Sheet transport apparatus for use in an electrophotographic printing machine

Abstract

An apparatus is described for releasably gripping a sheet and advancing the sheet through a transfer zone and into registration with information developed on a moving member. The apparatus includes a first gripping member and a second gripping member adapted to be moved relative to the first gripping member. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for applying a force on the second gripping member to urge the second gripping member towards the first gripping member to grip the sheet. Moreover, the apparatus includes a mechanism for advancing the first gripping member and the second gripping member through the transfer zone. The apparatus additionally includes a mechanism for moving the second gripping member relative to the first gripping member to acquire or release the sheet. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for positioning the moving mechanism in a first mode of operation to allow the moving mechanism to move the second gripping member, and, in a second mode of operation to prevent the moving mechanism from moving the second gripping member. The printing machine still further includes a mechanism for isolating the positioning mechanism from the force applied by the force applying mechanism during the first mode of operation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.