Abstract: An apparatus for separating tape at a cut edge is described in which a bend is formed in the tape and in which a wall portion acts against the cut edge of the tape so that as the tape is drawn to straighten it, there is resilience in an upper layer of the tape which overcomes the adhesive strength between upper and lower layers and causes them to separate at the cut edge of the tape.

Abstract: A printing device has a simple mechanism for ensuring that a cassette having tape of a proper width is inserted into it for printing and for advising a microprocessor of the width of the tape. This is achieved by providing a switch with an actuating part which can be accommodated by a cassette of one type but not by a cassette of a different type.

Abstract: A tape cutting apparatus is described for cutting off a portion of tape (4) comprising first and second layers (4a,4c) secured one to another by an adhesive layer (4b). The apparatus comprises an anvil (40) and a cutter support member (31) carrying a blade (30), the cutter support member and the anvil being mounted for relative movement to bring the blade into contact with a facing surface of the anvil. The facing surface has a stepped portion (40) over which the tape is bent during cutting such that when the tape is released the first and second layers tend to separate from one another at the cut edge.

Abstract: A blade protection device is described for protecting a cutting blade in a printing device which is actuatable so that a blade protection member is movable by insertion of a cassette into the printing device. A printing device has a cassette receiving bay for receiving a cassette of tape and a cutting blade for receiving a cassette of tape and a cutting blade for cutting the tape after printing. The printing device incorporates a blade protection device such as described above. Cassettes are also described which are adapted to actuate the blade protection device described above when inserted into a printing device. One cassette has an aperture which receives an upstanding part of the blade protection member. Another cassette has a depending part which locates a surface of the blade protection member to actuate the blade protection device when the cassette is inserted into a printing device.

Abstract: A cutting mechanism for printing tape is described wherein the tape is bent over an arcuate surface during cutting so that when the tape is cut layers of the tape secured to one another by an adhesive layer tend to separate.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a water pipeline while the pipeline is full of water comprises providing a liquid-tight casing housing a video camera and lights, coupled to a cable housing both optical and electrical conductors. A drogue is attached to the casing and the camera pod and drogue are launched through the sidewall of the pipeline via a launch chamber. The camera pod and cable are neutrally buoyant and can be deployed several kilometers along the pipeline for inspecting the pipeline and recovered again into the launch chamber. The advantage of this system over conventional systems is that much longer lengths of pipeline can be inspected from a single location.