Abstract: A paper web carrying apparatus is provided which combines a decurling apparatus, an edge sensing and compensating apparatus, a tension sensing apparatus and a slack edge compensation apparatus onto a single pivoting frame to increase the accuracy and lower the cost of directing paper web to a high speed sheeter. All of the components are either carried on the roller supporting pivot frame or an abutting support bracket.

Abstract: A splice detection apparatus which operates directly upon the solenoid which is conventionally used to bring the pinch roller into contact with the capstan of a recording/playback unit, eliminating the need for separate levering mechanisms, to detect changes in thickness between spliced and unspliced portions of a tape. Such differences are monitored directly at the solenoid, resulting movement of the plunger of the solenoid developing a change in voltage which is detected by appropriate electronic circuitry to develop a signal which indicates passage of the splice, and appropriately discontinues transport of the tape.

Abstract: An automatic tape tracking system for magnetic recorder/players which samples tape position and adjusts a number of active guide rollers to maintain the tape along a predetermined track. The present system uses only perfectly cylindrical rollers and requires no edge guiding. The guide rollers are adjustable in height and to change the direction of their axes. Both adjustments are effected with the use of linear stepper motors. The tape position is monitored at various locations throughout the recorder/player by cameras which monitor the position of the edge of the tape. Output signals from the cameras are fed to a microprocessor which controls the stepper motors. Height adjustments are made to instantaneously correct tape position and tilt adjustments are made to allow the guide rollers to remain, in height, in a neutral zone.

Abstract: A tape guide mechanism includes an edge-guide element extending radially from a central axis. A tape guide roller, rotatable about the central axis, is arranged for urging an advancing magnetic tape laterally in the direction of the edge-guide element, to maintain an edge of the tape perpendicular to and in continuous contact with the edge-guide element during tape transport movement. A piezoelectric actuator, preferably comprising a stack of flexing type bimorph elements responsive to a voltage signal relating to the direction and magnitude of a tape-tracking error, causes movement of the edge-guide element in a single composite direction having a first component which is perpendicular to the edge of the tape, and a second component, which is parallel to the tape edge.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the alignment, in a lateral (cross-track) direction, of a web moving along a path to minimize lateral deviation between successive discrete areas of such web. The apparatus includes a steering roller for supporting the web for movement along such path. The steering roller is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the span of the web approaching the steering roller. As the web moves along the path, the lateral position of a marginal edge of the web relative to a reference plane is sensed. When such lateral edge position is at either of two spaced predetermined locations relative to such reference plane, signals indicative of the presence of such edge at such locations are produced.

Abstract: A tension measuring apparatus measures the tension in a tow band being advanced under tension. The apparatus includes a sensing roll which is carried by a pair of torsion bars which carry strain gages. The apparatus occupies little space while defining relatively long moment arms for the torsion bars, so as to be highly sensitive, yet compact in design. The sensing roll can be swung between operative and inoperative positions.

Abstract: A tape tension sensor unit comprised of a light source; a light detector; a rotating arm member having disposed thereon a plurality of reflecting surfaces. When the tape is in a non-tensioned state, gravity rotates the arm to a downward position such that an incident light beam is reflected by a plurality of surfaces to the light detecting source, such that when that tape is in a tensioned condition, the tape rotates the arm to an upward position, causing the reflected light to be misaligned and not be incident on the detector. The appropriate logic circuit is connected to the light sensor such that the condition of a tape is sensed and the appropriate command for the tape drives motors is given.

Abstract: Checking device for protecting against faults arising from a paper wind-up in a rotary printing machine having a printing unit with a blanket cylinder and a printing-unit protecting grid, the checking device including at least one control device disposed in stationary relationship with respect to and adjacent the blanket cylinder and upstream in travel direction of paper through the printing machine, of a location at which the paper wind-up is produced and including a photoelectric sensor formed as a contrast measurement detector for scanning the blanket of the blanket cylinder and generating a signal when a print product is present, the sensor being mounted on the protecting grid at a lower region thereof and being foldable away together with the protecting grid.

Abstract: A paper feed apparatus for line printer means for the transport of single-ply and multi-ply paper contains a paper levelling gap in the ingress region of the paper guidance channel. The paper levelling gap consists of a stationary part and of a slide capable of excursion relative to said stationary part, with said slide communicating with a sensing means. Given transgression of a prescribed slot width due to buckling of the multi-ply paper, the paper feed is interrupted via the sensing means and a warning light is actuated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method 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 the leading edges of documents of one strip alternate in sequence in the direction of conveyance with the leading edges of documents in the other strip. A determination and control (190) circuit determines 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 strips. If a creeping condition is determined, the circuit (190) energizes brake (400) whereby the motion of at least one of the strips is at least temporarily retarded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transferring a print design under action of heat from a carrier band (20) onto an object (24), in which the carrier band (20) is transported from a tape dispensing roll (1) past a scanning arrangement (5) and a preheating arrangement (6) by a drive roller (9) driven by a band drive motor (10) through a transfer zone to a band take-up reel (12). The object, in each case, to be provided with the print design is conveyed by a transport device (18) provided with holding members, a surface of the object receiving the print design as it passes into the transfer zone.The particular print design is transferred under pressure and heat from the moved carrier band (20) onto the moving surface of the object (24).

Abstract: A device is provided for aligning elongated tubes to be cut into tube sections with a saw blade for cutting the tubes, wherein elongated tubes are provided with cutouts spaced from each other at equal intervals and defining raster marks at which tubes are to be cut into tube sections, the aligning device including a plurality of scanning fingers mounted in contact with the elongated tube to be cut into tube sections and spaced from each other along the elongation of the tube a distance substantially smaller than the interval between adjacent cutouts on the tube. A drive device for rotation and axial displacement of each tube is provided. At least one of the scanning fingers is engageable in one of the cutouts upon the rotation and axial displacement of the tube so that the distance between the saw and the cutout can be determined and the tube can be accurately aligned with the saw.

Abstract: A web loop control system has first and second roller stations and a web loop disposed therebetween. A dancer arm is biased into engagement with the web loop to maintain tension therein. An optical code disk is secured for rotation with the dancer arm and an optical sensing means cooperates with the code disk to generate dancer arm position information which is relayed to the motor control system to maintain a desired web loop length during both drive and stop modes. The invention as applied to a printer for serialized forms utilizes the dancer arm code disc/optical sensing means combination to insure that a between-forms perforation is present at the fuser roller nip when the system is at rest. The serialized form printing system also provides for controlled acceleration and deceleration between operating speed and a dead stop within 3/8 inch of form length. Acceleration and deceleration are closely controlled to prevent jarring or excessive acceleration of the web loop.

Abstract: Refolder for a fan-folded web which automatically adjusts the height of the area in which refolding takes place to accommodate different speeds of movement and volume of fan-folded paper.

Abstract: A plurality of photo sensitive devices arranged in vertical orientation monitors the sag of a loop of optical fiber extending between a feed capstan and a take-up spool. Each detector is connected to a respective switching circuit which, when activated by the presence of the fiber adjacent to its associated detector, generates a unique voltage. The switching circuits are connected to a motor control circuit by a sample and hold circuit which supplies to the motor control circuit a voltage proportional to the voltage generated by the most recently activated switching circuit. The speed of the motor driving the take-up spool is thus adjusted to cause the fiber catenary to return to a predetermined position.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for maintaining and delivering a slack reserve length of lead wire between a spool or other source and the wire bonding tool of a lead wire bonding machine. A slack chamber or wind chamber comprised of a housing enclosure, an inlet guide on one side for guiding lead wire into the slack chamber from a spool, an outlet guide on the other side for guiding lead wire out of the slack chamber towards the wire bonding tool maintains the reserve length of lead wire in untangled condition. A source of pressurized dry air or other gas directs a gaseous flow into the slack chamber so that the lead wire is maintained suspended in the gaseous flow in an offset configuration. Wire sensors are operatively positioned in the slack chamber for sensing the offset of lead wire in the wind stream. The wire sensors are coupled to sensor and control logic for controlling the delivery and feeding of lead wire from a spool into the slack chamber.

Abstract: A document feeding method and apparatus for frictionally (non-sprocket) feeding computer forms web having sprocket holes to the imaging station of a copier for copying, compatible with individual document sheet feeding. After automatically determining that a computer forms web rather than an individual document sheet is being frictionally fed to the imaging station the computer forms web is automatically frictionally fed incrementally in selected incremental lengths and registered to the imaging station with a controllable frictional servo-drive system without engaging the sprocket holes. A system is provided for sensing and accumulating first signals corresponding to the movement of the controllable frictional drive system, and for sensing and accumulating second signals corresponding to the number and position of sprocket holes in the computer forms web being so frictionally fed, including a system of validating sensed holes as being sprocket holes by validating hole dimensions and positions.

Abstract: An improved optical scanner has a light source and a focusing element to direct the light to a region of an adjacent moving web. The sensor also includes a second focusing element to focus the reflected light onto a slit having a selected orientation. Electronic elements sense the light passing through the slit and generate an output control signal.

Abstract: A paper feed device for the printer of an electronic calculator or the like, has a paper detector which comprises a light-emitting diode and a phototransistor having registered optical axes. If a paper sheet is not detected when a paper feed key or the like is depressed, the paper sheet feed operation continues, even after the paper feed key is released, until the paper detector detects the paper sheet. Operability of paper feed is improved. The rest position in the printer of the leading edge of the paper sheet is determined by the position of the paper detector to thereby determine a constant printing position for the paper.

Abstract: A device for indicating the triggering of a signal transducer in, for example, thread surveillance and monitoring systems.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting a twisted pair (21) of conductors includes contact means (60) in the form of a generally semi-circular rocker. One diametrical end portion of the rocker rides on portions of the twisted pair of conductors as they are advanced over a sheave (34). The opposite diametrical end portion of the rocker is caused to be supported in alignment with a sensor (81). Should one of the conductors be missing, perhaps because of a break or equipment malfunction, the rocker is no longer caused to be maintained in a position such that the opposite end portion is aligned with the sensor. This causes the sensor to provide a signal indication of a break and because of its changed position to provide a visual indication to an operator.

Abstract: A stop mechanism operative to stop a sprial lacing wire if the lacing wire encounters an obstacle as it is being wound in lacing fashion about juxtaposed end loops of coil springs in two adjacent coil spring rows, and after the lacing wire has completely laced together those two spring rows. A sensor functions to sense when the spiral lacing wire encounters an obstacle in its lacing path, the sensor incorporating a proximity switch that cooperates with a bowed guide element. The bowed guide element induces the lacing wire to pop out or bow away from the switch when the obstacle is encountered, activation of the switch causing the lacing wire to stop at once in its lacing path. A clamp device cooperates with a feeder switch to clamp the unlaced spiral lacing wire between its jaws when the feeder switch is activated by the lacing wire's lead end after the lacing wire has traversed the entire length of the adjacent rows.

Abstract: A centrifugal switch assembly protected from moisture and dust mounted adjustably beneath the top run of a conveyor belt adapted to be driven by the top run and secured to cable supports provided along side the opposite edges of the belt so that the switch assembly is completely beneath the top run for operating and protective purposes.

Abstract: A catenary-like section of traveling web material hanging between a support point and a stepping motor-driven reel rotating to collect or dispense the material is maintained by regulating the stepping motor rate of rotation in accordance with a control signal output of an ultrasonic transducer operating in the pulse/echo mode to continuously monitor the distance between the low point of the catenary-like section and the transducer. A microcomputer connected between the transducer and the motor accelerates and decelerates the rate of stepping motor rotation in accordance with a predetermined program to maintain the catenary section during changes in the distance between the section low point and the transducer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (32) is provided for crushing a portion of a corrugated sheet (10) in an area (20, 22) extending transversely to the corrugations in the sheet without blocking the passages (14) between the crowns (12) of the uncrushed portions of the corrugated sheet (10). In accordance with the method, spacing members (58-66 and 78-88) are inserted into each of the passages (14) on either side of a ridge (12) to be crushed, and the ridge (12) between the spacing members (58-66 and 78-88) is crushed before the spacing members (58-66 and 78-88) are withdrawn. The apparatus for crushing the sheet (10) includes opposed die members (34, 36), each having a plurality of blades (58-66 and 78-88) spaced by slots (68-76 and 90-98). The slots (68-76 and 90-98) in each die member (34, 36) progressively decrease in depth and are positioned to receive the blades (58-66 and 78-88) of the opposed die member.

Abstract: A force rate sensor for providing a signal proportional to the time rate of hange of an applied force.

Abstract: To cut a strip of metal into exact lengths, rollers are brought into contact with the strip and turned by an accurate motor until a pin can be mechanically inserted into a hole in the strip to effect final alignment. If the pin does not successfully enter the hole, a detector halts the system.

Abstract: A camera capable of functioning in accordance with informations received from a roll of film, and is provided with circuitry for generating first and second electric signals each changing in response to respective passages of the sprocket holes with a time lag provided between the changes in the first and second electric signals, with the sprocket hole signal indicative of the passage of sprocket holes being formed in response to the first and second electric signa

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: A label carrier web transport for use in heat transfer decorators and the like, in which labels are optically registered to control web transport. A timing assembly coordinates the rotation of a cam shaft with the actuation and deactuation of clutch and brake assemblies within a metering roll. An optical scanner trained on the web registers a predetermined contrast location to actuate the brake and deactuate the clutch, subject to the presence of an enabling signal from the timing assembly. The metering roll, in combination with a reciprocating label shuttle, provides intermittent web motion to achieve controlled label advance. An alternative label transport system incorporates a capstan web drive in lieu of the metering roll, with a microprocessor to control various machine functions including intermittent web transport.

Abstract: A label carrier web transport for use in heat transfer decorators and the like, in which labels are optically registered to control web transport. A timing assembly coordinates the rotation of a cam shaft with the actuation and deactuation of clutch and brake assemblies within a metering roll. An optical scanner trained on the web registers a predetermined contrast location to actuate the brake and deactuate the clutch, subject to the presence of an enabling signal from the timing assembly. The metering roll, in combination with a reciprocating label shuttle, provides intermittent web motion to achieve controlled label advance.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting the continuous washing of printed and dye-fixed, web-shaped textile material, including woven or knitted fabrics, includes a series of textile processing units arranged along a production line. These units include a dwell bath having a conveying means arranged underneath the bath level for textile material deposited in folds, a textile material moistening zone in front of dwell bath, a dewatering means, at least one sieve drum washing bath and a subsequently positioned squeeze means for removing washing liquid from the textile material.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for guiding a corrugated fibreboard web in which the edges of a running web are detected and followed by a pair of sensors and a pair of web guides are controlled to move according to the width of the web to positions at an equal distance from a certain reference line, e.g. the machine center.

Abstract: There is disclosed web feeding apparatus and method for feeding a web from a web roll to a utilization device. The paying out of the web from the web roll into a U-shaped buffer loop is assisted by a pair of cooperating feed rolls which engage the web along the buffer loop. When the loop decreases to a certain extent, a sensing member causes the feed rolls to rotate to pay additional web material out of the web roll until the loop has increased to a certain extent. The web material extends from the buffer loop over the web roll and is guided to the utilization device, for example, a printer. The feed rolls can be caused to rotate when a manually engageable lever is moved in one direction. Alternatively the feed rolls can be separated and caused to rotate when the member is moved in the opposite direction. The apparatus also includes a reel assembly having a reel for handling web rolls having a variety of different widths.

Abstract: A rotating magnetic sensor which detects a ferrous line on a web of material and compares it with a reference registration line to either speed up or slow down the speed of the section of web material on which the ferrous line is located. The sensor employs a pole-piece, a coil, a permanent magnet and two signal wires.

Abstract: An ends-down sensor device for detecting breakage or absence of a cabinet end of filamentary yarn, involving a cylindrical roller seated upon a fixed center post with the center of gravity of the roller causing it to rotate relative to the center post in one direction and activate a suitable signal device when a cabinet end breaks or becomes missing; and upon a cabinet end frictionally engaging the cylindrical roller, causing the roller to rotate relative to the center post in the opposite direction and deactivate the signal device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the speed of a traveling web being driven along a path by means of first and second drive rollers located at spaced positions along the path. An emitter device is provided for directing a radiation signal at the traveling web at a predetermined location along the path between the first and second drive rollers so as to be reflected thereby, and a detector device is provided for detecting the reflected radiation signal and for generating a position indication signal indicative of the position of the detector relative to the traveling web at the predetermined location. In response to the position indication signal, the detector device is caused to move so as to maintain a predetermined position with respect to the traveling web at the predetermined location.

Abstract: A system for selectively collecting washed articles with a washing device and conveyor to convey the articles therethrough, first and second detectors for detecting fabric faults and improperly washed articles, respectively, a device to roll the articles, a control device for controlling the washing treatment and a distributing device in response to signals generated by the detectors.

Abstract: A photographic printer includes a splice detector for detecting the presence of a splice in a photographic paper web. The splice detector is positioned upstream of the printing aperture of the printer, and provides a signal indicative of the presence of a paper splice prior to the time that the splice reaches the printing aperture. Following detection of the splice, the paper feed control of the printer advances the web a number of additional feeds sufficient to advance the splice past the printing aperture. As a result, recording of a photographic image on the portion of the print paper web containing the splice is avoided.

Abstract: In a wrapping machine a strip bearing repetitively markings and marks is cut up into sections for individual wrapping of articles such as slabs of chocolate.It is desirable to have available a correction in both directions, which is accurate over a wide margin, to avoid restrictions on the printing of the strip, and to allow continuous forward travel and a high rhythm.Circuits (100-120) validate a mark detection signal (LECTREP) while eliminating interference and irrelevant signals and evaluate the phase shifts between this signal (LECTREP) and a synchronization signal (SYNCHR) depending upon the machine. They establish a correction limited to a certain maximum. The correction acts upon a motor (1) which drives the strip. The maximum is such that the cut section remains usable, which avoids interruption, and leaves an article wrapped in this defective section for later elimination.

Abstract: A device for detecting a travel condition of an inkribbon for printers is disclosed. The device is composed of a rotary member rotatable in response to the travel of the inkribbon and a signal generation means interlocked with the rotary member. The signal generation means generates a detection signal and can not only detect trouble of the detection device but also detect a mode in operation of a carrier on which the detection device is arranged as well as detect the travel of the inkribbon.

Abstract: A sensing device responsive to ballooning motion of textile yarns, and producing electrical sensing signals comprising a hollow or ring-shaped yarn guide body whose interior periphery is provided with motion responsive and non-responsive elements in alternate sequence.

Abstract: Labeling machine in which continuous label stock is pulled from a roll of same by a continuously operating drive roller and a pinch roller which is alternately engaged with and disengaged from the drive roller; means for storing a supply of label stock in the form of a loop; reciprocating label feed withdrawing label stock from the loop and feeding it forwardly one label at a time; means for severing a label during each cycle of operation; a vacuum feed drum for receiving labels from the severing means and having pivoted pads which can be pivoted out of contact with a glue wheel when there is no label on the pad; means for applying glue to each label on a pad; means for then applying each label to a container.

Abstract: The feeding of a plurality of material webs to a machine for simultaneous processing of the webs, is controlled by web-feed control apparatus arranged to synchronize feeding of the webs relative to each other. This synchronization is effected by using optical sensors to detect spacing marks along each web and then controlling the rate of advance of each web such that the spacing marks pass the optical sensors simultaneously for all the webs. The rate of web advance may be controlled by selective activation of braking devices or by varying the drive to the advancing means of each web.

Abstract: A continuous web or laminate (32) of flexible material is indexed through a punch press (44) whereat holes of different shapes and sizes are punched in repetitive patterns through successive sections of the laminate. The laminate (32) is then moved beneath a light source (48) so that light passes through the holes and is sensed by a light-sensing camera (52) which laterally and cyclically scans at a rapid rate the underside of the moving laminate.During the rapid scanning by the camera (52), each hole may be scanned many times due to the size and shape of the hole. Consequently, light is sensed many times for the same hole and a corresponding number of signals are developed by the camera. A hole counting system (46), which receives the developed signals from the camera (52), includes a delay-and-compare circuit (66) wherein each signal related to a given hole is delayed by one scan cycle and compared with the next signal related to the same hole.

Abstract: An adjustable distributor transports particles of tobacco into a stream building zone wherein the tobacco is converted into a stream containing a surplus of particles. The surplus is removed by an equalizing device and the equalized stream is converted into a rod-like filler. An optical level detector monitors the height of the stream ahead of the equalizing device, and a second detector monitors the height of the equalized stream. Signals which are furnished by the detectors are transmitted to the corresponding inputs of a dividing circuit whose output transmits signals which are used to adjust the distributor in such a way that the rate of tobacco transport to the stream building zone is increased when the quantity of removed surplus decreases and vice versa. The equalizing device, together with the second detector, is movable transversely of the tobacco stream in response to signals from a detector which monitors the density of the filler.

Abstract: A web of towel material having pile sections separated by narrow transverse strips of unpiled or plain cloth is fed onto an input table 4 of a cutting and hemming machine beneath a row of individually controlled drive rollers 5. When a plain transverse strip arrives in the area of a hinged table section 6 beneath a transverse bridge 2, its reduced thickness is detected by sensors 21 which individually disengage and brake an associated drive roller 5, to thereby stop the web with the strip accurately transversely aligned in the machine. The sensors and hinged table section are then swung out of the way, and a carriage 3 travel mounted on the bridge 2 is moved across the table.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting metallic bodies in a running textile lap performs the steps of generating a high-frequency electromagnetic field; passing the textile lap through the high-frequency electromagnetic field; and deriving a sensor signal as a function of an alteration of the high-frequency electromagnetic field caused by the presence of a metallic body in the lap.

Abstract: An automatic stop or change-over mechanism for tape recorder or other article moving apparatus. After the article has stopped at the sensing location the drive means can be switched off or changed over automatically by movement of a zero member which is part of a differential mechanism having a unidirectional slip coupling. The slip coupling only transmits a force to the zero member after the article has stopped.

Abstract: An endless-conveyor monitoring switch assembly includes an elongated frame having a shaft journaled for rotation therein and extending longitudinally therealong. A drive wheel is attached to and rotatable with the shaft at a first end of the elongated frame and a detecting switch is attached to the shaft at the opposite end of the elongated frame. A seesaw, U-shaped, mounting member is attached to the elongated frame at a point intermediate the drive wheel and the detecting switch for mounting the elongated frame on an endless-conveyor cable support. The mounting member allows the weight of the elongated frame and its attachments to pivot the frame in a seesaw manner to bring the drive wheel into contact with the endless conveyor. The detecting switch includes a conductive disc mounted on the shaft adjacent to a pendulum having permanent magnets and mercury switches mounted thereon.