Abstract: A slack box for accumulating continuous web material having a plurality of vertically spaced sections separated by movable members. When the amount of web material in a selected one of the sections reaches a predetermined amount, the movable members, starting with the lowest, are sequentially moved from an operative position separating the slack box into sections to an inoperative position thereby allowing web material stored in an upward section to pass or dump into a lower section. After the web material in the uppermost section has been dumped into the adjacent lower section, a web feeding mechanism is actuated to feed a predetermined amount of web material into the uppermost section.

Abstract: A banding apparatus with a ball-type, reciprocally movable web gripping mechanism cooperable with a web transfer mechanism for gripping one end of a web. The web gripping mechanism extends the web across the open end of a banding chute. A stack handling member is mounted for reciprocal movement in the chute between a normal upper position and a lower position. When the member is moved to its lower position, it acts as a support for the stack and a guide for the web. When the member is moved to its upper position, it elevates a completed bundle into position for transfer from the banding apparatus. With regard to the method steps involved to form a completed bundle, a stack of articles is moved into engagement with the web and support member, and then inserted into the banding chute through the open end thereof for moving the member to its lower position. The member is provided with guides which during downward movement of the member extend upwardly for guiding the web around the stack of articles.

Abstract: A device for use in discharging a fluid from a fluid processing apparatus. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the device is suitable for those applications requiring both a low level of surface turbulence and a relatively high level of sub-surface turbulence. Low levels of surface turbulence generally result in small amounts of splashing and foaming, and also enable an effective fluid level to be established. Higher levels of sub-surface turbulence are often necessary in order to redisperse particles which might have migrated or settled in the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for opening expendable film cartridges of the type having film supply and take-up chambers joined by a hollow intermediate part having an exposure aperture. The cartridge opening apparatus has a support head for supporting a cartridge, film sensing means for sensing the type of film in the cartridge, and a movable spindle and chisel responsive to the sensing means if the film is the correct type for substantially simultaneously positioning and opening the film take-up chamber.

Abstract: A crank mechanism for imparting reciprocal lineal movement to a member through forward and reverse strokes, and providing dwell periods for the member at each end of its stroke. The crank mechanism comprises a rotatable crank shaft for rotatably driving an eccentrically mounted crank pin which imparts reciprocal movement to a member via a connecting rod. A cam is provided for altering the throw between the axes of the crank pin and crank shaft at each end of the stroke of the member to provide dwell periods for the member in such positions.

Abstract: An overload safety device having a housing reciprocally movable through forward and reverse strokes of a set length. The housing has a cylinder and a piston mounted for reciprocal movement in the cylinder between a normal extended position and a retracted position. Fluid pressure is directed against one side of the piston for releasably holding the piston in its normal extended position. The piston has a rod to which a tool is attached at one end for performing an operation on a work piece upon reciprocal movement of the housing. If the tool should strike an obstruction, a slight displacement of the piston relative to the housing away from its normal extended position discontinues the fluid pressure directed against one side of the piston and directs it against the opposite side of the piston for rapidly moving the piston to its retracted position. The overload safety device may further be operated as a double acting cylinder.