Abstract: A web processing system which includes two rollers configured to rotate at the same phase while being in contact with a web which continuously exists along a movement passage and a suppressing mechanism for suppressing a tension variation of the web between the two rollers.

Abstract: A sensing device comprises a sensor housing defined in part by two or more outer planes, a light guide including one or more legs, where the light guide defined in part by a vertical plane, and the light guide is an indicator for the sensing device. The light guide extends along a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is disposed along at a first outer plane of the housing, the second portion is disposed along a second outer plane of the housing. The sensing device further includes a light source disposed adjacent to the light guide, and the light guide includes at least one slot therein. The light source is directed toward the slot, and a surface within the slot transmits light in multiple directions.

Abstract: A dancer roller apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a dancer roller; a drive motor; and a dancer roller position changing unit, wherein the dancer roller position changing unit is provided with a one way clutch which allows the dancer roller to move in a long object slack direction, and wherein the drive motor is caused to rotate in a direction such that the dancer roller moves the one way clutch in a long object stretching direction during conveying of a long object.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for controlling drive settings in a press for printing on a web of media. A drive is provided to receive the web from an upstream location and to transport the received web downstream of the drive at a controllable speed. The speed of the drive is sampled plural times while operating the drive in a tension control mode that varies the speed to maintain a desired tension in the web adjacent the drive. An optimal speed of the drive is calculated from the sampled speeds. The drive is operated in a constant velocity mode at the optimal speed during printing.

Abstract: In a device for supplying a printing substrate web to an internal transport path of the printing substrate web of a printing device, a device accepts the printing substrate web from the printing substrate web source. A drive unit is provided at an output of the device and draws the printing substrate web from the device. A buffer device having a buffer reservoir is provided at an output of the drive unit. The buffer reservoir has a negative pressure device that generates a negative pressure in a buffer reservoir. The negative pressure acts on the printing substrate web to pull the printing substrate web drawn by the drive unit into the buffer reservoir and thereby tensions the printing substrate web before it is supplied to the internal transport path.

Abstract: A conveyance device including an upstream roller that supplies a sheet medium to be processed to a conveyance path; a downstream roller that conveys the supplied medium to a processing position; and a control unit that, in order to convey the sheet medium at a constant speed, controls driving the upstream roller and the downstream roller using the constant speed as a target speed. The control unit changes the target speed of the upstream roller to eliminate a conveyance difference, which is the difference between the length of media conveyed by the upstream roller and the length of media conveyed by the downstream roller from the start of the conveyance operation, based on the conveyance difference in each conveyance operation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for controlling drive settings in a press for printing on a web of media. A drive is provided to receive the web from an upstream location and to transport the received web downstream of the drive at a controllable speed. The speed of the drive is sampled plural times while operating the drive in a tension control mode that varies the speed to maintain a desired tension in the web adjacent the drive. An optimal speed of the drive is calculated from the sampled speeds. The drive is operated in a constant velocity mode at the optimal speed during printing.

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: A method for regulating a web tension of a continuous materials which is moving using a transport device with a web-tension controller, includes determining controller characteristic parameters, and using for the determining of controller characteristic parameters a characteristic which is specifiable as a function and/or at several support points.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling web tension in a web printing press having a plurality of sets of deformable nip rollers, each set driven by a separate driver, the web passing sequentially through each set of deformable nip rollers and forming a web segment therebetween. The driver of a downstream set of deformable nip rollers is adjusted to set the tension of a first web segment and a controller adjusts a first characteristic of the driver of the upstream set of deformable nip rollers to maintain the tension of a second web segment constant. Alternatively, a sensor measures a second characteristic of the second web segment and the controller adjusts the first characteristic of the driver of the upstream set of deformable nip rollers based on the measurement from the sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for buffering of a web feed system using feedback based on the amount, or extent, of loop of the web within a buffering module. The extent of the loop is measured optically. An opaque extensor is inserted within the loop to mark the extent of the loop so as to enable the optical sensor to work accurately even if the web is transparent.

Abstract: The transport apparatus has a device for determining the transport speed of a tape-type medium. A linear array sensor is provided, which extends along the transport direction. Furthermore, means are provided in order to image a region of the medium onto the linear array sensor. A signal processing circuit connected to the linear array sensor determines the transport speed of the medium from the output signals of the linear array sensor.

Abstract: In a method for the axle correction of a processing machine which includes—in order to convey and process a continuous material—at least two driven conveyance axles, at least one non-driven or driven processing axle, and at least one further non-driven axle, while the rotational speed of a driven axle is being changed, a precontrol of this axle and/or a processing axle is carried out with consideration for the elasticity module of the web material, and with consideration for a rotational inertia of at least one non-driven axle, the elasticity module of the material which comprises the continuous material being determined automatically; and a related processing machine is provided.

Abstract: A method for controlling a calendering system having a first roll and a second roll is disclosed. The first roll has a first roll torque controller and a first roll speed controller. An exemplary method comprises the steps of: (a) setting said first roll at a desired process speed with said first roll speed controller; (b) determining a target torque of said first roll; (c) contactingly engaging said first and second rolls; (d) measuring an actual torque of said first roll; (e) comparing said target torque and said actual torque; and, (f) adjusting a speed of said first roll with said first roll torque controller to maintain said target torque of said first roll according to said comparison of said target torque and said actual torque.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a conveyance mechanism for conveying a web to a transfer unit, and a tension generating mechanism for applying a tension to the web fed to the conveyance mechanism, wherein the tension generating mechanism includes a tension generating roller for changing the tension to be applied to the web in accordance with the rotational position, a tension guide that is rotated in accordance with the magnitude of tension generated by the roller, a first sensor for sensing the rotational position of the tension guide, a second sensor for sensing the rotational position of the tension generating roller, and a driver for controlling the rotation of the motor in accordance with the outputs of the first and second sensors.

Abstract: A control arrangement decoupled two driven inputs for driven belt web accumulators using gear trains, gear trains with torque feed-forward control or gear trains with toque feed-forward control and velocity feedback control.

Abstract: Supply device for supplying rubber material (11) to a cutting device (3). In the direction away from the cutting device the supply device contains a supplying table (3) having a supplying mechanism (4), an unwinding trestle (7) containing a stock of rubber material, a space between the unwinding trestle (7) and the supplying table (3), which space is suitable for taking up a loop of rubber material forming a stock buffer. Between the unwinding trestle (7) and the supplying table (3), preferably at a distance above the supplying table, a first conveyor (5) having a drive is placed. Preferably at a distance above the unwinding trestle a second conveyor (8) having a drive is placed, in which the space for taking up the loop of rubber material is formed between the second (8) and the first (5) conveyor.

Abstract: A tension device is utilized for equalizing, or at least reducing differentials in tension across strands in a web. The device utilizes an overfeed roll which rotates faster than the speed of feeding the web. Strands at the desired tension, or less, slip about the exterior surface of the overfeed roll. Strands which are greater than the desired tension have sufficient friction to be rotated, at least temporarily, by the overfeed roll to thereby create slack in the higher tension strands to equalize the tension relative to the other strands. Feedback from feed rolls, support rolls, and/or the overfeed roll may be utilized to adjust the speed of the overfeed roll.

Abstract: The circumferential register of a web passing through printing units of a web-fed rotary press is accomplished by determining an actual value of the tension in the web. An angular position or an angular velocity of a cylinder of a first print unit, with respect to a cylinder of a second print unit, is varied based on this determined tension. This corrects any register offset without the need to control web tension and without the use of an optical recognition system. The value of the needed change for the cylinder angular position or velocity is determined as a function of the measured tension of the web.

Abstract: A friction drive apparatus includes an edge detection system for determining a lateral position of a strip material advancing in a longitudinal direction. The edge detection system includes a first sensor and a second sensor for monitoring the lateral position of the strip material. The friction drive apparatus also includes instructions for automatically aligning the strip material as the strip material is advanced a predetermined aligning distance and instructions for calibrating the second sensor with respect to the first sensor to compensate for any potential discrepancies therebetween. The apparatus and methods of the present invention ensure that the strip material is properly aligned in the friction drive apparatus and limit waste of strip material during those operations.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing web that is free of tractor pin feed holes comprises the driving of the web along a predetermined path within the utilization device. A web guide is provided in an upstream location from a utilization device element. The guide engages width-wise edges of the web and forms the web into a trough to stiffen the web. A drive roller and a follower roller impinge upon opposing sides of the web and rotate to drive the web through the guide. The drive roller is located adjacent to the guide according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element. The controller includes a drive controller that controls the speed of either the drive roller or the utilization device element to maintain the web and the utilization device element in appropriate synchronization.

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

Abstract: A method for dynamically controlling a driver of a nip roller in a web printing press includes controlling the speed of the driver in a tension-control mode during a phase of printing press operation and in a velocity-control mode during another phase of printing press operation. The controlling of the speed of the driver in the tension-control mode is based on the tension in the web upstream of the nip roller so as to maintain the tension at a desired tension value. The controlling of the speed of the driver in the velocity-control mode is based on a predetermined driver velocity ratio for maintaining the web tension. The tension-control mode may be employed during press start-up as the web accelerates to operating speed. The velocity-control mode may be used during printing operations of the press.

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

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing web that is free of tractor pin feed holes comprises the driving of the web along a predetermined path within the utilization device. A web guide is provided in an upstream location from a utilization device element. The guide engages width-wise edges of the web and forms the web into a trough to stiffen the web. A drive roller and a follower roller impinge upon opposing sides of the web and rotate to drive the web through the guide. The drive roller is located adjacent to the guide according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element. The controller includes a drive controller that controls the speed of either the drive roller or the utilization device element to maintain the web and the utilization device element in appropriate synchronization.

Abstract: A method for dynamically controlling a driver of a nip roller in a web printing press includes controlling the speed of the driver in a tension-control mode during a phase of printing press operation and in a velocity-control mode during another phase of printing press operation. The controlling of the speed of the driver in the tension-control mode is based on the tension in the web upstream of the nip roller so as to maintain the tension at a desired tension value. The controlling of the speed of the driver in the velocity-control mode is based on a predetermined driver velocity ratio for maintaining the web tension. The tension-control mode may be employed during press start-up as the web accelerates to operating speed. The velocity-control mode may be used during printing operations of the press.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a tension transducer for a web includes a pair of nip rollers and a motor for driving at least one of the pair of nip rollers, the motor having at least one roller output being a function of at least one of a motor torque and a motor velocity. A web tension transducer roll is located upstream of the nip rollers, the web tension transducer having a tension output being a function of the actual web tension of the web. A processor receives the at least one roller output and the tension output, the processor calculating a tension correction value as a function of the at least one roller output and the tension output.

Abstract: A method and device to control a paper drive mechanism of an electrographic printer or copier by friction feed. Optical markings are provided on the recording medium, and a sensor scans an area of the recording medium for the optical marking during transport of the recording medium. An evaluation device evaluates the signals from the sensor for two successive markings corresponding to page length. High speed conveyance of the recording medium is controlled according to page length identified by the evaluation device.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for handling and texturing yarn are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a yarn supply positioned to supply a plurality of strands of yarn, a false twister positioned downstream from the yarn supply for imparting a false twist to the plurality of strands of yarn, a yarn undulation former positioned downstream from the false twister for forming undulations in each of the plurality of strands of yarn, and a conveyor positioned to receive the plurality of yarn strands having undulations formed therein and for conveying the undulated strands of yarn downstream.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing web that is free of tractor pin feed holes comprises the driving of the web along a predetermined path within the utilization device. A web guide is provided in an upstream location from a utilization device element. The guide engages width-wise edges of the web and forms the web into a trough to stiffen the web. A drive roller and a follower roller impinge upon opposing sides of the web and rotate to drive the web through the guide. The drive roller is located adjacent to the guide according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element. The controller includes a drive controller that controls the speed of either the drive roller or the utilization device element to maintain the web and the utilization device element in appropriate synchronization.

Abstract: In a rotary press, a traveling amount of a paper web is controlled by an infeed system including infeed rolls which feed the paper web to a subsequent stage for an operation such as a printing process. The infeed system of the rotary press includes a traveling amount measuring device disposed on a traveling line of the paper web fed by the infeed rolls for measuring the traveling amount of the paper web in a tension free state and for generating a signal representing the measured result, and a traveling amount controlling device for controlling the traveling amount of the paper web fed by the infeed rolls in response to the signal from the traveling amount measuring device.

Abstract: A duplex printer has drive motors for driving transfer surfaces carrying toner particle images to transfer stations at which the images are transferred to opposed faces of a substrate web. A web drive motor drives the substrate web through the transfer stations. Sensors sense movement of the transfer surfaces and a control device controls the drive motors in response to signals received from the sensors. Thereby desired registration between the first and second images at a desired location on the substrate web is ensured.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing web that is free of tractor pin feed holes comprises the driving of the web along a predetermined path within the utilization device. A web guide is provided in an upstream location from a utilization device element. The guide engages width-wise edges of the web and forms the web into a trough to stiffen the web. A drive roller and a follower roller impinge upon opposing sides of the web and rotate to drive the web through the guide. The drive roller is located adjacent to the guide according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element. The controller includes a drive controller that controls the speed of either the drive roller or the utilization device element to maintain the web and the utilization device element in appropriate synchronization.

Abstract: A friction drive apparatus includes an edge detection system for determining a lateral position of a strip material advancing in a longitudinal direction. The edge detection system includes a first sensor and a second sensor for monitoring the lateral position of the strip material. The friction drive apparatus also includes instructions for automatically aligning the strip material as the strip material is advanced a predetermined aligning distance and instructions for calibrating the second sensor with respect to the first sensor to compensate for any potential discrepancies therebetween. The apparatus and methods of the present invention ensure that the strip material is properly aligned in the friction drive apparatus and limit waste of strip material during those operations.

Abstract: An arrangement for delivering a web of material from a storage reel to a process line for manufacturing absorbent disposable articles. The arrangement includes a web tension control unit for holding a predetermined value of tension in the web of material passing through the control unit for delivery to the process line. The control unit is placed in immediate proximity to the process line.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for storing of a textile material between operating components of spinning mill machines, wherein a first driving device drives an operating component which delivers the material into a storage facility and a second driving device drives another operating component which removes the material from the storage facility. One of the operating components is a high-dynamically reacting component, and the other operating component is a low-dynamically reacting component. The purpose of the invention is to minimize the size of the storage facility and to simultaneously reduce the amount of stored material. This is accomplished in that the quantity of delivered and removed material at any given time is continually measured and a running difference between the two quantities is determined. Dependent upon either a positive or a negative difference from standard, the RPM of the motor (M1) of the driving device for the low-dynamically reacting component (AO1) is controllably adjusted.

Abstract: A friction drive apparatus for feeding strip material in a longitudinal direction includes a first friction wheel and a second friction wheel rotated by a first motor drive and a second motor drive, respectively. The friction drive apparatus also includes a sensor disposed behind the friction wheels with respect to the motion of the strip material to detect a lateral or skewing error and a motion processor that drives the first and the second motor drives independently at different speeds to correct the lateral or skewing error of the strip material. The friction drive apparatus also detects a longitudinal error of the strip material by tracking an actual position of the strip material and comparing it to the commanded position to correct the error. If there is a discrepancy between the actual position and the commanded position of the strip material, the rotational speed of each friction wheel is either decreased or increased to correct any longitudinal creep or slippage, respectively, of the strip material.

Abstract: A method of controlling the drive of the electric pretensioning unit of rotary printing machines having individually driven rotary printing cylinders and folders is specified, so that, in the event of changes being made to the paper grade or to the production sequence without the machine being stopped, only slight web tension changes occur, and the operating limits with regard to web tension are reliably maintained. This method is equally well suited to rotary printing machines having individually driven printing units or printing bridges and folders and to conventional printing machines that are driven by mechanical shafts via couplings.

Abstract: A roll machine is provided. A plurality of rolls are disposed in a stack to define a plurality of nips therebetween adapted to treat a material web. At least two of the plurality of rolls are driven rolls. A drive control commonly controls the driven rolls. The drive control varies a driving torque distribution of the driven rolls over time. A method for operating the above roll machine is also provided, where the method includes changing a driving torque distribution of said driven rolls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented for stabilizing a free loop of web material between two web handling devices. The present invention employs fans or other forced air sources, directed toward the inner surface of the free loop, to maintain a stable free loop shape, thereby permitting simplified web handling and more accurate control of the web feeding or web take-up rate.

Abstract: The inertial drag of idler rollers in a web-offset press with independently driven drive rollers is compensated by successively advancing downstream rollers during speed changes. This prevents low-tension conditions on the web and subsequent web breaks. Compensation is made for inertial coupling to the idler rollers through the web. Tension control is utilized to stabilize web position during startups and splices.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing web that is free of tractor pin feed holes comprises the driving of the web along a predetermined path within the utilization device. A web guide is provided in an upstream location from a utilization device element. The guide engages width-wise edges of the web and forms the web into a trough to stiffen the web. A drive roller and a follower roller impinge upon opposing sides of the web and rotate to drive the web through the guide. The drive roller is located adjacent to the guide according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element. The controller includes a drive controller that controls the speed of either the drive roller or the utilization device element to maintain the web and the utilization device element in appropriate synchronization.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a continuous pinless web that is free of tractor pin feed holes within a utilization device that is originally adapted to feed web having tractor pin feed hole strips along its widthwise edges is provided. The utilization device can comprise an IBM high-volume laser printer having an image transfer drum synchronized to a pair of tractor pin feed drive units. A drive roller is operatively connected to the lower pin feed unit according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element using a differential and a separate registration motor. The image transfer drum and drive roller are each synchronized to a central drive motor that generates pulses via an encoder. The pulses track the movement of the image transfer drum. A mark sensor reads marks on the web to synchronize actual movement of the web with the image transfer drum using the registration motor.

Abstract: A turn bar apparatus is incorporated in a rotary press for reversing a web position during running thereof. The turn bar apparatus includes an upstream side turn bar, and a downstream side turn bar disposed along a web running direction. Pull rollers are disposed on an upstream side and a downstream side of the upstream side and downstream side turn bars, respectively. The puller rollers are controlled in such a manner that the peripheral speeds of the pull rollers are faster than a running speed of the web.

Abstract: An unwind machine has three tension free loops between the paper roll that is unwinding and the utilization device that must be fed paper at a rate that varies widely. One loop is conventionally controlled, and the other loops act in sequence to accommodate progressively larger ranges of web speed at the utilization device while maintaining rotational speed changes at the paper roll within reasonable limits.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing web that is free of tractor pin feed holes comprises the driving of the web along a predetermined path within the utilization device. A web guide is provided in an upstream location from a utilization device element. The guide engages width-wise edges of the web and forms the web into a trough to stiffen the web. A drive roller and a follower roller impinge upon opposing sides of the web and rotate to drive the web through the guide. The drive roller is located adjacent to the guide according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element. The controller includes a drive controller that controls the speed of either the drive roller or the utilization device element to maintain the web and the utilization device element in appropriate synchronization.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing web that is free of tractor pin feed holes comprises the driving of the web along a predetermined path within the utilization device. A web guide is provided in an upstream location from a utilization device element. The guide engages width-wise edges of the web and forms the web into a trough to stiffen the web. A drive roller and a follower roller impinge upon opposing sides of the web and rotate to drive the web through the guide. The drive roller is located adjacent to the guide according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element. The controller includes a drive controller that controls the speed of either the drive roller or the utilization device element to maintain the web and the utilization device element in appropriate synchronization.

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

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for controlling the motion of a machine system so as to cut individual lengths from a web having graphics on predetermined web positions and which allows the use of an inexpensive AC induction motor. An AC induction motor has an output power shaft for imparting the motive force necessary to drive the machine system, such as a web feeding system. A sensor is operatively coupled to the AC motor for determining the position of the motor during system operation. A controller is operatively connected to the sensor and motor and forms a closed loop control circuit. The controller changes the feedback loop characteristics of the closed loop control circuit during a stop, hold or start condition of the motor. By adding an externally generated compensating signal to the input of the feedback loop, the controller also minimizes acceleration error.

Abstract: A tension control device (50) for a printing press (10) having an adjustment roller (52), a device (64 and 66) for measuring the tension on opposed sides of a web (14) passing downstream from the adjustment roller (52), and a device (82) responsive to the measuring device (64 and 66) for automatically approximately equalizing the tension of the web (14) on the adjustment roller (52) on opposed sides of the adjustment roller (52).