Abstract: An induction heated roll apparatus includes a roller main body, an induction heating mechanism, and a cooling mechanism. The induction heating mechanism heats the roller main body, while the cooling mechanism cools the roller main body and/or the induction heating mechanism using a cavity portion between the roller main body and the induction heating mechanism. The cooling mechanism has intake apertures and discharge apertures that are formed in a journal flange portion and communicate with the cavity portion, a suction mechanism that suctions a gas in the cavity portion through the discharge apertures, and a mist supply mechanism that supplies mist to the intake apertures.

Abstract: A motor system includes a motor, and a multi-turn absolute encoder that detects a rotation number and an absolute angular position of a rotation shaft of the motor. The multi-turn absolute encoder includes: an absolute angular position detection device that detects the absolute angular position within one rotation period of the rotation shaft; and a storage element that stores the rotation number of the motor. Even if the driving of the multi-turn absolute encoder is stopped while the motor is stopped, the multi-turn absolute encoder detects the multi-turn position of the rotation shaft after startup. Further, the motor has a brake mechanism including: a gear-type brake wheel that rotates integrally with the rotation shaft; an engagement member capable of engaging with the teeth of the gear-type brake wheel; and an actuator which causes the teeth and the engagement member to engage with each other during braking.

Abstract: A 2p poles axial-flow electric motor includes a stator composed of at least one pair of conductor layers on which the printed phases are arranged in semi-phases.

Abstract: An image-reading device is provided that includes a reading component configured to read a document, a document holding portion, a detector detecting a position of the document holding portion, a power supply device that supplies power to the reading component, and a power supply control device that controls power supplied by the power supply device to the reading component. The power supply control device determines whether a change in the position of the document holding portion has occurred based on the position of the document holding portion detected by the detector. When a change in position is detected and the image reading device is not performing document reading, the power supplied to the reading component is reduced. If a change in position is detected while the image reading device is performing document reading, the power supplied to the reading component is maintained.

Abstract: An image-reading device is provided that includes a reading component configured to read a document, a document holding portion, a detector detecting a position of the document holding portion, a power supply device that supplies power to the reading component, and a power supply control device that controls power supplied by the power supply device to the reading component. The power supply control device determines whether a change in the position of the document holding portion has occurred based on the position of the document holding portion detected by the detector. When a change in position is detected and the image reading device is not performing document reading, the power supplied to the reading component is reduced. If a change in position is detected while the image reading device is performing document reading, the power supplied to the reading component is maintained.

Abstract: A robot arm assembly includes a first output shaft, a first driving mechanism, a second output shaft and a second driving mechanism. The first driving mechanism includes a first driving motor for driving the first output shaft to rotate, a first driving belt pulley non-rotatably connected to the first output shaft, and a first belt winding on the first driving motor and the first driving belt pulley. The second output shaft is rotatably sleeved in the first output shaft. The second driving mechanism includes a second driving motor for driving the second output shaft to rotate, a second driving belt pulley non-rotatably connected to the second output shaft, and a second belt winding on the second driving motor and the second driving belt pulley.

Abstract: A transfer and dispensing apparatus is disclosed for the conveying and separation of packaging material, cushions or pillows when needed by the operator. When a packer working over a conveyor receives a box that requires void fill, an operating switch such as a foot pedal is depressed to dispense pillows from the apparatus and into the box in a connected strip. When the operating switch is released, the apparatus stops dispensing pillows, separates the continuous strip of pillows along a transverse perforation in the strip, and ejects the end of the separated segment. The packer can then complete packing the box by placing the severed end of the pillows into the box, advance to the next box, and repeat the process. The transfer and dispensing apparatus may be positioned in any convenient location including adjacent to, above or attached to the inflation device.

Abstract: A stock feeder for woodworking equipment includes a base, a cross clamp, a horizontal bar unit, a vertical bar unit, a feeding unit, and an electrical unit. The electrical unit has an electrical unit main body and a variable-frequency drive. The electrical unit main body has a first housing, a plurality of heat dissipation grooves provided on the outer periphery of the first housing, and a power fan which is independently mounted on a top portion of the first housing and in communication with the heat dissipation grooves. The variable-frequency drive has a second housing, a variable-frequency circuit sealed in the second housing, and a control panel exposed outside the second housing. The second housing has an outer surface provided with a plurality of heat dissipation slots corresponding in position to and in communication with the heat dissipation grooves of the electrical unit main body.

Abstract: A wire feeder includes a wire feeder housing that encloses one or more drive roll assemblies rotatably connected with respect to the wire feeder housing for engaging welding wire. Each of drive roll assemblies includes a biasing element that adjusts compressive forces applied to the welding wire.

Abstract: A cable bolt lifting and feeding device that is a lightweight unit that mounts into a drill rig rotation unit. The device uses the mechanical power provided in the rotation unit to drive a set of wheels that engage with the cable bolt, causing the cable bolt to be pushed through the device and into a pre-drilled hole.

Abstract: A wire feeder comprises a motor and drive roll assembly. The motor and drive roll assembly comprises a base assembly having a left hand side and a right hand side. A first locating mechanism is on the right hand side and a second locating mechanism is on the left hand side. Modules, such as inlet or outlet guides can be located and mounted, preferably on either side. Each module preferably includes an additional locating mechanism to allow an additional module to be located by the additional locating mechanism. The locating mechanisms are preferably of the same design, and preferably each includes at least two holes with a locator pin disposed in each hole, and each module being located includes at least locating holes to receive the locator pins.

Abstract: A roller for a sheet product dispenser includes a roller shaft, a roller frame molded onto the roller shaft, and a plurality of flexible rubber portions overmolded onto the roller frame and spaced along a length of the roller frame. The rubber portions are configured to contact a sheet product for dispensing from the sheet product dispenser. A dispensing mechanism for a sheet product dispenser includes a chassis and a roller positioned within and coupled to the chassis. The roller includes a roller shaft, a roller frame molded onto the roller shaft, and a plurality of flexible rubber portions overmolded onto the roller frame and spaced along a length of the roller frame. The rubber portions are configured to contact a sheet product for dispensing from the sheet product dispenser.

Abstract: Multiple extrusion drive motors are nested in an overlapping configuration that permits re-use of the drive axes to support drive gears and complementary guide bearings, resulting in a compact arrangement of independently controllable extruders for multiple build materials.

Abstract: A sheet conveyance apparatus comprising: a sheet conveyance path; a loop forming unit that is disposed on the sheet conveyance path and bends, in a loop, the sheet to be conveyed; and a guide unit that is stepwise high at both sides whereas low at the center, as viewed in a sheet conveyance direction, and extends in the sheet conveyance direction, wherein the sheet sagging in the loop by the loop forming unit enters a guide region being defined between opposite guide faces of paired steps in the stepwise guide unit and having a width according to the width of the sheet, so that the side edges of the sheet abut against the guide faces, thus correcting the skewing of the sheet in the sheet conveyance direction.

Abstract: A transfer and dispensing apparatus is disclosed for the conveying and separation of packaging material, cushions or pillows when needed by the operator. When a packer working over a conveyor receives a box that requires void fill, an operating switch such as a foot pedal is depressed to dispense pillows from the apparatus and into the box in a connected strip. When the operating switch is released, the apparatus stops dispensing pillows, separates the continuous strip of pillows along a transverse perforation in the strip, and ejects the end of the separated segment. The packer can then complete packing the box by placing the severed end of the pillows into the box, advance to the next box, and repeat the process. The transfer and dispensing apparatus may be positioned in any convenient location including adjacent to, above or attached to the inflation device.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering hose, particularly coupled fire hose, comprises a lifting frame assembly, a lifting arm attached to the lifting frame assembly, a plurality of guide rollers, a motor mounted on the lifting frame assembly, an electric switch, a powered rotational drive roller, a plurality of lower rollers, and a detachable support assembly. A biasing means biases the lifting frame assembly to a plurality of guide roller mounts to allow lifting and lowering of the lifting frame assembly to and from at first and second position to allow passage of hose fitted with hose couplings. When using the relatively simple apparatus, a single operator can efficiently collect infinite quantities of hose fitted with hose couplings.

Abstract: A wire feeder for an electric arc welder comprising feed rolls driven by an electric motor for moving a welding wire toward a workpiece for an arc welding process. The motor is rotated at a speed determined by a WFS signal from a controller when energized by actuation of a start switch, a switch network has a first condition allowing the motor to operate at the speed determined by the WFS signal and a second override condition forcing the motor to rotate at a fixed lower speed, a toggle circuit with a first position to shift the switch network into the second condition upon actuation of the motor start switch and a second position to shift the switch network to the first condition upon receipt of a toggle signal, and a device to create the toggle signal when the load current to the motor exceeds a given value.

Abstract: A gaming ticket dispensing device is provided for dispensing tickets having prize-revealing characters and a removable covering for hiding the prize-revealing characters prior to acquisition by an end user. The ticket dispensing device includes a storage mechanism for holding a plurality of gaming tickets. A revealer is provided for removing the removable covering to reveal the prize-revealing characters, and a scanner is provided for scanning the prize-revealing characters. A processor is in communication with the scanner for processing the scanned characters' information to determine a prize value associated with the characters scanned. An audio visual display displays an audio visual message relating to the prize value and a dispensing port is provided for dispensing the gaming ticket to the user.

Abstract: A conveyance system that transports fabric comprises a work space having a surface that the fabric can be transports across, and at least one budger that moves and/or provide force to the fabric in a servo controlled motion.

Abstract: An arrangement (11) for driving a flat substrate along a longitudinal direction, the arrangement being mounted in a packaging production machine. The substrate has a surface that has sustained at least one modification. The arrangement includes a device (9) for driving the substrate along the longitudinal direction, and a device for bearing the substrate against the driving device (9), and having at least one bearing zone (23) facing toward the driving device (9). The substrate is engaged and driven between the driving device (9) and the bearing device. The bearing zone (23) has a transverse dimension (D) and position (Y), chosen as a function of a transverse dimension and a position of the modification on the substrate, so as to prevent damaging the modification between the driving device (9) and the bearing device.

Abstract: A driving apparatus can be utilized to control the cleaning movements of one or more cleaning lances with respect to certain industrial equipment such as a heat exchanger. For example, driving apparatus can be utilized to feed an additional length of cleaning lance to the tubes of exchanger, or to retract cleaning lance from the tubes of exchanger as desired. In general, driving apparatus can be used to clean a variety of types of pipes, tubing and equipment used in industrial facilities.

Abstract: A paper dispenser has a transport roller which can be alternatively rotated by a motor-driven mechanism or by a manually driven mechanism. A first coupling member is associated with the transport roller and respective second coupling members are associated with the two drive mechanisms. The two secondary coupling members are interconnected by a movable connecting element and can be alternatively engaged with the first coupling member.

Abstract: Provided is a component tape feeder apparatus comprising a single output module, a single component exposure module, operably connected to the single output module, and, a plurality of input modules, wherein each input module of the plurality of input modules is operably connected to the single exposure module. A corresponding method of feeding electronic components includes supplying a plurality of component tapes housing electronic components to the single exposure module, wherein the supplying involves receiving and forwarding of the plurality of component tapes by the plurality of input modules.

Abstract: A ladder type stage apparatus that transports a film-shaped substrate includes a plurality of rods whose longitudinal directions are aligned in a direction that is orthogonal to the moving direction of the film-shaped substrate in order to support the film-shaped substrate; chains that join the rods along a closed-loop trajectory; and a drive motor that moves the rods along this loop-shaped trajectory via the chains.

Abstract: A wire feed station of a wire processing system draws a supply of wire into the system. The wire feed station includes first and second feed wheels that create a nip to pull the wire through the feed station. A drive assembly is coupled to the first and second feed wheels to cause rotation of the feed wheels. The drive assembly includes first and second drive shafts that are coupled to the first and second feed wheels through a pair of flexible couplings. The flexible couplings allow the first and second feed wheels to move relative to each other to adjust the feed nip. The flexible couplings allow a single drive motor to rotate the first and second feed wheels through a pair of drive shafts without the use of a complex belt or gear assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a web traveling position regulating method, a web manufacturing method and a web conveying device that, without relying on a roller whose peripheral surface is crown-shaped, can carry out transverse direction position regulation of a web that travels, and provides a web cutting device to which the web conveying device is applied and that, by a simple structure, can carry out transverse direction position regulation of plural webs that travel.

Abstract: A mechanism (10) for feeding a length of twisted pair cable (15), comprises a driven capstan (11) and a continuous belt (17) defining, respectively, first and second contact surfaces for the twisted pair cable (15). The continuous belt (17) is supported and arranged so that a portion thereof embraces an arc (16) of the substantially circular periphery of the capstan (11). Drive means are provided to effect rotation of the capstan (11), so as to feed a length of twisted pair cable (15) along the arcuate path (16) defined between the first and second contact surfaces where the arc (16) of the capstan (11) intersects the continuous belt (17). The arcuate path (16) is sufficiently narrow such that the capstan (11) and the continuous belt (17) embrace the length of twisted pair cable (15), and sufficiently long such that at least two nodes (19) of said length of twisted pair cable (15) are accommodated therein.

Abstract: A film feeding machine includes a drawing device to draw a continuous film out of a film base to a predetermined position. The film is held by a feeding device and cut off by a cutting device to have a film piece. The film piece is fed to external equipment by the feeding device. The film feeding machine of the present invention is incorporated in a molding process having advantages of lower cost, lower defective ratio and high production efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively dispensing a web from a plurality of rolls of serrated bags or layflat tubing comprises a web selector for selecting and advancing a web from the plurality of rolls; a bag driver for advancing the selected web and separating a bag from the web; and a bag transfer device for transporting the separated bag from the bag driver to a location for processing. A sealer/cutter is used to produce a bag from the layflat tubing. A method of selectively dispensing a web from a plurality of rolls of serrated bags or layflat tubing comprises selecting and advancing a web from the plurality of rolls of serrated bags; advancing the selected web and separating a bag from the web; and transporting the separated bag to a location for further processing. In the case of layflat tubing, the selected web is sealed and cut to make a bag.

Abstract: A tape feeder including an electronic component accommodating part installed at one side of a tape feeder main body to accommodate electronic components which are not picked up by a suction nozzle of an electronic component conveyance robot installed at an electronic component mounting device, thereby preventing the electronic components from clogging a carrier tape moving path, and storing the electronic components in the electronic component accommodating part. Therefore, it is possible to increase efficiency of equipment without operational delay and stoppage of the equipment, readily extract and reuse the electronic components accommodated in the electronic component accommodating part, and keep an operational environment clean.

Abstract: A wire winding device for electrical components has a transmission member, a wire feeding member, a wire winding member, a spool feeding member, and a driving member. Spools are respectively inserted into the wire winding member via the spool feeding member and rotated by the driving member. Wires are moved into the wire winding member via the wire feeding member and inserted into the spool. Hence, the wire can be encircled the spool automatically.

Abstract: A vacuum system has a cabinet that can be mounted to a wall. The cabinet includes a hose storage compartment with a hose drive assembly for automatically extending and retracting a vacuum hose. A portable vacuum unit can be removably docked to the cabinet and connected to the vacuum hose so that waste can be picked up the vacuum hose when the portable vacuum unit is docked. When undocked, the portable vacuum unit can be used alone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding wire in a welding system include one or more motors disposed adjacent the wire to drive it. A wire feed motor is also disposed along the wire path, and is closer to the source of wire than the torch, and closer to the source than the one or more motors. The motors may be a pair motors disposed on opposite sides of the wire and move the wire to and away from an arc end of a torch. They preferably reversing the direction of the wire within one process cycle. The or more motors may be a stepper motor, a servo motor, a zero backlash motor, a gearless motor, a planetary drive motor, or a linear actuator (such as a piston), in various embodiments.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for a belt drive device, which comprises two continuous drive belts, which arc arranged to be operated by means of drive rollers (2), and which are arranged to travel around stretching rollers as continuous loops spaced apart, and which are arranged to be pressed by means of press rolls against the opposite surfaces of a cable or the like (3) to be drawn. In order to provide a simple structure, the drive rollers (2) are arranged to be rotated by a single power source by driving two planetary gears (8) connected in parallel and provided with angular front transmission. The rotary motion generated by the power source is arranged to be transmitted in the same direction to primary axles (9) of both planetary gears (8) provided with angular front transmission in order to rotate secondary axles (10) and the drive rollers (2) connected thereto in opposite directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding wire in a welding system include one or more motors disposed adjacent the wire to drive it. A wire feed motor is also disposed along the wire path, and is closer to the source of wire than the torch, and closer to the source than the one or more motors. The motors may be a pair motors disposed on opposite sides of the wire and move the wire to and away from an arc end of a torch. They preferably reversing the direction of the wire within one process cycle. The or more motors may be a stepper motor, a servo motor, a zero backlash motor, a gearless motor, a planetary drive motor, or a linear actuator (such as a piston), in various embodiments.

Abstract: An assist drive assembly for adjusting tension in a web generated when the web is moved over a roller in a contacting relationship therewith. A plurality of north and south pole elements are disposed about the roller. A controller is coupled to a magnetic pole sensor and an magnetic coil. The magnetic pole sensor and magnetic coil are disposed adjacent the north and south pole elements such that, when, during rotation of the roller in a direction of rotation, as a result of the web moving over the roller, the magnetic pole sensor observes a south pole element a first signal is generated that actuates the controller to energize the magnetic coil to generate a north pole field that attracts an immediately adjacent south pole element thereby imparting a torque to the roller in a direction of rotation of the roller.

Abstract: A tape feeder for precisely advancing a component-carrying tape to present sequential electronic components disposed at a pitch in the tape to a pick-and-place machine. A feed sprocket and an encoder disc are operatively associated with each other and rotatably disposed on a common axis within a housing. A motor is operatively connected to the feed sprocket to repetitively rotate the feed sprocket over an angle corresponding to the pitch of the component-carrying tape. An encoder is disposed to read the encoder disc and provide a feedback signal indicating the angular position of the feed sprocket.

Abstract: A conveyor unit for conveying a web of material, in particular for conveying a web of corrugated board in a corrugating machine, comprises a machine frame; a delivery roller, which is lodged in the machine frame rotatably about a first axis of rotation; a drive for actuation of the delivery roller; a draw roller, which is lodged in the machine frame rotatably about a second axis of rotation, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation being substantially parallel to each other, a nip for the web of material to pass through being formed between the delivery roller and the draw roller, the draw roller having a draw-roller-surface coefficient of friction which is selected so as to ensure power transmission from the draw roller to the web of material that rests thereon, and the delivery roller having a delivery-roller-surface coefficient of friction which is less than or equal to the draw-roller-surface coefficient of friction; and a torque transmission arrangement, which acts between the delivery

Abstract: In a double type tape feeder in which two tape feed mechanisms that pitch-feed carrier tapes holding electronic components are arranged in parallel and two carrier tapes can be simultaneously supplied, sprockets in the tape pitch feed mechanisms are arranged so that they hold a shaft axis in common, and directions of respective rotary shafts of motors are coincided with each other toward the shaft axis, so that the motors are arranged in radial pattern. Hereby, an overlap of widthwise sizes of the motors in plane arrangement is permitted. Therefore, the whole width size is reduced and a compact tape feeder is realized.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the strain of a web material supplied to a machine by adjusting a tension force applied to the web material. An operator defines a target web strain via an input device. A speed sensor senses the speed of the web material supplied to the machine at a first position and a second position and generates a speed signal representative of the difference. A tension sensor senses a tension force applied to the web prior to the first position and after the first position and generates a tension signal representative of the difference. A control system calculates web strain as a function of the tension signal and speed signal, and compares the calculated strain with the target web strain and generates a speed control signal as a function of the comparison. The feed device is responsive to the speed control signal for adjusting a speed differential of the web to adjust tension force applied to the web.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for threading a continuous web into a device arrangement having a first module and a second module connectable to and detachable from one another. First and second traction units are provided in the first and second modules. A gripper device grips a beginning section of the continuous web and is detachable to the traction units. The continuous web is pulled with the assistance of the gripper device from an input section to an output section of the respective module given movement of the traction units. A connector device connects the two traction units of the two modules to each other.

Abstract: A feeding device for taped electric components includes advancing wheels for the tapes. The advancing wheels are driven via tangentially disposed drive spindles of a worm drive. Drive motors for the drive spindles are off-set from one another in two directions of the coordinate system in such a manner that their distance in the axial direction of the advancing wheels is smaller than the distance of the advancing wheels. This thereby allows an increase of the thickness of the drive motors and a corresponding increase of their drive power.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for feeding string from a supply involves entraining the string around at least one feed roll and driving the feed roll continuously in cycles in a direction for feeding the string forward. Each of the cycles involves varying the speed of the roll for feeding a predetermined length of string forward per cycle. The string is subjected to a force in the reverse direction upstream from the feed roll and to a force in the forward direction downstream from the feed roll.

Abstract: A capstan motor for a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus includes a stator having a coil disposed on outer peripheral direction thereof, and a rotor having a magnet to correspond to coil and rotated by an electromagnetic interaction between the coil and the magnet. A capstan shaft is rotated integrally with the rotor, is fixed on the rotor and installed so that one side of the capstan shaft is cohered with a pinch roller taking a tape therebetween to drive the tape with the pinch roller. The magnet has a predetermined shape and is provided to apply magnetic force of the magnet eccentrically for an electromagnetic force generated on the coil so that a predetermined thrust can be applied to the capstan shaft toward one direction between upper and lower directions of the shaft direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission apparatus in connection with a pulling equipment intended for moving especially a cable or a corresponding product, the transmission apparatus comprising a shaft that is operated by a motor (11) and that is connected to an output shaft (16) of the transmission apparatus by means of cog wheels (14). The output shaft (16) is connected to means (10) that are in contact with the cable. The cog wheels (14) are arranged to form a circle extending from the motor-driven shaft to the output shaft (16) and correspondingly from the output shaft (16) to the motor-driven shaft. In order to provide clearance-free operation, the cog wheels (14) are helical gearwheels, and one cog wheel shaft is arranged to be moved in its longitudinal direction when the rotation of the output shaft (16) is being decelerated.

Abstract: A godet for guiding at least one advancing yarn in a yarn processing operation. The godet comprises a tubular casing which is mounted for free rotation on a support by means of a plurality of bearings. At least one of the bearings is a radially operative magnetic bearing, which comprises a rotating part and a stationary part attached to the support, with a bearing gap formed between the parts. The stationary part includes at least one pole element with an excitation winding, and the rotating part is made of at least one laminated component of a magnetizable material which is fixed on the inner side of the tubular casing. The pole element and the laminated component cooperate for guiding a magnetic flux.

Abstract: A turning bar assembly rotatably disposed adjacent a web of material moving at an operational speed in a web forming device has a turning bar for changing a direction of the moving web. Moreover, the turning bar is controllably rotated 360 ° against the moving web to prevent dust accumulation and dust clumping on the turning bar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding wire in a welding system include one or more motors disposed adjacent the wire to drive it. A wire feed motor is also disposed along the wire path, and is closer to the source of wire than the torch, and closer to the source than the one or more motors. The motors may be a pair motors disposed on opposite sides of the wire and move the wire to and away from an arc end of a torch. They preferably reversing the direction of the wire within one process cycle. The or more motors may be a stepper motor, a servo motor, a zero backlash motor, a gearless motor, a planetary drive motor, or a linear actuator (such as a piston), in various embodiments.

Abstract: Two intermittently and oscillating driven feeding rollers (2; 3) are adapted to feed a strip-shaped workpiece (63). The bottom feeding roller (2) is supported in the frame (1) of the feeding device. The upper feeding roller (3) is supported in a rocker (30). The movement of the rocker (30) is controlled by a control disk (64) through a lever and a rod arrangement (40). The rocker (30) rests at one end (33) via a pressure spring (39) against the frame (1). At the opposite end (34) the rocker (30) rest against the frame (1) via a further pressure spring (36). The rocker (30) is supported in an overhung state on a cantilever which consists of a sleeve (70), a arm (71) projecting laterally from the sleeve (70) and a shaft (72) held clamped in the arm (71). The clamping bar (46) is firmly mounted to the shaft (72).

Abstract: A component tape transport wheel, a component tape transport system and a method of operating a component tape transport system are provided, in which there is a rigid coupling between a transport wheel and an encoder wheel which is arranged on the transport wheel and whose position relative to a sensor can be determined. By this rigid coupling between the transport wheel which moves the component tape and a registration system including an encoder wheel and sensor for registering the position of the transport wheel, it is possible to register the position of the transport wheel at any time with the greatest accuracy. Even after a component tape transport system has been switched off, a determination of the absolute position of the transport wheel is possible, since the distance between two encoder elements of the encoder wheel is less than any play possibly caused by a drive of at least one of the transport wheel and an associated gear mechanism.