Abstract: A paper feed apparatus includes a paper cassette, a registration roller pair, a first feed roller, and a second feed roller. In the paper feed apparatus, a pick-up unit is provided which is mounted to an image formation apparatus main body, and which has the registration roller pair, the first feed roller; a first guide part constituting a paper feeding path ranging from the first feed roller to the registration roller pair; a second guide part constituting a paper feeding path ranging from the second feed roller to the registration roller pair; and a paper feed base part that holds the registration roller pair, the first feed roller, the first guide part, the second feed roller, and the second guide part on the roller both end sides, respectively, for unitization.

Abstract: A method for transporting and merging two flows of objects, in particular flat mail items, includes providing each of the two object flows with at least two respective objects. The two object flows follow one another in each respective transport path. One transport path merges into the other transport path. The two objects transported on the merging transport path are pushed over one another before reaching the merging point in such a manner that, when viewed in the transport direction, they overlap at least partially. The two objects are transported to a merging point in this overlapping state, infiltrated into the other transport path between the two objects transported on the other transport path and continue to be transported on the other transport path.

Abstract: A sheet tray device including (a) a first tray and (b) a second tray which is disposed on an upper side of the first tray and which includes (b-1) a support member, (b-2) a supported body pivotably supported by the support member, and (b-3) a hinge through which the supported body is pivotable. The hinge includes (i) a shaft portion, (ii) first and second bearing portions, and (iii) a removal preventer portion for preventing removal of the shaft portion from the first and second bearing portions. The first and second bearing portions are offset from each other in an axial direction of the shaft portion, and are located on respective opposite sides of the shaft portion in a diametrical direction of the shaft portion. The shaft portion includes a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion that are contactable with the first and second bearing portions, respectively. Also disclosed is an image forming apparatus including the sheet tray device.

Abstract: A feeder is provided for a punching or embossing apparatus. The feeder has a configuration for feeding sheets from a multiplicity of stacks. The stacks are disposed next to one another in the transport direction. In a method for punching or embossing sheets using a punching or embossing apparatus, sheets are fed to the punching or embossing apparatus from stacks disposed next to one another.

Abstract: A paper feeder includes a paper storing section that stores papers by vertically stacking the papers on a loading plate, and the uppermost paper stored in the paper storing section is fed by a pickup roller. In order to transport a supplied paper to an image forming apparatus without changing its posture, paper outgoing apertures are individually disposed on the paper feeder side. Transfer paths, respectively corresponding to the paper outgoing aperture, are disposed in the image forming apparatus, and a paper supplied from the paper feeder is transported to an image formation processing section of the image forming apparatus. This allows a paper to be transported without being curved, when the paper is supplied to the image forming apparatus from an additionally provided paper feeder. As a result, paper jam is prevented.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a document loading unit in which a document sheet is loaded, a recording-sheet loading unit in which a recording sheet is loaded, a supply roller that supplies the document sheet or the recording sheet from the document loading unit or the recording-sheet loading unit, a separator that separates the document sheet or the recording sheet in cooperation with the supply roller, a feeding path through which both the document sheet and the recording sheet pass, a reading unit that reads an image on the document sheet, and a recording unit that records an image on the recording sheet.

Abstract: Mechanism unit(s) functioning as automatic-feed cassette(s) and mechanism unit(s) functioning as manual-feed tray(s) together form a single integral module, constituting a hybrid paper supply module. In such constitution, paper transport path(s) may be formed between or among first guide member(s) provided at automatic-feed cassette mechanism unit(s) and second guide member(s) provided at manual-feed mechanism unit(s), and manual-feed mechanism unit(s) may be pulled outward and to side(s) of apparatus(es) so as to cause paper transport path(s) to be opened up to the exterior, facilitating removal of jammed paper. Furthermore, given such constitution, a plurality of hybrid paper supply modules may be stacked together to constitute a paper supply mechanism. Manual-feed tray(s) with which manual-feed mechanism unit(s) of respective hybrid paper supply module(s) is or are provided may be collapsible so as to permit extension and/or retraction.

Abstract: A feeding tray for feeding sheets from the left side thereof and a feeding tray for feeding sheets from the right side thereof are disposed on a multiple inserter, and selectively employing the feeding tray for feeding sheets from the left side thereof and the feeding tray for feeding sheets from the right side thereof allows reversal actions of sheets to be eliminated.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes a guiding member having an upper guiding surface for guiding the upper surface of a document and a lower guiding surface for guiding the lower surface of the document to guide the document to a support portion. The guiding member is movable to a set position for guiding the document to the support portion without causing the document to come into contact with a feeding roller, a recording-sheet separation position withdrawn for separating one sheet from the other recording sheets and feeding the separated sheet, a document separation position for guiding the document to the feeding roller, and a sheet return position for returning the recording sheet or the document to a corresponding support portion using a return lever. The guiding member is held via a spring such that the guiding member can be returned by itself from the sheet return position to the set position.

Abstract: Groups are formed from flat articles being supplied in a plurality of supply streams by combining the supply streams to form a group stream, and by separating article groups from the head end of the group stream through clamping and accelerating aligned leading article edge zones. The supply streams are superimposed in at least one combining point, wherein in all streams to be combined and in all superimposed streams the articles are arranged parallel in a direction transverse to the conveying direction, have the same article spacings, and are conveyed at the same speed. Projections of the streams to be combined and of the superimposed streams on a plane parallel to the parallel alignment of the articles run parallel to one another or coincide. Projections of the streams to be combined on a plane transverse to the parallel alignment of the articles run together at an acute angle.

Abstract: A sheet conveying device, that can be included in an image forming apparatus, includes a first sheet conveying path, a second sheet conveying path, a third conveying path, and a belt-type sheet conveying unit. The first sheet conveying path has a curved portion, and feeds and conveys a sheet therethrough. The second sheet conveying path has a curved portion and different from the first sheet conveying path, and feeds and conveys the sheet therethrough. The third sheet conveying path is provided from a confluence of the first sheet conveying path and the second sheet conveying path. The belt-type sheet conveying unit is disposed on one side of the third sheet conveying path corresponding to an outer side of the curved portion of the first sheet conveying path and an inner side of the curved portion of the second sheet conveying path.

Abstract: A delivery system comprises a frame, and a plurality of hoppers attachable to the frame in a vertically spaced apart arrangement. The hoppers are each configured to hold a plurality of sheet-like materials. At least one upper belt is movably coupled to the frame, with the belt being configured to move the sheet-like materials downward from the hoppers. At least one contact roller is disposed below each hopper, and at least one suction apparatus that is associated with each hopper. A moving system is configured to move the suction apparatus toward and away from the hopper to grasp and remove one of the sheet-like materials from the hopper, and to move the removed sheet-like material downward until grabbed by the contact roller.

Abstract: A sheet supplying apparatus having a plurality of sheet decks for supplying sheets connected in series, and provided with a controller for controlling the feeding of the sheets of each sheet deck, wherein each sheet deck has a sheet stacking portion for supporting the sheets thereon, a sheet conveying path for guiding the sheets from an upstream side to a downstream side, and a joining conveying path joining the sheet conveying path for guiding the sheets from the sheet stacking portion to the sheet conveying path, wherein the sheet decks are connected in such a manner that the respective sheet conveying paths are connected thereto, and the controller judges the position of the sheet deck for supplying a sheet preceding by one the sheet supplied in predetermined order when the sheets are supplied in order from each sheet deck and controls so as to pre-feed the sheet in the predetermined order to the vicinity of the upstream side of a joining point between the sheet conveying path in the sheet deck for supplyi

Abstract: A first sheet feeding device and a second sheet feeding device for feeding sheets stacked on a first stacking portion and a second stacking portion, respectively, are driven by a driving force generated by a drive source. A controller controls the drive source so that the magnitude of the driving force may differ between a case where the first sheet feeding device is driven and a case where the second sheet feeding device is driven.

Abstract: A stream of flat articles is to include imbricated formations (26.1, 26.2, 26.3) of different article types (A, B, C) and differing numbers of articles of the different types. For establishing such a stream a succession of supply devices (23.1, 23.2, 23.3) and a conveying surface are provided, the supply devices being equipped for preparing the imbricated formations (26.1, 26.2, 26.3) and for depositing whole preformed imbricated formations on the conveying surface. A device for establishing the stream of flat articles includes a main conveyor (21) with the conveying surface (21) and for each other device (23.1, 23.2, 23.3) an article source (25) and an intermediate conveyor (24), wherein the supply devices are controlled independently of each other and wherein the intermediate conveyor (24) and the article source (25) of one supply device may be driven independently of one another.

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: A multifunction printed sheets interface system with plural sheet input areas for receiving printed sheets from plural printers, plural sheet outputs areas for plural outputs to different sheet processing systems, a sheet position sensing system, and a sheet transporting system providing selectable sheet translation from selected plural sheet input areas to selected plural sheet outputs areas so as to provide selectable sheet feeding from selected printers to selected sheet processing systems, and selectable sheet rotation of selected sheets and selectable sheet merging in a selected sheet sequence of sheets from plural printers. The sheet transporting system has a large planar area with a multiplicity of spaced apart independently operable variable sheet feeding direction and sheet velocity sheet transports, larger than the dimensions of any sheet to be fed thereon to allow simultaneous plural sheet variable transport thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for processing sheet material, in particular bank notes, having a singling device for singling bank notes, a sensor path for testing at least one property of the singled bank notes and a deposit device having at least one output pocket for bank notes which have traversed the sensor path. Since the singling of bank notes is effected from a plurality of singlers in controlled order, efficient bank note processing can be performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing, stacking and thereafter collecting printed forms, includes: a dual registering stacking interface, that stacks and accumulates forms in a stack or in a continuing feeding as separate forms; and, a sequencer merger that receives the forms from the dual registering stacking interface and directs the forms in a selected order to an output end. The output end communicates with an accumulator that feeds the forms to a folder. The folder thereafter feeds the forms to a collector to be held until called for by a subsequent downstream device, such as a mail inserter device. The register, accumulator and collector are belt and/or roller driven devices, wherein the invention provides clutching assemblies for the transport belts and rollers in order to eliminate the streaking of the printed forms when idled forms are held stationary against the transport belts.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing, stacking and thereafter collecting printed forms, includes: a dual registering stacking interface, that stacks and accumulates forms in a stack or in a continuing feeding as separate forms; and, a sequencer merger that receives the forms from the dual registering stacking interface and directs the forms in a selected order to an output end. The output end communicates with an accumulator that feeds the forms to a folder. The folder thereafter feeds the forms to a collector to be held until called for by a subsequent downstream device, such as a mail inserter device. The resister, accumulator and collector are belt and/or roller driven devices, wherein the invention provides clutching assemblies for the transport belts and rollers in order to eliminate the streaking of the printed forms when idled forms are held stationary against the transport belts.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing the direction of transport of a sheet by about 75° to about 90° comprising: a first flat guide for contacting the leading edge of a sheet transported along a path to change its direction of transport by an acute angle; a second flat or concavely curved guide spaced from the first guide for contacting the leading edge of the sheet to change to direction of transport by an acute angle wherein the change of direction of transport of the sheet by the first and second guides totals about 75° to about 90°, the second concavely curved guide providing accumulation of the proper amount of sheet required to change the direction of transport of the sheet by the about 75° to about 90°.

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: A feeding tray for feeding sheets from the left side thereof and a feeding tray for feeding sheets from the right side thereof are disposed on a multiple inserter, and selectively employing the feeding tray for feeding sheets from the left side thereof and the feeding tray for feeding sheets from the right side thereof allows reversal actions of sheets to be eliminated.

Abstract: There is provided a reading/recording apparatus which is capable of properly conveying originals during original reading operation, even if there exists a state where a recording medium conveying device shares the same space with an original conveying path. A shared conveying path has at least part thereof used as both a conveying path for an original and a conveying path for a recording medium. The original is conveyed on the shared conveying path, where an image of the original is read. The read image is recorded on the recording medium at a recording position on the shared conveying path. A recording medium conveying device is movable between a sharing state where the recording medium conveying device shares a space with the conveying path for the original and a non-sharing state where the recording medium conveying device does not share the space with the conveying path for the original, and conveys the recording medium on the shared conveying path.

Abstract: A device for seperating copies of a flat sheet material mutally adjacently conveyed on paths defining a common wedge-shaped region, one of the copies of the flat sheet material passing over in a transfer region to the respective path whereon the other of the copies is conveyed, includes a guiding device for maintaining a seperation of the copies, said guiding device being accommodated in the wedge-shaped region; and a printing unit, a rotory printing machine and a multicolor rotory printing machine, respectively, having such a seperating device.

Abstract: A stream of flat articles is to include imbricated formations (26.1, 26.2, 26.3) of different article types (A, B, C) and differing numbers of articles of the different types. For establishing such a stream, a succession of supply devices (23.1, 23.2, 23.3) and a conveying surface are provided, the supply devices being equipped for preparing the imbricated formations (26.1, 26.2, 26.3) and for depositing whole preformed in imbricated formations on the conveying surface. A device for establishing the stream of flat articles includes a main conveyor (21) with the conveying surface (21) and for each supply device (23.1, 23.2, 23.3) an article source (25) and an intermediate conveyor (24), wherein the supply devices are controlled independently of each other and wherein the intermediate conveyor (24) and the article source (25) of one supply device may be driven independently of one another.

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 engine control unit and corresponding method of controlling the engine in which the engine control unit receives a print reservation command for plural pages prior to a print request command from a printer control unit. When the engine control unit received the print reservation command for the plural pages, it is judged whether or not a sheet feed operation of recording sheets can be performed. When it is judged that the recording sheets can be fed, the recording sheets are fed and transported to a predetermined position on a transportation path with a minimum constant interval corresponding to the sheet size by sheet feed rollers or transportation rollers, then printing operation is performed according to the print request command.

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: Two paper trays 11, 12 are disposed in such a manner that they are superimposed on top of each other in the vertical direction, a first paper feed roller 13 for feeding out paper from the upper-side paper tray 11 is disposed backwardly of and obliquely upwardly of a second paper feed roller 14 with respect to a direction in which the paper is fed out, and the upper-side paper tray 11 is disposed backwardly of and adjacently to the second paper feed roller 14. The sheets of paper fed out from the upper- and lower-side paper trays are delivered along the upper or lower surface of the second paper feed roller 14 and a are then fed into a common registration roller 10 without providing a delivery roller on the way. A holder 18 for supporting a handling member 16 to be contacted with the second paper feed roller 14 is supported by the paper tray 12 and can be retreated downwardly when pulling out the paper tray 12.

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 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: A delivery system comprises a frame, and a plurality of hoppers attachable to the frame in a vertically spaced apart arrangement. The hoppers are each configured to hold a plurality of sheet-like materials. At least one upper belt is movably coupled to the frame, with the belt being configured to move the sheet-like materials downward from the hoppers. At least one contact roller is disposed below each hopper, and at least one suction apparatus that is associated with each hopper. A moving system is configured to move the suction apparatus toward and away from the hopper to grasp and remove one of the sheet-like materials from the hopper, and to move the removed sheet-like material downward until grabbed by the contact roller.

Abstract: A system and method reorients flat articles in a serial stream, by receiving a horizontally moving, serial input stream of substantially vertically oriented flat articles each having a downwardly oriented primary edge, laterally diverting the flat articles in the serial input stream alternately between a pair of separate paths, impeding horizontal movement of each flat article in each separate path, accelerating each flat article with impeded horizontal movement in the direction of its primary edge, and delivering substantially horizontally oriented flat articles from each separate path.

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: Apparatus for advancing media through a hardcopy device includes a cylindrical guide wheel having a first radius mounted on a shaft having an axis transverse to a media feed path axis. A guide surface is spaced apart from the guide wheel and defines a media feed path between the guide wheel and the guide surface. A drive wheel having an extended portion that is concentric with the guide wheel, and which has a greater radius than the first radius is fixed to the shaft. A pinch roller communicates with the media feed path.

Abstract: A captured belt path selection device includes a first fixed frame including a plurality of fixed, vertically oriented belts mounted thereon and a second moveable frame including a plurality of vertically oriented movable selector belts and guide rollers mounted thereon, the moveable frame being positioned adjacent to and over the fixed frame, the moveable selector belts and guide rollers being vertically offset from the fixed belts so that the moveable belts and guide rollers pass above and below at least a portion of a fixed belt as the second frame is moved from a first position to a second position. At least a first one of the moveable belts and a fixed belt transport media therebetween along a first path when the moveable, frame is in a first position and at least a second one of the moveable belts and a fixed belt transport media therebetween along a second path when the moveable frame is in a second position.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus of the present invention comprises: an inserter tray to support insert sheets, an insert sheet supply roller to supply the insert sheets in the direction of a recording medium conveying path from the inserter tray; an insert sheet conveying device extending from the insert sheet supply roller to the recording medium conveying path to convey the insert sheets; a sheet reversing/conveying device provided from the insert sheet supply roller to the recording medium conveying path to reverse both the front and back sides of the insert sheets; and a gate to sort the insert sheets supplied from the insert sheet supply roller to the insert sheet conveying device or the insert sheet reversing/conveying device, and supplies insert sheets on the inserter tray by reversing the front and back sides in the direction of recording media according to a type of finish processing to be applied to recording media.

Abstract: Photographic material guide arrangements for the guidance of photographic material between at least three spaced apart photographic material guide paths along which photographic material, especially films or photographic paper, is guided, which includes the following: a selector with a receiving end for the taking up of photographic material from one end of a guide path and an output end for giving off photographic material to one end of another guide path, whereby the selector is constructed for the guiding of photographic material from the receiving end to the output end, whereby the selector is movable between different connecting positions wherein respectively at least two guide paths are connected with one another by way of the selector in order to guide photographic material from one end of a guide path to another end of a guide path through the selector, whereby with the change of the connecting position, at least one of the path ends connected by the selector changes.

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: 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: The present invention related to a sheet conveying apparatus comprising a first unit, a second unit and a guide member. The first unit includes a first sheet conveyance route, a second sheet conveyance route, a first delivery opening for delivering, from the first unit, a sheet or sheets from the first sheet conveyance route, and a second delivery opening for delivering, from the second unit, a sheet or sheets from the second sheet conveyance route. The second unit is positioned with a space to the first unit, the second unit having a third sheet conveyance route, and a single introduction opening for introducing, to the third sheet conveyance route, a sheet or sheets delivered from the first delivery opening and the second delivery opening.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling cycle up and cycle down operations of a printer device that includes a plurality of individual transport, where each transport defines a section of an overall path for the medium and performs a process relative to the medium as it passes therethrough. A sensor associated with each transport provides information indicative of its operation including a signal indicating whether or not a medium is present within its paper path section. A controller is operatively associated with the transports to receive such information produced by the sensor, and based thereon, to control the transports during cycle up and cycle down sequences.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus comprises a sheet conveying mechanism for conveying sheets along a first conveying path (22) and stacking up them in a sheet stack-feed station (S), a tray (24) for storing a stack of cover sheets (P), a second conveying path (28) communicating with the first conveying path (22), a blow outlet (38) for blowing a jet of air towards the tray (24) to lift up each cover sheet (P), a sucker (30) for sucking the cover sheet (P), a sheet feeding mechanism for conveying the cover sheet (P) received from the sucker (30) along the second conveying path (28) and feeding it to the first conveying path (22), and a pneumatic pump (34) for providing a blow of air and a suction of air. The sheet feeding mechanism is changed to its standby mode when the cover sheet is transferred from the sucker (30) to the sheet feeding mechanism. Upon the sheets having been stacked in the sheet stack-feed station (S), the sheet feeding mechanism transfers the cover sheet.

Abstract: An engine control unit and corresponding method of controlling the engine in which the engine control unit receives a print reservation command for plural pages prior to a print request command from a printer control unit. When the engine control unit received the print reservation command for the plural pages, it is judged whether or not a sheet feed operation of recording sheets can be performed. When it is judged that the recording sheets can be fed, the recording sheets are fed and transported to a predetermined position on a transportation path with a minimum constant interval corresponding to the sheet size by sheet feed rollers or transportation rollers, then printing operation is performed according to the print request command.

Abstract: In determining a setting condition of an apparatus for assembling mail items from mail components (20, 21, 23, 25) it is detected, in a setting phase, in which of a number of feeder stations (1, 2, 34, 35) of that apparatus mail components (20, 21, 23, 25) are present. Feeder stations (1, 2, 34, 35) in which mail components are present are automatically brought into an operating condition, and feeder stations (1, 2, 34, 35) in which no mail components are present are automatically brought into a non-operating condition. As a result, at the start-up of the apparatus, on the basis of the loading thereof, it is automatically determined which station is to be brought into an operating condition and which are to remain standby. An apparatus specifically arranged for practicing the proposed method is also described.

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 device for superposing sheets of paper comprising a lower vacuum conveyance unit for one row of sheets of paper (R1) and an upper vacuum conveyance unit for another row of sheets of paper (R2). The ends of the vacuum conveyance units can be adjusted independently from each other, crosswise to the direction in which the paper advances (P). One vacuum conveyance unit can be adjusted in a slanted position in relation to the direction in which the paper advances (P) so that it cuts across the vacuum conveyance unit on the opposite side.