Abstract: This invention involves an apparatus for terminating conduit, cable, and braided bundle in which the termination is accomplished with an interference fit between a collar and an end fitting. Once assembled, the conduit, cable, or braided bundle is compressed between the collar and the end fitting such that the final assembly can withstand the required level of axial and transverse force for the application, but not so much that the conduit, cable, or braided bundle loses its structural integrity.

Abstract: An improved technique for gray scale compression of document image data is disclosed. The method comprises evaluating subportions of an image array as to relative levels of sameness and attempting to create sub-arrays having the same pixel value. Successively smaller sub-arrays are evaluated as to gray scale sameness unti 2.times.1 pixel arrays are encountered. At that time a code unique to each possible 2.times.1 pixel arrangement is stored. A high speed, real-time compression implementation is facilitated through described hardware. Document images are subdivided into 8 pixel by 512 pixel slices. As one document slice is stored in a first buffer RAM, a previously stored slice is compressed. As the pixel information is stored, tests are performed for 8.times.8 and 4.times.4 array sameness and one bit data stored according to the results of those tests. High speed compression is facilitated by querying the stored data as to the 8.times.8 and the 4.times.4 array sameness prior to further processing.

Abstract: A typical printing device has a document feeder, a printer, and a document transport mechanism for transporting documents from the document feeder to the printer. In accordance with the invention, there is provided a thickness measurer which measures the thickness of a document prior to the transport of the document to the printer, a controller which receives the thickness information and which provides a gap-adjustment signal, and an adjuster which receives the gap-adjustment signal and adjusts the gap accordingly.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting documents comprising a first plate member having a document engaging edge along a transport path, for engaging the document on one side thereof; a second plate member having a document engaging edge along the transport path, for engaging the document on the same side as does the first plate member edge; a first drive belt having a document engaging surface along the transport path, for engaging the document on the document's other side; and a second drive belt having a document engaging surface along the transport path, for engaging the document on the same side as does the first drive belt. The plate members and the belts are situated with the first plate member edge, the first belt surface, the second plate member edge and the second belt surface arranged in successive vertically spaced relation such that the belts urge the sheet against the plate member edges when the sheet is engaged by the belt surfaces and the plate member edges.

Abstract: A light sensor device along a sheet transport track, having light emitting and sensing means in one of the track's two spaced apart walls, for emitting light energy and sensing the light energy reflected back from a sheet interposed between the walls and in the path of the emitted light energy. The sensor device also includes light absorbing means in the other wall of the track for absorbing the light energy emitted from the light emitting and sensing means when the sheet is not interposed between the light emitting and sensing means. The light absorbing means includes a transparent cylindrical member having a polished end surface for receiving the emitted light energy, the cylinder's other end surface and the cylinder's cylindrical surface being light energy absorbent.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading automatically fed documents and manually fed documents into a document transport. The loader apparatus includes a plurality of document driver devices situated along a track and capable of automatically accommodating documents of various thicknesses and sizes, the driver devices being actuable for downwardly driving received documents for registering their bottom edges along a horizontally extending registration surface, as well as for controllably gating the documents, and for forwardly driving the upstanding documents along the track and into a document processing transport. A preloader transport is provided for applying documents to the loader issuing from automatic feeder apparatus. The loader's track configuration includes an undercut registration surface for supporting the document's bottom edge in such manner as to decrease the likelihood of document distortion during the loading process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for stacking predetermined sheets of various intermixed sizes in a stacking location by advancement of stacking devices into that location, selectively guide further sheets past the stacking location. That guiding of further sheets past the stacking location is mechanically slaved to the advancement of the stacking devices into the stacking location. Where the stacking devices are withdrawn from the stacking location preparatory to each stacking of a predetermined sheet, the guiding of that predetermined sheet into the stacking location is mechanically slaved to such withdrawal of the stacking devices. Where the sheets are stacked against a movable wall, an unobstructed space for receiving each sheet guided to the stacking location is permanently preserved between the movable wall and the withdrawn stacking devices.

Abstract: A support for an optical device such as an optical read head, permits the optical device to be positionable along a linear path. The support includes a precision bar and two gibs, with first and second adjustable means for securing the gibs to one another and slideably to the bar.

Abstract: Vehicles are secured to a carrier during shipment by application of a harness preferably comprised of textile webbing to each of the vehicle wheels. A tension member extending from each harness is connected to the deck of the carrier by an adjustable attachment means such as the type comprising a ratcheting spool. The harnesses engage only the inflated tires of the vehicle wheels and accordingly permit the vehicle suspension to react without restraint to irregular movement of the carrier.

Abstract: A material handling sling comprising a main elongated, flexible, securing member, fluid inflatable means integral with the main securing member and positioned intermediate the leading and terminal ends thereof. The sling may also include a secondary securing member that is attached to the main securing member at two points intermediate the ends of the inflatable means, one point being inward the end of the inflatable means nearest the leading end of the main securing member and the other point being inward the end of the inflatable means nearest the terminal end of the main securing member; the secondary securing member being adapted to provide a working length spanning the distance between the two points of attachment of the secondary securing member to the main securing member that is shorter than the length of the main securing member between said two points.