Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080265483 | Modular finishing assembly with function seperation - A finishing assembly suited to use in a printing system includes a plurality of finishing modules, each of which performs a finishing function. The plurality of finishing modules includes a compiler module which compiles sheets into a set of sheets and at least one stacker module, downstream of the compiler module, which is configured for receiving compiled sets of sheets compiled by the compiler module and stacking a plurality of the sets of sheets into a stack. Optionally, at least one sheet processing module is intermediate the compiler module and the stacker module and receives a compiled set of sheets compiled by the compiler module and processes the compiled set of sheets. | 10-30-2008 |
20090080918 | MEDIA ELEVATOR'S CURRENT POSITION IDENTIFICATION METHOD AND A MEDIA HANDLING DEVICE ARRANGED WITH THE SAME - A media handling device includes sensing means disposed in a media elevator that is movable in a generally-vertical travel path proximate to a generally-fixed surface. The sensing means detects a recorded information that is disposed in the surface. The resulting detected information is used to identify the media elevator's current position. Also, another media handling device includes a recorded information disposed in a movable media elevator. Sensing means are fixed proximate to a generally-vertical media elevator travel path. The recorded information is sensed and the resulting detected information is used to identify the media elevator's current position. | 03-26-2009 |
20090309298 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING SKEW CONTRIBUTION IN LATERAL SHEET REGISTRATION - This application relates to systems and methods for determining the lateral component of skew for a sheet of media. First, the skew angle of a sheet of media is determined. Then, the lateral component of the skew is determined. During a lateral registration operation, the lateral component of the skew is accounted and compensated for. In one implementation, the slope of the angle of the skew may be determined by taking the regression of the function characterizing the edge of the sheet as it passes an edge detection sensor. | 12-17-2009 |
20090322016 | Registration Carriage Nip Release with Reduced Reaction Forces - This is a paper registration system that allows for a lateral reset while the paper is present in the nip space. By separating the nips, the carriage can move to reset position for the next sheet while the previous sheet is still present in the carriage. | 12-31-2009 |
20100092226 | Controlled Velocity Decoupling Device For Improved Media Registration At Transfer - A controlled velocity decoupling device for improved media registration at transfer in a reprographic device includes a one-way clutch in a drive roll of a registration subsystem to decouple velocities between the registration subsystem and a charge retentive surface. The one-way clutched drive roll prevents the formation of a buckle in a sheet prior to the sheet engaging the charge retentive surface, and thus allowing for more controlled registration of the sheet to the charge retentive surface. The drive roll is set to a lower speed than the charge retentive surface in order to allow for variability in the velocity differences and ensure that no buckle is formed prior to transfer. | 04-15-2010 |
20100123284 | TRANSLATING REGISTRATION NIP SYSTEMS FOR DIFFERENT WIDTH MEDIA SHEETS - Methods and systems feed media sheets along a media path within an apparatus in a media path direction from a media source to a destination and align the media sheets as the media sheets travel along the media path using a media alignment unit. The methods and systems move the media alignment unit in a direction perpendicular to the media path direction using movable supports to position the media alignment unit at a location equidistant from sheet width edges of the media sheets. | 05-20-2010 |
20100310350 | MULTIPLE ARTICULATING ELEVATOR AND STACKER SUPPORT SYSTEM - This is a paper-stacking support with segmented shelves that can support paper and can also fold upon being rotated around rollers by a driver belt. Once an upper shelf is fully loaded, it is moved downwardly by the drive belt and another shelf is moved into an upper loading position by the drive belt. This allows for a continuous running of the stacking operation without an interruption during the unloading of the stacked paper. | 12-09-2010 |
20110062659 | ENCODER IDLER ROLL - An encoder idler roll includes an integral idler roll/encoder structure that forms an enclosed housing with a portion of the surface of the idler roll becoming the inner race for the encoder, as well as, the media encoding surface. Additionally, this integral idler/encoder configuration minimizes run out, improves tolerances between parts and stabilizes clearances between the idler roll and its support shaft. | 03-17-2011 |
20110139582 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING VARIABLE-SIZED MEDIA - An apparatus for transporting variable-sized media is described. The apparatus employs multiple parallel beltsets and a control module. Multiple parallel beltsets are situated between an inlet station and a delivery station. Further, each beltset is connected to a motor which drives the beltset. The apparatus also include multiple pushers attached to the belts, such that the distance between two successive pushers is greater than the size of the largest media to be transported. The control module is coupled to each motor and adjusts the distance between the pushers of adjacent beltsets, based on the size of the media to be transported. | 06-16-2011 |
20110196531 | Method and System for Tamping Media During Transportation - A method for tamping media during transportation is disclosed. Multiple parallel beltsets lie between an inlet station(s) and a delivery station(s). The multiple parallel beltsets have one or more parallel belts, a motor connected to drive the beltsets, and multiple pushers attached to the belts of the beltset with the pushers of one beltset placed between the pushers of the adjacent beltset. A control module coupled to the motors accepts a set of instructions and controls tamping of the media stack during transportation. The control module varies the velocity of one of the beltsets relative to the adjacent beltset and adjusts the distance between successive pushers on the beltsets to accept media or to tamp media during transportation. | 08-11-2011 |
20110260392 | HORIZONTAL SENSOR AND VARIABLE PATTERN FOR DETECTING VERTICAL STACKER POSITION - This invention provides an effective and inexpensive stacker tray assembly apparatus and method for determining an elevator stacker tray location in the assembly. A sensor is attached to the stacker tray so that it is in sensing proximity to a continuous variable slanted shape marker. The marker has measurables therein where the measurables decrease in measurement as they proceed from a bottom of the marker to an upper portion of the marker. The sensor is substantially shorter than a length of the movable elevator stacker tray travel. | 10-27-2011 |
20110291354 | ACTUATOR AND DUAL BIN SIZE BELT SYSTEM FOR MULTIPLE SIZE MEDIA TRANSPORT - This is a media transport system that can accommodate various size media or sheets. The system has a series of even sized bins that can accommodate both small and large sheets. Above the bins is located a sheet diverter that when lowered diverts the small sheets into a small portion of the even sized bin. When the sheet diverter is raised, it permits the large sheets to be unblocked by it and fall into the largest portion of the even sized bin. When the large sheets are housed in the bin, they are supported on a short pusher which is located between two large pushers. Both the small and large sheets are in substantial collated alignment when housed in the bins. | 12-01-2011 |
20110297510 | MEDIA TRANSPORT SYSTEM WITH VIBRATORY EDGE REGISTRATION FUNCTION - An apparatus has a continuous loop conveyor belt mounted on a frame. The conveyor belt has a first edge, a second edge, and a belt surface between the first edge and the second edge. The first edge is positioned relatively higher than the second edge such that the belt surface is at an angle with respect to a horizontal ground reference plane, and such that the belt surface slopes downwardly from the first edge toward the second edge. In addition, a sidewall is connected to the frame. The sidewall is positioned adjacent the second edge, and the sidewall is perpendicular to the belt surface and runs parallel to the second edge. Therefore, the sidewall prevents items from falling off the belt surface at the second edge. Further, a plurality of rectangular fins are connected to the belt surface. The fins are perpendicular to the sidewall and perpendicular to the belt surface. A vibrator is connected to the frame and transmits vibrations to the conveyor belt. | 12-08-2011 |
20120001383 | LOW COST ACTUATED IDLER NIP ASSEMBLY INTEGRATING NIP LOADING AND SUPPORT - This invention is a sheet handling assembly that incorporates the use of combined functions by using a passive-fixed flat spring to produce a nips load and nip release while simultaneously providing a nip support and mounting. | 01-05-2012 |
20120024664 | VARIABLE VACUUM BELT AND PLENUM FOR IMPROVED MEDIA SHEET ACQUISITION AND TRANSPORT - This invention provides a vacuum belt media transport system wherein the media is held on the belt via vacuum pressure. The vacuum force is higher at the media acquisition location and is lower at the subsequent media transport and delivery stage. The vacuum pressure is provided by vacuum plenums located in the system causing vacuum pressure through holes in the belt throughout its length. | 02-02-2012 |
20120061910 | TRAIL EDGE GUIDE DEFLECTOR FOR IMPROVED MEDIA FEEDING - An apparatus for a media feeding system having a trail edge guide, a frame, an elevator, a feed head and a stack of media including a plurality of sheets of media disposed on the elevator, wherein the plurality of sheets of media include an uppermost set of sheets of media located at a top portion of the stack of media. The apparatus includes a trail edge deflector having a body including an angularly disposed lower surface, at least one opening, and at least one stopping surface. The angularly disposed lower surface being shaped to contact and thereby shingle the uppermost set of sheets of media, the at least one opening being shaped for complimentary sliding engagement with the trail edge guide thereby permitting the trail edge deflector to slide along a portion of the trail edge guide and the at least one stopping surface being shaped to limit downward sliding movement of the trail edge deflector along the trail edge guide. | 03-15-2012 |
20120098660 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF MEDIA ON AN ELEVATOR THAT SUPPORTS A MEDIA STACK IN AN IMAGE PRODUCTION DEVICE - A method and apparatus for determining the amount of media on an elevator that supports a media stack in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include sensing one or more identification mark on a segmented positional reference scale, determining the elevator's position based on the sensed one or more identification mark, and determining an amount of media on the elevator based on the determined elevator position. | 04-26-2012 |
20120181746 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING THE POSITION OF ADJUSTABLE FEEDER TRAY SIDE GUIDES IN AN IMAGE PRODUCTION DEVICE - A method and apparatus for determining the position of adjustable feeder tray side guides in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include detecting an amount of a continuously variable sloped shape marker, determining a position of the adjustable feeder tray side guide of a feeder tray based on the detected amount of the continuously variable sloped shape marker, and outputting the determined position of the adjustable feeder tray side guide of a feeder tray to a user interface of the image production device. | 07-19-2012 |
20120205857 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FEEDING MEDIA SHEETS IN AN IMAGE PRODUCTION DEVICE - A method and apparatus for feeding media sheets in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include applying air downward to a top of a trailing edge of a media sheet located at a top of a media stack that is to be fed to an image production section of the image production device, the applied air causing the top media sheet to separate from the media stack, and feeding the separated top media sheet to the image production section. | 08-16-2012 |
20120272850 | MEDIA REGISTRATION IN A DUPLEX PRINTING SYSTEM - Embodiments described herein are directed to registering media in a duplex printing system. A first side of a sheet of media is registered in a first pass in response to detection of a first end of the sheet. A registration marker is deposited on the sheet proximate to a second end of the sheet in the first pass. The registration marker can include a marking material that is in the non-visible light range. A second side of the sheet is registered in a second pass in response to detection of the registration marker deposited on the sheet. | 11-01-2012 |
20120280445 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FEEDING MEDIA SHEETS IN AN IMAGE PRODUCTION DEVICE - A method and apparatus for feeding media sheets in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include applying a downward airflow to a top of a leading edge of a media sheet located at a top of a media stack that is to be fed to an image production section of the image production device, and applying a vacuum airflow to the top of the leading edge of the media sheet located at the top of the media stack that is to be fed to the image production section of the image production device, the applied downward airflow and the applied vacuum airflow causing the top media sheet to separate from the media stack, and feeding the separated top media sheet to the image production section. | 11-08-2012 |
20130001868 | METHODS, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEMS FOR SUBSTRATE DECURLER INITIALIZATION AND SETUP - A decurler system includes a metallic penetrating roll and a conductive elastomeric idler roll that is movable from an open position to a contact position. The penetrating member is connected to an electrical power supply. When the idler roll contacts the penetrating roll, the idler roll conducts electrical power supplied to the penetrating roll. An initialization process includes detecting an electrical current conducted by the idler roll to determine that an idler roll is in a contact position. An idler roll wear is monitored by counting a number of steps that the idler roll is driven before an electrical current is detected at the idler roll. | 01-03-2013 |
20130036887 | FLEXIBLE PRODUCTION COLLATING SYSTEM - In a system, at least two picker support elements are positioned adjacent a transport surface that is moving workpieces, and at least two picking elements are connected to each of the picker support elements. The picking elements have physical picking features that remove the workpieces from the transport surface and move the workpieces to another location. A controller is operatively connected to the picker support elements and the picking elements, and the controller independently controls the picker support elements and the picking elements to dynamically position the picking elements in coordination with a dynamic size, spacing, and transport speed of the workpieces being moved by the transport surface. | 02-14-2013 |
20130041495 | FLEXIBLE PRODUCTION COLLATING SYSTEM - In a system, one or more robotic arms are positioned adjacent a transport surface that is moving workpieces, and one or more picking elements are connected to each of the robotic arms. The picking elements have physical picking features that remove the workpieces from the transport surface and move the workpieces to another location. A controller is operatively connected to the robotic arms and the picking elements, and the controller independently controls the robotic arms and the picking elements to dynamically position the picking elements in coordination with a dynamic size, spacing, and transport speed of the workpieces being moved by the transport surface. | 02-14-2013 |
20130042733 | METHOD FOR ACQUIRING AND TRANSPORTING MULTIPLE-ITEM SETS USING A VACUUM SYSTEM - Methods and devices include a patterning device positioned along a processing path. The patterning device forms one or more holes through workpieces at a contact location of the workpieces. A transport device is positioned along the processing path. The transport device removes the workpieces from the processing path and stacks the workpieces by simultaneously moving at least two of the workpieces together in workpiece sets. The transport device comprising a vacuum device that contacts the contact location of the top workpiece within each of the workpiece sets. The vacuum device applies vacuum through the holes of the top workpiece to the bottom workpiece within each of the workpiece sets to maintain the workpieces together in the workpiece sets when performing the removing and the stacking. | 02-21-2013 |
20130049297 | ACTIVE DECURLER ADJUSTMENT USING ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE PRESSURE ROLLERS - A system and method for decurling a sheet medium including a first penetrating roller and a second elastomeric roller mounted substantially parallel. A pressure-sensitive electrically conductive material has properties that vary with its state of compression. An actuator is operative for moving the first penetrating roller and the second elastomeric roller in a direction towards each other, to penetrate the body of the second elastomeric roller with the body of the first penetrating roller. The pressure-sensitive electrically conductive material is subject to pressure by the penetration of the first penetrating roller into the second elastomeric roller. A pair of electrical terminals applies an electrical charge across the pressure-sensitive electrically conductive material. In further embodiments, an electrical property is substantially continuously measured and the depth of penetration is substantially continuously controlled based upon closed-loop feedback of the substantially continuously measuring. | 02-28-2013 |
20130256972 | PNEUMATIC SHEET REGISTRATION AND CLAMPING - Disclosed is a pneumatic table for registering a substrate media sheet. The table including a media platen, a reversible air blower, a registration wall and a sheet biasing element. The media platen having a foraminous upper surface for received the sheet. The reversible air blower selectively generating at least one of a positive air flow and a negative airflow through the foraminous upper surface. The positive air flow forming a gaseous layer of air between the foraminous upper surface and the sheet. The negative airflow encouraging the sheet to remain fixed and engaged upon the foraminous upper surface. The registration wall extending along at least one edge of the foraminous upper surface. The sheet biasing element selectively applying a horizontal biasing force to the sheet encouraging movement of the sheet across the foraminous upper surface for engaging the sheet with the registration wall. | 10-03-2013 |
20130341857 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONSTANT VELOCITY CUT-SHEET INVERSION IN A PRINTING SYSTEM - An approach is provided for inverting a sheeted substrate processed by a printing system while continuously running the sheeted substrate through the printing system without stopping. The approach involves a series of rolls that cause an orientation of the sheeted substrate to be changed such that the sheeted substrate may be returned to a first process path when inverted for duplex printing, or otherwise diverted to a bypass path. | 12-26-2013 |
20130341858 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A PNEUMATIC BAFFLE TO SELECTIVELY DIRECT A CUT MEDIA IN A MEDIA FEED SYSTEM - An approach is provided for directing a cut media in a media feed system. The approach involves causing, at least in part, a media to be fed through an incoming media path. The approach also involves causing, at least in part, air to be supplied through an air input configured to input air along a curved baffle positioned between the incoming media path and at least a first outgoing media path. The approach further involves causing, at least in part, the media to take one of the first outgoing media path and a second outgoing media path based, at least in part, on an interaction between the air supplied through the air input and the curved baffle. | 12-26-2013 |
20140041542 | ADJUSTABLE ROLL CROWNING METHOD FOR NIP CONTROL - A method and system for controlling a crown height associated with a nip profile includes adjusting pressure of a pressure roll. This may influence the shape of the pressure roll which may influence the nip profile. This may help prevent wrinkling and extend the life of the pressure roll. The pressure roll may be configured to have a varying wall thickness across a width of the pressure roll. The pressure roll may be used for a web application. | 02-13-2014 |
20140049588 | Self-Cleaning Media Perforator - A media perforator for a printer disables ink from adhering to a perforation disk of the perforator. The media perforator includes a heater that applies radiant heat to a first side and a reverse side of rotating disk. The disk is heated to a predetermined temperature that prevents ink from adhering to the rotating disk as the rotating disk spins. | 02-20-2014 |
20140076690 | DYNAMIC RECONFIGURABLE IN-LINE INVERTING AND BYPASS SYSTEM - A two belt inverter includes an integrated drive system that reorients the belts (via rotation) to both invert sheets and quickly reorients the belts (via rotation) to an in-line bypass configuration from job to job. | 03-20-2014 |
20140241849 | CART WITH A SUPPORT SURFACE HAVING A SELECTIVELY ADJUSTABLE CONTOUR AND A PRINTING SYSTEM SHEET STACKER INCORPORATING THE CART - Disclosed is a cart having a support surface with a selectively adjustable contour for providing essentially uniform support to a load (e.g., a stack of print media sheets) during receiving and storing modes and for facilitating transfer of the load to another support surface during a transferring mode. The cart can comprise a support surface with alternating fixed and movable sections. In the receiving and storage modes, the movable sections can be top aligned with the fixed sections so that the support surface has an essentially planar contour for providing essentially uniform support. In the transferring mode, the movable sections can be dropped lower so that the support surface has a corrugated contour for facilitating transfer of the load (e.g., using an interdigitation technique). Also disclosed is a printing system sheet stacker incorporating such a cart for receiving, storing and transferring of a sheet stack as well as associated methods. | 08-28-2014 |
20140267484 | System and Method for Retracting Media in an Ink Application Zone of a Printer - A system and method for reducing or eliminating the amount of cockle appearing in a continuous web of print media web during periods of non-printing in an inkjet printer. The inkjet printer includes a print module ejecting ink in a printzone on the web at the location of a backer roller configured to support the web. A first and a second retractor engage the web on either side of the backer roller to apply a tension to the web supported at the backer roller. The web is retracted or pushed away from a face of the print module to substantially prevent web cockle from developing and coming into contact with the print module face. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267523 | PNEUMATIC SHEET REGISTRATION AND CLAMPING WITH VECTORED AIR FLOW - A pneumatic table for registering and clamping thereon a sheet of substrate media for handling in a printing system. The pneumatic table includes a media platen having a foraminous upper surface for receiving a substrate media sheet. A first reversible air blower is in fluid communication with the media platen and selectively generates at least one of a positive air flow and a negative airflow through the foraminous upper surface. The positive air flow forms a gaseous layer of air between the foraminous upper surface and the substrate media sheet. The negative airflow encourages the substrate media sheet to remain fixed and engaged upon the foraminous upper surface. A registration wall extends along at least one edge of the foraminous upper surface. A sheet biasing element includes a directionally vectored positive air flow. The sheet biasing device selectively applies a biasing force to the substrate media sheet encouraging movement of the substrate media sheet across the foraminous upper surface for engaging the substrate media sheet with the registration wall. | 09-18-2014 |
20140290519 | Wrinkle Detection In Continuous Feed Printers - A web printing system automatically detects the location of a wrinkle in a moving web. The web has a plurality of marked reference positions including an inboard position, a center position, and an outboard position. A plurality of contact image sensors detect the reference positions after the web passes through a spreader and an inboard distance and an outboard distance are respectively measured from the center position. If the inboard distance is less than a nominal inboard distance, the wrinkle is identified as inboard of the center position. If the outboard distance is less than a nominal outboard distance, the wrinkle is identified as outboard of the center position. The machine operator is notified of the fault condition and takes action to remedy the situation. | 10-02-2014 |
20140314462 | POWER ASSIST SCISSOR LIFT - A scissor lift apparatus includes a sliding carriage member and a pivoting linkage added to a conventional scissor lift in order to lower the force required to lift a tray holding heavy media during the initial portion of the lifting action where the scissor lift is fully compressed. | 10-23-2014 |