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 tape feeder includes a guide part that guides a carrier tape and is detachably attached to a main body. The guide part includes: a lower member guiding the carrier tape and attached to and detached from the main body; an upper member pressing down the carrier tape from above; a tape introduction part guiding the carrier tape into the upper member at an upstream side thereof in a tape feed direction; a confirmation opening part disposed in the upper member for visually confirming that the carrier tape arrives at a pin engagement range; an open/close mechanism opening and closing the upper member with respect to the lower member; and a positioning mechanism fitting a positioning pin into a feed hole of the carrier tape in the guide part, thereby positioning the carrier tape relative to the guide part in the tape feed direction.

Abstract: A tape feeder includes a guide part that guides a carrier tape and is detachably attached to a main body. The guide part includes: a lower member guiding the carrier tape and attached to and detached from the main body; an upper member pressing down the carrier tape from above; a tape introduction part guiding the carrier tape into the upper member at an upstream side thereof in a tape feed direction; a confirmation opening part disposed in the upper member for visually confirming that the carrier tape arrives at a pin engagement range; an open/close mechanism opening and closing the upper member with respect to the lower member; and a positioning mechanism fitting a positioning pin into a feed hole of the carrier tape in the guide part, thereby positioning the carrier tape relative to the guide part in the tape feed direction.

Abstract: A transfer control method of continuous paper includes controlling a transfer amount of the continuous paper based on a rotational amount detected by a roller feeding amount detecting unit which detects the rotational amount of a paper feed roller, when each page of the continuous paper is printed, and when the printing on each page is completed, performing a cueing process of transferring the continuous paper until a printing start position of a next page reaches the printing position. The cueing process includes transferring the continuous paper until the continuous paper reaches a reference transfer position based on the feeding amount of the tractor detected by a tractor feeding amount detecting unit for detecting a feeding amount of the tractor and after the continuous paper reaches the reference transfer position, setting the transfer amount of the continuous paper as a target feeding amount.

Abstract: A method of redirecting a glass ribbon assembly from a first glass conveyance path to a second. The method includes conveying the glass ribbon assembly that includes includes a flexible glass substrate that has first and second surfaces that extend laterally between the edges, and first and second handling tabs affixed to the respective edges. The handling tabs extend above and below the flexible glass substrate and define a handling surface envelope. The method also includes supporting the glass ribbon assembly on the first and second handling tabs such that the flexible glass substrate is free to flex out of the handling surface envelope while remaining spaced apart from a primary roll member when the flexible glass substrate is directed around the primary roll member.

Abstract: A filament drive mechanism comprising a rotatable component comprising a central hole defined at least in part by an internally-threaded surface, and is configured to receive a filament strand through the central hole to engage the internally-threaded surface with the filament strand. The filament drive mechanism further comprises at least one rotation mechanism configured to rotate the rotatable component, thereby allowing the engaged internally-threaded surface to drive the filament strand through the central hole of the rotatable component.

Abstract: A motorless label printer employs a matrix ink jet print head under which a continuous web of labels is moved during printing. An encoder in the path of the web is rotated to generate pulses signifying the position of the labels with respect to a reference that is signalled by detection of an aperture on the web by an electric eye. The printer includes a support for a spool of the web and a delaminator for separating the printed labels from the web substrate.

Abstract: An occurring positioning error is electronically corrected during the positioning of edge-perforated continuous form paper (10) in a print position (PP) relative to a print station (13) of a printing device (1). Edge perforation holes (EH1 . . . EHv) on the continuous form paper (10) are scanned for the electronic correction and the positioning error is determined for a block (B1 . . . Bm . . . Bu) of the continuous form paper (10). The positioning error is composed in this case for each block (B1 . . . Bm . . . Bu) of at least one slippage value (Sv-1, Sv) as well as of a residual error (RE1 . . . REm . . . REu). While the slippage value (SVv-1, SVv) for a block (Bm) is corrected immediately, a residual error (REm) is taken into consideration during the correction of the position error for a next following block (Bm+1). In addition to the electronic correction of the positioning error, determined for the block (B1 . . . Bm . . . Bu), the positioning process is surveyed relative to interventions (I).

Abstract: A device for the transport of multilayer, edge-perforated imprint-receiving substrates (8) takes into consideration a curve-shaped transport path (9), wherein a thrust tractor pair (5) is disposed in front and ahead of a substrate support (2), as seen in transport direction (10). Several friction roller pairs are following to the thrust tractor pair (5). In each case, a pulling force is transferrable by way of at least one friction roller. The multilayer imprint-receiving substrate (8) rests with its rear layer (8a) on the substrate support (2). A tearing of the edge perforations of the imprint-receiving substrate (8) as well as belly and bulge formations of one of the two layers (8a, 8b) is avoided by furnishing the push tractor (5) with a braking element (19) for the front layer (8b). A following first friction roller pair (11) rests with a driven friction roller (11a) at the front layer (8b).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing an optical line, in which at least one LWG (4, 11, 15, 19) extends in an envelope (3, 9, 13, 18) with excess length and is fixed with respect to the envelope by positioning elements (7, 8, 12, 20). The adjustment of an exactly defined excess length of one or several LWGs is made possible without the use of expensive manufacturing devices in that the positioning elements (7, 8, 12, 20) are provided on the LWGs (4, 11, 15, 19) prior to or during the insertion in the envelope (3, 9, 13, 18) and that the LWGs are pulled in by unreeling forces acting on the envelope (3, 9, 13, 18).

Abstract: A method and means for superimposing a secondary, higher frequency, lower amplitude oscillation of the angle of the trajectory of a glass fiber relative to a forming surface upon a primary, lower frequency, higher amplitude oscillation of the release mechanism.

Abstract: Glass fibers are projected along an oscillating trajectory onto a travelling conveyer to form a glass fiber mat. The trajectory is made to oscillate by stripping glass fibers from a pulling wheel by means of a stripping edge, such as a tight wire, which is oscillated arcuately immediately adjacent the surface of the pulling wheel. The stripping means is oscillated at a greater angular velocity where the trajectory makes a greater angle with the conveye=r in order that the impingement point of the trajectory upon the conveyer travel at a substantially uniform velocity across the conveyer so that a mat of uniform density is fabricated.

Abstract: A strip provided adjacent the edges thereof with perforations is driven forwards during a printing operation by the cooperating printing and counter-pressure cylinders of an offset mechanism, and by two pairs of pin tractors, pins of which enter the somewhat larger perforations. When the cylinders release the strip, same is moved backwards by the pin tractors over a distance equal to the difference between the forward displacement and the length of a form. To position the strip before a new printing operation, those pins going through the perforations of the pin tractors are moved a little forwards until they lie anew frontwards in the perforations.

Abstract: An article for feeding into a mechanical printer the uppermost form of a continuous assembly of forms having lateral marginal sections with spaced holes coinciding with the spacing of the feed pins of the feed mechanism of the mechanical printer comprising an elongated narrow flexible strip foldable down the middle and having oppositely disposed holes in each folded half longitudinally spaced to coincide with the feed pin holes in the uppermost form and having one surface of the strip coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive film; said flexible strip adapted to be mounted on the marginal sections of the uppermost form with the holes therein aligned with the holes in the marginal section and secured to the marginal sections of said uppermost form so that the uppermost ends of the flexible strips extend substantially above the upper edge of the form, whereby the uppermost ends of the strips can be engaged by the mechanical feed means to facilitate properly positioning the uppermost form in the printer.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for locating a label on the spine of a bound work. An elongate leader extends through a slot formed when an overlay cover is placed on and sealed to the spine of the bound work, and out each end of the slot. The leader includes an adhesive portion in the vicinity of one end onto which a label can be affixed. The leader is pulled longitudinally through the slot, causing the label to enter the slot through one transverse edge. Pressure is then applied to the label via the overlay cover, and the force on the leader is continued until the leader separates from the label, leaving the label at a desired position along the spine of the bound work. The label can be removed from the spine in a similar fashion by sliding the adhesive portion of the leader through one transverse edge of the slot until it adheres to the label. The leader and label are then withdrawn from the slot.

Abstract: A system of forming and manipulating primary cell separator basket preforms produced in strip form and tandem relationship with a dentent associated with each preform, e.g., a transverse slit in the strip for each preform displaced so its edge is outstanding from the generally flat strip. The preforms are fed to forming and insertion equipment by guiding the strip into alignment with a cut-off which is arranged to sever the lead preform and into alignment with a forming and insertion mandrel path of travel, engaging a detent on the strip with a dog and advancing the dog and strip along the path to present the lead preform for cut-off, opening and mandrel insertion. The severed preform is supported and compressed transversely between a support member having a groove to embrace a side portion of the preform and the dog or dog and cut-off blade so that it is opened and restained to receive the forming and insertion mandrel.

Abstract: A more space-effective method and device for the feeding of a material web (1) is obtained by making use of a web feeding unit (2) for feeding as well as correction of register. The web feeding unit (2) is provided for this purpose with two driving devices (14,15) which during operation are used alternately for feeding and register correction respectively of the material web.

Abstract: High performance tractor apparatus having one or more of the following features: selectable tractor feed or friction feed of the web where the tractor and friction feed modes are carried out in non-interfering relationship and with precision line registration in either mode; a latch-down lid which is movable between closed position over the tractor belt and open position for threading of the web with one hand without sacrificing the hold-down force exerted by the latch when the lid is in closed position; hinging of the lid from the frame without any parts other than the frame and lid themselves which can be latched together to provide a unitary assembly; and tensioning of the belt with a shoe which is spring-biased but fixed in position upon assembly of the tractor to apply predetermined tensioning to the belt which may be reestablished from time to time by releasing and then reapplying the clamping force which holds the frame together and fixes the position of the shoe in the frame.

Abstract: A motion picture printing machine is equipped with separate printing modules for the picture track and the sound track. Each module can be removed from the machine. It is therefore possible to use one set of printing modules for printing one size of film, and then to change to a different set of printing modules for printing a different size of film.More specifically, the machine has a vertical frame member with drive and control mechanisms that are supported on its rear side, while the removable printing modules are attached to its front side. Each printing module includes at least one driven sprocket that is carried on a sprocket drive shaft. The sprocket drive shaft is aligned concentric with, but not directly attached to, a driven shaft that is rotatably supported on the rear side of the frame member. The two plates of a friction clutch are carried on the adjacent ends of these two shafts. A means for activating the clutch is a permanent part of the machine carried on the rear side of the frame member.

Abstract: A bi-directional feed mechanism for webs, especially for plotting and generating special characters, forms and shapes on the webs, uses twin pairs of tractors which feed a web around a loop which may contain a platen roller. Each pair of tractors is mounted on and driven by its own drive shaft. The drive shaft of one of the tractor pairs is driven from the drive shaft of the other tractor pair through a manually releasable clutch which may be mounted on, and movable along the axis of, the driven shaft. The tension in the loop may be adjusted by releasing the clutch so that one of the tractor pairs may be driven while the other is stationary. Webs and other documents which may vary in length and require tension adjustments may readily be fed by means of the mechanism. The arrangement of the tractors also enables the webs to be easily loaded from the top.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing business forms from rolls of paper webs. The webs are divided into at least two groups. The webs of a first group are individually processed as by printing or the like and guided into superimposed relationship. A line of holes is punched simultaneously through all of the webs of the first group, and the webs of such first group are advanced as a unit through the processing operation by a pinned belt engaging such holes. The webs of the second group are individually processed separately from the first group as by printing or the like, and are guided into superimposed relationship beneath the superimposed webs of the first group. A line of holes is punched simultaneously through all of the webs of the second group with some of the holes being in center registration with the line of holes in the first group, and the webs of both groups are advanced as a unit by a pinned belt engaging the line of holes in the webs of both groups.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention is adapted to be utilized with respect to packages of connected forms of the type having sprocket holes along the margins thereof which are adapted to be engaged by sprocket wheels in, for example, a print-out device for advancing the forms to an operating station in the device. The method comprises providing a strip having sprocket holes therein. The spacing of the sprocket holes on the strip is equal to the spacing of the sprocket holes on the forms. The strip is connected to the first form of the package with the sprocket holes in the strip in alignment with the sprocket holes in the margin. The strip or strips are then engaged with the sprocket wheels in the device which is then operated to advance the package of forms into the device.

Abstract: A stamp dispensing mechanism has a cylindrical feed wheel, with axially-parallel rows of projections, rotatably mounted on a front portion of a vertical support plate that is constructed to rotatably support a roll of stamps on its rear portion. A Geneva star wheel, rotatably mounted on the plate, is operatively connected to the feed wheel for its step movement with the star wheel. A Geneva driver assembly, rotatably mounted on the plate, has a driver pin on an arm rotated by a motor also mounted on the plate. During one rotation of the arm, the pin moves into and out of a slot of the star wheel for its step movement. An arcuate part of the arm is in a recess in the periphery of a tooth of the star wheel, when the pin is not in the slot, to lock that wheel.

Abstract: A fastener feed assembly for a tool such as a power screwdriver having a drive member such as a rotatable bit includes a base fixed to the tool and a nose assembly slidably related to the base. The nose assembly includes a workpiece engaging surface, and when the tool is moved toward the workpiece during a fastener driving operation, the base moves toward the nose assembly. A return spring separates the base and nose assembly when the tool is withdrawn away from the workpiece. A strip of fasteners is fed from a magazine along a feed path through the nose assembly with sequential fasteners located in a drive position. Normally the drive member is spaced from a fastener in the drive position. During movement of the tool toward the workpiece in a driving operation, the drive member moves into engagement with a fastener in the drive position, and then continues to move in order to drive the fastener into the workpiece. A pawl is engageable with the strip in order to advance the strip along the feed path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing cloths in a rotary screen printing machine comprising a number of driven cylindrical stencils, the cloths being interconnected by intermediate strips formed from uninterrupted warp threads so as to constitute a continuous web; a special feeder is mounted before the printing machine, said feeder having means cooperating with said strips, said means being synchronized with the rotation movement of said stencils.

Abstract: A continuous web for library catalogue cards having a plurality of slit lines longitudinally spaced 7.5 centimeters apart, each slit line extending 12.5 centimeters transversely between edge carrier portions of the form such that upon removal of the carrier portions outwardly of the slit lines a plurality of standard 7.5 centimeters .times. 12.5 centimeters catalogue cards are provided. Longitudinally extending lines of uniquely shaped feed holes or perforations are provided in the carrier portions of the form which permit printing of the cards by means of existing high speed printers of United States manufacture despite the cards being dimensioned in the metric system and the feed of the printers being dimensioned in the English system.

Abstract: A drive roller and cooperating idler rollers of the friction type are combined to transport or to advance paper or like record media wherein the idler rollers are driven slightly faster than the drive roller. The drive roller has slots or voids in the periphery thereof aligned with the path of travel of the idler rollers to permit an easing or relaxing of the idler roll pressure on the paper and thereby enable the canceling of any accumulated difference in the drive motion between the drive roller and the idler rollers.

Abstract: In an apparatus for performing various operations on stock material, such as advancing, feeding, measuring, cutting and the like, all under the control of a program on a punched tape, an improved punched tape control system wherein the sprocket holes, which are utilized for advancing the punched tape, are also utilized to convey control information. Data is placed on the tape in the form of perforations on parallel longitudinal tracks or channels and the conventional tape advancing sprocket holes also carry data to both control the advancing of the stock material and to synchronize the advancing of the stock material and the advancing of the punched tape. Stock material is advanced only when a sprocket hole is present in the tape and the tape is advanced only when the stock material is operated on in accordance with the data on the tape.