Abstract: A beet tare-taking mechanism and associated sample bucket, wherein the bucket travels in a long narrow elliptic path requiring minimum clearance. A direct drive gear powers a central arm at the end of which is journaled a tare bucket arm carrying the bucket at its outermost end. The tare bucket is geared to rotate with respect to the central arm as it rotates about the central shaft, alternately folding across the mechanism and extending directly outward from it, causing the bucket to travel in the aforementioned elliptic path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sampling liquids is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pipet having a chamber, a first opening at one end for introducing liquid into the chamber, and a second opening at the other end for introducing or removing a gas for respectively pressurizing or depressurizing the chamber. Positioned in the chamber is a freely movable first sealing member having a specific gravity greater than the specific gravity of the liquid and a first seat, for cooperatively containing a sample of liquid in the chamber. Also positioned in the chamber is a freely movable second sealing member having a specific gravity less than the specific gravity of the liquid and a second seat, for cooperatively limiting further flow of liquid into the chamber once a sample is obtained. Equipment for introducing or removing a gas is also provided.

Abstract: A cylindrical rod having an insertable end and a handle end, defining a plurality of collecting pockets located serially along its length.

Abstract: Cable deployment in a fluid filled pipeline under pressure is monitored by use of a strain gauge device coupled between the leading end of the cable and a drogue. The strain gauge measures the pull of the drogue on the leading end of the cable and the strain gauge signal is transmitted back to the other end of the cable via the cable conductors. Changes in fluid flow rate, features of the pipeline, and failure of the drogue to inflate can be detected quickly by monitoring the strain gauge signal, so that the cable feed rate can be changed accordingly in order to maintain satisfactory deployment.

Abstract: An energy storage device comprising a resilient member deformable to a stressed energy storing condition in which it is retained by a latch which is displaceable to release the stored energy and displace an actuating member in a first direction. A lost motion connection between the resilient member and setting is displaceable to deform the resilient member to the stressed energy storage condition, the lost motion connection absorbing displacement of the setting when the resilient member is in the stressed energy storage condition, wherein the actuating member is movable in the first direction independently of the resilent member.

Abstract: The invention relates to the driving mechanism of multi-action doll. The driving mechanism comprises an eccentric roller, a cross-shaped driving component and several driving gears. The cross-shaped driving component has a rectangular hole which accommodates the eccentric roller which moves the cross-shaped driving component back and forth in a linear direction when the roller rotates in the hole. The cross-shaped driving component has racks that mesh with and rotate the driving gears when the driving component is moved by the eccentric roller. Rotation of the gears also rotates shafts on the gears which convey motion to selected portions of a moveable doll.

Abstract: A composite motion guiding unit comprises a shaft provided with helical ball screw grooves formed in the outer peripheral surface thereof and ball spline grooves formed in the outer peripheral surface thereof so as to extend in the axial direction of the shaft across the ball screw grooves and a ball screw nut and a ball spline outer cylinder both mounted on the shaft to be engageable with the ball screw grooves and ball spline grooves respectively through a number of balls. The ball screw nut and the ball spline outer cylinder are both supported by a housing to be rotatable through bearings and are driven by driving means to rotate the same, thus constituting a composite motion guiding apparatus. The ball screw grooves and the ball spline grooves have depths equal to each other.

Abstract: A drive device for simultaneously insuring a rotary motion of at least two spindles which are mounted in parallel within a machine comprises a shaft supported within the machine in such a way that it is situated in the vicinity of both spindles. A crank allows a rotation of one of the spindles. In the vicinity of each spindle, at least two pulleys are provided, with one being keyed to the shaft and one being keyed to the spindle and a toothed belt is twisted to extend between the two pulleys.

Abstract: A motorized gear shift control apparatus for a transmission gearbox of the kind having fixed gear ratios and a neutral position, comprising a first actuator which actuates a receptor element through a linkage having an output element coupled to the receptor element. The receptor element operates the gear shifting apparatus of the gearbox itself. The output element is mounted by means of the receptor element, so as to be moveable in rotary and/or translational movement, and the linkage includes an intermediate element for actuating the output element in response to the action of the first actuator. The output element is adapted so that during its displacement it can intercept and/or transverse a cam or ramp which is moveable in a fixed support. A second actuator is provided for moving the ramp in translational movement.

Abstract: A device for positioning shafts supported for axial and angular movement in a bore formed in a housing includes detent recesses and spring-loaded bolt subassemblies surrounding the shaft in an enlarged portion of the bore on which the shaft is located. A concentrically arranged, radially expandable spring element has recesses on mutually facing longitudinal edges and is fixed axially in the housing. The shaft is provided with resiliently biased radial projections extending between the mutually facing edges on which the recesses are formed.

Abstract: A control system for a paraplegic or double amputee for the hand operation of throttle and brake pedals of an automotive vehicle consisting of two bracket assemblies for removable attachment to a brake or throttle pedal, each assembly being swivably connected to an adjustable length rod so that the user can remotely manipulate the pedal by hand.

Abstract: An adjustable handlebar apparatus for support on a bicycle frame. The handlebar apparatus includes a base member clamped to the bicycle frame, a rocker member disposed on the base frame and pivotally supported from the base member, and a handlebar assembly. The handlebar assembly included a handlebar attached to a slide member. This slide member interlocks in different longitudinally disposed positions in the rocker member.

Abstract: A control device having a push to turn selector arrangement and method of making the same are provided, the control device comprising a support unit, a first selector member threadedly carried by the support unit so as to be rotatable and axially movable relative thereto, a second selector member rotatably carried by the support unit and being axially movable relative thereto, a coupling structure coupling the selector members together to cause the first selector member to rotate in unison with the second selector member when the second selector member is axially pushed inwardly and then rotated, and a spring unit disposed between the selector members to tend to maintain the second selector member axially away from the first selector member, the coupling unit comprising a drive plate rotatably carried by the support unit intermediate the selector members and having parts thereof respectively splined to the selector members to transmit rotatable movement of the second selector member to the first selector memb

Abstract: Apparatus of dual partially independent mechanism to propel bicycles or other vehicles, having a bottom bracket shell attached to a frame, a pair of main shafts mounted separately in said bottom bracket shell, a pair of propulsion levers supporting operating pedals, a pair of arcs each arc attached to each propulsion lever which is mounted on each main shaft, a pair of chains, each chain hooked with one end portion to one arc, and the other end portion of the chain entrained around one of the two freewheels which are mounted on a wheel hub which is disposed rearwardly of the bottom bracket shell, a pair of springs, each spring hooked from one end portion of a chain to the rear portion of each lever respectively.

Abstract: A coaxial fine and coarse adjusting device for moving a movable member movably supported on a device body includes a coarse adjustment handle, a fine adjustment handle provided coaxially with respect to the coarse adjustment handle, a bearing member fixed to the device body, a rotation transmission shaft rotatingly supported in the bearing member, the rotation transmission shaft having a pinion for the movement of the movable member, a hollow cylindrical coarse adjustment shaft which passes through the rotation transmission shaft and is rotatably supported by the rotation transmission shaft and the bearing member, a rotatable fine adjustment shaft which passes through the coarse adjustment shaft, a reduction gear train provided between the rotation transmission shaft and the fine adjustment shaft, a first retaining member provided on one end of the coarse adjustment shaft for retaining the reduction gear train in such a manner that it can turn around about its own axis and rotate about the coarse adjustment s

Abstract: A shift control system for an automatic transmission including a shift gear mechanism for providing a plurality of shift stages of different speed ratios, a plurality of frictional elements to be selectively actuated for switching a power transmitting path to establish a desired shift stage, range selecting device for selecting a shift range at least between a forward and a reverse ranges through a manual operation of a driver, control device for providing the shift gear mechanism with a specific shift stage in which an input member and output member of the shift gear mechanism are rotated together with each other in the case where the reverse range is selected during a forward movement and thereafter a forward range is selected again, the specific shift stage being provided for a predetermined time period after the forward range is selected again. A double lock condition of the shift gear mechanism can be avoided.

Abstract: A shift control system for an automatic transmission which can be set both at main gear stages selected on the basis of the running state of a vehicle and at intermediate gear stages having gear ratios intermediate between those of the main gear stages. The shift control system comprises: a running state detector for detecting the running state; a shift decider for deciding a main gear stage to be set, on the basis of the running state detected; a condition decider for deciding whether or not a shift between the main gear stages decided by the shift decider satisfies a predetermined condition; and an intermediate stage setter for deciding an intermediate stage to be set in place of the main gear stage, which was decided by the shift decider, on the basis of the result decided by the condition decider.

Abstract: A flowmeter measuring mass flow rate or volume flow rate or mass and volume flow rates of fluid comprises a pair of flow passages (3 and 4) and a pair of flow sensors (7 and 8) respectively measuring flow rates through the two flow passages (3 and 4). A flow obstructing member (12) at least partially obstructs at least one of the two flow passages (3 and 4), wherein a bias force acting on the flow obstructing member (12) tends to increase the degree of obstruction of the fluid flow through said at least one of the two flow passages, while the fluid dynamic force exerted on the flow obstructing member (12) by the fluid moving through the flowmeter tends to decrease the degree of obstruction of the fluid flow through said at least one of the two flow passages.

Abstract: A blade sharpener of the kind having a pair of overlapping plates which are relatively arranged to form a vee shaped sharpening recess between them. Each of the opposite sloping sides of that recess is formed by an operative edge of a respective one of the two plates, and each of those edges extends between a front face and a back face of the respective plate. A relatively sharp corner is formed between each operative edge and the back face of the respective plate, and a relatively blunt--e.g., rounded--corner is formed between each operative edge and the front face of the respective plate. The plates may be mounted on a member which can pivot between a position at which the plates tilt forward and a position at which the plates tilt back. Spring means may be operative to engage the back edge of a blade located in the recess so as to press the cutting edge of the blade against the plates.

Abstract: A process for forming a razor blade includes the steps of providing a polycrystalline ceramic substrate of less than two micrometer grain size, mechanically abrading an edge of the polycrystalline ceramic substrate to form a sharpened edge thereon that has an included angle of less than twenty degrees; and sputter-etching the sharpened edge to reduce the tip radius to less than 300 Angstroms and form a cutting edge. The resulting blades exhibit excellent shaving properties.

Abstract: A tool for removing the cover from a five gallon plastic or metallic container which tool has a lever portion, a handle portion at one end of the lever portion and an actuating member secured to the other end of the lever portion wherein the actuating member has a portion for removing a plastic cover and another portion for removing a metallic cover.

Abstract: A system of pliers or the like, and "second bite" elements is disclosed. The pliers or the like are typically formed by at least two basic elements which are pivotally interconnected and which each have handle and jaw regions. Causing the handles of the pliers or the like to move toward one another also causes the jaws thereof to similarly move closer to one another by way of pliers action, or if an object is present between the jaws, more firmly grip the object. The second bite elements are pivotally attached to the end of one of the handles of the pliers or the like and interact with the other handle thereof to allow a user to more easily grip an object in the jaws of the pliers or the like by way of a force applied to the pliers or the like and the second bite elements.

Abstract: A method of cutting a fed sheet-material into a cut segment and a remaining portion by engaging a movable cutting edge with a fixed cutting edge is disclosed, wherein the remaining portion after being cut off is fed in a spacing with a predetermined amount of insertion between the fixed and movable cutting edges. The top of remaining portion can therefore be prevented from being curled down forward in the moving direction of the movable and fixed cutting edges. An apparatus for cutting a fed sheet-material into a cut segment and a remaining portion by engaging a movable cutting edge with a fixed cutting edge is also disclosed, wherein a plate member incorporated therein hinders the movement of the top of remaining portion after being cut off together with the movable cutting edge. Hence, the top of remaining portion can be prevented from being turned up by the movable cutting edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic strip, which prevents the blade of a paper cutting machine from touching the panel of the work surface. The latter is thus protected from damage. The specific shape of the strip makes it possible to produce the strip of polypropylene or a similar material by means of an extruder without any form of subsequent treatment. The strip is pushed into the groove already present in normal work surface panels. It has almost the same rectangular cross-section as the groove. On each of the two narrow side surfaces (1) of the strip, two longitudinal bulges (3) cause the strip to be somewhat broader than the groove and thus to be squashed together laterally when being pressed in, without the thickness being altered. The deformability necessary for this is achieved by two cavities (2) inside the strip along the narrow side surfaces (1).

Abstract: A support for a cymbal including a first endwise elongated member defining an axis; two annular felt pads received on the member to be removable therefrom, axially; a stop on the member to seat one of the pads, axially, the stop being axially adjustable; and a retainer on the member to compressively urge the pads toward the stop, the retainer located closer to an end of the member than the stop, the retainer on the member to axially compressively urge the pads toward the stop, the retainer located closer to an end of the member than the stop, the retainer including a clutch releasably radially gripping the member; whereby a cymbal assembled between the pads receives predetermined compressive loading, axially, by the pads.

Abstract: A drum stick wear pad assembly attachable to drum structure including an arcuate rim, comprising: a non-metallic relatively hard pad elongate with primary curvature in the length direction of the drum arcuate rim; a rigid mount for the pad to hold the pad presented otuwardly above the rim; and the mount configured to be attachable to the drum structure in space relation to the rim.

Abstract: A multi-channel musical instrument/computer comprising a mass memory device connected to a plurality of random access memory divisions, each random access memory division connected to an oscillator bank to produce musical sounds from multiple sources simultaneously. A MIDI interface is provided to connect to another instrument or system for the reproduction and/or storage of musical sounds. A ROM card interface is provided to collect and/or play musical sounds stored on ROM cards supplied by various manufacturers.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based electronic guitar generates a music signal for driving an integral speaker. The electronic guitar includes a housing defining a neck and a body, a plurality of manually actuatable strings secured to the body, and a plurality of pushbuttons distributed along the neck, the strings and pushbuttons being operable by the player for controlling the composition of the music signal generated by the microprocessor. The electronic guitar is playable in a chord mode wherein the microprocessor, upon striking the strings, generates a music signal corresponding to chord sounds, a lead mode wherein the microprocessor, upon striking the strings, generates a music signal corresponding to individual notes, and an automatic mode wherein the microprocessor, upon striking the strings, generates a predetermined chord progression defining a stored melody.

Abstract: An electronic stringed instrument employs a plurality of sensors or monitors for instrument performance. Preferred sensors or monitors include a detector for detecting that a string of the instrument is vibrated, an apparatus for evaluating a string-vibration strength or a string touch, an apparatus for discriminating a fret operation position on a fingerboard or a fundamental frequency of a vibration of the vibrated string, a tremolo arm sensor, and a string-bending sensor. These performance input parameters are assigned to various control functions for musical tones generated by a sound source and/or various control functions for effects added to these musical tones by an effector. The function assignment is preferably programmable. In an operation, a music control apparatus controls the sound source and/or effector in response to a performance monitor so that musical tones for the strings can be distinguished from each other or effects for the musical tones can be distinguished from each other.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for ram accelerating a projectile which comprises charging a tube, having an inlet end for accepting the projectile and a muzzle end from which the projectile may leave the tube, with a combustible gas mixture at an initial elevated pressure in the absence of combustion, so that the projectile may be accelerated by combustion of the mixture behind the projectile as it passes through the tube from the inlet end to the muzzle end; introducing the projectile into the inlet end; igniting the combustible gas mixture between the projectile and the inlet end; and creating the elevated pressure within the tube by means of a shock wave within the combustible gas mixture to obtain the elevated pressure before the projectile passes through the gas. Desirably, a static elevated gas pressure is created at least just prior to passage of the projectile through the gas.The invention further includes a ram accelerator for practicing the method of the invention.

Abstract: A bullet trap for a horizontally fired bullet includes a passageway bounded by upper and lower flat plates which may be inclined to the horizontal at an angle of between 0.degree. and 7.degree.. The passageway has an entrance opening and a shallow exit opening or throat, and a generally spiral-walled spent bullet energy-dissipating chamber having a horizontal axis communicates substantially tangentially with the passageway through the throat. A white water lubricant is sprayed against the circumferential boundary wall of the chamber and engulfs any lead dust, spent bullets, and other particles, the lubricant then flowing down through the throat into the passageway and along the lower plate into a collecting vessel, flushing the lead dust, spent bullets, etc. into the vessel without possibility of escape into the environment. The self-cleaned lubricant is continuously recirculated from the collecting vessel to the spray head in the chamber.

Abstract: A method for carrying out shelling of a target with a plurality of ammunition units fired successively from a single barrel rapid-firing ordnance piece includes supplying data to a computer means regarding the target to be shelled, generating by the computer means in response to the input data, an output data for controlling at least one of the following: the ordnance piece and the flight parameters of the respective ammunition units. The controlling of the ordnance piece and the ammunition units during firing of the successive ammunition unit from the single barrel ordnance is coordinated for imparting to the ammunition units different flight times between the ordnance piece and the target selecting the different flight times such that the ammunition units reach the target at approximately the same time after the launch from the ordnance piece.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing percussion beats in a brake booster is disclosed. The apparatus prevents percussion beats from occurring as a result of an abutment of a valve plunger, which forms part of a valve mechanism, against a key member which is used to prevent the valve plunger from being withdrawn from the valve body. An elastic member is formed on at least one of the key member and the valve plunger. The key member and the valve plunger are formed with abutting surfaces thereon which are adapted to abut against each other. A normal spacing between the abutting surfaces is chosen to be greater than a spacing as measured between the elastic member and the other member which is abutted by the elastic member. In this manner, the occurrence of percussion beats as the key member abuts against the valve plunger is prevented while also preventing a reduction in the durability of the elastic member.

Abstract: An improvement of a variable pressure passage formed in the valve body of a brake booster is disclosed. A variable pressure passage including a first radial passage in which a key member is inserted and a second radial passage continuing from and located rearward of the first radial passage is the basis of the invention. According to the invention, a third radial passage, which also forms the variable pressure passage, is located forwardly of and continues from the first radial passage, and has a circumferential width less than that of the key member. This allows a corresponding increase in the channel area of the variable pressure passage, thereby improving the operational response of the brake booster without the need to increase the axial size of the valve body since the third passage is formed forwardly of the key member.

Abstract: In a device for aerating and, if necessary, deaerating a space by means of individual nozzles arranged in a casing box (4, 4a), at least one individual nozzle (14) is rigidly mounted in a nozzle grid (5, 5a) arranged so as to swivel about an axis of the casing box (4, 4a).

Abstract: A barbecue grill which cooks food at a lower and more evenly distributed temperature and which can be effectively used for a large variety of barbecuing and cooking activity, including cooking meat, fish, vegetables, bread and the like. More particularly, a barbecue grill and cooker including a housing, a hood, a source of heat, a grease deflection and collection system which collects the grease and natural juices for later use without burning them and a heat distribution system that includes a tubular enclosure, multiple distribution conduits and which isolates the source of heat from the environment within the cooking area.

Abstract: A pizza making machine for applying selected ingredients to a pizza crust comprising a number of side-by-side dispensing stations, one station for each of a number of topping ingredients, with each station including means for storing and delivering on command a preselected amount of selected topping ingredient to a crust and means for supporting and sequentially moving the crust under the dispensers so that the topping ingredients are dispensed sequentially on the crust. The custom pizza is then selectively deliverable to a customer uncooked, or to an oven where it is baked in accordance with the selected ingredients and delivered to the customer.

Abstract: An ejector grating, which is fitted in a toaster, comprises two vertically travelling grids, each of which is dihedral and slightly obtuse in shape. The angles of the respective dihedrals each has a bar which passes through the end cover in a toaster general support and may travel vertically just as the grids along vertical slots provided in the end cover. The grids merge closer to each other at the upper edges thereof, as they move down into the general toaster support.

Abstract: A support plate mounts a matrix of tubular cutters orthogonally mounted to the plate, with the tubular cutters projecting through the plate, whereupon projecting of the tubular cutters through an associated potato projects cylindrical segments rearwardly of the plate for use as "French-fry" type potatoes. The plate includes interfitting projections received within associated recesses to position and maintain the plate relative to an associated die table, wherein the die table includes crossed support bars to support a potato thereon, and wherein the support bars are received through the matrix of cutting tubes and wherein the recesses each include a respective floor spaced from a die table floor a spacing substantially equal to an associated projecting tubular cutter.

Abstract: A machine for compacting a row of vehicle tires is provided in which the tires are compressed between a fixed and a movable compactor plate with the movable plate being actuated by an hydraulic cylinder. A safety mandrel is inserted through the center of the tires and locked in engagement with the movable compactor plate so that the tires to be compacted cannot be misaligned or ejected from the machine during the compaction process. Four tie wires are provided for each bundle which are fed through slots and wire guides through the center of the tires and hooked about the outside to hold the tires in the compressed condition after the hydraulic pressure is released. The length of the compressed bundle is set by adjusting the position of the compacting cylinder relative to the fixed compactor plate. Movable cylinder support means are provided to prevent misalignment of the cylinder and piston rod at the extreme limits of the extended stroke of the system.

Abstract: A book shelf including a base having a channel formed in a bottom for slidably receiving a slide, a number of holes formed along each of two side edges of each of the base and the slide, two stays each including a pair of legs coupled together at an arm, the legs of the stays being engageable in the holes of the base and the slide so that objects which are disposed on the book shelf can be supported between the stays.

Abstract: A twist tie feed device is provided for twisting together the ends of a tie ribbon which encircles a product including a base plate. A twist head assembly is mounted on the base plate and receives a first end of a tie ribbon which encircles the product and a second end of the encircling tie ribbon and will rotate about itself to twist the tie ribbon about the article. Two positive drive wheels feed the ribbon in one of a first direction towards the twist head assembly and a second direction away from the twist head assembly so that the wheels contact the ribbon at its top and bottom to apply a positive drive force to the drive ribbon as it passes between the drive wheels. A drive assembly is operatively coupled to the twist head assembly and the drive wheels for driving the positive drive wheels and twist head assembly.

Abstract: A continuously working heating-plate press is disclosed for use in the manufacture of particle boards, fiber boards, plastic boards or the like. The plate-press includes endless steel belts which are run around a fixed press table and a lowerable press ram via drive and tail drums, the press table and press ram defining an adjustable press gap. More particularly, the steel belts are supported by roller bars and transmit a pressure to the material drawn moving the material through the press gap. Heating plates are attached to the press table and press ram providing heat to the material in the press gap. In addition, first and second flexible heat transfer systems are located in a feeding area between the tail drums and the initial point of contact between the steel belts and roller bars and provide heat to the material drawn prior to entry in the press gap. The invention also includes a method for heating a continuously working heating-plate press.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressing an article includes a press arm and a press platen defining a pressing region positioned therebetween. First and second endless steel bands transmit a pressing force to an article to be pressed and draw the article through the press. A plurality of co-rotating rolling rods support the steel bands as they travel through the press. The rolling rods are introduced to an entry region of the press orthogonally relative to a longitudinal center of the press. First and second resilient pressure holding plates located in the entry region adjacent the press platen and the press ram, respectively, impose a pressure on the rolling rods that progressively increases as the rolling rods pass through the entry region.

Abstract: A can crusher apparatus is presented for crushing aluminum cans into a crushed relationship wherein the upper and lower circular end faces are generally unaltered and aligned in a co-planar position, the crushed pattern accomplished by the result of placing the can in a perpendicular position to an elongated rectangular crushing plate for creasing a center portion followed by moving a ram plate and can into contact with a vertical wall. The crushing motions of the crusher are achieved through dual cam and slot means cooperatively drivably connected to a force transfer block which imparts a predetermined relation translation motion of the plates in response to rotation of the transfer block.

Abstract: A clutch master assembly made of plastic material for an automotive vehicle. The assembly a plastic cylinder housing (1) and a piston (2) and a plastic bushing (3). The plastic bushing is arranged to allow it to be screwed in by means of a thread portion (4) which is located in the housing. By the screwing-in of the bushing a grooved disc (5) and a grooved cup (6) are secured in the assembly. The grooved cup is furnished with knobs (21, 22, 23) which exert a force in axial direction on the arrangement consisting of the grooved cup (6) and the grooved disc (5). The piston-side enlarged end of the piston rod (31, 104) is secured within the piston (2, 103) by a back injection.

Abstract: A printing system for directly printing on tape cassettes. A cassette feed assembly passes tape cassettes by means of a rail conveyancer to a printing assembly which has a back pressure plate subassembly on one side of the conveyancer for stiffening the cassette and a print head subassembly for direct printing on the cassette. A print inking system mounted over the print head subassembly inks the print head between cassette imprints. In an alternative embodiment, the back pressure plate assembly is replaced with a second print head subassembly and print inking system. An optional dryer station is provided after cassette printing.

Abstract: An imaging head for use in a spark-discharge recording apparatus, including a tracking system for monitoring and maintaining the head a fixed distance away from the surface of a recording blank. The tracking system preferably measures the distance between the head and the surface of the blank using a gas source oriented toward the blank's surface and a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the gas reflected therefrom. The signal produced by the pressure sensor indicates the size of the gap. The pressue sensor is coupled to a servo system that alters the position of the head to maintain a preselected gap distance.

Abstract: An ultrasonic printing fluid input apparatus and method for use in a keyless lithographic printing press. The system has a rotatable metering roller 20 having at least an olephilic and hydrophobic surface and a source 100 of printing fluid. A metering blade 62 for applying a thin film of printing fluid to the surface of the metering roller 20 has at least one device 63 for imparting ultrasonic vibrations to the metering blade 62 such that a thickness of the thin film of printing fluid is a function of the amplitude of ultrasonic vibrations. A control 65 for varying the amplitude of ultrasonic vibrations is connected to the device 63 for imparting ultrasonic vibrations. A fixed end of the metering blade 62 is attached to a stationary support 42 via a decoupling material 65. A printing fluid removal device 73 is also provided for substantially removing a return printing fluid film on the oleophilic and hydrophobic surface of the metering roller 20.

Abstract: A plate base fixing structure including positioning pins provided on either a plate base or plate base fixing block, positioning holes provided in one of the two members which has no positioning pins, the positioning pins being inserted the positioning holes, and a negative-pressure suction hole opened in the plate base fixing block so that the suction hole lets the negative pressure pass to the plate base fixing block. Thus, the plate base is mounted on the plate base fixing block by suction adhesion obtained as a result of the negative pressure.