Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing apparatus and methods for lateral position control using a web guide which detects a relative lateral shift of a web upstream of a control device. Error correction is thereby implemented using a phase advance rather than a phase lag. The lateral displacement control can be implemented continuously, or can be activated at certain times (e.g., when a new roll is spliced to an old roll, or when disturbances enter the system). The invention eliminates wasted time and wasted paper, by eliminating misalignment of a web with respect to a printing unit.

Abstract: In a magnetic-tape apparatus (1) a magnetic tape (2) is conveyed from a supply reel (35) to a take-up reel (39) via a first height guide (25), a first capstan and pressure roller combination (17), a magnetic-head unit (5), a second capstan and pressure roller combination (19), and a second height guide (29). In a method of manufacturing prerecorded magnetic tape (2), before the information is recorded on the magnetic tape and while the magnetic tape is guided by the height guides (25, 29), first the first height guide (25) is adjusted in a direction parallel to the width direction (71) of the magnetic tape during tape transport, the first pressure roller (103) being kept clear of the first capstan (55). Subsequently, the second height guide (29) is adjusted during tape transport, the second pressure roller (105) being kept clear of the second capstan (57).

Abstract: There is provided an image recording apparatus which does not cause a print shift or a color drift caused by vibration and a widthwise shift due to speed variation in a conveying direction of a continuous sheet such as rolled paper or folded paper, in which a variation in speed is prevented by rollers which wind and clamp the sheet on and between an upper and a lower roller which are driven by the conveying force of the sheet, so as to prevent occurrence of vibration in the conveying direction, and a guide roller having pins adapted to be engaged in sprocket holes of the sheet are provided between the set-up positions of the tractors.

Abstract: A conveyor system and method for steering and shifting an associated strip component to a desired transverse position includes a sensor for sensing the transverse position of the associated strip component, a shaft rotatable about an axis generally perpendicular to the direction of motion of the strip component, and a plurality of guide disks rotatably mounted on side by side sleeve bearings which are keyed to the shaft. Each of the guide disks has an inner circumferential bearing surface and an outer circumferential surface for engagement with the bottom surface of the associated strip component. Each of the guide disks is canted at a fixed angle with respect to the shaft axis. Additionally the shaft is axially movable.

Abstract: A method of controlling lateral wandering of flattened tubular plastic film in gauge distribution apparatus in which gauge distribution is effected by passing a flattened tubular plastic film around at least one turning bar whose position with respect to the film is varied. The method comprises adjusting the position of a turning bar in response to a signal from the sensor which senses the position of one of the side edges of the flattened film before it is wound on a storage roll. When lateral wandering of the flattened tubular film is sensed, the position of the turning bar is varied until the sensor detects that the film has returned to its desired path.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing temporary longitudinal wrinkles (29) from a thin or ultra-thin moving web (11) in a web conveyance machine by bending the web through preferably at least 90 degrees around a cylindrical small-radius air bar (13, 35, 39, 61, 63, 65, 73, 79) and for preventing permanent creases from forming in the web by disposing the air bar with the wrinkle-free web in close proximity to the surface of a contact roller (33, 53, 67, 71) and transferring the moving web across a gap (62) of preferably 1 mm or less between the air bar and the contact roller.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing web that is free of tractor pin feed holes comprises the driving of the web along a predetermined path within the utilization device. A web guide is provided in an upstream location from a utilization device element. The guide engages width-wise edges of the web and forms the web into a trough to stiffen the web. A drive roller and a follower roller impinge upon opposing sides of the web and rotate to drive the web through the guide. The drive roller is located adjacent to the guide according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element. The controller includes a drive controller that controls the speed of either the drive roller or the utilization device element to maintain the web and the utilization device element in appropriate synchronization.

Abstract: A device (5) for swinging a roll (4) for a moving web (15) consists of a shaft (6) extending through the roll (4), with provision made for gearings (7, 8) on the ends of said shaft. A servo-drive (10) engages the gearing (7), putting the shaft (6) into rotation and displacing its end (9). Gearing (8) on the counter end (12) of the roll (4) translates the rotary motion of the shaft (6) into a motion of thrust of the counter end (12) in the opposite sense, so that shaft (6) is swiveled by the single servo-drive (10) around its central point (13). Roll (4) is rotatably supported on shaft (6) and is jointly swiveled with the latter (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An apparatus for the corrective positioning of a travelling web at right angles to the direction of travel comprises a tilting roll over which the web to be positioned is guided. At both ends of the roll, provision is made for rotary bearings, the respective opposite bearing member of which is articulated to a pendulum joint element. These two pendulum joints define an oblique tilting axis, which intersects the axis of rotation in the center of gravity of the roll and runs in a plane which cooperates with a vertical plane situated at right angles to the direction of travel to enclose an acute angle.

Abstract: Strip guiding apparatus includes a roll rotatable about its longitudinal axis over which strip will travel while under tension. Sensing apparatus determines the lateral position of the strip with respect to the desired position and emits signals to control apparatus which will effect responsive rotation of support apparatus in order to effect rotation of the roll about a second axis which is spaced from and oriented generally perpendicular to the roll longitudinal axis responsive to lateral movement of the strip in relation to the desired position. Drive apparatus effects rotation of the support apparatus responsive to receipt of signals from the control apparatus in order to move the strip toward the desired position. Apparatus is also provided for measuring strip tension and emitting signals to tension controlling apparatus to adjust tension where it is not within a desired range.

Abstract: Procedure and apparatus for the optimized manufacture of coil springs on automatic spring winding machines. It is the object of the present invention to offer both a procedure and an apparatus by which even in case of fluctuating values of the wire parameters high accuracies during the spring manufacture are guaranteed and simultaneously the scrap is minimized. The solution to this problem is that prior to the winding the wire parameters are determined and the measuring results are used directly for the adjustment of the position of the winding pins or winding rollers and/or the pitch wedge, and that the wire between the uncoiling device and the guiding assembly forms a loop whereby the lateral deflection of this wire loop is measured by a recognition unit and the uncoiling device carries out an additional movement controlled by the recognition unit.

Abstract: An equalizing roll and web tracking apparatus to be used in manufacturing for providing equal tension across a web during winding operations such as used in polymer film applications, corrugators, paper machines, printing presses, cloth winders, and metal winding operations.The equalizing roll utilizes a common axis shaft mounted horizontally on two bearings or clamped rigid supports allowing for rotation. Mounted in the center of the axis shaft is a bearing assembly having convex and concave portions disposed within a sleeve. The bearing assembly is centrally mounted inside a hollow cylinder or roll machined to be in balance with respect to the centrally disposed bearing assembly. The mating of the concave and convex portions of the bearing permits a selected degree of lateral rotation in a range of from about 1 degree to about 10 degrees.

Abstract: A rotating sleeve coaxially mounted upon an inner nonrotating pivoting sleeve by at least two rotary bearings on either side of a center mounted pivoting bearing assembly within the nonrotating pivoting sleeve supported by a stationary shaft. The nonrotating pivoting sleeve is balance-mounted in the center of the axis shaft with the pivoting bearing assembly. The pivoting bearing assembly permits a selected degree of lateral rotation in a range of from about 1 degree to about 10 degrees. As a web runs over the rotating sleeve any imbalance of lateral tension will cause the nonrotating pivoting sleeve to pivot at it's center with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft permitting the nonrotating pivoting sleeve and coaxial rotating sleeve to pivot upward on the side of least tension until the web tension is equalized across the coaxial rotating sleeve.

Abstract: A method for conveying a strip of plastically deformable material to a processing device includes the step of conveying the strip in a conveying direction toward the processing device. Cross-sectional areas of the strip are deformed relative to one another perpendicular to the conveying direction, whereby the cross-sectional areas extend perpendicular to the conveying direction and are sequentially arranged in the conveying direction, such that the cross-sectional areas each have one side delimiting one side of the strip, that form together an edge of the strip. The edge extends parallel to the conveying direction and remains parallel to the conveying direction until the strip reaches the processing device. A device for performing the method includes a straightening device for straightening the lateral limiting edge of the strip conveyed on the conveying table.

Abstract: An equalizer roll to be used in manufacturing for providing equal tension across a web during winding operations such as used in polymer film applications, corrugators, paper machines, printing presses, cloth winders, and metal winding operations.A common axis shaft is mounted horizontally on two bearings or clamped rigid supports allowing for rotation. Mounted in the center of the axis shaft is a bearing assembly having convex and concave portions disposed within a sleeve. The bearing assembly is centrally mounted inside a hollow cylinder or roll machined to be in balance with respect to the centrally disposed bearing assembly. The mating of the concave and convex portions of the bearing permits a selected degree of lateral rotation in a range of from about 1 degree to about 10 degrees.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for guiding a strip traveling along a selected path past a first location on the path and then past a second location on the path, which method and apparatus comprise correcting the camber of the strip at the first location toward a first guide point, sensing the amount of correction at the first location, correcting the camber of the strip at the second location toward a second guide point, sensing the amount of correction at the second location and adjusting the first guide point based upon the relationship between the amount of correction at the first and second locations. In addition, there is provided an improvement in a strip guiding system for adjusting the phase lag between spaced guiding locations based upon a variable length of strip between the locations.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting zigzag motion of a longitudinally traveling elongated sheet includes a forward signalling sensor on the travel path of the sheet and a first correction mechanism which is on the downstream side of, and is controlled by an open-loop method according to output signals from, this feed forward sensor to quickly correct the lateral displacement of the sheet. A second correction mechanism on the downstream side is controlled by output signals from a backward signalling sensor disposed further downstream thereto to correct by a closed-loop method the error in the correction effected by the first correction mechanism. If a significant trend of the sheet to move laterally in one direction is detected, parameters in the algorithm used by the first correction mechanism are adjusted.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for handling a moving material of indeterminate length utilizes a pair of endless elements located on opposite sides of an intended path of travel for the moving material. Each element is configured to engage and hold a corresponding edge of the material at least partially through the apparatus. The apparatus includes a detector assembly adjacent the path of travel for detecting deviation of at least one edge of the moving material from a normal operating path and outputting signals to initiate corrective reaction to the deviation. The reaction is defined in a predetermined relationship to time the edge remains out of its normal operating path. The apparatus also includes an adjustment device in operative communication with at least one frame member and the detector assembly. The adjustment device receives the corrective signals and positionally adjusts the corresponding frame member in response thereto to achieve the normal operating path.

Abstract: An apparatus including a material accumulator (10) which is used, in conjunction with a packaging machine, for temporarily storing a continuous web (11) of material. Accurate operation of the material accumulator (11) is achieved by pivoting at least one deflecting roller (12, 13) of the material accumulator (10) about a rotational axis (38), which is directed transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the web (11), to adjust the relative position of the web of material.

Abstract: A folding apparatus for a rotary printing machine utilizes a plurality of belt guide systems to retain signatures against the surfaces of the collecting, folding and gripper cylinders of the folding apparatus. The position of a longitudinal folder or of a turning bar or bars can be shifted in the axial direction of the collecting cylinder at least the width of one belt to align at least one longitudinal edge of the signatures with one of the belts in the belt guide system. The grippers on the collecting cylinder will engage the leading edge of the signatures without damaging them.

Abstract: A bidirectional pivot frame of a paper web changing device is supported for pivotal motion about a selected one of two pivot axes. The support for the pivot frame is accomplished by slidable locking supports that positively lock one set of pivot pins in place in guide slots in the side frames of the paper web changing device, while releasing a second set of guide pins. The slidable locking supports are shiftable to selectively positively lock the desired set of guide pins in place.

Abstract: A moving web in a conveyance machine is tensioned and steered without contact of the web to the machine a pair of parallel air bars in a single moveable frame which is adapted to pivot controllably about two intersecting orthogonal axes in a plane through the air bars. Separate feedback control systems monitor the tension and position of the web and adjust the orientation of the frame about each axis to adjust tension and lateral position of the web independently and continuously. Additional fixed air bars on opposite sides of the web in the web path between the moveable air bars provide high and unvarying web wrap angles on the moveable air bars to increase the tension and steering operating range and sensitivity. An additional moveable air bar is provided downstream of the pair of moveable air bars and is adapted to pivot controllably about another axis orthogonal to the direction of the tensioning and steering axes whereby the axial direction of the moving web can be changed.

Abstract: Twin metal billets are fed to dual circumferential grooves formed in a rotating wheel. The billets are advanced first to a wedge-shaped gap which deforms the billets and are then advanced to a die. The die has a die opening with a circumferentially discontinuous, annular cross-section. The metal from each billet merges in the die opening and exits therefrom in the form of a slit tube. The tube is then opened and flattened to form a flat strip by advancing the slit tube over a forming member having a progressively increasing width. As the tube is advanced over the forming member, an alignment system maintaining the tube in a centered position. The alignment system includes a light source disposed within the tube and two arrays of photo-transistors arranged to receive light from the light source, the amount of light sensed by each array being a function of the position of the slit in the tube relative to a desired position.

Abstract: An automatic deck adjusting apparatus having a tape running system adjusting mechanism for adjusting a VCR deck automatically and control means for controlling the adjusting mechanism to adjust the tape running system automatically. The tape running system adjusting mechanism comprises a plurality of screw driver tip assemblies for screwing adjustment screws and/or nuts in the system, a motor assembly for rotating the screw driver tip assemblies by a predetermined angle, a driver housing for fixedly supporting the screw driver tip assembly and the motor assembly in place, moving means attached to the driver housing for reciprocating the housing, a positioning means aligning the deck mechanism and the screw driver housing to be coincided in position with each other when they are coupled together and, a video camera for monitoring the position of the tape passing through guide posts and an audio/control head assembly or head drum.

Abstract: An electrophotographic printing machine is provided having an endless photoreceptor belt arranged to move in a predetermined path through a plurality of processing stations. The apparatus is used in conjunction with a method for automatically and repeatedly measuring and updating a steering coefficient used in an automatic steering mode. The method includes centering the belt and finding the average "in" belt walk and "in" belt walk rate and the average "out" belt walk and "out" belt walk rate, in order to determine the steering control coefficient. The method allows for a single machine to have its steering coefficient repeatedly updated.

Abstract: An apparatus for displacing a continuous flat sheet of material having a first edge and a second edge, running along a first plane in a first direction which is the direction of its centerline to a parallel but sideways displaced direction in a second plane the direction being parallel to the first, in which the second edge of the sheet is displaced from the first plane to decrease the path length in the first plane of the second edge relative to the first edge to produce a first change in direction of running and subsequently to displace the first edge from the second plane to decrease the path length in the second plane of the first edge relative to the second edge to similarly produce a second change in direction of running equal in magnitude but in an opposite direction to the first change in direction so that the final direction of running is parallel to the first direction of running.

Abstract: For guiding webs of paper or cardboard, a guide cylinder extending across half of the web grips onto the surface of the web and achieves moving corrections on the webs by rotation or swinging. The long, linear support zone of the guide cylinder causes a high mechanical stress, whereby the guide cylinder exerts almost no corrective effect in its center zone. By dividing the guide cylinder into at least two spaced-apart, parallel guide rolls having their axes disposed perpendicular to the running direction of the material web, a suitable larger effective area is obtained for correction of the direction of movement.

Abstract: A web tensioning control device includes a cylindrical roller that automatically adjusts its orientation in order to equalize the tension across a moving web. Each end of the cylindrical roller is supported by a pneumatic spring. A conduit connects the two pneumatic springs so that pressurized air can shift between the springs in response to changes in the tension across the moving web. Thus, the cylindrical roller is allowed to pivot about an axis perpendicular to its roll axle so that the tension at each point across the moving web is substantially equal after encountering the roller.

Abstract: A web tracking device includes a tensioning and steering roller that is movable to apply tension to a web uniformly across its width and that can be tilted in response to the tendency of the web to drift laterally to steer the web and thereby maintain it within a predetermined path. The steering position of the roller is established by roller supporting structure including a support cooperating with a ramp such that the tilt of the roller is effected by relative lateral movement between the ramp and the support. The same elements of the roller supporting structure that define the steering position of the roller also at least partially support the roller to provide for the roller movement by which the web is uniformly tensioned.

Abstract: A tape travel controlling system in a recording/reproducing apparatus according to the present invention includes a tape width detector, a tape traveling path adjuster for changing a set condition(s) for a tape guide(s), and a tape traveling path controller, and is constructed so that the tape traveling path controller controls the amount of change in the set condition(s) for the tape guide(s) in the tape traveling path adjuster in accordance with an output signal provided from the tape width detector.

Abstract: The device for transporting recording media (100), used especially in a fuser station of a printer or photocopier, comprises a counter-roll (201) and a feed roll (205), mounted movably relative to the counter-roll (201), between which rolls the recording medium (100) is transported by friction. Furthermore, a guide bar (214) is arranged in the manner of a balance beam with spacing parallel to the feed roll (205) and so as to be pivotable about an axis of rotation (216) relative to the feed roll (205). In order to press the feed roll (205) against the counter-roll in a force-compensating manner, as required, spring elements (218) are arranged on the guide bar (214) on both sides of the axis of rotation and are coupled to bearing elements (206) of the feed roll (205). The guide bar can be deflected via an adjusting motor (224) for controlling the position of the recording medium (100) between the rolls (201, 205).

Abstract: A tape travel controlling system in a recording/reproducing apparatus according to the present invention includes a tape width detector, a tape traveling path adjuster for changing a set condition(s) for a tape guide(s), and a tape traveling path controller, and is constructed so that the tape traveling path controller controls the amount of change in the set condition(s) for the tape guide(s) in the tape traveling path adjuster in accordance with an output signal provided from the tape width detector.

Abstract: In the winding of webs of plastic films on cores, defects in the web caused by hard streaks in the wound roll are avoided or reduced by a new method of control. In this method, measurements are made of elastic properties of the web and of the average widthwise thickness distribution of the web. From these values, from measured properties of the core, and from selected initial winding conditions, including web tension, edge thickness and web oscillation, a predicted value of the combined imperfection severity function is determined. This value is compared with a pre-established tolerance; if it is outside the tolerance, winding conditions are adjusted to minimize the predicted web defects.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for producing a band of rectangular cross section having at least two layers of material. The apparatus includes means for advancing a first band along a predetermined linear path and means for guiding a second band into layered alignment with the first band. The apparatus further includes a roll around which the second band is partially wrapped prior to contacting the first band, the second band having an initial tangential contact position with the roll along a line on the surface thereof extending generally axially with respect to the roll. The roll is tiltable in a plane defined by the axis thereof and the initial tangential contact position of the second band, whereby the lateral take-off position of the second band may be controlled by tilting the roll so as to guide it into aligned juxtaposition with the first band to form a layered, substantially rectangular tow band.

Abstract: A thermal printer of the type applying ink to an endless film belt, selectively melting the ink by a thermal head in response to an image signal, and transferring the melted ink to a recording medium to print an image on the medium. An idler guides the film belt while applying a predetermined tension thereto. A tension adjusting mechanism moves the end of the idler toward which the belt has skewed in the running direction of the belt. The idler and tension adjusting mechanism effectively reduce the local increase in the tension of the film belt.

Abstract: An air bar web guide provides lateral adjustment of a running web passing through the guide so that the web exiting the guide is maintained in a constant lateral position. The path length of the web passing through the guide is maintained constant and does not vary from one edge of the web to the other edge. The guide includes a pair of idler rolls journaled for rotation about parallel axes and a pair of air bar guides also maintained parallel to each other. The air bar guides are mounted for pivotal movement with respect to the idler rolls to angulated positions when lateral adjustment of the web is required. A cam system driven by a linkage responsive to the angulated position of the air bar guides moves one of the idler rolls toward and away from the other idler roll to maintain a constant path length of the web passing through the guide system.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal packaging machine, which pulls out an elongated film from a film roll and transports it to a former to form it in a tubular shape, includes a mechanism with two parallel rollers such that the film path can be shifted transversely. The two rollers are formed as two sides of a linked parallelogram unit, of which the shape is automatically changeable according to the direction of the rollers so as to reduce the transverse distance by which the film will have to slide on the rollers. According to another embodiment, the packaging machine has its film-supporting shaft extending in backward direction. A horizontal rod disposed diagonally to the path of the film causes it to turn by 90 degrees towards the former at a front part of the machine. This diagonal rod is adapted to move horizontally in the forward-backward direction, depending on the width of the film being transported such that the film is accurately directed to the former.

Abstract: In affixing a tape to an adhesion form by pressing the tape thereagainst with a press roller at the forward end of a tape supply head rotatable about a C axis while feeding the tape to the press roller, a method comprising detecting the positions of opposite side edges of the tape during the tape affixing operation with sensors on at least one of the front and rear sides of the press roller, calculating the amount of sidewise deviation of the tape from the resulting detection signals, calculating the required angle of rotation of the press roller about the C axis based on the calculated value, and rotating the press roller about the C axis by an amount corresponding to the amount of sidewise deviation of the tape in a direction opposite to the direction of sidewise deviation of the tape to thereby current the deviation and maintain the amount of sidewise deviation within a very small range. An apparatus for practicing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The web-motion controller comprises a guide frame (4) with two guide rollers (2.1, 2.2). The lateral deviation of the web 91) downstream of the second guide roller (2,.2) is monitored by a position sensor (8), whose output signal is converted into control commands for a servomotor (7) turning the guide frame (4). In the guide frame (4), between the guide rollers (2.1, 2.2) a braking roller (11) is provided which is wrapped and entrained by the web and has a braking device (12). A force-measuring drum (14) finding out the web traction after the braking roller (11) in the travel direction of the web serves for producing measured-value signals, which control the braking device (12) via a control unit (13) with a selected value setting (19).

Abstract: An intermittent web transport apparatus in a printing machine guides the web between two processing positions and through an intermediate festoon. Web alignment deviations from a nominal value are corrected by rotation of a pivotable frame that is positioned downstream of the festoon. A correction roller before the festoon effects a shifting of the web prior to its entry into the festoon.

Abstract: A spatially-clocked system in a program controlled tape layer corrects for tape displacement error by rotating the tape application member after a predetermined length of tape is applied rather than on a temporal basis. An interpolator is provided to determine spatial clock period displacement in a temporally-clocked control system.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the lateral position of a web moving along a path of travel across a scroll roll or other roll capable of imparting lateral movement to the web. The apparatus includes sensors to detect lateral position of the web and elements, preferably conical brushes, which are movable into and out of contact with the web to cause the roll when in contact to move the web in a corrective lateral direction. A mechanism is employed for imparting movement to the web contacting elements which will achieve impact of the elements against the web at a velocity approaching zero. Further, the web contacting element is adapted for pivotal movement away from the web upon contact with the web, thus permitting webs of differing thickness across a normal thickness range to be controlled without additional adjustment to the apparatus.

Abstract: In a thermal transfer recording apparatus comprising an ink film coated with a heat-fusion type ink, an ink film supplying roller rotatably mounted at a first support member, an ink film winding roller rotatably mounted at a second support member, and a recording station wherein a recording material contacts with the ink film to be recorded an image information by a heat transfer, the first and second support members are rotatable respectively around a first axis and a second axis provided at ends of a rotating member which connects the first and second support members, so that the first and second support members integrally rotate around a third axis provided substantially at a center of the rotating member.

Abstract: A film core supporting structure for an electrophotographic copying or printing machine. The supporting structure includes a two-point suspension system near a roller in the film core and a yoke assembly supporting the film core near another roller. A one-point supporting system is used to support the yoke and restrict its movement in only one dimension. Toner stations are attached to the film core and a drum is supported by the two-point suspension system. A write-head is connected to the yoke. The overall supporting structure prevents distortion of the machine frame from imparting distortive forces through the supporting structure to the film core.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for bidirectionally guiding web, such as tape in magnetic tape recording/reproducing apparatus. The system eliminates the necessity for edge guides, reduces stresses in web resulting in longer web life, and effects accurate tracking of the web as it is transported in opposite directions. The system includes a plurality of edgeless cylindrical guide rollers mounted on members which are pivoted together. The system includes a plurality of edge sensors and linear servo motors. The edge sensors measure the web edge position and the linear servo motors control the amount of rotation about a pivotal axis which coincides with the center line of a span of web. In this way, web edge position is controlled without any frictional sliding contact between the web and guiding rollers and without the use of edge guides which damage the web edge.

Abstract: Web tracking apparatus and methods are disclosed having particular utility in electrostatographic reproduction apparatus. A web includes a plurality of image frames allowing images to be written thereon and transferred therefrom to a receiver. A guide means moves such web along a path and includes a steering roller mounted for rotation about a caster axis and a gimbal axis. A web tracking system for controlling the guide means to effect lateral alignment of said web is provided such that the deviation of corresponding points of transferred images is minimized. Degradation of image registration due to mid-print corrections is eliminated and steering corrections are made less frequent by the use of adaptive and predictive algorithms. The writing and transfer of images is thereby accomplished in accurate registration and is particularly well-suited for use in forming accurate multicolor reproduction of superimposed images.

Abstract: A magnetic tape tracking system for a magnetic recorder/player having a crown guide roller whose orientation can be controlled to effect lateral movement of the tape. This movement is utilized to correct for deviation of the tape from its desired tape path.

Abstract: Apparatus for guiding a moving web (10) of material in a predetermined travel path (15) relative to a stationary frame (14) is disclosed. A compliant roller (24) is mounted on a pivoted yoke (30) for rolling contact with the web (10) so that as the web moves, the roller (24) finds its natural rolling position on the web. An edge guide (40) is mounted on the roller shaft (26) and is rotatable and axially movable relative to the shaft. An edge guide adjustment mechanism (50) includes a stationary bracket (52) with spaced adjustment stations (58), and a laterally movable control rod (56). The control rod engages the edge guide (40) to determine its lateral position, and selectively locks with the bracket (52,58) to set this lateral position. A light tension spring (22) connects the frame (14) and the yoke (30) to urge the roller (24) and web (10) toward the edge guide (40).

Abstract: A web guide apparatus corrects for high frequency oscillations, sometimes referred to as "web weave", of a travelling web. A light-weight movable carriage is mounted to a rigid support structure and is driven by a brushless DC motor having an integral lead screw and low inertia characteristics. The web guide manifests a response bandwidth in excess of 1 Hz. and preferably at least approximately 8 Hz., and a material resonance outside of the response bandwidth. Lateral web position is detected by a web position detection unit that employs a CCD line sensor. The output signal from the web position detection unit is supplied to a control circuit that generates a PWM signal to drive the brushless DC motor. The control circuit also includes adjustable gain stages that are used to compensate for web float and web flutter that occurs during certain operating conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the lateral movement of a travelling web to automatically compensate for web conicity and angular deviation of the web velocity vector. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a steering roller about which a travelling web is at least in part entrained. An assembly supports the steering roller for rotation about its longitudinal axis, and mounts the steering roller for angular adjustment about a caster axis perpendicular to such longitudinal axis at the mid-point of the steering roller. The assembly is, in turn, supported for rotation about a gimbal axis intersecting, and perpendicular to, the caster axis. Lateral movement of a web supported on the steering roller is sensed relative to the steering roller in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering roller. The mechanism for sensing lateral movement of the web moves in a corresponding direction to the sensed lateral movement of the web.