Abstract: The ultrasound detector for a thin film includes an ultrasound transmitter and an ultrasound receiver. It is generally known that a plastic film introduced into a sound field attenuates the field to a greater or lesser degree. A sound wave of a frequency of e.g. 40 kHz has a wave length of approximately 9 mm in air. When a plastic film of a thickness of, e.g., 0.50-0.10 mm is introduced, the sound field is typically attenuated with 6-20 dB. The the ultrasound detector is formed as a resonator, and the distance between the transmitter and the receiver corresponds substantially to an integral multiple of one half of a wave length. As a result, the obtained sound field is stronger than previously and the attenuation caused by a plastic film between the transmitter and the receiver is higher than previously. Furthermore, the ultrasound frequency is scanned for taking tolerances, such as changes in temperature and humidity of air into account.

Abstract: A drawframe is disclosed which has a plurality of sets of draw rolls and includes a provision for the early detection of imperfections in rotating elements in the drawframe. The separation of the pairs of rolls is monitored, and a signal representative of that separation is generated. The resulting signal is then processed so that only intolerable errors remain, and the major harmonic elements of the remaining signal are correlated with the rotational frequencies of the rotating elements of the drafting or drawing apparatus. Establishment of synchronism between significant harmonic components in the signal representative of the separation of the cooperating pair of rolls and the rotational frequency of a rotating element in the apparatus makes it possible to identify any unacceptable mechanical cause of error while the machine is still running.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus has a jamming detecting and displaying device in which jamming detecting means detect the jamming of an image recording material in the apparatus, and jamming displaying means displays the position of the jamming and tells a procedure of eliminating the jamming which is provided by control means, so that the jamming can be readily eliminated.

Abstract: A roll mark inspection apparatus for a system for rolling and moving a strip uses reduction rolls. An image sensor scans widthwise the strip which is rolled and moved by the reduction rolls and outputs an image signal representing a surface state of the strip per unit width. A clock generator generates a clock signal synchronized with the running of the strip moved by the reduction rolls. An autocorrelation calculator sequentially receives the image signal in synchronism with the clock signal, and performs a predetermined autocorrelation calculation processing on the contents of the received signal and outputs an autocorrelation value. A comparator compares a predetermined comparison value for discriminating information corresponding to a roll mark on the surface of the strip with the autocorrelation value, and outputs a roll mark signal discriminated from the autocorrelation value by the predetermined comparison value.

Abstract: A method for inspecting resistance to film draw-out comprises the steps of holding a magazine in which photographic film wound around a spool is accommodated, rotating the spool in the direction that winds up the film around the spool, detecting the movement of a film leader, which has been drawn out from the magazine, to the magazine, and measuring the force required to rotate the spool when the movement of the film leader is detected. An apparatus for inspecting resistance to film draw-out comprises a magazine holder, and a spool rotation device for rotating the spool in the direction that winds up the film around the spool. A rotating force measurement device measures the force required for the spool rotation device to rotate the spool, and a film movement detector detects the movement of a film leader, which has been drawn out from the magazine, to the magazine.

Abstract: In a printer for printing information onto a continuous form, at least one of opposite side edges of the continuous form is detected by a side-edge detecting arrangement. It is judged that a traveling abnormality of the continuous form occurs, when a detecting signal representative of the at least one side edge of the continuous form detected by the side-edge detecting arrangement continues for a preset period of time and more. If the continuous form is provided therein with sprocket holes, the side-edge detecting arrangement may include a pair of side-edge detectors each for detecting the sprocket holes in a corresponding one of opposite side edge portions of the continuous form. In this case, it is judged that the traveling abnormality of the continuous form occurs, when the detecting signal representative of the sprocket holes in each side edge portion of the continuous form is not continuously outputted within a preset period of time and more.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus has a jamming detecting and displaying device in which jamming detecting means detect the jamming of an image recording material in the apparatus, and jamming displaying means displays the position of the jamming and tells a procedure of eliminating the jamming which is provided by control means, so that the jamming can be readily eliminated.

Abstract: The invention teaches a sensing device arrangement for a tissue paper roll to give advance warning when the material forming the roll approaches the end. The present invention uses a sensing arrangement which comprises a bracket, a tissue paper roll retaining member, a means for detecting the end of the tissue roll and a signalling means for indicating the end of the tissue roll. The signalling means is operably connected to and activated by the detecting means, when there is a small amount of paper left on the roll, indicating to an attendant that it is necessary to change the paper roll.

Abstract: Device and method for measuring the thickness of paper or the like lying on a support, having a pull guide arranged above the paper including a pivot bearing with a lever mounted thereon, and a pull roller located at an end of the lever and engageable with the surface of a sheet of the paper arriving on the support, the pull guide also comprising a distance measuring device for measuring a vertical movement executed by the lever and for issuing a signal in proportion with the magnitude of the distance traversed by the movement, and a device connected to the distance measuring device for electronically evaluating the signal.

Abstract: Grooves can be detected on both sides of non-magnetic materials, preferably in terry fabric, carpets, blankets, or the like. A sensor is provided, which can be either inductive or capacitive, and is positioned on one side of the material opposite a rotatable and movable follower or finger on the other side. The finger is preferably made of ferromagnetic material and is resiliently biased towards and in contact with one surface of a material such as terry fabric. The sensor continuously monitors the distance between the finger and a reference point and generates a signal when a change in such distance occurs.

Abstract: Successive sheets are drawn from a magazine by a gripper which is movably mounted on a drum-shaped rotary conveyor and serves to transfer successive sheets into a gathering machine. The position of the gripper with reference to the conveyor is indicative of the thickness of the sheet or sheets which are transported from the magazine, and such position is ascertained by a monitoring device in cooperation with an input element which is movable with the gripper. The input element can constitute a soft iron core which extends into a coil of an oscillatory circuit constituting the monitoring device, a plate which extends between the plates of a capacitor forming part of the monitoring device, or an arm for a disc bearing encoded information which is monitored by a photoelectronic transducer. The monitoring device transmits signals to a circuit which is adjacent the path of movement of the gripper and includes the transducer or a winding cooperating with a winding of the oscillatory circuit.

Abstract: A scanning system including a source mounted on one side of a moving web and a detector on the other, and means for monitoring changes in the air temperature in the air gaps between the moving web and, respectively, the sensor and detector. The monitoring means comprises a thin sheet of a relatively opaque and inert material having a low thermal capacity and a low thermal conductivity, mounted closely adjacent one of the gaps and a thermopile mounted on the side of the sheet away from the gap for sensing the temperature of the sheet.In preferred embodiments in which the sheet is black polyester (e.g., "Mylar"), a sheet and thermopile are mounted on each of the sensor and detector housings, each sheet is mounted essentially coplanar with the inner side of the guide plate defining a respective air gap, and the respective thermopile is mounted on the side of its associated sheet opposite the gap.

Abstract: A round load lifting sling composed of an endless skein of threads as a load bearing core and a textile protective tube surrounding the endless skein, the endless skein carrying along a testing conductor which is connected with two connecting contacts which penetrate the wall of the protective tube for connection to a source of testing medium to flow through the testing conductor. Damage or severance of the threads of the skein is detectable by an interruption in flow of the medium due to accompanying damage or severance of the conductor.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system for continuously inspecting the surface of a moving object for defects therein while illuminating the surface of the moving object with both specular and/or diffused light of selected wavelengths, automatically detecting the presence of a defect, and automatically transmitting a visual image of a defect, when detected, to a storage vehicle capable of subsequent permanent display and electronic characterization of the visual image containing the defect.

Abstract: Sensing arrangements on material rolls are used to give advance warning when the material web forming the roll approaches its end. Usually this involves the sensing of the reduction of the the roll diameter with the help of a sensing device resting against the roll periphery. In the case of roll suspensions where the center of the roll is not fixed, these sensing arrangements cannot be used. The present invention uses a sensing arrangement which comprises a field-generating element, e.g. a permanent magnet, present in the center of the roll, together with a movable sensing device resting against the periphery of the roll, e.g. a heavy current switch which is acted upon at a certain predetermined field strength, and in a suitable manner indicates that a roll replacement is imminent.

Abstract: A method for detecting defective press punching, comprising steps of causing an electromagnetic sensor to approach a punched hole of a blank after products are punched by a press, and discriminating the quality of the punched products from the output level of the electromagnetic sensor that changes according to whether or not the circumference of the punched hole constitutes a closed loop electrically, and a device for performing the method.

Abstract: In a continuous printing plant a timer unit is provided with indication whenever a first control is operated to supply power to the printing plant and whenever a second control is operated to inch a new batch of paper into the printer. The timer unit commences a first timing operation of a first predetermined period whenever indication is received from the first or second controls and switches off power to the entire printer if no reset signal is received within the first predetermined period. A sensor detects the movement of a printed paper web between the printer and a set of takeup rollers and indicates the movement to the timer unit. The timer unit initiates a second timing operation whenever it receives indication from the sensor and switches off power to the takeup rollers if indication is not received from the sensor or from the first and second controls within a second predetermined period, thereby independently switching off the takeup rollers in the event of a failure in the printer.

Abstract: A fault pre-warning device for use in tufting machines has a switching strip (11) over which the carpet web is guided in such a way that the switching strip (11) is acted on by a defined force in the switching direction. On the occurrence of excessive tension in one or more of the warp threads the switching strip (11) initiates a switching process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of sensing openings in a perforated sheet by means of electrical contact between electrically conducting surfaces positioned on opposite sides of the sheet.

Abstract: The surface of a material is inspected for defects by visual examination of a television picture of the surface produced by at least one camera focused on the material and transmitting an image to a screen in the form of a video signal. The connection between screen and camera is made only when a defect is detected on the surface of the material. The video signal is delimited by an upper and a lower signal level which, if exceeded, results in a trigger signal being activated. In addition a trigger mechanism and an image storage facility are provided between the screen and the camera. Appearing on the screen are only pictures of surface areas showing defects; areas without defects are not displayed on the screen.

Abstract: The metal detecting device includes first and second coils provided on both sides of a passageway for paper money. This metal detecting device is designed for use in detecting a metal strip embedded in the paper money in order to determine whether the paper money is genuine or counterfeit. The first coil is connected to a high frequency AC source to generate an AC magnetic field. The second coil is connected to a capacitor to form a resonance circuit which resonates at the same frequency as the AC current. The variation of the Q factor of the resonance circuit due to eddy-current losses produced in the metal strip of the paper money is used by a detecting circuit to determine whether the paper money passing through the space between the first and second coils is genuine.

Abstract: A sensing system senses web movement and web tension of a photosensitive web moving through a processor. The system includes a sensing arm pivotally attached about a pivot to the processor and a transport roller rotatably attached to one end of the sensing arm. The photosensitive web engages the transport roller such that the roller rotates. The other end of the sensing arm, on an opposite side of the pivot point, is biased in a direction opposing the web tension of the photosensitive web. A tension detecting mechanism detects the movement of the sensing arm when the web tension overcomes the biasing force and transmits an alarm signal indicating that the web tension has increased beyond a predetermined value. A web break detecting mechanism is preferably included and detects the rotation of the transport roller and transmits a signal when the transport roller stops rotating indicating that a web break has occurred.

Abstract: Registration in a multi-color printing press is controlled by printing spaced groups of registration marks on a running web, each group comprising a plurality of spaced reference color marks and a plurality of controlled color marks, each being midway between a different pair of reference marks. A computer-based control system produces quantities corresponding to the leading and the trailing edges of each mark, which are averaged to determine the midpoint of the mark, thereby avoiding errors due to differences in reflectance. Registration is determined from other quantities that measure the separations between marks. Data is collected for a predetermined number of successive marks. The collected data is analyzed to determine the start of a group, and the data corresponding to marks of that group is then analyzed to detect registration. After a correction is performed, the system idles until a predetermined length of the web sufficient to enable the effect of the correction to be observed passes the sensor.

Abstract: A tape recorder includes a stop mechanism for automatically stopping tape running when a tape in a magnetic tape cassette reaches a final end. A final end alarm generating mechanism for detecting the tape at the final end generates an alarm sound. A switch is provided selectively switching the final end alarm generating mechanism and the automatic stop mechanism.

Abstract: A device for detecting transverse seams at the junctions of interconnected sections of fabric, paper or other sheet material, advancing continuously past a treatment station, comprises a plurality of sensors in the form of potentiometers whose sliders are provided with rollers contacting the sheet surface at transversely spaced locations which may also be relatively offset in the direction of travel. The output signals of the several potentiometers are compared in an evaluator which distinguishes actual seams from surface irregularities or from thickness variations forming part of a certain pattern. The evaluator includes signal-storing means facilitating the detection of seams deviating within given limits from a transverse line.

Abstract: To improve mass productivity of acoustic position sensing apparatus of the type wherein the position of an object is sensed with respect to a sensing port in an acoustic resonator, acoustic transducers for generating an acoustic signal in the resonator and for sensing the acoustic signal in the resonator comprise a sheet of poled piezoelectric material having electrodes on opposite sides thereof. The sheet is fixed over a transducer port in the acoustic resonator. Mass productivity is further improved by integrating a plurality of such acoustic transducers on a sheet of piezoelectric material by appropriately patterning the electrodes thereon.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for web break detection employing a sonic signal generator to generate regularly repetitive sonic signals of selected frequency, duration and time spacing between signals and disposed to direct the sonic signals toward a moving web of selected material so the signals are reflected from the web, a receiver device to receive the reflected signals, a time signal generating device to generate signal pulses during the time period between the generation of a sonic signal and receipt of the reflected signal a counter device to count the time generated between the transmission of the sonic signal and the reflected signal so that the number of time signals generated is indicative of the presence of the web as well as the distance of the web from the signal generator and receiver and a logic system to actuate a cutter mechanism to cut the web if it should fall outside a preselected "window" in which the web is positioned.

Abstract: A single ultrasonic generator is employed for detecting objects, particularly copies processed in photographic devices. The sound-radiating surface of the generator is spaced apart from a reference plane about a distance equal to an integer multiple of half the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves. The changes of damping of the ultrasonic resonance circuit resulting from the acoustic load variations are measured in an electronic evaluation circuit.

Abstract: A device for preventing irregular supplying of printing sheets in a printing machine in which the supply of two or more printing sheets stuck together is positively prevented even if the quantity of light passing through a printing sheet is changed such as by a change in an original plate. A detection circuit detects the quantity of light passing through the printing sheets. The output of the detection circuit is coupled to a memory circuit which is activated to store a value representing a quantity of light corresponding to a single printing sheet. This operation is performed in advance before a printing operation is started. A control circuit operated by the memory circuit controls the printing machine operation such that the sheet supplying operation is suspended when the quantity of light detected by the detection circuit is less than the value stored in the memory circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the remaining amount of rolled paper, the diameter of which decreases as it is unrolled, comprises a detection lever which is swingable in a manner such that its free end is always in contact with the decreasing outer diameter of the roller paper. The detection lever includes a magnet piece which actuates a magnetism sensor for actuating an alarm device indicating the time for exchanging the roller paper when the diameter of the paper roll decreases to a predetermined diameter.

Abstract: An overlapping feed detection device in a machine for processing paper, money, slips, checks, or like sheets has propelling rolls driven by a motive power source and operating to propel the sheets and driven rolls disposed movably and spaced by a gate gap from the propelling rolls. The gate gap is for passage therethrough normally of a single sheet at one time. A holding mechanism holds the driven rolls in a nonrotatable state when one sheet passes through the gap, and release it to permit it to rotate when two or more sheets in overlapping state pass therethrough and widen the gap. A rotation detecting device detects the rotation of a rotatable structure.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic system for detecting and distinguishing between superimposed and single sheets moving along a transport path, the frequency of the ultrasonic source is kept tuned to the natural frequency of the total system so that the phase displacement detected when a sheet-like object is present between the source and the ultrasonic receiver represents characteristics of the object itself. When no sheet-like object is present the receiver and the source are connected in a feedback circuit producing a certain natural frequency comparable to that which occurs with proximities between a microphone and a loud speaker, and the frequency of an oscillator is tuned to this natural frequency. When a sheet-like object is present the tuned oscillator frequency is applied to the ultrasonic source and its phase is compared with the phase of the ultrasonic signal at the receiver.

Abstract: A cable derailment responsive apparatus for use in terminating the operation of a cable drive for a chairlift, ski lift, gondola or the like is disclosed. The apparatus includes a spring biasing a portion of the pulley assembly for movement if the cable jumps the sheaves, further includes an electrical circuit having a plug-in connector that is mechanically pulled apart from the remainder of the circuit upon cable derailment to interrupt or deactivate the cable drive. Upon remounting of the cable on the sheave assemblies, the connector can be plugged back into the circuit to permit driving of the cable.

Abstract: A sensor is positioned adjacent the wrapping rollers of a coin wrapping machine in the passage of the wrapping sheet. The sensor issues a sheet detection signal when the sheet is detected by the sensor. The control device is also provided with sheet feeding rollers for feeding the wrapping sheet along the passage of the wrapping sheet toward the wrapping rollers. The sheet detection signal is used to control the driving of the sheet feeding rollers, and to stop the sheet feeding rollers in response to the sheet detection signal, so as to stop the leading end of the sheet at a position near the sensor. In this way, the wrapping sheet is advanced from a position near the sensor when the wrapping operation is started. When certain conditions associated with the wrapping sheet are detected in the control device, corresponding alarm signals are issued and the coin wrapping machine is stopped.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for electrically signalling the presence of bare spots on coated sheet metal for removal before further fabrication.

Abstract: A photographic film processor including a film dryer through which photographic film is transported under tension and dried, has a film break detection system for detecting photographic film breaks within the dryer. Upper and lower substantially horizontal shafts are positioned in the dryer in a spaced relationship. Each shaft has a plurality of spools, and the photographic film is transported back and forth over the spools and between the shafts in a serpentine fashion. The lower shaft is spatially movable with respect to the upper shaft and is biased in a direction opposite to the force on the lower shaft due to film tension. A film break within the dryer causes a loss of film tension, which in turn causes a change in the spatial position of the lower shaft. A sensor senses this change in the spatial position of the lower shaft, activates an alarm, and shuts off the dryer drive system.

Abstract: In a video tape recorder or audio tape recorder, the remaining tape length indicated as time or taken-up tape length indicated as time is calculated by use of microcomputer and then accurately indicated as a time length by detecting the angular velocities of a supply reel and a take-up reel. A rotational period of time of each reel is detected twice, so that the tape running speed is calculated from the two detected values and the known tape caliper thickness, thus calculating and indicating the remaining tape length indicated as time and the taken-up tape length indicated as time. The remaining tape length and taken-up tape length indicated as time in such operation modes of a tape recorder as fast forward, and rewind, as well as recording and reproduction are accurately indicated.

Abstract: Article tracking logic apparatus for monitoring plural articles passing through a modular article processing system. An article path actuator activates discrete logical paths for tracking each article within the processing modules. Each logical path includes an article position memory which updatably stores the position of an associated article within an activated path. An article tracking update means is provided within each logical path to cooperate with article position transducers and error detection logic to determine abnormal article transport conditions within an active path. Decode logic is provided within each logical path to provide the control unit for the processing system with the precise path and position therein where an error has occurred.

Abstract: A film flaw detection system has capacitive sensing members for sensing capacitance changes in correspondence with irregular film variations. The sensing members take two forms. One form senses variation in film thickness by using the film as a dielectric between two plates of the capacitor. Changes in film thickness result in changes in the dielectric and hence in the capacitance. The other form consists of feelers which ride along the surface of the film and which move transversely to the film movement in response to flaws in the film. Each feeler forms a plate of a capacitance, and movement of the feeler changes the distance between this plate and an associated fixed plate which results in a capacitance change. The detecting circuit comprises a phase detection system for measuring phase changes in a high frequency signal. These phase changes correspond to capacitance changes caused by flaws in the film and sensed by either of the two forms of sensing means.

Abstract: A strip break detection system is disclosed for a process line in which strip material is being payed out from a payoff reel to a rewind reel. The system is digital, and is based on the concept that for normal mill operation, with continuous strip being payed out from a payoff reel to a rewind reel, equal increments of rotation of the rewind reel, results in ever increasing increments of rotation of the payoff reel. A payoff counter is coupled to the payoff reel. The break detection system is controlled from a rewind counter coupled to the rewind reel which triggers a sequence controller for comparing the successive counts in the payoff counter to ensure that they are ever increasing under normal processing conditions, if the comparison indicates the converse an alarm is sounded; however, since there may be transient and self correcting conditions in the process line during which the latter count of the payoff counter may be less, the system is desensitized by further comparison with a dead band count.

Abstract: A system for continuously transporting individual articles or a succession of uniformly-spaced articles on a moving conveyor surface through one or more work stations and for providing a warning signal when the normal location of any one of said articles changes relative to said conveyor surface by more than a predetermined permissible distance at a predetermined work station where such changes in spacing are most objectionable or dangerous. The system comprises a pulse-supplying means or machine clock for supplying pulses having a variable frequency proportional to the rate of movement of the conveyor surface, a delay means for providing a conveyor displacement signal when said conveyor surface has moved a predetermined distance and sensing means activated by each of said articles as they travel said predetermined distance to provide an article travel time signal.

Abstract: Pulses from a motor-driven roto pulser, e.g., primary pulses, and from a roto pulser powered by a moving ribbon, e.g., secondary pulses, are (1) compared to determine if the ribbon is continuous and (2) used to actuate ribbon cross scoring and snapping equipment. When the secondary pulse count exceeds the primary pulse count for a given ribbon displacement by more than a predetermined amount, indications are that a ribbon break has occurred and the scoring and snapping equipment is actuated by the pulses from the ribbon powered roto pulser. When the difference between the secondary pulse count and primary pulse count is less than the predetermined amount, indications are that the ribbon is continuous and the equipment is actuated by pulses from the motor-driven roto pulser.

Abstract: Device for detecting breaks or tears and the end of the strip in a strip of any material, during its travel, which device comprises, mounted in proximity of the strip and positioned in correspondence with any of its sections which one wishes to explore, and being actuated any time by actuating a push button or the like control member: feeler means apt to feel the material of the strip, so as to follow the changes of direction and/or the oscillations as the strip travels, to feel said material preferably in the sense opposite to the direction of travel of the strip with a push adjustable in function of the limit of the mechanical resistance of the material of the strip, and to penetrate into the tear; and means for detecting the tear and the end of the strip, actuated by such feeler means when the latter penetrate into the cut of the tear or when the end of the strip is reached, said detecting means being capable to be connected to usual control means, so as to transmit to said means the information relative t

Abstract: A dictation system having means for providing a signal for indicating when dictation which the system has been made operative to record on a recording medium is not being recorded on the recording medium because of a malfunction of the system or the improper operation of the system. The system includes means for providing a signal when the audio input to the dictation system and the audio input of dictation recorded on the recording medium are not in a predetermined relationship and means for providing said signal when dictation which the system has been made operative to record on the recording medium is absent from the recording medium for a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: An end of paper roll detection assembly for detecting the end or near-end of a paper roll on a hollow core is provided. The end of paper roll detection assembly includes a detecting bar pivotally mounted on a retaining bar biased towards the side face of the paper roll which is supported on an adjustable paper roll retaining member. When paper is consumed the core is lowered towards the retaining member until the core is aligned with the detecting bar which passes into the hollow core thereby actuating a switch for generating a signal indicating that a predetermined amount of paper remains on the roll. The switch may be a reed switch closed by a permanent magnet secured to the retaining bar or a microswitch operated by the retaining bar. The retaining bar pivots towards the paper roll by action of a pulsating electro-magnet or a spring biasing the retaining bar towards the paper roll.

Abstract: A tape end warning apparatus comprises an alarm switch which is closed in response to the detection of a terminal end of a running tape being reached during a record or playback operation of a tape recorder, and an oscillator circuit which is activated by the closure of the switch. The oscillator circuit produces an alarm signal which is fed to an amplifier inherently contained in a tape recorder so as to give off an audible alarm through a loudspeaker which is connected with the amplifier.

Abstract: A tape end warning apparatus comprises an alarm switch which is closed in response to the detection of a terminal end of a running tape being reached during a record or playback operation of a tape recorder, and an oscillator circuit which is activated by the closure of the switch. The oscillator circuit produces an alarm signal which is fed to an amplifier inherently contained in a tape recorder so as to give off an audible alarm through a loudspeaker which is connected with the amplifier.

Abstract: A mechanical schematic diagram showing the paper flow path through a xerographic copying machine and an associated sorter is illuminated when a paper jam occurs or when the supply of paper, toner or fuser oil is depleted. At the same time the copier is shut down and a flashing light on the diagram at the approximate location of the problem source is illuminated. Steadily illuminated lights indicate the positions of paper sheets which must be removed from the machine before normal operation can resume. Depleted consumable items are also identified by flashing lights indicating the location of the cause of the interruption. Thus the machine operator is immediately able to determine the cause of the interruption and the corrective action required.

Abstract: Copy production machine, such as a xerographic copier, includes an original document feed mechanism which is responsive to insertion of the document to place the document automatically in an imaging position. The copy production machine is actuated by the document feed mechanism to produce one or more copies of the placed original document. An original document being entered into imaging position may be removed by an operator or by the automatic original document feed mechanism, whereby the copy production machine is inhibited from producing copies until the original document is either reinserted or another original document is inserted. Thereupon, copy production resumes in the normal manner.

Abstract: A paper roll diameter sensing device for use with a paper splicing apparatus is disclosed which gives the output signal when the diameter of an unrolled paper roll is reduced to a predetermined diameter so that the running paper web may be spliced to the leading end of a new paper roll.