Abstract: A dam has a plurality of substantially parallel ribs extending from a base surface. At least one of the ribs is formed of a body of metal having a coating as its exterior surface, which has a low coefficient of friction over which sheets of a media move. The body has a longitudinal slot in its exterior surface. An insert, which has a high coefficient of friction with sheets of a media and is preferably polyurethane, is supported within the body. The insert is preloaded so that a projection extends a predetermined distance through the slot in the body for engagement with each advancing sheet. When the sheet is stiff, the projection is pushed interior of the body so that the low coefficient of friction surface, which has a much larger area for engaging the sheet than the insert, of the body is engaged by the advancing sheet.

Abstract: A splice organizing tray can protect the optical fibers from excessive stress if the fibers stored in the tray are organized in paths which do not require bending of the fibers beyond their approved bend radius, which do not require the fibers to cross, and which maintain the fibers in contact with the support substantially all the time. The tray has a convex bottom wall to urge the fibers against the edges of the tray, a recessed splice support area, and resilient snaps to engage the ends of the splices to permit the splices to be placed closer together. Holes below the splices afford the removal of the splices without danger to the adjacent fibers.

Abstract: Magnetoresistive displacement transducer arrangement for toothed magnetic members in which each transducer is formed by a pair of interconnected sections spaced from each other by the width of a tooth to provide greater change and improved symmetry in the output signal at the tooth edges. Multiple transducers can be positioned interdigitally for compact packaging for vernier type detection of motion. Transducer embodiments for both linear and rotary motion are disclosed.

Abstract: A rotatable print disk is mounted on a carrier which traverses along the print line. The disk is moved from each character position to the next by the shortest distance and it is stopped at the time of printing. The carrier is moved from one print position to the next at a speed which is selected depending on the time required for the disk to rotate to the next character. Printing takes place with the carrier moving at one of a number of speeds. Hammer firing is timed dependent on printing speed.

Abstract: Adaptive control circuit for a stepping motor in which each motor displacement from a present position to a target position is monitored and the proportion of acceleration signals to deceleration signals is modified as necessary to obtain minimal elapsed time during motor movement. Each designated motor displacement is assigned a corresponding number of acceleration signals which are applied to move the motor. Then during a subsequent homing of the motor, the motor displacement is monitored and the number of acceleration signals previously applied is either altered or left unchanged as a result of comparison between this displacement and a standard. The adaptive control circuit is shown as applied to printing apparatus in which a print disk is variously rotated by a first stepping motor mounted on a carrier and the carrier is moved along a print line by a second stepping motor.