Abstract: An image forming device includes a first detection sensor unit that detects a toner image formed on an image carrier; a second detection sensor unit that detects the toner image disposed to be separated in the main scanning direction with respect to the first detection sensor unit and formed on the image carrier; and a controller. The controller causes: an image carrier to carry toner images indicating a first test pattern and a second test pattern, and discriminate a difference from a determination condition with respect to a first determination result based on a first threshold value and a second determination result. The controller determines a component to be an occurrence cause of the difference based on a combination of the first determination result and the second determination result when it is determined that the difference is present.

Abstract: Systems and methods provided for testing remote frequency identification (RFID) straps on a web. Testing system includes a test head having a pair of contact pins configured to be moved toward the web (or configured to make contact with web moved towards them) and into contact with the web or RFID strap. Conveyor continuously moves the web to move individual RFID straps into and out of alignment with the test head. Controller causes the contact pins to move toward the web at a frequency that's greater than the frequency at which the conveyor moves consecutive RFID straps into alignment with the test head. Alternatively or additionally, the test head may have a mount formed of a compliant material that allows at least a portion of the test head to deflect while the contact pins are in contact with a continuously moving RFID strap, thereby maintaining contact between contact pins and strap.

Abstract: A print method in which carrying, cutting and printing of a continuous medium are performed according to print data includes a step of generating the print data that includes; a copy unit printing designation, a cut page number and a page number equalization designation; and a step of determining whether or not the page number equalization designation is included in the print data and whether or not a total number of print pages in printing the print data in the copy units is not a multiple of the cut page number, a step of inserting one or more of blank pages into the print data in order to make the total number of print pages, to which the blank pages are added, equal to the multiple of the cut page number when the page number equalization designation is included and the total number of print pages is not the multiple of the cut page number.

Abstract: A de-skewing mechanism for de-skewing a printing medium is disclosed. The printing medium is conveyed by a conveying mechanism in a first linear velocity. The de-skewing mechanism includes a first calibrating roller, a second calibrating roller and a first torque limiting member. The first calibration roller is utilized for conveying a first side of the printing medium in a second linear velocity greater than the first linear velocity, and the second calibrating roller is utilized for conveying a second side of the printing medium in the second linear velocity. The first torque limiting member is coupled to the first calibrating roller and is utilized for stopping driving the first calibrating roller when the first side of the printing medium reaches a predetermined tension, such that the second side of the printing medium is capable of proceeding relative to the first side, so as to be aligned with the first side.

Abstract: A variable tape feeder is provided. The variable tape feeder includes a frame having an accommodating section and a component feeding section on a transfer path that transfers a carrier tape having components packaged with a cover tape. Width adjusters for the transfer path, the accommodating section, and the component feeding section are installed respectively on the transfer path, accommodating section, and component feeding section to adjust widths thereof according to widths of the carrier tape, the accommodating section, and the component feeding section, respectively. Width sensors for the transfer path, the accommodating section, and the component feeding section detect widths adjustment of the transfer path, the accommodating section, and the component feeding section width adjusters, respectively. A controller outputs a response signal in response to signals detected by the respective sensors installed in the component feeding section and the accommodating section.

Abstract: A web processing assembly including first, second and third fixed spaced apart pairs of nip rollers moving the web respectively at a first, second and third speeds, the first and third speeds being constant and similar, the second speed being variable with a mean speed similar to the first and third speeds, a first idler roller engaging the web between the first and second pair of rollers and a second idler roller engaging the web between the second and third pair of rollers, each idler roller maintaining the web in constant tension by moving along a restrained path perpendicular to its axis to compensate for a difference between the variable second speed and the respective one of the constant first and third speeds. A method for processing a web and system for conveying a web are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method for axial correction in a processing machine (100), which has at least two driven transport axles (110, 115) for transporting and processing a product web (101), at least one non-driven or driven processing axle (111, 112, 113, 114), and at least one additional non-driven axle (102, 121, 122, 123, 124), wherein the product web (101) is divisible into at least one web-tensioning segment, a web-tensioning segment is delimited by two clamping points (110-115). The clamping points are embodied in the form of driven transport or processing axles. During a rotation speed change of a clamping point (110-115) a web-tensioning segment is delimited, a pilot control of this clamping point (110-115) delimiting the web-tensioning segment and/or of a processing axle (111-114) situated in this web-tensioning segment is carried out, taking into account a moment of inertia of a non-driven axle (102, 121-124) situated in this web-tensioning section, and a corresponding processing machine (100).

Abstract: In a tape feeder to feed electronic parts with a carrier tape, a lower support member 23 with magnet supporting the carrier tape from its lower side and stabilizing positions of the electronic parts contained in part pockets on the carrier tape by a magnetic force is constituted by a horizontal base 24 mounted on the frame member, an elongated leaf spring member 25 having an upward convex shape in a middle part thereof so as to be supported by the base 24 at opposite ends thereof, and a magnet member 26 attached on an upper face of the middle part of the leaf spring member 25. A fitting hole 24b to which the magnet member 26 can be fitted is formed in the base 24.

Abstract: In a tape feeder to feed electronic parts with a carrier tape, a lower support member 23 with magnet supporting the carrier tape from its lower side and stabilizing positions of the electronic parts contained in part pockets on the carrier tape by a magnetic force is constituted by a horizontal base 24 mounted on the frame member, an elongated leaf spring member 25 having an upward convex shape in a middle part thereof so as to be supported by the base 24 at opposite ends thereof, and a magnet member 26 attached on an upper face of the middle part of the leaf spring member 25. A fitting hole 24b to which the magnet member 26 can be fitted is formed in the base 24.

Abstract: An antijamming device for a printed ticket vending machine having an exit opening for exiting of a printed ticket and a control for controlling feeding of unprinted tickets to a printing mechanism for printing tickets, having a pathway through which printed tickets pass from the printing mechanism to the exit opening, and a sensor in the pathway for sensing when an occlusion occurs at the exit opening to prevent bunching of the printed tickets at the exit opening and stopping feeding of printed tickets to the exit opening.

Abstract: A configurable paper transport having a frame having at least one station for securing a non-driven paper web process device. The configurable paper transport defines a paper web path through the non-driven paper web process device, or devices. The configurable paper transport also contains a driver that moves a paper web along the paper web path. In a preferred configuration, the stations and associated non-driven paper web process devices have a universal receptacle permitting any non-driven paper process device, selected from a plurality of non-driven paper process devices, to be located in any station.

Abstract: A loading system is provided for loading an elongated strand of food product of given diameter on a moving transport conveyor. First and second loading conveyors are separated by a gap of dimension less than or equal to the diameter of the food product strand and convey the strand to a transfer ramp by an indexed drive.

Abstract: A method of dynamically controlling the tension of a moving web material. A web material is transported with an apparatus. A modulus-of-elasticity-analog value is determined for the web material. The modulus-of-elasticity-analog value is used to adjust an instantaneous gain of the web control system. The instantaneous gain is used in the control calculation of the control system. The control calculation is used to control the speed of a web handling drive. Controlling the speed of at least one appropriate web handling drive controls the tension of the web.

Abstract: The tension of a web in a rotary printing machine is monitored and adjusted. The web runs through at least one printing group in the rotary printing machine. Any change in the stretch of the web during the production run is determined by noting any difference between first and second speeds of the web. The change in stretch is compensated for by a change in the tension of the web before the first printing group.

Abstract: Disclosed is a registration system and a method useful for controlling and correcting the phase and position of simultaneously advancing webs having pre-printed objects spaced at a pitch length characterized by a pitch variation to a target web. Also disclosed are consumer products, such as disposable absorbent articles including the preprinted objects which were previously included in the webs phased before combining with a target web by utilizing the instant registration system. The pre-printed objects may include pre-printed, pre-bonded, pre-applied, pre-cut, or pre-glued objects or elements of disposable absorbent articles or registration marks produced on a separate independent process not control-linked to the instant registration method. The registration marks may be visible or normally invisible to the human eye.

Abstract: A tension is applied to a film-like printing body to be processed in each of steps such as a printing step, a parts mounting step and the like. Further the processed film-like printing body is automatically fed out by a predetermined stroke. A supply unit (1), a printing unit (2), parts mounting units (3, 4), a heating unit (5) and a take-up unit (6) are sequentially arranged. Tension apparatuses (7, 7) which apply a tension to the film-like printing body during a process and automatically feed out the processed film-like printing body are arranged between the respective units among the supply unit (1), the printing unit (2), the parts mounting units (3, 4) and the heating unit (5).

Abstract: A tension control device for a printing press having an adjustment roller, with a web of the press passing from a supply roll of the web to the adjustment roller. Means are provided for measuring the tension on opposed sides of the web passing downstream from the adjustment roller, and means are provided responsive to the measuring means for automatically approximately equalizing the tension of the web by adjustment of the adjustment roller on one end only of the adjustment roller.

Abstract: Disclosed is a registration system and a method useful for controlling and correcting the phase and position of simultaneously advancing webs having pre-printed objects spaced at a pitch length characterized by small but significant pitch variation to a target web. Also disclosed are consumer products, such as disposable absorbent articles including the preprinted objects which were previously included in the webs phased before combining with a target web by utilizing the instant registration system. The pre-printed objects may include pre-printed, pre-bonded, pre-applied, pre-cut, or pre-glued objects or elements of disposable absorbent articles or registration marks produced on a separate independent process not control-linked to the instant registration method. The registration marks may be visible or normally invisible to the human eye.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. One of the layers is elasticized and has a plurality of reference marks representing a plurality of separate and distinct components, and the other of the continuously moving layers has a respective plurality of components thereon. The process and apparatus controls the distance between reference marks to a selected distance, and controllably registers each reference mark to a respective component of the continuously moving second layer.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. One of the layers is an elastic film and has a plurality of reference marks representing a plurality of separate and distinct components, and the other of the continuously moving layers has a respective plurality of different components thereon. The process and apparatus controls the distance between reference marks to a selected distance, and controllably registers each reference mark to a respective component of the continuously moving second layer.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. One of the layers comprises a permanently settable material, and has a plurality of reference marks representing a plurality of separate and distinct components, and the other of the continuously moving layers has a respective plurality of different components thereon. The process and apparatus controls the distance between reference marks to a selected distance, and controllably registers each reference mark to a respective component of the continuously moving second layer.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. A continuously moving first layer has a plurality of components thereon, and a continuously moving second layer has a plurality of reference marks representing a respective plurality of components thereon. The process and apparatus control the distance between reference marks of the second layer to a selected distance, and controllably registers each reference mark of the second layer to a respective component of the continuously moving first layer.

Abstract: A continuous web substrate printing system which can utilize a single otherwise conventional or existing xerographic print engine (normally printing conventional cut sheet print substrates) having an endless photoreceptor belt with a belt seam requiring a section of that belt to be unimaged in each belt rotation, yet provide continuous directly abutting images on the printed web, to avoid paper scrap. A special simplex or duplex continuous web printing substrate supply module may be docked with the cut sheet print engine to form an integral web printing system. It has a web feeding and image transfer system for appropriately feeding the continuous web printing substrate uncut into the print engine for image transfers to one or both sides of the web from the imaging surface of the print engine.

Abstract: A cascaded loop controller is used to control register or repeat lengths and web tension on laminating machines where the inner control loop utilizes register-length sensors near the unwind end of the laminating machine to make rapid adjustments in web tension that are necessary immediately following a reel splice and an outer control loop that provides a remote register-length set-point to the inner loop based upon a desired repeat length as measured near the rewind end of the laminating machine.

Abstract: A process for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. One of the layers of material has a plurality of reference marks representing a plurality of separate and distinct components, and the other of the continuously moving layers has a respective plurality of different components thereon. The process controls the distance between reference marks to a selected distance, and controllably registers each reference mark to a respective component of the continuously moving second layer. An article is provided in which a graphic is controllably registered within a designated area thereof.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a laminate containing a metal foil strip and a plastic film strip, in which the two strips have stamped structures repeated at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction of the strips and are disposed at contiguous points in the laminate, a pre-stamped strip and the second strip being continuously joined together from one end.

Abstract: A length of web material is worked by a number of individual work units each of which performs a work function on the material to progressively achieve an end result, the work units being arranged serially along an X coordinate direction extending lengthwise of the web material and the web material being moved unidirectionally by each work unit. Accumulators are provided between adjacent ones of the work units and one or both of the work units located immediately on opposite sides of an accumulator are controlled in response to the amount of slack web material contained in the accumulator, as by stopping the feeding of the web material by the upstream one of the work units when the accumulated slack material exceeds a given amount and/or by stopping the feeding of the web material by the downstream one of the work units when the amount of accumulated material falls below a given amount.

Abstract: A printer comprises a convey roller for withdrawing continuous paper from a roll of the paper and conveying the paper along a predetermined convey path. The convey roller is rotated at a predetermined peripheral speed and conveys the paper with a first convey force. Four printing portions are provided sequentially along the convey path. Each of the printing portion has a printing head, and a platen roller which is brought into contact with the paper while opposing the printing head and conveys the paper with a second convey force. A sum of second convey forces of the platen rollers is set to be smaller than the first convey force. The platen rollers are rotated at peripheral speeds higher than that of the convey roller, and such that the peripheral speeds thereof are sequentially increased in an order of a platen roller adjacent to the convey roller toward a platen roller separated from the convey roller.

Abstract: A control device for on the fly printing machines, especially machines for franking envelopes, comprises a printing device comprising a rotary print head actuated by a first motor and carrying on a portion of its surface a printing active part. A conveyor device for conveying the envelopes is actuated by a second motor and feeds the envelopes into contact with the printing device at a given conveyor speed and evacuates franked envelopes. The rotation speed of the first motor is optimized so that the tangential speed of the print head is held equal to the conveyor speed during a printing phase corresponding to the period during which an envelope is in contact with the active printing part and as close as possible to the conveyor speed during a complementary catch-up phase. The conveyor speed is optimized so that the conveyor speed is as low as possible whilst preventing overlapping of envelopes arriving on the conveyor device.

Abstract: A sheet original conveying apparatus conveys a sheet original to a reading position where an image on the sheet original is read. The apparatus have a conveying device for intermittently conveying the sheet original so that images on the sheet original may be read while conveying the sheet original without stopping the sheet original on a platen, and control device for controlling the conveying device to convey the sheet original in such a manner that convey intervals for an initial several pages of the sheet original become greater than a normal convey interval for the remaining pages of the original sheet.

Abstract: A detection system includes a marking device for applying to a process medium a first chevron from a first printer, a second chevron from a second printer and a third chevron from both the first printer and the second printer, the third chevron having a first element applied from the first printer and a second element applied from the second printer. The detection system further includes a detection device for detecting a matrix of times including three pluralities of times, each of the three pluralities of times corresponding to a respective time of passage of the first, second and third chevrons by the detection device. The detection system further includes a determining device for determining the alignment error based on a function of the three pluralities of times. A control system includes a marking device for applying to a process medium a first chevron from a first printer, a second chevron from a second printer and a third chevron from both the first printer and the second printer.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder (ADF) for use with with a copier, laser printer or similar image recorder and capable of handling a computer form (CF) document in addition to ordinary documents in the form of sheets. The ADF is selectively operable in either one of two different document transport modes, i.e., it transports initial fives pages of a CF document at a speed per page which is lower than an ordinary speed. While the lower transport speed is selected, the operator has a sufficient time to determine in which direction the CF document neatly folds along the perforation intervening between the first and second pages.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for joining continuously moving materials which must be in registry by monitoring and comparing signals and making adjustments in the feed of the materials. The registry means includes a data cam in the form of a star wheel, with lobes and valleys corresponding to areas on a scrolled cylinder engaging discreet segments of one of the materials.

Abstract: Yarns are deposited on a conveyor belt in the form of random or ordered loops and are conducted through a yarn treating chamber. The treated yarn is drawn from the belt at a predetermined draw-off site. The position of the last yarn loop adjacent the draw-off site is scanned by a sensor, and the draw-off velocity is controlled as a function of deviations in the location of this last yarn loop. At the draw-off site a holding device is provided to press the looped yarn against the conveyor belt. During any interruptions of the drawing-off operation, the yarn will accumulate on the conveyor belt. The holding device and sensor are mounted to a slide which relocates the sensor and holding device downstream to a position in the vicinity of the last yarn loop so that the holding device will act on the yarn when the drawing-off operation is resumed. The holding device is then moved upstream along with the last yarn loop as the drawing-off operation proceeds.

Abstract: Servo methods and apparatus whereby unit-record documents are transported past a process-station according to one of several "velocity-profiles", depending upon document type and/or condition, the methods involving: using a microprocessor whereby the documents are transported past one or more process-stations according to one of several "velocity-profiles", depending upon document type and/or condition.The methods involve arranging the microprocessor to store at least two different velocity-profiles and to store prescribed characteristics of each contemplated document and deploying passage-sensors along the path in prescribed spaced-relation with the process stations, whereby a given velocity-profile is automatically selected, in real time, and on-the-fly, by the microprocessor for each said document transported.

Abstract: A relieved plastic floor tile rolling press having an automatic alignment device comprising a surface roller from which a surface substratum with plane patterns printed thereon is unwound, a pressing roller on which recessed carves shaped the same as the plane patterns are formed to form relieved patterns on the plastic tile, and a sensing device to detect the lateral deviation and also detect the longitudinal location of the surface substratum. The sensing device also comprises a sensor to detect the rotational location of the pressing roller. The information detected by the sensing device is then sent to microprocessors to adjust the lateral location of the surface substratum and eliminate the difference between the longitudinal location of the surface substratum and the rotational location of the pressing roller.

Abstract: A paper advance control for a progressive X,Y plotter with unidirectional paper movement senses the actual advancement of the paper and controls the drive to a take-up roll in such a way as to keep the speed of advancement constant over the major portion of its advancement. It also through the same sensor keeps informed of its actual paper position and stops the paper with accurate positioning at the end of an advancement, its stopping procedure including a pre-stop slow down of the paper speed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a plurality of connected continuous paper printing machines connected in series prevent difference in rotational speeds of the connected printing machines from causing the paper between the printing machines from piling up or tearing. Signal generators count the number of sheets of continuous paper entering each printing machine. The difference in the number of sheets entering each printing machine is calculated and compared to preset upper and lower limits. If an upstream printing machine turns faster than a downstream printing machine, slack will develop in the paper between the printing machines, and the difference between the sheets entering the upstream printing machine and sheets entering the downstream printing machine will be a (+) value. When a preset upper limit is reached, a controller will temporarily stop the upstream printing machine until the downstream printing machine takes up all the slack.

Abstract: Modular web processing units may be physically and electrically assembled into clusters to perform various web processes (e.g. the production of paper forms such as invoices, checks, labels, etc.). Each module has a main process driver which is not directly coupled to a web drive mechanism. Rather, the web drive is program controlled so as to effect the desired web process at controlled displacement intervals along the web. Accordingly, a plurality of successive but different form lengths or depths can be accommodated as the web surface is sequentially processed. A system of such modules can be physically wheeled into position as individual units and electrically connected together by suitable umbilical cords to rapidly configure a desired overall web finishing process. Nevertheless, the entire ensemble of modules performs as though it is a unitary special purpose web processing machine with its various process stations interconnected and synchronized by an electronic "drive shaft".

Abstract: Modular web processing units may be physically and electrically assembled into clusters to perform various web processes (e.g. the production of paper forms such as invoices, checks, labels, etc.). Each module has a main process driver which is not directly coupled to a web drive mechanism. Rather, the web driver is program controlled so as to effect the desired web process at controlled displacement intervals along the web. Accordingly, a plurality of successive but different form lengths or depths can be accommodated as the web surface is sequentially processed. A system of such modules can be physically wheeled into position as individual units and electrically connected together by suitable umbilical cords to rapidly configure a desired overall web finishing process. Nevertheless, the entire ensemble of modules performs as though it is a unitary special purpose web processing machine with its various process stations interconnected and synchronized by an electronic "drive shaft".

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the phasing of repeat length portions of a moving web to an operating machine along the web including method and apparatus for measuring instantaneous phasing error between web portions being operated on and the operating machine; method and apparatus for measuring repeat length error in web portions upstream of the operating station; method and apparatus for determining the total distance by which a web portion is out of phase with the operating machine before the web portion is operated on by the operating machine, method and apparatus for adjusting the movement of a web portion relative the movement of the operating machine during the last repeat length of web travel of the web portion before it is operated on by the operating machine; and method and apparatus for monitoring and correcting the phasing adjustment response.

Abstract: A method of generating a signal indicative of the passage of indicia on a moving web of material at a preselected reference station along the web without use of an indicia sensing device at the selected reference station comprising locating an indicia sensing device at a sensing station at a preselected distance of web travel upstream of the reference station; generating an indicia detection signal having sensing pulses coinciding with the passage of indicia at the sensing station; measuring the distance of web travel occurring after each sensing pulse in the indicia detection signal; generating an indicia reference signal having reference pulses coinciding with the passage of indicia at the selected reference station by providing a reference pulse corresponding to each sensing pulse and occurring thereafter at a point in time at which the measured distance of web travel after a corresponding sensing pulse is equal to the preselected distance of web travel between the sensing station and the preselected refer

Abstract: A laminating device for laminating a continuous web of paper material to a continuous web of film material for forming a continuous web of laminated composite material at a laminating nip. Apparatus for dividing the paper web into at least two segregated tension zones upstream of the laminating nip and for dividing the composite web into at least two segregated tension zones downstream of the laminating nip are described. Control systems for monitoring and maintaining the tension in each tension zone at different, preset values, are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying pressure sensitive labels to products on a product line peels the labels from a web of release paper and applies them to the products, when the latter are detected to be in a predetermined position, by action of a pneumatic applicator head. The head favorably includes an exhaust blower which vents to the atmosphere thereby keeping slitting dust out of the machinery cabinet, and is arranged to rock to an open, service position to expose compressed air hoses therewithin. These hoses are coupled to apertures in a base plate of the applicator head by venturi nozzles which serve to increase the pressure of compressed air pulses carried by the hoses for applying the labels to products. The web can be advanced over a peeling arrangement by a drive system including a drive roller powered by a two stage chain drive, with a clutch disposed between the two stages and a brake disposed directly with the drive roller.

Abstract: A web processing line comprises a plurality of web processing modules operatively interconnected by intermodule bus. Each web processing module comprises a tool, tool drive, tractors and tractor drive. Microprocessors receive parameters from a control panel. Web movement is coordinated with tool movement by the microprocessors for web operations in variable locations on variable lengths of web.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided whereby two superposed strips (26, 28) of documents are conveyed in a direction of conveyance (30) toward a downstream workstation. The strips (26, 28) are conveyed over one another in a direction of superposition whereby leading edges of documents of one strip alternate in sequence in the direction of conveyance (30) with the leading edges of documents in the other strip. A determination and control circuit (190) is provided to determine whether the leading edges of documents in one strip are tending to creep up on the leading edges of documents in the other strip due to differing speeds of motion of the two superposed strips. If a creeping condition is determined by the circuit (190), the circuit (190) energizes braking means (400) whereby the motion of at least one of the strips is at least temporarily retarded for rectifying the creeping condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding at a high speed a tape having a series of the same patterns and check marks printed thereon. The tape is to be divided into sections each bearing one printed pattern. The feeding apparatus comprises a pair of first and second cylindrical drums rotatable in tangential contact so as to pull the tape out of its roll by frictionally driving the tape therebetween. The first drum is mounted for free rotation on a first drive shaft and has a circumference slightly longer than the predetermined design length of one section cut from the tape. The second drum is mounted for free rotation on a second drive shaft and has a circumference slightly shorter than the predetermined length of one section. An electromagnetic clutch is provided between the first drum and the first drive shaft while a unidirectional clutch is provided between the second drum and the second drive shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the tension of a web during transport, such as a label-carrying web in a heat transfer labelling machine. The web travels from a supply reel, around a dancer roll and metering roll, through various other web handling devices to another dancer roll, and is collected at a rewind reel. Each dancer roll is linked to a clutch for the corresponding supply or takeup reel, so that each clutch exerts a braking torque determined by the web tension at its dancer roll. Each dancer roll is further linked to an air cylinder to provide a user-determined tension level. The carrier web includes pin holes which are engaged by a pin wheel rotatably mounted to the metering roll, so that the pin wheel swivels when subjected to web tension differentials. Swivelling of the pin wheel opens and closes a valve within the metering roll, thereby providing a variable vent for high pressure air supplied to the supply air cylinder.

Abstract: The apparatus is an improved web processor, which operates at a high web speed, and can achieve variable document lengths with only programmable changes. To achieve this result the web processor uses an improved tool and web drive control. The tool control insures that the tool contacts the web once per document length. The web drive control varies the web speed to mate with the tool during impact and then speed up or slows down the web to maintain a constant speed throughout the processing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use with machine processing equipment for processing a continuous moving web having markings representing repeat lengths applied thereto during a prior web pass through the machine. The apparatus insures registry of the web between passes through the machine as it is capable of varying web tension maintained downstream and upstream of a web draw mechanism in accordance with the changes in speed and elongation of the web prior to entering the machine.