Frameless media path modules

Abstract

A frameless media path module is provided for a media processing system feeding media streams through a media path structured for serial or parallel flows. The frameless media path module includes a plurality of media guides and not less than two media transport nips operated by at least one actuator. Means is included for attaching the frameless media path module to a supporting structure. Media state sensing electronics detect media edge or relative motion and intermodule electrical communication capability is provided.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . For a media processing system feeding media streams through a media path structured for serial or parallel flows, a frameless media path module comprising: 
 a plurality of media guides;    not less than two media transport nips;    module attachment means;    actuation means;    intermodule electrical communication means; and    media state sensing electronics.    
     
     
         2 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 1 , wherein said media transport nips comprise cylindrical nips.  
     
     
         3 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 1 , wherein said media transport nips comprise spherical nips.  
     
     
         4 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 1 , wherein said media transport nips comprise piezoelectrically driven brushes.  
     
     
         5 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 1 , further comprising computational electronics.  
     
     
         6 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 1 , wherein said not less than two media transport nips are spaced a distance apart, said distance being less than the shortest media length in the process direction.  
     
     
         7 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 1 , wherein said actuation means comprises not less than one motor drive unit.  
     
     
         8 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 1 , wherein said actuation means comprises separate motor drive units for each of said not less than two media transport nips.  
     
     
         9 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 8 , wherein said motor drive units drive said not less than two media transport nips independently in the process direction.  
     
     
         10 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 8 , wherein said motor drive units drive said not less than two media transport nips independently in the cross-process direction.  
     
     
         11 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 1 , further comprising media state sensors.  
     
     
         12 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 11 , wherein said media state sensors comprise media edge sensors.  
     
     
         13 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 11 , wherein said media state sensors comprise relative motion sensors.  
     
     
         14 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 1 , further comprising not less than two media inlet guides.  
     
     
         15 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 1 , further comprising not less than two media outlet guides.  
     
     
         16 . For a media processing system feeding media streams through a media path structured for serial or parallel flows, a reconfigurable media path assembly comprising: 
 not less than one frameless media path module including a plurality of media guides, not less than two media transport nips, module attachment means, actuation means, intermodule electrical communication means, and media state sensing electronics; and    a support assembly.    
     
     
         17 . The reconfigurable media path assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein said support assembly comprises: 
 not less than one external frame;    frameless media path module supporting means; and    frameless media path module attachment means.    
     
     
         18 . The support assembly according to  claim 17 , wherein said not less than one external frame comprises not less than two parallel panels.  
     
     
         19 . The support assembly according to  claim 17 , wherein said not less than one external frame comprises an open structure.  
     
     
         20 . The support assembly according to  claim 17 , wherein said not less than one external frame comprises a solid housing.  
     
     
         21 . The support assembly according to  claim 17 , wherein said frameless media path module supporting means comprises not less than two supporting rods.  
     
     
         22 . The support assembly according to  claim 21 , wherein said supporting rods have a cross-section, said cross-section being geometric in shape.  
     
     
         23 . The support assembly according to  claim 17 , wherein said frameless media path module attachment means is secured to not more than one surface of the frameless media path module.  
     
     
         24 . The support assembly according to  claim 23 , wherein said unsecured surface of the frameless media path module is configured to permit access to an interior region of the frameless media path module.  
     
     
         25 . The reconfigurable media path assembly according to  claim 16 , further comprising a gate module.  
     
     
         26 . The reconfigurable media path assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein the reconfigurable media path assembly comprises a plurality of frameless media path modules.  
     
     
         27 . The reconfigurable media path assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein not less than two reconfigurable media path assemblies are configured to form parallel media transport paths in the same transport plane.  
     
     
         28 . The reconfigurable media path assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein not less than two reconfigurable media path assemblies are configured to form parallel media transport paths in different transport planes.  
     
     
         29 . The reconfigurable media path assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein not less than three reconfigurable media path assemblies are configured to form not less than two parallel media transport paths which are joined to a single media transport path in the process direction.  
     
     
         30 . The reconfigurable media path assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein not less than three reconfigurable media path assemblies are configured to form a single media transport path which is split into two parallel media transport paths in the process direction.