Abstract: A machine for dispensing beverages from a pod, includes a frame, a container including a pod-receiving zone, a fluid-dispensing needle holder to hold fluid-dispensing needles and a moving system for moving the needle holder from a position released from the pod to a position engaged on the pod, the moving system including a control member mounted in rotation about a vertical axis on the frame, wherein the control member includes a body equipped with at least one spiral ramp which cooperates with at least one pin secured to a piston, the piston being secured to the needle holder and mounted in translation along the vertical axis, the at least one spiral ramp including at least two different slope zones, configured to correspond respectively to a zone where the fluid-dispensing needles approach contact with the pod and to a work zone where the fluid-dispensing needles are engaged on the pod.

Abstract: Methods for determining that a consumable welding package has been, or may have been, replenished in a high production welding environment and that a tracked weight value of the consumable welding package should be reset. An operator of a welding system can be notified that a consumable welding package may have been replenished and, therefore, that the weight value of the consumable welding package may need to be reset in the welding system. Alternatively, the weight value of the consumable welding package in the welding system may be automatically reset when the welding system has determined that the consumable welding package has been replenished.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for supplying and recovering printed material used in digital printing with which a long printed material can be simply mounted onto a digital printing apparatus so that the work efficiency of an operator can be improved. The present invention includes: a supply roll around which the printed material is wound; a first transport roll which transports the printed material supplied from the supply roll to the lower part of a head part; a second transport roll which discharges the printed material on which printing is completed by the head part; and a recovery roll which has an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of the supply roll and which is rotated by a recovery driving means so that the printed material discharged from the second transport roll is wound. The printed material is supplied when one end thereof is unwound from the supply roll and is fixed to the recovery roll through the upper sides of the first transport roll and the second transport roll.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for reducing the tension on an elastomeric feed strip. The method includes providing a device for engagement with the feed strip, pushing the feed strip forward by the device when the feed strip stops or when the tension exceeds a certain value, and then pushing the strip in the direction of travel.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing variable information on a tape to form a tape segment, applying the tape segment onto an object, and cutting the tape segment includes a printer for printing information onto the tape segment. A controller controls the printer in response to input to vary the information printed onto the tape. The printed tape segment is transported to a location for application onto the object and is cut. The unwind tension of the tape as the tape is removed from the tape roll is controlled to present the tape to the printer at a substantially uniform speed and to reduce jerkiness of the tape. The information is registered such that it is placed at a predetermined location on different tape segments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding of strip material to a working machine in which the material is worked upon and separated into individual parts includes intermittent feeding of the strip material to working machines wherein the feed rate is controlled in relation to the speed of the working machine. The control of the feed rate is by a control system having a processor that is supplied with signals which correspond to the speed and position of the working machine and the feed rate and fed length of the material.

Abstract: A tape handling system including a tape mount roller, a first accumulator movable between first and second positions, a printer for printing on tape, and a second accumulator movable between first and second positions. Movement of the second accumulator from the first position to the second position causes the printer to begin printing. An apparatus including the tape handling system and a tape applicator.

Abstract: A device for picking up a strip of film, in particular for removing a support film from a robot for automatically placing electronic components, wherein the film is grasped either between two wheels rotating in opposite directions, the wheel entraining the wheel in one direction and then running over the film in the opposite direction, or else between the fixed jaw and the moving jaw of a clamp hinged about a pin, the moving jaw being moved towards the fixed jaw by coming into contact with a part of the machine which then moves the clamp as a whole together with the film.

Abstract: A ticket dispenser includes an adjustable tension device and a driver. The driver includes at least one sharp pin configured to pierce at least a portion of a thickness of a ticket strip and to pull the ticket strip in a direction along a ticket path. The ticket strip passes through the tension device as it is pulled by the driver. The tension device exerts a force on the ticket strip in a direction opposite the pulled direction. The driver can be a roller that is rotated by a motor. In addition, the ticket dispenser includes a driver guide which is adjacent and in close proximity to the driver. The ticket strip passes between the driver guide and the driver, thereby biasing the ticket strip in close proximity to the driver, and facilitating piercing of the ticket strip by the sharp pins. The driver guide includes rollers which have a groove extending around a circumference of the rollers.

Abstract: In an apparatus for intermittently advancing a web, only one surface of the web contacts moving parts of the apparatus. The apparatus includes, in a direction of movement of the web, a device for supplying the web, a first dancer roller arrangement, an intermittently driven drive roller, a second dancer roller arrangement, and a take-up device. The first and second dancer roller arrangements function to isolate a portion of the web from inertia in other portions of the web, and to provide substantially constant tension on opposite sides of the drive roller to prevent slippage and ensure accurate intermittent advancement of the web by the drive roller. A method for intermittently advancing a web is also disclosed.

Abstract: The lever of a mechanism for driving a sheet feeder is guided for linear longitudinal movement in a guide member. The guide member is supported rotatably in a bearing pedestal, which is height adjustable. The lower section of the lever is shaped as a hollow profile having inner sliding surfaces. A slide member is located at the sliding surfaces. The slide member receives a pivot, by which a shaft is driven oscillatingly. The slide member is located for longitudinal movement at the center axis of the lever and, accordingly, the lever is not subjected to any torsional loadings and the entire apparatus can be made relatively narrow. This decreases elongations during the operation of the apparatus considerably.

Abstract: A gear mechanism provides for intermittent drive operation with precision stop location of angular position of one (driven) gear driven by another (drive) gear which is accomplished by increasing the precision of the distance maintained between the rotational centers of the gears so that a stabilized and precision amount of gear engagement is provided between both gears resulting in a precise amount of rotation imparted to the driven gear per revolution of the drive gear. The precisions of the distant between the gear rotational centers is accomplished by engagement of circumferential surfaces of corresponding cylindrical portions on each gear or provided on associated gears in the gear train of the gear mechanism.

Abstract: A ticket dispenser capable of effectively preventing additionally withdrawing thereout a ticket is provided.

Abstract: A pair of arms is hingedly connected to a rocker. These arms support the pressing bar. At their opposite ends the arms are pivotably mounted such to the casing of the appratus that in one position thereof the axis of rotation of the lower feeding roller coincides with the pivot axis of the pivotal point of the arms at the casing. By this design it is no longer necessary to adjust the apparatus for the intermittent feeding of a web-shaped workpiece by utilizing auxiliary structures to various respective thicknesses of the web being fed.

Abstract: Strip feed mechanism comprises an intermittently rotated sprocket wheel which engages the strip material. A guide plate extends tangentially past the sprocket wheel and serves to hold the strip material against the wheel and in engagement with the sprocket teeth. At the end of a feeding interval, the guide plate is moved away from the sprocket wheel by a bell crank mechanism. The bell crank mechanism comprises a bell crank having a movable axis which, in combination with other features of the mechanism, permits the guide plate to be moved away abruptly from the sprocket so that the feeding interval is brought to an abrupt halt without "chattering" or other slight uncontrolled movement of the strip.

Abstract: An apparatus which coacts with a fitment application machine to index a die cut fitment web for precise registration and sealing of fitments to carton die cut areas. The apparatus includes an indexing wheel which has a plurality of circumferentially spaced indentations which engage void areas in the web defined by the fitments upon their removal. A gear and rack assembly intermittently rotate the indexing wheel advancing the web through the fitment application machine for sealing operations. Precise adjustment and indexing of the web is effected by a locating pin which engages corresponding bores in the indexing wheel to lock the wheel at defined pre-set circumferential positions.

Abstract: A multiple paper sheet feed apparatus, suitable for use with a printer, comprises a plurality of sheet feed mechanisms each of which comprises a sheet feed roller and a clutch spring which selectively assumes either a first operation state for rotatively coupling the roller to the shaft, or a second operational state for releasing the rotative coupling. During rotation of a single sheet feed shaft common to all the feed mechanisms, solenoids corresponding to the respective clutches are selectively energized so that one or more corresponding armatures are disengaged from one or more associated clutch springs so as to cause the associated springs to assume their respective first states. As a result, one or more or all of the sheet feed mechanisms are rendered operative so that a selected one or more or all of the sheets are fed therethrough.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tape of sequential, framed photographic slide in which at least one side of each frame not containing picture information is removably fixed by an adhesive to a continuous tape which moves rectilinearly in a direction parallel to said side.

Abstract: A roll holder for holding rotatably a roll of consecutive thin-film-like products and paying out a succeeding product up to a given position as the preceding product is cut off along a break line provided between individual units of use, whose body has holding portions for holding rotatably the winding core of the roll of consecutive products to hang the same; a first feed roll to be rotated by a motor; and a detector for detecting the presence/absence of the succeeding product at a given position, whose lid has a second feed roll coming into abutment on the first feed roll when the lid is shut and locked by a lock mechanism with respect to the body, and whose control unit, after the detector detects the absence of the succeeding product, causes the motor to rotate the first feed roll to thereby pay out the succeeding product, and after the detector detects the presence of the succeeding product, causes the motor to rotate the first feed roll a certain amount of rotation to thereby pay out the succeeding prod

Abstract: A cassette magazine for a component mounting machine. This machine comprises a driving member (34) for a number of reels (7) which are insertable into the magazine and which carry components enclosed in a carrier tape (2) wound on each reel. The reels are arranged in standing position in one or more parallel rows (9,10) transversely to the feeding direction of the tape. The tapes are by means of driving members fed to a component expelling and picking station (23) in which means (24) are arranged to punch the components from the carrier tapes so that they will be accessible for a picking tool. The driving members comprise a number of feeding wheels (32) and drive segments (43) corresponding to the number of tapes, said wheels and said segments being arranged for individual feeding of each of the tapes.

Abstract: A roll feed apparatus has first and second rolls designed for cooperation with each other in clamping therebetween a sheet material such as to intermittently feed the same. The apparatus also has a release/brake device having first and second braking members which temporarily fix the sheet when the sheet is unclamped by the first and second rolls. The apparatus further has an adjusting device including a pivot member adapted to move, when it pivots, the first roll towards and away from the second roll thereby adjusting the gap between two rolls. The release/brake device has a braking position adjusting arm extending in the direction of feed of the sheet and pivotally secured to the pivot member at a position adjacent the path of feed, and an adjusting plate pivotally secured to the pivot member. The second braking member is provided on one end of the braking position adjusting arm.

Abstract: A device for rotating at will, step by step, a shaft (2) driven from a drive shaft to which is imparted a continuous uninterrupted rotational movement in an invariable direction, comprising means for transforming the continuous rotational movement of the drive shaft into an alternating rotational movement of an intermediate rotary member (7), disengageable coupling means (9 to 13) and a free wheel device (17), interposed between the intermediate rotary member (7) and the drive shaft (2), and means for controlling the disengageable coupling means adapted so that the driven shaft is locked in rotation with the intermediate rotary member only when this latter effects a rotational movement in the appropriate direction.

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

Abstract: A sewing machine presser foot attachment including a driven feed wheel proximately arranged relative to the reciprocal path of a needle. The feed wheel is powered by a drive shaft arranged to the rear of the feed wheel in the direction of sewing. A constant velocity universal joint arranged between the drive shaft and feed wheel permits vertical and horizontal pivotal movement of the feed wheel relative to the work supporting surface of the machine.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a high-speed indexing system for use with any number of fabric-moving apparatus, a novel braking system for use within the indexing system, and a novel puller accessory. The high-speed adjustable indexing system is illustrated in connection with a sewing machine, as an example. In sewing machine applications, a synchronized intermittent advancement of fabric in unison with the movement of an associated feed dog is provided. Undesirable inertia-caused roller overshooting, heretofore treated with anti-reverse clutches and other approaches, is eliminated, thereby enabling high speed indexing at machine operating speeds conventionally unattainable in the art. An adjustable spring-biased braking arrangement is provided which may be preset for known machine operating speeds.

Abstract: A stapling machine for hook-and-eye fasteners includes an improved tape feeding device which comprises a roller means having means on its circumference for continuously engaging a reinforcing tape, and means for rotating the roller means in one direction. The roller means, upon rotation, feeds a predetermined length of the tape reliably into a work station where a hook or eye fastener, a backing plate and the tape are attached to the fabric of a garment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing pressed parts from round stock such as steel wire wound on a reel, which comprises unwinding the wire from the reel, passing the wire through a straightening device, and then feeding the wire intermittently through a heater where it is heated to a temperature of between 600.degree. C. and 850.degree. C. and subsequently cut to the appropriate length and fed to a press where it is pressed to the appropriate shape.

Abstract: A solenoid clutch mechanism for providing intermittent rotation of a feed roller in a web feeding apparatus. The clutch mechanism includes a solenoid having a reciprocable plunger connected to a pivotable arm in abutment with a cam mounted on a driven shaft. The driven shaft is drivingly connected to the cam by means of an overcenter coil spring. Coupled to the cam is a gear train in driving relation to the feed roller. The driven shaft will rotate relative to the cam as long as the arm is in abutment with the cam. Upon retraction of the solenoid plunger the arm is raised permitting the cam to rotate by virtue of the spring drive connection to the driven shaft in turn causing rotation of the gear train to drive the feed roller to advance a web.

Abstract: A highly accurate and reliable indexing apparatus for progressively indexing a band-shaped work such as a breaker ply of a preset length using steel cords in high accuracy. The indexing apparatus does not use any electric converter but uses a control mechanism. The apparatus includes starting point determining means for determining the starting point of the work loaded to a rotary drum. Further inclusive is end point determining means for determining the end point of the work loaded to and delivered from the rotary drum. Rotation interrupting means is interposed between the rotary drum and an electric motor for interrupting the transmission of the rotations of the spindle by the motor to the rotary drum. Further inclusive is indexing means for suitably indexing the work loaded to and delivered from the rotary drum. Further inclusive is idle rotation preventive means for preventing the rotary drum from its idle rotations.

Abstract: In the apparatus as herein disclosed, the strip material passes between a lower driven roll and an upper idler roll which is mounted on a vertically adjustable bracket member that maintains a square position at all times since it is trapped between the main support members of the housing. When the clamp screws are loosened the bracket will not cock or misalign. The upper idler roll is pivotally mounted on the bracket member for movement to and from the lower driven roll and pressure means in the form of an air bag is associated with the idler roll pivot arm, having a location outwardly beyond the idler roll.

Abstract: In punching, cutting and forming presses and the like, electronic detecting means and/or sensors are provided so as to trip the press and prevent an operation when a mal-function occurs such as a tear in the strip material or a mis-alignment or a mis-feeding of the strip. When the press is equipped with an elbow arrangement to permit adjustments for feed line height while maintaining feed cycle synchronization, then the arrangement must incorporate the automated locking device of the invention, the same automatically unlocking the swing plate simultaneously with the tripping of the press.

Abstract: A combination paper tape punch and reader having a bi-directional stepping tape transport controlled by a continuously oscillating magnetically activated pawl. A further improvement is a punch interposer geometry allowing for easy removal of the punch and die. A single motor and timing signal is used for both punch and reader tape transports.

Abstract: A strip feeder particularly for punch dies comprises drive and idler rollers engageable with opposite faces of the strip being fed, a spring-loaded member displaceable in a first direction during the foward stroke upon receiving an impact and returned by the spring during the return stroke, a first one-way clutch effective to decouple the drive roller from the displaceable member during the forward stroke and to couple same during the return stroke, and a second one-way clutch effective to couple the idler roller to the fixed frame during the forward stroke and to decouple same during the return stroke. The described one-way clutch comprises a first member having an external annular surface and a second member including an internal bore for rotably receiving the latter.

Abstract: A ticket issuing machine is constructed with a ticket wheel rotatably mounted adjacent a ticket supply for feeding tickets by means of pins which engage in holes in the ticket web and a wheel advancing mechanism including a manually operable means engageable with the ticket wheel for rotating the same through a first portion of the ticket issuing stroke, and a spring-operated detent mechanism causing the ticket wheel to advance through the remainder of the ticket issuing stroke. The ticket issuing machine is also provided with a full stroke mechanism for insuring a complete ticket issuing stroke and an anti-spin mechanism for arresting the ticket wheel at the end of the ticket issuing stroke.

Abstract: A ticket dispenser is provided which includes a housing having a chamber therein for locating a roll of tickets to be dispensed therein. A roller means is provided having gripping means thereon for gripping tickets on the roll of tickets to effect a positive displacement of a ticket from the chamber when said roller means is rotated. An actuating means is provided for effecting rotation of said roller means to thereby dispense the ticket. The actuating means includes a plurality of tabs thereon which are adapted to engage with a plurality of projections disposed on the roller means to sequentially rotate the roller means a first predetermined amount and then positively stop rotation of said roller means in a predetermined first position and then effect rotation of said roller means a second predetermined amount and then positively stop rotation of said roller means in a predetermined second position.

Abstract: For use with a sewing machine, a cloth pulling apparatus has a rotatable input shaft for coupling to a rotary drive force, and a pair of output shafts provided with cloth-pulling rotors mounted so as to feed cloth through a nip between the rotors. A variable transmission means converts the rotary movement of the input shaft to intermittent unidirectional opposite rotation of the cloth-pulling rotors. The transmission means comprises an eccentric rod pivotally mounted at one of its ends on the input shaft such that rotation of the input shaft effects oscillation of the other end of the rod. A one-way drive member is coupled to the output shafts such that oscillatory movement of the one-way drive member effects intermittent unidirectonal opposite rotation of the output shafts.

Abstract: A gear and cam housing journals the shaft for intermittently driving the lower feed roll by means of conjugate cams, and by adjusting the vertical position of the housing, the feed line height is likewise adjusted. The invention provides a timing belt drive from the main drive shaft for the press to the drive shaft for the conjugate cams which will permit adjustments for feed line height while maintaining synchronized feed cycle and press timing relationship. Specifically, the apparatus includes a pair of sprockets and timing belts arranged to form an elbow, with one belt operatively connecting the press drive shaft with one timing sprocket at the elbow and wherein the other timing belt operatively connects the other timing sprocket with the drive shaft for the conjugate cams.

Abstract: A machine for cutting and sealing bags from a web of thermoplastic sheet material includes low inertia drive rolls to feed the thermoplastic sheet in closely controlled, incremental lengths. The drive rolls are driven by a fluid motor which is controlled by a stepping motor. The sheet is fed to a cutting and sealing head which has means for gripping the fed segment of the web to hold it in position to be cut and sealed. Sealing is effected by resistance wires on the head which are applied to the thermoplastic sheet. The amount of electrical energy applied to the resistance heating wires is controlled and measured carefully to avoid overheating or underheating of the wire.

Abstract: An elongated web of stamps comprising a plurality of stamps connected together by a backing strip or longitudinally spaced transverse rows of perforations and formed into a roll is used in the dispensing apparatus disclosed. The stamp web is moved from the roll through an opening in the housing the distance required to position the desired number of stamps to be cut from the web each time the apparatus is actuated. To accurately position the web so that the web is cut along a connection between stamps such as a row of perforations, the web travels over a freely rotating indexing wheel having ridges positioned to engage the web at the connection between stamps only.

Abstract: A rope pulling device which is compact in size which includes a housing adapted to be fixed to an exterior object. A rope is to be physically placed between a pair of cog wheels which are biased into continuous contact with the rope surface. Each of the cog wheels are operatively driven by separate driven gears with each driven gear being rotatably mounted on a plate. Each of the plates are interconnected to move together to mirror image angular positions through a cam means. Each of the plates are also pivotally mounted upon the housing. A handle means is rotationally mounted upon the housing and is operatively connected to drive a drive gear which, in turn, is operatively connected to drive each of the driven gears in the same direction of rotation at the same angular velocity. Upon operation of the handle means, the driven gears are rotated simultaneously which causes linear movement of a rope placed therebetween with respect to the housing.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of this invention pertains to a web film advance in which a film advancing roll is carried on a frame moved by a reciprocating pitman arm. This arm is adjustable as to its stroke or travel so that a corresponding travel of the frame is also selectively adjustable. The film advancing roll is carried by a shaft mounted in bearings and is prevented from turning in one direction by a one-way clutch apparatus. This clutch allows the roll to be rotated only when the frame and roll are moved rearwardly. During this film feeding advance by the roller a rotation of the roller is achieved by a roller chain and a sprocket or a timing belt and toothed pulley. This chain or belt may be moved a small amount in response to an electrical signal to bring the web of film or paper into registration in accordance with mark indicia. Bags or simply formed, filled and sealed packages may be made by and on this simplified yet highly reliable film advancing apparatus.

Abstract: A paper feeding mechanism for selectively advancing paper a predetermined distance past a printing station of an electronic business machine. The paper feeding mechanism is adapted to utilize a supply of fan folded paper, e.g., housed in a disposable cartridge, which may be readily inserted within the paper feeding mechanism to place the electronic business machine in readiness for operation. During the printing cycle, a contact mechanism maintains a portion of the paper in contact with the printing station of the electronic business machine. After the printing occurs, an actuation mechanism is energized to move the contact mechanism away from the printing station to free the paper for advancement. At the same time, the actuation mechanism moves an advancement mechanism to advance the paper a predetermined distance past the printing station of the electronic business machine.

Abstract: A stamp dispensing mechanism has a cylindrical feed wheel, with axially-parallel rows of projections, rotatably mounted on a front portion of a vertical support plate that is constructed to rotatably support a roll of stamps on its rear portion. A Geneva star wheel, rotatably mounted on the plate, is operatively connected to the feed wheel for its step movement with the star wheel. A Geneva driver assembly, rotatably mounted on the plate, has a driver pin on an arm rotated by a motor also mounted on the plate. During one rotation of the arm, the pin moves into and out of a slot of the star wheel for its step movement. An arcuate part of the arm is in a recess in the periphery of a tooth of the star wheel, when the pin is not in the slot, to lock that wheel.

Abstract: A roll feeder device for press works utilizing a barrel cam drive system having a sinusoidally grooved portion engageable with rollers secured to an indexing plate which transmits the rotational motion of the main drive shaft of the press to the feed rolls so as to coordinate feeding of material to movement of the press in such a manner that the material is fed with a substantially constant velocity during the material feed portion of the cycle. A braking system is provided in which the driven feed roll is moved away from the material being fed, in response to a camming action of a lever mechanism coordinated to the movement of the press through rotation of the main drive shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding continuous stationery or other web material or items thereon to be processed comprises a machine bed, drive means for feeding the web material over the machine bed and a framework adapted for mounting at least one of a range of units above the machine bed whereby a variation of processing steps may be carried out on the web material or said items. The web material may be driven over the machine bed intermittently to provide at least one moving period during which the web material or at least one of the items thereon may be processed by a printing unit, and at least one dwell period during which the web material or at least one of the items thereon may be processed by a numbering unit and/or a punching unit.

Abstract: An applicating machine for applying short lengths of flexible fibrous material having an adhesive coating to a surface. The applicator uses a pair of fingers to hold the fibrous material onto the surface of an applicating pad and a rod to strip the material from the fingers. The fingers are initially spaced from the pad to permit a measured length of flexible material to be moved between the pad and the fingers. The fingers are then retracted to a closed holding position. The fingers support the length of material during the severing of a short length of material by cutting means and while the applicating pad transports the severed strip to the surface for application. The measured length of the flexible material to be dispensed and applied, the applicating pad, and the fingers are moved downward the severed length of fibrous material being applied to a product.

Abstract: High production rates and decreased wear and tear and stress on parts are obtained in a bag fabrication machine with the web fed intermittently by respective bag lengths, for operations such as perforating, transverse severing or welding with the web halted.A sector plate is oscillated between two extreme positions faster in one direction than in the other by a flywheel-carried crank pin orbiting about an axis eccentric from the plate axis; the pin engaging a block sliding in the plate radially of its axis. The plate motion is applied as input to an electrically operated clutch and brake unit and the output is applied to web advance rolls. Switches on the slide block, actuated at the extreme sector positions, control the alternating clutch and brake engagement to drive the rolls for web feed during the slower sector motion of relatively longer duration; and also declutching with braking to halt the web precisely, for and during a faster sector plate return motion.

Abstract: A server particularly adapted for delivering tire sidewall and the like in strip form to a tire building drum. Features a cold, non-driven but rotatable knife for cutting off a measured length of strip and projecting it forward directly to contact a partially completed tire carcass on the drum by a shuttle having closely spaced rollers which first draw the strip straight for cut-off, then when the cut-off is made, move the strip forward relative to the shuttle, and finally free wheel to allow the drum to draw the strip off the shuttle. A spoon-like tensioner controls the strip as it is wound about the drum.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism for feeding material to a machine comprising a supporting structure, a drive roll rotatably mounted on the supporting structure, a second roll rotatably mounted on the supporting structure, a drive lever mounted for pivotal movement in both directions about a pivotal axis, a one-way clutch for coupling the drive lever to the drive roll, an adjustable stop for limiting the pivotal movement of the drive lever in one direction, and a resilient member for driving the drive lever in said one direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for incrementally advancing a sheet with high accuracy in which a single actuator causes both the incremental advance of a sheet-advancing roller and also the engagement of the sheet with a printing head upon completion of the incremental advance. The apparatus is particularly adapted to advance thermally sensitive paper past thermal print heads for line-at-a-time printing.