Abstract: Techniques involve texturing a synthetic thread. The thread is pulled off a feed bobbin, which is connected via the thread end thereof to a beginning of a thread of a reserve bobbin by way of a thread knot. In order to monitor the texturing, a thread tension of the thread is measured and analyzed in a measuring point. Additionally, measuring signals of the thread tension are analyzed at the measuring point using a machine learning program, in order to identify the thread knot. To this end, a device has a diagnostic unit, which interacts with the thread tension measuring device in such a way that the measuring signals of the thread tension can be analyzed by way of a machine learning program for identifying a thread knot.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus includes: a heating member that has an outer circumferential surface to be driven in a circulative manner and heats a sheet; a heat radiation suppression member that covers a part of an outer circumferential surface of the heating member to have a predetermined gap and suppresses heat radiation, wherein the heat radiation suppression member has a movable part capable of moving to a first position and a second position more distant than the first position from a part covered by the heating member; a moving unit that moves the movable part to the first position or the second position; a jam detection unit that detects a jam of a sheet in the vicinity of the downstream side end portion of the nip part; and a control unit that controls the moving unit such that the movable part is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A sheet guide device has a crumpling prevention unit disposed to a movable part with a guide surface that guides a side edge of die-cut label paper conveyed over the top of a feed plate, and prevents crumpling the side portion of the die-cut label paper of which the side edge contacts the guide surface. The crumpling prevention unit includes a pressure-bearing base unit disposed protruding from the top of the feed plate and causing the side portion of the passing die-cut label paper to rise to the side; a sheet presser part that presses the die-cut label paper to the conveyance path surface at the same or adjacent position to the pressure-bearing base unit; and a side presser member that the side edge of the die-cut label paper inclined by the pressure-bearing base unit contacts.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which can prevent deformation of a sheet due to heat generated at a fixing section as much as possible, and can reduce the amount of waste paper even when the sheet is partially deformed, in which: an upper fixing section and a lower fixing section form a fixing nip for conveying a continuous sheet in a tightly sandwiching manner in a state where the upper fixing section and the lower fixing section are in pressure contact with each other; the upper fixing section and the lower fixing section are separated from each other when image formation is not performed; and a detection section detects deformation of the continuous sheet at a closest part between the upper fixing section and the lower fixing section.

Abstract: A medium transport apparatus includes: a transport unit transporting a belt-shaped medium having plural marks formed in line at predetermined intervals in a transport direction; a detection unit detecting the marks on the medium; and a determining unit determining that a splice exists at a position on the medium if an interval of the marks detected from the medium by the detection unit differs from the predetermined intervals, the position being identified by the marks having the interval different from the predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A printer includes a recording medium accommodating unit that holds an outer circumferential portion of a recording medium wound in a roll, a printing unit that prints on the recording medium fed from the recording medium accommodating unit, a first detecting lever that is biased to abut a side aspect of the recording medium and that includes on a tip, a first protrusion that enters a space of a roll-core part in the center of the recording medium when the roll-core part is moved to a predetermined position by the weight of the recording medium as the recording medium is consumed, and a detecting switch that converts an action of the first detecting lever into an electric signal, where the first protrusion is provided on the first detecting lever being rotatable in a direction that the roll-core part moves to be detached from the recording medium accommodating unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for indicating the displacement of a flexible web are described. An elongated, flexible web includes an integral scale having scale features configured to modulate energy directed towards the web. A transport mechanism provides relative movement between the web relative to a transducer. The transducer detects energy modulated by the scale features and generates a signal indicting a continuous web displacement based on the modulated energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a web-guiding or sheet-guiding machine, in which webs or sheets are transported along a transport path (z), and which has at least one roller nip, it being possible for at least one of the rollers, which delimits the roller nip or is located downstream of the roller nip on the transport path, to be driven by an electric drive. A power controller is assigned to the electric drive, and the web-guiding or sheet-guiding machine is equipped with a safety device, which makes it possible to monitor whether foreign bodies are penetrating into the roller nip and/or whether a specified torque for the drive is being maintained. The safety device here comprises a first measuring device, which can monitor at least one first electric variable of the power made available to the drive by the power controller. The safety device comprises a second measuring device, which can measure a second physical variable having a functional relationship with the first electric variable.

Abstract: A negative film setter has film holders for having set therein films to be fed. Each of the film holders has both a detecting sensor for detecting whether a film is set therein and a lamp which is lit when a film is set in a film holder and which is not lit when a film is not set therein. Therefore, a user can determine at a glance whether or not films are set in the film holders, thus allowing the user to skillfully set a plurality of films at film setting sections. Accordingly, due to detection by the detecting sensor, the negative film setter can recognize in which film holder a film is set, and films can be fed in a sequential order.

Abstract: A cabinet is provided downstream of a high speed laser printer, and provides an environmentally controllable environment for a web that must be “moisturized” before being fed to a downstream device for further processing. A single web loop is gravity biased as well as acted on by a constant force spring to accommodate abrupt speed changes in the web. The depth of the web loop is of sufficient height to accommodate reversals in web direction necessitated by the laser printer.

Abstract: A method for detecting faults during transport of a web in a web-fed printing machine, wherein web speed is determined by contact-free measurement, in accordance with the Doppler principle, includes the steps of: by applying microwaves, determining a first local speed of the web at a first measurement position; by applying microwaves, determining at least a second local speed of the web at a second measurement position spaced apart from the first measurement position in a direction of web transport; determining an actual value from the first local speed and at least the second local speed; determining any deviation of the actual value from a predefined desired value; and comparing the deviation of the actual value from the predefined desired value with a predefined threshold; a detecting device for performing the method; and a printing machine including the detecting device.

Abstract: A yarn breakage position detecting device and method of detecting a yarn breakage position involves a running yarn tension detector arranged at a reference position and that outputs a tension signal by which occurrence of yarn breakage is detected, and passage of the end of a broken yarn through the reference position is then calculated based on the time period from occurrence of yarn breakage to passage of the broken yarn end through the reference position. The yarn breakage time is stored as a time at which the tension signal becomes a peak value and/or a time at which the tension signal begins to decrease below a steady state tension value. The time when the yarn passes through the reference position is stored as a time at which the tension signal becomes lower than a lower limit value and/or a time at which natural oscillation begins.

Abstract: Wire from a wire source is supplied to create a predetermined amount of slack wire in a predetermined configuration and to maintain that slack wire configuration. Some of the slack wire is withdrawn from the configuration and advanced for use in forming an electrical connector. As wire is withdrawn from the slack wire configuration, additional wire is supplied to renew and maintain that configuration. A characteristic of the slack wire configuration is sensed to control the amount wire supplied. In this manner, the mass and rotational effects of unwinding wire from a spool while simultaneously advancing that wire are avoided, thereby avoiding wire slippage and allowing the constituent components of the connector, such as bulges of a twist pin connector, to be more precisely located during fabrication.

Abstract: A paired roller configuration is described and contains a first roller disposed rotatably in a first machine unit and a second roller disposed rotatably in a second machine unit and substantially parallel to the first roller. The first and second rollers guide a web that wraps partly around the first and second rollers. The first roller is disposed such that it can move in the first machine unit and, by at least one connecting unit, is connected to the second roller in such a way that in the event of movement and/or deformation of the first machine unit, the first roller and the second roller remain disposed substantially parallel to each other and at a substantially constant spacing.

Abstract: A festooner transfers cloth between a dye machine and a transfer box utilizing a driven roller and a laterally mounted idler roller creating a vertical interstice to effect a vertical discharge of the cloth into a laying funnel. The driven roller is grooved to maintain tension on the cloth without creating adherence that would cause the cloth to wrap around the roller. A sensor further detects the presence or absence of driven roller, and reduces the speed of the driven roller when the idler roller is displaced from the driven roller.

Abstract: A storage device for receiving and giving off a photographic band material. The storage device can be used for the buffering of photographic material and/or as indication or control element, and includes an inlet and an outlet for the photographic material band. A weight member pushes onto the photographic band material between the inlet and the outlet for the tensioning thereof, the height of which is changed during changing of the stored band length by interaction between the band tension and its inherent weight. A change in height of the weight member is coupled with a rotation of a driven member of a direction dependent coupling, the drive member of which is rotated in a free wheeling direction. A detector detects a locking condition of the direction dependent coupling, which occurs during free fall of the weight member, and a controller controls the transport of the band based on the detection.

Abstract: Flexible tags are secured to parcels moving upon a conveyor belt. The flexible tags each contain a transponder circuit in electrical communication with a transponder antenna. The transponder circuit contains a unique digital code containing data relating to the parcel. A reader circuit located in proximity to the conveyor is in electrical communication with a reader antenna. The reader circuit generates a signal in the presence of a flexible tag, which is transmitted to the transponder antenna located on the flexible tag. The signal energizes the transponder circuit in the flexible tag, which sends a unique digital code via the transponder antenna back to the reader antenna. The digital code is transmitted from the reader antenna to the reader circuit, where the digital code is analyzed to identify the contents of the parcel. The flexible tags are agitated by forced air from a fan to orient the flexible tags in non-parallel alignment in relation to the reader antenna as they move along a conveyor.

Abstract: A wire conveyance system is provided for a wire bonding machine having, in series, a first wire handler, a wire slacking device and a second wire handler. The wire slacking device includes a wire support chamber having a substantially enclosed bottom, opposing first and second vertical sidewalls, a substantially open top, a back opening and a front opening. The wire slacking device further includes a pressurized fluid source and first and second fluid orifices for receiving a pressurized fluid from the pressurized fluid source. The fluid orifices extend through the first or second sidewall of the wire support chamber with the second fluid orifice being positioned downstream of the first fluid orifice. First and second fluid paths are provided in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source via the first and second fluid orifices. The first and second fluid paths extend upward between the first and second sidewalls of the wire support chamber and out the open top.

Abstract: A strap driving device for looping machines has with a strap guiding channel for a looping strap and two pairs of drive rollers engaging in the strap guiding channel. Each pair of drive rollers has a driving roller driven in rotation and a pressing roller to be set to the latter for free running. For being set to the driving roller, the pressing roller is mounted on a rocker.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for controlling the motion of a machine system so as to cut individual lengths from a web having graphics on predetermined web positions and which allows the use of an inexpensive AC induction motor. An AC induction motor has an output power shaft for imparting the motive force necessary to drive the machine system, such as a web feeding system. A sensor is operatively coupled to the AC motor for determining the position of the motor during system operation. A controller is operatively connected to the sensor and motor and forms a closed loop control circuit. The controller changes the feedback loop characteristics of the closed loop control circuit during a stop, hold or start condition of the motor. By adding an externally generated compensating signal to the input of the feedback loop, the controller also minimizes acceleration error.

Abstract: A method for detecting disruptions in the transport of a web in a rotary printing press. A speed evaluation is performed on the web and then analyzed, including a comparison of a contactless measurement of the instantaneous speed (VPAP(t)) of the web with a speed selected from the group of speeds of the web consisting of: 1. a virtual speed (VVIRT(t) which is evaluated from the mechanical speed of the press, 2. an average speed (VAVE(t)) measured during a time before the last measurement, and 3. a speed (VPAP (t.sub.k-1)) measured at the moment immediately before the moment when an instantaneous speed (VPAP(t.sub.k)) is measured. The analysis is performed to obtain a respective speed difference, and to compare the respective speed difference with a respective prescribed threshold value. If the speed difference is not within the threshold value, a signal is generated which indicates that the web is not traveling at the proper speed.

Abstract: A rotational detector is attached to each of the rolls that might be passed over or under as part of a paper web/path. Each of the rotational detectors emits an output signal which indicates whether the roll it is attached to is moving and, if it is moving, the direction it is moving. A comparator compares the output from each of the rotational detectors to path requirement data for the path that the pressman intended to web. The comparator determines whether any mistakes have occurred and if an error has occurred the roll on which the mistake has occurred. The comparator then determines whether any of the mistakes which might have occurred are catastrophic, requiring rewebbing. If there are no catastrophic errors, a controller adjusts the register for any deviations from the intended path that might have occurred during webbing.

Abstract: A detector (14) for regions of excess thickness in a moving web (12a) includes a first jaw member (120; 72, 82); a second jaw member (122; 68, 70); a frame (56; 120a, 122a) supporting the first and second jaw members with a gap (88; 138) there between through which a web can be transported, the gap having a width more narrow than a maximum desired thickness of a transported web; a support (52, 54; 116, 118; 160, 162; 164, 166) for the frame to allow the frame and the first and second jaw members to move when a web having a region of thickness in excess of the width of the gap engages the jaw members at the gap; and a sensor (96-100; 148-152) for detecting movement of the frame to indicate presence of a region of excess thickness at the gap. A web transport system embodying such a detector also is disclosed.

Abstract: Web feed apparatus, for example in web printing and folding apparatus, has a pair of opposing rollers, one (28) on a fixed axis and one (22) laterally movable to define an adjustable nip gap between their peripheries. The gap is automatically set and adjusted by a setting screw (4) driven by a servo motor (60) with rotation of the screw monitors by a potentiometer sensor (64). A stop collar (52) on the screw limits axial displacement thereof to determine the set nip gap and a spring (50) urges the rollers towards each other but permits displacement under overload conditions. A rectilinear sensor (54) senses said conditions by monitoring relative displacement of the stop collar and a programmable control system processes signals from the sensors and operates the servo motor accordingly.

Abstract: A broad swing arm having a finger at its swinging end extends from an axis near a fixing unit to a tractor, overtop and next to a continuous form transport path. Any bulge or buckle caused by a paper jam and forming in the continuous form at any position between the fixing unit and tractor, and across the width of the form, is detected as the swing arm is pushed up at some point along its length, moving the finger away from a sensor monitored by a controller. Printing in the printer is stopped when the sensor detects that the finger has been moved.

Abstract: A monitoring device is used for a web roll which is rotated so as to unwind a web therefrom, for example, for making bags for a packaging machine. The speed of rotation of the web roll is detected by a revolution counter or an eye-mark sensor if the web is provided with eye-marks, and the current outer radius of the web roll is calculated from the detected speed of rotation as well as inputted data such as the length of the web required for making a bag and the number of bags being produced per unit time. The length of the web remaining in the web roll and other related data can be calculated and displayed either all at once or selectably in response to the user's instruction. An alarm signal may be outputted when the calculated outer radius of the web roll becomes small enough according to a preset criterion.

Abstract: A motion indicating device used especially to monitor the movement of sheets of paper, which are moved via conveyor paths. A scanning device has a rotatably mounted scanning member, which lies on the scannable surfaces of the moving sheet of paper and is set into rotation by same, and which is provided with signal elements, which generate motion signals in a stationary electronic signal transmitter by their rotary movements. The scanning member is a ball (8) with uneven weight distribution or a hollow ball (81, 82). The ball is guided freely rotatably in a guide cage (7) and has at least one signal element. A signal transmitter is arranged on a side located diametrically opposite the contact point (19) of the ball (8) and is directed in this plane of rotation toward the ball (8).

Abstract: A system is provided for assisting operators of a printing press in webbing ribbons of a web material exiting a printing unit of the printing press through paths of rolls which direct the ribbons into preselected formers of a folder. A remote display device is provided on each roll which is utilized in more than one path. The remote display devices operate under the control of a web management system and display information which indicates the identity of its respective roll, the direction in which the ribbon must be wrapped around its respective roll, and the identity of the next roll to be wrapped. Ribbon path information for a plurality of jobs is stored by the web management system allowing for rapid ribbon path changes between jobs without limiting the number of permissible ribbon path layouts.

Abstract: A method of measuring and expressing the unwound amount or residual amount of a web roll, such as carbon film roll or printing paper roll in terms of a unit length of the web roll includes the steps of: starting a count of pulses to be produced by a rotation displacement detecting sensor for each predetermined angle of rotational displacement when the residual amount of the web roll is considered to have been reduced to a predetermined value; and emitting a warning signal when the count reaches a predetermined count number (initially set on the basis of the average value of the amounts of unwinding rotation of the web roll per unit length) during the time when the web roll is unwound and fed by a unit length from the count start time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for suppressing flutter of a moving web manufacturing operation to include a sensor for sensing the pressure of air in a region proximate the web, which sensor generates a pressure signal representative of the air pressure, a signal processor, connected to receive the pressure signal and to derive therefrom a negative feedback suppression signal phase-shifted to attenuate the air pressure, and an air modulator, positioned to modulate the air in the region proximate the web, which modulator receives the suppression signal and modulates air in response thereto so that flutter is attenuated. The modulator can be a speaker placed in an air supply duct, and in another embodiment it is placed directly in a web pocket.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously taking off a thermoplastic synthetic resin sheet foamed by a vertical foaming furnace which has a rail fixedly disposed horizontally, two bodies mounted obliquely at the same angle in a linear symmetrical manner with respect to a vertical line and moving in parallel along the rail, a driver for driving the bodies, two holding roll rows having a plurality of holding rolls disposed in a zigzag manner along the longitudinal direction of the body, a pair of supports respectively wound on the holding rolls, and sensors having optical fiber sensors electrically connected to the driver and provided at each of the upper ends of the bodies. The interval of the two bodies is defined to be narrow at its top and wider toward the lower interval. The degree of the width of the foamed sheet is determined by the angle. The sensor includes two casing halves. One casing half contains a light emitting unit of the optical fiber sensor.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing and counting objects on a moving conveyor. Objects are moved on the conveyor past a sensor having first and second legs pivotally mounted about a fixed axis above the conveyor. The second leg is offset from the first leg in the direction of conveyor movement. As an object encounters the first leg, it causes the first leg to rotate toward the second leg. A proximity detector includes a target mounted on the first leg and a sensing element mounted on the second leg. The proximity detector detects movement of the first leg relative to the second leg and generates a pulse, thereby counting the object, when the first leg assumes a predetermined position relative to the second leg.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the frequency and amplitude of flutter of a moving web in a web manufacturing operation, is shown to include a sensor for sensing the pressure of air in a region proximate the web and for generating a pressure signal reflective of the air pressure and a signal processor, connected to receive the pressure signal, for determining the amplitudes and frequencies of the flutter from the pressure signal and for generating an indication signal representative of the flutter amplitude and frequency.

Abstract: A monitor (18,26,28) monitors movement of paper (12) through a printer (16). The paper movement sensors (18,26) comprise one central wheel (70) or a pair of spaced edge wheels (158) each operating an individual photo-optic wheel (164,76). By counting pulses from the photo-optic wheels (76,164) monitor logic (28) determines conditions of jam, over-feeding and skew within the printer (16) both on an instantaneous and on a short term cumulative basis. The system self-calibrates through an initializing routine and later, continuously during operation. Paper movement sensors (18,26) are provided in dust-protected housings which can be chained together to provide monitoring facilities at many points.

Abstract: A material feeding apparatus for intermittently feeding a sheet or rod material in a predetermined length has a first gripper device having a first fixed gripper and a first movable gripper for cooperation with each other in clamping and unclamping a material therebetween, and a second gripper device having a similar construction as the first device and carried by a slide block provided for reciprocatory sliding movement along the path of feed of the material.

Abstract: A paper feed apparatus for line printer means for the transport of single-ply and multi-ply paper contains a paper levelling gap in the ingress region of the paper guidance channel. The paper levelling gap consists of a stationary part and of a slide capable of excursion relative to said stationary part, with said slide communicating with a sensing means. Given transgression of a prescribed slot width due to buckling of the multi-ply paper, the paper feed is interrupted via the sensing means and a warning light is actuated.

Abstract: A photographic film processor including a film dryer through which photographic film is transported under tension and dried, has a film break detection system for detecting photographic film breaks within the dryer. Upper and lower substantially horizontal shafts are positioned in the dryer in a spaced relationship. Each shaft has a plurality of spools, and the photographic film is transported back and forth over the spools and between the shafts in a serpentine fashion. The lower shaft is spatially movable with respect to the upper shaft and is biased in a direction opposite to the force on the lower shaft due to film tension. A film break within the dryer causes a loss of film tension, which in turn causes a change in the spatial position of the lower shaft. A sensor senses this change in the spatial position of the lower shaft, activates an alarm, and shuts off the dryer drive system.

Abstract: At each work position of a textile machine having a plurality of work positions driven by a common drive unit (warper's creels, winder or spooling and spinning machines, or circular knitting machines, for example), an electronic monitor device is provided which is responsive to thread travel. An indicator device is associated with each travel monitor and comprises a storage element and an indicator connected thereto, for the permanent indication of a thread breakage. To prevent false indications of thread breakage when the machine is stopped, a control signal is generated when the machine's drive unit is operating. Each indicator device further includes an electronic switch responsive to the control signal to insure the storage unit can be set to indicate a thread breakage only during operation of the drive unit.

Abstract: A pin-feed tractor assembly for advancing a web of indeterminate length through a printing station and including a timing belt having spaced teeth defining interspersed grooves. The drive sprocket is arranged to engage the notches for moving the belt. Sections of the belt between adjacent notches are rigid while the region of the notches is flexible to permit bending of the belt only at the notches, thereby providing equal stresses in the belt. The outer surface of the belt is provided with feed pins arranged at equi-spaced intervals. The pitch of the belt teeth is one-half the pitch of the perforations in the elongated web which receive the feed pins. The pitch circle of the equi-spaced feed pins is smaller than the pitch circle over the rigid flat portions causing the feed pin to retract somewhat from the web before starting its circular path around the drive sprocket to prevent the web from being damaged or torn.The belt is a molded one-piece member.

Abstract: A release device is provided which disables a tape end detection in a tape recorder which is provided with an apparatus for indicating a tape end, such as an end alarm unit or auto "shut-off" unit (which returns a sliding plate carrying a head assembly, thereby producing an audible indication). The release device comprises means including an externally operable member to disable a tape end detection. Said means may be automatically reset in response to a movement of a record/playback actuating member or in response to the loading or removal of a tape cassette. In addition, the release device includes a release inhibit means which prevents the release means from operating when the record/playback member is not in its operative position or when a tape cassette is not loaded.

Abstract: Apparatus adapted for use in printers for indicating when the paper upon which information is to be printed has been depleted. A pivotable sensing member is slightly biased towards a fixed guide member, the two members being adjacent to one another. The sensing member has a horizontal row of protrusions on its inner wall which entend towards the opposing wall of the fixed member. The opposing wall of the fixed member similarly has a horizontal row of protrusions extending towards the sensing member but being aligned between the protrusions on the sensing member. In the situation wherein no paper is introduced between said members, a switch associated with the sensing member provides an indication to control circuiting that no paper is present for printing.

Abstract: Stationery printing apparatus for printing indicia at a predetermined position on each form length of continuous business forms stationery assemblies. The apparatus embodies a unique arrangement of a printing device in connection with a form feeding device and lineup indicia so that positive, accurate registration between the printing device and the predetermined position on each form length for receipt of the printing is obtained before a printing is initiated, thereby eliminating any need for registration adjustment during a printing run.