Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS AND APPLICATIONS 
   The following applications, the disclosures of each being totally incorporated herein by reference are mentioned: 
   application Ser. No. 11/212,367, filed Aug. 26, 2005, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM,” by David G. Anderson, et al., and claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/631,651, filed Nov. 30, 2004, entitled “TIGHTLY INTEGRATED PARALLEL PRINTING ARCHITECTURE MAKING USE OF COMBINED COLOR AND MONOCHROME ENGINES”; 
   application Ser. No. 11/235,979, filed Sep. 27, 2005, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM,” by David G. Anderson, et al., and claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/631,918, filed Nov. 30, 2004, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE OPERATIONS FOR FINAL APPEARANCE AND PERMANENCE”, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/631,921, filed Nov. 30, 2004, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE OPERATIONS FOR FINAL APPEARANCE AND PERMANENCE”; 
   application Ser. No. 11/236,099, filed Sep. 27, 2005, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM,” by David G. Anderson, et al., and claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/631,918, filed Nov. 30, 2004, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE OPERATIONS FOR FINAL APPEARANCE AND PERMANENCE”, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/631,921, filed Nov. 30, 2004, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE OPERATIONS FOR FINAL APPEARANCE AND PERMANENCE”; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 10,761,522, filed Jan. 21, 2004, entitled “HIGH RATE PRINT MERGING AND FINISHING SYSTEM FOR PARALLEL PRINTING,” by Barry P. Mandel, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 10/785,211, filed Feb. 24, 2004, entitled “UNIVERSAL FLEXIBLE PLURAL PRINTER TO PLURAL FINISHER SHEET INTEGRATION SYSTEM,” by Robert M. Lofthus, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 10/881,619, filed Jun. 30, 2004, entitled “FLEXIBLE PAPER PATH USING MULTIDIRECTIONAL PATH MODULES,” by Daniel G. Bobrow; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 10/917,676, filed Aug. 13, 2004, entitled “MULTIPLE OBJECT SOURCES CONTROLLED AND/OR SELECTED BASED ON A COMMON SENSOR,” by Robert M. Lofthus, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 10/917,768, filed Aug. 13, 2004, entitled “PARALLEL PRINTING ARCHITECTURE CONSISTING OF CONTAINERIZED IMAGE MARKING ENGINES AND MEDIA FEEDER MODULES,” by Robert M. Lofthus, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 10/924,106, filed Aug. 23, 2004, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM WITH HORIZONTAL HIGHWAY AND SINGLE PASS DUPLEX,” by Robert M. Lofthus, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 10/924,113, filed Aug. 23, 2004, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM WITH INVERTER DISPOSED FOR MEDIA VELOCITY BUFFERING AND REGISTRATION,” by Joannes N. M. deJong, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 10/924,458, filed Aug. 23, 2004, entitled “PRINT SEQUENCE SCHEDULING FOR RELIABILITY,” by Robert M. Lofthus, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 10/924,459, filed Aug. 23, 2004, entitled “PARALLEL PRINTING ARCHITECTURE USING IMAGE MARKING ENGINE MODULES (as amended),” by Barry P. Mandel, et al.; 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,959,165, issued Oct. 25, 2005, entitled “HIGH RATE PRINT MERGING AND FINISHING SYSTEM FOR PARALLEL PRINTING,” by Barry P. Mandel, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 10/933,556, filed Sep. 3, 2004, entitled “SUBSTRATE INVERTER SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” by Stan A. Spencer, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 10/953,953, filed Sep. 29, 2004, entitled “CUSTOMIZED SET POINT CONTROL FOR OUTPUT STABILITY IN A TIPP ARCHITECTURE,” by Charles A. Radulski, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 10/999,326, filed Nov. 30, 2004, entitled “SEMI-AUTOMATIC IMAGE QUALITY ADJUSTMENT FOR MULTIPLE MARKING ENGINE SYSTEMS,” by Robert E. Grace, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 10/999,450, filed Nov. 30, 2004, entitled “ADDRESSABLE FUSING FOR AN INTEGRATED PRINTING SYSTEM,” by Robert M. Lofthus, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/000,158, filed Nov. 30, 2004, entitled “GLOSSING SYSTEM FOR USE IN A TIPP ARCHITECTURE,” by Bryan J. Roof; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/000,168, filed Nov. 30, 2004, entitled “ADDRESSABLE FUSING AND HEATING METHODS AND APPARATUS,” by David K. Biegelsen, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/000,258, filed Nov. 30, 2004, entitled “GLOSSING SYSTEM FOR USE IN A TIPP ARCHITECTURE,” by Bryan J. Roof; 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,925,283, issued Aug. 2, 2005, entitled “HIGH PRINT RATE MERGING AND FINISHING SYSTEM FOR PARALLEL PRINTING,” by Barry P. Mandel, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/051,817, filed Feb. 4, 2005, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEMS,” by Steven R. Moore, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/069,020, filed Feb. 28, 2004, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEMS,” by Robert M. Lofthus, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/070,681, filed Mar. 2, 2005, entitled “GRAY BALANCE FOR A PRINTING SYSTEM OF MULTIPLE MARKING ENGINES,” by R. Enrique Viturro, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/081,473, filed Mar. 16, 2005, entitled “PRINTING-SYSTEM,” by Steven R. Moore; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/084,280, filed Mar. 18, 2005, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING UNIFORMITY IN IMAGES,” by Howard Mizes; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/089,854, filed Mar. 25, 2005, entitled “SHEET REGISTRATION WITHIN A MEDIA INVERTER,” by Robert A. Clark, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/090,498, filed Mar. 25, 2005, entitled “INVERTER WITH RETURN/BYPASS PAPER PATH,” by Robert A. Clark; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/090,502, filed Mar. 25, 2005, entitled IMAGE QUALITY CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTIPLE MARKING ENGINE SYSTEMS,” by Michael C. Mongeon; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/093,229, filed Mar. 29, 2005, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM,” by Paul C. Julien; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/095,872, filed Mar. 31, 2005, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM,” by Paul C. Julien; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/094,864, filed Mar. 31, 2005, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM,” by Jeremy C. dejong, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/095,378, filed Mar. 31, 2005, entitled “IMAGE ON PAPER REGISTRATION ALIGNMENT,” by Steven R. Moore, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/094,998, filed Mar. 31, 2005, entitled “PARALLEL PRINTING ARCHITECTURE WITH PARALLEL HORIZONTAL PRINTING MODULES,” by Steven R. Moore, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/102,899, filed Apr. 8, 2005, entitled “SYNCHRONIZATION IN A DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM,” by Lara S. Crawford, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/102,910 filed Apr. 8, 2005, entitled “COORDINATION IN A DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM,” by Lara S. Crawford, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/102,355, filed Apr. 8, 2005, entitled “COMMUNICATION IN A DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM,” by Markus P. J. Fromherz, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/102,332, filed Apr. 8, 2005, entitled “ON-THE-FLY STATE SYNCHRONIZATION IN A DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM,” by Haitham A. Hindi; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/109,558, filed Apr. 19, 2005, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING IMAGE REGISTRATION ERRORS,” by Michael R. Furst, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/109,566, filed Apr. 19, 2005, entitled “MEDIA TRANSPORT SYSTEM,” by Barry P. Mandel, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/109,996, filed Apr. 20, 2005, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEMS,” by Michael C. Mongeon, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/115,766, filed May 5, 2005, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM AND SCHEDULING METHOD,” by Austin L. Richards; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/136,959, filed May 25, 2005, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEMS,” by Kristine A. German, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/137,634, filed May 25, 2005, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM,” by Robert M. Lofthus, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/137,251, filed May 25, 2005, entitled “SCHEDULING SYSTEM,” by Robert M. Lofthus, et al.; 
   U.S. C-I-P application Ser. No. 11/137,273, filed May 25, 2005, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM,” by David G. Anderson, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/143,818, filed Jun. 2, 2005, entitled “INTER-SEPARATION DECORRELATOR,” by Edul N. Dalal, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/146,665, filed Jun. 7, 2005, entitled “LOW COST ADJUSTMENT METHOD FOR PRINTING SYSTEMS,” by Michael C. Mongeon; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/152,275, filed Jun. 14, 2005, entitled “WARM-UP OF MULTIPLE INTEGRATED MARKING ENGINES,” by Bryan J. Roof, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/11/156,778, filed Jun. 20, 2005, entitled “PRINTING PLATFORM,” by Joseph A. Swift; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/157,598, filed Jun. 21, 2005, entitled “METHOD OF ORDERING JOB QUEUE OF MARKING SYSTEMS,” by Neil A. Frankel; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/166,460, filed Jun. 24, 2005, entitled “GLOSSING SUBSYSTEM FOR A PRINTING DEVICE,” by Bryan J. Roof, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/166,581, filed Jun. 24, 2005, entitled “MIXED OUTPUT PRINT CONTROL METHOD AND SYSTEM,” by Joseph H. Lang, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/166,299, filed Jun. 24, 2005, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM,” by Steven R. Moore; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/170,975, filed Jun. 30, 2005, entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING SCANNED PATCHES FOR USE IN IMAGING DEVICE CALIBRATION,” by R. Victor Klassen; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/170,873, filed Jun. 30, 2005, entitled “COLOR CHARACTERIZATION OR CALIBRATION TARGETS WITH NOISE-DEPENDENT PATCH SIZE OR NUMBER,” by R. Victor Klassen; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/170,845, filed Jun. 30, 2005, entitled “HIGH AVAILABILITY PRINTING SYSTEMS,” by Meera Sampath, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/189,371, filed Jul. 26, 2005, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM,” by Steven R. Moore, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/208,871, filed Aug. 22, 2005, entitled “MODULAR MARKING ARCHITECTURE FOR WIDE MEDIA PRINTING PLATFORM,” by Edul N. Dalal, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/215,791, filed Aug. 30, 2005, entitled “CONSUMABLE SELECTION IN A PRINTING SYSTEM”, by Eric Hamby, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/222,260, filed Sep. 8, 2005, entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING BANDING COMPENSATION PARAMETERS IN PRINTING SYSTEMS”, by Goodman, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/234,553, filed Sep. 23, 2005, entitled “MAXIMUM GAMUT STRATEGY FOR THE PRINTING SYSTEMS”, by Michael C. Mongeon; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/234,468, filed Sep. 23, 2005, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM”, by Eric Hamby, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/247,778, filed Oct. 11, 2005, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM WITH BALANCED CONSUMABLE USAGE”, by Charles Radulski, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/248,044, filed Oct. 12, 2005, entitled “MEDIA PATH CROSSOVER FOR PRINTING SYSTEM”, by Stan A. Spencer, et al.; and 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/274,638, filed Nov. 15, 2005, entitled “GAMUT SELECTION IN MULTI-ENGINE SYSTEMS”, by Wencheng Wu, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/287,177, filed Nov. 23, 2005, entitled “MEDIA PASS THROUGH MODE FOR MULTI-ENGINE SYSTEM”, by Barry P. Mandel, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/287,685, filed Nov. 28, 2005, entitled “MULTIPLE IOT PPHOTORECEPTOR BELT SEAM SYNCHRONIZATION”, by Kevin M. Carolan; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/291,860, filed Nov. 30, 2005, entitled “MEDIA PATH CROSSOVER CLEARANCE FOR PRINTING SYSTEM”, by Keith L. Willis; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/292,388, filed Nov. 30, 2005, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM”, by David A. Mueller; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/292,163, filed Nov. 30, 2005, entitled “RADIAL MERGE MODULE FOR PRINTING SYSTEM”, by Barry P. Mandel, et al.; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/291,583, filed Nov. 30, 2005, entitled “MIXED OUTPUT PRINTING SYSTEM”, by Joseph H. Lang; 
   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/312,081, filed Dec. 20, 2005, entitled “PRINTING SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE WITH CENTER CROSS-OVER AND INTERPOSER BY-PASS PATH”, by Barry P. Mandel, et al.; 
   BACKGROUND 
   The present exemplary embodiments relate to a universal variable pitch interface for sheet handling in a modular sheet handling path. In particular, the embodiments relate to variable dimensioned sheet transport apparatus for interfacing between modular copy sheet processing path modules such as transport path sections and machines such as printers, finishers, and the like arranged on a fixed pitch modular grid or path. The embodiments have selectively variable dimensions to take up non-pitch spacings between the fixed-pitch devices disposed in the grid or path, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiments are also amenable to other applications and similar use as well such as in other material processing or handling systems arranged in a modular path topology. 
   In a conventional printing apparatus, sheet material or paper is handled by a series of sheet guides, rollers, and counter rollers forming nips and the like, arranged along a paper path. These printing machines typically include functional units on the paper path such as, for example, marking engines, feeders, finishers, inverters, or the like. The nips in the various functional units generate forces normal to the tangential surface of the rollers for urging the sheet materials forward and directing the sheets through the various functional units. 
   In the past, a wide variety of copiers and printers have been available on the market. However, paper path heights and directions for input and output on these machines have not been consistent across the range of original equipment manufacturers. Therefore, in response to customer demand for greater compatibility with various commercial feeding/finishing equipment to provide more in-line sheet processing options, a “standard” output height has been defined, more or less, by particular suppliers or vendors. However, these standards have been selected without regard to specification of downstream equipment. The task of delivering sheet output to other downstream devices has been handed to paper handling accessory equipment suppliers. 
   To address the concerns of interconnecting copiers and printers in a system having different paper path heights, U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,093 provides a free-standing movable sheet handling module of a fixed narrow width providing a universal interface for operatively connecting and feeding the sequential copy sheet output of various reproduction machines of widely varying ranges of sheet output level heights to various independent copy sheet processing units having widely varying sheet input level heights. There, a sheet feeding path extends from one side of the fixed width module to the other for transporting the copy sheets. The sheet feeding path is repositionable by vertically repositioning integral sheet path ends opening at opposite sides of the interface module. 
   The system identified above is highly advantageous when vertical height adjustments must be made between various sheet processing machines disposed along a sequential copy sheet path. However, much momentum has developed in the art recently toward modularity and, in particular, toward providing hypermodular paper paths in sheet processing systems. These hypermodular paper paths are intended to be usable to compose systems consisting of functional units such as marking engines, feeders, finishers, inverters, and the like, which need not be constrained in the positions of their respective inputs and outputs. Essentially, hypermodular paper path arrays include paper path modules repeating on fixed pitches to form a grid-like arrangement of transport units. Each of the hypermodules is constrained to have a predefined “standard” horizontal and vertical dimension in conformance with a pre-established physical connection convention, enabling the hypermodules to be easily and quickly assembled in a grid-like array. 
   Often, there is a need to connect processing machines with inputs and outputs separated by arbitrary distances, where, in particular, the distances are not commensurate with the fixed pitch of the sheet processing hypermodules. Moreover, there may at times be a need to couple an established first hypermodular sheet processing array with an established second hypermodular sheet processing array into a single, larger, modular array as by providing a hypermodular paper bridge path therebetween. 
   The above-noted connections are straightforward when the arbitrary distance between the respective inputs and outputs of the individual sheet processing machines match the fixed pitch of the sheet handling hypermodules. Also, in instances where a first grid defined by a first hypermodular sheet processing array is coincident with a second grid defined by a second hypermodular sheet processing array, connection of the hypermodular paper path therebetween is relatively straightforward. However, when the first and second sheet processing arrays fall on non-overlapping grids, there is a need for one or more non-fixed size elements providing a universal dimensionally variable pitch interface interconnecting the fixed pitch sheet processing machines in the first and second sheet processing arrays. 
   The present embodiments provide variable dimensioned paper path modules which overcome the above-referenced problems, and others. 
   BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
   In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a universal interface is provided for operatively connecting and feeding sequential copy sheet output of various selectable first sheet processing machines to various selectable second sheet processing machines spaced apart horizontally or horizontally and vertically from the first sheet processing machines by varying ranges of horizontal or horizontal and vertical distances. The universal interface includes a frame and a universal interface module providing a sheet feeding path repositionable relative to the frame therethrough, from one side to the other of the module, for transporting the copy sheet output of the first sheet processing machine to the copy sheet input of the second sheet processing machine. Further, the universal interface module includes integral horizontally repositionable sheet receiving and sheet discharging sheet path ends opening at opposite sides of the universal interface module. At least one of the sheet receiving path end and the sheet discharging sheet path end is independently positionable relative to the other of the sheet receiving and sheet discharging sheet path ends over a horizontal range. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, the sheet receiving sheet path end is integral with the sheet feeding path provided in the universal interface module. Similarly, the sheet discharging sheet path is integrally formed with the sheet feeding path of the universal interface module. 
   In accordance with yet another aspect of the present exemplary embodiments, a positioning system is provided in the universal interface in operative association with the frame for orienting the sheet receiving path end and the sheet discharging sheet path end at selective positions relative to the frame. In its preferred form, the positioning system includes a set of linkages forming a parallelogram. Still further, the set of linkages includes first and second telescoping struts. 
   In accordance with yet another aspect of the present exemplary embodiments, the universal interface further includes a connection system for retaining the sheet receiving and sheet discharging sheet path ends at selected desired positions mating the selected first and second sheet processing machines. 
   In accordance with a still further embodiment, a bidirectional universal interface is provided. The bidirectional universal interface includes a frame and a universal interface module including a sheet feeding path repositionable relative to the frame therethrough, from opposite sides of the module, for transporting copy sheets between first and second sheet processing machines. The ends of the sheet path are selectively functional as either input ends or output ends to provide for a bidirectional sheet flow through the interface. Further, ends of the receiving/discharging sheet path are independently repositionable relative to the other of the receiving/discharging sheet path over a horizontal range or over a vertical and horizontal range. 
   In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present exemplary embodiments, a sheet path is defined through the module by sheet path guide means. In their preferred form, a pair of tambour devices are provided in association with the universal interface module on opposite sides of the sheet feeding path for guiding work pieces including copy sheets through the universal interface. In addition, a plurality of sheet guide members are disposed on opposite ends of the sheet feeding path at at least one of the sheet receiving and the sheet discharging sheet path ends thereof. In accordance with a further aspect, at least one nip is selectively disposed at the sheet receiving sheet discharging sheet path end of the sheet feeding path of the universal interface module. 
   The term “marking device” as used herein broadly encompasses various printers, copiers or multi-function machines or systems, xerographic or otherwise, unless otherwise specified in a claim. 
   A “printing system” as used herein incorporates a plurality of marking devices, feeders, finishers, or other sheet processing or handling machines. 
   The term “sheet” herein refers to a physical sheet of paper, flat stock articles, plastic, or other suitable physical print media substrate for images, whether precut or web fed. The term “sheet” also encompasses other generally planar items, whether to be printed or not, unless otherwise specified in a claim. 
   “Flexible media,” as used herein, broadly encompasses print media substrates for images as well as other generally planar objects which are not necessarily undergoing an imaging process, including items of mail, bank notes, flexible display substrates, and the like. 
   A “finisher” as broadly used herein, is any post-printing accessory device such as an inverter, reverter, sorter, mail box, inserter, interposer, folder, stapler, stacker, collator, stitcher, binder, over-printer, envelope stuffer, postage machine, or the like. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a universal interface interconnecting a pair of associated sheet processing machines in a hypermodular sheet processing array; 
       FIG. 1   a  is a schematic view of an alternative first embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating universal interfaces arranged in a parallelogram conformation in a hypermodular sheet processing array; 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a universal interface in accordance with the present application; 
       FIG. 2   a  is a schematic side view of an alternative first embodiment of a bidirectional universal interface in accordance with the present application; 
       FIG. 3  is schematic side view of the universal interface of  FIG. 1  disposed in a horizontally extended position relative to  FIG. 2 ; and 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic side view of the universal interface of  FIG. 1  disposed in a both horizontally and vertically extended orientation relative to  FIG. 2 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The disclosed universal interface provides a simple but highly adjustable paper path transport that enables a wide range of variable pitch bridge-type interface interconnections between fixed pitch sheet processing machines. The highly flexible and adaptable interface units such as described in the present application eliminate substantial engineering time and work for separate specialized interfaces otherwise needed for interfacing particular hypermodular sheet processing arrays as well as for constructing single hypermodular sheet processing arrays which have the need for various reasons for a variable pitch portion interconnecting otherwise regularly spaced and sized sheet processing machines. The disclosed universal interface readily provides for a variable dimension or dimensions which may be substantially different from the pitch of the corresponding hypermodular sheet processing array in which it is connected. Preferably, the nominal length of the universal interface is a fraction of the length of the associated hypermodular array pitch L. The interface is adjustable from a minimized length B, limited by the compressed length of the internal components of the module, to an expanded length L+B. Any gaps in the hypermodular array beyond this range can be accommodated using a single universal module and an integer number of fixed pitch L modules. 
   Turning now to the figures wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments only and not for limiting same,  FIG. 1  is a schematic side view of a sheet processing system  10  including a hypermodular sheet processing array  12  and intermediary universal interfaces  20  connecting a first sheet processing machine  30  with a second sheet processing machine  40 . The intermediary universal interfaces  20  include first and second universal interface modules  16 ,  18  formed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the application. 
   As shown, the first sheet processing machine  30  defines a first sheet path  32  extending between a sheet receiving end  34  of the processing machine  30  and a sheet discharging end  36  thereof. The paper path is illustrated as an arrow. The first sheet processing machine  30  is aligned with a first grid  38  defined by the hypermodular sheet processing array  12  which, in the embodiment illustrated, is two dimensional and rectangular. However, it is to be appreciated that the preferred embodiments are equally applicable to three dimensional arrays as well as to use between any pair of sheet processing machines. 
   Similarly, the sheet processing system  10  includes a second sheet processing machine  40  defining a second sheet path  42  extending therethrough from a second sheet receiving end  44  of the processing machine  40  to a second sheet discharging end  46  of the machine. As illustrated, the second sheet processing machine  40  is generally aligned with a portion of the hypermodular sheet processing array  12 , preferably having the form of a right angle turn module  48 . 
   With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the intermediary universal interfaces  20  are used to adapt the hypermodular sheet feed modules  48 ,  50  for operative connection between the first and second sheet processing machines  30 ,  40 . The first set of sheet feed modules  50  extend as a regular repeating block from the first sheet processing machine  30  for moving the sheets along a first portion of a continuous sheet path  22  connecting the first sheet path  32  of the first sheet processing machine  30  with a second sheet path  42  of the second sheet processing machine  40  via the right angle turn module  48 . The right angle turn module  48  is on the grid  38  of the first set of sheet feed modules and defines a second portion of the sheet path  22  extending between the first and second sheet processing machines  30 ,  40 . It is to be appreciated that the first set of sheet feed modules  50  defines a rectangular grid  38  having a first pitch L x  in a first horizontal direction and relative to the first and second sheet processing machines  30 ,  40 . Similarly, the sheet feed modules define a second pitch L y  in a vertical direction and in the plane of the drawing sheet relative to the first and second sheet processing machines. As illustrated, the first and second pitches preferably have the same or an equivalent nominal size and the grid defines orthogonal axes. However, it is to be understood that the first and second pitches can have different lengths to form a rectangular grid and, further, the grid can define axes skewed in one or more dimensions to form a parallelogram grid. 
   The universal interfaces  20  include a first universal interface module  16  disposed between the first and second set of sheet feed modules for accommodating a vertical pitch spacing difference L y ′ between the hypermodular sheet processing array  12  and the second sheet processing machine  40 . Similarly, the second universal interface module  18  is provided in the system  10  for accommodating pitch spacing differences along a horizontal pitch direction L x ′ between the hypermodular sheet processing array  12  and the second sheet processing machine  40 . 
   It is to be further emphasized that the sheet processing system  10  illustrated in the figure includes sheet feed modules having matching longitudinal and lateral pitches L x , L y , respectively for simplification and ease of description purposes. However, the respective pitches can be other than those shown. Essentially, the universal interface modules of the preferred embodiments are useful to bridge variable distances between module inputs and outputs in horizontal, vertical, and combined horizontal and vertical directions between devices in hypermodular arrays. By utilizing the preferred interface modules described in the present application between inputs and/or outputs of functional units, the remainder of the paper path between the sheet processing machines  30 ,  40 , and the like can utilize standard hypermodular sheet feed modules  50 ,  52 , etc. disposed in a fixed pitch array as illustrated. More generally, the universal interface modules  16 ,  18  comprising the universal interfaces  20  allow coupling between functional units which have arbitrary relative positions therebetween. 
   To show the versatility of the subject embodiments,  FIG. 1   a  illustrates a sheet processing system  10 ′ including the hypermodular sheet processing array  12  from  FIG. 1 , but using alternative intermediary universal interfaces  20 ′ connecting the first sheet processing machine  30  with the second sheet processing machine  40 . The intermediary universal interfaces include first and second universal interface modules  16 ′,  18 ′ formed in accordance with further embodiments of the present application. In  FIG. 1   a , the second machine  40  is moved relative to the first machine  30  based on the initial arrangement shown schematically in  FIG. 1 . 
   In the embodiment shown schematically in  FIG. 1   a , each of the universal interface modules  16 ′,  18 ′ are movable in both horizontal and vertical directions to form a parallelogram of selected dimensions. This accommodates the potential need in the art to provide for several processing machines being located off of one or more of the grid axes. 
   To the above end, and with reference next to  FIG. 2 , the preferred form of the subject universal interface is a telescopic universal interface module  60  movable between the positions illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  in horizontal or vertical directions relative to the sheet processing system  10  described above. The telescopic universal interface module  60  embodiment illustrated, however, provides a single degree of freedom in a horizontal direction in terms of the sheet processing system for adaptive connection between devices arranged in corresponding hypermodular sheet processing arrays.  FIG. 3  shows the module  60  extended to a length comparable to or slightly greater than the horizontal pitch L x .  FIG. 2  shows the module  60  collapsed to a fraction of the pitch L x  less than the fraction of L x  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
   In its preferred form, the telescopic universal interface module  60  includes a frame  62  and a universal interface module  64  providing a sheet feeding path  66  positional relative to the frame  62  therethrough. The sheet feeding path  66  extends from one side of the module to the other as illustrated. More particularly, the sheet feeding path extends between a sheet receiving sheet path end  70  of the sheet feeding path  66  to a sheet discharging sheet path end  72  of the sheet feeding path  66 . As understood by those skilled in the art, the sheet feeding path  66  is provided for transporting copy sheets output from an associated first sheet processing machine to an associated copy sheet input of a second sheet processing machine in a direction A marked in the figure. 
     FIG. 2   a  shows an alternative preferred form of the subject universal interface module  60 ′ movable between the positions illustrated in  FIGS. 2   a  and  3  in horizontal or vertical directions relative to the sheet processing system  10  described above. The telescopic universal interface module  60 ′ embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2   a  provides a bidirectional paper feed path therethrough and, in that regard, offers alternative functionality relative to the first embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 . As in  FIG. 2 , the bidirectional universal interface module  60 ′ extends a length comparable to or slightly greater than the horizontal pitch L x .  FIG. 2   a  shows the bidirectional module  60 ′ collapsed to a fraction of the pitch L x  less than the fraction of L x  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
   In the form illustrated, the bidirectional telescopic universal interface module  60 ′ includes a frame  62 ′ and a universal interface module  64 ′ providing a bidirectional sheet feeding path  66 ′ positional relative to the frame  62 ′ therethrough. The bidirectional sheet feeding path  66 ′ extends between opposite sides of the module as illustrated. More particularly, the bidirectional sheet feeding path extends between a sheet receiving/discharging sheet feed path end  70 ′ of the sheet feeding path  66 ′ to a sheet receiving/discharging sheet feed path end  72 ′ of the sheet feeding path  66 ′. As understood by those skilled in the art, the bidirectional sheet feeding path  66 ′ is provided for transporting copy sheets between the associated first and second sheet processing machines in directions B marked in the figure. 
   The bidirectional telescopic universal interface module  60 ′ includes additional sheet feeding guides  71 ,  73  at opposite sides of the bidirectional sheet feeding path  66 ′. The additional sheet guides  71 ,  73  are provided to enable jam-free transfer of sheets across the module boundaries. In their preferred form, the additional guides are formed so as to be cooperative with similar guides on like modules for joining in an interdigitated fashion as understood by those skilled in the art. The interdigitated additional sheet feed guides enable smooth transition and transfer of sheets across the module boundaries. 
   With continued references to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the sheet discharging sheet path end  72  of the sheet feeding path  66  is independently positionable relative to the sheet receiving sheet path end over a range which extends from the position illustrated in  FIG. 2  to the position illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Essentially, the sheet discharging end is telescoped relative to the sheet receiving end from the orientation shown in  FIG. 2  in a single degree of freedom to the configuration shown in  FIG. 3 . 
   A positioning system  80  includes a set of linkages  82  for holding a pair of opposed tambour devices  84 ,  86  on opposite sides of the sheet feeding path  66 . In their preferred form, the tambour devices  84 ,  86  are anchored at opposite ends  88 ,  90  and  92 ,  94 , respectively to form rolls or the like. It is to be appreciated that devices or mechanisms other than the tambour devices illustrated can be used to define the sheet feeding path  66  including but not limited to any form of telescoping walls, stretchable membrane walls and the like. 
   In the preferred form illustrated, the linkage  82  include first and second parallel telescoping struts  100 ,  102  connected at opposite ends to the ends of the tambour devices  94 ,  96 . The struts  100 ,  102  are connected to the frame  62  at first ends  104 ,  106 , thereof as well as at second ends  108 ,  110  to thereby form a parallelogram. In that way, the struts  100 ,  102  form a cantilever by support at their first ends  104 ,  106 . 
   A pair of opposed rollers  120 ,  122  define a nip  124  at the receiving end  70  of the sheet feed path  66 . The rollers are motivated by an operatively associated motor, linkage, and controller system (not shown) for moving sheets along the path in the direction A. It is to be appreciated that the nip can be located in the universal interface module or in the adjacent hypermodule as desired. Preferably, however, the nip center line is placed at or is arranged to be coincident with the module boundary in accordance with the present embodiments. 
   In addition to the above, a first pair of paper guides  120  are carried in association with the rollers and the struts for guiding the work sheets through the nip and between the tambour devices  84 ,  86  along the paper path. Similarly, a pair of exit paper guides are provided to ensure that the copy sheets exit the paper path in the desired direction. 
   With reference next to  FIG. 4 , a universal interface module  160  formed in accordance with a second embodiment of the application is illustrated. As shown there, the module  160  is telescopic in two degrees of freedom in both horizontal and vertical directions in terms of the sheet processing system for adaptive connection between devices arranged in corresponding hypermodular sheet processing arrays. 
   In its preferred form, the telescopic universal interface module  160  includes a frame  162  and a universal interface module  164  providing a sheet feeding path  166  positional relative to the frame  162  therethrough. The sheet feeding path  166  extends from one side of the module to the other as illustrated. More particularly, the sheet feeding path extends between a sheet receiving sheet path end  170  of the sheet feeding path  166  to a sheet discharging sheet path end  172  of the sheet feeding path  166 . As understood by those skilled in the art, the sheet feeding path  166  is provided for transporting copy sheets output from an associated first sheet processing machine to an associated copy sheet input of a second sheet processing machine in a direction A marked in the figure. 
   With continued reference to  FIG. 4 , the sheet discharging sheet path end  172  of the sheet feeding path  166  is independently positionable relative to the sheet receiving sheet path end over a range which extends from the position illustrated in  FIG. 2  to the position illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Essentially, the sheet discharging end is telescoped relative to the sheet receiving end from the orientation shown in  FIG. 2  in two single degrees of freedom to the orientation shown in  FIG. 4 . 
   A positioning system  180  includes a set of linkages  182  for holding a pair of opposed tambour devices  184 ,  186  on opposite sides of the sheet feeding path  166 . In their preferred form, the tambour devices  184 ,  186  are anchored at opposite ends  188 ,  190  and  192 ,  194 , respectively to form rolls or the like. Other structures can be used as well such as interdigitized plastic or metal walls, elastic membranes, etc. Also, the tambour devices can be formed of metal, plastic, or any other suitable material as desired. 
   In the preferred form illustrated, the linkage  182  includes first and second parallel telescoping struts  200 ,  202  connected at opposite ends to the ends of the tambour devices  194 ,  196 . The struts  200 ,  202  are connected to the frame  162  at first ends  204 ,  206 , thereof as well as at second ends  208 ,  210  to thereby form a parallelogram. In that way, the struts  200 ,  202  form a cantilever by support at their first ends  204 ,  206 . 
   A pair of opposed rollers  210 ,  212  define a nip  214  at the receiving end  170  of the sheet feed path  166 . The rollers are motivated by an operatively associated motor, linkage, and controller (not shown) for moving sheets along the path in the direction A. 
   In addition to the above, a first pair of paper guides  220  are carried in association with the rollers and the struts for guiding the work sheets through the nip and between the tambour devices  184 ,  186  along the paper path. Similarly, a pair of exit paper guides  224  are provided to ensure that the copy sheets exit the paper path in the desired direction. 
   It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Technology Category: 7