Abstract: An apparatus (32) for separating a sheet of print media from a stack (30) of porous sheets includes a sheet conveyor for conveying a topmost sheet (30.1) of print media which has been separated from the stack (30) to a printing station (12) of a printer (10). A separator (44) is associated with the sheet conveyor for separating the sheet of print media from the stack (30). The separator (44) includes a fluid delivery arrangement (46) for blowing fluid on to a top surface of the stack (30) for effecting separation of the topmost sheet (30.1) of print media from the stack (30). A capturing arrangement (54) is carried by the sheet conveyor for capturing at least a part of the topmost sheet (30.1) and for facilitating conveyance of the topmost sheet by the sheet conveyor to the printing station (12).

Abstract: An air heating mechanism for heating the air which is blown from a loosening/separating nozzle toward the top sheet attracted to an attracting and conveying unit is provided. A control unit controls the air heating mechanism based on moisture content information from a sensor for detecting a moisture content of a sheet supported by the tray.

Abstract: A loosening fan provided in an air blowing unit blows at sheets stacked on a tray to loosen the sheets. When, during a sheet feeding operation, a multi-feed detection unit detects a multi-feed condition, the loosening fan is controlled such that an air pressure that enables the sheets to be loosened is obtainable. Therefore, the occurrence of multi-feed conditions can be reduced.

Abstract: A sheet surface detecting mechanism, which detects the upper surface of sheets stacked on a tray, including: a sensor disposed in a position spaced apart from a conveying portion; a pivotal sensor flag turning the sensor ON/OFF; and a sheet surface detecting member being disposed in parallel with the sheets stacked on the tray, moving in a vertical direction while causing the sensor flag to pivot in contact with the upper surface of the sheets, and turning the sensor ON/OFF via the sensor flag.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a sheet feeding apparatus which separates and feed a sheet one by one using a loosening fan which blows air from an air blowing portion for loosening the sheet on a tray. The rotating speed of the sheet loosening fan is adjusted while the sheet supported by the tray is not located in front of a position where the air is blown from the air blowing portion.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus for blowing air against sheets in feeding the sheets. The apparatus includes a suction duct disposed over a sheet stacking unit and having a suction opening facing the sheet stacking unit, a negative pressure generating unit for generating negative pressure in the suction duct, a sheet conveyance unit suctioning the sheet thereto with the negative pressure so as to convey the sheet, a communicating opening adapted to communicate with an exterior and provided in the suction duct. The communicating opening is closed by a cover according to a magnitude of a negative pressure in the suction duct. When a detection unit detects that the communicating opening has been closed with the cover, a control unit drives the sheet conveyance unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding porous sheets of media from a stack of such sheets includes a support structure for supporting the stack. A gas conduit is mounted on the support structure and has an outlet that is oriented so that, when the stack is positioned on the support structure, the outlet is directed towards a first sheet of the stack. The gas conduit is in fluid communication with a gas supply so that a stream of gas can be directed onto the first sheet to penetrate the first sheet and generate a cushion of gas between the first sheet and a second sheet to separate the first and second sheets. A sheet feed mechanism feeds the first sheet from the stack once the first and second sheets are separated.

Abstract: A document forming apparatus, comprising a substrate feeder for storing and dispensing substrates to a printing engine, a controller for controlling the operation of the document forming apparatus, wherein the controller includes at least one database for storing information for the operation of the substrate feeder, and a user interface for controlling the operation of the document forming apparatus. The user interface includes a stock library view, a stock settings dialog screen having an expert feeder controls section with a manual mode operator and an auto mode operator, and a control panel screen for manual mode operation. The control panel screen includes means for adjusting a plurality of feeder parameters, indicators for manual and auto modes, and a save settings operator.

Abstract: A printer includes a support structure. A printing assembly is mounted on the support structure. The printing assembly includes a feed mechanism mounted on the support structure for feeding sheets of media along a feed path. At least one printhead is mounted on the support structure, downstream of the feed mechanism to carry out a printing operation on the sheets of media. A picker mechanism is positioned on the support structure, upstream of the printing assembly. The picker mechanism includes a nozzle assembly that is movably mounted on the support structure and includes at least one nozzle that opens towards the stack of sheets. A displacement mechanism moves the nozzle assembly reciprocally between the stack of sheets and the feed mechanism.

Abstract: A sheet take-out apparatus is disclosed that includes a sheet-feeding member on which sheets are placed. The apparatus includes an air spout unit to spout out air towards a right or left side of a front portion of the sheets with respect to a take-out direction of the sheets. A take-out unit takes out one sheet from in a predetermined take-out direction. A depression member depresses the sheets against the sheet-feeding member on a rear portion of the sheets. In addition, a method is disclosed for taking-out sheets by means of a sheet take-out apparatus. The sheet take-out apparatus and method are capable of taking out one necessary sheet at a time, regardless of surface conditions of the sheet.

Abstract: In a sheet supplying device for feeding a sheet from a sheet stack configured by stacking plural sets of sheets collated by page order, each of which corresponds to one volume, for each set of sheets, in a state where the sheets are superimposed on one another so as to be sequentially offset from one another in a fore-to-aft direction, the sheet supplying device comprises: first transport means 2 for sucking a sheet in an uppermost position of a sheet stack P placed on a sheet table 1 so as to move the sheet rearward; second transport means 3 for sucking the sheet moved rearward by the first transport means 2 so as to transport the sheet forward; and a control unit 9 controlling suction operations of the first and second transport means 2, 3.

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

Abstract: A method of feeding porous sheets from a stack is provided in which one or more air outlet nozzles and one or more air inlet nozzles are positioned in a pick-up position proximate a first sheet of the stack, a flow of air from the outlet nozzle(s) sufficient to penetrate the first sheet is generated so that a cushion of air is generated between the first sheet and a second sheet of the stack so as to lift the first sheet from the second sheet, a flow of air into the inlet nozzle(s) is generated so that the lifted first sheet is drawn against a pick-up surface defined by the inlet nozzle, and the inlet and outlet nozzles are reciprocally displaced between the pick-up position and a feed position in which a feed mechanism engages the first sheet.

Abstract: A product labeling apparatus has a plurality of labelers, an imager for imaging products; and a processor responsive to an output of the imager and operatively connected to a control input of each of the labelers. The processor processes an image received from the imager to identify a portion of a product which portion will pass a target area of a given labeller. The processor then tracks progress of that portion of the product and controls an appropriate one of the labelers to label the portion of the product when that portion of the product is at the target area of the given labeler.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus for feeding sheets supported by sheet stacking means capable of ascending and descending by sheet feeding means is provided. The sheet feeding apparatus includes sheet position detection means for detecting that an upper surface of a sheet stack supported by said sheet stacking means reaches a position whereat it can be fed by said sheet feeding means, blowing means for blowing air on an end portion of sheets stacked on said sheet stacking means, and control means for controlling said blowing means, wherein at least, either when it has been detected by said sheet position detection means that the sheets reach a position whereat they can be fed, or before a sheet feeding operation by said sheet feeding means is started, said control means performs a blowing operation by said blowing means during predetermined time.

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

Abstract: To maintain quality printed images in high speed photographic quality printing it is necessary to ensure accurate registry of the print media with the printheads. To ensure this result an alignment mechanism is provided for the stack of print media to be fed to the printer. The alignment mechanism comprises a receptacle to hold the stack of print media, a registry stop and a tapping mechanism located opposite the registry stop, to maintain the stack of print media in accurate abutment with the registry stop.

Abstract: A method of operating a vacuum corrugated belt feeder with positive air pressure-separator during a feed cycle wherein the vacuum and the positive pressure air are controlled by a vacuum valve and a positive air pressure valve respectively, wherein the paper is taken away by a belt which is activated when a feed clutch is energized, comprising actuating the vacuum at the start of the feed cycle and de-actuated the vacuum when the feed clutch is de-energized, and pulsing the positive air pressure separator by actuating and de-actuating the positive air pressure separator during the feed cycle.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus for feeding a stack of sheets in a direction of movement to a process station, including: a sheet tray for holding the stack of sheets; an air plenum, positioned above the stack of sheets, for picking up a sheet from the stack of sheets when a vacuum force in the air plenum; a paper fluffer for blowing air between individual sheets in the stack.

Abstract: In a device for handling sheets of media in a stack, a picker bar for engaging the edge of a media sheet covers only a portion of the width of the sheet. The picker bar is rotated to shape the edge into a curve thus stiffening the edge so that it may be removed from the stack. The sheet, so engaged, may be conveyed or disposed of as required.

Abstract: A sheet feeder has a plurality of sheets supported on an intermediate plate, and feeds sheets separately one by one by attracting them by a suction belt. Air is blown from a blowing duct through an opening toward a side edge of a sheet bundle supported by the intermediate plate in order to handle the sheet bundle, and so as to vary the speed and/or direction of air blown from the opening to reliably handle the sheet bundle, whereby a sheet conveying operation by the suction belt is performed when the speed of air blown on the side edge of the sheet located in the uppermost position bundle is not more than a predetermine value.

Abstract: A conveying device for a printing plate precursor which takes the printing plate precursor and an interleaf sheet out from a cassette, and which, along a conveying path to an exposure section, takes-off only the interleaf sheet. When a leading end of the interleaf sheet passes by an interleaf sheet peeling roller disposed on the conveying path, the interleaf sheet peeling roller rotates in a direction opposite to a direction of conveying to the exposure section, and contacts the interleaf sheet, and slack is formed in the interleaf sheet between the interleaf sheet peeling roller and a conveying roller. A slack portion is nipped between two belts and fed to a forked-off path, and the interleaf sheet is removed from the conveying path. It is possible to feed only the printing plate precursor out to the exposure section while continuing to convey the printing plate precursor.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a separator sheet handling assembly (10) that includes a lifting assembly (20) adapted to receive a pallet (12) containing a stack of separator sheets (14). The lifting assembly (20) positions the stack of separator sheets (14) into a predetermined location where a feed assembly (30) engages a separator sheet (16) positioned at the top of the stack of separator sheets (14). The feed assembly (30) removes the separator sheet (16) and transports it to a test assembly (50) where the separator sheet (16) is monitored for a particular characteristic such as cleanlines or structural integrity. The separator sheet (16) is delivered to a first storage assembly (60) if the separator sheet (16) has the particular characteristic, or a second storage assembly (70) if the separator sheet (16) does not include the particular characteristic.

Abstract: A device for lifting a porous sheet from a stack of such sheets includes a gas stream supply mechanism that is configured to generate a gas stream and is positioned so that, in use, the gas stream impinges on a first sheet of the stack. The gas stream supply mechanism is configured so that the gas stream penetrates the first sheet to generate a cushion of gas between the first sheet and a second sheet, thereby lifting the first sheet from the second sheet. A capturing mechanism captures the first sheet.

Abstract: A method of separating a sheet of print media from a stack of sheets, the sheets being porous, includes blowing fluid on to a top surface of a topmost sheet of the print media on the stack so that the fluid passes through at least the topmost sheet of the stack and capturing at least a part of the topmost sheet for conveyance to a printing station of a printer.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus for feeding porous sheets from a stack includes an air displacement device having an outlet conduit. Outlet nozzles are connected to the outlet conduit. The outlet nozzles are displaceable between a pick-up position proximate a first sheet of the stack and a feed position. The air displacement device is configured to generate a flow of air from the outlet nozzles sufficient to penetrate the first sheet such that a cushion of air is generated between the first sheet and a second sheet to lift the first sheet from the second sheet. An air extraction device has an inlet conduit. Inlet nozzles are connected to the inlet conduit. The inlet nozzles define a pick-up surface and are displaceable between a pick-up position proximate a first sheet of the stack and a feed position. The air extraction device is configured to generate a flow of air into the inlet nozzles such that the first sheet is drawn against the pick-up surface.

Abstract: A printer for printing on porous sheets of media fed from a stack of such sheets includes a gas stream supply mechanism that is configured to generate a gas stream and is positioned so that, in use, the gas stream impinges on a first sheet of the stack. The gas stream supply mechanism is configured so that the gas stream penetrates the first sheet to generate a cushion of gas between the first sheet and a second sheet, thereby lifting the first sheet from the second sheet. A capturing mechanism captures the first sheet and is displaceable between a pick-up position in which the first sheet is captured and a feed position. A displacement mechanism displaces the capturing mechanism between the pick-up and feed positions. A feed mechanism is arranged downstream of the capturing mechanism and is configured to engage the first sheet as the capturing mechanism is displaced from the pick-up position to the feed position and to feed the first sheet along a printing path.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dispensing individual sheets from a stack of sheets (10). A support (30) is provided for accommodating the stack of sheets in overlying parallel relationship. A suitable pickup device (20) overlying the support and having blowing means (62) is provided for producing airstreams over one end (A) of the upper sheet of the stack, such as to curl up this end and separate a portion of the upper sheet including this end from the stack. The pickup device also provides a holding force (60, 66), typically in the form of a suction force (60, 66) such as to hold at least part of this portion abutted against said pickup device, whereupon the airstreams may be terminated. A peeling mechanism (50) is also provided, having a clamping mechanism (70) for clamping the separated portion of the upper sheet, and adapted for displacing at least part of the sheet in a peeling motion in a direction substantially away from the original position of the end and/or the stack.

Abstract: The present invention provides exemplary mail processing systems and methods, including systems and methods for retrieving paper sheets, statements, inserts and/or cards, and inserting same into an envelope. In one embodiment, an apparatus (200) includes a paper feeding mechanism (210) to feed sheets of paper into a collection bin (220) that is adapted to receive in a stack the sheets of paper. The apparatus includes a retrieval mechanism (230) to remove a bottom one of said sheets of paper from the stack, and a deionizer (240) that reduces static electricity in the vicinity of the stack. In this manner, the deionizer helps facilitate removal by the retrieval mechanism of only one of the sheets of paper at a time, by reducing static electricity on the sheets.

Abstract: A method of feeding porous sheets of media from a stack of such sheets includes the step of applying a gas flow to a first sheet of a stack, via a gas conduit and nozzle so that the gas passes partially through the first sheet and impinges on a second sheet, generating a cushion of air between the first and second sheets to separate the first and second sheets. The gas flow is reversed so that the first sheet is drawn towards a pick-up surface and retained against the pick-up surface. A pick-up device that defines the pick-up surface is displaced along the feed path so that the first sheet is fed from the stack along the feed path.

Abstract: A sheet separation and feeding system for measuring substrate bending stiffness and thereby basis weight on a real time basis. Provided is a corrugator having a plurality of parallel ribs, with one or more sheets of the substrate provided below the corrugator wherein a predetermined gap exists between a topmost sheet of the sheets and the corrugator. A vacuum is applied between the corrugator and the topmost sheet, wherein the vacuum is sufficiently large to raise the topmost sheet, thereby deflecting and bending it into a profile corresponding to the arrangement and size of the corrugator ribs and bending stiffness of the substrate. One or more sensors are provided for measuring the deflection of the topmost sheet. The vacuum, an air knife output and/or a fluffer output are then adjusted according to predetermined rules and the measured deflection.

Abstract: A sheet feeding apparatus for feeding a stack of sheets in a direction of movement to a process station, including: a sheet tray for holding the stack of sheets; an air plenum, positioned above the stack of sheets, for picking up a sheet from the stack of sheets when a vacuum force in the air plenum; a paper fluffer for blowing air between individual sheets in the stack, the paper fluffer having means for adjusting air flow between individual sheets.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding porous sheets of media from a stack of such sheets includes a retaining structure that is configured to retain the stack in an aligned condition. A pick-up device is operatively arranged with respect to the retaining structure. The pick-up device includes a gas conduit that is in fluid communication with a gas supply and a nozzle arrangement that is in fluid communication with the gas conduit. The nozzle arrangement is shaped to define a pick-up surface. The pick-up device is displaceable along a feed path relative to the retaining structure. The pick-up device is positioned so that the nozzle arrangement is capable of directing a flow of gas onto a first sheet of the stack such that the gas passes partially through the first sheet and impinges on a second sheet, generating a cushion of air between the first and second sheets to separate the first and second sheets.

Abstract: A device for lifting a porous sheet from a stack of such sheets includes a gas stream supply mechanism that is configured to generate a gas stream and is positioned so that, in use, the gas stream impinges on a first sheet of the stack. The gas stream supply mechanism is configured so that the gas stream penetrates the first sheet to generate a cushion of gas between the first sheet and a second sheet, thereby lifting the first sheet from the second sheet. A capturing mechanism captures the first sheet.

Abstract: A sheet feeder has a plurality of sheets supported on an intermediate plate, and feeds sheets separately one by one by attracting them by a suction belt. Air is blown from a blowing duct through an opening toward a side edge of a sheet bundle supported by the intermediate plate in order to handle the sheet bundle, and so as to vary the speed and/or direction of air blown from the opening to reliably handle the sheet bundle, whereby a sheet conveying operation by the suction belt is performed when the speed of air blown on the side edge of the sheet located in the uppermost position bundle is not more than a predetermine value.

Abstract: To label products on a conveyor, a target area for a given product conveyed on the conveyor is determined relative to a frame of reference. One of a plurality of labellers fixed at different transverse positions over the conveyor, which one labeller is at a transverse position which is within the transverse extent of the target area is then activated in order to label the product. Each labeller may have a turret with a number of flexible bellows with an interior air diffuser. The air diffuser has a central opening facing the tamping end of the bellows and at least one side opening. This arrangement can enhance the responsiveness of the bellows. Each labeller may also have a de-mountable label cassette with a drive pinion which meshes with a two-sided timing belt. The two-sided timing belt is driven by a stepper motor in synchronism with the turret. The label cassette may have a driven pin wheel for moving the pin holed release tape of a label web.

Abstract: A device for removing an image recording material is provided, which takes up little space and is used with printing plates and interleaf sheets set alternately in a cassette. An interleaf sheet and a printing plate are taken out simultaneously. In the midst of being conveyed along a conveying path leading to an exposure section, only the interleaf sheet is sucked by a fan or drawn-in between a roller pair so as to be peeled off from the printing plate. The peeled-off interleaf sheet is discarded, and the printing plate is conveyed reliably to the exposure section.

Abstract: The apparatus and the method serve to adjust an air flow, which varies sheet transport, in a printing machine. The apparatus has an air flow regulating device. An operating parameter of the air flow that varies the sheet transport serves as a controlled variable. The controlled variable may be the air flow rate or the static air pressure of the air flow.

Abstract: A paper sheet take-out apparatus comprises a paper feed table on which paper sheets are placed as a stack, a take-out rotor which absorbs and takes out the uppermost paper sheet placed on the paper feed table, and a positioning mechanism which positions the uppermost paper sheet with respect to the take-out rotor by causing an absorption block to absorb the paper sheet before taking out the uppermost paper sheet.

Abstract: A method of separating a sheet of print media from a stack (28) of sheets, the sheets being porous, includes blowing fluid on to a top surface of a topmost sheet (28.1) of the print media on the stack (28) so that the fluid passes through at least the topmost sheet (28.1) of the stack (28) and capturing at least a part of the topmost sheet for conveyance to a printing station (13) of a printer (10).

Abstract: A sheet feeder comprising a platform for stacking sheets and feed head assembly at the front of the platform for acquiring individual sheets from the stack and feeding separate sheets into a sheet handling machine. The feed head assembly is comprised of a vacuum plenum having a port plate, across which a perforated belt(s) moves in a closed loop. The port plate includes ports wherein the air flow through some of the ports is restricted by an intermediate plate positioned within the plenum which, in turn, has a restrictive passage therein through which air from the restricted ports must flow into the plenum.

Abstract: In a paper-leaves separating/supplying apparatus comprising a rotary separating/supplying belt, a vacuum suction device and a separating/supplying device, the vacuum suction device takes up one by one a plurality of paper leaves set together and conveyed as far as a position at which they come into contact with a belt surface of the separating/supplying belt so that the paper leaf is attached onto the belt surface and is fed toward the downstream side in accordance with the rotary motion of the separating/supplying belt. The belt surface of the separating/supplying belt is placed in a state perpendicular to a traveling plane of the paper leaves or in a state inclined toward the paper leaves.

Abstract: An improved hopper and singulating/feed assembly for a utilization device, such as an inserter, that feeds sheet-like materials from a hopper feed stack that reduces the various geometrical and physical problems that lead to jams, misfeeds and failures to properly singulate the stack is provided. A hopper reduces the pressure on the bottom sheets of the stack by providing a parallel wedge structure at the stack base. This wedge structure also helps to drive bottom sheets successively forward toward a front face so as to further break frictional and adhesive contact between sheets at the bottom of the stack. Hopper side guides with integral angled shelves engage front side edges of the stack and allow easier singulation of respective bottom sheets. Likewise a fixed sucker block assembly, which seats a suction cup in a rotating base with a surrounding planar block face and an integral fulcrum edge improves the separation of the bottom sheet from the overlying stack.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for removing a slip sheet from the top of a stack of printing plates. The apparatus includes a wing for covering an end section of the slip sheet, an air manifold coupled to an end of the wing, the air manifold including a plurality of orifices for directing streams of air along an underside of the wing to lift the end portion of the slip sheet off of the printing plate and toward the underside of the wing, a plurality of idler rollers rotatably mounted about the air manifold, and a clamping bar mounted to the wing for selectively pinching the lifted end section of the slip sheet against the underside of the wing, thereby capturing the slip sheet.

Abstract: A top sheet feeding apparatus for feeding sheets from a stack of sheets is disclosed. The feeding apparatus comprises a sheet stack support tray for supporting a stack of sheets, an air knife device positioned immediately adjacent the front of the stack of sheets for applying a positive pressure to the sheet stack in order to separate the uppermost sheet in the stack from the rest of the stack, and a feedhead device including a vacuum plenum chamber positioned over the front of the sheet stack having a negative pressure applied thereto during feeding, the vacuum plenum chamber having a sheet corrugation member located in the center of its bottom surface and perforated feed belt means associated with the vacuum plenum chamber to transport the sheets acquired by said vacuum plenum chamber in a forward direction out of the stack support tray. The air knife device includes a pair of straight air nozzles extending from the rear portion of the air knife device.

Abstract: A method of separating a sheet of print media from a stack of sheets, the sheets being porous, includes blowing fluid on to a top surface of a topmost sheet of the print media on the stack so that the fluid passes through at least the topmost sheet of the stack and capturing at least a part of the topmost sheet for conveyance to a printing station of a printer.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a sheet of print media from a stack of porous sheets includes a sheet conveyor for conveying a topmost sheet of print media which has been separated from the stack to a printing station of a printer. A separator is associated with the sheet conveyor for separating the sheet of print media from the stack. The separator includes a fluid delivery arrangement for blowing fluid on to a top surface of the stack for effecting separation of the topmost sheet of print media from the stack. A capturing arrangement is carried by the sheet conveyor for capturing at least a part of the topmost sheet and for facilitating conveyance of the topmost sheet by the sheet conveyor to the printing station.

Abstract: A printing device includes a print media advancement subsystem for providing accurate and timely print media advancement in the printing device. The print media advancement subsystem includes a vacuum chamber for generating a vacuum force through a platen for holding a print media stationary. In response to receiving a print media advance signal from a controller in the printing device, a sealing plate forming a side of the vacuum chamber is removed from the vacuum chamber. When the sealing plate is removed, the vacuum chamber is substantially open to the atmosphere, causing the vacuum chamber to pressurize. The pressurization of the vacuum chamber results in removal of the vacuum force from the print media, allowing the print media to advance along the top surface of the platen with minimal friction.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a flat product from a pile of flat products set operators comprising a lift hook being movable from a closing position to an opening position. The lift hook supports the bottom of a pile of flat products in its closing position and includes an air channel for supplying air through said channel. Alternatively, a separate air tube may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for removing a slip sheet from the top of a stack of printing plates. The apparatus includes a wing for covering an end section of the slip sheet, an air manifold coupled to an end of the wing, the air manifold including a plurality of orifices for directing streams of air along an underside of the wing to lift the end portion of the slip sheet off of the printing plate and toward the underside of the wing, a plurality of idler rollers rotatably mounted about the air manifold, and a clamping bar mounted to the wing for selectively pinching the lifted end section of the slip sheet against the underside of the wing, thereby capturing the slip sheet.