System and apparatus for print media manufacturing buffering and sorting, and corresponding method thereof

A system for performing at least one of buffering or sorting a printed element during a print media assembly or delivery operation, the system comprising:

• a first process device configured to convey at least a portion of a printed element;
• a first transportation mechanism configured to receive the at least a portion of the printed element and to transport the at least a portion of the printed element;
• an apparatus, including:
• a storage section including at least one segment having a plurality of ridges and valleys, the at least one segment configured to store the at least a portion of the printed element, and
• a gripper configured to selectively transport the at least portion of the printed element to the storage section and to selectively transport the at least portion of the printed element from the storage section;
• and
• an output section configured to selectively output the at least portion of the printed element;
• a second transportation mechanism configured to receive the at least a portion of the printed element from the output section and to transport the at least a portion of the printed element;
• and
• a second process device having a second operation configuration, the second process device configured to perform at least one operation in association with the at least a portion of the printed element.

A system for performing at least one of buffering or sorting a printed element during a print media assembly or delivery operation, the system comprising:

• a first process device configured to convey at least a portion of a printed element;
• a first transportation mechanism configured to receive the at least a portion of the printed element and to transport the at least a portion of the printed element;
• a storage section including:
• at least one gripper;
• a first storage portion and a second storage portion configured to store the at least a portion of the printed element, each of the first storage portion and the second storage portion having a plurality of ridges and a plurality of valleys formed therein, the plurality of ridges and the plurality of valleys configured to form at least one cavity,
• wherein the plurality of ridges of the first storage portion and the second storage portion, and the plurality of valleys of the first storage portion and the second storage portion are configured such that at least a portion of the at least one gripper is received in the at least one cavity;
• and
• an output section configured to selectively output the at least portion of the printed element;
• a second transportation mechanism configured to receive the at least a portion of the printed element from the output section and to transport the at least a portion of the printed element;
• and
• a second process device having a second operation configuration, the second process device configured to perform at least one operation in association with the at least a portion of the printed element.