Abstract: The probe includes an elongated body having a reduced diameter portion at the front thereof. A light-transmitting tube is located in the bore of the body and abuts against the shoulder defined by the reduced diameter portion. A microwave conductor in the tube protrudes from the front end. A plastic tubular shield is located at the rear end of the body and is held in place by a sleeve encompassing both shield and the body.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a control system in a test device for testing a manual speed change unit, for vehicle, provided with an input shaft driving means for forcibly driving the input shaft of said manual speed change unit and a clutch placed between the input shaft driving means and the input shaft. Reference data are taken from the revolution speed of said input shaft resulted by changing the speed of said manual speed change unit by operating change of a gear shift while rendering said clutch in a disconnected state, to control the revolution speed of said input shaft driving means and said clutch is brought into a connected state when the revolution speed of said input shaft is synchronized with the revolution of said input shaft driving means.

Abstract: An anti-block control system has four identically designed control channels. Safety circuits (8, 8') are also provided for monitoring the system, as are devices for testing the operability of the system. In this test, performed while the vehicle is stopped or when it is started, a test signal is fed into the channels and the effects of this signal are compared, in pairs, at locations of the controller corresponding to one another. A signal train is formed when the comparison is made. In accordance with the invention, two safety circuits (8, 8') are provided, each associated with a pair of channels, and the signals from all the channels are supplied, in pairs, to the safety circuits. The safety circuits include timing elements. During a test cycle, the signal trains in the two channel pairs generated by using the test signal are compared with one another by use of two comparator circuits (23, 23'), and in the case of non-agreement, a warning or switching signal (18, 18', 31) is generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smoke generator capable of emitting a very thin, laminar stream of smoke for use in high detail flow visualization. The generator is also capable of emitting a larger but less stable "rope" of smoke. The invention consists of a pressure supply 29, and fluid supply 28, which supply smoke generating fluid 25 to feed tube 22. Feed tube 22 is directly heated by electrical resistance from current supplied by power supply 30 and regulated by constant temperature controller 32. Smoke exit hole 21 is drilled in the wall of feed tube 22. Because feed tube 22 is heated both before and past exit hole 21, no condensation of smoke generating fluid occurs at the smoke exit hole, enabling the production of a very stable smoke filament 16. The generator is small in size, thereby avoiding wind turbulence in front of the test model 11.

Abstract: An optical sensing system for detecting a physical parameter such as acceleration, temperature or pressure through parameter induced motion of an optical element in a fiber optic path. The motion of the optical element varies the light transmission through the path in which the optical element defines the relationship between motion and alteration in light transmission. In one embodiment the optical element includes a focusing system between an input and an output optical fiber to result in an increase in sensitivity by enhancement of the effect of motion of the optical element of the amount of light transmitted to the output fiber. The optical element may include or be attached to a mass to provide acceleration sensitivity for use in geophysical exploration. In addition, the optical element can be adapted to provide acceleration sensitivity in one direction in combination with insensitivity to acceleration in an orthogonal direction of particular use in such geophysical exploration.

Abstract: A random vibrations testing device comprising a noise generator the output whereof is connected to an input of a wide-band filter. An output of the wide-band filter is connected directly and through paralleled narrow-band in-phase signal shaping channels to a means for shaping dips and spikes in the spectrum of a signal being shaped, which is electrically coupled with narrow-band opposite-phase signal shaping channels. The means for shaping the spikes and dips in the shaped signal spectrum is devised in the form of an adder series-connected to the wide-band filter, used commonly by all the narrow-band in-phase signal shaping channels and serving to form spikes in the shaped signal spectrum, and adders also series-connected to said wide-band filter, used individually by each opposite-phase narrow-band signal shaping channel and serving to form dips in the shaped signal spectrum.

Abstract: A transducer, especially suitable for monitoring welds (22), in a sodium-cooled nuclear reactor, has two plates (11, 12) in sliding face contact with parallel slots (13, 14) holding inductively coupled conductors (15, 17). One plate (12) is connected directly to one side of the weld and the other plate (11) is connected via an arm (23) and spacer (24) to the other side of the weld. Multiple slots and conductors can be employed to remove ambiguity from measured signals from the transducer. Multiple transducers can be employed in a scanned X-Y matrix.

Abstract: An electromagnetically excited vibrator with arms carrying baffle members at their ends that are immersed in the flow to be measured is mounted at one or more vibration nodes to reduce loss of vibratory energy to the casing of the flow meter. A flat magnetically conducting cross shape can be mounted at a node in the middle, provided each cross beam of the cross is vibrated in flexure, and the two cross beams vibrate in phase opposition (counter stroke). Such a vibrator is excited by a similarly crossed pair of E-shaped cores with exciter and secondary windings on the middle legs of the cores, or by a coaxial re-entrant core with permanent magnet wafers set in the rim at respective locations separated by an air gap from the arms of the cross. In each case the vibrator can be firmly affixed to the central leg or legs of the core.

Abstract: Due to a different configuration of the ultrasonic beam as well as different signal gate adjustments, two different doppler signal collection regions (V.sub.m1, V.sub.p) of the flowing medium are selectable. To further develop the state of the art, without excessively increased technical outlay, at least the flow velocity (v) and/or the flow cross-sectional area (F) are to be measured, preferably simultaneously with the volume flow (Q), independently of the irradiation angle of the ultrasound into the flowing medium. This is achieved through selection of a third doppler signal collection region (V.sub.m2), power measurements (P.sub.m1, P.sub.p, P.sub.m2) from all three regions (V.sub.m1, V.sub.p, V.sub.m2) and the calculation from the powers together with additional known parameters of the signal collection regions such that, with cancellation of the angle-dependency, the respectively desired flow quantity (F, v, Q) directly results. A preferred implementation is for the purpose of diagnosis of blood flow.

Abstract: Laser beams are modulated by ultrasonic pulses transmitted through gaseous media as a means of determining flow field patterns and temperatures without disturbing the test media.

Abstract: Apparatus indicating the linear movement of a member includes a pulley and a spring disposed on the pulley and having characteristics of producing a force substantially linearly related to its speed of movement with respect to the pulley. A motor produces a displacement of the spring relative to the pulley. A transducer produces a signal related to the speed of movement of the spring relative to the pulley at each instant and provides a signal linearly related at that instant to the distance of the spring movement at that instant. A cam may also be included for converting the movement of the spring into a non-linear function having particular characteristics. Such cam may have a particular non-linear relationship on its external periphery relative to its axis of rotation. The cam and the pulley may be coupled to opposite ends of the spring to provide a conversion between the linear movement of the spring and the particular non-linear relationship provided by the cam.

Abstract: An energy conversion and transmission device is disclosed which, in its preferred embodiment, has a rigid substrate with a resistive area printed on its top surface, a spacer of non-conductive material with an aperture therethrough positioned in register with the rigid substrate resistive area, and a flexible substrate with a resistive area printed on its bottom surface in register with the aperture and the rigid substrate resistive area so that application of a force to the flexible substrate with an elastomeric actuator will move the flexible substrate resistive area to establish an electrical contact area with the rigid substrate resistive area, which electrical contact area increases and, thus, the resistivity of that area decreases as the applied force increases. Thus, when an electrical potential is applied across the two resistive areas, current flow through the two resistive areas increases as the applied force increases. Capacitive, inductive and other embodiments of the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a force measuring platform, a top plate 12 is supported on tubular load cells 16. The load cells have strain gages to measure the strain due to the horizontal shear forces. The "shear" strain gages also measure moments about the Z axis when properly placed in a bridge circuit. Strain gages mounted to measure vertical strain indicate vertical forces and moments about horizontal axes.

Abstract: A method for shifting a transmission with a predominantly mechanical speed sensing actuator to within a 10 percent shifting zone around a chosen operating line on an engine rpm/torque map by matching the force balance of the driver pulley to a force balance on the driven pulley.A variable speed belt drive transmission system with a predominantly mechanical speed sensing driver pulley and a torque sensing driven pulley that responds to an operating line, monotonic in torque having a slope from about 0.004 lb-ft/rpm to about 0.060 lb-ft/rpm where the driver pulley has an actuator that controls speed for a chosen torque value. The actuator has at least one centrifugal weight connected to an end of a torque producing spring to wind the spring. A second end of the spring is operatively connected through an articulated linkage to a movable half of the pulley such that the generated axial force is not directly proportional to square of the speed.

Abstract: A gearless speed and torque converter is disclosed wherein a first member or input member fixedly mounted to a rotatable input shaft has an Archimedes spiral groove-bearing surface. A second member or output member fixedly mounted to a rotatable output shaft has an Archimedes spiral groove-bearing surface which is complementary to the spiral groove-bearing surface of the input member and is disposed adjacent thereto. The Archimedes spiral groove of the output member has a pitch different from the pitch of the Archimedes spiral groove of the input member. The input shaft and the output shaft are coaxially mounted relative to one another. A plurality of balls are disposed between the respective spiral grooves and are held therein solely by virtue of being captured in the intersecting spaces of the spiral grooves. During rotation of the input member, the balls move on a spiral track at a rotational speed which is an average of the rotational speeds of the input and output members.

Abstract: A gear shifting speed change apparatus for a rotary electric tool such as a drill having an electric motor driving a first pair of unequal diameter pinion gears which are in continuous driving engagement with a second pair of pinion gears. The gears of second pair are independently mounted next to each other for free rotation on a shaft having an axial keyway. An axially sliding key is manually shifted to engage either one, but not both, of the second pair of gears by means of a pair of projections extending radially outwardly from the sliding key, one projection being axially outside the outer face of each gear and engageable with a recess in the outer face of the adjacent gear.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanism for manually shifting gears of a transmission from a remote operating station control lever. The mechanism features a rotatable slideable member having a protuberance that extends through an opening in the transmission casing and is adapted to move rail members within the transmission for engaging the gear combinations desired. The slideable member is preferably connected to the control lever by flexible cables such that movement of the lever along one axis causes the slideable member to rotate so as to position the protuberance adjacent the rail member desired. In one embodiment the slideable member is pivotally mounted to a rotatable member which is preferably connected to the control lever by a flexible cable such that movement of the control lever along a different axis causes the rotatable member to rotate which causes the slideable member to slide along a defined path and move the rail member to which the protuberance is adjacent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a quickly-adjustable while-in-motion bicycle handlebar securing device which enables a bicyclist to quickly and easily change the bicycle handlebar position while-in-motion to one resulting in less strain upon his neck.

Abstract: The crankshaft is of the type comprising, in succession in its longitudinal direction, a crank pin intended to receive a connecting rod big end, an eccentric of flattened sector shape, and an elongate tubular part, non-coaxial with respect to the crank pin and acting partly as a journal and partly as a support for a rotary member, such as a rotor of an electric motor. The crank pin and the eccentric are made in a single metal piece and the elongate tubular part is constituted by a separate tubular metal piece. The face of the eccentric which is turned towards the tubular piece and the corresponding end of this piece have respective annular formations engaged and retained one in the other by means of welding or glueing.

Abstract: The spider of a differential gear unit is joined up with one half of a hydrodynamic coupling whose other, outer half is joined up by way of step-up gearing with one half axle so that on slipping of one wheel or on rounding a corner the outer coupling half is turned at a higher speed than the half axle driving it.

Abstract: A vehicular control system for automatically shifting a countershaft transmission wherein the power control means is controlled in accordance with a manually operated accelerator pedal and shift requirements. During non-shift modes of operation, the power control means is adjusted in accordance with the manually operated accelerator pedal. During a shifting mode of operation, the power control means is adjusted in accordance with the shift requirements of the transmission. Once a desired gear ratio is engaged in the transmission, the power control setting is returned to correspond with the accelerator pedal setting at a rate dependent upon their difference. Means are also provided for modifying the return rate if the accelerator pedal setting is abruptly adjusted during the return.

Abstract: A method of forming an extrusion die comprises forming an extrusion aperture in a die piece, forcing a flowable material partly through the extrusion aperture so that the leading surface of the material becomes deformed in the extrusion direction, and then removing the exposed surface of the extrusion aperture, by chemical or electro-etching, so that the effective axial bearing depth of the extrusion aperture at any location around its periphery corresponds to the deformation of the leading surface of the flowable material at that location. The axial bearing depth of the completed die at any location is thus inversely proportional to the resistance to flow at that location, resulting in substantially uniform flow over the whole of the die aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a meter ring wherein the ring includes end portions extending outwardly and with each end portion including at least one opening, including, an elongated handle, a head portion located at one end of the handle and with the head portion having a substantially cylindrical configuration, the head portion including an outwardly extending lug located at a first circumferential position and an outwardly extending strap including a hook at the end of the strap located at a second circumferential position, the lug for insertion into the opening in one of the end portions to capture the head portion between the end portions and with rotation of the elongated handle forcing the head portion between the end portions to spread the meter ring, and the hook at the end of the strap for insertion into the opening in the other of the end portions to have the strap extend across the end portions and with the head portion outside the one end portion and with rotation of the elongated handle

Abstract: The refacing of worn brake disks of vehicles is carried out on the vehicle itself by connecting an outer drive with the disk (27) or with the shaft (42) on which the disk is mounted. This provides for the correct positioning of the machining tools (20, 21) with respect to the disk (27) allowing to effect the refacing on the vehicle (40). Two adjustable tools (20, 21) fixed on a common transverse carriage (16) machine simultaneously two faces of the disk (27). Coupling and centering devices (24) are arranged on either side of the refacing device (5) and may be coupled consecutively with the disk on the two sides of the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable mandrel for securing a portable lathe adjacent the end of a pipe to be prepared for welding includes a lathe support plate that is adjustable about a single miter axis relative to the body of the mandrel which is arranged to engage the I.D. of a pipe. The portable lathe is connectable to the support plate by means of a mandrel engaging fixture that enables the cutting plane of the lathe to be located adjacent the pipe end. The miter axis of the mandrel is always located so that it lies in a direction that is parallel to the cutting plane of the portable lathe. The miter angle can be set within a range of positions so that the pipe end can be cut at a precise miter angle in preparation for welding to another pipe section.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for repeatedly cutting segments from a strand of wire or cable and for conveying them to work stations so that either or both ends can be processed to provide a partly or fully finished wire lead or cord.

Abstract: A device for straightening a distorted strip article, particularly a textile strip having a marking thread or the like, and for cutting along a stitch or print line of the strip article. A plurality of movable straightening elements are arranged transverse to the length of the strip article and are movable into engagement with the strip and adjustable by a transport device in the longitudinal direction of the strip article. The straightening elements 18 are movable longitudinally and into engagement with the strip article independently of each other. A sensor device controls the movement of the straightening elements in response to control signals produced by the marking thread. The transport device is disposed transversely to the length of the strip article in the area of the marking thread.

Abstract: A rotary web shearing machine equipped with pairs of rotating helical blades, the improvement for adjusting the clearance between the blades which makes it unnecessary to adjust the blades by their individual holders while the machine is stationary, but makes it possible to effect this adjustment without shutting down the machine. This is accomplished either by providing that one of the blades remains in a fixed axial position, while the companion cutting blade holding shaft is moved axially with respect to the fixed blade. This is accomplished by the novel mechanism on the end of the shaft of said blade mounted in a special bearing and housing and equipped with an adjusting screw and nut which permits imparting of axial motion to the shaft while it is in rotation if desired and thus effecting a variation in the clearance between the pair of helical blades eliminating the necessity of shutting the machine down and resorting to manual adjustment of the blade holders to effect proper clearance.

Abstract: A device for cutting roll tape, including a frame, a serrated rotary blade pivotably mounted in the frame, the rotary blade having a plurality of cutting teeth formed by grooves running perpendicular to the axis of the rotary blade and a flat surface cut across the rotary blade, and at least one continuous groove at each end of the serrated rotary blade adjacent the plurality of cutting teeth, a serrated stationary blade pivotably mounted on the frame, the stationary blade having a plurality of cutting teeth, the stationary blade cutting teeth being meshable with the cutting teeth on the rotary blade, the stationary blade also having at least one long tooth at each end of the stationary blade adjacent the plurality of short cutting teeth, the long teeth reaching the tangency of the continuous grooves and riding therein, and wherein the cutting teeth are sufficiently shortened to provide the desired clearance at the cutting interface, and a biasing element for biasing the long teeth of the stationary blade int

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic percussion-type musical instrument, such as an electronic piano, capable of producing electronically sounds simulating a piano, harpsichord or other keyboard percussion instrument. The keyboard is multiplexed to produce a serial time division multiplexed data stream having tri-level encoded signals in time slots corresponding to the keys, wherein the encoded signals indicate whether the key is undepressed, partially depressed or fully depressed. The amount of time for the key to travel in its undepressed to its fully depressed state is detected and a binary representation of the key velocity correlated to this timing is stored in a memory for readout synchronized with the scanning of the keyboard. In each time slot, a portion of the percussion envelope for the pertaining key is calculated and generated together with the discrete amplitude levels for the percussion envelope in a digital to analog conversion circuit.

Abstract: The combination of a violin bow and a weight mounted on the rod section of the bow so that both the magnitude of the weight and the position of the weight relative to the tip of the bow are adjustable. This structure enables tuning of the bow with respect to its bounce characteristics so that the bow will bounce on the violin strings with a speed and force considered desirable by the artist handling the bow.

Abstract: A method of clearing a target range or other area of buried unexploded ornce (UXO) by advancing natural galvanic electrochemical corrosion whereby ferrous parts of the UXO is simply rusted away at an accelerated rate and rendered harmless within 5 to 10 years in a safe manner and at substantially reduced cost. The electrolytic condition of the soil containing the UXO is preferably enriched. The soil may be saturated with a liberal amount of salt water or other electrolytic chemicals for establishing a corrosive bed several feet below the surface and a dc voltage applied across the soil to enhance stray current corrosion. The galvanic action of the soil electrolyte may be further enhance by elevating its temperature such as by selective covering with black plastic sheets.

Abstract: An explosive line cutting device is provided with a frictional igniter assembly permitting actuation throughout a broad range of positional attitudes. An insulating sleeve is provided around a pyrotechnic delay charge which substantially reduces deviations of the burning time. Explosive forces are concentrated behind the cutting blade by introducing a flow restriction that impedes release of pressure energy to non-useful parts of the device.

Abstract: A device is described which operates with pyrotechnic charges to release nts under load effected between a plurality of constructional components and including bolts acted on by transverse forces. An example of such a device is for the separation of the rotor blades of a helicopter in order to be able to eject the crew upwards from the helicopter by an escape system without danger on failure of the helicopter to fly. The bolts of the joint are connected to a housing having a cylindrical bore of which the axis lies substantially in the direction of the resultant of the forces necessary to release the joint by extracting the bolts. On one of the constructional components there is a piston which supports itself on said component and engages in a cylindrical bore of the housing. The pyrotechnic charge is situated in the space between the end of the piston and the base of the cylinder bore. An ignition device for the pyrotechnic charge is provided on the housing.

Abstract: A chuck actuator has a cylinder extending along a main axis and a piston axially displaceable in the cylinder, forming therein two compartments, and having an axially backwardly extending stem also centered on the axis and formed with two respective intake passages each having one end opening into the respective compartment and another end opening at a respective location on the stem. A connector rotatable about the axis on the stem is provided with respective fittings communicating with the locations. First and second axially spaced bearings prevent the connector from moving axially on the stem. Fluid is fed under pressure alternately to the fittings to pressurize and depressurize the respective compartments and thereby axially displace the piston in the cylinder. Normally the cylinder is connected to a chuck body and the piston to a chuck-actuating member for fluid actuation of the member.

Abstract: In a vacuum suspended type servo device, there is arranged a power ratio adjusting means for adjusting the power multiplying characteristic of the servo device to a desired degree.

Abstract: Pressurization of closing and opening chambers of a door operator is controlled by first and second magnet valves coupled to the source of air. These valves are alternately energized by a switching network, e.g., a flip-flop, when sequentially actuated to close and open the door. The second magnet valve is biased to its vent position but the first valve is operated to its vent position by air through a double check valve when the second magnet valve is energized. Emergency and choke valves are inserted in series in the air supply to the magnet valves and normally pass air without restriction. Operation of the emergency valve, e.g., door blocked, shuts off air from the magnet valves and diverts that air to inhibit all output from the switching network and, through the check valve in opposite position, to operate the first magnet valve to vent position. Door operation is halted in position.

Abstract: A rotary and linear actuating device is disclosed for imparting precision rotary and linear movement to an external member or assembly. In a preferred form of the invention a rotatable assembly is rotated about an axis within a housing by selectively varying the relative pressures of an actuating fluid in at least a pair of fluid pressure chambers defined by the housing, the rotatable assembly and at least a pair of vane members extending therebetween. An elongated shaft member is rotationally fixed relative to the rotatable assembly and is supported by at least a pair of linear bearing assemblies to allow linear movement of the elongated shaft member along said axis. The linear bearing assemblies remain a fixed axial distance from one another in order to adequately support heavy loads on the elongated shaft member and the external member or assembly attached thereto.

Abstract: A spring-applied, air-released parking/emergency brake is combined with an air-actuated service brake through a friction clutch between the parking/emergency brake piston and a first nut member that is threaded onto a screw rod of the service piston. The screw rod and service piston are connected through another friction clutch. The screw rod is provided with a second nut member that is integral with a thrust rod to which the brake rigging is connected. A friction lock slack adjuster arrangement limits retraction of the thrust rod during brake release in accordance with the desired brake shoe clearance to be maintained. When the thrust rod movement is inhibited by the slack adjuster, the service piston clutch becomes disengaged to permit rotation of the screw rod during the release stroke of the service piston corresponding to overtravel due to shoe wear. Brake shoe clearance is thus maintained constant.

Abstract: Apparatus for improvement of air quality in passenger airplane cabins comprising a source of pressurized air coupled to a central conduit system including a plurality of outlets distributed throughout the passenger compartment of a passenger aircraft, a plurality of outlet devices each communicating with an outlet of the central conduit system, each of the outlet devices having an outlet air path therethrough, and ionization apparatus disposed in the air flow path for ionizing air passing therethrough.

Abstract: A storage system for large quantities of flowable, granular materials, such as grain. The material is covered by flexible cover sections which are spread out on an impervious support surface and thereafter laced together to define a cover having a centrally located opening. The cover is grasped in the region of the central opening and lifted to a predetermined fill height; the perimeter of the cover being free to pull inwardly as necessary accommodating the lifting. Thereafter, the granular product is introduced into the opening until it reaches the predetermined fill height and defines a pile extending downwardly toward the support surface along a natural angle of repose. As the pile grows, it raises the cover while sweeping it upward away from the center of the pile. By this means the entire finished pile is conformably covered by the cover.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for making large volumes of hot coffee wherein soluble coffee (i.e. freeze-dried or other instant coffee) is mixed with a relatively small stream of cool or cold water and the resulting mixture is sucked into a relatively large stream of hot water by jet action. The dry soluble coffee in the form of powder, crystals or flakes is metered by an auger from the bottom of a hopper through a discharge nozzle and falls into a mixing bowl wherein the cool or cold water is flowing in the form of a vortex. The cool or cold water spirals down the sides of the bowl in the form of a water curtain which wets and sweeps the interior surface of the mixing chamber thereby preventing buildup of soluble coffee solids thereon and inside the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A portable assembly for supporting cheese hoops in an inclined position from the vertical and including means for pressing the hoops so as to press the whey therefrom and permit it to drain downwardly from one hoop to the other to be collected therebelow. The frame includes support members for removably but firmly holding the hoops as they are being pressed by cylinder and piston units located at the top of the assembly. Control means are provided for actuating the units in extending or contracting directions. The gases actuating the cylinder and piston units are discharged to the floor of the apparatus, preventing their contaminating the hoops or curds that would be possible by release above those hoops.

Abstract: A trash-and-garbage-compactor apparatus having a power-driven cam lobe, whereby the circular motion of the cam lobe is transferred into an alternating rectilinear motion for the overriding spring-loaded ram rod. The ram rod includes a first tubular ram-rod member and a second ram-rod member having an overriding spring interposed therebetween, the first ram-rod member operably engaging the cam lobe and the second ram-rod member having a pressure plate attached thereto. The pressure plate is formed to be received in a trash receptacle defined by a drawer slidably mounted to the compactor housing.

Abstract: A postage meter system having a rotary printing drum for printing fixed data is disclosed. Disposed entirely within the drum is an internal print head for printing variable data. The rotary drum contains an opening therein through which the internally located print head prints variable data on a mailpiece. The print head reciprocates between a printing position and a non-printing position. The reciprocation of the print head between these positions is synchronized with and controlled automatically by the position of the rotary drum during its cycle of rotation. The print head operates to print on a mailpiece only when the opening in the drum is between the print head and the mailpiece. The print head may be an impact matrix print head which together with an associated inked ribbon is placed adjacent the mailpiece in a printing position only during the printing portion of the drum's cycle.

Abstract: A variable impact printing mechanism includes a supporting magnetic structure having a plurality of circumferential coils mounted thereon and having a central bore in which a magnetic hammer element is positioned for linear movement to cooperate with a type member positioned adjacent to one end of the bore in order to effect printing on a record member positioned between the hammer and the type member. A controller is provided to energize drivers for the various coils in predetermined sequences to vary the velocity achieved by the hammer element at the end of its printing movement in accordance with varying printing requirements.

Abstract: A screen printing machine has a carousel rotatable about a central support and carrying a circular arrangement of work-receiving tables. A framework interconnected with the central support carries corresponding screen printing units. Rotation of the carousel causes the work-receiving tables to come into registry with corresponding printing units for screen printing of work carried by the work-receiving tables. Each such unit includes a squeegee support frame pivotal relative to the framework for movement between raised and lowered positions. A screen frame is carried by the squeegee support frame. A squeegee and a scraper blade are supported by a carriage traveling over the squeegee support frame for reciprocal movement over the stencil frame for screen printing of work pieces carried by a corresponding work-receiving table. A cam carried by the framework includes first and second planar surfaces forming an angle <180.degree. between them.

Abstract: To permit modular construction of a multiple sheet-fed rotary offset printing machine, for selective multi-color prime and/or verso printing, printing stations are constructed to position the blanket cylinders (17-20, 59-62) and the printing cylinders (21-23; 59-66) in alternate contacting position along a straight line, the printing cylinder (e.g. 22) of one printing station (e.g. 2) being, alternately, in engagement with the blanket cylinder (19) of an adjacent station (3). The printing and blanket cylinders all have grippers, and the printing cylinders of one station applying prime printing may have a rubber blanket thereon and form the blanket cylinder of a station (32) located beneath the respective printing station. A theoretical connecting line connecting the axes of the blanket cylinders and printing cylinders of the respective station has a zig-zag configuration, with angles between the respective portions or legs of the line being between 70.degree.-175.degree., preferably about 145.degree..

Abstract: Several embodiments of a voltage applicator device are disclosed for contacting an impression roller in an electrostatically assisted (ESA) printing machine. The voltage applicator device has rolling conductive surfaces which are spaced apart and selectively connected to a voltage source to limit voltage application to the width of one or more partial webs being run through the machine. In the various embodiments, the conductive surfaces outside the web area can be left unconnected, but are preferably grounded or connected to a voltage of opposite polarity, to drain current from portions of the impression roller lying beyond the web. The rolling conductive surfaces can be formed as individual rollers or preferably as a segmented voltage application roller carrying electrical circuitry to connect the conductive surfaces to the voltage source through a roller journal shaft.

Abstract: An inker for applying ink to a lithographic printing plate having ink-receptive and ink-rejecting areas. Certain of the ink-receptive areas of the plate are to print substantially the same color as the other of the ink-receptive areas and are disposed in axially adjacent circumferential sections of the printing plate. The circumferential sections of the printing plate have different percentages of ink-receptive areas. The inker comprises a form roll having a cylindrical outer surface, means for applying an ink film to the entire cylindrical outer surface of the form roll and means for supporting the form roll so that the cylindrical outer surface has an ink-transferring engagement with the printing plate. A smooth coating of ink is applied to the axially adjacent circumferential ink-receptive sections of the printing plate due to axial movement of the form roll while the form roll is in the ink-transferring engagement with the printing plate.