Abstract: Method and apparatus for pre-creeping a force applying spring blade member having characteristics for ordinarily generating a higher than required initial force in a controlled force applying process. The apparatus includes a retainer that can be packed and sealed within storable container. The retainer includes a first set of walls defining a first slot for receiving and retaining a first edge of a generally rectangular spring blade member, and a second set of walls defining a second slot for receiving and retaining a second and opposite edge of the blade member. The second slot is in communication, and forms a blade creeping angle, with the first slot. The blade creeping angle and a controlled aging period of time for a packaged blade member are selected so as to cause the blade member to precreep through a precreep phase during the controlled period of time in accordance with a bend induced therein at the blade creeping angle.

Abstract: A device for inverting a sheet along a path in an electric photographic printing machine. A gateless sheet inverter is provided in which a curved portion of a sheet path branch intersects a second portion of the sheet path to form a curved inverter throat. As the sheet is driven from the curved branch portion of the path into the throat portion the beam strength of the sheet causes the trail edge of the sheet to flip toward a second nip leading to the second sheet path. A pair of reversing rolls captures the lead edge of the sheet to be inverted and then reverses to drive the sheets out of the second nip formed by a tri-roll arrangement. A sheet having a radius of curvature equal to or greater than the radius of curvature of the throat will be guided along the throat baffle and fed through the second nip. To further assist in assuring the trail edge flips to the second sheet path an air knife can be added at the intersection of the path branches to assist in moving the trail edge into the second path branch.

Abstract: A method and solenoid assembly for extending the wear life of the solenoid. These include: enabling rotation of the solenoid plunger within the solenoid housing to expose a new solenoid plunger surface when solenoid plunger surface reaches a failure mode; reducing and/or eliminating side load on the solenoid; reducing the clearance or tolerance between the solenoid housing and the solenoid plunger to reduce solenoid wear; and a stop feature improvement with less stress concentration.

Abstract: A spring force applying blade device for exhibiting a reduced creep rate when bent in a force applying application. The spring force applying device includes a guide member for supporting a blade member. The guide member has a curved portion for supporting a blade member bent thereover for applying a force. The spring force applying blade device also includes a spring blade member that has a first edge that is attached to the guide member, and a second and opposite edge for applying a force when bent over the curved portion of the guide member. The blade member is comprised of a plurality of blade layers for reducing stress and for reducing a creep rate of the blade member when bent over the curved portion of the guide member in a force applying application. The plurality of blade layers are attached together at the first edge of the blade member and are free to slide relative to each other at the second and opposite edge.

Abstract: A roll member, typically for use in a sheet transport system, including a body portion that is susceptible to wear, wherein a visually distinguishable wear indicator is provided for indicating a predetermined amount of wear in the body of the roll member.

Abstract: A bindery system captures pages of a bound or unbound book in a hard or soft cover case by crimping a metal U-shaped channel which is bonded to the inside spine surface of the hard or soft covers.

Abstract: A pistol grip brazing tool utilizes an insulative frame to mount a pair of elongated support elements, one fixed and the other reciprocating. The support elements, in turn, mount at their front ends a pair of electrodes in opposed relation and at their rear ends brazing cable connectors. Conductive links affixed to the support elements are adapted with interconnecting conductive cable lengths such as to conduct brazing current between the electrodes and the cable connectors in shunt relation with the support elements. The flow of brazing current is controlled to insure that brazing operations are performed without undue arcing.