Abstract: A friction drive apparatus for feeding strip material in a longitudinal direction includes a first friction wheel and a second friction wheel rotated by a first motor drive and a second motor drive, respectively. The friction drive apparatus also includes a sensor disposed behind the friction wheels with respect to the motion of the strip material to detect a lateral or skewing error and a motion processor that drives the first and the second motor drives independently at different speeds to correct the lateral or skewing error of the strip material. The friction drive apparatus also detects a longitudinal error of the strip material by tracking an actual position of the strip material and comparing it to the commanded position to correct the error. If there is a discrepancy between the actual position and the commanded position of the strip material, the rotational speed of each friction wheel is either decreased or increased to correct any longitudinal creep or slippage, respectively, of the strip material.

Abstract: The friction drive system for printing, plotting or cutting graphic images on strip material includes a feedback for a drive motor driving a plurality of friction wheels for advancing strip material in a longitudinal direction. The feedback signal includes a short-term response component and a long-term response component to accurately pinpoint the exact longitudinal location of the strip material. The short-term response component is generated by comparing a motor encoder signal from a motor encoder secured to the drive motor with a commanded longitudinal position of the strip material and passing the resultant differential error signal through an all pass filter. The long-term response component is generated by comparing a detecting encoder signal from a detecting encoder secured to a device detecting the actual longitudinal position of the strip material with the commanded longitudinal position of the strip material and passing the differential error signal through a low pass filter.

Abstract: A machine and method of performing a work operation requiring a known or predetermined length of unconsumed web has a cassette containing consumable web material, and the cassette has an indicator for identifying a length of unconsumed web in the cassette. The length of unconsumed web in the cassette is compared to a known or predetermined length of unconsumed web required to perform the work operation, and the operation is performed if the length of unconsumed web in the cassette is at least equal to the required length of unconsumed web. In one embodiment, the indicator takes the form of a potentiometer mounted on an exterior surface of the cassette for electrically indicating the amount of unconsumed web, or a pointer carried by a worm gear rotatably coupled to a spool of the cassette, wherein the pointer moves relative to indicia on the cassette upon rotation of the spool to visually indicate the amount of unconsumed web in the cassette.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for printing designs, halftones, alphanumeric and other printed matter on sheet material utilizes a thermal printhead that is pressed against sheet material on a roller platen during a printing operation. A donor web bearing an ink material is interposed between the printhead and the sheet material on the roller platen. In order to improve the print quality, the printer includes a pressure regulating mechanism which not only controls the pressure between the printing head and roller platen at different pressure levels but also allows the printing head and platen to be separated and moved away from one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing graphic products utilizes a printer to print on sheet material and a cutter to cut the sheet material with the printed material within the periphery of the cut edges. Both the printer and the cutter are controlled by machine readable data having a common data base so that the printed material and the cut material correspond positionally in the final graphic product. The printer is a thermal printer that places the printed material on a strip of sheet material generally before the sheet material is cut. The thermal printer utilizes a donor web bearing a transfer ink to create enhanced printed images on the sheet material with half tones, color and other attractive features. The printer is controlled to regulate a number of printing parameters through coding on a cassette in which the donor web is supported.

Abstract: A cutting cloth web having a multilayer construction comprises a generally elongate base layer of material having a first surface disposed on one side and having a second surface disposed on its side facing oppositely thereof and includes a generally elongate sheet of fabric material having a first surface disposed on one side thereof and a second surface disposed on its opposite side and facing the base layer second surface. The base layer and the fabric sheet are releasably attached to one another by holding means interposed between the second surface of the fabric material and the second surface of the base layer maintaining the two sheets in registry with one another such that a closed shape may be cut in the fabric material without disrupting the registration between the base layer and the sheet of fabric material as provided for by the holding means.

Abstract: A sheet material support system includes a floating box having upwardly extending leading edges defining a plane extending parallel to said base in which sheet material is caused to conform to by applying downward pressure to it and causing the sheet material to become tautly drawn over the box upper edges. The system includes a locating block and clamps which allow frames to be located uniformly along X and Y coordinate axes so that successive frames can be loaded in uniform registration in the system.

Abstract: An automated measuring scale for making linear measurements includes a guide bar and an index marker that is moved automatically along the bar to predetermined positions commanded by the operator. A manually operated keyboard is provided to enter the position commands, and a digital display illustrates the commands as they are entered. The scale of movement is adjustable for an infinite number of variables, and the index marker can be repeatedly stepped along the guide bar by fixed increments when desired. In a manual mode of operation, the index marker is positioned to any location along the guide bar and the display automatically reveals the marker position in any selected scale.

Abstract: A photosensitive film for plotting color images in daylight uses surface emulsion layers sensitive only to different and predetermined wavelengths of non-visible radiant energy. Each emulsion layer is developable to manifest a distinguishable color upon exposure to sensitizing radiant energy. Three sensitized emulsion layers can singly and collectively manifest any color upon development. During a plotting operation in daylight, a beam of radiant energy having a controlled composition of radiant energy wavelengths outside the visible spectrum is projected onto the film surface in the form of a spot. The beam of radiant energy and the film are moved relative to one another to cause the spot to sensitize the emulsion layers at different locations according to the desired plot. Changing the composition of the sensitizing wavelengths comprising the beam during a plotting operation causes the film to yield a multi-colored image upon development.

Abstract: A color plotter includes a photoexposure head that projects a beam of polychromatic light onto the photosensitive surface of a color film. The beam of light exposes a spot on the film surface and means are provided for moving the spot across the film surface in a controlled manner to generate a desired pattern or line. Color separation filters are mounted in the exposure head and a mechanism moves the respective filters into and out of the beam of light in accordance with a desired color in the plot. A density selector is also provided to control the degree of film exposure and the resulting color density. The color plotter is capable of producing maps, drawings and other graphic material in multiple colors on the exposed film.

Abstract: A method of plotting in color with a photoplotter and color film employs a technique of budgeting the amount of exposure in each of the color sensitive emulsion layers of the film. An optical exposure head in the plotter projects a beam of colored light onto the film and relative movement of the film and head causes a spot of light generated by the projected beam to move to various positions on the film and expose the film in accordance with the color components of the beam. The optical head changes the color components to produce beams of different colors and exposes the film accordingly. The total exposure of each emulsion layer by all of the color components is limited to the exposure capacities of the layers by restricting the colors that are produced by the projected beams.

Abstract: A work locating system having temperature and other compensation capabilities wherein the work member is mounted for controlled movement with respect to the work tool. Two sets of two laser interferometers are utilized to generate distance measuring light beams such that the beams of each set are coaxial and the beams of the respective sets are orthogonal and intersect at the work tool reference axis to thereby instantaneously and continuously determine the location of four reference points on the work member and compensate for all expansions or contractions of the work member or changes in the laser measuring system during the programmed work operation.