Abstract: A web handling apparatus is disclosed. The web handling apparatus includes a first web guide to engage a print medium, a second web guide to engage the print medium to adjust a contact area between the first web guide and the print medium upon moving between a plurality of points on a guide path and a third web guide to engage the print medium to form a web path with the first web guide.

Abstract: A printing device that may include a first print engine, a second print engine, and a web buffer device disposed between the first and second print engines to maintain an amount of web substrate therein, wherein the web buffer includes a first and second movable carriage, with at least one rotatable roller coupled to each of the two carriages and wherein the first and second movable carriages move synchronously away and toward each other to alter an amount of web present in the web buffer.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises a conveying member configured to convey paper along a paper path, an image reading unit configured to read a surface of the paper conveyed by the conveying member along the paper path, and a color sample member. The conveying member, the image reading unit, and the color sample member have a first arrangement in which the image reading unit reads the surface of the paper conveyed by the conveying member along the paper path. The conveying member, the image reading unit, and the color sample member have a second arrangement in which the image reading unit reads the color sample member. The conveying member is configured to change the paper path in front of the image reading unit for switching from the first arrangement to the second arrangement.

Abstract: A feeding device in manufacturing which is configured to feed a carrier tape includes a transmission mechanism and a buffering mechanism. The transmission mechanism is configured to receive the carrier tape and transfer the carrier tape to the buffering mechanism. The buffering mechanism includes a slide assembly, a feeder assembly, and an inductor. The slidable feeder assembly is mounted to the slide assembly, and is configured to receive the carrier tape transferred from the transmission mechanism. The slide assembly moves the feeder assembly. The inductor is mounted to one side of the slide assembly, and senses distances from the feeder assembly, to control a feeding speed of the transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A buffer store for a flat web material includes two roller registers having freely rotatable rollers movable relative to one another in a direction radial to a roller axis, thereby forming loops of the web material between the rollers, a piston-cylinder arrangement having a chamber containing a compressible medium and acting as a spring between the registers to generate web tension in the material, and a control-valve arrangement that switches between a first condition, for normal operation, and a second condition, for operation during a fault. In the first condition, the control-valve arrangement connects the cylinder chamber of the piston-cylinder arrangement to a device for providing a constant operating pressure. In the second condition, the control-valve arrangement closes the cylinder chamber of the piston-cylinder arrangement and connects it to a relief valve that relieves pressure therein to a residual pressure significantly smaller than the operating pressure.

Abstract: A printing device (100,101) has a first print engine (103, 303, 603, 703), a second print engine (105, 305, 605, 705), and a buffer device (107, 307, 609, 709, 711) disposed between the first (103, 303, 603, 703) and second print engines (105, 305, 605, 705). The buffer (107, 307, 609, 709, 711) is configured to store a variable amount of web substrate (106, 301, 713) received from the first print engine (103, 303, 603, 703) and feed the substrate (106, 301, 713) to the second print engine (105, 305, 605, 705).

Abstract: A wire material accumulator is configured to accumulate a wire material. The wire material accumulator includes a plurality of fixed-side pulleys rotatably supported on a fixed axis part, and a plurality of movable-side pulleys rotatably supported on a movable axis part that is supported so as to be movable toward and away from the fixed axis part. The wire material accumulator further includes a drawing mechanism part that applies a drawing force to a wire material W in the middle of the wire material being wrapped from any one to another of the plurality of fixed-side pulleys and the plurality of movable-side pulleys.

Abstract: A laminated core punching apparatus, configured such that a stator-punching press machine that has a molding die performing a partial punching gradually approaches the shape of the stator core piece. There is a punching die to punching out the stator core piece from a strip-form steel plate, and two stator lamination stations. A rotor-punching press machine and a stator-punching press machine are constructed to operate synchronously. An intermediate loop portion capable of causing a strip-form steel plate to hang down in a loop is provided in order to adjust a length of the strip-form steel plate between the two press machines, and a loop guide portion that guides a loop locus of the strip-form steel plate from above so that the strip-form steel plate does not invert is disposed above the intermediate loop portion to be capable of ascending and descending.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a horizontal strip accumulator in a continuous processing strip line, comprising a looping carriage riding on a pair of external rails (6) and a plurality of adjacent strip supporting roll carriages (1) riding on the same external rails (6) to support the strip (10) between the looping carriage and a strip feeding location, wherein the strip supporting carriages (1) have a horizontal triangular lower part (2) and a vertical framework (3), the triangular lower part (2) having an open transverse base (15) opposite to an apex (14), to allow the telescoping of the strip supporting carriages (1) in the internal triangular space between the open base (15) and the two other triangular sides rejoining at the opposite apex (14).

Abstract: With a device for controlling the drive of a reel, with a wire supply in the form of a coil of said wire supply, from which the wire, through interposition of a tensioning device, which is spring-pretensioned in one deflection direction and effective up to a maximum deflection, for approximated stabilization of the wire tension of a feed installation of the wire infeed of a downstream positioned wire processing machine, the velocity curve of the feed rate of the wire infeed in accordance with a preset velocity-time profile is controlled by a control unit of the wire processing machine, and whereby the curve of the rotation speed of the reel in accordance with a preset rotation speed-time profile is controlled by the drive control of the reel, whereby the drive control of the reel sets the rotation speed-time profile of the reel, with regard to the velocity-time profile of the feed rate, forward by a preset time interval.

Abstract: A vertical accumulator for use in a sheet metal unwinding, slitting and rewinding operation accumulates the slack created in the plurality of strips cut from an initial wide coil so that the proper tension can be maintained on the individual strips being rewound. The accumulator includes an elongated mandrel mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis parallel to the axis of the original sheet metal coil and is arranged such that all of the plurality of cut strips pass over the top of the mandrel. The mandrel is located above the height of the coil and above the height of the slitter and the rewound individual strips. A plurality of disks mounted on the mandrel separate the cut strips from each other. Upwardly extending threaded rotatable rods located on either side of the sheet metal strips carry holders that releasably support the mandrel. Rotation of the rods causes the holders to move up or down to thereby adjust the height of the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of accumulating a web includes pivoting subsets of rolls to a generally vertical alignment; moving one set of rolls past the other; passing the web between the sets of rolls; moving one set of rolls past the other to engage the web; pivoting the subsets to a generally horizontal alignment; moving the web alternatively between the subsets; and moving the sets apart to accumulate the web and together to discharge the web. A web accumulator includes at least two sets of rolls. Each set of rolls has subsets of rolls. The subsets have two consecutive staggered rolls. The accumulator has a web path defined by alternating between subsets of the first set and subsets of the second set.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the width of a web material supplied to a machine by adjusting the tension of the web material. An operator defines a target web width via an input device. The input device generates a reference signal representative of the target web width. A sensing device senses the width of the web material supplied to the machine and generate feedback signal representative of the sensed width. A control circuit compares the feedback and reference signals and generates a tensioning signal as a function of the comparison. A tensioning device is responsive to tensioning signal for adjusting web tension.

Abstract: A control arrangement decoupled two driven inputs for driven belt web accumulators using gear trains, gear trains with torque feed-forward control or gear trains with toque feed-forward control and velocity feedback control.

Abstract: A control arrangement decouples two driven inputs for driven belt web accumulators using gear trains, gear trains with torque feed-forward control or gear trains with torque feed-forward control and velocity feedback control.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the width of a web material supplied to a machine by adjusting the tension of the web material. An operator defines a target web width via an input device. The input device generates a reference signal representative of the target web width. A sensing device senses the width of the web material supplied to the machine and generates a feedback signal representative of the sensed width. A control circuit compares the feedback and reference signals and generates a tensioning signal as a function of the comparison. A tensioning device is responsive to tensioning signal for adjusting web tension.

Abstract: A conveyor device capable of conveying a belt-like material from a lower site to an upper site without elongating the belt-like material and without applying unrequired stress thereto. The conveyor device comprises a lower conveyor unit for conveying the belt-like material supplied from material supply means, a central conveyor unit having an induction conveyor which is located adjacent to the front end of the lower conveyor unit and has at least one end movable in a vertical direction, a central conveyor having an inversion conveyor and an expansion conveyor disposed above the lower conveyor unit along a horizontal path, and a unit for expanding or contracting the above expansion conveyor, for inverting the belt-like material received from the above lower conveyor unit and conveying it in an upward direction.

Abstract: An optical fibre tensioning device, receiving at its input an optical fibre from a traction device and capable of supplying the optical fibre from its output to a device for storing the fibre. The tensioning device comprises at least one fixed pulley on which the optical fibre is wound for a first length, and at least one movable pulley on which the optical fibre is wound for a second length. A device for measuring the tension applied to the fibre and a motorized device for moving the movable pulley interact with each other to control a distance (Dp) between axes of the pulleys in such a way as to automatically keep the tension applied to the fibre essentially constant.

Abstract: A web speed metering device to which a moving web is fed at a constant web infeed speed and from which the web periodically exits at a different speed that is correlated with the timing of a downstream operation performed on the moving web. The metering device is a rotatable member that is non-axisymmetric and that has a cross-sectional shape having a centroid that is offset from the axis of rotation of the rotatable member to change the web output speed as the web exits from the metering device. The metering device allows a web to be fed to a downstream cutting device and enables the web output speed to be regulated so that the web as it leaves the metering device can be cut transversely by a non-instantaneous cut that takes place over a predetermined machine-direction distance, such as a chevron-shaped cut.

Abstract: A storage carriage for longitudinal components. The storage carriage has a pair of continuous belts. The belts are arranged to form a nested zigzag pattern. As the component is feed through the nested zigzag pattern, substantially the entire length of the component within the storage carriage is subjected to the same tension and compression. The component is fed into one corner of the carriage and is removed from the opposing corner of the carriage. The component travels through the carriage in a “first-in/first-out” system.

Abstract: This invention pertains to processing continuous webs such as paper, film, composites and the like, in dynamic continuous processing operations. More particularly, it relates to accumulating limited lengths of such continuous webs and to controlling tension in such continuous webs during the processing operation. Both tension control and limited accumulations are achieved in festoon systems by connecting corresponding movably mounted festoon rolls to an actuator, sensing parameters such as position, tension, velocity, and acceleration related to the web and the festoon, and providing active force commands, in response to the sensed variables, to cause translational movement, generally including a target acceleration, in the movably mounted festoon rolls to control tension in the web while providing limited accumulation of a length of the web. The festoon control system can be used to attenuate tension disturbances, in the alternative to create controlled tension disturbances.

Abstract: A controller of running tension of paper web for rotary press including a paper feed unit 1 and a printing unit 2 provided with a printing cylinder 21 rotating according to an operation speed command, having an in-feed roller 4 provided in a running path of paper web W from a paper roll 11 of the paper feed unit 1 to the printing cylinder 21, a dancer roller device 5 for detecting a displacement amount of a dancer roller 51 relative to a reference position of the dancer roller 51 and absorbing variations of running tension of the paper web W by the displacement, and a tension control processing unit S1 for performing signal generation processing to optimize the peripheral speed of the in-feed roller 4 with respect to the peripheral speed of the printing cylinder 21 based on the displacement amount of the dancer roller 51 and the operation speed command.

Abstract: A horizontal strip accumulator for metal strip includes a looper car which is moveable along a travel path at at least one swivel gate which is moveable, when the looper car is moved, by the looper car between a starting position and an end position. For moving the swivel gate, the looper car acts on an actuating element which is connected with the swivel gate through a four-gear mechanism with two swivels. The swivel gate is rotatably arranged on one swivel and the actuating element is rotatably arranged on the other swivel. The actuating element has spoke-shaped projections and the looper car has counter projections which engage between the spoke-shaped projections.

Abstract: The invention comprises improved web-processing apparatus. The web-processing apparatus comprises an improved dryer with air-turn apparatus for flotatingly supporting a web and, preferably, for changing a direction of web movement. The air-turn apparatus may be used in the web dryer or with other suitable web-processing equipment, particularly in applications where a coated web side faces the air-turn apparatus. Preferred forms of the air-turn apparatus comprise a body having an outer surface defining a web flotation zone facing a coated side of the web and a plurality of openings in the body positioned along the web flotation zone. An air-conducting conduit provides pressurized air to the body and body openings thereby forming an air cushion at the web flotation zone on which the coated web is flotatingly supported without contacting the body.

Abstract: A wire brake for use with automatic wedge bonding machines which have cutting pliers arranged behind the associated bonding tool and movable along the bonding wire for detaching bonding wire from the open pliers. The wire brake includes guiding members having a plurality of deflectors that can be applied to the bonding wire, the guiding members having two planes from which the bonding wire can be laterally deflected. A central deflector is provided for deflecting the bonding wire from the planes. The central deflector projects between the two planes for guidance of the bonding wire and is displaceable transverse to the longitudinal extension of the bonding wire. Additional guiding members are arranged opposite the planes such that the bonding wire rides between the central deflector and the additional guiding members when the bonding wire is deflected.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a storage carriage for longitudinal components. The storage carriage is comprised of a pair of continuous belts. The belts are arranged to form a nested zigzag pattern. As the component is feed through the nested zigzag pattern, substantially the entire length of the component within the storage carriage is subjected to the same tension and compression. The component is fed into one corner of the carriage and is removed from the opposing corner of the carriage. The component travels through the carriage in a “first-in/first-out” system.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for handling and texturing yarn are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a yarn supply positioned to supply a plurality of strands of yarn, a false twister positioned downstream from the yarn supply for imparting a false twist to the plurality of strands of yarn, a yarn undulation former positioned downstream from the false twister for forming undulations in each of the plurality of strands of yarn, and a conveyor positioned to receive the plurality of yarn strands having undulations formed therein and for conveying the undulated strands of yarn downstream.

Abstract: A vertical strip storage system has a support structure and a storage car connected to the support structure by cables in the fashion of a pulley block so as to be lifted and lowered relative to the support structure. The storage car is provided with a counterweight and with deflection pulleys which deflect and guide an incoming and/or outgoing strip in cooperation with stationary deflection pulleys on the ground. The support structure is a free-standing column without lateral supports and the storage car is a salient vehicle running on the outer surface of the column, wherein the column has an interior and the counterweight is guided in the interior of the column.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for handling and texturing yarn are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a yarn supply positioned to supply a plurality of strands of yarn, a false twister positioned downstream from the yarn supply for imparting a false twist to the plurality of strands of yarn, a yarn undulation former positioned downstream from the false twister for forming undulations in each of the plurality of strands of yarn, and a conveyor positioned to receive the plurality of yarn strands having undulations formed therein and for conveying the undulated strands of yarn downstream.

Abstract: An arrangement for delivering a web of material from a storage reel to a process line for manufacturing absorbent disposable articles. The arrangement includes a web tension control unit for holding a predetermined value of tension in the web of material passing through the control unit for delivery to the process line. The control unit is placed in immediate proximity to the process line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for supplying foil material, the apparatus comprising a motor-driven supply roll, a withdrawal means and a consumption sensor provided between the supply roll and the withdrawal means for controlling the drive of the supply roll in response to the consumption of foil material, and at least one stationary deflection roller, at least one sensor roller and a sensor means, the sensor roller being supported and arranged such that it changes the distance from the stationary deflection roller in response to the difference between supply capacity and withdrawal capacity of the foil material, and the sensor means senses said change in distance and accelerates the supply roll when the distance is smaller than a first predetermined distance, and slows down the supply roll when a second predetermined distance is exceeded. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method for supplying foil material.

Abstract: A sheet processing system for continuously producing plastic sheet which is continuously supplied to an intermittent take-up device, utilizing a sheet forming apparatus, a conveyor, an accumulator and take-up apparatus, the sheet being fed along the conveyor to an accumulator positioned compactly beneath the conveyor, the accumulator being controlled in a cyclic operation which provides for the accumulation of the continuously fed sheet material to permit intermittent operation of the take-up apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing damage to a movable dancer assembly in a festoon upon the breakage of the running web that runs through the festoon. During normal running of the web, the vertical position of the dancer assembly, in the festoon and vis-à-vis the fixed entry and exit idlers of the festoon, is controlled by a dancer tensioning cylinder assembly that includes a cylinder and a piston which is connected with the dancer assembly and which is movable in the cylinder in response to pressurized air in a first portion of the cylinder and applied to a first surface of the piston. Upon the breaking of the running web, air pressure is permitted to increase in a second portion of the cylinder and is applied to the second, opposite surface of the piston until the pressure of the air in the first and second positions becomes equal. After a preselected delay after the running web breaks, the pressurized air in the first and second portions of the cylinder is bled from the cylinder.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly and method for conveying and storing a strip material in a conveyor system that is subject to changes in length of the strip material due to intermittent operation includes an upper conveyor (16), an adjustable substantially horizontal center conveyor (22) for receiving the strip material (34) from the upper conveyor, and a lower conveyor (28) for receiving the associated strip material from the center conveyor. A computer (94) controls the movement and rotation of the center conveyor, and loop detecting apparatus on the center conveyor may also detect a loop (90) in the strip material carried by the center conveyor and thereby detecting changes in length of the strip material not predetermined by the computer. A servomechanism (100) activated by signals from the computer or the loop detecting apparatus moves the center conveyor in a substantially horizontal direction.

Abstract: A band product accumulation unit including a mechanism for controlling the running of a band along a longitudinal direction, a fixed frame, a wrap-around carriage which is moveable on a track between a return position of minimum accumulation length and an out position of maximum accumulation length, wherein movement towards the out position increases a length while movement towards the return position decreases the length, the band being adapted to pass over at least one return member mounted on the wrap-around carriage so as to form at least an out portion and at least a return portion and defined by at least two spaced levels, a plurality of intermediate supporting members arranged along the track, each comprising at least one separating arm extending horizontally on at least one intermediate level disposed between two running levels of the band, each separating arm being fixed to a shaft which is pivotal about a vertical axis with respect to the fixed frame, a mechanism for controling the pivoting of each