An image forming apparatus includes a controller to move a sheet, in an image formation process on a first surface, to a standard position in a width direction and move the sheet, in an image formation process on a second surface, in the width direction based on a detected position in a case where a difference between the standard position and a first position in the width direction is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value. The controller moves the sheet, in the image formation process on the first surface, by the predetermined value in the width direction and moves the sheet, in the image formation process on the second surface, in the width direction based on detected positions in a case where the difference between the standard position and the first position in the width direction is larger than the predetermined value.

To prevent a failure or the like caused by winding of a tape in a reverse direction to a proper direction, a paper sheet circulation device includes a travelling-direction mark having a pattern that is formed along a travelling-direction of a detection tape and indicates the difference of the travelling-direction of the tape, and a sensor module that detects the travelling-direction mark and outputs a detection signal. The paper sheet circulation device determines a travelling-direction of the tape from a pattern signal in accordance with the travelling-direction of the tape acquired on the basis of a temporal change of the detection signal, and determines a winding direction of the tape on a drum from the travelling-direction of the tape and a rotation direction of the drum.

To prevent a failure or the like caused by winding of a tape in a reverse direction to a proper direction, a paper sheet circulation device includes a travelling-direction mark having a pattern that is formed along a travelling-direction of a detection tape and indicates the difference of the travelling-direction of the tape, and a sensor module that detects the travelling-direction mark and outputs a detection signal. The paper sheet circulation device determines a travelling-direction of the tape from a pattern signal in accordance with the travelling-direction of the tape acquired on the basis of a temporal change of the detection signal, and determines a winding direction of the tape on a drum from the travelling-direction of the tape and a rotation direction of the drum.

The present invention provides a conveyor mechanism for conveying sheets. The conveyor mechanism comprises a movable conveyor body, a drive mechanism, and an adjustment system configured to detect and correct skewing of the conveyor body, comprising one or more markers provided on or in the conveyor body, a sensor arrangement for detecting each marker at two or more discrete positions, and a processor to determine the skewing of the conveyor body. The conveyor body and the drive mechanism of the conveyor mechanism are mounted on a movable conveyor frame, and the adjustment system includes a frame shifting device comprising one or one or more actuator for shifting or moving the conveyor frame relative to a fixed framework. The invention also provides a related method of correcting skewing in a conveyor mechanism for conveying sheets along a transport path.

The present invention provides a conveyor mechanism for conveying sheets. The conveyor mechanism comprises a movable conveyor body, a drive mechanism, and an adjustment system configured to detect and correct skewing of the conveyor body, comprising one or more markers provided on or in the conveyor body, a sensor arrangement for detecting each marker at two or more discrete positions, and a processor to determine the skewing of the conveyor body. The conveyor body and the drive mechanism of the conveyor mechanism are mounted on a movable conveyor frame, and the adjustment system includes a frame shifting device comprising one or one or more actuator for shifting or moving the conveyor frame relative to a fixed framework. The invention also provides a related method of correcting skewing in a conveyor mechanism for conveying sheets along a transport path.

An example method comprises operating a drive unit to advance a substrate in a substrate advance direction toward a printing station. At the printing station, a first line is printed onto the substrate. A drive unit is instructed to advance the substrate in the substrate advance direction by a target amount, and a second line is printed onto the substrate. The distance between the first and second lines in a direction perpendicular to the substrate advance direction is calculated and, based on the calculated difference, a tension of the substrate is modified.

An adhesive tape for the flying roll change of flat web material wound on rolls has a carrier having a leading side and a trailing side. An optically detectable means and an exposable self-adhesive compound are arranged on the leading side. A cleavable adhesive system is located on the trailing side. An inductively detectable means is arranged in the adhesive tape in a visually inconspicuous manner.

A kit for dispensing disposable stethoscope covers and other instrument covers is provided. The kit may include a cartridge and a dispenser for automatic touch-free dispensing of disposable stethoscope covers. The kit further includes a first spool having a roll of backing member with disposable stethoscope covers disposed thereon and a second spool for receiving the spent backing member after a disposable stethoscope cover has been removed, self-contained within the cartridge. The cartridge is inserted within the dispenser so that a user may insert a stethoscope head through a window of the dispenser to attach to a disposable stethoscope cover. Alternatively, the cartridge or cassette may be comprised of disposable instrument covers so that a user may insert the instrument near or through the window of the dispenser for application of the instrument cover directly to the instrument. The kit may further include a proximity sensor for detecting a user.

Belt conveyor system comprising: an endless mesh belt, the belt having a mesh structure and having edge areas at the lateral sides, a drive mechanism drivable by a drive motor to rotate the belt, and a steering roller for steering the lateral position of the belt, wherein an edge area comprises a band running substantially parallel to the lateral sides, the band comprising an elastic filler being provided inside the mesh structure, the elastic filler being discernible from the mesh structure, and wherein the belt conveyor system further comprises a band position detector for detecting the lateral position of the band.

Belt conveyor system comprising: an endless mesh belt, the belt having a mesh structure and having edge areas at the lateral sides, a drive mechanism drivable by a drive motor to rotate the belt, and a steering roller for steering the lateral position of the belt, wherein an edge area comprises a band running substantially parallel to the lateral sides, the band comprising an elastic filler being provided inside the mesh structure, the elastic filler being discernible from the mesh structure, and wherein the belt conveyor system further comprises a band position detector for detecting the lateral position of the band.