Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet conveying apparatus for conveying a sheet comprising a convey member for applying a conveying force to a sheet, a drive source for driving the convey member, and a drive transmitting means for transmitting a drive force from a first drive transmitting member attached to the drive source to a second drive transmitting member attached to the convey member through one or more speed reduction members stepwisely. Among the first drive transmitting member, second drive transmitting member and speed reduction members, manufacturing accuracy of the speed reduction member disposed at a front stage of the second drive transmitting member is greater than manufacturing accuracies of the other members.

Abstract: A paper detection device for a printer, includes: a support member; a main lever pivotably mounted on the support member, wherein the main lever has a self-resetability to an upright position and is pivotable only in a sheet-feed-direction; an auxiliary lever pivotably mounted on the main lever, including a free end protruding into a sheet passage, wherein the auxiliary lever has a self-resetability and moves the main lever in the sheet-feed direction when the free end thereof is urged in the sheet-feed direction, but does not move the main lever in a reverse-sheet-feed direction when the free end of the auxiliary lever is urged in a reverse-sheet-feed direction.

Abstract: A receipt storage and presenting device is described. The device allows for the storage of various media, such as receipts, slips, forms, labels, tickets, tags, etc. The receipts are introduced into the device by an adjacently disposed printer. The web of the receipt enters the storage and presenting device and is stored within a rib-cage mandrel in an overflow bucket. The device is able to store various lengths of the media up to about twenty feet. The device is then caused to rotate through an angle transverse of the printer discharge direction, which angle is preferably ninety degrees.

Abstract: A print head and check flipper subassembly having a removable flipper cartridge allows printing of both sides of a check or other document in one continuous operation, in which the orientation of the check or other document is reversed in relation to a print head, eliminating the need for an operator to remove and reinsert the check during the printing or handling process.

Abstract: A printer which includes a paper selector for setting return amount and return amount memories for storing return amounts for at least two kinds of recording paper. The type of recording paper is selected by a printer control command so that a return amount for continuing a printing operation specific to the selected type of recording paper can be set. As a result, printing can be executed once a return amount has been set for each type of recording paper if the user wishes to print on different types of recording paper having different return amounts, thereby reducing the burden on the part of the host computer in controlling the printer and increasing the printing speed of the printer.

Abstract: In a holding construction for holding a recording paper rolled up around a cylindrical base, by inserting a holding member into each end of the base and supporting the holding member with a supporting member, either projections or recesses are formed on the outer circumferential surface of at least one of the holding members at predetermined pitches in the circumferential direction, and either recesses to be engaged with said projections or projections to be engaged with said recesses are formed in the portion of the supporting member which abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the holding member, at pitches determined on the basis of said predetermined pitches.

Abstract: A laser printer (3) can initiate a line of printing only when the sweep of the laser light reaches a point in its cycle. An inkjet printer (5) moves paper by stepper motor in increments. Switch (9) senses the paper (15) to determine the location of paper in path (6) with respect to nominal printing locations of the laser printer. The closest nominal position is selected for printing. The paper may lead or lag the selected position. Switch (11) senses the paper to determine the location of paper in the path with respect to nominal printing locations of the inkjet printer. Two leads are added to reach a net greater lead, a lag is subtracted from a lead, and two lags are added to reach a net greater lag. The closest nominal position is then selected. This assures that registration does not vary by more than one half of the spacing between nominal locations of the second printer.

Abstract: Document processing device, especially a document printer (10, 110), has a document issuing section which has a slit-like document issuing aperture (28) and a document support (16, 116) arranged downstream of the latter in the document issuing direction. There is arranged on the document support ( 16, 116), parallel to the document issuing aperture (28), a region (50, 150) which inhibits the sliding of a document and projects beyond at least parts (42, 142) of the document support (16, 116).

Abstract: A printer which includes a paper selector for setting return amount and return amount memories for storing return amounts for at least two kinds of recording paper. The type of recording paper is selected by a printer control command so that a return amount for continuing a printing operation specific to the selected type of recording paper can be set. As a result, printing can be executed once a return amount has been set for each type of recording paper if the user wishes to print on different types of recording paper having different return amounts, thereby reducing the burden on the part of the host computer in controlling the printer and increasing the printing speed of the printer.

Abstract: An improved print ribbon cartridge, having a plurality of paper guide means therein capable of preventing the fouling of paper at the time of printing, for use with a typewriter or printer having a platen, a carrier movable along the platen which supports the cartridge, a print head supported on the carrier for operating in conjunction with the print ribbon in the cartridge to cause printing on a document.

Abstract: A sheet transport for transporting sheets across a surface which includes an elongated member supported for transverse movement across the surface. The transport further includes a fibrous material which comprises a base substrate portion carried by the member and a plurality of fibers extending from the base substrate so that the extending fibers form a sheet engaging area with the surface. Apparatus for moving the member across the surface is also provided so that a sheet in the sheet engaging area is translated in a process direction across the surface when the member is translated.

Abstract: A borderless printer includes a clamp assembly having a clamp; at least one roller installed on the clamp and located on the circumferential surface of a drum and rotating while in contact with the drum; and a clutch placed between the clamp and drum, for permitting the drum to rotate relative to the clamp in one condition and for permitting the drum and clamp to rotate together in another condition, thereby simplifying the structure and preventing the waste of paper.

Abstract: A printer mechanism to control pen-to-print medium spacing during printing is described. The preferred embodiment of the mechanism includes a printhead and an adjacent platen. The platen includes differentially yieldable structure adapted to resiliently support the print medium thereby to inhibit uncontrolled bending of the print medium during printing. The yieldable structure preferably extend along a line generally perpendicular to a direction of feed of the print medium. The platen may further include a transition region located adjacent the yieldable structure, the transition region adapted to facilitate smooth transition of the leading edge of the print medium onto the yieldable structure.

Abstract: A web feeding and handling system for feeding a two-ply web to a printer and winding one of the webs about a take-up spool and directing the remaining web into a cutter. The printer and web feed system are arranged in a housing having an access opening sealed by a door. The printer and a feed roller holder assembly are mounted upon a plate movable between a position enhancing access to the printer and supply roll holder to facilitate supply roll replacement and feeding the web into the printer, and a position placing the printer web output end closer boa cutter and a take-up assembly mounted upon the door and including a rotatable drive disk and a spindle support which support a removable spindle to wind up one web. A motor drive mounted within the housing engages the drive disk when the door is closed and is disengaged from the disk when the door is open. The supply roll holder receives and automatically aligns the web to prevent skewing.

Abstract: Compensation loop device between a web feed system and the input of the web in a paper using machine such as a high speed printer, for example, a laser printer, including a frame provided with sliding feeding rollers, the latter roller being driven by an electrical motor that accelerates or decelerates the web coming into the machine according to the length of a loop.

Abstract: A mobile printer having features particularly suited for use in a mobile conveyance such as an airplane. The printer stores a first data set in a memory that is accessed under control of a programmable controller. The printer then receives a second data set via a communications transceiver. Data from the first and second data sets are combined to form a composite bit mapped image which is printed by means of a thermal printhead controlled by the programmable controller.The thermal printhead uses rolls of thermally sensitive paper which are supported by means of a mandrel roll. The thermal paper is positioned adjacent the print head by means of a platen roll. A biasing force is provided to bias the platen roll away from the print head when a door in the printer housing is opened to provide a space into which the free end of the roll of paper can enter.

Abstract: A paper feeding device, having a capability of feeding a tip end of a recording paper to between a recording head and a platen roller, includes a detachable paper storage cartridge to be mounted to or de-mounted from the recording device itself and storing the recording paper, a unit for releasing the recording head out of the pressing state against the platen roller, and a unit for feeding the recording paper included in the detachable paper storage cartridge. The device further comprises a unit for sensing that the detachable paper storage cartridge is mounted to the recording device itself. The recording paper is fed automatically between the recording head and the platen roller by means of the releasing means and the feeding means in response to an output signal from the sensing means when the detachable paper storage cartridge is mounted.

Abstract: A thermal printer includes a platen roller on which a recording sheet is wound in such a manner that the recording sheet is laid over a part of the cylindrical wall of the platen roller. A thermal head is pushed against the platen roller to heat heating points selected for transferring ink from an ink sheet onto the recording sheet. A sheet pulling means pulls the recording sheet in a predetermined direction. A pinch roller on the sheet supplying side pushes the recording sheet against the platen roller with a predetermined force of depression so that the recording sheet is wound on the platen roller. A pinch roller rotating means is provided at at least one end of the pinch roller for rotating the pinch roller at a peripheral speed lower than that of the platen roller.

Abstract: In a printer of the type having a print mechanism comprising a platen rotatable about its own axis for supporting a print sheet, an ink ribbon cassette accommodating an ink ribbon therein, and a print head movable along the platen for performing a print operation on the print sheet with the use of the ink ribbon, a hopper storing a stack of cut sheets is disposed above a first area of a printer frame and a stacker above a second area thereof. A pin tractor is disposed beneath the first area thereof for mounting a continuous sheet. The cut sheet and the continuous sheet are selectively fed to the print mechanism for printing. The stacker is movably disposed between a cut sheet receiving position allowing to receive the cut sheets discharged from the platen and a rest position rejecting to receive the cut sheet. A space above the second area is enlarged when the stacker is brought to the rest position, whereby the ink ribbon cassette disposed beneath the second area can easily be exchanged.

Abstract: A microprocessor controller thermal printer particularly usable in a hand-held labeler for printing labels on a composite web detects indices on the web and automatically adjusts the distance that the web is advanced based on a measurement of the distance between indices made during a paper loading sequence. The printer includes automatic jam detection that measures the length of time that one of the indices is being detected and provides a jam indication if it is detected for more than a predetermined time period. A solenoid operated braking mechanism retains the web in position upon completion of a printing cycle to prevent the web from being moved relative to the print head while the label is being applied.

Abstract: A printer station (1) with output discharging device (3) for individual sheets (6) is in particular used for laser page printers. An outwardly directed output discharging device (3) follows to output roller pairs (5), as seen in transport direction (7) of the printed individual sheets (6). In order to dispose the output discharging device (3) in a space-saving fashion, and in order to create the possibility for the operator to adjust the output discharging device (3) to the local special situation, the output discharging device (3) is tiltably supported at the printer frame (4) of the printer station (1), where the output discharging device (3) is furnished with drivable friction roller pairs (13), disposed behind the output roller pairs (5), as seen in transport direction (7). The shafts (14, 15) of the friction roller pairs (13) are in each case rotatably supported at the side walls (8,9) of the tiltable output discharging device (3).

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled thermal printer particularly usable in a hand-held labeler for printing labels on a composite web detects indices on the web and utilizes the detected indices to position the labels relative to the print head. The printer utilizes an improved index detection system that compensates for variations in index size and density and for variations in sensor sensitivity by detecting both the leading and trailing edges of an index and utilizing the distance between the detected leading and trailing edges to determine the length of the index. By dividing the length thus determined by two, and by advancing the web by this amount after the detection of the leading edge of an index, the center of the index can be accurately located, and the web can be accurately registered at any desired position relative to the center of the index.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automatic production of business forms, wallpaper, newspapers or the like from a web of continuous printing material comprises a printing station including an endless movable printing device such as a rotating cylinder. An image is projected to a surface of the device. The image is transferred to the web of continuous material at the printing station. Immediately after the printing station, the image is erased from the device so that a remaining portion of the image may be projected onto its surface. In this manner the device appears to provide a printing surface of indeterminate length and so is designed without relation to the image to be projected. A plurality of such printing stations may be arranged in series for color printing. Furthermore, the operation of the printing station and associated activities may be controlled by a pre-selected computer program.

Abstract: A printer case adaptable to print individual sheets of paper and fan-fold computer paper has a bottom case and a cover pivotably supported on the cover. The printer components are supported within the bottom case and a sheet guide is pivotably supported on the cover. The sheet guide pivots between a first position for guiding individual sheets into the printer and a second position for guiding fan-fold paper out of the printer once printing has occurred. A coupling structure is provided for pivotably coupling the cover to the bottom so that the cover may pivot between a first position in which the cover is closed to permit printing to occur and a second position in which the cover is open to expose the printer components and permit insertion of fan-fold paper.

Abstract: A paper sheet (10) is supported by a platen (30) having a horizontal central portion (31, 41, 51) including the write path and having front and rear portions (40, 50) for supporting the sheet in front of and behind the central portion. Each of the front and rear portions comprises a plurality of plane faces (42, 43, 44; 52, 53, 54) interconnected by horizontal edges (46, 57; 56, 57) and forming increased angles (a, b), relative to the horizontal. The selected shape of the edges and the faces is such that when the sheet (10) is resting against the second and third edges (46, 47, 56, 57) it is constrained to keep off the first and second faces (42, 43, 52, 53) and to lift above the level of the central portion (31) prior to coming into contact therewith.

Abstract: A web feed system for a laser printer that controls the feeding of web through the printer to a receiving device. The system includes an input feed station and an output feed station. At the output feed station there is a shock absorbing support roller and a series of rollers including a torque roller that support the web in a detection loop. Several features are incorporated to permit ease of transition between box and roll feed states.

Abstract: A web feed system for a laser printer that controls the feeding of web through the printer to a receiving device. The system includes an input feed station and an output feed station. At the output feed station there is a shock absorbing support roller and a series of rollers including a torque roller that support the web in a detection loop. Several features are incorporated to permit ease of transition between box and roll feed states.

Abstract: A print media handling system for a compact printer having a housing, a cut-sheet supply station, a rotatable print platen constructed and located to feed top sheets from the supply station, through a print path ingress and out a print path egress. The sheet supply station of the print media handling system is mounted for movement to and from a sheet engaging relation with respect to the print platen. A continuous print-media inlet passage extends from a location, that is spaced from the sheet supply station, to the print path ingress and an actuator is provided synchronously enable the supply station and block the continuous media inlet passage, or vice versa. A first program control effects a predetermined start-print sequence for sheet print media, a second program control effects a predetermined start-print sequence for continuous print media; and the first or second program control is selected in response to the condition of the actuator.

Abstract: A system includes a work table having a flat surface which supports a first and a second sheet material during a work operation and has a carriage carrying an instrument to enable it to perform work operations on the first and second sheet materials. The first material is advanced by a first material advancing means that moves the first sheet material in a first flow direction which is coincident with the direction of movement of the carriage. A second material advancing means moves the second sheet material over the support surface and underneath the first sheet material. Guide means are oriented at each opposite end of the table to permit indexing of the sheet materials across the table. The guide means which position the second material on the surface of the work table are skewed at an angle relative to a coordinate direction which is orthogonal to the direction of movement of the carriage.

Abstract: A perfecting printer comprises a feeding roller for successively feeding cutforms accommodated in a feed stacker onto a transfer path provided with pairs of reversible transfer rollers. Each cutform is first transferred forward past a printing unit without printing. The cutform is then transferred rearward and printed on its front face. The one-face printed cutform is then guided into a return path which joins the transfer path at a position before the printing unit. Upon passage through the return path, the cutform is turned over and returned to the stacker by a turnover unit disposed above the stacker. Finally, the turned over cutform is transferred forward and printed on its rear face again by the same printing unit.

Abstract: A controlled paper transport arrangement utilizes a flexible belt which attracts the paper to its surface by the application of a reduced air pressure on the other side. In a preferred embodiment, the belt operates in a continuous loop and in combination with a vacuum feed roller, the belt and the vacuum feed roller being arranged on respective sides of a print strike bar. The presence of the paper against the flexible belt causes trip valves to change state such that the full force of the air pressure differential between the ambient air and the reduced air pressure, on either side of the flexible belt, is applied only in the vicinity of the paper to be printed. In some embodiments, the vacuum feed roller is sectored so that the reduced air pressure is applied only in the region which communicates with the paper to be printed. The flexible belt and its associated assembly is tiltable about its vacuum supply inlet for achieving compact storage and for delivering printed sheets to a storage bin.

Abstract: A passbook printer uses a conveyor belt (16) to urge a passbook (86) towards a raised barrier (40) for the passbook (86) to strike the barrier (40) and then have one edge thereof aligned with the barrier (40) by sliding engagement with the conveyor belt (16). After alignment, the barrier (40) is lowered and the passbook (86) is advanced beneath a printhead and sensor assembly (38) which senses the orientation of the passbook (86) and prints thereon in a correct and upright manner regardless of the orientation of the passbook (86).

Abstract: A printer characterized in that a paper feed path for guiding a record paper to a printing position formed between a platen and a head is disposed on the same plane on the whole including the printing position and portions before and behind the printing position.

Abstract: A printer wherein when in printing, a platen and a head are opposedly disposed by a carriage, said printer comprising a bottom plate on which said platen or said head is disposed, and a body hinged to said bottom plate and designed to include said carriage, said body and said bottom plate being relatively rotated.

Abstract: The processor has a "U"-shaped transport path with input and output slots in closely situated parallel planes. An overrunning clutch forms part of the transport drive between the reader and the printer to shorten the transport path by permitting the leading edge of the ticket to enter the printer while the ticket is being read by the higher speed reader. The processor can be either horizontally or vertically oriented. When vertically oriented, the input and output slots can be situated on opposite sides of a glass partition to permit customer insertion of a pre-marked ticket.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for printing on a sheet of paper via a thermal ribbon has a paper feeding device for feeding the sheet of paper; a thermal print head including heat generating elements which are held in pressed contact with the surface of the sheet of paper via the thermal ribbon, the heat generating elements being selectively energized to apply heat to an ink layer of the thermal ribbon to fuse the ink for adherence of the fused ink to the surface of the paper; and a smoothness improving device, disposed upstream of the thermal print head in the direction of feed of the sheet of paper by the paper feeding device, for improving the smoothness of the surface of the paper.

Abstract: The present printer is adapted to be easily equipped with removable and interchangeable paper feed modules of several different types. Each of the paper feed modules is specifically adapted to feed a particular type of paper through the printer and each is easily replaceable by the purchaser of the printer to be used for feeding a specific type of paper therethrough. The printer is provided with a main frame including a pair of side support members and an elongate platen extends between the side support members and is fixed at opposite ends thereto. Three different types of removable and interchangeable paper feed modules are illustrated in the present application and each includes a pair of elongated end plates with a paper moving mechanism supported intermediate the elongated end plates.

Abstract: An automatic paper sheet supplying apparatus to be used in combination with a paper sheet processing apparatus having a motor, comprises a pair of side plates mounted on the processing apparatus, a plurality of connecting bars connecting the side plates, an automatic long paper sheet supplying apparatus which is mounted on the pair of side plates and receives a rotational force from the motor so as to supply a long paper sheet to the processing apparatus, an output transmitting gear, arranged in the long paper sheet supplying apparatus, for receiving the rotational force from the motor, and an automatic base-sized paper sheet supplying apparatus, detachably mounted on the connecting bars to be supported thereby, for receiving the rotational force from the motor through the output transmitting gear so as to supply basic-sized paper sheets to the processing apparatus when the basic-sized paper sheet supplying apparatus is mounted on the connecting bars.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recording apparatus including a plurality of printers each for reproducing an image on a recording sheet upon receiving the same signal, and a single sheet delivering device for delivering recording sheets to the printers. The present invention also provides a recording apparatus including a plurality of printers each for reproducing an image on a recording sheet upon receiving the same signal, and a sheet discharge device for feeding the recording sheets from the printers to a collector or sorter.

Abstract: An electroprinting apparatus is constructed of upper and lower units elevationally openable at the boundary of an ink ribbon travelling path. The upper unit is provided with an ink ribbon feeding reel and an ink ribbon winding reel. An ink ribbon is extended between the reels along the ink ribbon travelling path between the reels. A thermal head unit is mounted at the upper unit opposing the ink ribbon. The lower unit is provided with a paper feeding unit for conveying a paper sheet along the ink ribbon travelling path and a head roller for pressing the paper sheet together with the ink ribbon against the thermal head.

Abstract: A convertible platen for use in a graphics plotter to allow its selective use as either a cut paper plotter or a roll paper plotter. The platen is formed from a specially designed aluminum extrusion and a pair is mounted with one on either side of the drum of a drum plotter between the drum and the supply/takeup rollers. The platens can be raised and held adjacent the drum and spanning the vacuum columns in the plotter to create a table having curved outer edges to support cut paper. They can be released and dropped into the vacuum columns whereby they lie against the outer surfaces and form the upper inner wall with curved upper edges over which paper smoothly is guided between the vacuum columns and the supply/takeup rollers.

Abstract: A transport roller for a record carrier in a printer, for example, an ink jet printer, is composed of at least two laterally adjoining, hollow, cylindrical roller sections. Each roller section is connected to its hub by means of at least one carrier portion. The roller sections are adjacently arranged on a shaft by way of the hubs by which they are locked against rotation. At a first lateral end of each roller section a groove opens towards this first end, in which groove there is arranged a toroidal ring. The laterally open groove is closed by the second lateral end of the roller section which adjoins this first lateral end.

Abstract: An automatic paper feeder for use with a character printer, the feeder having a dual cartridge capability and, alternatively, the capability of feeding envelopes to the printer. The feeder is constructed so that cut sheets or envelopes leaving the printer are delivered to a receiving station in a first in-first out arrangement. The dual cartridges are adapted to contain the cut sheets and either one or both of the cartridges can be inserted in the feeder for any given run. When both cut sheet cartridges are used the first and second sheets of a two page letter, for example, can be sequentially printed. Simultaneous use of both cartridges also permits sheets of different size and/or weight to be programmed into the feeder. In addition to cut sheets and envelopes, the feeder of the invention can be utilized for feeding continuous forms or the feeder can be deactivated to permit printing on a single "pre-empt" sheet.

Abstract: A method for recording a variant information and a steady information onto a recording medium, wherein the variant information and an identification information for designating the steady information which is to be recorded later are first recorded, and the identification information is then read to select a desired steady information from a plurality of pieces of stored steady information in accordance with the read identification information, and finally, the selected steady information is recorded on the recording medium. An apparatus for effecting the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The printer is provided for alternative use with long webs or individual, precut forms; it includes two friction roll drives adjacent to the print head and platen, and a sprocket drive upstream, being permanently engaged with a perforated web. The drives operate in synchronism but do not participate in all operations. Printing on the web is carried out after advancing the web by one form length and retracting it during stop and go printing. Switches control access to a bypass, the insert for a single form, and a receiver tray, into which any printed form drops.

Abstract: A paper guide extends around the platen of a printing machine and has a flexible extension which bears against the front of the moving printing mechanism included in the printing machine. The close proximity of the paper guide to the printing mechanism of the printing machine serves to guide the paper as closely as possible into the small gap between the printing head and the platen and also to guide the paper as accurately as possible out through the paper-exit opening of the cabinet of the printing machine. Being so closely guided (particularly in the case of multiple sheet carbon set-ups or the joints of fan-fold paper), the leading edge or a fold of the paper is less likely to catch on the ribbon or get caught on the edge of the paper-exit opening of the cabinet. The flexible final guide extends so high up the printing mechanism side of the platen that it actually bears against the printing head and is flexibly deflected by the printing head as the printing head moves across the front of the platen.

Abstract: In the illustrated embodiment, a guide element is provided in advance of the platen-pressure roller gap for the purpose of preventing creasing of thin papers during transport. The guide element may have a retracted position providing for unobstructed movement of the paper leading edge along an insertion channel and into the platen-pressure roller gap. Then during paper transport by the platen, the guide element is shifted to an active position for deflecting the paper toward the platen such that the paper contacts the platen in advance of the pressure roller over a substantial angle (e.g. 15.degree.-20.degree.). A spring for urging the guide element to active position may have a spring force more insufficient to substantially deflect thick types of paper not subject to creasing.

Abstract: In a print head assembly for calculators and the like, the print head is reversibly driven in a print and return direction transversely of the direction of advancement of the recording medium by a drum segment having a cam drive in the form of an endless helical groove which extends along a cylindrical surface of revolution between opposite ends of a drive axle mounted in driving relation to the print head so that rotation of the drum will impart translational movement to the print head through a suitable drive member engaged by the helical groove at a preselected rate of speed both in the print and return direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the period or pulse width of pulses applied to exothermic printing elements of a thermal printer to effect printing. Control of the period or pulse width is in response to variations in applied voltage and ambient temperature. A pulse generator for this purpose may include such elements as a varistor, a constant voltage element and a thermistor.

Abstract: A convertible platen for use in a graphics plotter to allow its selective use as either as either a cut paper plotter or a roll paper plotter. The platen is formed from a specially designed aluminum extrusion and a pair is mounted with one on either side of the drum of a drum plotter between the drum and the supply/takeup rollers. The platens can be raised and held adjacent the drum and spanning the vacuum columns in the plotter to create a table having curved outer edges to support cut paper. They can be released and dropped into the vacuum columns whereby they lie against the outer surfaces and form the upper inner wall with curved upper edges over which paper smoothly is guided between the vacuum column and the supply/takeup rollers.