Abstract: A device for guiding sheet material in a printing press, the device having a guide surface located below a path in which a sheet is guidable, includes nozzles arranged in zones within the guide surface, the zones including a first zone extending along a longitudinal axis of the guide surface, and a second and a third zone, respectively, located at left-hand and right-hand sides of the first zone, the nozzles in the first zone being blast nozzles having a blowing direction extending generally in a sheet transport direction, the nozzles in the second and third zones being blast nozzles having a blowing direction extending generally from the longitudinal axis of the guide surface to lateral edges of the guide surface, the nozzles of the first zone being suppliable with blast air independently of a supply of air to the nozzles of the second and the third zones; and a method of operating the guiding device.

Abstract: A fast forward drive for a cartridge tape player comprises upper and lower crescents which increase the effective capstan diameter in the fast forward mode. At normal playing speed the crescents index with respect to a received tape cartridge such that the capstan's surface forcibly engages the cartridge's pressure roller.When the fast forward mode is desired a clutch couples the upper crescent to the capstan for rotation therewith. Rotational drive of the upper crescent is coupled to the lower crescent, at a predetermined phasing relationship, through a pin and trough arrangement, whereby fast forward is effected. On return to the normal play speed the upper crescent is fixedly indexed, resulting in a decreased lower crescent rotational drive and thus an increased chance of improper lower crescent alignment. To promote lower crescent indexing a second spring clutch is mounted on the capstan between the lower crescent and the housing which actively drives the lower crescent to its indexed position.

Abstract: A guiding and threading device for automatic pitch-adapted threading of data carriers such as punched tape. The device includes a base member having a tape support surface thereon, a feed wheel carried by the base member with a portion projecting above the support surface, a first pivotable member carried by the base member having a guiding surface positioned above the support surface and a second pivotable member opposed to the first pivotable member and having a guiding surface positioned above the support surface, the guide surfaces forming a tape receiving channel between the pivotable members and the support surface when the pivotable members are at an open position. The guide surface of the first pivotable member urges the tape into contact with the feed wheel when in a closed position.