Abstract: An improved tensioning device, for tensioning the tying medium of a package tying machine, is mounted on the tying machine's rotatable twine arm. The tensioning device utilizes a funneling structure to gather the tying medium, whether twine or tape or other material, into a prescribed volume while tensioning the same, thereby allowing a relatively high, uniform tension value to be maintained in the tying medium throughout the package tying cycle.

Abstract: A web-tensioning apparatus has stationary and movable clamps for clamping the opposite ends of a length of web, the movable clamp having a first spring for elastically forcing it in a direction towards the length and a second spring for elastically forcing it in a direction away from the length, the second spring providing greater spring force than the first spring plus the clamped length's initial resistance to stretching. If the web does stretch a little, the first spring relaxes so that the second spring can exert more force to move the movable clamp away from the stretched length.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake device for use in electrostatic copier devices to impart a drag to paper moving through the device. The brake device includes a housing having a perforated suction surface functioning as a brake surface. In order to reduce suction loss when only a portion of the brake surface is covered by the paper sheet, various means are disclosed for limiting or preventing airflow through portions of the brake surface not covered by the paper.

Abstract: A self-threading and tensioning device for use with a semiconductor bonder, or the like, is disclosed. A first pneumatic stream is used to obtain the self-threading of the thin (e.g. 1 mil.) bonding wire. A second pneumatic stream provides the tensioning of the wire during the bonding process.

Abstract: A Ribbon Stuffer Cartridge having improved Moebius loop device includes a ribbon reservoir coupled to a ribbon input port and a ribbon output port, the ribbon output port having a planar triangular-shaped device therein.A major portion of a continuous loop ribbon is stored within the ribbon reservoir and the remaining portion of the continuous loop ribbon extends from the ribbon output port to the ribbon input port. The Moebius twist is formed by disposing the ribbon about the planar triangular-shaped device positioned within the ribbon output port. Gears are positioned within the input port to move the continuous loop, and the triangular-shaped device additionally serves as a tensioner to provide increased tape tension in the loop as it extends from output port to input port.

Abstract: A dual capstan tape transport mechanism having a magnetic tape trained along a path for movement successively between an upstream capstan and pressure roller, past record and play heads, and between a downstream capstan and pressure roller. A motor drives the downstream capstan directly and drives the upstream capstan indirectly, and slightly slower, through an overrunning clutch. Separate solenoids move the pressure rollers to press the tape against the respective capstans. The mechanism is selectible to play either an improved dual capstan type cartridge with both capstans, or to play a conventional single capstan type cartridge with the downstream capstan alone. Tape guide posts, aligning the tape and providing wrap around the heads, and a shield engageable with the backside of the tape opposite the play head, are movable with the upstream pressure roller through openings in the housing of the dual capstan cartridge.

Abstract: A film tensioning device for maintaining tension in the film in a film transport system such as a motion picture projector. A tension roller mounted between pressure rollers with the film running over the tension roller, with a spring urging the pressure rollers against the film to prevent slippage of the film on the tension roller. A curved spring carried within the tension roller and engageable with a stop providing sliding friction with the tension roller. The spring is readily removable for substitution of a different spring to provide a different magnitude of tension in the device.

Abstract: A fresh web of cigarette paper or the like is spliced to the running web by a uniting band, which is adhesive at both sides, after the fresh web is accelerated to the speed of the running web. The uniting band is placed between the running web and the leader of the fresh web, and the running web is shifted sideways to adhere to the adjacent side of the uniting band as well as to move the other side of the uniting band against the fresh web as soon as the speed of the fresh web rises to that of the running web. The running web is severed behind the moving uniting band, and the fresh web is severed ahead of the moving uniting band. Severing of the fresh web is preceded by relaxation of tensional stress upon the leader of the fresh web in response to displacement of a guide roller which engages the fresh web between a stationary knife for the fresh web and a pair of motor-driven advancing rolls which pull the leader of the fresh web in the course of and subsequent to completed acceleration of the fresh web.

Abstract: In a web feed apparatus wherein a section of the web is maintained at a higher tension while accurately metering the feed of the web at a relatively lower tension, and wherein means are provided to isolate the low tension metering function from the higher tension section by anterior snubbing rolls, the web tension is controlled by modifying the gain produced by the snubbing rolls and feeding back any increase in tension from the lower web tension level to the higher web tension level. Such a gain is modified by controlling the total angle of wrap of the web about the snubbing rolls, or by varying the coefficient of friction between the web and the snubbing rolls.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for controlling the advancement of a strand by directing a fluid along the strand in a first direction opposite to the direction of advancement of the strand to retard the advancement of the strand sufficiently to create slack in the strand, and directing a fluid in a second direction transverse to the first direction to control slack in the strand.

Abstract: A highly compact and functional professional audio magnetic tape transport provides a simple, symmetrical tape path including a pair of reels positioned in side-by-side relationship, a pair of large, equal diameter rollers positioned in side-by-side relationship below the reels, a pair of buffer loop tape tension arms positioned between the rollers and reels to receive tape directly from the reels along a straight tape line and without any intervening guide, and a transducer assembly positioned in frictional engagement with the tape along the tape path between the rollers. A capstan drive system is coupled to energize one of the rollers as a capstan to control tape motion along the tape path while reel servo systems energize the reels to maintain the tension arms at nominal central positions of rotation. Variations in tape tension with reel pack diameter are minimized and made self-equalizing by orienting the nominal arm positions perpendicular to tape direction for intermediate reel pack diameters.

Abstract: Guiding of narrow strip components of yieldable material is accomplished by applying a gentle drag to the strip which is greater near its edge more distant from the guide line or plane than in the strip closer to such guide line or plane. The drag is applied by positioning soft bristle brushes in an apparatus in a guide frame one sidewall of which provides the guide plane while the strip is continuously supported on a floor plate perpendicular to the plane. The strip can be supported by an air film introduced between the strip and the floor of the guide frame. A simple mechanism for swinging the brushes into and out of operating position is also disclosed. The foregoing abstract is not to be taken as limiting the invention of this application, and in order to understand the full nature and extent of the technical disclosure of this application, reference must be made to the accompanying drawing and the following detailed description.

Abstract: A film dryer for the graphics arts, including a plurality of pairs of squeegee rollers feeding the film through the dryer, and removing water therefrom in the feeding operation. Air is drawn in and directed against the film to dry the film, the air passing through a series of chambers or spaces and passing over and cooling the drive motor and air circulating motor, the heat in the air, picked up from the motors, assisting in drying the film. The pairs of rollers are of successively greater diameters to progressively feed the film faster to keep the film taut and eliminate buckling thereof. The relatively great volume and distribution of spaces through which the air passes minimizes noise. The principal operating components are included in assemblies which are individually removable as units, for ease in servicing, such as a roller assembly which includes air tubes, drive motor assembly, blower-motor assembly, cover, feed roller, and drain pan.

Abstract: A strip handling apparatus and method which prevent slipping and weaving of strip in strip tensioning units and achieve close control of tension on strip entering a drag strip tensioning unit and leaving a drive strip tensioning unit.

Abstract: A rotating yarn control element comprises a hub portion with a number of pins spaced around the periphery of the hub portion to define for the yarn a zig-zag path which degenerates with increasing distance from the axis of rotation of the element into a line path lying in a reference plane of the element. In use, with the element rotating about its axis and the yarn passing through the path defined by the guide surfaces, the total area of contact between the guide surfaces and the yarn will depend on the distance of the yarn from the axis of rotation of the element. This in turn determines whether the element operates in the "freewheeling" mode, the "positive grip" mode or the "yarn metering" mode. Other embodiments are described in which the element is formed by an injection moulding technique and the zig-zag path is presented by tooth like projections or by a channel in a drum member. A means for varying the amount of wrap around the element is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus to separate multiple sheet feeds from fan-fold paper being moved from an input paper stack upwardly to a print station. The separator apparatus includes a separator member, and flexible members support the separator member for swinging movement in the paper path in a position to bear against the paper as it moves from the input paper stack. The separator member has a mass so that it may selectively move or be moved by the paper and the resultant frictional engagement and impact on the paper web causes multiple sheet feeds to be separated from the web near the input paper stack.

Abstract: Apparatus for stopping and holding a rope is disclosed. The apparatus includes a power drum, a wind up mechanism having two small drums and an air operated chain drive system between the power drum and the wind up mechanism. A rope is threaded through the apparatus such that the rope passes between the two drums of the wind up mechanism and is wrapped once around the power drum. When the chain drive system is not energized, the rope is free to move in either direction through the apparatus; however, when the chain drive system is energized, the rope is wrapped around the two small drums of the wind up mechanism and is thereby stopped and held under tension from further pay out through the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus to effect longitudinal plow folding and subsequent heat sealing of previously computer printed continuous business forms stationary includes a folder and a plurality of elongated heating ribbons disposed parallel to the direction of web travel in spaced apart parallel relationship and being convexly curved for supporting the continuous web passing thereover. Hot melt adhesive applied during manufacture of the stationary is disposed between the plies of the folded-over web, to be locally heated through the web as it lays against, and advances directly over, the multiplicity of parallel heating ribbons. Upon exiting the heater bed, a sandwich platen is provided to maintain the plies in intimate contact, while removing heat from the web and adhesive to bond the plies at each of the multiplicity of spots so heated. The folded and sealed web may then be processed by conventional bursting into individual sealed documents, for mail processing or confidential distribution.

Abstract: A filter rod making machine wherein the two is withdrawn from a bale by a first pair of driven rolls which form part of a tow stretching device. The rolls are preceded by a braking device having a fixed plate-like guide at one side of the path for the tow and an elastic spring-biased tongue which is located at the opposite side of the path and urges successive increments of the tow against the guide to thereby uniformize or eliminate the crimp of filamentary filter material of the tow. The tongue is pivotable about a fixed axis and can be reciprocated back and forth transversely of the direction of movement of the tow to thereby contribute to loosening of filter material before such material advances beyond the first pair of rolls and is stretched to the elastic limit by a second pair of rolls whose peripheral speed exceeds the peripheral speed of the first pair of rolls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the flat advancement of one or more running webs of paper between two guide rollers and/or for combining two such webs, the apparatus comprising a pair of guide rollers between which a web is to be passed, a table having a guide surface positioned along the path of the web between the guide rollers, and an air removal body in tandem with the table to form a vacuum zone between the web and the surface thereby drawing the web toward the surface while the web moves therealong, the air removal body having a sharp edge directed against the direction of movement of the web. Advantageously the air removal body has a sharp edge positioned adjacent one of the guide rollers so as to form therewith a narrow gap through which the supply web is carried, the active surfaces of the air removal body and guide table lying in a common plane.

Abstract: A strand advanceable from a supply spool to a weaving machine of the shuttleless type under variable tension is routed through an adjustable braking mechanism. The braking mechanism includes a flat guide plate along which the strand advances, the strand being contacted at longitudinally spaced portions of the guide plate by means of a succession of angularly depending leaf springs which are carried at longitudinal intervals in an overlying holding member. The input end of the holding member is pivotally supported on a frame member that carries the guide plate, and a helical spring biases the holding member obliquely relative to the underlying guide plate so that the distance between the holding member and the guide plate increases in the direction of advance of the strand.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for supplying continuous material having a constant tension to a takeup device wherein a constant tension is maintained by passing the material through a vacuum column which controls the material supply and maintains a constant tension prior to the material reaching the takeup device.

Abstract: The tension level of moving webs of material is adjusted or measured and regulated by means of a guide roller mounted on parallel swing arms which include an angle 0 <.alpha. <90.degree. with the horizontal, .alpha. lying in an angular range of .+-. 15.degree. around the value .alpha..sub.M at which the traction applied to the web by the guide roller is at a minimum.

Abstract: A nonwoven web of thermoplastic filaments is thermally bonded by conveying the web on a rotating hollow cylindrical roll having a pervious surface and passing hot air through the web into the roll to heat the filaments to the bonding temperature. The web is restrained against the roll surface with a stationary porous fabric under pressure developed by flow of the hot air through the fabric. Means for adjusting the length of fabric in contact with the web, and for measuring tension on the fabric, are provided in the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a vertically-oriented moving strip of thin and flexible metallic material at an established degree of tension in order to prevent deformation of the strip. The apparatus includes first and second series of vertically oriented rollers which extend above the apparatus's motion means to engage the strip during the strip's circuitous movement therebetween.

Abstract: A web transport arrangement is devised for transporting a web material along a web path. The web material is supplied by a variable feed mechanism to a processing mechanism for processing the web. The web material while being metered by the feed mechanism is maintained by the mechanism under a low tension although the web may be maintained under a high tension during subsequent processing operations. A control circuit automatically compares the feed rate of the web through the low tension feed area to the rate of the processing mechanism operative on the web within the processing area and provides for any necessary modification of the infeed rate in order to synchronize them.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for banding a vertical wall of a large vessel with a highly tensioned tendon payed out from a traveling carriage being driven about the vertical wall. The carriage is suspended from the structure and a circumferential restraining means constrains a primary set of traction wheels driven by a primary hydraulic system and a second set of wheels driven by regenerative hydraulic system into frictional engagement with the vessel wall. The preferred wheels comprise hydraulic motors having an outer rotatable portion or race to which is directly attached an encircling tire. A tendon tensioning mechanism is disclosed with restraining elements having outer frictional surfaces engaging the tendon without slipping and having other frictional surfaces for slipping relative to a force applying means when accommodating elongation of the tendon during tensioning.

Abstract: A printer-plotter system includes a vacuum-buffered bidirectional paper drive system for moving paper uniformly forward and backward over a sprocketed platen and sprocketed drum. The platen comprises a stationary portion with a flat region and a rotatable sprocketed portion. The platen and drum are connected by a drive belt for synchronous rotation of the drum with the sprocketed portion of the platen to assure proper contact of a print head with the flat region of the stationary portion and proper movement of paper by the sprocketed portion after printing.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for preventing web weave from occurring at the exit from a corrugator bridge wherein a single face corrugated board is being drawn from the bridge by a glue machine. The single face web may be present on what is termed the upper bridge or the lower bridge and control is maintained by providing a friction plate faced with canvas which is biased against the single face web as it is traveling over an exit guide roll. Typically, a single face board is produced on a corrugator in widths of 80 to 86 inches and the friction plate is less in length than half the width of the paper. The drag force is regulatable by an operator adjustment of air pressure being delivered to biasing air cylinders.

Abstract: A web is guided onto a movable support, such as a printing blanket, and the web and the support are advanced together in a common direction, but at differential speeds so that the web will be subjected to tensioning. Onto the thus supported and tensioned web, a print is then applied. The invention discloses an apparatus for carrying out the above sequence.

Abstract: A pair of pressure disks through which the thread may pass are pressed together by a controllable electromagnetic force generated by a pressure electromagnet acting on at least one of the disks. The thread is passed over an oscillating lever which is urged by the tension of the thread from a first position to a deflected position and, when in the deflected position, closing an electrical contact which opens the circuit to the pressure electromagnet acting on the disks to return the lever to the first position, thus opening the contact. The magnetic force of a lever reset magnet is adjustable.

Abstract: A filament winding reel in a method and apparatus for producing optical fiber bundles, includes an end disc and circumferentially spaced freely rotatable longitudinally projecting rollers. A pair of outwardly open peripherally spaced filament guides having aligned guide channels are mounted on the border of the disc and have widths substantially equal to, or slightly greater than the optical fiber thickness. The fibers are tensioned by a tensioning roller carried by a disc mounted lever disposed approximately opposite the guides and outwardly spring biased, and longitudinal pressure is applied to the fibers proximate the guides to uniformly align the fibers in the guide channels by tensioning bars bearing on the sides of the fibers proximate the guides.

Abstract: A concave web guide is disclosed wherein the direction of motion of a web may be changed by a concave web guide which contacts the convex surface of the web. This contact is maintained through the use of a vacuum supplied through spaces in the web guide surface. To minimize contact, air under high pressure emanates from small holes in the guide surface creating an air bearing. This concave web guide may be used in a single capstan symmetrical web feeding system wherein all elements contact the same surface of the web and is particularly applicable to magnetic tape drive systems.

Abstract: A photoelctrophoretic imaging apparatus for controlling tension of a transported conductive web. In a preferred embodiment, the web tension is controlled by an electrostatic capstan roller driven by an A.C. motor and gear box through an overdriven clutch. Tension is supplied to the web from the electrostatic capstan roller through electrostatic tacking force between the roller and the web. The electrostatic tacking force is obtained by grounding the conductive side of the web and applying a pulsed D.C. voltage to the rolls.

Abstract: Apparatus for severing tickets from a supply of connected tickets and for feeding severed tickets individually to a delivery location in response to a credit signal in which an already severed ticket, retained in escrow position at which it blocks the path of light from a source to a photocell, is advanced by first drive rollers energized in response to a credit signal to the delivery area and in which the photocell is energized as the trailing edge of the delivered ticket passes out of the path of light from the source to the photocell to cock a cutter disposed between the supply of tickets and the escrow position and to activate second relatively slower drive rollers to advance a ticket from the supply to the first relatively faster drive rollers which picks up the ticket, pulls it taut, and moves it to a position at which the leading portion thereof interrupts the path of light from the light source to the photocell to deenergize the cutter cocking solenoid, both drive rollers, and the source of illuminati

Abstract: An elastic damper which engages the film between the supply reel and the film gate of a motion picture projector has an elongated first leg which loops the film and is pivotable with respect to a second leg which is reciprocable between bridges and is biased forwardly so as to urge the first leg against the film. When the tension of film fluctuates within a normal range, such as is attributable to intermittent operation of the pull-down, the first leg merely pivots while the second leg remains stationary. If the tension of film increases so that the pivotal movement of the first leg is more pronounced, the second leg is shifted against spring bias to effect a reduction of the size of the loop. This insures that the inclination of the film portion between the gate and the first leg remains substantially unchanged.

Abstract: An improved braking system comprising inlets imbedded flush with an air track surface with the elongated portions thereof parallel to the direction of wafer travel. The inlets are connected to a controlled vacuum source preferably by means of pressure regulating passageways communicating with both ends of each inlet. When vacuum is applied to the inlets, a traveling wafer passing over and substantially covering the elongated inlets is pulled uniformly and evenly down by vacuum action, so that substantially the entire bottom surface of the wafer contacts the track simultaneously. Thus, the wafer comes to rest at a single position within the braking station, irrespective of the original direction of wafer travel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air conveyor comprised of a deck having multiple openings and an underlying plenum containing air under pressure. The air from the plenum issues through the openings as jets to lift articles and advance them along a predetermined path spaced above the deck. To stop the articles, a second plenum is disposed within the first mentioned plenum and in communication with the openings through the conveyor deck at a location at which the article is to be stopped. A normally open valve provides communication between the first and second plenums whereby air under pressure in the first plenum passes into the second plenum and out through the openings in the conveyor deck for lifting and advancing the articles on the conveyor similarly as accomplished by the air issuing through the other openings in direct communication with the first plenum. A normally closed second valve commmunicates between a vacuum pressure source and the second plenum.

Abstract: A delivery arrangement for a printing press having a conveyor releasing sheets one by one and which includes a jet type vacuum pump facing and closely spaced to the path of a released sheet for slowing the forward movement thereof. The vacuum pump includes a venturi nozzle having a throat at its inlet end and over which is superimposed an injector. The injector has a central opening which is in register with the throat and which is in slightly overhanging relation so that the lip of the opening forms an annular orifice adjacent the throat, the orifice being supplied with air from a pressure chamber which surrounds the nozzle. When the pressurized air flows through the orifice in the form of an annular jet, it is deflected along the wall of the throat by the so-called "Coanda effect" and subsequently expanded, with the resulting venturi action, creating suction at the opening. The suction causes a drag on each passing sheet.

Abstract: A follower roll or so-called spring roll system for use with a paper machine has a roll about which the paper web passes on its path through the machine, the web having a wrap angle about the roll of about 90.degree., to exert a horizontal force component against the roll, due to web tension. The roll bearings are each supported on a low friction slide, to permit substantially friction free displacement of the roll horizontally. The position of each roll bearing housing is controlled by an air bag acting as a variable rate spring to oppose displacement of the roll under web tension, with a second air bag opposed thereto, acting as a constant rate displacer, to assist the displacing effects of web tension. The two bearing housings are synchronized in their displacement under web tension variations by a synchronizing shaft extending across the width of the machine and connected with each of the two bearing housings by a rack and pinion arrangement.

Abstract: An inertia isolator is mounted on the frame of a web transport system between a drive roller and a supply reel on which web material is wound. A first relatively stiff member is mounted to the frame adjacent the drive roller and a second relatively stiff member is flexibly attached to the first member and positioned so that the web material is in slidable contact. The second member flexes in a direction to aid in unwinding the web when the drive roller is accelerated and flexes in the other direction when the drive roller is decelerated.

Abstract: In stabilizing a longitudinally moving web of material, particularly as utilized in textile machinery, the moving web of material is guided along a smooth, rigid surface and an underpressure is created between the moving web of material and the rigid surface to stabilize the moving web.

Abstract: A graphic recorder for use in recording information on a strip chart. The recorder includes a housing having a pair of rollers mounted at opposite ends of an opening across which the strip chart moves. Radially outwardly extending pins are mounted at opposite ends of each of the rollers for registering with and engaging positioning holes formed along the edges of the strip chart. Drive apparatus is provided for reversibly turning the rollers conjointly to move the strip chart along an X-axis. Apparatus is provided for creating a partial vacuum in a chamber within the housing so as to tension the portion of the strip chart suspended between the rollers along a curved path for properly positioning the chart with respect to the pins on the rollers. A recording head is mounted on the cover of the housing for movement along a Y-axis for marking the strip chart.

Abstract: A web feed apparatus wherein a section of the web is maintained at a higher tension while accurately metering the feed of the web at a relatively lower tension, means being provided to isolate the low tension metering function from the higher tension section by anterior snubbing rolls and posterior tension pull-up rolls. A typical mechanism is a blanket offset business forms printing press which must satisfy the requirement of very accurate web feed rate over a given length of the web, when the blanket-impression nip at the print couple(s) with the attendant higher tension requirement to maintain print quality and web lay, are both necessary.

Abstract: A vibration regulator for an advancing web is disclosed. An idler roller is provided in nonsliding contact with the web, and an adjustable, spring biased drag member contacts the roller to control the advancing force on the web necessary to rotate the roller.

Abstract: A control system for one or more vacuum holddown devices for use in an apparatus employing flexible web material in a flattened condition. A plurality of perforated plenums are joined to a manifold connectible to a vacuum producing means. The pressure within the manifold is sensed and must be at a predetermined pressure before the drive system for the web material is activated thereby preventing bulging or buckling of the web material during startup and normal running of the material.

Abstract: An elongated pipe is held in a first constant tension mechanism and then, while the tension is maintained, the pipe load is shifted to a second constant tension mechanism by automatically correlating the declining tension force of the first constant tension mechanism with the increasing tension force of the second constant tension mechanism until the pipe is completely shifted to the second constant tension mechanism.

Abstract: A ribbon cartridge for an endless loop inked ribbon suitable for use with a wire matrix printer, for example, is disclosed in which the cartridge includes elongated guide members to confine the path of the loop of ribbon outside of the cartridge to a predetermined path and to allow for insertion of the cartridge into a using machine without the necessity of threading inky ribbon through fixed guides on the machinery.