Abstract: A ribbon tensioning device for use in a single pass typewriter and/or printer ribbon cartridge having a supply spool and a takeup spool between which the ribbon is transferred incrementally by a capstan drive assembly, includes first and second arms joined at first ends and mounted for pivotal movement thereat in the cartridge adjacent the ribbon spools. The arms are biased in opposing relation with the free ends of the arms engaging the peripheries of respective spools, each arm exerting a pressure against a corresponding spool to maintain the tension on the ribbon extending therebetween substantially constant throughout the transfer thereof between spools. A high friction material is applied to the arm of the device which engages the supply spool and a low friction roller is mounted on the arm of the device which engages the takeup spool.

Abstract: A sprocket drive device for a computer form feeder for transporting a computer printout web having predeterminedly spaced apertures along the edges thereof along the upper and lower surfaces and about a free end of a copyboard overlying the copy platen of a copying machine, including a pin chain assembly mounted on spaced driven sprocket and idler wheels. The pin chain assembly includes a plurality of predeterminedly spaced pins extending therefrom for receipt in the spaced apertures of the web. The pins travel along an endless path between the wheels spaced from the upper and lower surfaces of the copyboard, respectively. A guide and stripper member is provided on the sprocket drive for guiding the web from the pins to the copyboard surface and vice-versa while avoiding the tearing of the web material about the apertures. The guide and stripper member includes upper and lower central portions extending between the wheels for guiding the web along upper and lower planes passing through the base of the pins.

Abstract: Prior to conversion of an offset master imaged by electrostatic technique to render the non-imaged portions of the imaged master ink repellent and water receptive, the surface is pre-wet with an organic solvent system which leaves residual solvent on the surface at the time of conversion.

Abstract: An optical assembly for a stencil making device employed for scanning an original document to provide a light image of indicia thereon to a photomultiplier tube which converts the light image into electrical signals includes a housing taking the form of a block having at least one aperture or channel therein for receiving a lamp. A second channel extends at right angles from the first channel toward a predetermined wall of the block. The last-mentioned channel opens at the wall so that light from the lamp passes outwardly of the second channel onto the original document positioned adjacent the wall. A third channel extends into the block adjacent the second channel. A lens in the last-mentioned channel focuses reflected light images of the indicia through the third channel to the end of an optical fiber which carries the image to the photomultiplier tube. The dimension of the cross-sectional end of the optical fiber determines the scan area.

Abstract: A mechanism for driving a computer form web along a predetermined path includes a ratchet wheel having two sets of oppositely facing teeth, mounted on a support shaft for rotation. The wheel is driven in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. A drive gear in meshing engagement with a plurality of gears for driving the sprocket mechanism transporting the computer form web is also mounted on the support shaft for rotation. The gear is joined to a coupling plate also mounted on the support shaft for rotation thereon. The coupling plate includes first and second pawls which extend therefrom for cooperative engagement with the ratchet teeth sets, respectively. Pawl actuator arms also mounted on the coupling plate are movable to first and second positions and when in a first position engage the pawls to maintain the latter out of engagement with respective ratchet teeth sets. Pawl actuator arm engaging levers are mounted adjacent the pawl actuator arms and are movable to first and second positions.

Abstract: In an ink drop writing system a vibrating nozzle is used to form drops which are thereafter deflected electrostatically whereby characters or wave forms are written on paper by the deflected drops. In order to minimize the variations in drive voltage requirements for the transducer that vibrates the nozzle, caused by changes in ink parameters which cause variations in the velocity of sound through the ink that is used, and in order to minimize variations in the drop separation time from the ink stream, with drive frequency variations, the length of the nozzle is selected so that its mechanical resonance frequency is very much higher than the frequency at which the nozzle is used. As a result, the length of the nozzle is considerably shorter than the nozzle lengths which have been used heretofore.

Abstract: A guide chute arrangement for an apparatus used to feed a computer form printout web to the original document platen of a copying machine which includes a pivotally mounted copyboard overlying the platen over and about which the web is fed, includes an upper chute assembly for guiding the web between the upper surface of the copyboard and a first supply tray and a lower chute assembly for guiding the web between the lower surface of the copyboard and a second supply tray. Each of the chute assemblies includes complementarily, predeterminedly shaped upper and lower walls forming channels therebetween. The lower walls of the chute assemblies are fixedly mounted. The upper wall of the upper chute assembly is mounted for pivotal movement on extension arms which permit the movement of the upper wall away from the lower wall for easy threading of the web thereinto.

Abstract: A method for developing a latent electrostatic image on a photoconductive surface which has previously been provided with an overall electrostatic charge of a predetermined polarity in which the charged surface is exposed to the image pattern of light and shadow for dissipation of the electrostatic charge in the light exposed areas while an electrode having an electrical potential of the same polarity as the electrostatic charge on the surface is positioned closely adjacent the charged surface.

Abstract: A dry toner dispenser for use in an electrostatic or the like copying machine includes a hopper having a bottom opening from which dry toner particles are dispensed. A roll having a plurality of resilient fibers extending generally radially outwardly therefrom is mounted for rotation in the opening. A dispenser bar mounted outside of the hopper engages the resilient fibers of the roll. As the roll turns, the bar momentarily holds the fibers against the direction of rotation and then releases the fibers in a spring action to cause toner particles held between the fibers to be projected therefrom into the developer apparatus of the copying machine. A wheel rotatable in accordance with the operation of the copying machine drives a pivotal member which in turn rotates the dispenser roll incrementally. A manually positionable cam limits the movement of the pivotal member. An agitator included in the hopper is coupled to the drive roll for rotation therewith and maintains the toner particles in a loose condition.

Abstract: Provision is made for compensating for the effects of the aerodynamic forces and electrostatic forces on a charged ink drop in the vicinity of another charged ink drop or drops by altering the charge applied to the drops affected by these forces so that flight to the intended location of the drop will occur.