Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing the rate at which fluid is transferred between a borehole 14 and the surrounding formations 16 in the course of moving drill string 20 upward or downward in the borehole 14. A bell nipple 40 is situated at the upper portion of the borehole 14. While tripping, drilling fluid is circulated into the borehole 14 and exits through an outflow port 44 in the bell nipple 40. The level of drilling fluid is maintained constant at the outflow port 44. Meters 52, 52', 54 are provided to measure inflow and outflow rates. Circuitry 66 is provided to establish the volume rate at which the amount of drill string 20 within the borehole 14 changes. The outputs of the meters 52, 52', 54 and rate establishing means 66 are summed to establish the compensated rate at which fluid is transferred between the formations 16 and the borehole 14. This compensated rate is compared to an alarm limit. An alarm 76 is activated if the compensated rate exceeds the alarm limit.

Abstract: An illuminated, vibration-resistant wind sock utilizes a light fixture mounted for rotation with the wind sock and having a spotlight bulb directed along the horizontal axis of the wind sock to provide even, continuous illumination of the wind sock interior and to produce a dramatic glowing effect to observers of the wind sock. The bulb may be mounted directly to a rotating axle coaxially with the supporting post or can be carried by radial arms attached to the circular framework of the wind sock.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for determining and indicating the quantity of a stored liquid or solid material, which is contained in a closed container of constant volume together with a gaseous filling medium introduced into the residual volume of the container interior, kept under a limitedly variable pressure (overpressure or underpressure) and varying from atmospheric pressure. The residual volume or a quantity constituting a measure thereof is measured and, calibrated in units of the stored product quantity, it being reproduced by means of an analog or digital indicating device.

Abstract: A surveillance device is provided for a container filled with a fluid or the like and it includes an electrical resistance wire for temperature control and a hygroscopic insulator for control of humidity. For this purpose, an electrical conductor wire is disposed substantially in parallel to the resistance wire in its longitudinal direction, which forms together with the resistance wire and the hygroscopic insulator a single unit multifunctional temperature-humidity measurement cable. At least two essentially parallel running wire conductor strands are provided for a potential-free and mutually noninterfering measurement. The hygroscopic insulator is disposed between the wire conductor strands. The cable sensor can be employed in power and steam plants and in nuclear installations.

Abstract: A rotary meter with an integral instrument housing is arranged so that the rotating components of the meter rotate about vertical axes. The meter includes upper and lower housings which together form a pressure hull. A cover is provided to be connected to the upper housing and define therewith an instrument enclosure. All instruments are mounted on the upper housing within the enclosure. The cover and upper housing are constructed to provide a secure, tamper resistant, environment for the instruments.

Abstract: An improved sectionalized capacitive level gauge is provided. A screen member having appropriate openings therein is positioned between a set of sectionalized first members and a second member of a capacitive level gauge.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for detecting leaks in glass-to-metal seals of microelectronic devices and the like are described which comprise a double-gasketed vacuum station including a base plate having a central hole and a first gasket for exposing one side of the seals to a leak detector; a vacuum fixture surrounding the device provides a marginal region therearound which can be evacuated to prevent helium from permeating the first gasket; the vacuum fixture includes a central opening to expose the other side of the seals to a helium-containing atmosphere within a shroud enclosing the device and vacuum fixture; a second gasket provides a seal between the vacuum fixture and device periphery at the central opening in the fixture. For leak tests under controlled time/temperature conditions, an adjacent infrared lamp is used to radiantly heat the package containing the glass-to-metal seals, and a mask is included to avoid direct radiant heating of the gaskets and glass-to-metal seals.

Abstract: A silicon accelerometer employing the piezoresistive effect of single crystal silicon to measure the flexure of semiconductor beams supporting a semiconductor mass. In one embodiment a rectangular semiconductor center mass is supported at each corner by a semiconductor beam parallel to one side of the center mass and perpendicular to the adjacent beams, each of the beams having an implanted resistor at the stationary end thereof. The crystal planes and relative orientations of the resistors are selected so that two resistors always increase, and two always decrease their resistance by the same amount as the center mass is displaced, which allows them to be connected in a Wheatstone bridge having a symmetric differential output.

Abstract: Certain ones of a total array of ultrasonic transducers constitute a small aperture and are so energized as to project acoustic energy onto predetermined parts of a scene. Reflections of the transmitted signals are received by certain ones of the array, are converted to electrical signals and are appropriately delayed to enable additive combination of the amplitude of the received signals emanating from the same points in the scene ("targets"). The phase (or time delay) as well as the amplitude information of the reflective signals are stored. Next, the same transmitting elements ("subarray") project acoustic energy upon the remaining parts of the scene in sequence and the reflected signals are similarly processed and stored. This continues until all the parts of the predetermined scene have been interrogated by insonification from that subarray and the reflected signals have been similarly processed.

Abstract: A centrifugal test apparatus for determining the failure point of a carton for packaging bottles or cans comprises a box mounted on a variable speed drive shaft which is adapted to receive at opposite ends a counterweight and a test carton. The test carton is attached to a force gauge by an attachment means that simulates the gripping of the test carton by a person.

Abstract: A synchronous demodulator is configured so as to extract gyroscope position nformation in a polar coordinate format and then resolve it into position information in a more useful cartesian coordinate format. The technique involves integration of a gyroscope cage coil signal over integration intervals controlled by spin reference signals rather than by the commonly noisy cage coil signal. Integration of the cage coil signal over intervals controlled by the spin reference signals yields outputs of .lambda. cos .theta. and .lambda. sin .theta. which are subsequently sampled and held and then summed to produce a precession coil drive signal whose phase is in the proper relationship to make the gyroscope precess in the correct direction.

Abstract: An improved air valve limit for an attitude gyro unit including a flexible strand fastened at its ends to the gyro housing and at midpoints to the gyro and valves.

Abstract: A starting system for an internal combustion engine, comprising a stator; a cylindrical rotor which is arranged on an inner peripheral side of the stator with a predetermined gap therefrom; an overrunning clutch which includes a first cylindrical clutch body that is mounted on an inner peripheral surface of the rotor, and a second cylindrical clutch body that is clutch-coupled with the first clutch body; a rotary shaft which is penetratingly arranged on an inner peripheral portion of the second clutch body of the overrunning clutch, which is axially movable relative to the second clutch body and which rotates along with the second clutch body; a pinion which is disposed at one end of the rotary shaft and which is brought into meshing engagement with a ring gear of the engine being a first load device; a power transmission mechanism which is disposed at the other end of the rotary shaft and which transmits power to a second load device; and a shift lever which slides the rotary shaft in the axial direction the

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved starter for an internal combustion engine comprising a reinforced support made of plastic or metal which is not fully rigid. A metal shell covers the nose element of the support so that said shell absorbs the stresses to which the support is subjected. The shell comprises a flange which is fixed to the base plate of the starter by the screws which mount the starter to the casing of the engine. For this purpose, bushings are disposed between the flange of the shell and the metal base plate of the starter so that the non-rigid support is not subjected to the compressive stresses exerted by the screws. The invention is more particularly applicable to the automobile industry.

Abstract: Vibrations having a frequency exceeding 150 Hertz are established in a rigid body by means of a vibrator system that in one embodiment includes a pair of rotating wheels, only one of which has a weighted eccentric secured to its axle. The wheels are coupled together by an endless belt made of a material that dampens the vibrations propagating between the wheels. The unweighted wheel is driven by a flexible shaft connected to its axle. In another embodiment three wheels are used in which two are weighted at the axles. The vibrator system may be used to sink pipes and the like into the ground, or shake a sorting table employed, for example, in the mining industry or a silo hopper for discharging grain. Also disclosed is a method for sinking a pipe or the like into the ground and retrieving it after lowering it a predetermined distance. In this method, wires are attached at each end of the pipe for facilitating its downward motion and its retrieval.

Abstract: In a multiple stroke retractor mechanism for an article transfer apparatus having an elongated body and a pair of tracks mounting a reciprocal carriage, with opposed rack gears upon the body and carriage, a power reciprocated pinion carrier and longitudinally spaced opposed pairs of pinions journaled upon the carrier in mesh with the rack gears, the improvement comprising improved pinion carrier of channel from having side plates, longitudinally spaced laterally opposed pairs of first and second cam followers journaled upon the side plates upon horizontal and vertical axes supportably mounted upon and bearing against the sides of the tracks for constraining reciprocal movements of the carrier to unit horizontal and vertical planes. A modified carrier similarly mounted upon the tracks includes longitudinally spaced pairs of pulleys and timing belts supported upon the carrier and connected with the carriage, replacing the rack gears and pinions.

Abstract: An indexing shuttle mechanism, for imparting intermittent motion or work-feeding to an associated machine, adjustable to provide selected variation of the length and timing of the output stroke of the mechanism with respect to the cycle of the associated machine's reciprocating component upon which the shuttle mechanism is mounted.

Abstract: A control device capable of selectively controlling either one of two controlled members with the use of one control means.The control device incorporates a link and a lock member. The pivot structure of an arm between the link and the control means is improved, thereby to provide a smooth swing of the link.

Abstract: Parallel ball bearing arrays are utilized in a pressure support means for a rack to reduce friction of a stationary pressure means supporting a moving rack in engagement with a drive pinion. The rack and a pressure pad have face to face coacting ball races on each side of the rack and so oriented that median planes of a pair of facing races are at an angle to the median plane of the rack. Accordingly, a train of balls on each side of the rack in the respective pair of coacting races has a median plane at an angle to the median plane of the rack on each side of the rack. Such orientation gives support normal to the rack and laterally as well, at the area where the rack engages the pinion.

Abstract: An improved control assembly is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment as a so-called mono stick control for a material handling implement. The control assembly includes a lever support member adapted to be pivotally mounted on an associated implement, and which carries a first control lever adapted to pivot with respect to the support member about a first pivot axis. The support member further carries a second control lever which is adapted for pivotal movement about a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis. Notably, the second control lever is operatively interconnected with the first control lever such that relatively large angular movement of the second lever results in a relatively lesser angular movement of the first control lever, with the second lever then acting to prevent movement of the first lever back into its neutral position.

Abstract: An apparatus for activating a Bowden cable comprising a double-armed activating member which is mounted in a can-like insert body. The activating member has one arm for manually activating the cable and a second arm which pivotally connects the activating member to the insert body and also has a hook for engagement with the Bowden cable.

Abstract: The invention provides a transmission between a power input and an output shaft, especially suitable for a motor vehicle. The transmission incorporates a speed variator and a planetary device with four elements. The planetary device comprises two planetary gears connected to one another and coupled to the power input by means of the variator, a satellite-holder adapted to be braked so as to obtain reverse motion, an output element formed by the ring and the satellite-holder, and a ring which is designed to be either left idle or, for example, braked so as to obtain two ranges of forward motion. The primary pulley of the variator is coaxial with the axis of the power input, while the secondary pulley of the variator is coaxial with the planetary device. The variator and the planetary device are located in two separate enclosures of the housing.

Abstract: An epicyclic speed reducing transmission having cylindrical rollers for transmitting torque between first and second confronting surface regions includes a retainer for radially and axially positioning the rollers relative to the first and second confronting surface regions. The retainer includes first and second rings which contain lobes thereon having holes therein which accommodate a series of roller pins. Each of the roller pins has an enlarged roller body portion which rotatably supports the rollers.

Abstract: For producing security keys, in a first method step bore patterns differing from one another are produced, each bore pattern having the same number of bore locations. The corresponding bores are standard bores, which however may vary in terms of their bore depth. In a second method step, a prespecified number of selected bore locations in each bore pattern is varied in terms of their positions. In a third method step, each selected bore locations is additionally varied in terms of a prespecified number of bore shapes differing from one another.

Abstract: A friction mechanism and a fixture-securing and releasing mechanism, disclosed in the context of a stepless, free-wheeling wrench with thumb-actuated reverse mechanism, speed-wheel, and socket release. The wrench includes a driving member in the form of a wrench head. Mounted for relative rotational movement within a cavity provided in the head is a driven member in the form of a friction wheel assembly which terminates in a drive tang for releasably receiving a hollow socket member. The wrench also includes a speed-wheel forming part of the friction wheel assembly. The speed-wheel is conveniently located on the side of the wrench opposite to that of the drive tang. Concentric with the speed-wheel is a plunger, which together with a disc located in the drive tang, forms a part of a quick release mechanism that allows a socket to be simply pushed into position with relatively low force, while requiring relatively high force to pull the socket off the tang prior to pushing a release button.

Abstract: A nut retaining socket wrench with a replaceable, resilient nut bore retainer. The nut bore retainer consists of a recessed, cylindrical piece containing an offset looped spring within the socket. A set screw and support plate confine the retainer to the socket without infringing on its mobility. A helical spring provides the moving force for the retainer. The offset spring applies pressure to the side of the nut bore to position and retain the nut until displaced by the bolt. The nut is therefore held within the socket both while it is being screwed onto and off of the bolt.

Abstract: A starter for a nut, the starter having blades with outer edges possessing at least one innermost flat, at least one outer flat and a step connecting said flats.

Abstract: For uprightly attached vehicular wheels, the horizontal wheel-depth is so large that two workmen are required to remove and re-install the bolts attaching the wheel to the axle assembly. The novel wrench-holding fixture herein, which is removably installed vertically alongside the wheel well, eliminates the need for that secondary workman heretofore employed for holding the elongate bolt wrench parallel to the wheel geometric-center. The wrench-holding fixture includes a vertically upright jig-plate having a plurality of strategically positioned and readily accessible downwardly extending slots terminating as wrench-resting shelves horizontally alignable with the several wheel bolt locations.

Abstract: A system for, and a method of, replicating the known (i.e., ascertained) operational coolant fluid flow local pressure in an optical surface (such as a mirror surface) of the heat exchanger portion of a fluid cooled cylindrical optic. The system essentially comprises a precision numerically controlled lathe having a selectively rotatable spindle on which is mounted, with a hollow adapter, the cylindrical optic in which is retained a fluid connector that is in communication with the adapter which, in turn, is in communication with a source of pressurized fluid containing a fluid whose rate of flow and pressure can be regulated.

Abstract: Sheets (10a,10b) of heat transfer element (12) for stacking in an element basket (50) of a rotary regenerative heat exchange are cut in such a manner that the spacing notches (24) formed in the element sheets (10a,10b) cannot nest when the element sheets are arranged in juxtaposition within an element basket (50).

Abstract: A method of opening an envelope along three edges, in which the envelope is moved to an opening or edge removing device along a supply path, one edge being guided along said device for cutting open or removing the edge. Next, the envelope is rotated through 90.degree. to be subsequently guided again along the opening or edge removing device for opening the second edge, which cycle is repeated for the third edge. An apparatus for performing this method includes a housing having an inlet path leading to the supply path along which the opening or edge removing device is arranged, a first set of members for moving and guiding the envelope co-extensively with the inlet path, and a second set of members for moving and guiding the envelope in a direction perpendicular to the inlet path along the opening or edge removing device, and a third set of members for guiding and moving the envelope along a quarter-circular path, which returns the envelope, turned 90 degrees, to the first set of members in the inlet path.

Abstract: The work-holding fixture (1) for metal power saws is characterized by two gripping jaws (3, 4) arranged on the side of the work rest (6) facing away from the saw blade (5) bilaterally of the cutting plane (7--7), these gripping jaws being adjustable perpendicularly to the feeding direction (a) of the workpiece (2) by an arrangement of hydraulic clamping cylinders (8, 9), and also characterized by two work-gripping supports (11, 12) movably arranged on the machine frame (10) on the side of the work rest (6) facing the saw blade (5) bilaterally of the saw blade (5), with a toggle lever control (13, 14) for producing an opening moment (M) acting on the cutting gap (28) in the workpiece (2).

Abstract: A rotary die cutter includes a frame having spaced side plates. An anvil roll and a die plate roll are rotatably supported in bearing housings which are mounted in vertical slots in the side plates. A roll gap adjustment unit includes a lead screw and a follower member fixedly attached to the anvil bearing housing. The lead screw is threaded into said follower and projects upwardly. A thrust bearing is mounted on the sprocket and the upper bearing housing rests on the thrust bearing. An actuator is mounted to the side frame and a chain and sprocket couples it to the gap sprocket. The actuator includes a gear reduction drive means having a rotating input dial and an output coupled to the actuator sprocket to rotate the chain and sprocket at the rate of substantially one revolution for each one hundred revolutions of the input dial. Cam roller units engage the outer bottom ends of the anvil roll. Spring-loaded preload cam roller units engage the opposite top ends of the die cut roll.

Abstract: A radial arm assembly for mounting a power saw, the assembly comprising: a horizontally disposed base frame; two vertically oriented mounting posts disposed at opposite sides of an edge of the base frame; a cross-bar horizontally mounted on the posts at opposite ends of the cross-bar; an arm for supporting the saw, the arm being attached to the cross-bar substantially centered between the ends, the arm adapted to rotate over the base frame about a vertical axis, the arm comprising a guideway along substantially all of the arm; and, the saw being mounted on the arm and adapted to translate along the guideway, a blade of the saw being moveable with the saw along said guideway, unobstructed by either of the posts, and to and from a position substantially beneath the vertical axis, whereby cuts substantially corresponding to the full length of the arm may be effected.

Abstract: A chain saw mounting assembly wherein a chain saw is pivotally mounted at the motor housing end, on a support frame, for pivotal movement in the cutting plane of the saw blade. A throttle actuator on the assembly regulates the speed of the cutting chain between idling speed, when the saw is in its inoperative pivoted position, and an accelerated cutting speed when the saw is in its pivoted operating position. The device is adaptable for mounting on a workpiece supporting table.

Abstract: Trimming apparatus for cutting the side walls of containers to predetermined, dimensional requirements so that such containers will be properly sized for subsequent usage. The apparatus is comprised of support means for holding an uncut container and an adjustable cutter assembly adapted to move along the support means and cut the wall of the container along desired lines in a synchronized manner. Each of the cutters include at least two knives that track on the same cut line with the leading knife cutting only partially through the side wall of the container while the following knife completes the cut. The apparatus also includes loading means for loading uncut containers and means for removing the cut portions.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument is of a type in which tones are produced by a limited number of tone production channels which are efficiently used for a larger number of tones utilizing channel assignment technology. Normally, three of the channels are exclusively occupied for production of three tones to constitute a triad chord. But at time a bass tone is to be produced, the specific one of the three channels is compulsively used for production of the bass tone, giving up exclusivity for production of the chord tone. This eliminates the need of providing an additional channel for the bass tone production.

Abstract: There is disclosed a lever apparatus which is adapted to be used on the neck of a musical instrument such as a guitar or other string instrument. The apparatus contains a plurality of spring biased lever arms each of which are pivotally mounted to a common rod by means of an associated U-shaped member. Each lever arm is directed parallel to an associated string of the instrument and has at one end an elastomeric pad which is positioned in a first position to be out of contact with the string. In a second position the user applies pressure to the lever arm with his finger which moves the pad into contact with the string. As soon as pressure is released, the spring automatically returns the arm to the first position. By using the common rod, multiple arrays of such lever arms can be mounted on the neck of the instrument to enable the user to access any string as well as at different fret locations.

Abstract: A page turning device is provided in which a first elongated arm is rotatably mounted for circular motion substantially parallel to but above the plane of the volume. A page lifting facility cooperates with the rotation of the first elongated arm to permit the first elongated arm to rotate between a lifted upper leaf and the remainder of the leaves of the volume. Continued rotation of the first elongated arm turns the upper leaf and positions the arm for turning of the next leaf. In this manner an unlimited number of leaves may be sequentially turned by a mechanically simple device which is immediately ready for use when a volume is positioned thereon.

Abstract: A machinegun pistol is described, which can be reliably switched between semi and full automatic modes by an operator holding the gun in a natural two-hand grip. The gun includes a bolt (20, FIG. 1) and a firing pin device 22 that each slide longitudinally, a trigger assembly with a primary sear (28) that is depressed by the trigger for semiautomatic operation, and an auto control member (34) that can be depressed to switch to full automatic operation. When the control member is depressed, it connects a secondary sear (36) with the primary sear. The bolt carries a cam (40) that can depress the secondary sear (36) when the bolt moves forward, to thereby repeatedly depress the primary sear (28) when the two sears are connected during automatic operation. The control member (34) is operated by depressing it into the frame, to avoid errors in the heat of battle. The depressable control member (34, FIG.

Abstract: A locked breach, gas operated long action firearm capable of firing heavy caliber shotgun or rifle shells with substantially reduced recoil. The gas piston and bolt carrier assembly are supported for recoil movement along a single guide rod which extends the entire length of the gun, permitting a longer recoil path resulting in reduced impulse due to recoil. The guide rod has a noncircular or radially-assymmetrical cross-section mating with a corresponding opening in the gas piston, so that the bolt carrier assembly remains in alignment over the entire recoil path. Separate close-bolt and open-bolt embodiments are disclosed, and the open-bolt embodiment is selectively capable of firing either semi-automatic or full-automatic while permitting reliable cartridge feeding from a box or drum magazine.

Abstract: An assistor for reducing stepping force of a clutch pedal, in which a push rod is inserted into an assistor casing freely movably in the axial direction, a casing outside end of the rod is interconnected to a clutch pedal, a casing inside portion of the rod is provided with a piston which divides the casing into first and second chambers, the first chamber intercommunicates with atmosphere, the second chamber intercommunicates freely changeably with atmosphere and a negative pressure source through a change-over valve mechanism, and the piston is interlocked with the change-over valve mechanism through the means of a negative-pressure setting spring so that negative pressure for reducing stepping force can be fed into the second chamber according to a shifted length of the rod.

Abstract: A wheel cylinder assembly has telescoping brake actuating pistons with a brake pressure proportioner in the larger actuating piston to proportion brake actuating pressure.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine is provided with a crown portion heat insulated from the remainder of the piston over all or substantially all of the area of the crown, to reduce the transfer of heat from the crown to the remainder of the piston. The insulation may be by a chamber extending across the piston and the chamber may contain a vacuum. Such a piston can be manufactured by a process involving roll-bonding aluminum or an aluminum alloy to a ferrous material in order to secure a crown of ferrous material to the remainder of the piston made from aluminum or aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A DOHC engine of the V-type has two cylinder heads each detachably secured to a cylinder block. A crank shaft on the block drives two intermediate shafts, one on each cylinder head, by means of an endless flexible element. An additional flexible endless element is provided in each cylinder head to drive two cam shafts from the intermediate shaft on that cylinder head. Each endless flexible element together with its toothed pulleys or sprockets and its timing belt or chain is described as a wrap-around transmission.

Abstract: This invention controls the air pressure in an aircraft cabin in response to a selected landing field altitude and to a selected maximum permissible cabin pressure rate.

Abstract: An attachment for a laboratory hood having an opening leading to a work area includes a housing that has a lower open end and opening means extending the entire length along an upper portion of the housing with fans located in the housing between the opening means and the lower open end. The attachment also has baffle means for diverting the air flow through the housing and diffuser means to distribute the air equally along the entire length of the unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ink pad having an elongated one-piece body of molded plastic construction and an ink receptive pad supported by the body. The body has a bottom wall with projections adapted to engage in corresponding holes in a carrier support. The invention also relates to an ink cartridge having an elongated body of plastics material. An ink-receptive pad supported by the body, a projection extending upwardly from a top wall of the body, a resilient retainer disposed above the projection and secured to the body, the retainer having a portion extending laterally from the projection and adapted to releasably engage a support plate.

Abstract: An ink fountain assembly for use in duplicating machines, such as rotary offset lithographic machines. A fountain trough is defined by an elongated blade extending along one side of the trough and an ink fountain roller extending along the other side of the trough. A fixed wall defines one end of the trough for flush abutment against adjacent ends of the blade and the roller to prevent ink leakage therethrough. An adjustable wall defines an opposite end of the fountain trough and is releasably secured against the top of the blade to provide a seal therewith. The adjustable wall is movable relative to the blade to bring the adjustable wall into flush abutment against the opposite end of the ink fountain roller to provide a seal therewith and prevent ink leakage therebetween.

Abstract: A system for presetting register and color zone adjusting devices in a multi-color rotary printing machine uses digitally-driven optical scanners axially traversing the plate cylinders under control of at least one numerical computer. Machine-specific characteristics are programmed in non-volatile memory as referenced values. Data processing is not required to be conducted external to the printing machine. The system is compact and requires practically no re-adjustment or entry of desired values from the machine operator. The machine operator, however, may enter coordinates for printing areas on the printing plate in order to speed up the scanning process for determining the initial color zone preset. The scanner multi-functionally scans the printing plate for both register adjustment and for integrating the ratio of printing to non-printing area for each inking zone.