Abstract: A high speed media management device has tractor means for moving a web through the device past a plurality of work stations at each of which the web may be treated. Relatively high web tension is maintained throughout its travel path. Counting means near the beginning of the web path generate a count signal with the passage of each increment of web. The accumulated count signals are compared to numbers stored in a plurality of registers, each register associated with a work station and each containing a count representative of web travel distance relative to the work station. The first register count corresponds to the distance required to accelerate the web from a stop. The remaining registers store that count and a separate count representing the distance between the first station and the corresponding station. When the counter contents equals the count in a register, an actuating signal initiates a treatment activity at the associated work station.

Abstract: A high speed web cutter has a rotating roller with an extended bar mounted perpendicular to its surface and angled to be aligned askew with respect to the roller's axis. During the rotation of the roller, the bar interferingly contacts a plate having an angled edge that is mounted on a relatively stiff cantilever spring. The bar edge and the plate edge are not mounted parallel with each other nor are either of them parallel with the plane of the web. As the roller rotates, the extended bar deflects the cantilever spring, allowing the edges to intersect in a cutting intersection that travels axially with roller rotation, thereby severing a web member passing between the roller and the plate edge.

Abstract: A tap-switching circuit for automatically controlling the output voltage of a multi-tap transformer in response to a varying input line voltage and/or system load current demand, includes voltage sensing circuitry in parallel with both the transformer voltage outputs and a voltage comparator for sensing changes in the system load demand requirements. A voltage reference is provided for automatically generating a pre-selected voltage reference level signal for the line and/or system load requirements. Voltage comparison circuitry is operatively connected with the voltage sensing circuitry for generating an enable signal whenever the input line voltage and/or system load current demand requirements sensed by the voltage sensing circuitry falls below the pre-selected voltage reference level signal.

Abstract: A strip media tensioning system is set forth for imposing drag on a moving band such as a circulating endless belt for driving reel packs for delivery of magnetic tape therebetween. More particularly, an apparatus is set forth which includes a fixed shaft. A sleeve is journalled for rotation about the shaft, the endless belt engaging and rotating the sleeve. To create drag, a visco-elastic ring is positioned between the shaft and sleeve and is compressed against the sleeve creating drag by an eccentrically disposed roller device. The eccentricity of the roller device is adjustable for altering the drag on the circulating endless belt.

Abstract: An improved thermal printhead is disclosed which includes a plurality of addressable electrodes, each corresponding to a spot to be printed. In alternative embodiments, a single common electrode or a plurality of common electrodes are located in a plane below that of the addressable electrodes and are separated therefrom by an insulating layer. A portion of the common electrode is left exposed in the vicinity of each of the addressable electrodes and a covering of thermal resistive material electrically interconnects the two types of electrodes. Passage of a current through an addressable electrodes result in a current flow to the nearest points on a common electrode causing local heating in the resistive material. The electrode arrangement permits printing closer to the edge of the printhead and further, enables smaller, more clearly spaced printed "dots".

Abstract: An electric fluid heater of the type in which the fluid is heated by passing electricity through it includes an electronic temperature control system responsive to a temperature sensor in the fluid for controlling the flow of electric current to the heating electrodes. The electronic controller includes means to limit the maximum current passed by the heating electrodes. Heat generated is controlled to demand by varying the duty cycle of back-to-back SCR's in series with one of the electrodes.

Abstract: An electric fluid heater includes a metallic container defining a heating chamber provided with a pair electrodes for passing electric current through the fluid for heating the fluid. The container has a fluid input port, a fluid output port and a safety port all communicating with the heating chamber. The ports have a reduced aperture portion of a substantial length to increase the resistance of the current leakage path from the electrodes to external ground connections. All surfaces of the metallic container including the fluid contacting surfaces of the heating chamber and ports are covered by an electrically insulative coating. An external pressure relief valve is connected to the safety port.

Abstract: An improved printer embodiment that includes a print head having thin "foil" electrodes and associated spacers fashioned to maintain very precisely controlled dimensions and positioning according to specific, improved fabrication techniques providing an exactly oriented row of spaced, aligned electrodes. Each electrode includes an integral "print-finger" adapted to resiliently skid over the passing print-substrate and, preferably, also including a companion contact adapted to engage an associated conductor terminal.