摘要 |
A signature slow down device is provided which includes an entrance nip mechanism for receiving a signature from an upstream device at a first signature transport velocity and reducing the transport velocity of the signature to a first reduced transport velocity; and an exit nip mechanism for receiving the signature from the entrance nip mechanism, and further reducing the transport velocity of the signature to a second reduced transport velocity. In accordance with the present invention, the respective signature contacting surfaces of the entrance and exit nip mechanisms are each defined by a pair of opposing non-circular rotating components. Each non-circular rotating component has a first surface portion for forming a nip with its opposing non-circular rotating component and a second surface portion for forming a gap with its opposing non-circular rotating component. In each of the entrance and exit nip mechanisms, the opposing non-circular rotating components rotate at a variable velocity profile in which the non-circular rotating components decelerate when the nip is formed, and accelerate with the gap is formed.
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