Abstract: A matrix printing apparatus of the type having a path for sequentially transporting a series of documents to be printed between a plurality of dot matrix ballistic print heads and back-up platen rollers opposite each print head, the dot matrix ballistic print heads adapted, when actuated, to simultaneously impact an ink source and one side of each document as each document passes the print heads to apply printed material to each document in a pre-programmed array. The improvement of the present invention comprises moving the back-up platen rollers from a first position adjacent the print head when the print head is actuated, to a second position at a distance from the print head when the print head is not actuated.

Abstract: A multiple-head optical scanner includes a plurality of read heads for reading a column of video information at a scanning window. Each read head includes a photosensor array and a lens assembly. The lens assembly focuses the light flux reflected from a segment of the scanning window onto the photosensor array. The photosensor array converts the reflected light flux into electrical signals. The optical axes of adjacent read heads are aligned to intersect the document plane at the scanning window at different angles. In addition, the segment scanned by each read head overlaps a portion of the segment scanned by its adjacent read head.

Abstract: The illustrated embodiment teaches a three-way valve system for an ink jet printer. The system has an inlet, a main outlet, a vent, and two needle valves (a shut-off valve and a vent valve) which sit in respective valve guides. The passageways are arranged so that for ink to reach the outlet or vent, it travels through the shut-off valve seat and guide. Similarly, to reach the vent, fluid must pass through the vent valve seat and guide. The shut-off valve and vent valves are arranged to reciprocate through the action of a lever with a fulcrum between the two needle valves. The lever is connected to an actuator solenoid and an opposing bias spring. For opening of the valve system, the solenoid pulls the lever to shut the vent valve, thereby permitting the pressurized ink to lift the shut-off valve off its seat. When the shut-off valve is seated, a smaller area is exposed to pressure than when it is not seated. Therefore, the ink exerts a greater force on the opened shut-off valve.

Abstract: An improvement in an ink jet printing system which uses a catcher or gutter to intercept drops of ink deflected from the ink jet printing stream. The ink drop catcher serves to remove the drops of ink which have collected on the face of the catcher by means of capillary paths extending from the face of the catcher to a porous block. The porous block may be connected to a vacuum souce for removing the ink from the printing head.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically calibrating a D.C. transducer are described in the environment of an illustrative film retrieval system. In this system, the output of a transducer such as a light sensor is amplified and the amplified output is compared to upper and lower limits within which it is desired to hold the transducer's amplified output. When either of the limits is exceeded, the amplification of the transducer's output is varied so as to shift its average value to a value which is between the upper and lower limits.

Abstract: A web drive system for automatically reversing the direction of travel of the web when the end of the web is reached. A reversible electric motor provides power to either the supply or take up spindles. An end of the web is affixed to each of the spindles so that either spindle can be provided with power to draw the web from the other spindle. A planetary gear system provides power to whichever spindle acts as the take up spindle until the end of the web is sensed. The motor is then reversed and the planetary gear then provides power to the other spindle, which was previously the supply spindle.

Abstract: A microfilm duplicator for duplicating images received from a microfiche onto a duplicating medium. Images from the master microfiche are transferred to the duplicating medium at an exposure station. A duplicating medium support frame is operator moveable to cause the duplicating medium to be transported to a developing station wherein the duplicating medium is developed. The duplicating medium is then transported to a clearing station wherein unimaged areas are cleared from the duplicating medium and the duplicate is discharged at a discharge station. While one duplicate is being developed, a second duplicate can be exposed at the exposure station thus increasing throughput of the device.

Abstract: A device for feeding address labels on a web with the address labels arranged in a column, each address label equal in size to adjacent address labels. There are non-addressed areas at equally spaced distances along the web, with the non-addressed areas separated by the address labels. There are two cutters placed after the web feeder. The first cutter operates after each increment of the web. The second cutter operates only after an increment of the web wherein the web is fed the distance of an address label plus the height of a non-addressed area. The non-addressed area is cut from the address label and removed, and the cut address label is affixed to the mail piece. The device provides for incrementing the web either a distance equal to an address label or a distance equal to an address label plus the height of a non-addressed area.

Abstract: A device for allowing the removal of a central or coupling shaft which is connected to a main shaft having its ends retained within bearing supports. At the joints between the coupling shaft and main shaft there is complementary coupling pieces which align the coupling shaft with the main shaft. A releasable collar maintains the shafts in a locking relationship and there are locating means on the shaft to positively position the collar around the joint.

Abstract: A new and improved vacuum document feeder provides a vacuum cup support mechanism which follows a somewhat crescent-shaped coupler curve that eliminates the vacuum cup wear-producing disadvantages of the prior art; improves separation of documents, and provides for increased feeding rates. A four-bar system moves a table over the somewhat crescent-shaped coupler curve, while at all times holding an edge of the table parallel to the documents. Two vacuum cups are individually pivotally mounted on the table, to sweep over an angle which accommodates leaning documents. Cams on a drive pulley associated with the transport system coordinates the table movement with both the pivoting and vacuumizing of the cups. The cups move in a manner to cause the document to buckle thereby improving separation between documents and eliminating double feeding.

Abstract: A bar code printing device with mechanical generation of a parity or check character. The mechanism is indexed by moving a plurality of push buttons or levers which when individually moved, engage a code belt which is connected to a parity generating mechanism. Each of the push buttons is associated with a single character of a sequence and can be moved in random order.

Abstract: A bimodal electrophotographic apparatus and process which incorporates capabilities for making both positive and reversal copies. One surface of a layer of a zinc oxide coated paper, or the like, is given an initial electrostatic charge. The charged surface is then exposed to an image having light and dark areas for causing surface charge to dissipate, in varying degree depending on the amount of light striking the charged paper, in the exposure areas. A charged toner is applied to the zinc-oxide-coated paper by a magnetic brush. In the reversal mode, the brush has a bias potential. The brush is formed by an aggregation of magnetic toner particles clinging to the outside of a cylindrical sleeve while magnets inside the sleeve rotate. The toner collects on the paper to form an image depending upon where the charge is dissipated.

Abstract: A self-propelled crop harvesting combine having a variable speed crop threshing and separating rotor. The crop material is delivered from a conventional cleaning system into a grain holding tank. A system is provided to determine the ratio of damaged to undamaged grain from predetermined amounts of grain delivered to the grain tank. An electronic control system varies the speed of the rotor in response to changes in the ratio whereby the speed of the threshing mechanism is automatically varied to minimize grain damage in the threshing process.

Abstract: An implement that includes a pair of furrow forming disks, a seed tube located between the disks for depositing seed in the furrow, a seed firming wheel rotatably supported between the disks for movement in the furrow generally adjacent the tube exit and a pair of pivotally mounted furrow closing and gauge wheels located generally adjacent the seed firming wheel. The elements of the implement are particularly constructed and arranged primarily to achieve accurate seed depth control.

Abstract: An implement that includes a central subframe, a center frame, a pair of wing frames pivotally connected to the ends of the center frame for movement between a transversely aligned operating position and a rearwardly folded transport position, and a set of extendable transport wheels mounted on the rear end of the subframe generally adjacent the wing transport wheels, wherein the noted transport wheels provide the sole ground contact of the implement during transport for desirable handling characteristics.

Abstract: A two pump, two motor hydrostatic drive vehicle is provided with service brakes having an operating linkage interconnected with the speed control linkage for the hydrostatic pump in such a manner that depressing the brake pedal returns the pump swash plate control arms to neutral and releasing the brake pedal returns the control arms to the forward speed position previously set by the operator speed control lever.

Abstract: A pneumatic seed planter utilizing air pressure to dispense the seeds in a central hopper to a plurality of laterally spaced seed planting assemblies. Mounted on the planter is a system for dispensing granular chemicals such as fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides from a separate hopper to the rows planted by the planting assemblies. The system uses air pressure from the planter (rather than a mechanical drive) to convey the granular material out of the separate hopper to the planting assemblies. Air is directed upwardly through an opening in the bottom of the chemical hopper and into a material conveyor tube spaced from the opening. The granular chemical is drawn through the space and into the conveyor tube by the air stream. A plurality of delivery tubes is connected to the conveyor tube for directing the chemical to the respective plurality of planting assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a drawbar, a pair of furrow forming disks rotatably mounted on the drawbar, a seed tube located between the disks for depositing seed in the furrow, a press gauge wheel assembly mounted on the drawbar rearward of the disks for closing the furrow and compacting the soil on both sides of the seed, and also including adjustment structure for varying the height of the press wheel relative to the drawbar for controlling furrow depth in response to pressure exerted on the apparatus.