Abstract: A torque capstan is provided for use in an optical fiber cable manufacturing process which enables reverse oscillating lay (ROL) length to be maintained. The torque capstan comprises a first portion having at least two pulleys rotationally mounted thereon, a second portion having at least two pulleys rotationally mounted thereon, and first and second drive belts mounted on the pulleys of the first and second capstan portions, respectively. Rotational motion is imparted to the first and/or second drive belts through a drive system that is coupled to a drive pulley of at least one of the first and second capstan portions. Rotation of at least one of the drive pulley(s) causes the respective drive belt to rotate in a direction parallel to, or substantially parallel to, a direction in which an optical fiber cable being manufactured in the optical fiber cable manufacturing process is being pulled. Contact between the drive belts causes the drive belts to rotate in the same direction.

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: A device for drawing or braking metal bands or metal sheets and including two oppositely arranged endless revolving chain systems with a gap therebetween through which a metal band or a metal sheet is displaced and including carriage-like roller blocks for effecting one of clamping and driving the one of a metal band and a metal sheet, an elastic lining for covering the roller blocks; and elements for generating magnetic fields for controlling driving and/or restraining forces applied to the metal band or the metal sheet.

Abstract: This invention concerns a device for transporting a strand of carrier material which is connected, at least on one side, to individual chambers made of filter paper material, spaced apart, following one after another, closed on all sides, containing a quantity of substance and composed of a strip of carrier material, with at least two independently driven belts, one segment of which runs at least partly parallel to the strand of carrier material and having cams spaced apart on the side facing the strand of carrier material, whereby they grasp the strand of carrier material between the chambers and/or in the area where one chamber is connected to the strand of carrier material, working along with a support, and transport it with the movement of the belts.

Abstract: A device for drawing or braking metal bands or metal sheets and including two oppositely arranged endless revolving chain systems with a gap therebetween through which a metal band or a metal sheet is displaced and including carriage-like roller blocks for effecting one of clamping and driving the one of a metal band and a metal sheet, an elastic lining for covering the roller blocks; a plurality of shaping and filler pieces for controlling tension applied to the elastic lining; and elements for generating magnetic fields for controlling driving and/or restraining forces applied to the metal band or the metal sheet.

Abstract: A supply of continuous thin wall tubing which is drawn by a pair of opposed conveyor belts frictionally engaging the outside surfaces of the tubing first through a tube straightening device before the tube walls become engaged with the aforesaid conveyor belts so that straightened tubing is always subjected to engagement with the surfaces on the conveyor belts. The conveyor belts effect a longitudinal driving movement of the tubing into and through a tube cutting device and thence into a tube length control for accurately positioning the tube relative to the tube cutters in the tube cutting device and before the tube is cut. Once the tube length detection circuitry in the tube length control has been satisfied by the positioning of the tubing, the tube cutters in the tube cutting device is activated to sever the tubing.

Abstract: A linear cable engine (LCE) uniquely grips a cable so as to avoid damage to the protective/insulative sheath thereon during retrieval and deployment. The LCE includes a design which encompasses the cable and actually applies pressure radially to the cable. This allows for the application of much higher force as the cable is in a state of hydrostatic stress resulting in a higher allowable tension on the cable. Deformable polymeric gripping elements are mounted to the outer surface of the driving mechanism. Each of the gripping elements, which may be an elastomeric block or annular tire-shaped member, has a profiled surface effective to embrace the cable and is identical in shape and construction, one or another. The elements have an indention capable of matching one or more given cable radii and a hollow or gel filled cross-section which may contain strategically placed stiffeners.

Abstract: A torque capstan is provided for use in an optical fiber cable manufacturing process which enables reverse oscillating lay (ROL) length to be maintained. The torque capstan comprises a first portion having at least two pulleys rotationally mounted thereon, a second portion having at least two pulleys rotationally mounted thereon, and first and second drive belts mounted on the pulleys of the first and second capstan portions, respectively. Rotational motion is imparted to the first and/or second drive belts through a drive system that is coupled to a drive pulley of at least one of the first and second capstan portions. Rotation of at least one of the drive pulley(s) causes the respective drive belt to rotate in a direction parallel to, or substantially parallel to, a direction in which an optical fiber cable being manufactured in the optical fiber cable manufacturing process is being pulled. Contact between the drive belts causes the drive belts to rotate in the same direction.

Abstract: A chain drawing machine for continuous drawing of drawing stock made of metal and the like, in particular rod-shaped and tubular drawing stock, includes at least two drive chains associated with a common drawing path. Each of the drive chains has connected drawing members, with the drawing members having on one side a clamping shoe that can be pressed against the drawing stock, and on the other side a sliding surface. The drawing members are supported on a fixed roller guide that is associated with each driving chain, and on the sliding surface by rotating load-bearing idler rollers. At least one relief recess divides a respective roller guide into several guide paths; and at least one relief recess divides a respective sliding surface into several sliding paths. This arrangement, in conjunction with a circumferential taper in the idler rollers extending across the entire sliding surface, elastically supports the drive chains which increases of the load-bearing capacity of the machine.

Abstract: A tensioner, for clamping cables, flexible pipes or bars and moving them forwards in a controlled manner, includes at least two conveyors, each intended to displace one or more clamping members. The conveyors each attached to a main frame element. A selective number of the conveyors can be combined using standard connection elements.

Abstract: A gripper block for use in an endless chain in a device for moving a generally cylindrical object longitudinally, as into or out of a well. The block has a first portion adapted to engage the endless chain and a second portion adapted to frictionally engage the object. At least a portion of the block is made from a resilient material that engages the tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus transfers a threading strip and/or a material web can from a pick-up area into a transfer area along a web travel path for production and/or processing/of the strip and/or web. The device includes a carrier for moving the strip and/or web along the web travel path through the machine at a carrier speed. The device also includes at least one pick-up unit for transferring the strip and/or web from the pick-up area to the transfer area at relocation speed that is lower than the carrier speed.

Abstract: A film production process having a film tentering step and a recovering step, characterized by detecting the side edge positions of the film running toward the recovering step, transferring the film running direction based on the detected information, and controlling the clamp start position of the film arriving at a tenter in the tentering step by clamp means, in the transverse direction of the film. A film production process having a film tentering step, characterized by controlling the clamp start position of a film arriving at a tenter by clamp means, in the range from 5 mm to 1,000 mm from the tip of the film in the longitudinal direction of the film.

Abstract: A belt-type support for moving print media such as paper through a printer includes a flexible belt that is supported in a manner such that friction is minimized and such that the paper that is supported on the belt is advanced precisely through the print zone of the printer. The support is provided in conjunction with a uniform distribution of vacuum pressure to the paper carried by the belt. In one preferred embodiment, there is provided a rigid, flat platen for supporting a uniformly porous belt. The platen has a number of rollers on its surface to minimize the friction developed between the platen surface and the moving belt. The platen surface also includes ports to provide a uniform distribution of vacuum pressure to the porous belt. In another embodiment, sliders are carried in the support surface of the platen to minimize frictional contact with the moving belt.

Abstract: A coiled tubing injector head is comprised of a plurality of endless chains, each of which are at least three links wide, that are positioned around a plurality of sprockets and/or idler rollers within the injector head. A plurality of gripper assemblies are positioned around the middle links of the endless chains. A bearing skate is positioned within the injector head, the bearing skate being comprised of a plurality of bearings in a staggered configuration, the bearings being adapted for rolling engagement with a portion of the gripper assemblies. An injector head is comprised of a plurality of halves, each of the halves being coupled to a positioning bar, the positioning bar having a plurality of openings formed therein, the openings adapted for use in varying the distance between the first and second halves.

Abstract: A transport belt for transporting a fiber strand to be condensed through a condensing zone of a ring spinning machine is provided with a perforation for an air suction stream which suctions the fiber strand. In at least one fiber strand transporting area, the perforation has at least 100 holes per square centimeter.

Abstract: The invention provides an electric wire feeding apparatus which can be easily changed at a low cost and without a great design change from the roll feeding type apparatus to the belt feeding type apparatus. In an electric wire feeding apparatus having an electric wire base table (21), a pair of rotary shafts (25, 26) arranged in both sides of an electric wire (W) of the electric wire base table (21), and rotating bodies (47) fixed to the respective rotary shafts (25, 26) via attaching and detaching means (27), there are provided a pair of belt feeding units (C), each having a belt feeding table (45), a driven pulley (46) rotatably supported to the belt feeding table (45), a drive pulley (47) having a rotational position restricted by the belt feeding table (45), and a belt (48) wound between the drive pulley (47) and the driven pulley (46).

Abstract: A tape transport system for positioning magnetic tape over a tape head includes a carrier ribbon with edges defining a channel for carrying the tape. Ribbon guides bring the carrier ribbon into contact with the tape as the tape moves near the tape head. A separation guide is positioned to allow the tape to separate from the carrier ribbon as the tape passes the tape head.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for feeding a processing machine with flat products, such as printed sheets, cards, patterns or the like. Over a conveyor path arranged between a storage unit and the processing machine and forming a product storage unit, the flat products are carried from the storage unit in a stream formed by products arranged in an overlapping configuration. The product stream conveyed on the conveyor path toward the processing machine is followed by a product stream having a higher speed. The apparatus includes a device with a drivable storage unit for removing the flat products, wherein the storage unit is connected through a conveyor unit to a processing machine for processing the products.

Abstract: A driving device for an elongated element such as a cable includes a device for simultaneously and symmetrically moving two driving track belts apart or closer together in relation to the elongated element. With this driving device, the two track belts can be brought against the elongated element while the elongated element's longitudinal axis remains constant. A single handle allows for simple adjustment of a gap between the two driving track belts and a spring device absorbs instantaneous variation of a transverse dimension of the elongated element.

Abstract: A gripper block for use in an endless chain in a device for moving a generally cylindrical object longitudinally, as into or out of a well. The block has a first portion adapted to engage the endless chain and a second portion adapted to frictionally engage the object. At least a portion of the block is made from a resilient material that engages the tubing.

Abstract: A method for controlling widthwise contraction of a conveyed web utilizes a serpentine web conveyance path. Web conveyance path may be formed by opposing first web carrier belts and opposing second web carrier belts forming a generally serpentine transport path for supporting opposite lateral edges of the conveyed web.

Abstract: This cable conveying unit serves for the precise feeding of a given length of a cable into a cable processing station between at least two conveying rollers or bands driven in counterrotation and capable of being placed against the outside of such a cable.For this purpose the two conveying rollers or bands disposed on either side of the cable passing through and each associated with a drive unit are driven, mechanically separated from one another in terms of drive, by a respective speed-controlled electric motor.

Abstract: A sectional door (20) having a plurality of panels (21,22,23,24) including, a body portion (25) of the panels spacing and joining longitudinal edges (40, 50), one of the edges (40) between adjacent panels on a first panel having a substantially concave curvilinear surface (45) in vertical cross-section, the other of the edges (50) between adjacent panels on a second panel having a substantially planar surface (52) in vertical cross-section, longitudinally-spaced hinges (65) interconnecting the first and second panels for pivotal movement. A panel (22) for sectional door (20) having a generally rectangular foam core (140, 240, 340), an inner surface (145, 245, 345) extending the longitudinal length of said foam core, and a recess (150,250,350) in the inner surface and the foam core extending the longitudinal length of the foam core.

Abstract: A cable conveying apparatus and method installs a cable in conduit by the application of a pushing force generated by a drive assembly. The speed of the cable and the speed of the drive assembly are monitored wherein the drive assembly is shut off when the drive assembly and cable speeds exceed a predetermined difference. The cable conveying apparatus includes a blower, and a missile attached to the lead end of the cable, wherein the missile sealably and slideably engages the conduit such that the blower and missile combine to generate a pull force on the cable which cooperates with the pushing force of the drive assembly so as to install the cable in the conduit. The cable conveying apparatus also includes a high speed cable shut off system, and a low speed cable shut off system. The drive assembly includes two opposed continuous chains each including a plurality of cable engaging pads, and each driven by a hydraulic motor. A hydraulic cylinder preferably holds the drive chains at a spaced apart distance.

Abstract: A sealing machine and process for sealing loaded bags of a novel web of side connected bags are disclosed. The web is fed through the sealer by a pair of grooved main transport belts. A holding belt is disposed in the groove of an associated main belt and extends into the groove of the other main belt as the belts move through the seal station. Processes of transporting and sealing side connected bags are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for pulling or inserting jointed pipe sections (18) having upset ends (20) within a well utilizing a coiled tubing injector (26). The coiled tubing injector (26) has a pair of opposed endless chains (50, 52) including gripper blocks (58) for gripping the pipe sections (18). An axial gap (G) is provided in chains (50, 52) between adjacent gripper blocks (58) to receive the upset ends (20). To align accurately upset ends (20) with gap (G), a sensing mechanism (100, FIGS. 11 and 12) is provided to sense the location of upset end (20) and a sensing mechanism (110, 112, FIGS. 13 and 14) is provided to sense the location of gap (G). An operator in response to signals from the sensors accurately aligns upset ends (20) with gap (G).

Abstract: A turning rod is used to change the direction of travel of a paper web. A guide tube is supported between spaced holders and is provided with air outlets in one side. The guide tube is rotatable about its longitudinal axis through generally 180.degree.. At least one of the guide tube holders has a helical guide groove that will receive a paper web guide belt.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding a web of material, in particular a web of cardboard, having at least one driven element which engages one surface of the web of material to be fed, and which cooperates with at least one bearing element acting upon the other surface of the web of material, a contact-pressure force for generating a frictional force exerted on the web of material, at least one bearing element or the at least one driven element is acted upon by a contact-pressure device, a sensor for detecting the feeding speed of the web of material which delivers to a control unit which operates to control the feeding speed signal of the contact-pressure device so that the difference between the detected web speed and a set-point speed signal applied to the control unit is essentially equal to zero.

Abstract: A web transfer device for use in a machine for the production or processing of fibrous webs. The transfer device may include a transfer belt guided around a plurality of web guide rolls and positioned against a portion of a pick-up cylinder. The transfer device may also include a suction box for creating at least a partial vacuum between the web guide rolls to transfer the fibrous web from the pick-up cylinder to the transfer belt. The transfer device may also include a suction space having a peripheral surface including a portion of the transfer belt positioned adjacent to the pick-up cylinder and between the plurality of web guide rolls.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly for strip material, wherein a conveyor feeds a strip of material axially through a centering device presenting two guide elements, which are movable into respective positions contacting the strip and symmetrical in relation to a reference axis parallel to the traveling direction of the strip.

Abstract: An acoustic array handler (10) includes an elongated linear guide channel (14U, 14L) in which upper (18U) and lower (18L) trains of suction heads (18su) are longitudinally movable. Each suction head (18su) has a porous part shaped to fit the array hose, and together the two trains of suction heads hold the array along the length of the channel. A pump is coupled to the channel for applying suction to the channel and, through the suction heads, to the hose. When immersed in seawater, the pump creates a negative pressure within the channel and the suction heads, which is communicated to the hose, drawing the hose into intimate contact with the trains of suction heads. The trains of suction heads are powered so as to drive them through the channel, drawing the hose with them. In one embodiment of the invention, each of the trains of suction heads is an endless loop, which recirculates through the channel under the impetus of pulleys or sprockets.

Abstract: The coiled tubing handling apparatus includes a base and a frame. First and second pairs of plate members are coupled to the frame. A drive sprocket and an idler sprocket are coupled to the first pair of plate members for supporting a first continuous gripper chain with gripper members for movement along a first path. A drive sprocket and an idler sprocket are coupled to the second pair of plate members for supporting a second continuous chain with gripper members for movement along a second path. A drive system is provided for moving the gripper chains together along the two paths for gripping and moving a tube. Two pairs of idler sprockets are coupled to each of the first and second pairs of plate members for supporting a linear bearing chain within each of the two gripper chains. A linear bearing race engages each linear bearing chain for causing the two linear bearing chains to engage the two gripper chains respectively for causing the two gripper chains to move linearly along the first and second paths.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for receiving a web with intermittent motion and converting it to uniform motion, particularly for severed carton items. A reciprocating carriage has first and second adjacent idler rollers and a third idler roller spaced away from the first two. A driven roller has a fixed axis and is located with respect to the third idler roller such that the web when strung between the first and second rollers and thence around the third roller and thence around the driven roller, assumes a quasi-boustrophedonic configuration such that the portion of the web between the third idler roller and the driven roller decreases when the carriage moves in the direction which decreases the distance between them. Upper an lower endless belts pass partially around the first and second rollers, thence around the third idler roller, thence around the driven roller, thence along different respective return paths.

Abstract: A packaging machine and process for loading bags of a novel web of side connected bags are disclosed. The web is fed through a bagger section by a pair of grooved main transport belts and a pair of lip transport belts each disposed in the groove of the associated main belt to trap bag lips in the grooves. Adjustable belt spreaders space reaches of the transport belts as they move through a load station whereby to sequentially open the bags into rectangular configurations. A closure section in the form of a novel and improved heat sealer is releasably connectable to the bagger section. The sections are adjustable together between horizontal and vertical orientations. Processes of opening, closing and sealing side connected bags are also disclosed.

Abstract: A conveyor system for gripping and transporting plastic film is disclosed in the environment of a packaging machine and process for loading bags of a novel web of side connected bags. The web is fed through a bagger section by a pair of grooved main transport belts and a pair of lip transport belts each disposed in the groove of the associated main belt to trap bag lips in the grooves. Adjustable belt spreaders space reaches of the transport belts as they move through a load station whereby to sequentially open the bags into rectangular configurations. Alternate conveyor embodiments are also disclosed. The belts of each embodiment are constructed such that when force is applied to a gripped plastic film coaction of the film and belts causes the belt gripping of the film to tighten.

Abstract: During tissue converting operations, a tissue "sausage" is conveyed between a pair of converging tractive belts to a cut-off saw where the sausage is cut into individual clips of tissue. Tissue bulk is preserved by providing the tissue-contacting surfaces of the belts with spaced-apart protrusions which cause the tissue sausage to assume a profile approximating a sine wave. The sine wave profile increases the tractive force of the belts, which in turn allows a lowering of the compressive load exerted by the belts on the tissue sausage. As a result, the bulk loss of the tissue sheets within the sausage is reduced.

Abstract: At least two transporting and take-off rollers (2, 2') interact for the gripping of a cable (1) to be transported. The axes of rotation (3, 3') of the transporting and take-off rollers are each rotatably arranged on a cantilever arm (7, 7') capable of swivelling together about a second turning axis (6) arranged on a turning platform (10) and running perpendicular to the former axis and parallel to a common straight line (5) connecting the said two rollers (2, 2'). At least one of the two transporting and take-off rollers (2, 2') is arranged laterally adjustable in relation to its distance (a) from the second transporting and take-off roller (7). Further, first drive devices (25) connected so that they can swivel together with the turning platform (10), are provided for driving the two transporting and take-off rollers (2, 2').

Abstract: A packaging machine that has features for feeding a web in the form of a continuous chain of bags through the machine while helping maintain the web in proper alignment and proper tension, and having additional features for improved loading of the bags. The improved web feed includes a dancer assembly equipped with a pair of nips that are driven at speeds responsive to the rate of web travel through the machine so that tension between a web supply and the dancer nips is isolated from the downstream portions of the web. A web feed mechanism which automatically threads the web through baggers is also provided. The web feed mechanism includes elastic belts which frictionally grip the web to isolate the tension in the section between the dancer nips and the belts from the tension of the web feed mechanism.

Abstract: In a crimping process in a crimping machine therefor, a compression force on an extended length of a transiting fiber bundle is exerted by and between means for maintaining a continuous and forced contact. The means for maintaining a continuous and forced contact comprise two closed belts, each of which runs around two motorized rollers travelling at a same velocity as the fiber bundle. Pressurized air or steam is injected into the crimping machine in a same direction as an advancement direction of the fiber bundles, but in an opposite sense thereto.

Abstract: A system for transporting film through photographic-type processing uses a pair of flexible belts which have grooves to receive and guide the edges of the film in loose frictional engagement, and a drive and support system for moving the belts and film through a processing step. The groove in the belts is larger than the thickness of the film such that a particular place on a film edge is not tightly contacted, yet there is enough contact, and varying points of contact along the film, so that over an extended length of film there is sufficient frictional engagement to control and transport the film. Multiple stage processes have separate belt-drive systems, with aligned take-up and unload zones wherein the belts are moved into or away from contact with the film, to effect automatic handoff of the film to succeeding stages. An accumulator is provided at the end of the process, to receive and hold the film(s) on a first in, first out basis.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and gripping tubing and/or bar stock for various applications. The apparatus comprises a frame; a pair of juxtaposed, inwardly facing guides, adjustably mounted on the frame; a pulley rotatably mounted on the frame at each end of the each guide; an endless, flexible guide belt surrounding each guide and being mounted on the pulley; a removable shoe removably mounted on each guide; a motor for driving the pulley so that the guide belts are rotated; wherein the tubing or bar stock inserted into one end of the apparatus is positioned and gripped by frictional engagement with the guide belts, and both the guides and the removable shoes are adjustable to accommodate tubing or bar stock having different outside diameters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing zipper closure bags from a continuous tube which includes advancing the tube along a continuous path for travel with a rotating metering roll, the metering roll having circumferentially spaced apart ports corresponding to a bag width, and a receiving conveyor having vacuum port-equipped sealing bars for receipt of the tube from the metering roll and for providing across seals defining adjacent paths.

Abstract: A side-by-side material feed system is provided for feeding two dissimilar strips of material. The material is fed along parallel feed paths by first and second drive mechanisms which move the material toward respective cutters. The operation of the feed mechanisms and the cutters is controlled by a programmable controller which permits each of the material strips to be fed and cut to form pieces of predetermined length which may be removed by an operator or conveyed to a subsequent station for further processing.

Abstract: A device (1) is used for twisting rope-shaped material (15), particularly of a larger cross section, with changing twist direction (SZ), consisting of a rotor (4) that changes direction and/or RPM, with two opposing chain drives (7) for the material (15), which are parallel to the rotor axis along an endless path. The material is gripped, guided and subsequently released by collet chucks along a prescribed pathway determined by a pressure rail (16). The collet chucks (14) are additionally attached to the chain drives (7) outside of the pathway, and are force-guided along the endless path.

Abstract: The apparatus for infeeding a cable in a predetermined infeed direction to an automatic cable processing machine enables moving standard cables and cables of reduced wall thickness at high velocities between the drive surfaces of two revolvingly contacting or confronting drive belts of two belt drives. By separating a drive roller synchronously driven with respect to the two belt drives from the measurement drive roller of a cable length measurement device it is possible to vary the diameter and thus the peripheral velocity of such drive roller. Consequently, there can be continuously applied to the cable a tension between the belt drives and the drive roller in accordance with the direction of movement of the cable. This cable tension prevents dam-up of the cable at this region of the cable infeeding apparatus, precludes any possible lateral departure of the cable from the belt drives and affords an exact length measurement of cable sections of the cable.

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: There is provided an improved coiled tubing injector for injecting and withdrawing a length of flexible, cylindrical tubing into and from a well bore. The improved injector comprises first and second sets of gripper shoes, and drive mechanism for moving the sets of gripper shoes around first and second endless paths, respectively. The endless paths include parallel sections disposed on opposite sides of a length of the tubing. Within these parallel sections, the gripper shoes are pressed against the tubing with sufficient force to hold the tubing therebetween. Each gripper shoe includes a base portion connected to the drive mechanism and at least two substantially nondeformable gripper elements, each having cylindrical gripping surfaces corresponding to the outer surface of the tubing. A body of elastomeric material connects the gripper elements to the base portion and permits movement of the gripper elements between open and closed positions.

Abstract: There is provided an improved guide arch for guiding the movement of continuous production tubing through a predetermined curvature, the guide arch comprising a housing and an endless curved conveyor mounted within the housing to support the tubing through its curvature, wherein the conveyor continuously supports the tubing along the majority of its length passing through the arch to thereby reduce contact stress between the tubing and the conveyor.

Abstract: In the case of a spinning machine for the spinning of yarns from slivers which are fed in cans, the slivers are guided from the cans to the spinning stations by guiding devices. The guiding devices comprise a driven conveyor belt for at least two slivers which are to be conveyed side-by-side.