Abstract: A method and apparatus for reforming the bottom of a drawn and ironed or a drawn beverage container, and a container made by that method. The container for which this method and apparatus are suitable has a vertical axis; a generally cylindrical side wall parallel with the vertical axis; an outer annular wall; a convex U-shaped portion; a preformed bottom wall including a center domed portion; and an annular, substantially vertical wall joining the domed portion and the convex U-shaped portion. The method comprises supporting the container in a jig, the jig having a bottom peripheral profile portion substantially corresponding in shape to the outer annular wall of the container. The bottom peripheral profile portion of the jig is then mated with the outer annular wall. A reforming roller is brought into engagement with the substantially vertical wall. The reforming roller rotates along the vertical wall and about an arcuate path, affecting the angle of the substantially vertical wall.

Abstract: A hand brake for deforming a metal work piece, which includes a mechanism for clamping the work piece into a fixed position, such as a gripping mechanism or clamp, and a mechanism connected to the clamp for bending at least a portion of the work piece. The bending mechanism includes a bending member and a mechanism for rotating the bending member about its longitudinal axis to make contact with the work piece and angularly displace at least a portion of the work piece. The bending member is pivotally connected to the clamping mechanism and is disposable beneath at least a portion of the work piece.

Abstract: A sensor for outputting a signal in response to swinging of a pendulum when acceleration acts upon the sensor is provided with a tilting mechanism for tilting the frame of the sensor with respect to a support therefor, and a control for actuating the tilting mechanism so as to change position that the pendulum occupies, relative to an output signal switch, in the absence of applied acceleration. As a result, the swinging distance of the pendulum from its initial position to the position at which the output signal is produced is changed, thereby changing the corresponding value of acceleration which prevails at the time of signal output.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting the presence of gaseous nitrogen dioxide and determining the amount of gas which is present. Though polystyrene is normally an insulator, it becomes electrically conductive in the presence of nitrogen dioxide. Conductance or resistance of a polystyrene sensing element is related to the concentration of nitrogen dioxide at the sensing element.

Abstract: A gas sample chamber for use in a gas analyzer consists of an elongated hollow tube having an inwardly-facing specularly-reflective surface that permits the tube to function also as a light pipe for conducting radiation from a source to a detector through the sample gas. A number of apertures in the wall of the elongated hollow tube permit the sample gas to enter and exit. Particles of smoke and dust of a size greater than 0.1 micron are kept out of the chamber by use of a semi-permeable membrane that spans the apertures in the hollow tube. Condensation of the sample gas components is prevented by heating the sample chamber electrically to a temperature above the dew point of the component of concern. In one embodiment, at least one detector are spaced around the periphery of the elongated hollow tube adjacent one end of it. In another embodiment, at least one detector are spaced along the length of the elongated hollow tube.

Abstract: The composition distribution of a sample in solution is determined by basing the calculation of the composition distribution on intermittent measurements of the concentration of sample remaining in solution while precipitating the sample from the solution. An apparatus for determining the composition distribution of the sample has a sample solution vessel, a temperature control for raising and lowering the temperature of a solvent within the vessel, and a device for intermittently measuring concentration of sample in solution in the vessel.

Abstract: A device for automatically measuring the compressibility of a tennis ball or the like. The tennis ball tester of the present invention contains three main components: a case to compress the ball to a fixed dimension; a force sensor to measure the force applied to the ball; and an electronic comparative circuit to determine the force level against a standard and to activate a LED indicator for displaying a "go-no go" output. In operation, the ball is first placed in the case and compressed to a fixed dimension by closing the lid of the case. This dimension is the maximum the ball should be compressed by an 18 lb. specified force. As the ball is compressed, the tennis ball tester measures the applied force to determine if the force is less than or greater than the 18 lb. specified force. The force sensor measures this force and supplies an electrical signal proportional to the force measured.

Abstract: A control system equipped with a misfire detection apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprising a first storage for storing a data train indicative of a record of a predetermined number of the operation states detected at a predetermined interval and a second storage for storing a reference data train indicative of a reference record of a predetermined number of reference operation states. The misfire detection apparatus further includes a comparison calculator for comparing each data constituting the data train stored in the first storage with each data constituting the reference data train stored in the second storage to obtain a comparison result between the entire data train and the entire reference data train. The comparison result supplied to a decision section to decide that the engine is in a predetermined state when the comparison result is out of a predetermined range.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting combustion in an internal combustion engine which comprises: a plurality of cylinders wherein an ignition control is performed being synchronized with a revolution number of the internal combustion engine; and an ionic current detector installed at an ignition plug of at least one cylinder of the plurality of cylinders; the ionic current detector including a device for generating a voltage which corresponds to a level of an ionic current generated by the ignition plug, a device for generating a threshold value which is a combustion determining standard, and a comparator which generates an output signal that shows a combustion state, by comparing the voltage with the threshold value; the device for generating a threshold value is composed of a threshold level variable circuit which generates a threshold value corresponding to a running condition of the engine.

Abstract: A period when the combustion of an engine is not performed is detected at two points before and after the top dead center of the cylinder in the expansion stroke. Engine speeds in both the periods are detected and the speed difference between the detected periods is calculated. Mean speed difference is calculated. The mean speed difference is compared with a predetermined limit value, thereby estimating combustion condition of the cylinder.

Abstract: A heat-conductive stream pipe has an upstream side and a downstream side temperature-sensing element having resistance wires wound round the pipe at a certain distance there-between to assure that there will be no thermal influence with each other. A control means controls a bridge circuit including a ground point at one end and a connecting point at the other end of each of the temperature-sensing elements so as to keep the temperature difference between the upstream side and the downstream side temperature-sensing elements at a constant level. An adjustable auxiliary heater is placed on the stream pipe at the downstream side near the downstream side temperature-sensing element. The mass flow of the fluid is determined by the voltage measured at the connecting point of the downstream side temperature-sensing element.

Abstract: A scanning tunneling microscope, in which the gap between a tip having a keenly sharpened end and a sample is narrowed to let flow a tunneling current between them and thereby allow observation of the surface of the sample. A strain wave device is disposed on the sample or in the vicinity of the sample to detect strain waves generated within the sample. By modulating the value of the above described tunneling current, strain waves are generated within the sample. The strain waves are detected by the above described strain wave detecting device. On the basis of the amplitude information and phase information of detected strain waves, physical information regarding the inside of the sample is obtained.

Abstract: A pressure sensor comprising a pressure sensing assembly 24 and a pressrue transmitting medium 26 disposed within a main body 20 a seal assembly 34,35,36 disposed between the pressure sensing assembly and the main body for sealing between them against said pressure transmitting medium while allowing an easy attachment and detachment of the pressure sensing assembly relative to the main body. The pressure sensing assembly may comprise a sensing element 27 for detecting pressure, a base plate 25 for sealingly supporting the pressure sensing element within the main body and a pressure transmitting pipe 26 for transmitting the pressure to be detected to the element, and an O-ring in contact with the pressure transmitting pipe. A filling passage 15 which may be closed by a plug screw 16 may be disposed in the main body for filling the detection cavity with the pressure transmitting medium.

Abstract: A load cell having a loading flexure defining mounting slots for receiving the ends of a strain sensing beam. The strain sensing beam is an I-shaped member having a tapered width along its length and bearing pairs of strain gauges on the top and bottom sides. The strain sensing beam is mounted in the slots of the loading flexure with an amalgam. The thermal coefficients of expansion of the strain sensing beam, the strain gauges, and the amalgam are all matched to within a factor of 2 to provide an inherently thermally compensated load cell that is easily manufactured and free from hysteresis.

Abstract: A load washer comprising a pair of thin metal washers between which a contact sensor is positioned. The contact sensor includes pairs of confronting electrodes at a plurality of spaced zones with a pressure sensitive resistive material between each pair, which, under pressure, provide an indication of the force applied to the load washer.

Abstract: A force and torque converter provides command signals representative of a translational applied force and an applied torque extending about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis along which the translational force is applied. The apparatus comprises a body to which the force and torque are applied, first and second connecting means attached to the body, means for biasing the connecting means to a central position and sensor means comprising two sensor devices arranged to detect a displacement force in each of the first and second connecting means respectively and which respond to the applied translation force and also respond to the torque to resolve the torque into a force comprising two components. A very important embodiment of the invention is arranged to operate in three dimensions and to resolve any applied torque into a respective components related to three mutually perpendicular axes.

Abstract: The starter includes a movable pinion and a control electromagnet. A transmission between the core of the electromagnet and the pinion includes a rocker lever. The lever has a shaped profile so that the initial loadless travel of the core is shorter than would be the case with a substantially straight lever, if other geometrical conditions remain the same.

Abstract: A mechanism used to control the vertical height as well as fore-aft position of a vehicle seat while presenting a minimum height profile when adjusted to minimum vertical elevation. The seat is connected to a pair of rails, one stationary and one reciprocable. A seat is affixed to an attachment bracket which is connected to the reciprocable rail by a vertical height adjuster comprising a vertically oriented screw jack which may be positioned to selectable heights by a motor. The fore-aft relationship of the rails may also be selectively adjusted by a motor driving a horizontally oriented screw jack. Both screw jacks incorporate a screw connected to a helical gear engaged to a worm gear. The worm gear is driven by a remote motor through a flexible drive cable. Both screw jacks present a structure which offers a minimum height profile when the seat is positioned at minimum vertical height.

Abstract: A door operator for a reversibly operable door, such as a garage door includes a frame, a motor on the frame, a flexible drive member connected to the motor, and a carriage is mounted for movement along the frame. The carriage moves generally parallel to a portion of the frame and is attached to the door to open and close the door by movement of the carriage along the frame. The carriage can be selectively engaged and disengaged from the flexible drive member using an actuating member extending from the carriage. The carriage and the flexible drive member are engaged and disengaged upon successive motions of the actuating member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the carriage.

Abstract: An auxiliary transmission section (14) shift control system (300)/method is provided which includes control members (246, 328) to prevent auxiliary section synchronized clutch (92, 128) damage if the main transmission section (12) is engaged during an auxiliary section shift. Upon sensing main section engagement during a shift into the auxiliary section high-speed ratio, the force used to engage the high speed ratio is reduced from a first (p*a.sub.224) to a considerably lower second (p*(a.sub.224 -a.sub.222)) level.

Abstract: A transmission including at least two shafts and a cylindrical member supported by a frame for rotation relative thereto about axes of rotation utilizes a pair of gears and a plurality of speed-adjusting teeth for altering the relative speed of rotation between the shafts and the cylindrical member. Each of the gears is connected to a corresponding one of the shafts for rotation therewith, and the shafts are appropriately coupled to one another so that rotation of one shaft effects a rotation of the other shafts. The speed-adjusting teeth are disposed about the cylindrical member and cooperatively mesh with the gears for transmitting rotary motion between the shafts and cylindrical member and so that at any rotational position of the cylindrical member about its axis of rotation, the speed-adjusting teeth are in meshed relationship with at least one of the gears.

Abstract: In a gear drive device of a railway motor car having a larger gear fixed on an axle and a smaller gear fixed on a rotation shaft of a traction motor, tooth trace of the smaller gear or that of the larger gear is twisted in a manner that the teeth of the smaller and larger gears are engaged in parallel with each other when the axle is deflected due to the load of the railway motor car.

Abstract: A slip clutch mechanism is provided with a clutch shaft rotated by a driving power source, a pair of slip pinions supported on the clutch shaft in such a manner as to be rotatable around the clutch shaft, and a pair of slip washers supported on the clutch shaft, in such a manner as to be rotatable as unified with the clutch shaft and movable in the axial direction of the clutch shaft and as to get into frictional contact with the individual sliding pinions at the inner sides thereof. A compression coil spring member is interposed between the slip washers and brings the slip washers into frictional contact with the slip pinions. An output shaft is rotated by one of the pair of slip pinions.

Abstract: A balanced worm gear attachable to an output shaft of a motor so as not to disturb the balance of the output shaft. The overall length of the worm gear is set to be an integral multiple of a predetermined pitch L of the worm tooth. The formed worm gear has symmetrical ends which can further be more closely balanced by chamfering the ends.

Abstract: An articulated robot arm or the like comprising a base, an upper arm which is pivotally secured to the base at a shoulder joint, a lower arm pivotally secured to the upper arm at an elbow joint, and optionally a "hand" or tool support pivotally secured to the lower arm at a wrist joint. A parallelogram linkage controls the relative position of the upper arm, lower arm, and base. The linkage has first, second, third, and fourth links joined by pivots. The first link is a crank which is pivotally connected to the base by a first pivot which is coaxial with the shoulder pivot. The second link of the parallelogram linkage is parallel to the crank link, and is fixed with respect to the lower arm. The third and fourth links join the first and second links to complete the parallelogram. At least one of the third and fourth links is fixed to the upper arm.

Abstract: In a tilt steering column assembly, there is provided a tilt lock mechanism comprising upper and lower toothed bars which extend along the column assembly, and which are formed with rack-like teeth, and pivotally supported by upper and lower steering columns, respectively. The bars are both placed between two side walls of a lock member having inclined cam slots which move the bars into and out of engagement. The toothed bars engaged with each other to lock the tilt steering column assembly securely in a selected tilt position.

Abstract: A cable length adjustment device for adjusting a cable comprising an elongated member connected to the core of the cable, a locking member formed to prevent translatory movement of the elongated member when in a first locked position, and allow for translatory movement of the elongated member in a second unlocked position, and a housing substantially encasing the locking member.

Abstract: A change-speed lever apparatus for use on a bicycle, comprises: a fixed member; a winding member pivotably supported to the fixed member and urged toward a cable-winding direction, the winding member winding a change-speed cable; a control lever operable to pivot the winding member only in the cable-winding direction via a one-way mechanism with an operation thereof in a forward direction against the urging force. A position-maintaining mechanism having an engaging member and a plurality of engaging portions operable to stepwisely and elastically engage with the engaging member, the mechanism maintaining a position of the winding member; and a release mechanism for releasing the position-maintaining condition of the winding member by the position-maintaining mechanism by releasing the engagement between the engaging member and the one engaging portion and for effecting a change-speed operation by causing the winding member to pivot in the cable-rewinding direction with the cable-rewinding urging force.

Abstract: A cable length adjusting device includes a cable located within a conduit, which is fixed against displacement at longitudinally spaced positions. A first end of the cable includes a fitting fixed to a ball stud extending from a lever whose position is a reference position. At the opposite end of the cable a fitting engages a ball stud extending from another lever. A spring clip in a form of a compression spring forces a rod end, fixed to one end of the cable, away from the location of the second ball stud and toward the reference position. A cable adjusting screw fixes the rod and spring clip in position on the second fitting.

Abstract: A remote control system for controlling the actuation of a pair of control levers through a control unit and an actuator unit from a remote location by a moveable operator. The operator is attached to a drive plate for rotation when the operator is moved. A contact element is associated with the drive plate and is adapted to make contact with one or the other of a pair of friction plates after the operator is rotated through a predetermined angle from its upright position so that the frictional force between the contact element and the friction plate increases as the angle of rotation of the operator increases from the predetermined angle.

Abstract: A steering wheel having an impact energy absorbing member capable of absorbing a predetermined amount of impact energy while being attached in a predetermined position to the steering wheel through its upper portion. The steering wheel includes a boss assembly provided at the center of the steering wheel and including a metallic core. The impact energy absorbing member which is disposed above the metallic core and which is capable of deforming by being reduced in size generally in the axial direction of a steering shaft when it receives an impact force applied in the axial direction, and a pad disposed over the impact energy absorbing member to cover the same. The impact energy absorbing member has attachment extensions projecting outward from its upper peripheral portion generally parallel to its central portion. An attachment hole is formed in each attachment extension to enable the impact energy absorbing member to be fixed to the steering wheel with a screw.

Abstract: A pivoting heel holder is provided for a driver of a vehicle and the like which consists of a bracket mountable to a floor of a vehicle in front of and between the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal. A receptacle is formed to receive the curved back heel portion of the driver's shoe. A mechanism is connected between the bracket and the receptacle, for permitting swiveling of the receptacle, so that the sole of the shoe can make contact with either the brake pedal or accelerator pedal while resting in the receptacle thereby eliminating the wearing out of the heel of the shoe.

Abstract: A solenoid operated control valve in an automatic transmission is operated by dither current. A flow rate of oil through the solenoid operated control valve is calculated. At least either one of the frequency and amplitude of the dither current is corrected by the flow rate. The solenoid operated control valve is operated by the dither current.

Abstract: A novel hydraulic system for an automotive automatic power transmission improves efficiency of working fluid supply for controlling transmission operation and for lubricating transmission components. The hydraulic system employs independently fabricated lubrication circuit for lubricating transmission components and a hydraulic control circuit for controlling operation of transmission components. The hydraulic system employs a first fluid pump connected to the hydraulic control circuit for supplying working fluid thereto, and a second fluid pump connected to the lubrication circuit for supplying working fluid thereto, and operative independently of the first fluid pump.

Abstract: A wrench of a conventional worm gear-rack mechanism type includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw adjustable by means of a worm gear in driving engagement with a rack mechanism of the movable jaw. The rack mechanism is movable within a slot extending through the fixed jaw; the slot being disposed to one side of an object gripping surface of the fixed jaw and along an axis perpendicular to the gripping surface. For locking the movable jaw in position when an object is being gripped between the two jaws, the movable jaw is provided with a threaded stud which extends axially of the slot and outwardly beyond an exterior surface of the fixed jaw. A nut is mounted on the stud portion extending beyond the exterior surface, the nut serving to prevent unclamping movement of the fixed jaw when the nut is screwed along the stud and into contact with the exterior surface.

Abstract: A hand tool consists of a movable jaw, a slide bar wherein the movable jaw is mounted to the slide bar. A support assembly is provided for supporting the slide bar. A stationary jaw is spaced away from the support assembly and is provided with at least a front portion. A one-way drive arrangement is designed having at least a driving lever. A cam having a longitudinally extending handle is pivotally mounted at the support assembly and contacts the driving lever. The cam disengages the driving lever when the one-way drive arrangement is released from the slide bar, and the cam engages the driving lever when the one-way drive arrangement engages the slide bar.

Abstract: A centering device in a machine tool having a chuck for clamping a work includes a clamp device for clamping and centering the work at a different position with respect to the chuck. The clamp device has an actuator driven by a pressure medium and a holder operable by the actuator for clamping the work with a pressure corresponding to the pressure of the pressure medium and for releasing the work. A control device is provided for controlling the pressure of the pressure medium to a value which is appropriate to center the work by the clamp device and which is previously determined according to a diameter of the work to be clamped.

Abstract: A pouch form, fill seal apparatus includes a cutter having a plurality of radially extending knives and package guides which are simultaneously adjustable independently of the knives to accommodate a wider range of pouch chord variations due to pouch size or product fills.

Abstract: An overlap cam for use in a precision sheeting machine for preventing overlap marks on carbonless paper includes a predetermined outer radius, a predetermined relieved area and an outer circumferential surface, all dictated by various sheeter section operating speeds. At least one lobe projects from the relieved area out to the outer predetermined radius. Rotation of the overlap cam will enable the lobe to engage a clip of sheets traveling at high speed at a point displaced a predetermined distance from the leading edge of a clip for preventing compression of active CB and CF together during braking and thereby preventing an overlap mark from being formed on a previously decelerated clip while still performing braking action of a clip of sheets supplied to the overlap section of the sheeter.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a two dimensional drive system driven by fluid pressure. The drive system of the present invention comprises: a pair of X-guides; a pair of Y-guides; an X-rod whose each end is slidably attached to each Y-guide; a Y-rod whose each end is slidably attached to each X-guide; an X-piston section being provided at the midway of the X-rod; a Y-piston section being provided at the midway of the Y-rod; and a moving body having an X-chamber through which the X-rod is pierced and a Y-chamber through which the Y-rod is pierced, the X-chamber being divided into two subchambers by the X-piston section, the Y-chamber being divided into two subchambers by the Y-piston section. With this structure, the moving body is capable of moving in a plane by selectively supplying fluid to each subchamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cyclic hydraulic actuator, and more particularly to an actuator for a rock drill and includes: a housing; at least two chambers in the housing; a fluid passage between a first of the chambers and the outside of the housing for feeding a liquid at supply pressure to the chamber during operation of the actuator; a fluid passage between a second of the chambers and the outside of the housing for exhausting liquid from the second chamber during operation of the actuator; a piston reciprocable on an axis in at least the first and second chambers with the piston including an exposed piston area in each of the two chambers for causing, with the liquid at supply pressure, reciprocation of the piston; an inlet valve for opening and closing the second chamber to liquid at supply pressure in the first chamber; an exhaust valve for opening and closing the exhaust passage; the inlet and exhaust valves, chambers and exposed piston areas being so arranged that during cyclic operation of the actua

Abstract: A proportional distributor embodying a controlled slide valve and a pressure compensator slide valve associated with additional positioning means whereby the pressure drop in the controlled slide valve depends upon the difference between the working and load sensing pressures according to a linear function with a strictly positive coefficient and a strictly negative constant. Each compensator slide valve operates according to the same linear function or at least one of its proportional distributors has a compensator slide valve operating according to a different linear function.

Abstract: Improvements in motors powered by pressurized hydraulic fluid, or air. The mechanism comprises: two rotors, interconnected by pistons which are bent into identical angles, and are inserted into the corresponding receiving holes of both rotors. The pistons can be pressurized in one, or in both rotors simultaneously, thereby varying the torque output and speed of the motor.

Abstract: A piston-cylinder unit for pressure fluids includes a housing bounded by a head piece at each end thereof; a cylinder disposed within the housing; a piston reciprocatingly movable within the cylinder; a pulley having a circumferential outer surface is mounted for rotation about an axis within each of the head pieces; a pull belt is secured to the piston and looped around the outer surface of the pulleys; a power pick-up is attached to the pull belt; a braking device for the pull belt is disposed within the head piece and juxtaposed with at least one of the pulleys and has a shape which is complementary to at least a portion of the circumferential surface of the pulley; and a feed conduit connected to the head piece for feeding the pressure fluid to the braking device.

Abstract: The fluid seals on the currently available piston assemblies are ineffective for blocking the leakage of electrical signals between the piston and the cylinder. The present invention utilizes an electrically conductive split ring seated in an annular groove in a piston and an electrically conductive annular spring disposed between the split ring and the piston to resiliently urge the split ring into conductive engagement with the hydraulic cylinder while providing continuous electrical contact between the split ring and the piston to block the leakage of electrical signals.

Abstract: A juicer/mixer includes an actuating device for providing electrical power to a rotating shaft thereon, to which a squeezing housing device is engaged, thus allowing food to be processed in the squeezing housing device. Food is milled in the squeezing housing device and, after double filtering, juice is obtained from a juice outlet, and the dregs are remained in an inside wall of the squeezing housing device. A dreg displacement switch is provided to trigger a stopper to expel the dregs via a dreg outlet device by utilizing centrifugal force.

Abstract: A stamp device employs a heat sensitive stencil paper which includes a thermoplastic film and a porous carrier. The heat sensitive stencil paper is perforated by a thermal head according to characters, symbols, figures, etc. of an image input from an input mechanism. The display can be controlled to display a layout of the image to be perforated on the heat sensitive stencil paper. Therefore, a user can determine whether the layout is acceptable prior to perforating the stencil sheet. Consequently, the user can accurately print at a desired position on a recording medium by confirming the layout on the display prior to printing.

Abstract: The wiping device operates with at least one cylinder (3) which receives the ink raised from the printing plates and against which rests a doctor blade (4) which removes the ink from said cylinder (3). In order to clean the doctor blade (4) reliably from ink during the printing operation, there are mounted on the opposite longitudinal edges of said doctor blade (4) wall parts (6) which are U-shaped in the plan view and whose U-limbs (6a) are directed towards one another. Between said U-limbs (6a), an ink slide (8) is moved constantly back and forth on the doctor blade surface by a drive device, the side parts of said ink slide facing the wall parts being adapted to the design of said wall parts. Installed on the back of the doctor blade (4) on each side is an ink pump whose slot-shaped inlet opening (12) extends between the U-limbs of the relevant wall part (6).

Abstract: An image carrier, more particularly for indirect gravure or pad printing, having a gravure image thereon, comprises a foil image carrier of metal, which has a smooth surface and is able to be mounted on a receiving element of a printing device. The costs of production of the image carrier are substantially reduced since the image carrier is constituted by a smooth and flexible metal foil adapted to make snug engagement with the surface of the element for receiving it.

Abstract: A roller for moving one of ink and water through a printing press is disclosed as an elastomeric covering on a solid journal. The elastomeric covering includes spiral lands and valleys adjacent the lands having depths ranging from 0.002 to 0.004 inch for ducting water, and ranging from 0.002 to 0.015 inch for ducting ink. At valley depths of greater than 0.015, ink is carried solely on the lands for the purpose of lubricating the ductor system. One embodiment includes reversed spiral land and valley end segments that direct ink inwardly from the ends of the rollers to prevent ink buildup at those positions on a ductor roller.