Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a printhead carrier system including a printhead carrier configured for movement along a scan path, a first sheet picking mechanism, a second sheet picking mechanism, and a selector device. The selector device is configured to select one of the first sheet picking mechanism and the second sheet picking mechanism for picking a sheet of print media based on a position of the printhead carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a media handling device for handling sheets of media contained in a conglomerate stack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for stacking of sheets. A high-speed printer is provided for printing the sheets or at least one continuous web which is cut to sheets (2). The stacking device is provided to receive sheets in at least one flow (AS1 and/or AS2) thereof to said stacking device and to transfer said sheets (2) in the flow (AS1 and/or AS2) thereof to at least one first stacking table (11b) in order to form thereon at least one stack (2A and/or 2B) of sheets (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for lateral movement of sheets (2) during transport thereof to a stacking device (11) such that the sheets (2) or stacks of sheets occupy laterally displaced positions relative to each other in the stacking device (11). A high-speed printer (6) is provided for printing the sheets (2) or a continuous web which is then cut to sheets (2). A vacuum generating device has vacuum means (12, 13) with vacuum openings located within vacuum holes (20) in conveyor belts (14), and is provided to generate a vacuum in said vacuum openings and vacuum holes (20) that said conveyor belts (14) can grip or engage and transport the sheets (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for arranging at least two sheets in a shingled mode of arrangement, wherein a first sheet is moved in a paper travelling direction, and a second sheet is simultaneously moved in a direction at an angle relative to the paper travelling direction in such a way that the at least two sheets are slid one on top of the other. Alternatively, the first and the second sheet are moved in a first and in a second direction at respective different angles relative to a paper travelling direction. Another alternative is to move the two sheets in a first and in a second direction at different speeds but at identical angles relative to the paper travelling direction.

Abstract: An imaging media supply tray for providing imaging media to a feed mechanism of an imaging system a first access area adapted and constructed to contain a first quantity of imaging media in a position capable of exposing the first quantity of imaging media to the feed mechanism. A second access area adapted and constructed to contain a second quantity of imaging media in a position capable of exposing the second quantity of imaging media to the feed mechanism. A securing mechanism is adapted and constructed to selectively secure the imaging media supply tray in the imaging system in a first orientation connecting the first access area to the feed mechanism, or in a second orientation connecting the second access area to the feed mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for selectively picking two or more types of imaging media in an imaging apparatus having only a single pick roller while simultaneously supporting each type of imaging media on the imaging apparatus, wherein such media is ready for picking. The imaging media can be supported in respective media trays while supported on the imaging apparatus. The apparatus includes an actuating mechanism that is configured to selectively position each of the media trays relative to the pick roller, one-at-a-time, to facilitate picking by the pick roller of the selected imaging media. Methods include simultaneously supporting a plurality of types of imaging media on an imaging device having a single pick roller, and selectively picking either the first imaging media or the second imaging media from the respective media tray.

Abstract: A method and system for sheet accumulating wherein a web of material is cut into groups of cut sheets and a right-angle transport device is used to collate the cut sheets into packets. Because the cut sheets in each packet are moved into and out of the right-angle transport device in separate paths with different pathlengths, the cut sheets overlap with each other by an overlapped amount as they exit the right-angle transport device. A path deflector having a curved path is used in at least one of the paths in order to reduce the pathlength difference, thereby increasing the overlapped amount.

Abstract: A paper feeder includes: a multiple number of paper feed cassettes arranged abreast at approximately the same level in the sheet feed direction. These paper feed cassettes are formed into a unibody structure so that they can be pulled out altogether. The more upstream a paper feed cassette is located with respect to the sheet feed direction, the higher the level of the upper surface of the paper feed cassette is arranged. This arrangement affords a space over the downstream paper feed cassette, in which a feed path for recording paper picked up from a paper feed cassette located on the upstream side can be arranged.

Abstract: Documents are fed in a stream through the first station of a machine that senses the last page of each document along alternative paths in order to accumulate the groups in a staggered stack on a vertically adjustable elevator. When this staggered stack reaches a predetermined number (N) the elevator drops down to off load the stack onto a takeaway conveyor. The documents continue to be accumulated at the second station on a reciprocating support surface that redeposits these additional documents on the elevator when the elevator returns to a raised position and the support surface is retracted.

Abstract: A mechanism (120) which can be used in a printer (110), for example, for selectively moving sheets from first and second sheet stacks, including a rotating shaft (123), a mechanism for causing the rotating shaft (123) to rotate in first and second directions, and first and second media picks (121, 122). Rotation of the rotating shaft (123) in the first direction causes the first media pick (121) to move a sheet from the first sheet stack (51) and rotation of the rotating shaft (123) in the second direction causes the second media pick (122) to move a sheet from the second sheet stack (52).

Abstract: The system is designed to provide a transport system with specified sheet-like material at a requested time. The system includes insert towers that provide the requested material at the appropriate time. Each insert tower contains multiple insert hoppers aligned vertically within the tower. Due to space constraints, the vertical arrangement of the hoppers enables the system to choose from significantly more different inserts than would be available from systems without vertical insert towers. The insert hoppers are loaded vertically within the insert hoppers which creates a horizontal queue of sheet-like material. Upon a request from a system computer, specified inserts are pulled and the insert tower delivers the insert to a transport system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for selectively picking two or more types of imaging media in an imaging apparatus having only a single pick roller while simultaneously supporting each type of imaging media on the imaging apparatus, wherein such media is ready for picking. The imaging media can be supported in respective media trays while supported on the imaging apparatus. The apparatus includes an actuating mechanism that is configured to selectively position each of the media trays relative to the pick roller, one-at-a-time, to facilitate picking by the pick roller of the selected imaging media. Methods include simultaneously supporting a plurality of types of imaging media on an imaging device having a single pick roller, and selectively picking either the first imaging media or the second imaging media from the respective media tray.

Abstract: An arrangement for forming a third stream of at least one first and one second stream of identical printed products has a first transport device synchronously conveying in a first conveying direction the first and second streams adjacent to one another. A second transport device is arranged downstream of the first transport device and has a second conveying direction substantially transverse to the first conveying direction of the first transport device. The first and second transport devices form steps transporting the printed products in a cascade fashion and combining the first and second streams to a common third stream.

Abstract: A sheet-stacking apparatus capable of receiving two sheets at substantially the same time, which includes a disk unit including four substantially identical rotatable disks, each disk including a receiving slot for receiving a portion of a sheet therein. The disk unit is arranged so that two of the four disks receive portions of a first sheet and the remaining two disks receive portions of a second sheet. Embodiments also include a bin into which the first sheet and the second sheet are deposited and a selectively extendable separator that separates the first sheet and the second sheet into two separate stacks. The apparatus can also include a tamping mechanism.

Abstract: A right-angle sheet stager apparatus for merging multiple input sheet streams into a single output sheet stream includes one or more input channels and an output channel. Each input channel includes a transport surface and a staging surface. Each transport surface communicates with its corresponding staging surface at a transitional member interposed between the transport surface and the staging surface. Each transitional member includes an upper surface disposed at an elevation greater than an elevation of the corresponding staging surface. The output channel includes an output surface, and is oriented in a right-angle relation with respect to the input channels and communicates with the input channels at a merger location. The stager apparatus permits a sheet from the transport surface to enter the staging surface and overlap with a preceding sheet already present on that staging surface, prior to the preceding sheet's complete exit from the staging surface.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which various kinds of sheets can be used and which can be made compact and reduce the number of parts. The present invention provides an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, which has a sheet feeding cassette, first sheet feeding means, and image forming means, wherein the sheet feeding cassette is provided with second sheet feeding means for feeding out a sheet contained in a second sheet storing portion different from the first sheet storing portion of the sheet feeding cassette.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of feeders can be added, a main body driving portion is provided in an apparatus main body and a drive feeder having a driving portion is provided among the plurality of feeders. The main body side driving portion drives an adjacent feeder, and the driving portion of the drive feeder drives the drive feeder and a feeder adjacent to the drive feeder. In the image forming apparatus, it is unnecessary to provide a dedicated driving portion in an additional feeder, it is also unnecessary to supply a driving force to the additional feeder from the apparatus main body. Therefore, no limitation is required of the additional feeder, and cost increase for an entire product can be prevented.

Abstract: For removing blanks (10) from a blanks magazine (14, 15) a transfer roller (18, 19) is employed which grips the blank (10) with a suction head (20) and takes it along its circumference. The transfer roller (18, 19) must be moved back and forth along a linear path of movement below the blanks magazine (14, 15) by rotating about its own axis. This movement is driven by a crank gear —crank arm (24) and strut (26) —which are directly, i.e. by means of a swivel arm (28), connected to the transfer roller (18, 19). A differential gear (23) acts to produce a linear movement of the transfer rollers (18, 19).

Abstract: A method and corresponding system for assembling collation sets from a split web consisting of two webstreams, each providing a series of collations of connected sheets. The method includes the steps of: alternately selecting the two webstreams and from the selected webstream drawing a sheet to a cutting or bursting station; cutting or bursting the sheet to separate it from the webstream; conveying the sheet to an accumulating station where sheets are accumulated; monitoring the sheet for determining whether the sheet is a beginning or an end of a collation; and ejecting the sheets accumulated from the selected webstream based on the determining of whether the sheet is the beginning or the end of a collation.

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

Abstract: A paper feeder includes: a multiple number of paper feed cassettes arranged abreast at approximately the same level in the sheet feed direction. These paper feed cassettes are formed into a unibody structure so that they can be pulled out altogether. The more upstream a paper feed cassette is located with respect to the sheet feed direction, the higher the level of the upper surface of the paper feed cassette is arranged. This arrangement affords a space over the downstream paper feed cassette, in which a feed path for recording paper picked up from a paper feed cassette located on the upstream side can be arranged.

Abstract: A card printer has a card feed hopper assembly that will support stacks of two different size cards in hopper sections. The card feed hopper assembly is movable transversely of the printer to position the respective hopper sections to be aligned with a card feed path on the printer, and then positioned so that cards in the hopper section aligned with the card feed path will be driven into the printer. The hopper is lifted when it is moved transversely, and then lowered down to provide the card drive for cards in the hopper section that is aligned with the card feed path.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprises a vertical type paper feed unit which feed paper into a printing unit, and a discharge unit which contains the paper discharged from the printing unit. The paper feed unit and the discharged unit are arranged in a vertical direction to the printing unit, which will allow the floor surface projection area to be reduced. Further, the paper is conveyed into one of discharge trays in accordance with its paper size. Thereby, the larger size paper is discharged underside the smaller size paper, accordingly, it does not occur for the paper discharged to the upper discharge tray to shield the paper on the lower stage discharge tray from the visual angle. Also, the confirmation of paper discharge and taking out can be easily carried out irrespective of the paper size.

Abstract: A paper sheet manipulating apparatus and a paper sheet transaction apparatus for manipulating paper sheets such as bills includes an inlet/outlet port allowing input and output of paper sheets and rotating between the paper sheets inlet position and the paper sheet feeding position; a separating means projected to the outlet port and drawn back to the draw-back position, distinguish, when projected, the paper sheets inputted to the inlet port and the paper sheets to be returned and accommodate the paper sheets into the outlet port; an accommodation section for accommodating the paper sheets; a temporary storing section for temporarily storing the paper sheets which should not be accommodated in the accommodation section or should not be exhausted and a plurality of cassettes for feeding and collecting the paper sheets in the accommodation section and for feeding and collecting the paper sheets in the outlet port, whereby a fault is little generated and manipulations can be continued at a high speed for a long

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheet feeding apparatus for delivery of sheets from multiple sheet stores. The sheet feeding apparatus comprises a sheet feed member such as an endless belt having a plurality of movable sheet receiving surfaces. A plurality of sheet transfer mechanisms move sheets from the sheet stores, which may be stationary, onto the receiving surfaces. Once on the receiving surfaces, the sheets are transported toward a common delivery position such as the entrance to the common paper path of a reprographic print engine.

Abstract: A printer or copier has a paper feeder provided with a plurality of compartments which hold paper for feeding the paper to the printer and a circuit to control conveying of the paper to the printer. The paper feeder includes a drive to move the paper from the paper compartments to a conveying path where it is carried to the printer. A branching portion is provided in the conveying path. Further paper feeders may be connected in series to the first paper feeder, each paper feeder having a plurality of paper compartments and feeding the paper out of a lower paper feed path to the next paper feeder device.

Abstract: A paper feeder is able to properly separate and convey the uppermost sheet of paper from sheets stacked beneath it in a paper bin while effectively preventing multiple paper sheet feeds and other paper feed problems. The paper feeder includes a paper separator for lifting upper sheets, and separating the uppermost sheet from the sheet immediately beneath it by blowing air against an upper-forward end of a stack of paper loaded in a paper bin, and a vacuum paper carrier for holding the uppermost sheet by suction and carrying it. The paper separator has lifting nozzles for lifting side ends of the upper sheets, by blowing air toward side portions, excluding a central portion, of the stack of paper loaded in the paper bin.

Abstract: A method for supplying envelopes to an inserter system, including the steps of providing an envelope supply structure having an exit point, providing at least first and second supply paths from the exit point of the envelope supply structure and providing a common path from the at least first and second supply paths. Individual envelopes are fed from the envelope supply structure to a selected one of the at least first and second supply paths wherein the envelope is conveyed to a holding area in the selected supply path and from the holding area of the selected supply path it is conveyed to the common path. The envelope then travels from the common path to an envelope insertion area wherein prearranged documents are caused to be inserted into the envelope.

Abstract: A device for continuous separation of blanks for book cover material, envelopes for brochures or similar bendable sheets of a stack of sheets from a magazine with a conveyor belt with a non-skid surface and openings acted upon by air suction, bearing the stack of sheets, feeding the lowest sheet in each case in timed fashion from the magazine, which has a suction element grasping the lowest sheet and removing it from the stack of sheets, with an air blower for creating an air cushion between the raised sheet and the following sheet and with a removal conveyor system receiving and further transporting the sheet fed with respect to a functionally reliable separation of large-format flexible sheets is characterized by supports (17, 18) on both sides of an open space supporting a stack of sheets (1) in the edge area and by a suction element (14) capable of being driven under the stack of sheets (1), grasping a sheet (1a) in the open space in the edge area, and pulling down from the stack of sheets (1) in order to

Abstract: A sheet dispensing apparatus includes at least one pair of sheet stores, and a transport system for transporting sheets from the stores to a dispense position. The transport system includes, for each pair of sheet stores, a common feed member which, upon relative movement between the common feed member and the stores, can be moved between a pair of feed positions in each of which it engages a sheet in a respective one of the pair of stores so as to enable sheet(s) to be withdrawn from the corresponding store. The common feed member is able to take up also a neutral position in which, even if actuated, no sheets are fed from either store.

Abstract: A method and unit for feeding blanks to a user machine, whereby at least two synchronized pickup heads withdraw the blanks from respective hoppers and feed them to respective conveying pockets moving continuously along a user path of the machine; each blank adheres by suction to a flat conveying surface of the respective pickup head, with a first lateral edge projecting outwards of the flat conveying surface and with a second edge contacting a push tooth projecting from the respective flat conveying surface, and is so inserted inside the respective conveying pocket as to be maintained in a flat configuration between the push tooth and a stop element moving together with the conveying pocket.