Abstract: A hauler for extruded profiles has a pair of track assemblies engaging at least one profile between them. At least one of the profiles is mounted so that it can yaw about a longitudinal axis through the center of that track assembly and a handwheel, electric motor or spring mechanism is provided to effect a yaw of at least 2.degree. and up to 15.degree., preferably up to 4.degree. about this longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A flexible tape drive system of the type having a flexible yet relatively longitudinally rigid perforated drive tape which is reciprocated by a toothed cog drive arrangement to provide both push and pull driving power. The drive system includes a substantially circular cog wheel having an outer base surface of a predetermined diameter and a plurality of radially extending cog teeth spaced about the periphery of the outer base surface. A cog wheel surround includes an outer guide track having an inner cog race with an inner surface of a diameter slightly larger than the base diameter of the cog and spaced substantially parallel therewith. A pair of oppositely disposed peeler tips are situated adjacent the top of the cog wheel surround between the outer guide track and the cog wheel, each including a peeler edge which has an arcuate inner face extending from the edge at a non-parallel orientation relatively to the base surface of the cog.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming fins along a web of metallic material utilizing first and second opposed endless chains, and with the first chain adapted to support the web of metallic material thereon, and comprising a plurality of spaced-apart anvil links. The upper chain includes a plurality of spaced-apart links operating in registry with the base chain and including work-engaging, fin-forming lugs which enter the gap between mutually adjacent anvil links. The apparatus further includes a chain-deflecting idler roll which deflects the base chain arcuately away from its normal plane so as to effectively reduce the spacing between adjacent anvil links and create a web back-breaking zone for achieving a firm and solid crimping of that portion of the web forced thereinto by the fin-forming lugs.

Abstract: The tubing injection apparatus of the present invention includes a frame upon which is mounted a pair of opposed endless flexible conveyor members. The conveyor members have opposed elongated parallel runs spaced apart to form a path for engagement with the tubing by gripper blocks disposed on the conveyor members. The conveyor members are trained over spaced apart drive sprockets and idler wheels. Rollers are reciprocally disposed on the frame adjacent that side of the opposed elongated parallel runs opposite the path and adapted for engagement with the gripper blocks. The conveyor members include two strands of chain having projecting pins. The gripper blocks are mounted on the projecting pins such that the surface of the projecting pins is coincident with that surface of the gripper blocks which engages the rollers.

Abstract: An advancing system is provided for selectively advancing generally flat material, such as tape, in a first direction (towards a moistening device) or in a second direction (away from a moistening device). The advancing system includes a conveyer that has a moving surface that advances the tape, which is in contact with the surface, to the conveyer's exit. The system also includes a motor with a shaft. The motor rotates the shaft in opposite directions. A mechanism couples the motor shaft to the moving surface so as to drive the surface in a common direction regardless of the direction in which the motor shaft rotates, causing the conveyor to advance the tape in that common direction to the conveyer's exit. The advancing system further includes a diverter at the conveyer's exit. The diverter selectively directs the tape in the first or second direction. The diverter includes two exit rollers which receive the tape between them.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling large diameter horizontally extruded plastic tubing includes a number of driven endless belts positioned around the path of travel of the extrusion to transport the extrusion while it cools. The belts are individually driven either by hydraulic or electric motors, the speed of travel of each belt is continuously monitored and a feedback system including a microprocessor controls the driving motors so as to maintain the speed of travel of the extrusion at an adjustable controlled value. The belt positions are hydraulically controlled to accommodate tubing of a range of sizes and the level of the hydraulic fluid in its reservoir, its pressure and its temperature are also monitored by the microprocessor. In the event of component fault or failure, the microprocessor returns the affected belt or belts to manual control so that the product line need not be shut down.

Abstract: Supplying material to high-performance packaging machines is difficult, above all during the processing of blanks (20) consisting of thin cardboard for hinge-lid packs. The arrangement of the blanks (20) within a continuous material web (23), the blanks (20) being connected to one another by means of easily severable material webs (33), allows a continuous conveyance in the region of the packaging machine. For the continuous transport of the blanks (20), the material web (23) is folded in a zigzag-shaped manner to form a blank strand (24) consisting of blanks (20) lying against one another. The blank strand can be conveyed in space by being deflected in all directions. For transporting the blank strand (24) and for fixing the zigzag folding there are conveyor bands (39, 40, 41, etc) which bear against the blanks (20) in the region of longitudinal edges (21, 22) and/or transverse edges (25, 26).

Abstract: A film-pulling apparatus for a packaging machine includes guide plates with arcuate inner surfaces. A cylindrically formed bag-making film material is pulled down inside these guide plates while being adsorbed to their inner surfaces by the negative pressure inside suction vacuum chambers flanking the path of the film material. A pair of pull-down belts is vertically stretched between pulleys adjacent to the path and over the suction vacuum chambers. The belts have many holes such that the negative pressure from the suction vacuum chambers is communicated to the film material through the pull-down belts as the pulleys rotate to pull down the film material. An auxiliary vacuum chamber is connected to the suction vacuum chamber through a normally closed valve such that the vacuum condition in the suction chamber can be quickly restored by opening this valve when an abnormal pressure condition in the suction vacuum chamber is detected.

Abstract: A photographic film processor for conveying exposed film along a serpentine film path through a series of processing racks in a respective series of processing tanks, each processing rack including a sprocket-driven endless timing belt mounted for rotation on the rack and having outer teeth for engagement with an apertured film leader card to move the film leader card along a part of the path of the timing belt, the outer teeth being laterally expandable for positive engagement with the leader card, and contractible for disengagement from it. Alternatively, the outer teeth are laterally contractible for positive engagement with the leader card, and expandible for disengagement from it.In another embodiment, the endless timing belt has spaced flexible edge tabs to pass through the apertures of a leader card to engage the card.

Abstract: A wire feed apparatus for a wire cut electric discharge machining apparatus, capable of moving a wire conveyor belt from an automatic wire extension position to a non-wire-transfer shunt position at the time of electric discharge machining, thereby preventing wear of the belts and reducing variation in the wire feed speed. The apparatus includes first and second conveyor belts selectively operated in accordance with predetermined conditions for wire feeding. At the time of automatic wire extension, an air cylinder of a wire feed mechanism is driven to move the second conveyor belt from a non-wire-transfer shunt position to the automatic wire extension position using a parallel link mechanism. The second conveyor belt is pressed against the first conveyor belt at the automatic wire extension position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting continuous webs having varying thicknesses, widths, and compositions into sheets. The apparatus includes a pair of oppositely rotating web feed assemblies employing a unique floating nip and clamping mechanism which engages the web and advances it a specified length past a poised cutting blade assembly and onto a simultaneously driven exit assembly. After the desired length of web has been fed, the drive mechanisms stop, and the cutting blade assembly cycles to clamp the web on the upstream side and cut. During the cutting stroke the web is held taut on the downstream side by the web feed assemblies. Upon completion of the clamping and cutting stroke, the cutting blade assembly returns and stops at its poised position.

Abstract: The cable tensioner has a pair of elongated platforms mounted side-by-side on a base with each having drive and driven geared pulleys with geared idler pulleys therebetween arranged along the edge of the platform confronting the other platform. A geared endless belt encircles the pulleys on each platform and has a grooved exterior machined to match the cable being handled. The drive and driven pulleys are adjusted to tension the associated belts and the idler pulleys are pressed towards the idlers on the adjacent platform. The base is mounted to permit sideways motion plus pivoting, tilting and rising and falling as a unit.

Abstract: In a dual belt conveyor for multi-ply continuous paper tubing having upper and lower endless conveyor belts between which the tubing is fed, turning point pulleys and backing rollers for the respective conveyor belts are longitudinally offset so that the tubing is moved through the conveyor along an undulating path. The inlet turning point pulley for the upper conveyor belt is positioned in front of the equivalent pulley for the lower conveyor belt so that the upper belt will contact the incoming tubing before the lower belt. A brake plate is provided under the inlet pulley of the upper belt over which plate the tubing is fed. The arrangement avoids the formation of undesirable waves and wrinkles in the tubing.

Abstract: A wire drive apparatus in a wire-cut electric discharge machine, which is capable of effecting wire extension smoothly even by a single drive source, and of preventing wear of belts and variation in wire feed speed. Upon wire extension, a lower belt section (3) pivotally supported through links (33, 34, 36, L) is moved toward an upper belt section (2) with actuation of air cylinders (10, 12), so that belts (21, 31) of these belt sections are brought in urged contact with each other, and a wire is delivered for the wire extension by the belts which are rotated, a wire drive roller (4). After completion of the wire extension, the lower belt section is moved to a position at which it is separated from the wire, and at this time the upper belt section is also separated from the wire, and power transmission from the wire drive roller to the lower belt section is disconnected.

Abstract: In an image fixing apparatus, a fixing roll unit is arranged in a predetermined path along which a continuous form travels, for applying pressure and/or heat to an image on the continuous form to fix the image thereonto. An endless belt member is arranged upstream of the fixing roll unit with reference to a transport direction in which the continuous form travels along the predetermined path. The endless belt member has provided thereon a plurality of projections arranged in spaced relation to each other along an outer periphery of the endless belt member. The projections are engageable with sprocket holes formed in the continuous form along opposite side edges thereof. The endless belt member is capable of running in the transport direction while applying a predetermined back-tension to the continuous form traveling toward the fixing roll unit along the predetermined path.

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 method and mechanism for advancing a continuous length of bag making plastic film having a reclosable fastener strip extending therealong with a filling tube over which the film is formed, means for sealing the edges of the film over the filling tube, opposed pairs of advancing belts for pressing the film against the tube and driving it incrementally downwardly, means for guiding the fastener between the belts of one of the pairs and means for driving the belts incrementally to move the film downwardly as it is filled and cross-sealed.

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: A cable handling apparatus draws in a cable, such as a seismic streamer, along a generally linear path and feeds the cable to a winch which winds in the cable from the apparatus under constant tension.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling small-diameter fragile cable without damaging or deforming the cable. The apparatus includes resilient wheels and at least two flexible bar assemblies. The bar assemblies are entrained around the wheels and include a plurality of bars, each having a flat surface. The bars transfer the resilient pressure of the wheels to the cable and distribute normal tension forces over the area defined by the surface of each bar, thus eliminating point-loading.

Abstract: A toroidal core coil winding appliance is provided including a toroidal core mount, a wire feed and a conveyor means for shaping and turning wire loops through the toroidal core opening which further includes at least two stationary conveyor sheaves and a plurality of deflection rollers whose rotational axes are arranged parallel to one another and preferably perpendicular to the rotational axis of the toroidal core. Flexible conveyor belts are guided on the conveyor sheaves with the assistance of the deflection rollers, these flexible conveyor belts being pressed against one another over longer sections of the wire loop paths. The wire loops are clamped between the conveyor belts and are drawn through the toroidal core openings. After the acceptance of a defined wire length in the conveyor means, the wire feed is stopped and, at the same time, the clamped wire end is deflected out of the conveying plane of the wire loop.

Abstract: An apparatus for exerting a forward or rearward drag on a moving metal strip (9), for use in particular with narrow metal strips which are to be wound up together side by side and which are to have separate rearward braking drags applied to them, comprises two endless conveyor chain systems (3, 4) driven by chain wheels (23). Each of the chains of the systems is formed by a series of pivotally interconnected roller units (7) which are guided by guides (13) along a straight drag-applying zone (12) where the strip (9) is clamped between the units (7) of the systems (3, 4) and has a drag (8) applied to it. Further guide bars (17) are provided remote from the zone (12) and these bars (17) together with the chain wheels (14) and guide segments (15, 16) guide each conveyor chain (3, 4) along a path which is curved along its whole extent except where it passes through the straight drag-applying zone (12).

Abstract: An intermittent web feeding apparatus for intermittently feeding fixed length of a web of material during one cycle of a feeding operation by the cooperative operation of a pair of feed rollers for unwinding a web of material from a roll of web material and feeding the web of material to a web processing machine such as a bag-forming and packing machine, and for feeding the web of material to a processing position within the web processing machine, is disclosed. The intermittent web feeding apparatus is equipped with a single servomotor for driving the feed rollers through means of a first transmission mechanism, and the feeding units through means of a second transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A frictional drive unit, suitable for effecting linear sliding movement of a structural member into a cantilevered position, includes a frame, at least two sprocket assemblies mounted in bearings in the frame and spaced apart with their rotational axes parallel to each other, and an endless track. This track comprises a plurality of articulated friction pads mounted upon the sprocket assemblies and drivingly engageable with the structural member. Reversible motor means is carried by the frame and is drivingly connected to at least one of the sprocket assemblies.

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: Apparatus of the "coil tubing injector" type which is capable of running coupled pipe into or out of a well continuously. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A parallelogram feed system for packaging film is provided. The system includes a pair of idler guide rollers bodily movable between a feed position adjacent the packaging film and a rest position away from the packaging film. Drive rollers are provided away from the packaging film. An endless belt extends around the rollers and engages the packaging film between the two guide rollers when in the feed position. The rollers are linked together by four connecting links in the shape of a parallelogram that are pivotally attached to the shafts to which the rollers are rotatably mounted. A pneumatic cylinder moves the guide rollers between the feed and rest positions. The cylinder is attached to the link connecting the two guide rollers by means of a pin slidably received in an elongated slot in the connecting link so as to allow parallelogram shifting movement. In addition, optional air passages may be provided for directing a cushion of air beneath the packaging film adjacent the feed system belts.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting tubing into a subterranean well comprising a support frame for a pair of opposed endless conveyor chains fitted with tubing gripper blocks for gripping and conveying the tubing into and out of the well. The conveyor chains are supported by movable ramp members which are each connected to opposed hydraulic cylinder actuators hydraulically interconnected in parallel so that the ramp members may be moved toward and away from each other to uniformly vary the gripping force of the conveyor chains on the tubing. The endless conveyor chains are trained over idler sprockets which are interconnected by opposed hydraulic cylinder actuators for tensioning the chains with substantially equal tensioning forces. The conveyor assembly is mounted on a frame comprising two spaced apart metal plates which are reinforced by spaced apart vertical column members supported on a base.

Abstract: To prevent smearing, ghost formation, or unsharp printing of offset printing machines, due to flutter, random oscillations or adhesion of a substrate to a blanket cylinder caused by adhesive characteristics of printing ink, an endless flexible guide element (9, 40, 48, 54, 68, 83, 84) is passed about the blanket cylinder and through the printing line with an impression cylinder, the guide element being, for example, a nylon thread, rope, or cable, or a thin flexible narrow web, guided, axially, with respect to the blanket cylinder by deflection rollers to locate the guide element at a position on the printed substrate which does not carry any printed copy. Preferably, the axial position of the guide rollers is adjustable, and at least one of the guide rollers is spring-loaded to adjust tension, which can be released for threading, or adjustment of the machine.

Abstract: Strip processing lines require tension or back tension to be applied to the strip, as the case may be. These requirements are best met by the proposed chain bridle.The recoiling of adjacent slit strips on a tension reel will result in varying rewinding speeds and tensions due to the different thickness of the individual strands. Thick strands will be rewound too tight and thin strip too loose. Therefore, the chain bridle is installed before the tension reel to keep the tension of the various strands or a wide strip at a constant value. The strip (1) is clamped between two circulating chain systems (4a,4b), one arranged below and the other above the strip passline. One chain system (4b) is fixed, the other one (4a) is adjustable.

Abstract: A cable pulling/feeding apparatus comprises a fixed base, a cable pulling/feeding unit having a drive/brake unit for pulling or feeding a cable, a sensor supported on the fixed base so as to be movable in both directions in which the cable is pulled and fed for detecting a load imposed between the cable pulling/feeding unit and the fixed base and for generating an electric signal dependent on the load as detected, and structure for determining a load applied to the drive/brake unit in response to the electric signal when the cable is pulled or fed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feed device for continuously feeding strips of material to processing apparatus, and in particular to a feed device for feeding polymer film onto film tenter apparatus. The present invention comprises a pair of endless belts disposed along opposite sides of the path of travel of the polymer film, and cooperating substantially frictionless supports on which the film edges ride, pressed between the belts and said supports. Each endless belt has a lower run which extends between spaced idler pulleys, and means are provided for maintaining the belt full lower run in continuous frictional contact on the advancing polymer film.

Abstract: An improved cable tension machine increases the velocity for hauling in of cable from approximately 100 feet per minute to an excess of 700 feet per minute. The cable tension machine uses a floating, semirigid track suspension to hold the track belts in contact with the cable. The track suspension increases the minor variation tolerance acceptable for the cable tension machine, thereby allowing rapid running of odd shapes through the cable tension machine. A more uniform cable loading force is provided to the cable without excessive force when bodies are encountered and without jamming. Basically, the cable tension machine comprises upper and lower track assemblies positioned atop one another capable of applying a tensioning force to the cable which passes between the track assemblies. A housing holds both track assemblies in spaced relationship, allowing movement of the upper track assembly relative to the lower track assembly through a pivotable lift point on the upper part of the housing.

Abstract: A method and a mechanism in and for a fastener dispensing operation, by which a plurality of fasteners individually comprising a filament having a head and an anchor bar at one and the other ends thereof and altogether integrally formed to a fastener assembly can be fed to a fastener-severing position in a fastener dispensing device one at a time of the fastener dispensing operation by the dispensing device even in case of an irregularity or a change in the inter-fastener pitch in the fastener assembly.

Abstract: A machine for transporting a web particularly a web of flexible material of indefinite length. The device comprises a pair of rotary clamping groups, each clamping group having the form of an endless carrier of clamps. Each rotary clamping group is pivotally adjustably attached to a frame support structure at its lower portion, to thereby admit of rotary adjustment about its lower axis of return. Further, the two clamping groups are horizontally and vertically adjustable. The clamps of each clamping group are cam operated so that clamping takes place over a portion of the run of each, the clamps being carried by and pivotally attached to endless chains, there being two endless chains for each rotary clamping group.

Abstract: An apparatus for segmenting a continuous running web into a stream of discrete articles by cutting the web transversely at uniformly longitudinally spaced intervals; and which apparatus may also effect U-folding of each of the discrete articles. The apparatus is of the type which includes a flight of longitudinally spaced, web engaging friction plates which provide cutter access to the web through spaces intermediate adjacent friction plates. The apparatus further includes a constant clearance infeed nip which is formed in part by the spaced friction plates of the flight passing over a circumferential portion of an infeed roll having circumferentially spaced, radially extending lugs, and which lugs are configured and disposed to engage the web by extending through the spaces intermediate the spaced friction plates. Alternatively, the flight of friction plates may be integrated into a unitary apertured conveyor belt; and the cutter may be integrated into such a constant clearance nip.

Abstract: A bidirectional document tractor unit having spaced apart laterally adjustable tractor mechanisms each provided with an endless tractor belt which is in driving engagement with a document support belt to provide a document path interposed between the support belt and the tractor belt. The support belts include perforations engageable with the drive pins on the tractor belt. The support belts also are drivably engaged with sprocket members having document drive pins formed thereon. The tractor belts are driven through suitable sprockets in driving engagement with an elongated driveshaft. Movable gates are disposed adjacent to the drive sprockets which provide for lead-in driving engagement with the document which is trained along the tractor belt between the tractor belt and the support belt, then through the printer platen and then along the opposite run of the tractor belts before returning to a document magazine or stack.

Abstract: Apparatus including a pair of opposed conveyor belts for feeding a plurality of superimposed continuous sheets of refrigerated, thermoplastic material. The active runs of the conveyor belts are guided over platens movable toward and away from each other in a direction normal to the path of movement of the sheet material to generate the necessary tractive forces required to advance the sheet material between the conveyor belts. The platens distribute the tractive forces uniformly over a large sheet contacting area of the belts to prevent cracking and rupturing of the sheet material. Means are provided for compressing the spaced-apart clamping assemblies of a frame assembly to which the sheets are attached for further processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of a web of material having rolls defining a conveying path of the web includes a mechanism for leading the head end of a web along the conveying path. The mechanism comprises two endless chains on both sides of the conveying path, each having a run thereof extending along the conveying path and a crossbeam connected across the two endless chains for securing the head end of the web during the leading thereof along the conveying path.

Abstract: A self propelled reel pipe laying ship having forward, midship and stern sections, and having a reel mounted at the midship and thereof about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation extending transversely of the ship, such that the load of the reel is distributed downwardly and outwardly substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the ship, the ship further including pipe conditioning means located at the stern section for movement about a pivot axis extending substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the reel and (a) radius control means for imparting a substantially uniform curve to the pipe after it is unspooled from the reel, (b) straightening means for imparting a reverse bending force to the pipe opposite the curvature imparted to the pipe by the reel, and (c) means for guiding the pipe into the water after it emerges from the straightening means; and means for pivoting the pipe conditioning means about its pivot axis to adjust the pipe entry angle at which pipe enters the wate

Abstract: In the laying of deepwater pipelines, corrugated pipe is substituted for standard pipe in order to take advantage of a substantially stronger structure of much lighter weight.

Abstract: A capstan having surfaces which are faced with elements that are capable of interlocking with each other is used to advance a strip of interconnected, miniature articles which have a configuration susceptible to deformation, or a strip having a surface finish which is easily narred. In one embodiment, the capstan includes a first belt having a plurality of flexible, resilient hooking elements attached to a surface thereof. A second belt has a plurality of looping elements made of flexible, resilient material attached to a surface thereof and which are capable of interlocking with the hooking elements of the first belt when the belts are pressed together and of becoming disengaged from the hooking elements when the belts are peeled apart. The belts are sufficiently flexible so that when they are pressed together they are capable of gripping an elongated material therebetween.

Abstract: A combined support and guide for the mandrel of a continuous rolling mill comprises a support structure carrying three levers pivotally mounted on respective pins supported parallel to, equidistant from and equiangularly spaced around the horizontal rolling axis of the mill, each lever carrying a respective roller, freely rotatable thereon about an axis which intersects the lever pivot axis, the roller axes lying in a common vertical plane.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for introducing a moving web to a stenter apparatus at the commencement of the stenter apparatus operation comprises gripping and transporting the web between at least two belt conveyors which are driven at a linear speed substantially equal to the linear speed of the edge grips of the stenter apparatus, transferring the moving web into the moving edge grips of the stenter apparatus, and disengaging the belt conveyors from gripping and transporting contact with the moving web when continuous web transportation through the stenter apparatus has been established. Useful in processes for the production of oriented and heat-set thermoplastics films such as polyethylene terephthalate films for feeding the film to the stenter apparatus at the beginning of the film production process or if a malfunction necessitating re-feeding occurs in the stenter apparatus. Preferably incorporates means for feeding the film to a dump until re-feeding can occur, then severing the film and re-feeding.

Abstract: Sheet material is physically contacted only at its lateral edge portions by transport elements for transporting the sheet material along a predetermined transport path. The central portions of the sheet material are not physically contacted, to prevent damage to them. Because the sheet material is held only at its lateral edge portions, sagging or bulging of the central portion of the sheet material could occur. To prevent this, the sheet material is tensioned in direction transverse to the sheet material transport direction, during actual transport, to an extent sufficient to prevent sagging or bulging of the sheet material during such transport.

Abstract: In apparatus for damping noise in bar-feeding devices of automatic screw-cutting machines a group of rollers is composed of an upper pair of laterally spaced upright rollers and a lower pair of laterally spaced upright rollers, with an endless belt extending around each pair and resilient means urging the rollers laterally away from each other to maintain the belts taut. The lower length of the upper belt and the upper length of the lower belt are engageable with the top and bottom of a rotating and axially moving bar between them.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for introducing a moving web to a stenter apparatus at the commencement of the stenter apparatus operation comprises gripping and transporting the web between at least two belt conveyors which are driven at a linear speed substantially equal to the linear speed of the edge grips of the stenter apparatus, transferring the moving web into the moving edge grips of the stenter apparatus, and disengaging the belt conveyors from gripping and transporting contact with the moving web when continuous web transportation through the stenter apparatus has been established. Useful in processes for the production of oriented and heat-set thermoplastics films such as polyethylene terephthalate films for feeding the film to the stenter apparatus at the beginning of the film production process or if a malfunction necessitating re-feeding occurs in the stenter apparatus. Preferably incorporates means for feeding the film to a dump until re-feeding can occur, then severing the film and re-feeding.

Abstract: A transport mechanism for feeding cylindrical or prismatic parts of discrete or indefinite lengths at a rapid rate and with accurate position control, through a work station for treatment by automatic inspection devices, part counters, roll printers, or other processing apparatus. A system of opposed belts and guides feeds the parts without rotation and without appreciable slippage at a uniform rate along a fixed feed axis, in such manner that the lateral relationship of the parts to the axis depends on their degree of conformity to a correct geometrical form. This facilitates the inspection of part form as well as dimensions, and improves the uniformity of other treatments. An arrangement of nip rolls driven at reduced speed separates discrete parts uniformly to ensure correctly-phased registration with inspection, rejection, counting, printing, or other treatment devices. The mechanism is readily adjustable to accept parts of different diameters or transverse dimensions.

Abstract: A drill drive mechanism is especially adapted to provide both rotational drive and axial feed for a drill of substantial diameter such as may be used for drilling holes for roof bolts in mine shafts. The drill shaft is made with a helical pattern of scroll-like projections on its surface for removal of cuttings. The drill drive mechanism includes a plurality of sprockets carrying two chains of drive links which are arranged to interlock around the drill shaft with each drive link having depressions which mate with the scroll-like projections. As the chain links move upwardly or downwardly the surfaces of the depressions in the links mate with the scroll projections to move the shaft axially. Tangs on the drive links mate with notch surfaces between scroll projections to provide a means for rotating the shaft. Projections on the drive links mate together at the center to hold the drive links tightly around the drill shaft.