Patent Publication Number: US-2010129190-A1

Title: Methods and apparatus for storing slip-sheets

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Divisional of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/668,550, filed Jan. 30, 2007, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the field of imaging systems and more particularly to the field of removing and storing slip-sheets interspersed between a plurality of media sheets. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In the commercial printing industry, an important step in the preparation of images for printing is the transfer of image information to an image recordable material that can be used repeatedly to print the image. While the image recordable material can take a variety of forms, one common form is the printing plate that includes a surface that can be modified in an image-wise fashion. Printing plates can take different forms. In one embodiment the modifiable surface includes a special coating referred to as an emulsion. An emulsion is radiation sensitive coating that changes properties when exposed to radiation such as visible, ultraviolet, or infrared light. An emulsion can include one or more layers that are coated onto a substrate. The substrate can be composed of a variety of materials such as aluminum, polyester or elastomers. 
     The transfer of image information to an image recordable material can be done in a variety of methods. One method in which image information is transferred to an image forming material is by computer-to-plate (CTP) systems. In CTP systems images are formed on the modifiable surface of an image recordable material by way of radiation beams or the like generated by an imaging head in response to image forming information. In this manner, images can be quickly formed onto the image recordable material. 
     The advent of CTP technology is part of an increasing trend towards automation in the printing industry. The increasing use of information technology to create and distribute electronic and print publications, coupled with the more widespread accessibility of such technologies is contributing to a greater demand for shorter print runs and faster turnaround times. These changes, in turn, have contributed to a greater push towards automating all aspects of the printing process. 
     Automating the printing industry does present some special technological hurdles, however. In the case of printing plates used in CTP systems, some of these hurdles result from the delicacy of the modifiable surfaces of these plates. These plates are easily marred, and if marred, can create undesirable defects in the final printed product. Any attempt to automate the handling of printing plates must include measures to prevent damage to the delicate modifiable surfaces of the plates. 
     Measures used to reduce marring of printing plates during storage or transport, however introduce additional problems for automation. Unexposed printing plates are normally supplied in packages in numbers that can range from a few dozen to several hundred with slip-sheets interspersed between adjacent printing plates. Slip-sheets are used to protect the sensitive surfaces of the printing plates by providing a physical barrier between printing plates. The slip-sheets must be removed from the printing plates prior to imaging. 
     The automation of slip-sheet removal and storage presents a number of challenges. Slip-sheet removal is not simply a matter of moving a single sheet from a stack of similar sheets. In general, slip-sheets are made from materials different from those used for printing plates (e.g. paper) and in particular, from materials suitable for not damaging the modifiable surfaces of the printing plates. Separating a slip-sheet from an adjacent plate can be complicated when the slip-sheet becomes adhered to a surface of the adjacent plate by physical mechanisms that can include electrostatic attraction or the expulsion of air between the surfaces. These mechanisms can lead to multiple plate picks that can lead to system error conditions. Increasing plate-making throughput requirements complicate matters further by necessitating that the slip-sheets be removed at rates that do not hinder the increased plate supply demands. 
     Conventional materials pickers have typically picked and removed printing plates and slip-sheets sequentially from a media stack. For example, in some conventional systems, a slip-sheet is first picked from the media stack and moved to a disposal container. Once the slip-sheet has been moved, a printing plate is then picked and moved to subsequent station where it is processed (e.g. imaging in an exposure engine). In other conventional systems, a slip-sheet is picked and transferred to a disposal container after the printing plate has been secured and transferred to a subsequent process. In either case, the sequential picking and removal steps can adversely affect the overall system throughput times. Increased throughput times can also arise when additional efforts expended to secure an additional sheet that is adjacent to a given sheet that is being removed from the media stack. In such a case, these efforts are required to prevent the additional sheet from being removed accidentally along with the given sheet. Conventional methods have typically employed media cassettes with passive or fixed separation plates or toothed structures to attempt to separate an underlying adhered sheet when a given sheet is lifted out of the cassette. In these conventional methods, the separation of the underlying sheet needs to occur over a limited amount of travel dictated by the distance between the given sheet and the fixed separation plate as the given sheet is lifted out of the cassette. Further, if the underlying sheet has not been separated from the given sheet, these conventional separation methods cannot easily be repeated when the given sheet is lifted out of the cassette to a position wherein the fixed separation plates no longer contact the given sheet. 
     Some conventional systems attempt to remove slip-sheets and printing plates simultaneously from a media cassette and convey them to a second location to be separated. In these conventional systems, suction is drawn through a porous slip-sheet to secure an underlying printing plate. Different slips-sheets can have different degrees of porosity that can affect the picking reliability of the underlying plate. 
     Once a slip-sheet has been secured and separated from a printing plate, its reliable disposal presents additional challenges for automated media handling systems. Specifically, in a device designed to have a large number of printing plates on-line at any one time, the slip-sheets that are removed each time a plate is picked must be accumulated somewhere for disposal. Conventional plate-making systems have employed complex media handling mechanisms that remove and convey slip-sheets to containers such as slip-sheet holders. The reliability and throughput of the media handling system may be adversely affected when a picked slip-sheet must be additionally conveyed and deposited into a slip-sheet holder. Further, when slip-sheets are crumpled during the act of picking, separating, conveying or depositing them into a slip-sheet holder, the slip-sheets can occupy a significant volume that increases the size of the slip-sheet holder, thus adversely impacting the required footprint of the plate-making system. 
     The presence of slip-sheets can hinder automation associated with the processing of image recordable materials. Consequently, there remains a need for better methods and apparatus for storing slip-sheets removed from a media stack made up of an arrangement of image recordable materials and slip-sheets. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a method and apparatus for storing a slip-sheet removed from a stack of interleaved slip-sheets and printing plates and relates to image recording systems such as, for example, computer-to-plate (CTP) systems. Image recording systems include imaging systems that image an image recordable material in response to imaging information. Image recordable materials can include, for example, printing plates. Image recording systems can include integrated systems that additionally process the image forming materials. Additional processing can include, but is not limited to materials punching, materials bending, exposure to non-imaging radiation, chemical development and materials drying. The present invention relates to a materials handling system that separates a slip-sheet from a media stack that includes image recordable materials. A slip-sheet separates each of the image recordable materials from one another in the media stack. The image recordable materials removed from the stack are subsequently imaged and optionally additionally processed. The slip-sheets removed from the stack are moved to a position away from the media stack where they are stored in a slip-sheet holder that is moved to a position in the vicinity of the moved slip-sheets 
     In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for storing a slip-sheet, the method comprising: removing the slip-sheet from a media stack at a first position, the media stack including one or more slip sheets and one or more image recordable materials; moving the slip-sheet from the first position to a second position; moving a slip-sheet holder from a third position to a fourth position in which the slip-sheet holder positioned at the fourth position is in the vicinity of the slip-sheet positioned at the second position, and depositing the slip-sheet into the slip-sheet holder positioned at the fourth position. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus for storing a slip-sheet, comprising: a media holder for supporting a media stack that includes the slip-sheet located at a first position, the media stack including one or more slip-sheets and one or more image recordable materials; a picker for securing the slip-sheet at the first position and moving the slip-sheet to a second position; and a slip-sheet holder for depositing the slip sheet into after the slip-sheet holder is moved from a third position to a fourth position in which the slip-sheet holder positioned at the fourth position is in the vicinity of the slip-sheet positioned at the second position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In drawing which show non-limiting example embodiments of the invention: 
         FIG. 1  schematically illustrates an example image recording system that includes an exposure system and a materials handling system; 
         FIG. 2  shows a side view of a picking assembly used to secure and remove materials from a media stack; 
         FIG. 3  shows a downward facing perspective view of the picking assembly shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows an upward facing perspective view of the picking assembly shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  shows a side view of a picking assembly used to secure and remove materials from a media stack, wherein the picking assembly is counterbalanced with the use of fluid cylinders; 
         FIG. 6  shows an enlarged upward facing perspective view of the picking assembly shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIGS. 7A-7D  schematically illustrate different views of an apparatus for securing and separating a portion of an image recordable material from media stack; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of slip-sheet picker used to secure a portion of a slip-sheet; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a sectional view of the slip-sheet picker illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIGS. 10A-10D  schematically illustrates slip-sheet picker of  FIG. 9  used in a sequence of steps to secure and separate a portion of an uppermost slip-sheet disposed on top of a media stack; 
         FIGS. 11A-11D  schematically illustrates slip-sheet picker of  FIG. 9  used with another sequence of steps to secure and separate a portion of an uppermost slip-sheet disposed on top of a media stack; 
         FIGS. 12A-12J  schematically illustrates an apparatus and associated order of operations for removing a slip-sheet from a media stack and depositing it in a movable slip-sheet holder; and 
         FIG. 13  schematically illustrates another apparatus for removing a slip-sheet from a media stack and depositing it in a movable slip-sheet holder. 
     
    
    
     The features of this invention are shown in the accompanying figures. Although the figures are intended to illustrate this invention, they are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  schematically shows an image recording system  10 . The image recording system  10  includes an exposure system  15  and a materials handling system  30 . In this embodiment, exposure system  15  and materials handling system  30  form an integrated system enclosed by housing  12 . 
     Exposure system  15  includes an exposure support  16  to mount an image recordable material  17  thereupon and an imaging head  18  disposed to emit radiation beams  19  to form an image on the image recordable material  17 . Materials handling system  30  includes, among other things, a picking assembly  70 . Picking assembly  70  and image recordable materials picker  50  (herein referred to as “materials picker  50 ”) secure and transport image recordable materials  17 A,  17 B, and  17 C from one or more media stacks  36 A,  36 B, and  36 C of image forming materials  17 A,  17 B, and  17 C and transport the secured image recordable materials  17 A,  17 B, and  17 C, respectively, to exposure system  15 . Picking assembly  70  includes slip-sheet picker  55  to secure slip-sheets  40 A,  40 B, and  40 C from one or more media stacks  36 A,  36 B, and  36 C, respectively, and transport them to a slip-sheet holder  26 . In this embodiment, materials pickers  50  and slip-sheet pickers  55  are combined to form an integrated picking assembly  70 . 
     Exposure support  16  is an external cylindrical drum. Other types of exposure supports such as, for example, internal drums and flatbed configurations can be used. Image recordable material  17  is secured onto exposure support  16  by leading edge clamps  20  and trailing edge clamps  21 . Image recordable material  17  is conveyed onto exposure support  16  with the assistance of loading support  22  and roller  11 . During loading, exposure support  16  is appropriately positioned, and leading edge clamps  20  are activated by an associated actuator (not shown) to accept image recordable material  17 . Loading support  22  is used to support image recording material  17  as its leading edge is introduced into leading edge clamps  20 . Image recordable material  17  is aligned with respect to exposure support  16  by abutting its leading edge against one or more registration features (not shown) that are positioned in a pre-determined orientation with respect to exposure support  16 . Leading edge clamps  20  are activated to secure the leading edge of image recordable material  17  with respect to exposure support  16 . Exposure support  16  is rotated to wrap image recordable material  17  on exposure support  16 . Roller  11  is activated to ensure contact between image recordable material  17  and exposure support  16  during the wrapping. Exposure support  16  is rotated to a predetermined position wherein trailing edge clamps  21  are activated by an associated actuator (not shown) to secure the trailing edge of image recordable material  17  against exposure support  16 . Other known systems for mounting image recordable material  17  onto exposure support  16  can also be used such as, for example, suction may be applied through various features formed on the surface of exposure support  16  to assist in securing image recordable material  17  to exposure support  16 . Other known systems can be used to align image recordable material  17  with respect to exposure support  16 . 
     Controller  23  is used to manage, create and/or modify digital files representing images to be formed on image recordable material  17 . Controller  23  can also include a raster image processor to further process the digital files into image information that includes raster data. Controller  23  can provide device control signals to control the various required functions of exposure system  15  and materials handling system  30 . 
     Image information and control signals provided by controller  23  are used to cause imaging head  18  to generate one or more radiation beams  19  to form an image on image recordable material  17 . In this embodiment, exposure support  16  is rotated by drive  24  during imaging. Imaging head  18  can image a swath of data during each rotation. Drive  24  can rotate exposure support  16  clockwise or counterclockwise as required along a main-scan direction  25 . Imaging head  18  is mounted onto a carriage (not shown) that moves along sub-scan direction that is substantially parallel with an axis of rotation of exposure support  16 . Imaging head  18  can move along the sub-scan direction while exposure support  16  moves along main-scan direction  25  to create imaged swaths that are helical in form. Alternatively, the motion of imaging head  18  and exposure support  16  can be controlled to image “ring-like” swaths. This invention is not limited to this exposure system and other exposure systems that employ different control systems and schemes can be used. 
     When an image has been formed on image recordable material  17 , image recordable material  17  is unloaded onto unloading support  27 . Image recordable material  17  is unloaded from exposure support  16  by employing the steps of the media loading procedure described above but substantially in reverse sequence, and by correctly positioning exposure support  16  to unload image recordable material  17  onto unloading support  27 . Unloading support  27  is movable from a first position  28 , at which the image recordable media is unloaded to a second position  29  (shown in ghosted lines). At second position  29 , the unloaded image recordable material  17  can be additionally processed, or conveyed for additional processing. 
     Materials handling system  30  includes a primary media supply  32  and a secondary media supply  34 . Materials handling system  30  picks materials from a plurality of media stacks  36 A,  36 B and  36 C. Media stack  36 A can be stored within primary media supply  32 . Media stack  36 A includes one or more image forming materials  17 A with one or more slip-sheets  40 A. Interspersed between each of the image forming materials  17 A is a slip-sheet  40 A. It is to be noted that media stacks  36 A,  36 B and  36 C show separations between image recordable materials  17 A,  17 B, and  17 C and slip sheets  40 A,  40 B and  40 C. These separations are shown for the sake of clarity, and those skilled in the art will realize that contact between the various sheets is typically present within the media stacks  36 A,  36 B and  36 C. 
     In this embodiment, image recording materials  17 A and slip-sheets  40 A are stacked alternately and a slip-sheet  40 A is positioned on top of media stack  36 A. Media stack  36 A can include a plurality of media stacks wherein each media stack contains one or more of image recordable material  17 A and slip-sheet  40 A. Media stack  36 A is supported by media holder  42 . Media holder  42  can include any suitable support system for media stack  36 A, including, but not limited to, cassettes, magazines, or pallets. Pallets are particularly beneficial when media stack  36 A includes a large number of image recording materials  17 A such as, for example, aluminum offset printing plates. For instance, newspaper printing applications typically have high printing plate making demands. Consequently, a large uninterrupted supply of a large number of printing plates can be needed. Many plates weighing hundreds of kilograms can be required. Pallets provide a suitable means to support such quantities. 
     Media stack  36 A is transported into primary media supply  32  via access port  44  by a cart, pallet-jack, forklift or the like. Access port  44  is closable by one or more covers (not shown). In this embodiment, media stack  36 A remains stationary in primary media supply  32  when image recordable materials  17 A and slip-sheets  40 A are removed from media stack  36 A. Media stack  36 A remains stationary in primary media supply  32  when image recordable materials  17 B and  17 C and slip-sheets  40 B and  40 C are removed from media stacks  36 B and  36 C, respectively. A stationary media stack is particularly advantageous when the stack is high due to a large numbers of image recordable materials. Moving media holder  42  into an imaging position (or other positions) can cause an associated stack of media to shift due to accelerations/decelerations associated with the movement. A shifted media stack can lead to picking errors. 
     Secondary media supply  34  includes a media holder  60  and  62 . Other embodiments of this invention can employ a different number of media holders. Media holder  60  contains media stack  36 B that includes one or more of image recordable material  17 B stacked one upon the other and media holder  62  contains media stack  36 C that includes one or more of image recordable materials  17 C stacked one upon the other. Interspersed between each of the image recording materials  17 B and  17 C are corresponding slip-sheets  40 B and  40 C, respectively. In this embodiment of the invention, image recordable materials  17 B and  17 C and slip-sheets  40 B and  40 C in each of media stack  36 B and  36 C, respectively, are stacked alternately and a slip-sheet is positioned on top of each of the stacks  36 B and  36 C. Each of media stacks  36 B and media stacks  36 C can include a plurality of image recordable material  17 B and  17 C and slip-sheets  40 B and  40 C. Each of media stacks  36 B and media stacks  36 C can include a plurality of media stacks. 
     Media holders  42 ,  60  and  62  can hold materials with similar or dissimilar characteristics. Material differences can include differences in size and/or composition. Differences in the image recordable materials  17 A,  17 B and  17 C may be required by different print jobs. Alternatively, plate-making delays can be avoided by creating additional capacity by arranging one or more of the media holders  42 ,  60  and  62  to contain image recordable materials  17 A,  17 B and  17 C, respectively, with the same characteristics as those contained in an additional media holder. 
     In this embodiment, as seen in  FIG. 1 , media holder  42  is arranged so that media stack  36 A is continuously available to have materials removed from it. Media holder  42  assumes both a storage position and a materials removal position within primary media supply  32 . Guides  64  and  66  allow media holders  60  and  62  to be moved from a storage position within secondary media supply  34  to a materials removal position within primary media supply  32 . For example, when controller  23  determines that image recordable material  17 B is required for a plate making operation, controller  23  sends a signal to a drive mechanism (not shown) associated with media holder  60 . The drive mechanism causes media holder  60  to move from secondary media supply  34  along guides  64  into primary media supply  32 . The drive mechanism can, for example, include an electrical motor, pulleys and/or timing belts. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments, the drive mechanism may comprise components such as, for example, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, chains, gears and other suitable prime movers. When media holder  60  is positioned in primary media supply  32 , picking assembly  70  can remove slip-sheets  40 B and image recordable materials  17 B from media holder  60 . In this illustrated example embodiment, controller  23  provides signals to ensure that when slip-sheets  40 B and image recordable materials  17 B are to be removed from media holder  60  positioned within primary media supply  32 , an additional media holder will not be positioned above media holder  60  within primary media supply  32 . An additional media holder positioned above a given media holder within primary media supply  32  can obstruct materials pickers  50  and slip-sheet pickers  55  from removing materials from the given media holder. 
     In this embodiment, controller  23  can provide and receive signals to allow an additional media holder to be positioned below a given media holder within primary media supply  32 , such that slip-sheets and image recordable materials can be removed from the given media holder. An additional media holder positioned below a given media holder within primary media supply  32  does not obstruct picking assembly  70  from removing materials from the given media holder. 
       FIG. 2  shows a detailed side view of picking assembly  70  as per an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3  shows a downward facing perspective view of the picking assembly  70  shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4  shows an upward facing perspective view of the picking assembly  70  shown in  FIG. 2 . When employed with a plurality of media holders such as media holders  42 ,  60  and  62  shown in  FIG. 1 , picking assembly  70  requires a vertical drive system  71  capable of facilitating materials removals at different heights. Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  4 , vertical drive system  71  includes an electrical motor  72 , drive pulleys  74 , driven pulleys  76  and timing belts  78 . Drive pulleys  74  are synchronized and are connected by drive shaft  82 . Motor  72  can employ a gearbox (not shown) to rotate drive pulleys  74 . Motor  72  can, for example, be a stepper motor. An encoder (not shown) can provide positional feedback associated with motor  72 . Picking assembly  70  is guided along its motion by linear rail  84  and linear bearing  86  along first side and a roller (not shown) and channel  90  along a second side. The roller and channel  90  are employed to avoid over-constraining the motion of picking assembly  70  which could lead to binding of linear bearing  86  on linear rail  84 . 
     Picking assembly  70  is mounted in a cantilevered orientation with respect to linear rail  84  and channel  90 . Timing belts  78  effectively form a loop around drive pulleys  74  and driven pulleys  76 . Drive side  88  of picking assembly  70  is mechanically coupled to a first side of the loop formed by timing belts  78 . The weight of picking assembly  70  is counterbalanced by weights  92  which are mechanically coupled to a second side of the loop formed by timing belts  78 . Weights  92  are additionally guided by linear rails  94 . Weights  92  have a combined mass that is substantially equal to the mass of picking assembly  70  so that the burden of gravitational forces on picking assembly  70  are effectively removed from vertical drive system  71 . 
     Non-drive side  100  of picking assembly  70  is additionally supported by timing belts  102 . Timing belts  102  are attached to a first attachment point  104  on picking assembly  70 , and then follow a path around idler pulleys  106 ,  108  and  110  and are additionally attached to second attachment point  112  on picking assembly  70 . Timing belts  102  are appropriately tensioned to support the cantilevered end of picking assembly  70 . Other example embodiments of this invention can employ other support mechanisms for the cantilevered end of picking assembly  70 . Other embodiments of this invention can also employ any other suitable guide and support systems for picking assembly  70 . For example, each of at least two sides of picking assembly  70  may be guided and supported by a linear rail and open channel as previously described with respect to drive side  84 . 
     Sensor  114  determines when a picking assembly is located at a home position. Picking assembly  70  can also include various distance measurement devices (not shown) that can be employed to verify a position of a corresponding stack media positioned within primary media supply  32 . Distance measurement devices can be employed to verify the position of one media holders  60  and  62  moved into primary media supply  32 . Examples of distance measurement devices include ultrasonic sensors, lvdt stroke sensors, IR beam distance measurement devices, and inductance sensing devices. Distance measurement devices can be mounted to picking assembly  70 . 
       FIG. 5  shows side view of a vertical drive system  71  employed by the present invention. Here, weights  92  (as seen in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  4 ) are replaced by fluid actuators  96 . For the sake of clarity, only one fluid actuator  96  is shown. Fluid actuators  96  are pneumatic cylinders fed by a controllable gaseous source (not shown) such as compressed air supply. The compressibility characteristics of gases allows for some degree of compliance within the system. Driven pulleys  76  are fixed to the rod ends of fluid actuators  96 . Each timing belt  80  is arranged in a serpentine fashion that originates from an attachment point on picking assembly  70 , wraps around drive pulley  74  and driven pulley  76  and terminates at a fixed point  98 . The gas supply is controlled so that each fluid actuator  96  applies an appropriate force to associated driven pulleys  76  sufficient to offset the weight of picking assembly  70 . The gas supply can be additionally actively controlled to “boost” upward and/or downward motions of picking assembly  70  throughout a portion or all of its motion. Those skilled in the art will realize that alternative vertical drive systems can be employed by other example embodiments of this invention. 
       FIG. 6  shows an enlarged upward facing perspective view of picking assembly  70 . For the sake of clarity, other components shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4  are not shown. Picking assembly  70  comprises a media pinning mechanism  120 , image recordable material pickers  122  and  124  (herein referred to as “pickers”  122  and  124 ) and slip-sheet pickers  126  and  128 . In this embodiment, pickers  122  and  124  are used to pick image recordable materials  17 A,  17 B, and  17 C from a media stack  36 A,  36 B, and  36 C, when positioned within primary media supply  32 . Each of pickers  122  and  124  is arranged to grip separate portions of an image recording material  17 A,  17 B, or  17 C and each portion can include, or is adjacent to, an edge of the image recordable material  17 A,  17 B, or  17 C (not shown in  FIG. 6 ). The portions can include opposing edges of the image recordable material  17 A,  17 B, or  17 C. 
     In this embodiment, each of the pickers  122  and  124  includes one or more suction mechanisms  130  to grip image recordable material  17 A,  17 B, or  17 C. Other embodiments of this invention can employ other types of gripping mechanisms. Suction mechanism  130  can secure itself to a surface of an image recordable material  17 A,  17 B, or  17 C by suction. Suction can be generated by numerous methods and will be dependant upon the suction mechanism employed. For example, when suction mechanism  130  includes a suction cup, a fluid comprising a negative fluid pressure (i.e. with respect to atmospheric pressure) can be supplied to suction mechanism  130  to generate the required suction. Alternatively, suction can be generated by a flow of fluid between the pickup face of a surface of suction mechanism  130  and the surface of the image recordable material  17 A,  17 B, or  17 C as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,888 which is herein incorporated by reference. In this embodiment, the fluid is made to flow with a velocity sufficient to produce a pressure differential between the flowing fluid and a surrounding fluid medium. Bernoulli lift is generated to provide suction. Suction mechanism  130  may be in contact with a surface of the image recordable material  17 A,  17 B, or  17 C when image recordable material  17 A,  17 B, or  17 C is gripped. “Contact-less” securement is advantageous when the picked surface of the image recordable material  17 A,  17 B, or  17 C includes a modifiable surface that may be damaged if directly handled. 
     In this embodiment, two groups  131  made up of two suction mechanisms  130  each are employed in each of the pickers  122  and  124 , respectively. In other embodiments, a different number of suction mechanisms  130  can be employed. Multiple groups of suction mechanisms  130  can be employed when a plurality of image recordable materials  17 A,  17 B, or  17 C are simultaneously picked from a corresponding plurality of media stacks  36 A,  36 B, and  36 C. In this illustrated embodiment, each suction mechanism  130  in each group  131  is movable along directions  132  in slots  134 . This allows image recordable materials  17 A,  17 B, and  17 C with different size attributes along directions  132  to be gripped or secured. Suctions mechanisms  130  can also be moved along directions  136  by a corresponding movement of either picker  122  and  124  along slots  138 . This allows image recordable materials  17 A,  17 B, and  17 C with different size attributes along directions  136  to be gripped or secured. In this illustrated embodiment, suction mechanisms  130  can be manually positioned along directions  132  and  136  and can be secured by any suitable fastener when they have been properly located. In other example embodiments of this invention, controller  23  can be employed to control various actuators to position suction mechanisms  130  along one, or both of directions  132  and  136 . Such actuators are well known in the art, and can include, but are not limited to, electric motors and transmission members such as gears, pulleys, screws, belts and chains. 
     Each suction mechanism  130  can also include a compliance member  133 . Compliance member  133  can include any suitable spring element or other elastic member. In this illustrated embodiment, compliance member  133  includes a bellows in each suction mechanism  130 . Compliance along directions  138 A can reduce the positional accuracy requirements of the vertical drive system  71  when suctions mechanisms  130  are positioned with respect to the image recordable materials  17 A,  17 B, or  17 C. 
     Controller  23  can be used to control the suction produced at each suction mechanism  130  by controlling each suction mechanism  130  individually or as part of a group  131 . A selectable suction control can be used to grip different sizes of image recordable materials  17 A,  17 B, or  17 C or different numbers of image recordable materials  17 A,  17 B, or  17 C. 
     Pinning mechanism  120  includes one or more pinning members  140  that bear against an uppermost sheet of a media stack, for example, media stack  36 A in  FIG. 1  (not shown). The uppermost sheet can be a slip-sheet  40 A,  40 B, or  40 C or an image recordable material  17 A,  17 B, or  17 C. Pinning the uppermost sheet against the underlying media stack  36 A,  36 B, or  36 C can help reduce shifting of the media stack  36 A,  36 B, and  36 C during subsequent securing of slip-sheet  40 A,  40 B, or  40 C and image recordable materials  17 A,  17 B, or  17 C. 
     Pinning members  140  can be compliant along directions  138 A. Compliance can reduce the positional accuracy requirements of the vertical drive system  71 . Pinning members  140  can be used to change the shape of an uppermost sheet when it is separated from the top of media stack  36 A,  36 B, or  36 C. Changing the shape of the uppermost sheet can include bending the uppermost sheet. Pinning a central portion of an uppermost sheet can be used to increase the degree of curvature imparted on an uppermost sheet as it is separated from the underlying media stack. 
     Changing the shape of the uppermost sheet can be used to assist in separating one more sheets adhered to the bottom of the uppermost sheet as it is separated from the media stack. Sheets may adhere to one another as a result of various causes including, but not limited to, static electricity and/or the creation of vacuum between sheets. 
     Pining members  140  can be constructed from materials that can reduce potential damage to a modifiable surface. The actuation and/or physical shape of pinning members  140  can be controlled to reduce potential damage to a modifiable surface of an image recordable material  17 A,  17 B, or  17 C. In this embodiment, pinning members  140  include suction members that are controlled to grip at least the uppermost sheet. Separation of at least the uppermost sheet can be assisted by gripping. Gripping can be used to change the shape of at least the uppermost sheet. 
     Each of pickers  122  and  124  include flexing members  142 . Flexing members  142  comprise a plunger  143  that is extendible and retractable in directions that are preferably parallel to directions  138 A. In other example embodiments of this invention, plunger  143  may extend and retract at some predetermined angle with respect to directions  138 A, but care should be taken to regulate motion that is tangential to a secured surface of the image recordable material to minimize potential damage to its modifiable surface. Plungers  143  can be driven by any suitable actuators and such actuators can be controlled by controller  23 . Spring biased or double acting pneumatic actuators and the like are examples of suitable actuators. 
     Picking assembly  70  comprises slip-sheet pickers  126  and  128 . In this illustrated example, slip-sheet pickers  126  and  128  are used to pick slip-sheets  40 A,  40 B, and  40 C from a media stack  36 A,  36 B, and  36 C, respectively. Each of slip-sheet pickers  126  and  128  are arranged to pick separate portions of a slip-sheet  40 A,  40 B, or  40 C and each portion can include, or be adjacent to, an edge of slip-sheet  40 A,  40 B, or  40 C. Slip-sheet  40 A,  40 B, and  40 C portions can include opposing edges of the slip-sheet  40 A,  40 B, and  40 C.  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B,  7 C and  7 D schematically show different views of picker  144 , which is similar to picking assembly  70  but with one set of gripping members  130 A and one set of flexing members  142 A for practicing a method of securing and separating a portion of image recordable material  17 E( 1 ), which is similar to  17 A,  17 B,  17 C, and  17 E, from media stack  36 E, which is similar to media stack  36 A,  36 B and  36 C, respectively. Media stack  36 E includes a plurality of image recordable materials  17 E and  17 E( 1 ). A slip-sheet  40 E, which is similar to  40 A,  40 B and  40 C, separates each of the image recordable materials  17 E and  17 E( 1 ) in media stack  36 E. As shown in plan view in  FIG. 7A , picker  144  includes two gripping members  130 A and two flexing members  142 A which are used to grip and separate image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) from media stack  36 E. The number of gripping members  130 A and flexing members  142 A is not necessarily limited to two, and other numbers of gripping members  130 A and/or flexing member  142 A are within the scope of this invention. In this illustrated example embodiment, gripping members  130 A comprise two suction mechanisms that are aligned along an axis A-A. 
     As shown in side view in  FIG. 7B , gripping members  130 A are positioned over a portion of an uppermost image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) that includes, or is adjacent to an edge  145  of image recordable material  17 E( 1 ). Typically, edge  145  is substantially parallel to axis A-A. Gripping members  130 A are activated to grip and lift image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) from media stack  36 E as shown in  FIG. 7B . This lifting is also known as “wristing” and can involve bending the secured portion of image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) away from the underlying media stack about an axis substantially parallel to axis A-A. Lifting can involve bending the secured portion of image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) about and axis substantially parallel to edge  145 . 
       FIG. 7C  shows an end view of image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) that has been lifted by gripping member  130 A. Several potential problems can accompany the lifting of image recordable material  17 E( 1 ). One or more underlying slip-sheets  40 E and/or image recordable materials  17 E can adhere themselves to the secured image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) and be inadvertently conveyed with the image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) to a subsequent process. These additional materials can lead to undesired reliability problems.  FIGS. 7B and 7C  show an example of a “miss-pick” in which a slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) has adhered itself to lifted image recordable material  17 E( 1 ). 
       FIG. 7D  shows an end view in which flexing members  142 A are activated to separate slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) such that it has fallen back onto stack  36 E. Flexing members  142 A are positioned over the portion of the image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) that has been lifted. As shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , flexing members  142 A are positioned between gripping members  130 A and the edge  145 . As shown in  FIG. 7A , flexing members  142 A are positioned between gripping members  130 A and their respective adjacent side edges  146  and  147 . Flexing member  142 A can be positioned respectively over portions of image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) that includes, or is adjacent to corners  148  and  149  of image recordable material  17 E( 1 ). Flexing members  142 A are activated to extend plungers  143 A to bend image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) towards media stack  36 E. In this example, flexing members  142 A are activated to cause plungers  143 A to extend and bend image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) along an axis substantially parallel to axis A-A. Flexing members  142 A bend corners  148  and  149  to transversely bend image recordable material  17 E( 1 ). In this example, image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) is bent about axis B-B to create a compound curve. The action of flexing member  142 A is effective in causing underlying attached material to separate from the secured image recordable material  17 E( 1 ), especially when a compound curve is formed in imaged recordable material  17 E( 1 ). 
     Unlike conventional separation methods that employ fixed separation features (e.g. separation plates fixed to a media holder) that need to separate an underlying sheet from a given sheet over limited amount of travel defined primarily by the distance between the given sheet within the media holder and the separation feature affixed to the media holder, the active nature of flexing members  142 A can bend an image forming material  17 E( 1 ) (and adhered materials) over a large distance that is limited primarily by the distance the image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) is lifted above media stack  36 E. The bending of image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) over a relatively large distance is effective in causing an additional adhered material to separate from the image recordable material  17 E( 1 ), especially when a compound curve is formed in imaged recordable material  17 E( 1 ). 
     Flexing members  142 A can be controlled by controller  23 , or the like to extend plungers  143 A by different amounts to selectively bend a given image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) by a distance dependent upon a particular characteristic of the given image recordable material  17 E( 1 ). Different characteristics can include a size characteristic such as the thickness of the given image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) and/or a material characteristic such as elastic modulus and/or plastic deformations limits of the given image recordable material  17 E( 1 ). Unlike fixed separation features, flexing members  142 A can be advantageously controlled to bend a number of different image recordable materials  17 E( 1 ) based upon on each of their particular characteristics, thus improving the reliability of the separation of any adhered materials. 
     Flexing members  142 A can be controlled by controller  23 , or the like to extend plungers  143 A by different amounts to selectively bend a given image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) by a distance dependent upon a position of gripping members  130 A and/or flexing members  142 A relative to image recordable material  17 E( 1 ). Advantageously, this improves the reliability of the separation of any adhered materials when the position of gripping members  130 A and/or flexing members  142 A is required to vary between different image recordable materials. Flexing members  142 A can be controlled by controller  23 , or the like to extend plungers  143 A by different amounts to selectively bend a given image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) by distance dependent upon existing environmental factors. Changes in environmental factors such humidity can change the degree of adherence between an underlying sheet and image recordable material  17 E( 1 ). Changes in these environmental factors can be measured by an appropriate sensor. These measured changes can be used by controller  23 , or the like to control flexing members  142 A in accordance with these changes. 
     Flexing members  142 A can be controlled to repeatedly flex image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) to further assist with the separation of an adhered material. In some example embodiment of this invention, a plurality of flexing members  142 A can be activated in tandem to flex corresponding portions of image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) at substantially the same time. In yet other example embodiments of this invention, a plurality of flexing members  142 A can be sequentially activated to flex corresponding portions of image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) at different times. In other embodiments of this invention, flexing members  142 A can include gripping mechanisms such as, but not limited to, suction members. Gripping mechanisms can allow flexing members  142 A to push and pull corresponding portions of the image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) towards and away from media stack  36 E to flex image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) over a greater range to promote the separation of an adhered media. 
       FIG. 7B  shows that gripping members  130 A have lifted image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) such that it does not contact flexing member members  142 A. In other embodiments of the invention, gripping members  130 A can lift image recordable material  17 E( 1 ) such that it contacts flexing member  142 A prior to their movement. Initially contacting flexing member  142 A can reduce the amount of extension required of plungers  143  to bend image recordable material  17 E( 1 ). 
     Each of slip-sheet pickers  126  and  128  includes a roller mechanism  150  and a nipping mechanism  152 .  FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of slip-sheet picker  128 , which is similar to slip sheet picker  126 . Here, roller mechanism  150  includes a plurality of rollers that includes retraction roller  154  and refraction roller  156 . Each of retraction rollers  154  and  156  are supported on shaft  158  that is driven by electric motor  157 . Motor  157  is controllable by controller  23  (not shown in  FIG. 8 ) or the like and can drive shaft  158  directly or via a transmission element (e.g. timing belt, chain, gear-head, etc.). Retraction rollers  154  and  156  are used to engage a slip-sheet  40 A,  40 B, and  40 C located on the top of a media stack  36 A,  36 B, and  36 C, respectively. Retraction rollers  154  and  156  are each coupled to shaft  158  by a corresponding clutch  159 . Each of the clutches  159  is controlled by controller  23  which can be used to selectively drive each of retraction rollers  154  and  156 . Additionally, each retraction roller  154  and  156  can be driven by its own electric motor and mounted on its own independent shaft so that retraction roller  154  and  156  operate independently. When any of media stacks  36 A,  36 B, and  36 C are made up of a plurality of media stacks disposed on a corresponding media holder, selective driving of each of the retraction rollers  154  and  156  can allow slip-sheets to be selectively engaged from the top of a plurality of media stacks disposed on the same media holder. Each stack of the plurality of media stacks disposed on the same media holder can include slip-sheets with the same or different characteristics. Selective control of retraction rollers  154  and  156  can allow for the securement of different predetermined quantities of slip-sheets  40 A,  40 B, and  40 C. Selective control of retraction rollers  154  and  156  can allow for the subsequent securement of one or more slip-sheets  40 A,  40 B, and  40 C comprising a similar characteristic. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various numbers of retraction rollers can be employed by other embodiments of this invention and each retracting roller can be controlled by other methods, including but not limited to, controlling each retraction roller with a corresponding electric motor. 
       FIG. 9  shows a cross-sectional view of slip-sheet picker  128 , including retraction roller  156 , a nipping mechanism  152 , support  162  and motor  157 . In this illustrated embodiment, motor  157  drives shaft  158  via a timing belt (not shown). Nipping mechanism  152  includes nipping member  160  that is pivotally attached to support  162  via pivot pin  164 . Nipping member  160  is urged towards a surface of retraction roller  156  by biasing member  166 . In this embodiment, biasing member  166  includes a compression spring. Nipping mechanism  152  further includes clamping roller  168  that is rotatably attached to nipping member  160 . Clamping roller  168  is made from 60 durometer (Shore A) silicone. When nipping member  160  is urged towards retraction roller  156 , a contact nip  160 A is formed between the two, and a portion of the cylindrical surface of clamping roller  168  is disposed lower than a portion of the cylindrical surface of retraction roller  156  by a spacing Δ along direction  138 A. If spacing Δ is reduced by, for instance, moving clamping roller  168  upwards, nipping member  160  rotates away from retraction roller  156  and the contact nip is not formed. Those skilled in the art will realize that other suitable actuators such as pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders can be used to selectively form a contact nip between nipping member  160  and retraction roller  156 . Some actuators can be actively controlled by controller  23 , or the like, to selectively form contact nip  160 A. 
       FIGS. 10A ,  10 B,  10 C and  10 D show a cross-sectional view of slip-sheet picker  128  used in a sequence of steps to secure and separate a portion of an uppermost slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) disposed on top of a media stack  36 E as per an example embodiment of this invention. Media stack  36 E includes an interleaved plurality of image recordable materials  17 E and slip-sheets  40 E. Slip-sheet picker  128  is described for the purposes of illustration only, and it is to be understood that slip-sheet picker  126  can also work in a similar manner. In  FIG. 10A , slip-sheet picker  128  is positioned above slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ). In this position nipping member  160  is urged towards retraction roller  156  to form a contacting nip  160 A. In  FIG. 10B , slip-sheet picker  128  is moved into contact with slips-sheet  40 E( 1 ). In this position, both retraction roller  156  and clamping roller  168  are moved into contact with slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ). As clamping roller  168  is brought into contact with slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) nipping member  160  rotates away from retraction roller  156 . 
     In  FIG. 10C , retraction roller  156  is rotated in direction  170  by motor  157  and clutch  159  (not shown), both of which are controlled by controller  23  (not shown), or the like. Rotation of retraction roller  156  causes slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) to laterally move with respect to the underlying media stack and buckle to form a loop  172  between nipping member  160  and retraction roller  156 . In this illustrated embodiment, retraction roller  156  includes a 50 to 60 Shore A durometer polyurethane layer that frictionally engages slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ). When retraction roller  156  is rotated in direction  170 , clamping roller  168  pins slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) to the underlying media stack  36 E to allow loop  172  to form. 
       FIG. 10D  shows the securing of the buckled slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ). Here, slip-sheet picker  128  has moved away from media stack  36 E such that clamp roller  168  no longer contacts media stack  36 E. In this state, biasing member  166  urges nipping member  160  to rotate towards retracting roller  156  to secure loop  172  in contact nip  160 A. Nipping member  160  and retraction roller  156  each contact the same surface  173  of slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) when it is secured in the contact nip  160 A. Slip-sheet picker  128  can then be additionally further moved to further separate a secured slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) from media stack  36 E. Slip-sheet picker  128  can be moved to completely separate a secured slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) from media stack  36 E. 
     The position of slip-sheet picker  128  and the rotation of retraction roller  156  are controlled such that loop  172  is formed with sufficient length to avoid a crease or fold from forming in slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) when it is captured in contact nip  160 A between nipping member  160  and refraction roller  156 . Creases or folds in slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) are likely to occur when a contact nip is formed substantially at, or in the immediate vicinity of apex  174  of loop  172 . In such cases, loop  172  is constrained to form a bend radius sufficiently small enough to form a crease or fold. Creases include folds where portion of the slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) is folded upon itself Creases can be created such that the folded portions of slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) remain folded upon themselves or open to form V-shaped sections. 
     Picked slips-sheets  40 E( 1 ) that are creased can not typically be stored efficiently within a slip-sheet holder since the creases can prevent picked slip-sheets  40 E from assuming a planar form that would allow an efficient stacking of picked slip-sheets  40 E. Non-planar forms typically occupy more space, complicating storage requirements. Although it may be possible to nest successive creased slip-sheets  40 E, this may place an added burden on the placement requirements of the conveying mechanism that is used to deposit a creased slip-sheets  40 E into a slip-sheet holder. Further, nesting may not be possible when different sized creased slip-sheets are disposed into a single universal slip-sheet holder. 
       FIGS. 11A ,  11 B,  11 C, and  11 D show slip-sheet picker  128  used with another sequence of steps to engage and secure a portion of an uppermost slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) disposed on top of a media stack  36 E as per another example embodiment of this invention. Slip-sheet picker  128  is described for the purposes of illustration only, and it is to be understood that slip-sheet picker  126  can also work in a similar manner.  FIGS. 11A and 11B  can be used to describe steps that are essentially identical to the previously described steps associated with  FIGS. 10A and 10B , and will not need further description. Like the step previously disclosed in reference to  FIG. 10C ,  FIG. 11C  shows that retraction roller  156  rotates in direction  170  to form loop  172  (shown in light ghosted lines). Unlike the steps associated with  FIG. 10C , retraction roller  156  does not stop when loop  172  is formed but rather continues to rotate in direction  170  as shown in  FIG. 11C . As retraction roller  156  continues to rotate, loop  172  increases in length as shown loop  172 A (shown in heavy ghosted lines). Retraction roller  156  continues to rotate in direction  170  until slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) is no longer pinched between retraction roller  156  and the underlying media stack  36 E and partially constrained loop  172 A exists in the space  176  that exists between retraction roller  156  and nipping member  160 . Loop  172 A is spring-like in nature and spacing  176  is sized to urge the unconstrained end of loop  172 A against retraction roller  156  without creasing slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ). Retraction roller  156  continues to rotate in direction  170  and draws the unconstrained end of loop  172 A out of space  176  to form slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) free end  178 . Retraction roller  156  can be moved out of contact with the underlying media stack  36 E during the formation of free end  178  to reduce potential damage to a modifiable surface of an underlying image recordable material. 
       FIG. 11D  shows the securing of free end  178 . As per the steps previously described with respect to  FIG. 10D , slip-sheet picker  128  is moved away from media stack  36 E to cause nipping member  160  to rotate towards retraction roller  156  to form a contact nip  160 B. However, unlike the example embodiment shown in  FIG. 10D , contact nip  160 B does not secure a loop of slip-sheet material but rather, slip-sheet free end  178 . In this regard, nipping member  160  and retraction roller  156  each contact different surfaces (i.e. surface  173  and opposing surface  179 , respectively) of slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) when it is secured in the contact nip  160 B and a crease or fold in a slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) is avoided. Securing slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) without creasing it can be used to overcome the previously described problems associated with creased slip-sheets  40 E. Slip-sheet picker  128  can then be additionally further moved to further separate a secured slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) from the underlying media stack  36 E. Slip-sheet picker  128  can be moved to completely separate a secured slip-sheet  40 E( 1 ) from the underlying media stack  36 E. 
       FIGS. 12A ,  12 B,  12 C,  12 D,  12 E,  12 F,  12 G,  12 H,  12 I and  12 J show an apparatus and associated order of operations for removing a slip-sheet from a media stack and depositing it in a slip-sheet holder. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12A , signals representative of image information data  180  are provided by controller  23 . Image information data  180  can include data representative of the image to be formed on given image recordable material  17  as well as information identifying the particular characteristics the given image recordable material  17  must have. Characteristics include a required size of image recordable material  17 . In this example, controller  23  has determined that image recordable materials  17 C are required by image information data  180 . Controller  23  provides signals to move media holder  62  from secondary media supply  34  along guides  66  into primary media supply  32 . Media holder  62  includes media stack  36 C that is made up of an interleaved assemblage of image recordable materials  17 C and slip-sheets  40 C. The uppermost sheet in media stack  36 C is slip-sheet  40 C ( 1 ), which is the same material as the other slip-sheets  40 C. Separations between image recordable materials  17 C and slip-sheets  40 C with the media stack  36 C are present for the purpose of clarity. These separations are standard throughout media stacks  36 A,  36 B and  36 C. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12B , signals from controller  23  cause picking assembly  70  to move towards media stack  36 C to engage slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ). Pinning member  182  pin slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) to the rest of the underlying media stack  36 C. Slip-sheet pickers  55  engage with slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ). Each of slip-sheet pickers  55  include retraction members  188  and  189 . In this illustrated example, retraction members  188  and  189  include retraction rollers. Refraction members  188  and  189  are activated to laterally move end portions of slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) to form loops  196  and  198  (shown in ghosted lines). Retraction members  188  and  189  are further activated to form free ends  200  and  202  from corresponding loops  196  and  198 , respectively. 
     In  FIG. 12C , slip-sheet pickers  55  secure corresponding free ends  200  and  202  in contact nips  200 A and  202 A, respectively, established by activating slip-sheet grippers  204  and  206 . In this embodiment, free ends  200  and  202  are secured by moving slip-sheet pickers  55  away from media stack  36 C. As shown in  FIG. 12C , exposed portions  208  and  210  of uppermost image recordable material  17 C( 1 ), which is the same material as  17 C, are exposed when free ends  200  and  202  are secured. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12D , signals from controller  23  cause image recordable materials pickers  50  (herein referred to as materials pickers  50 ) to engage exposed portions  208  and  210  of image recordable material  17 C( 1 ). Gripping members  216  and  218  grip exposed portions  208  and  210  and bend the portions away from the rest of media stack  36 C. Again, full separations between slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) and image recordable material  17 C( 1 ) are shown for the sake of clarity. Pinning members  182  can pin slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) and image recordable material  17 C( 1 ) to the rest of media stack  36 C to prevent the shifting of media stack  36 C. Here, gripping members  216  and  218  include suction mechanisms. In other embodiments, exposed portions  208  and  210  are gripped at an earlier point in time. Exposed portions  208  and  210  can be gripped as soon as end portions of slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) are laterally moved to create exposed portions  208  and  210 . As shown in  FIG. 12E , flexing members  220  and  222  are activated to flex gripped exposed portions  208  and  210  towards media stack  36 C. Flexing exposed portions  208  and  210  is used to separate one or more slip-sheets  40 C and/or image recordable materials  17 C that may have adhered to image recordable material  17 C( 1 ). Flexing members  220  and  222  can be used to establish one or more compound curves in at least one of exposed portions  208  and  210 . Controller  23  can cause flexing members  220  and  222  to repeatedly flex at least one of exposed portions  208  and  210 . Controller  23  can cause flexing members  220  and  222  to flex at least one of exposed portions  208  and  210  towards the rest of media stack  36 C. Controller  23  can cause flexing members  220  and  222  to flex at least one of exposed portions  208  and  210  away from the rest of media stack  36 C. As shown in  FIG. 12F , secured slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) and secured image recordable material  17 C( 1 ) are moved away from media stack  36 C to transfer position  224 . Secured slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) and secured image recordable material  17 C( 1 ) can be moved along a same path. Secured slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) and secured image recordable material  17 C( 1 ) can be moved concurrently. Secured slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) and secured image recordable material  17 C( 1 ) can be moved in tandem. After secured slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) and secured image recordable material  17 C( 1 ) are at transfer position  224 , transfer support  226  and slip-sheet holder  26  are moved into primary media supply  32  along guides  228  and  230 , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 12G . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12G , slip-sheet holder  26  is used to collect removed slip-sheets  40 D. In this illustrated embodiment, slip-sheet holder  26  contains a stack of slip-sheets  40 D that have been previously deposited into slip-sheet holder  26 . Transfer support  226  and slip-sheet holder  26  can be moved concurrently into primary media supply  32  to reduce the overall time required. Each media holders  60  and  62  can remain stationary or move independently from or to primary media supply  32  as required by controller  23  as it processes image data information  180  associated with a next image recordable material. Either media holder  60  or media holder  62  can move or remain stationary during the movement of secured slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) and secured image recordable material  17 C( 1 ) to transfer position  224 . Either media holder  60  or media holder  62  can move or remain stationary during the movement of transfer support  226  and/or slip-sheet holder  26 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12H , when transfer support  226  is positioned within primary media supply  32  in the vicinity of picking assembly  70  positioned at transfer position  224 , pickers  50  release and deposit secured image recordable material  17 C( 1 ) onto transfer support  226 . Image recordable material  17 C( 1 ) is released to fall onto transfer support  226 . Relative motion between pickers  55  and transfer support  226  can be established to directly place image recordable material  17 C( 1 ) onto transfer support  226 . Upon the deposit of image recordable material  17 C( 1 ), transfer support  226  (shown in ghosted lines) conveys image recordable material  17 C( 1 ) from the primary media supply  32  to a subsequent process. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12I and 12J , image recordable material  17 C( 1 ) is transferred to loading support  22 , from which it is subsequently loaded onto exposure support  16  to be imaged in accordance with image information data  180 . In other embodiments, imaged recordable material  17 C( 1 ) can be transferred to other subsequent processes (e.g. punching in a punching assembly). When transfer support  226  has moved from primary media supply  32 , slip-sheet pickers  55  release and deposit secured slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) into slip-sheet holder  26 . Slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) can be directly placed into slip-sheet holder  26 , or may fall into slip-sheet holder  26 . In this illustrated embodiment, slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) is positioned on a previously deposited slip-sheets  40 D that conform to planar surface of slip-sheet holder  26 . A lack of creases, e.g., permanent folds, in both of slip-sheets  40 C( 1 ) and  40 D allows the slip-sheets to be stacked in a planar fashion. The space required to store stacked slip-sheets is advantageously reduced when they are planar. As shown in  FIG. 12J , slip-sheet holder  26  is moved back to secondary media supply  34  and picking assembly  70  can be positioned to secure and remove another image recordable material and slip-sheet. 
     The apparatus and associated operational steps corresponding to the example embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIGS. 12A to 12J  reduce the systems throughput times and increase overall system reliability. The securement of slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) exposes portions of underlying image recordable material  17 C( 1 ) that can in turn be secured without requiring the removal of secured slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ). Secured image recordable material  17 C( 1 ) is further flexed into a shape that facilitates the separation of secured slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) and/or any additional sheets that may be adhered to a surface of image recordable  17 C( 1 ). Secured image recordable material  17 C( 1 ) can be flexed without requiring the removal of secured slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ). Secured slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) and image recordable material  17 C( 1 ) are concurrently conveyed to a point where image recordable material  17 C( 1 ) is conveyed to a subsequent process and secured slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) is deposited directly slip-sheet holder  26 . Moving slip-sheet holder  26  to a position below secured slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) reduces the need for additional mechanism that would be needed to additionally secure a flimsy material like slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) and convey it along a different path to a fixed slip-sheet holder. 
     Depositing secured slip-sheet  40 C( 1 ) directly into slip-sheet holder  26  which has been moved into a position below it allows slip-sheets  40 C( 1 ) to be stacked in a planar fashion to help reduce the amount of space that would be required to store it. Slip-sheet holder  26  can be emptied by an operator when it is within either primary media supply  32  or secondary media supply  34  as dictated by the presence of suitable access ports within housing  12 . The movable nature of slip-sheet holder  26  can also allow it to be moved to a removal position  232  (shown in ghosted lines in  FIG. 12J ) which can completely or partially extend outside housing  12  to facilitate a removal of materials. 
     Picking assembly  70  can include an assembly of slip-sheet pickers  55  that are fixed or movable with respect to materials pickers  50 .  FIG. 13  shows another embodiment where slip-sheet pickers  55  (shown in ghosted lines) are nested together with materials pickers  50  (also shown in ghosted lines) at a first position  234  proximate media stack  36 A but are separated from one another at a transfer position  224  away from media stack  36 C (slip-sheet pickers  55  and materials pickers  50  being shown in solid lines at transfer position  224 ). Materials are secured and removed from media stack  36 A as previously described, and materials can also be secured and removed from media stacks  36 B and  36 C in a similar manner. 
     Suitable mechanisms for separating slip-sheet pickers  55  from materials pickers  50  can include elements made up of, but not limited to: electric motors, timing belts, gears, chains, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders etc. The separation of slip-sheet pickers  55  from materials pickers  50  can be initiated at first position  234 , or on route to, or at transfer position  224 . Slip sheet pickers  55   186  are sufficiently separated from pickers  50  to allow slip-sheet holder  26  to move there between. At transfer position  224 , slips-sheet pickers  55  can deposit secured slip-sheet  40 A( 1 ) into slip-sheet bin  26  at substantially the same time as secured image recordable material  17 A( 1 ) is deposited on transfer support  226  for conveyance to a subsequent process, thus allowing for a further improvement in the system throughput. 
     The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. For example:
         The embodiments described above make use of controllers for controlling various components using various control signals and/or implementing various methods. Such controllers may be configured to execute suitable software and may comprise one or more data processors, together with suitable hardware, including by way of non-limiting example: accessible memory, logic circuitry, drivers, amplifiers, A/D and D/A converters, input/output ports and the like. Such controllers may comprise, without limitation, a microprocessor, a computer-on-a-chip, the CPU of a computer or any other suitable microcontroller. The controllers associated with the materials handling system described above may be, but need not necessarily be, the same controllers that control the operation of the corresponding exposure systems.   The controllers described above make use of control signals to control various components of the materials handling system. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such control signals may each comprise pluralities of signals that may be transmitted from the controller to the component and/or from the component to the controller. The controllers may comprise or otherwise work in conjunction with suitable hardware or software to effect control of the various components. Such control signals may also comprise “open loop” control signals that rely on predetermined calibration and do not specifically incorporate feedback from sensors.       

     PARTS LIST 
     
         
           10  image recording system 
           11  roller 
           12  housing 
           15  exposure system 
           16  exposure support 
           17 ,  17 A,  17 A( 1 ),  17 B,  17 C,  17 C( 1 ),  17 E,  17 E( 1 ) image recordable material 
           18  imaging head 
           19  radiation beam 
           20  leading edge clamp 
           21  trailing edge clamp 
           22  loading support 
           23  controller 
           24  drive 
           25  main-scan direction 
           26  slip-sheet holder 
           27  unloading support 
           28  first position 
           29  second position 
           30  materials handling system 
           32  primary media supply 
           34  secondary media supply 
           36 A,  36 B,  36 C,  36 E media stack 
           40 A,  40 A( 1 ),  40 B,  40 C,  40 C( 1 ),  40 D,  40 E,  40 E( 1 ) slip-sheet 
           42  media holder 
           44  access port 
           50  image recordable materials picker (also known as materials picker) 
           55  slip-sheet picker 
           60 ,  62  media holder 
           64 ,  66  guide 
           70  picking assembly 
           71  vertical drive system 
           72  electrical motor 
           74  drive pulleys 
           76  driven pulleys 
           78 ,  80  timing belts 
           82  drive shaft 
           84  linear rail 
           86  linear bearing 
           90  drive side 
           92  channel 
           94  weights 
           96  linear rails 
           98  fluid actuators 
           98  fixed point 
           100  non-drive side 
           102  timing belts 
           104  first attachment point 
           106 ,  108 ,  110  idler pulleys 
           112  second attachment point 
           114  sensor 
           120  pinning mechanism 
           122 ,  124  image recordable material pickers (also known as pickers) 
           126 ,  128  slip-sheet pickers 
           130  suction mechanisms 
           130 A gripping members 
           131  groups 
           132  directions 
           133  compliance member 
           134  slots 
           136  directions 
           138  slots 
           138 A directions 
           140  pinning members 
           142 ,  142 A flexing members 
           143  plungers 
           143 A extend plungers 
           144  picker 
           145  edge 
           146 ,  147  side edges 
           148 ,  149  bend corners 
           150  roller mechanism 
           152  nipping mechanism 
           154 ,  156  retraction rollers 
           157  electric motor 
           158  shaft 
           159  clutch 
           160  nipping member 
           160 A,  160 B contact nip 
           162  support 
           164  pivot pin 
           166  biasing member 
           168  clamping roller 
           170  direction 
           172 ,  172 A loop 
           173  surface 
           174  apex 
           176  space 
           178  free end 
           179  opposing surface 
           180  imaging information data 
           182  pinning member 
           188 ,  189  retraction members 
           196 ,  198  loops 
           200  free end 
           200 A contact nip 
           202  free end 
           202 A contact nip 
           204  slip-sheet gripper 
           206  slip-sheet gripper 
           208 ,  210  exposed portions 
           216 ,  218  gripping members 
           220 ,  222  flexing members 
           224  transfer position 
           226  transfer support 
           228 ,  230  guide 
           232  removal position 
           234  first position 
         Δ spacing