Abstract: A double backer for curing the web bonding adhesive and drying the corrugated paperboard web utilizes a web holddown apparatus for maintaining the web in intimate drying contact with the lower heating units which does not require the use of a driven holddown belt. The web is pulled through the double backer by a downstream vacuum conveyor section comprising a single full width belt to the upper surfaces of which a vacuum is applied. The vacuum drive belt has low friction strips on the underside by which the belt is supported on vacuum plenum support surfaces and a unique pattern of vacuum distribution channels on the other side of the belt which together reduce friction and drive power requirements.

Abstract: A belt conveyor which includes an endless perforated belt having a top run and a bottom run, of which the top run communicates with an underlying suction box at least over a part of its length. The belt is cogwheel-driven and, seen its movement direction, includes transverse ribs which coact with the cogs of a cogwheel and a cog drive of the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor belt system comprises a main conveyor belt mounted about rollers and moveable to carry a web from an infeed area. The belt is porous and air is drawn from a vacuum box underlying the belt to create a pressure differential across the belt to hold the web in position.The position of the web in the infeed area is detected by a detector which is used to control the cross-belt which lies between the web and the conveyor belt. By transfers movement of the belt the position of the web can be maintained at a desired location relative to the belt. The use of a web as a position control member is more effective than the use of edge guides, particularly for thin or soft web materials.

Abstract: A double backer for curing the web bonding adhesive and drying the corrugated paperboard web utilizes a web holddown apparatus for maintaining the web in intimate drying contact with the lower heating units which does not require the use of a driven holddown belt. The web is pulled through the double backer by a downstream vacuum conveyor section comprising a single belt or a series of transport belt sections to the upper surfaces of which a vacuum is applied. The vacuum drive belt may have portions which are unsupported between laterally spaced vacuum slots, supported on a reduced friction support surface, or supported by air bearings to reduce friction and drive power requirements.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for passively steering an endless belt toward a lateral target belt position while the endless belt is transported by a transporting mechanism. A steering roller contacts the belt inner surface, the steering roller being rotatable about a roller axis and being pivotable about a steering axis, and the steering roller having a first roller end. A carriage supports the steering roller and is pivotable about a steering axis such that the steering roller is pivotable about the steering axis. A first member is positioned adjacent to the first roller end and functionally connected to the carriage. The first member contacts the belt inner surface when the first belt edge extends sufficiently beyond the first roller end. The first member applies greater friction to the endless belt than the steering roller when the belt contacts the first member.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying continuous collapsed film includes a guidance arrangement receiving the continuous collapsed film, the guidance arrangement including at least one guide roller and at least one turning bar for guiding the film. The at least one guide roller changes the direction of the film 180 degrees, and the at least one turning bar changes the direction of the film 180 degrees. A conveyor belt travels the same speed as the film and the conveyor belt and the film loop over the one turning bar in superimposed relationship with the conveyor belt being between the at least one turning bar and the film such that the conveyor belt carries the film during the looping over the at least one turning bar.

Abstract: A wire feeding system, for use with apparatus that processes the wire in conjunction with intermittent advancement of the wire, the feeding system operating to de-reel the wire from a reel and supply the de-reeled wire to the apparatus, the system comprising wire drive structure to positively advance the wire; lost motion structure between the wire drive structure and the wire processing apparatus to maintain the wire taut during intermittent operation of the wire processing apparatus; and the wire drive structure comprising belt loop structure having elongated wire gripping stretch structure. Adjustability of the belt loops is also provided, along with use of associated wire guide means for wires of different diameters.

Abstract: An exposure device suctions photosensitive materials of different widths on an exposure table. A suction belt, driven by a motor, is uniformly formed with a plurality of suction holes. On the back of the suction belt is mounted a suction box with a belt support plate which is also formed with a plurality of suction holes. A pair of adjusting plates are attached to the belt support plate on its back side. By adjusting the position of the adjusting plates in a width direction, the suction holes in the outermost rows at both sides can be opened and closed. Thus, the suction width for the suction belt can be adjusted according to the width of the photosensitive material.

Abstract: A wire feeding system, for use with apparatus that processes the wire in conjunction with intermittent advancement of the wire, the feeding system operating to de-reel the wire from a reel and supply the de-reeled wire to the apparatus, the system comprising wire drive structure to positively advance the wire; lost motion structure between the wire drive structure and the wire processing apparatus to maintain the wire taut during intermittent operation of the wire processing apparatus; and the wire drive structure comprising belt loop structure having elongated wire gripping stretch structure. Adjustability of the belt loops is also provided, along with use of associated wire guide means for wires of different diameters.

Abstract: Traction unit for a drawing machine, the unit cooperating with a drawing die (14) and comprising at least two drive chains (12) with drawing links lying on the same plane and consisting of a plurality of links (16), the drive chains (12) with drawing links cooperating with load bearing rollers and with a rigid guide (19), the drawing action being obtained by the forward movement of the drive chains (12) with drawing links and by the reciprocal contact taking place between the drawing chains (12) with drawing links in their opposed drawing segment (15), the load bearing rollers being associated with a linked chain (26) of idler rollers (17) and being idler rollers (17) positioned in a ring, the linked chain (26) of idler rollers (17) being able to be moved by sliding and being placed between the inner surface of the links (16) and the rigid guide (19).

Abstract: A web transport apparatus that will not cause the web to break by exerting external forces in different ways on two lateral sides. The transport apparatus includes a group of pins that are studded on flat plates connected together to form a chain on either side of a web so that it is transported in multiple stages as it is retained on two lateral sides. An annular member supports the web from the inside by pins in each of the reversing sections that rotate to reverse the direction of web transport, with the piercing end of each pin facing either inward or outward. The annular member has a central shaft located at the center of the locus of rotation of the flat plates and has an outside diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the locus of rotation of the web. Preferably, the annular members rotate at the same speed as the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for retrieving marine seismic cable uses an endless traction member which defines a helical path of at least two turns for pulling the cable in a uniform fashion without forming overlapping layers.

Abstract: A paper feeding tractor in which perforated paper is fed by a pin carrying feed belt includes a feed belt driving sprocket which is housed between a pair of side frames. Two side faces of an inner circumferential portion of the sprocket body, except an outer circumferential portion formed with teeth, are formed with round fitting protuberances concentric with an axial hole therein such that the inner circumferential portion of the sprocket body is thinner than the outer circumferential portion. Thus, contact between the sprocket and the drive shaft is reduced to a relatively small sliding resistance. Paper can be moved in the axial direction of the drive shaft by a small force. During paper feed, any phase difference in rotation between the drive shaft and the sprocket can be eliminated. Alternatively, the feeding sprocket and a belt reception rotary member are housed within an auxiliary frame structure which is fit within and longitudinally slidable with respect to the main frame structure.

Abstract: A two piece feed member providing a less costly replacement and the ability to adjust the feed member's length. The two piece configuration only requires that the wearing portion be replaced, and not the entire feed member. This allows for a significant cost savings. Different feed mechanisms require different length feed members, and therefore, an adjustable length feed member allows for the use of one universal feed member.

Abstract: A paper feed apparatus including a pair of side frames connected together so as to face one another with a predetermined gap therebetween, an endless feed belt mounted between the pair of side frames, a driving sprocket engaged with the endless feed belt and mounted between the pair of side frames at a first end thereof, and a belt receiver mounted between the pair of side frames at a second end thereof and supporting the endless feed belt. The driving sprocket and belt receiver have the endless feed belt trained thereabout with a predetermined amount of slack, such that the upper and lower runs of the belt are substantially linear. A feed belt supporter is mounted to the pair of side frames so as to contact an outer surface of and support the lower run of the endless feed belt so as to prevent the predetermined slack from gathering at the lower run of the endless feed belt.

Abstract: A document feed tractor in which pins which drive the paper upon entry into perforations in margins of the paper along the edges thereof are connected to a belt on beams cantilever mounted thereto. A guide and support bar holds the beams and the pins down so that they travel along a linear path entering and leaving the perforations at opposite ends of the path. In order to drive the paper precisely, especially at high speeds where the belt and pins start and stop, without denting or ticking the paper and to maintain alignment of multi-part documents (without shingling), an adjustable shelf is located on the inside of the tractor so that the paper overlies the shelf. The elevation of the shelf with respect to the pins is selectively set in accordance with the thickness of the paper. The tractor can then be set so that the web is maintained at the center line or pitch line of the belt, thereby insuring precision feeding of the form even at high speeds with rapid accelerations and decelerations.

Abstract: A film processing apparatus includes a housing and a pair of continuous belts disposed within the housing in a laterally spaced relationship. Guide rollers within the housing guide the belts about parallel serpentine paths through the housing. Drive rollers engaged with the belts drive the belts in synchronization about the paths through the housing. A film carrier card having attachment elements for selectably engaging the belts is provided, such that the film carrier card is transported through the housing by the belts.

Abstract: Apparatus for advancing, belaying, or retracting a longitudinal element, such as a cable, by means of engagement with an endless belt driven by a reversible motor in a predetermined endless path geometrically formed to guide and constrain the belt in the path by means of camming action along and around a support element. The cable is free to enter the apparatus engaging the belt at either end of the support element, to be advanced, belayed, or retracted by the belt along this predetermined path.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer employs a relatively small diameter platen roller 20 flanked by a pair of sprockets 3c which support endless timing belts 2. A clamp 7' for gripping the leading edge of a sheet 6 to be printed is mounted laterally across and between the belts. The attendantly small radius of curvature of the roller at the printing station prevents any contact by components and structure mounted to the reciprocable printing head 1.

Abstract: To move a plurality of interconnected segments which a zig-zag, accordeon or bellows pleat arrangement on or between which sheet elements such as projecting elements from a folded sheet are located along a transport path and to permit, selectively, expansion or compression of the segments for handling of sheet elements, and compact storage, an endless belt, preferably a gear belt sprocket chain or the like, is provided engageable with the segments. Preferably, lifting rollers are provided, selectively engageable with the belt to slightly raise the segments from transport rails, and decrease friction of the segments with respect to the rails. The segments can be stored, when empty or loaded, when collapsed against each other, and spread apart for sheet material handling. A plurality of such system can be located or adjacent each other, so that, when the segments are spread apart, suitable mixing or insertion steps can be carried out.

Abstract: An hydraulic index drive system including a variable displacement pump closely coupled to a fixed displacement motor through an adaptor which feeds oil to and returns oil from the motor. A lever on the pump controls the position of a swash plate which determines the pump displacement. The lever is positioned by a cam which makes one revolution per cycle. The cam is designed such that for 40% of the cycle there is no pump output which is the dwell portion of the cycle and for 60% of the cycle the output rises to a set maximum and returns to zero output which is the index portion of the cycle. The pump is driven by a variable speed motor. The system is particularly suited for use with a vacuum conveyor on a bag machine line for transfer of plastic bags to a bag folder.

Abstract: A photographic film processing rack is adapted to be immersed in a processing liquid tank. The processing rack includes four identical rack panels which combine to form two oppositely spaced pairs of mating vertical rack panels, each pair defining between its mating panels a vertical belt path and at least one vertical film process channel. An endless timing belt extends over a drive sprocket at the top of the processing rack, over an idler sprocket at the bottom of the processing rack, and along the vertical belt paths defined by the respective opposite pairs of mating rack panels. The timing belt has inner teeth for positive engagement with the sprockets and outer teeth for positive engagement with a flexible film leader card to which at least one exposed filmstrip is secured.

Abstract: A film leader card has a series of holes for receiving the projections on a succession of endless timing belts in a film processor to advance the card and an attached filmstrip through the processor. A middle-most hole in the series of holes is spaced relative to an adjacent hole in the series to match the pitch of the projections. Each of the holes in the series forward of the middle-most hole has a pitch slightly greater than the pitch of the projections. Each of the holes in the series rearward of the middle-most hole has a pitch slightly less than the pitch of the projections. Consequently, the leader card is projection-driven only at its middle-most hole since the projections received in the forward and rearward holes are substantially clear of any contact with the edges of those holes. This clearance between the forward and rearward holes and the projections facilitates transfer of the leader card from one timing belt to another timing belt in the film processor.

Abstract: An edge steerage apparatus for steering an edge of a moving web to correct for misalignment of the edge in the direction of travel. The apparatus includes one or more edge steerage units, each unit having a pair of pivotally supported, spaced-apart wheels adjacent to the edge of the web for contacting the moving web. For each of the wheels of the steerage unit, a spherical ball is provided which rotates freely omni-directionally so that the web is engaged between the wheels and the spherical ball. The two wheels of a steerage unit have a slight toe-out so that the web between the wheels is maintained in a taut condition. The position of the edge is monitored in relation to a fixed position and a steerage drive orients the wheels to introduce lateral movement in the cloth between the wheels and at the edge to steer the edge toward the fixed position.

Abstract: A tractor feed for paper webs with margin perforation for use in printers of data processing systems in which endless bands support feed pins engagable with said perforations to effect paper transport toward, around and away from a platen. Upper and lower runs of the endless band and feed pins supported thereby are selectively adjustably movable into and out of paper guide slots to facilitate introduction and loading of the paper web. The band is movable by movable upper and lower guide rails which are controlled by an adjusting mechanism and by springs acting to spread said guide rails apart.

Abstract: A drive belt for a linear motion drive system in which a plurality of drive belts are helically disposed and rotated about a driven element to axially advance the element along its axis. The belts include a pair of spaced legs which resiliently abut legs of adjacent belts to equally space the belts about the periphery of the driven element. The legs also are adapted to accommodate changes in diameter of the driven element.

Abstract: A drive belt for a linear motion drive system in which a plurality of drive belts are helically disposed and rotated about a driven element to axially advance the element along its axis. The belts include a pair of resilient legs which operate to equally space the belts about the periphery of the driven element. The resilient legs also are adapted to accommodate changes in diameter of the driven element.

Abstract: A clip 12 is engaged with the leading end portion of a photosensitive material 10 of continuous length which has been printed with images. The clip is propelled by a driving force to convey the photosensitive material. In a clip removing device 56, rotating arms 66 bend the leading end portion of the photosensitive material in the direction of the thickness thereof such that the leading end portion is disengaged from the clip. The photosensitive material is then fed by rollers 72, 74, 80, 82 to a subsequent stage 87 where it is cut off.

Abstract: A vacuum feed mechanism for precision feeding a printed continuous double-backed corrugated paper board web to a platen die cutter for producing printed foldable box blanks. The feeder has several adjacent horizontal endless belts, with each belt having spaced cleats extending over the width of the belt facing outward and a row of holes between each cleat. A vacuum plenum extends through each belt with a lower wall containing longitudinal slots in registration with the belt holes. A suction fan removes air from the vacuum plenum producing air flow from the edges of the belts between adjacent cleats, through the belts and into the vacuum chamber to draw the belt into contact with the plenum chamber wall and the web in contact with the belt cleats, holding the web without slippage while the web is intermittently fed to the platen die cutter.

Abstract: One end of a long or continuous film is retained by a leader. The leader is engaged with engagement projections formed on the outer periphery of an endless timing belt stretched between sprocket wheels in order to guide the leader such that the film is conveyed through a treating solution contained in a treating tank. Guide means are disposed in the treating tank such as to oppose the outer periphery of the timing belt, thereby maintaining the engagement between the leader and the timing belt.

Abstract: The printed ribbons in a high speed printing press are, while the press is operating at walk speed, directed onto a diverting conveyor prior to the forming board of the folder for the press, so that they do not pass through subsequent equipment which does not adequately handle the ribbons at walk speed. The diverting conveyor transports the ribbons away from the press and discharges them into a trash container, or at least allows them to accumulate where they will not interfere with the operation of the press or with pressmen working in the vicinity of the folder. By reason of the diverting conveyor, no pressman is needed to roll up the ribbons when the press operates at walk speed.

Abstract: A miniature variable drive pin projection mechanism is disclosed for driving a conveyer belt to transport semiconductor chips from a test point to a sequence of sorting locations. The drive wheel is mounted to an indexing shaft which is sequentially rotated in a start and stop mode. The wheel has spring-loaded pins which are radially mounted in the wheel and are spring-loaded so as to be withdrawn from the peripheral surface of the wheel. Drive means are provided to actuate the pins during only 60 degree rotation of the wheel. During the remainder of 300 degree rotation of the wheel, there is substantially frictionless engagement.The resultant mechanism significantly reduces wear, vibration and misregistration of the assembly and lengthens its operating life.

Abstract: There is provided a single facer consisting of an upper roll, a lower roll, a pasting device and a pressure member in parallel with the lower roll for manufacturing single-faced corrugated board. The single facer is characterized by the provision of a suction conveyor having belts for conveying single-faced corrugated board, the suction conveyor being disposed at the side of another sheet in the transport passage of the single-faced corrugated board in the proximity of the engaging point between the lower roll and pressure member, thereby preventing the strip-off or separation of a contact portion between the corrugated sheet and another sheet by means of the structure, which is extremely simple and compact in form.

Abstract: A tape cartridge has a roller driven continuous belt which supports a wide thin tape when transported in the vicinity of video recording machine heads. A spring biased movable belt idler applies a predetermined amount of tension to the belt thus keeping the tension in the belt constant regardless of changes in temperature, humidity, etc. Since the belt both supports and supplies constant tension to the tape, tape bounce, tape breakage, tape stretch and tape wear are minimized and the manufacturing tolerances of the belt are significantly improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a paper having holes utilizes an endless belt which contains a plurality of pins which are mounted so that they are positioned to a side of an outer periphery of the endless belt. The pins fit into holes in the paper to feed the paper as the endless belt is driven by two main pulleys. An auxiliary pulley is rotatably mounted on one of the shafts which supports one of the main pulleys in such a manner that the auxiliary pulley confronts and supports the bottoms of the pins, thus preventing the pins from being deflected inward. Because the auxiliary pulley is driven with one of the main pulleys, friction between the bottoms of the pins and the auxiliary pulley is minimized.

Abstract: In a tape which is driven by an elastic pretensioned belt, discontinuities such as embossings in the surface of the belt promote the release of air from between the belt and the underlying tape, thus minimizing variations in tape tension and tape speed.

Abstract: A detachable paper transport device for a printer having a printing roller, using two transport chains. The device has two side walls on each of which a control lever is pivoted for selecting the spacing between the transport chain and the roller, to compensate for differences in the thickness or number of layers of the paper. The device side walls each have a slotted hole for engaging one member on the printer, and each control lever has a bearing lug for engaging another member on the printer to slide the device along the slotted holes.

Abstract: Belt-like traveling guide apparatus has been provided for guiding side edges of metal strip material that is being positively advanced from, for example, an uncoiling station to a second or processing station. Side pairs of idler guide rolls are employed for maintaining the material in a planar relation during its movement, and idler head and tail and upper and lower guide rollers are employed for maintaining one side face of each of a pair of continuous belts in synchronized movement engagement with opposite side edges of the material to thereby protect them and, at the same time, positively and accurately align the material during its forwardly advancing movement between the stations.

Abstract: A device for tensioning a data carrier which is moved by feed tractors, such as a paper sheet moving past a printing station in a non-mechanical printer or copier in which the feed tractors consist of a toothed belt entrained about pairs of wheels, the teeth of the belt engaging perforations in the side margins of the data carrier, has a cam mounted on a shaft between the wheels in a feed tractor. The wheels are mounted on a guide block having a bearing element which acts as a cam follower so that by rotating the cam the wheels are synchronously displaced so as to suitably tension the data carrier in the printing station.

Abstract: A web feed tractor having an endless belt with drive pins which engage the perforations in a web such as computer forms which are to be driven has a frame which define concave and convex reaches of the belt. An outwardly open convex slot and a partially closed concave slot along opposite edges of the frame support and guide the belt reaches. The tips of the pins extending from the belt along the concave reach of the belt are in sliding contact with the outer wall of the partially closed slot. The tractor is compact and the concave reach of the belt which is not in driving relationship with the web is retained inside the tractor structure so that it does not interfere with other parts of the equipment in which the tractor is installed. The tractor is concavo-convex and oblong in shape or somewhat banana shaped.

Abstract: A paper web in an office machine is transported from the one side of a transporter (tractor) comprising a transport chain to the printing backing and back again on the other side of the transporter. In the case of multilayer paper webs, notably webs comprising more than four layers, an increasingly larger wave of the paper web tends to in front of the printing backing. In order to avoid such waves, the associated transporters comprise guide pieces for the paperweb which extend from the tractor to the vicinity of the zone of contact between the paper web and the printing backing and whose surface is situated at least substantially in the plane tangential to the printing backing at this zone of contact.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic applying a predetermined length of ply stock onto a tire building drum wherein the ply stock is unwound from a supply source, conveyed in an untensioned condition on a conveyor means, cut to length and the delivered to a tire building drum. The cut stock is then wrapped in an untensioned condition about the drum with the aid of the conveyor means.

Abstract: A conveyor belt is located along the bottom of a tape bin to support a stack of tape folds. The tape bin contains a U-shaped cradle for shaping the upper run of the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt drives the tape stack around the U-turn from the feed end of the bin to its payout end to present the output end of the tape with very little resistance or pressure from the tape stack.

Abstract: An automatic film developer having a film guide means, wherein a film exposed is developed while it is conveyed in a developing liquid in a liquid tank, and then the film developed is taken out of the liquid along a contact surface of a film guide means in order to be transferred to a next process, and wherein the film guide means is provided with a recess in its contact surface so that the film may be separated from the contact surface in the recess portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for deflecting a web of material moving in its longitudinal direction, both into a plane situated at right angles to the surface of the web and into a plane situated in the surface of the web, whereby a supporting element provided for the web during its deflection is an endless flat belt which the web mounts before it is deflected and which the web leaves after its deflection and cylindrical rollers and deflecting bodies in the form of tube and/or tube segments having supporting means on their circumferential surface are provided which guide the endless belt to deflect the web and subsequently return the belt to the point where the web mounts the belt.

Abstract: A modular bidirectional tractor feed assembly having its own platen, which is substituted for the platen normally in the printer, is installed on the printer as a single unit using projections on the side platen of the feed assembly. Adjustments are performed on the assembly during manufacture to assure proper alignment of elements to provide error-free feeding of record material and properly aligned printing thereon. The assembly includes mechanism to provide positive assist in loading the record material, mechanism to prevent the perforations in the record material from becoming stuck on the drive pins when the record material leaves the feed mechanism, mechanism for easily locking and unlocking the feed mechanism in position to accommodate various widths of record material and mechanism to easily adjust the tension in the drive pin carrying chains of the feed mechanism.

Abstract: A tape transport for presenting tape from a replaceable tape roll to a rotating drum. The transport includes a belt for moving the tape between the tape roll and a take-up reel and maintaining the tape on the drum with uniform pressure.

Abstract: A linear motion cable drive including a plurality of drive assemblies each including a drive cable helically wrapped around the driven cable with means to rotate the drive assemblies about the axis of the driven cable to negate the rotational effects of the helical wrapping. Apparatus is provided to permit discontinuities in the form of larger or smaller cable portions to be fed by the drive unit without causing rotation or twisting. The same helical wrapping can be used in an overlapped, reverse wrap configuration to form a cable locking device.

Abstract: A transport belt is constructed from a toothed belt as base with individual carrier elements separated by spacers. These elements each have a shallow trough with central indent and tapered base.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding marginally punched record material comprises a main support member, and a plurality of drive pins mounted to the main support member for movement along a predefined path past a first location at which record material is inserted into the apparatus. Means included on the main support member adjacent the first location facilitates the buckling of record material inserted into the apparatus in a direction away from the pins during movement of the pins along the predefined path when there is no initial engagement of a pin with a marginal opening of the record material. When a pin thereafter moves into substantial registration with a marginal opening of the record material, the natural bias of the buckled portion of the record material in the direction of the pins will return it to a substantially unbuckled state to thereby engage the pin with the opening.