Abstract: A lightweight needlebar drive is provided that vertically reciprocates a needlebar by driven feet mounted to the lower ends of pushrods, where the feet are laterally positionable by virtue of a plurality of stub shafts passing through and received in bearings on adjacent brackets connected to the needlebar.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed to improve convolution efficiency of a convolution neural network (CNN) accelerator. An example hardware accelerator includes a hardware data path element (DPE) in a DPE array, the hardware DPE including an accumulator, and a multiplier coupled to the accumulator, the multiplier to multiply first inputs including an activation value and a filter coefficient value to generate a first convolution output when the hardware DPE is in a convolution mode, and a controller coupled to the DPE array, the controller to adjust the hardware DPE from the convolution mode to a pooling mode by causing at least one of the multiplier or the accumulator to generate a second convolution output based on second inputs, the second inputs including an output location value of a pool area, at least one of the first inputs different from at least one of the second inputs.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a movable belt and a recording mechanism. The movable belt is configured and arranged to convey a recording medium. The recording mechanism is configured and arranged to record onto the recording medium. The movable belt has a mark serving as a reference for when the recording medium is being set thereon.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for controlling the relative positions or phasing of advancing substrates and/or components in absorbent article converting lines. The systems and methods may utilize feedback from technologies, such as vision systems, sensors, remote input and output stations, and controllers with synchronized embedded clocks to accurately correlate component placement detections and placement control on an absorbent article converting process. The systems and methods may accurately apply the use of precision clock synchronization for both instrumentation and control system devices on a non-deterministic communications network. In turn, the clock synchronized control and instrumentation network may be used to control the substrate position. As such, the controller may be programmed to the relative positions of substrates and components along the converting line without having to account for undeterminable delays.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for controlling the registration of advancing substrates in absorbent article converting lines. The systems and methods may utilize feedback from technologies, such as vision systems, sensors, remote input and output stations, and controllers with synchronized embedded clocks to accurately correlate registration feature detections and substrate speed control on an absorbent article converting process. The systems and methods may accurately apply the use of precision clock synchronization for both instrumentation and control system devices on a non-deterministic communications network. In turn, the clock synchronized control and instrumentation network may be used to control the substrate speed. As such, the controller may be programmed to track registration features on substrates and components along the converting line without having to account for undeterminable delays.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for detecting and rejecting defective absorbent articles from a converting line. In particular, the systems and methods may utilize feedback from technologies, such as vision systems, sensors, remote input and output stations, and controllers with synchronized embedded clocks to accurately correlate inspection results and measurements from an absorbent article converting process. As such, the systems and methods may accurately apply the use of precision clock synchronization for both instrumentation and control system devices on a non-deterministic communications network. In turn, the clock synchronized control and instrumentation network may be used to control a reject system on converters of absorbent articles. In some embodiments, the controller will reject only defective absorbent articles without the need to reject non-defective absorbent articles.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an endless belt, an index provided at part of an end edge of the belt, a detecting member, a processing unit, and a storage unit. The detecting member changes an output value thereof based on the passing states of the index and the end edge of the belt in a detection area of the detecting member. The processing unit processes the output value and determines whether the index is present in the detection area by comparing the present output value with a threshold value. The storage unit stores the processed output value. The processing unit acquires a reference value based on the stored output value. The processing unit, when determining whether the index is present in the detection area, sets as the threshold value a value obtained by changing the most recently acquired reference value by a predetermined value.

Abstract: Described herein is a system for controlling advance of a web material having characteristics of extensibility and comprising successive stretches of web for the production of respective articles, such as sanitary articles. In the passage from a delivery assembly to a treatment station functioning cyclically, the web material is subjected to extension. In order to ensure proper alignment of the individual articles with patterns or decorations provided thereon, the web must be fed to the treatment station in phase with the position reached by the treatment station within its operating cycle. A position sensor enables detection, for each stretch of web, of a real position of operation of the treatment station used for feeding the stretch of web itself to the treatment station with the aforesaid given phase relationship.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for controlling the registration of advancing substrates in absorbent article converting lines. The systems and methods may utilize feedback from technologies, such as vision systems, sensors, remote input and output stations, and controllers with synchronized embedded clocks to accurately correlate registration feature detections and substrate speed control on an absorbent article converting process. The systems and methods may accurately apply the use of precision clock synchronization for both instrumentation and control system devices on a non-deterministic communications network. In turn, the clock synchronized control and instrumentation network may be used to control the substrate speed. As such, the controller may be programmed to track registration features on substrates and components along the converting line without having to account for undeterminable delays.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for detecting and rejecting defective absorbent articles from a converting line. In particular, the systems and methods may utilize feedback from technologies, such as vision systems, sensors, remote input and output stations, and controllers with synchronized embedded clocks to accurately correlate inspection results and measurements from an absorbent article converting process. As such, the systems and methods may accurately apply the use of precision clock synchronization for both instrumentation and control system devices on a non-deterministic communications network. In turn, the clock synchronized control and instrumentation network may be used to control a reject system on converters of absorbent articles. In some embodiments, the controller will reject only defective absorbent articles without the need to reject non-defective absorbent articles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for controlling the relative positions or phasing of advancing substrates and/or components in absorbent article converting lines. The systems and methods may utilize feedback from technologies, such as vision systems, sensors, remote input and output stations, and controllers with synchronized embedded clocks to accurately correlate component placement detections and placement control on an absorbent article converting process. The systems and methods may accurately apply the use of precision clock synchronization for both instrumentation and control system devices on a non-deterministic communications network. In turn, the clock synchronized control and instrumentation network may be used to control the substrate position. As such, the controller may be programmed to the relative positions of substrates and components along the converting line without having to account for undeterminable delays.

Abstract: A medium conveying apparatus includes: a conveying mechanism that conveys a recording medium that extends long continuously in one direction, a conveying direction of the recording medium being the same as the one direction; a detecting unit that detects a detection subject mark formed on the recording medium; and a moving mechanism that moves the detecting unit in a direction that crosses the conveying direction, and a plurality of detection subject marks are formed on the recording medium in such a manner that they are arranged in the direction in which the recording medium extends long continuously and that a mark width in the direction that crosses the conveying direction changes as the position goes along the conveying direction.

Abstract: A configurable paper transport having a frame having at least one station for securing a non-driven paper web process device. The configurable paper transport defines a paper web path through the non-driven paper web process device, or devices. The configurable paper transport also contains a driver that moves a paper web along the paper web path. In a preferred configuration, the stations and associated non-driven paper web process devices have a universal receptacle permitting any non-driven paper process device, selected from a plurality of non-driven paper process devices, to be located in any station.

Abstract: Flexible tags are secured to parcels moving upon a conveyor belt. The flexible tags each contain a transponder circuit in electrical communication with a transponder antenna. The transponder circuit contains a unique digital code containing data relating to the parcel. A reader circuit located in proximity to the conveyor is in electrical communication with a reader antenna. The reader circuit generates a signal in the presence of a flexible tag, which is transmitted to the transponder antenna located on the flexible tag. The signal energizes the transponder circuit in the flexible tag, which sends a unique digital code via the transponder antenna back to the reader antenna. The digital code is transmitted from the reader antenna to the reader circuit, where the digital code is analyzed to identify the contents of the parcel. The flexible tags are agitated by forced air from a fan to orient the flexible tags in non-parallel alignment in relation to the reader antenna as they move along a conveyor.

Abstract: Modular web processing units may be physically and electrically assembled into clusters to perform various web processes (e.g. the production of paper forms such as invoices, checks, labels, etc.). Each module has a main process driver which is not directly coupled to a web drive mechanism. Rather, the web driver is program controlled so as to effect the desired web process at controlled displacement intervals along the web. Accordingly, a plurality of successive but different form lengths or depths can be accommodated as the web surface is sequentially processed. A system of such modules can be physically wheeled into position as individual units and electrically connected together by suitable umbilical cords to rapidly configure a desired overall web finishing process. Nevertheless, the entire ensemble of modules performs as though it is a unitary special purpose web processing machine with its various process stations interconnected and synchronized by an electronic "drive shaft".

Abstract: Successive frames of an exposed and developed customer film are monitored during transport of the film in a first direction, and the information which is gathered during monitoring of discrete frames as well as of the entire film is stored in the memory of a microprocessor. The direction of travel of the film is then reversed and successive or selected frames of the film are copied during intervals between successive stepwise advances of the film in the second direction. Copying light which is used for the making of reproductions of images of the film frames is also used for illumination of film frames during monitoring. A mirror is provided to reflect light to the monitoring unit during travel of the film in the first direction, and such mirror is retracted preparatory to copying which starts with the last monitored frame and proceeds toward the first monitored frame of the film. The film is converted into a growing roll during monitoring of its frames.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for encoding the lateral or circumferential setting within a web press of a laterally or circumferentially adjustable machine for operating on a web is provided. The machine has an element which moves linearly as the machine is adjusted, and the apparatus includes a linkage connectable to the linearly moving element. An electric signal generator is operatively connected to the linkage for operation in response to movement of the linkage. A reference point is defined for describing the setting of the machine, and a code is computed in response to the signal generated by the signal generator for designating the setting of the machine with respect to the reference point. The generated code is then displayed in an appropriate manner or used to automatically set the machine.

Abstract: A web-feeding machine used to provide a continuous supply of material having successive labels and registration marks printed serially thereon includes an assembly for splicing the material from a ready web to the material severed from a running web. The splicing assembly has a response time T after being actuated by a control system. The control system comprises a driving circuit for electromechanically actuating the splicing assembly, a scanner positioned adjacent the material to provide a signal in response to the presence of a registration mark, and an encoder for providing a fixed number of pulses proportional to a corresponding length of the moving material. The control system also comprises a control circuit connected to the scanner, the encoder and the driving circuit. The control circuit counts the number of encoder pulses B.sub.o between successive scanner signals and then decrements from that number B.sub.o to zero. In addition, the control circuit provides a time delay T.sub.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for compensating for the difference between the actuation and release points of a switch resulting from a document being conveyed across the switch. This difference is brought about by the physical dimensions of a switch wherein it is actuated longer than the time required to indicate the dimensions of the actuating document.

Abstract: In a paper feed control system employing a pulse motor steppingly rotatable in response to driving pulses, paper feeding is controlled by a prepunched format tape wherein line pulses generated every one line feeding of the paper are in synchronism with perforations detected from the format tape. Briefly, the format tape is moved by the pulse motor, and when a first perforation is detected therefrom a predetermined number of the driving pulses is applied to the pulse motor, whereby the format tape is moved to an approximate midpoint of the perforation. A first line pulse is generated in response to the predetermined number of the driving pulses so that the line pulse is generated in approximate midpoint of the first perforation. Accordingly, the succeeding line pulses are generated in the approximate midpoints of the succeeding perforations.

Abstract: A device for feeding strands such as for further textile processing wherein driving means comprising a pair of nip rolls are continuously and drivingly engaged with the strand extending therebetween, said nip rolls being movably supported between spaced speed-control rolls which are operable at different surface speeds so that selective movement of said nip rolls as a unit against the surface of one or the other of the speed-control rolls serves to drive the nip rolls and thus in turn feed the strand located therebetween at different rates. This device has particular utility in producing air-textured composite yarns, including both core-and-effect and slub-type yarns, but is not limited to such use.

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.

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.