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.

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 at least one member selected from the group consisting of spherical nips and piezoelectrically driven brushes.  
   
   
       3 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 1 , further comprising computational electronics.  
   
   
       4 . 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.  
   
   
       5 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 1 , wherein said actuation means comprises not less than one motor drive unit.  
   
   
       6 . 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.  
   
   
       7 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 6 , wherein said motor drive units drive said not less than two media transport nips independently in either the process or cross-process direction.  
   
   
       8 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 1 , further comprising media state sensors.  
   
   
       9 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 8 , wherein said media state sensors comprise at least one member selected from the group consisting of media edge sensors and relative motion sensors.  
   
   
       10 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 1 , further comprising not less than two media inlet guides.  
   
   
       11 . The frameless media path module according to  claim 1 , further comprising not less than two media outlet guides.  
   
   
       12 . 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.    
   
   
       13 . The reconfigurable media path assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein said support assembly comprises: 
 not less than one external frame;    frameless media path module supporting means; and    frameless media path module attachment means.    
   
   
       14 . The support assembly according to  claim 13 , wherein said not less than one external frame comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of an open structure, at least two parallel panels, or a solid housing.  
   
   
       15 . The support assembly according to  claim 13 , wherein said frameless media path module supporting means comprises not less than two supporting rods.  
   
   
       16 . The support assembly according to  claim 15 , wherein said supporting rods have a cross-section, said cross-section being geometric in shape.  
   
   
       17 . The support assembly according to  claim 13 , wherein said frameless media path module attachment means is secured to not more than one surface of the frameless media path module.  
   
   
       18 . The support assembly according to  claim 13 , 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.  
   
   
       19 . The reconfigurable media path assembly according to  claim 12 , further comprising a gate module.  
   
   
       20 . The reconfigurable media path assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein the reconfigurable media path assembly comprises a plurality of frameless media path modules.  
   
   
       21 . The reconfigurable media path assembly according to  claim 12 , wherein not less than two reconfigurable media path assemblies are configured to form parallel media transport paths in different transport planes.  
   
   
       22 . The reconfigurable media path assembly according to  claim 21 , wherein said parallel media transport paths in different transport planes are configured to combine or split in the process direction to form alternative parallel media transport paths.