supporting plate formed with suction holes. A motor-driven blower is connected to the suction box. The suction pressure applied to the suction holes of the suction belt through the suction holes in the belt supporting plate is reduced by reducing the revolving speed of the blower-driving motor with an increase in the size of the photosensitive material sheet fed onto the carrier side of the suction belt. It is thus possible to apply substantially constant suction force to photosensitive material sheets of different sizes.

Abstract: A vacuum drum apparatus on which a mask is mounted having a resilient surface and an array of holes suitable for a substrate of a given size. The drum is a circular cylinder perforated with an array of holes. A hollow chamber within the drum is connected to a controlled pressure source for providing a vacuum. The mask may be magnetically attracted about the outer surface of the drum. Thus, the mask may be made of a flexible ferromagnetic sheet. The mask is preferably elastomeric and may include an inextensible layer.

Abstract: Device for adapting negative pressure in a suction belt feed or supply table of a sheet feeder to operating conditions which vary during sheet conveyance, having at least one endless, revolvingly driven conveyor belt provided with suction openings, and a side alignment device for laterally aligning a respectively foremost sheet of a shingled or overlapping sheet stream, and at least one suction box disposed below a conveying plane, the suction box, in a sheet feeding direction, being subdivided into a plurality of chambers subjectible to negative pressure independently of one another, includes a conveyor belt, a plurality of suction chambers disposed in the conveying plane below the conveyor belt, a common suction union and a swivelable shutoff element for selectively connecting the suction chambers to the suction union.

Abstract: A vacuum-type transport device, used in cardboard printing units, comprising: a support structure; a suction hood; a vacuum fan; a plurality of plates on the lower surface of the suction hood; a first and a second plurality of belt-type conveyor means, with a pressure cylinder between them, that protrude from windows obtained in the lower surface of the suction hood; and motoring means for the device. The pressure cylinder is located next to the printing cylinder and the sheets of material to be printed pass between these cylinders and are dragged away by the belt-type conveyor means.

Abstract: A strip conveyor and stacker receives cut elongated flexible strips from a strip former and by conveying and stacking the strips produces a stack of strips such as a cellular panel for a window covering. The conveyor receives the strips from the strip former and includes a foraminous conveyor belt which holds the strips on the surface thereof by suction. At the stacker, the strips are discharged from the conveyor belt by applying a burst of pressurized air, thereby ejecting the strips into a stacker magazine. As the strips are stacked, the magazine is indexed to increase its depth, or a cellular structure formed by the stacked strips is withdrawn from the body of the magazine. An auxiliary magazine may be used to form a preliminary stack of soft, flexible strips prior to stacking in the magazine. A strip defect sensor scans each strip and causes the ejection of defective strips from the apparatus.

Abstract: Sheet guiding cylinder of a printing press includes a cylinder casing rotatable about an axis of rotation, and having an outer cylindrical surface defining a skeletal framework; the skeletal framework being formed by guide vanes extending in longitudinal direction of the sheet guiding cylinder and having a curved guide vane profile disposed in planes perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the guide vanes beginning from respective locations radially inward from the outer cylindrical surface and terminating substantially radially in an imaginary cylindrical envelope surface enveloping the outer cylindrical surface and being symmetrical with the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A paperboard processing machine is disclosed for printing and otherwise processing sheets of paperboard, such as corrugated container blanks, and in which the sheets are conveyed from one section of the machine to another section by one or more vacuum transfer systems. Each vacuum transfer system comprises an enclosure which is closed by a closure plate for creating a subatmospheric pressure, which pressure forces the sheets into frictional engagement with the reaches of a plurality of conveyor belts whereby the sheets are transported without contact of the opposite side of the sheet not contacted by the conveyor reach. In one embodiment the closure plate is imperforate, while in the second embodiment the closure plate is provided with a limited number of apertures for providing a secondary flow of air upwardly against the bottom surfaces of the paperboard sheets.

Abstract: Multi-way slide-type shutoff valve for suction air of suction-type grippers on a sheet-transfer drum, including a plurality of closing parts, linearly slidable in a housing for optionally closing air-inlet openings connected to intake ducts of the suction-type grippers, and for closing air-outlet openings connected to a suction-air source through the intermediary of a rotary valve, the closing parts having a cylindrical shape, at least some thereof being arranged adjacent one another and in coaxial alignment, and an operating device for displacing the closing parts, is provided with springs having spring constants coordinated with one another and being disposed at least between the adjacent coaxial closing parts, at least an outer one of the closing parts being connected to the operating device.

Abstract: A semishell-shaped gripper apparatus for sheet-fed printing machines includes a gripper of low mass, which is fastened without play on the gripper shaft and minimizes the sliding of the gripper tip on the printing carrier. This is achieved by having the gripper finger surround the gripper shaft in such a way that separate effective engagement surfaces are formed. The effective engagement surfaces are disposed on the gripper shaft with frictional engagement and, in conjunction with the resultant force, form a triangle of forces. The gripper holder has a depression running parallel to the gripper shaft connecting to the lower edge of a web on the gripper finger in a releasably positive-locking manner. The gripper tip has a raised holding surface which has tapering radii on its periphery.

Abstract: A labeling machine applies an adhesive to labels for attachment to containers and has a glue bar which engages a glue roller. A label drum receives and delivers labels into engagement with containers for wrap around labeling of the containers. An adhesive is delivered to the glue bar. The adhesive is a hot melt adhesive which can maintain its label bond while withstanding high heat such as from a pasteurization process. The hot melt adhesive has a viscosity which tends to increase if the adhesive is not kept in constant motion or is allowed to set. The shear of the adhesive is increased during adhesive transfer to ensure low viscosity transfer of the adhesive from the glue roller to a label positioned on the label drum.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the position of suction-type grippers on a sheet-transfer drum, wherein the suction-type grippers are disposed basically along at least one generating line, are displaceable perpendicularly to a sheet-transport direction and are fixable, including a plurality of endless belts, the suction-type grippers being disposed on the endless belts.

Abstract: A label sticking apparatus has a suction drum with at least three holding-sticking units mounted at constant intervals on the periphery thereof so as to be movable in radial directions of the suction drum. The suction drum is rotated intermittently by a constant amount so as to feed and stop the holding-sticking units at a label feeding station, a positioning station and a sticking station which are disposed around the suction drum in this sequence. Labels are seriatim peeled from a label tape and held on a distal end of the holding-sticking unit at the label feeding station. At the positioning station, positioning of each label is performed by a positioning head having a centering pin and a pair of angular position correction pins. At the sticking station, the holding-sticking unit is pushed through an eccentric cam radially outward from the suction drum toward a work-piece, to press and stick the label held on the holding-sticking unit onto the work-piece.

Abstract: A method of labeling containers utilizing a labeler having multiple port vacuum drum is disclosed. The multiple port vacuum drum has a first cavity which is supplied with one level of vacuum suitable for picking up label segments from a cutter with limited tension. The vacuum drum has a second cavity which is supplied with another, higher level of vacuum suitable for firmly griping the label segments as an adhesive of the like is applied to the label segment. The second cavity may be further divided into a label application segment with lower vacuum pressure. The cutter drum has an arcuate cavity to which vacuum is supplied at the end first contacting the labeling material web with reduced vacuum being provided at the label cut off point and label release point.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the position of suction-type grippers on a sheet-transfer drum, wherein the suction-type grippers, disposed basically along at least one generating line, are displaceable perpendicularly to a sheet-transport direction and are fixably disposed, includes a multi-member differential worm-gear unit having output members secured against rotation relative thereto, the suction-type grippers being fastened to the output members, and precisely one rotational input member disposed on the differential worm-gear unit for simultaneously adjusting all of the suction-type grippers.

Abstract: A suction-air control device for a rotatable sheet-transfer drum having suction-type grippers disposed thereon and having a journal with a rotationally symmetrical surface, includes a rotary valve disposed on the journal of the sheet-transfer drum for connecting the suction-type grippers to a stationary suction-air source. A stationary housing is provided for the rotary valve. A device controls a supply of suction air from the suction-air source to the suction-type grippers with a time lead or a time lag as a function of the rotational speed of the sheet-transfer drum. At least one suction-air bore extends from the interior of the journal to the surface thereof. One suction-air bore is connectable to the suction-type grippers. The rotationally symmetrical surface of the journal forms a sealing surface of the rotary valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a label onto a substantially cylindrical article is disclosed. A thin layer, heat activated adhesive backed label is fed onto the surface of a rotating label transport drum so that the adhesive back faces outward from the drum. The adhesive is heated as the drum rotates so that the adhesive obtains a sufficient temperature to melt. Articles are conveyed into tangential spinning engagement with the drum and into rotate engagement with the leading edge of the label as the label moves into the article wrapping position so that the label wraps about the article and adheres thereto. The articles can include crayons which are somewhat tapered along their length. The articles are conveyed at a skewed angle so that the label wraps about the tapered crayon with end-to-end label alignment thereof. The crayon is conveyed onto the drum surface so that the wider "butt" end of the crayon engages the leading edge of the label before the more narrow and of the crayon engages the label.

Abstract: Device for sheet-format adjustment of a sheet-transfer drum formed of sheet-holding segments displaceable in guides radially and in a rotational direction of the sheet-transfer drum, and having gripper devices for holding leading and trailing edges of sheets, the gripper devices being adjustable with respect to one another in an outer cylindrical surface of the sheet-transfer drum in the rotational direction thereof, the sheet-holding segments and the gripper devices being simultaneously adjustable for two sheets to be transported, includes guide discs disposed on both sides of the sheet-transfer drum and fixedly connected to a shaft of the sheet-transfer drum, the guide discs being formed with radial guide slots extending parallel to one another, and at least one guide element connected to a sheet-holding segment and being seated in each of the guide slots, and a respective control disc disposed on each side of the sheet-transfer drum and rotatable on the shaft of the sheet-transfer drum, the control disc be

Abstract: An apparatus for advancing a sheet from a moving imaging member having an unfused image after transfer of the image to the sheet. After the image is transferred to the sheet, the sheet is advanced by a transport to a fuser. The transport has low impedance, high air flow to draw the sheet toward the transport for acquisition. As the sheet is moved across the transport, an increased air flow impedance causes a low vacuum pressure in the transport to provide a low drive force that minimizes quality and motion disturbances on the sheet. The low drive force exerted on the sleet is lower than a holding force of the sheet to the moving imaging member thus causing the sheet to slide on the transport.

Abstract: An apparatus for advancing a copy sheet includes a moving imaging member having an unfused toner image. The copy sheet is in contact with the moving imaging member to transfer the toner image from the imaging member to the copy sheet. The copy sheet is then engaged by a moving sheet transport. A vacuum draws the copy sheet toward the sheet transport while a pressure sensor detects the vacuum pressure in the transport to control the air flow through the transport so as to maintain a low and constant drive force in response to the level of vacuum sensed by the sensor. The low drive force exerted on the sheet is lower than a holding force of the sheet to the moving imaging member thus causing the sheet to slide on the transport.

Abstract: Device for adjusting the position of suction grippers on a sheet transfer drum for conveying sheets in a sheet-fed rotary printing press, at least some of the grippers being formed as suction grippers, at least one guide bar carried by the sheet transfer drum, holding elements mounted on the guide bar and having the respective suction grippers seated thereon, the suction grippers being manually displaceable along a generatrix of a cylindrical outer surface of the sheet transfer drum perpendicularly to a sheet conveying direction and being fixable thereon, includes a respective manually actuatable locking member connected to each of the holding elements for retaining the respective holding element in position on the guiding bar by frictional forces applied to the guiding bar at opposite sides of the respective holding element, the clamping element being an individual spring.

Abstract: A rotary sheet-fed printing press for recto and verso printing has a turning drum disposed between impression cylinders having double the diameter of a conventional blanket cylinder, wherein a sheet gripped at a leading edge thereof by grippers of a first one of the impression cylinders is gripped at a trailing edge thereof by grippers of the turning drum upon transfer of the sheet to the turning drum. In the turning drum, suction nozzles are provided which suck the sheet, guided on the one impression cylinder, towards the turning drum in the vicinity of the trailing edge of the sheet and, in so doing, smooth it diagonally and peripherally on the circumference of the one impression cylinder, before the grippers of the turning drum which grip the sheet by the trailing edge thereof are closed, and the grippers of the one impression cylinder which grip the sheet by the leading edge thereof are opened.

Abstract: A paper transport is formed by a plurality of substantially identical conveyor modules which are arranged end-to-end and separated by gaps selected as a function of active devices which are to be installed along the paper path defined by the transport. The conveyor modules each include plural conveyor belts and documents are held against the belts for transport there through the creation of a small pressure differential thereacross, the pressure differential resulting from establishing a large volume air flow through the conveyor modules, the same air flow being employed for cooling the electronic components of the active devices associated with the transport.

Abstract: A belt conveyor is provided to feed veneers in the arrow-marked direction in the drawing. A porous transfer belt having numerous of air holes therein is stretched around so as to run above said belt conveyor. Inside the porous transfer belt, a suction hood which has a plurality of small air passages formed in the running direction of the porous conveyor belt is installed to rotatably accommodate a damper further therewithin. The damper makes intermittent rotations to open or close the sucking section such that only a desired veneer is selectively sucked for sort-out transfer with the result that the need for piercing the veneer or defining in advance a gap between each adjacent two veneers is eliminated. Therefore, it is now possible to perform high speed sort-out operations without subjecting the veneer to damage or breakage resulting from tensile strength exerted thereon at the time of defining the gap.

Abstract: Device for achieving a flat contact of stock on a curved surface of a cylinder for transporting the stock into a printing nip includes a plurality of blowing-air bars disposed in a region between an impression cylinder and a transfer drum and upstream of the printing nip in transport direction of the stock, the blowing-air bars being directed for blowing air in a direction opposing the transport direction of the stock, at least one of the plurality of blowing-air bars being stationary and, with the other of the plurality of blowing-air bars, respectively, having a plurality of air-blowing nozzle-shaped outlets disposed in a substantially arrow-shaped arrangement on the respective circumferences thereof, the arrangement of outlets including a central outlet disposed farthest upstream of the arrangement of outlets in the transport direction so as to be a first one of the outlets to act upon a sheet being transported in the transport direction.

Abstract: A vacuum conveyor system for transporting sheets between two process stations in an image producing apparatus, such as copiers and printers. The system includes a plurality of interleaved belts which extend between the process stations and around rollers to convey the sheet without image disruption or sheet damage between the processing stations.

Abstract: A rotatable drum for use in a plotter, or similar device, that provides vacuum for holding the film or other media to the drum's surface, so as to easily accommodate films of various sizes. The drum includes first and second journals and a plate mounted on the circumference of the first and second journals. At least one of the journals has defined on its circumference circumferential channels. The plate has interior and exterior sides, and the first and second journals and a portion of the plate's interior side define a chamber. The plate's exterior side has defined thereon a plurality of grooves. In one embodiment, at least one of the grooves, associated with a first film size, is in fluid communication with the chamber, and some of the remaining grooves, associated with the larger film sizes, are in fluid communication with the channels. A vacuum is supplied to the chamber, and a valve is provided for controlling fluid communication between the channels and the chamber.

Abstract: An imaging system having a source of light movable with respect to a writing element and projectable thereon to generate an image, a focusing device is provided for focusing a light source which generates a beam of light of a wavelength selected to be actinic with respect to the writing element. At least a portion of the beam of light is absorbed by the writing element. The apparatus includes a vacuum imaging drum for holding donor sheets and receiver sheets independently for exposure by the light beam. The drum has an axial planar area which facilitates loading and unloading the donor sheets in superposition with the receiver sheet without disturbing the registration of the receiver sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically clamping film material onto the recording drum of a reproduction device and for releasing the film material exposed by a recording element from the recording drum. The apparatus has a roll film cassette introducible into a light tight portion of the reproduction device. Conveyor and guide surfaces are provided between the roll film cassette and the recording drum. Film conveying means is provided for conveying the film web situated in the roll film cassette to the recording drum. A film cutting means is provided for the separation of film sheets. A film length measuring means, a pressure means having a lowerable pressure roller for the film sheets, a positioning drive for turning the recording drum into a start of clamping, start of exposure and start of release position, and a lift-off means having a lowerable lift-off finger for peeling the exposed film sheets from the recording drum are all provided. The film sheets are fixed on the recording drum by vacuum.

Abstract: A conveyor device for sheets of wrapping material, whereby the sheets are transferred, from a first conveyor to a second conveyor forming an angle of other than zero, by a conveyor designed to swing between a forward position wherein the sheets are removed off the first conveyor, and a withdrawn position wherein the sheets are transferred to the second conveyor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for automatically clamping and releasing film material onto or, respectively, from the recording drum of a reproduction device with vacuum suctioning. The device is composed of a roll film cassette, of a conveying and guide surface, of a film cutting means, of a film length measuring means, of a pressure means having a pressure roller, of a lift-off means having lift-off finger, as well as drives for turning the recording drum and for conveying the film material to the recording drum. The recording drum comprises axially proceeding suction hole rows for suctioning the film material by vacuum. A vacuum distributor controllable by the rotational motion is arranged in the recording drum, this vacuum distributor successively connecting the individual suction hole rows to the stationary vacuum pump during clamping, so that the suction hole rows are charged with vacuum step-by-step with increasing wrap of the recording drum by the film material.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying thin film polymer labels onto small cylindrical articles includes a label transport drum that is constructed for aiding the transfer of a label onto a cylindrical article. The apparatus includes a label transport drum having a cylindrically configured hub and cylindrical drum mounted on the hub for rotation thereabout. The drum has an outer surface on which labels are fed while the drum is rotated about the hub. A first radially extending, slotted vacuum manifold defines a label retention area and extends circumferentially around a substantial portion of the circumference of the hub. A first radially extending slotted pressure manifold is aligned circumferentially after the slotted vacuum manifold at an article wrapping position. A valve port, circumferentially aligned with the vacuum and pressure manifolds is positioned on the inner surface of the drum and communicates with the area on the drum surface where the leading edge of the label lies.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for clamping sheet-shaped film material onto the recording drum of a reproduction device and is directed to the operation of this device. The recording drum comprises axially proceeding suction-hole rows for the vacuum-fixing of the recording material. Suction channels, each of which connects the suction holes of a suction hole row to one another, proceed in the wall of the recording drum. A vacuum distributor controllable by the rotational movement of the recording drum is arranged in the recording drum, this controllable vacuum distributor selectively bringing the individual suction channels, the corresponding suction hole rows into communication with a stationary vacuum pump. The vacuum distributor is controllable such that that suction hole row on which the starting region of the recording material lies is first charged with vacuum during the clamping event.

Abstract: An imaging system having a source of light movable with respect to a writing element and projectable thereon to generate an image, a focusing device is provided for focusing a light source which generates a beam of light of a wavelength selected to be actinic with respect to the writing element. At least a portion of the beam of light is absorbed by the writing element. The apparatus includes an imaging drum for holding donor sheets and receiver sheets in registration on the drum. A registration device including a non-reflective indicia on the surface of the drum facilitates the proper registration of the donor and receiver sheets.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which toner images are transferred using a combination of heat and pressure to a receiving sheet includes a transfer drum with a vacuum holding means for the receiving sheet. To prevent a loss of nip pressure over vacuum holes, the drum is formed of a metallic core with a slot running generally parallel to the core's axis of rotation. A thin metallic sheet is positioned around the core, which sheet has very thin slots running across the slot in the core. A vacuum is applied to the core slot which communicates through the sheet slots to hold a receiving sheet to the outside surface of the metallic sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the suction pressure drawn through a conveyor belt which conveys a stream of underlapping sheets to an alignment station where sheets are aligned prior to being fed to a sheet-processing machine. A source of high pressure is coupled to a low pressure suction chamber adjacent the alignment station when the final sheet in the stream reaches the alignment end. The high pressure source rapidly equalizes the pressure with the chamber, thus enabling easy lateral alignment of the final sheet in the stream which has no following underlapping sheets to otherwise block the suction pressure.