Abstract: A print medium conveyance device 40 has a tractor 44, conveyance roller 55, and clutch mechanism 83. The tractor 44 sequentially engages engagement holes formed in a line in the medium and conveys the print medium in a specific conveyance direction X. The conveyance roller 55 is disposed downstream from the tractor 44 in the conveyance direction X, and has a friction layer 59 containing an inorganic particle dispersion formed on the surface. the clutch mechanism 83 is between the conveyance motor 72 and tractor 44, and interrupts transfer of drive power from the conveyance motor 72 to the tractor 44 at least in part under a specific condition. The print medium can therefore be conveyed with high precision while damage to the print medium by excessive tension can be prevented.

Abstract: A transmission type optical sensor, which is disposed in a position facing a label sheet fed by a sheet feeding mechanism. It detects the position of a label according to the output value of the same, and a reflection type optical sensor, which is disposed in a position facing a tag sheet fed by the sheet feeding mechanism detects the position of a tag according to the output value of the same. The apparatus, when the detection timing of the label or the tag deviates from a predetermined tolerance, detects a sheet failure, and at this time, it (when a label sheet is fed) determines whether the output value of the reflection type optical sensor provided as the sensor for detecting the position of the tag is high or low, or (when a tag sheet is fed) determines whether the output value of the transmission type optical sensor provided as the sensor for detecting the position of the label is high or low.

Abstract: A detector on a wire lead machine includes a pair of contacts biased into a normally closed position. The wire is fed between the contacts, keeping the contacts open, and the insulation on the wire prevents electrical conductivity between the contacts. If the wire runs out, the contacts close to shut off the machine. Additionally, a splice on the wire establishes an electrical path between the contacts and, again, the machine is shut off. The detector includes a detection circuit which generates a control signal. In the event a splice is passing through the contacts, the detection circuit generates a control signal having a relatively short time duration (as for example, 100 microseconds) and holds the signal for a sufficient time period (as for example, 500 milliseconds). This allows a suitable control means (which may include a microprocessor) to shut off the machine because of either wire runout or a splice on the wire, thereby preventing serious damage to the machine and maintaining productivity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing wire movement through a wire stitching machine includes a sensor such as a photodetector or microswitch for sensing movement of wire through the machine and a programmable controller in communication with the sensor for stopping operation of the stitching machine if wire movement is not sensed. The sensor detects the rate of unwinding of wire from a spool that feeds the wire to the stitching machine. The programmable controller includes timers that time frequency and duration of signals from the sensor. If the sensor signals fall below a predetermined frequency or exceed a predetermined duration, the controller responds by stopping the machine and sounding an alarm. The apparatus may also include a second sensor at the diversion gate of the wire stitching machine for sensing the stoppage of wire through the machine in response to the diversion of an oversized article.

Abstract: Two pairs of pivotable flap clamps are arranged on a copy master stage in the area of its exposure window, each pair having flaps respectively disposed above and below the master plane. The pairs of flaps are driven by means of an electromagnet and can be symmetrically opened and closed relative to the master plane. In their closed state, the flaps hold the copy master on two opposing sides with their front edges. Additionally, spring elastic hold-down strips are provided to hold the copy master on its lateral sides. By means of the bilateral clamping of the copy masters with the two pairs of flap clamps, an absolutely flat position of the copy master is obtained. The positioning device is particularly suitable for processing copy masters in which short strips of film or individual images are spaced apart on a carrier strip.

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

Abstract: A tape recorder, in particular a cassette recorder, with an automatic stop device, which during stoppage of the tape switches off the apparatus and releases the play button. During tape stoppage a rotatably journalled drive wheel is brought into contact with the flywheel with its circumference, after which said flywheel drives a force-transmitting member, preferably via a reduction gear, and the latching slide is released.