Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for power unwinding and winding of coiled duct rodding on a duct rodder or other coiled conduit. A unit can be mounted to a duct rodder stand or other coiled conduit stand. The unit includes a rotatable axle having a drive wheel at one end and an opposite end that is adapted for releasable connection to the chuck of a battery powered portable drill or driver. When connected to the drill or driver, the drive wheel can be rotated in opposite directions by the detachable battery powered drill or tool. An optional pinching wheel on the unit can be adjusted relative the drive wheel to provide adjustable pinching pressure on duct rod or other conduit to facilitate movement of duct rodding or other conduit in response to drive wheel rotation. In one example, the drive wheel and pinch wheel are on a frame that can be removably clamped to a stand that supports a cage or reel of coiled duct rodding or other conduit.

Abstract: An image formation system includes: an image former that forms an image on a continuous sheet; a slack generator that is arranged upstream of the image former in a sheet conveyance direction and generates slack on the continuous sheet; and a sheet characteristic detector that is arranged upstream of the slack generator in the sheet conveyance direction and detects a sheet characteristic of the continuous sheet.

Abstract: A hose guide having a base with a back side, a front side and a hose receiving orifice. A receiver extends from the front side of the base. The receiver has a terminal end that communicates an interior surface and an exterior surface. The terminal end may define a plurality of fillets. A roller assembly is affixed to the back side the base. The roller assembly supports a plurality of rollers for engaging an external surface of a hose. When installed, the hose guide of the invention is flush with a sealing surface, such as a panel, for providing a sealing surface therewith. Rollers are provided for reducing damage to a hose passing therethrough. Use of a complementary shaped stopper helps to prevent an ingress of water and dust through the hose guide, e.g., into a hose reel containing compartment.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes: a transport mechanism that transports a recording medium having a lenticular lens in a transport direction; and a guide that includes a convex portion formed along the transport direction and guides the recording medium in the transport direction by allowing the convex portion to come in contact with the lenticular lens.

Abstract: An automatic document feeding mechanism adapted to a paper roll is disclosed. The automatic document feeding mechanism includes a first pivotal member, a document pressing module, a driving member and a document guiding module. The document pressing module is pivoted to the first pivotal member for pressing the paper roll. The driving member is for driving the document pressing module, such that the document pressing module respectively presses the paper roll in a first position and a second position. The document guiding module is connected to the document pressing module. The document guiding module is driven by the document pressing module to move from a first guiding position to a second guiding position when the document pressing module is moved from the first position to the second position, so as to adjust a gap between the document guiding module and the paper roll.

Abstract: A sheet conveyance apparatus comprising: a sheet conveyance path; a loop forming unit that is disposed on the sheet conveyance path and bends, in a loop, the sheet to be conveyed; and a guide unit that is stepwise high at both sides whereas low at the center, as viewed in a sheet conveyance direction, and extends in the sheet conveyance direction, wherein the sheet sagging in the loop by the loop forming unit enters a guide region being defined between opposite guide faces of paired steps in the stepwise guide unit and having a width according to the width of the sheet, so that the side edges of the sheet abut against the guide faces, thus correcting the skewing of the sheet in the sheet conveyance direction.

Abstract: The control circuit controls the plotter provided with the feeding means for feeding out a roll paper and the processing means for processing the roll paper which is fed out by the feeding means. The control circuit includes the feeding control section which controls the feeding means so that, before the processing means starts processing on one page of the roll paper, a plurality of pages including the one page is fed out in advance and then, the page having been fed out in advance is pulled back and retreated at a position on an upstream side with respect to a processing position of the processing means, and the processing control section which controls the processing means so that processing of the one page is started when an elapsed time of the one page having been fed out in advance has reached a predetermined stand-by time.

Abstract: In a wire-processing machine, a belt-drive feeds a wire to a first swivel-arm with a first gripper. To feed the leading wire-end to processing stations, the first swivel-arm is set in a swiveling motion and/or in a linear motion. To feed the trailing wire-end to processing stations, the second swivel-arm is set in a swiveling motion and/or in a linear motion. After processing of the leading wire-end, by means of the belt-drive the desired cut-off length of wire is advanced and, by means of a transporting system, is transported further.

Abstract: When a component (X) is fed to a pickup position (53) but no suction action is carried out due to a variety of reasons, a reverse feeding action is carried out to return the component (X), which has been fed to the pickup position (53), to a position upstream of the pickup position (53) in the tape feeding direction. The same component (X) is thus not wasted but is resupplied to the pickup position (53) in the following pickup action, whereby the amount of waste of components is reduced.

Abstract: A medium conveying device includes: an inclined roller that feeds a recording medium in a direction that is inclined from a conveying direction of the recording medium; and a counter member disposed at such a position as to be opposed to the inclined roller with the recording medium interposed in between and having a curved surface on a side of the inclined roller, and one of an outer circumferential surface of the inclined roller, a rotation axis of the inclined roller, and the curved surface of the counter member is inclined according to an angle between a feed direction of the inclined roller and the medium conveying direction and a radius of curvature of the curved surface so that the outer circumferential surface of the inclined roller and the curved surface of the counter member contact each other approximately in line contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a device for processing highly flexural material in strip form. In order to provide a method and a corresponding device for processing highly flexural material 2 in strip form with optimization of working processes and increased production reliability, it is proposed that, in a method for processing highly flexural material 2 in strip form with a first and a second end region 10, 16, in particular of textile belt material 2, the two end regions 10, 16 of the highly flexural material 2 are essentially processed simultaneously, wherein one of the types of processing includes at least one sewing operation. In this case, ensured and consistent quality is achieved with a shortened working cycle time.

Abstract: A ticket issuing apparatus includes a feed passage which is branched into plural guides at one end thereof which are connected with each of a plurality of medium accommodating parts and arranged in strata, and merged into one. The apparatus has a feed passage which passes through the upper, rear and lower parts of the medium accommodating parts in this order and is guided to a front wall thereof. A medium separating part, a magnetic processing part and a printing part are respectively disposed along the feed passage, and a discharge stacker is connected with the other end of the feed passage. The medium handling apparatus removes curl of the medium before it is issued by returning the medium to the medium accommodating parts by a given amount.

Abstract: A strap driving device for looping machines has with a strap guiding channel for a looping strap and two pairs of drive rollers engaging in the strap guiding channel. Each pair of drive rollers has a driving roller driven in rotation and a pressing roller to be set to the latter for free running. For being set to the driving roller, the pressing roller is mounted on a rocker.

Abstract: A printer comprises a skew correction mechanism for a roll paper between a roll paper loading section and a recording section. The skew correction mechanism has a pair of first roller and second roller each having a guide surface for the roll paper, arranged in the transverse direction of the roll paper and eccentrically mounted on respective shafts. A skew of the roll paper is detected by a skew sensor, and the first and second rollers is rotated by a predetermined angle in the opposite directions to obtain different path lengths for the roll paper between both the guide surfaces of the rollers, thereby correcting the skew feed of the roll paper.

Abstract: A bag making machine for producing thermosplastic resin film bags including rollers for intermittently advancing a flat tubular web of thermoplastic resin film, a sealing assembly positioned downstream from the roller, a heated cutting bar having a sharp edge for providing efficient cutting and concomitantly preventing build-up of carbon by-product, roller elements for reversing the direction of advancement of the resin film, first drive elements for controllably driving the rollers in first and second directions and second drive elements for transversely driving the sealing and heated cutting bar toward and away from the flat web of thermoplastic resin film.

Abstract: A web engagement system for an off-reel printing press comprising a guide piece, a guide channel and drive stations for the displacement of the guide piece. The guide channel accommodates and guides the guide piece and is located on the frame of the press between the drive stations. The guide piece is slightly longer than the distance separating the various drive stations. The advance of the guide piece is caused as a result of the displacement of a slide equipped with wedging rollers which alternately grip and release the guide piece. A pair of wedging rollers prevents the return movement of the guide piece. The invention is used for introducing paper webs unwinding continuously in an off-reel printing press.

Abstract: In a dot matrix line printer, a pair of pin tractors for feeding a print paper are operatively connected to a paper feed motor, and a tension roller mechanism disposed beneath a platen is operatively connected to a separately provided drive motor. To eliminate a paper slack which may occur when the feeding of the print paper is stopped after creating many blank lines, the drive motor is energized for a short period of time immediately before the paper feeding is ended. The tension roller mechanism which is made up of a plurality of rollers pulls the print paper in a direction opposite the paper feeding direction to thus prevent the print paper from slackening.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus having reversal feed means for feeding an elongated photosensitive sheet in a reverse direction. The photosensitive sheet undergoes exposure operation and a pressure developing operation. Since unexposed zone is positioned subsequent to the exposure zone, the unexposed zone is also positioned at downstream side of the exposure portion by the pressure developing operation to the preceeding exposure zone. The reversal feed means is adapted for moving an unexposed zone of the photosensitive sheet positioned at downstream side of the exposure portion to an upstream side thereof. A sheet nip releasing mechanism is provided in the apparatus for releasing sheet nipping force given by feed rollers during the reversal sheet feeding. Further, a shutter mechanism is provided for avoiding light irradiation to the unexposed zone during the reverse travel.

Abstract: A multiplicity of web guide rollers in a printing machine incorporate motors therein provided with respective reduction units and each reduction unit is provided on the side of an output shaft with a mechanism such as a clutch, so that the rollers can rotate normally, reversely or idly. When the web guide roller is cleaned, the roller is rotated in a direction opposite to the running direction of the web, whereby the contamination on the surface of the roller is wiped off by the web. Since the rotating directions of the respective rollers are selected by the controller in association with running paths of webs, so that automatic cleaning of the web guide rollers can be effectively performed.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for a printer mechanism including a printhead comprises first and second print medium drive means for feeding first and second print mediums past the printhead, a main drive gear rotatable in a first direction for driving the first print medium drive means and rotatable in a second direction for driving the second print medium drive means, selectively engageable drive means alternately engageable with the first and second print medium drive means for driving the first print medium drive means in a first direction when the main drive gear is rotated in the first direction and driving the second print medium drive means in a second direction when the main drive gear is rotated in the second direction and locking means for locking the first print medium drive means when the main drive gear is rotated in the second direction.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for building annular tire components such as steel cord tread reinforcements, in which a measuring drum is employed to receive strip material and simultaneously to feed it to a component building former. The strip material laps a portion only of the measuring drum, and a measured length of the strip is severed on the measuring drum and the major portion of the length of strip is transferred to the building former by rotation of the measuring drum through substantially a whole revolution.

Abstract: An apparatus for sending a sensor, such as an eddy current sensor, into a condenser, heat exchanger or steam generator tube. The apparatus first sends the sensor, which is attached to a cable, into the tube by means of a pressurized fluid which pushes the sensor along tube interior. At the extreme of the sensor's travel into the tube, a first ferrule attached to the rear of the cable blocks a first hydraulic passage in the apparatus. By virtue of slidable control pistons in the apparatus, this blocking cuts off the pushing pressure behind the sensor and then causes wheels to frictionally engage the cable to pull the sensor back to its starting position. At this time, another ferrule, carried near the sensor end of the cable, blocks a second hydraulic passage to thereby disengage the wheels from the cable. The cycle of (1) sensor pushed into the tube (2) sensor withdrawn from the tube, is now complete.

Abstract: A flexible sheet transport system comprising a primary mechanism for feeding the flexible sheet at a predetermined velocity in either a forward or a reverse direction, a tension roller assembly disposed in the path of the flexible sheet so as to be frictionally engaged thereby, an auxiliary drive mechanism for applying tension to the flexible sheet, a coupling assembly connected between the tension roller assembly and the auxiliary drive mechanism and driven thereby in a given sense tending to rotate the tension roller in a direction to move the flexible sheet in the reverse direction. Included in the coupling assembly is a slip coupling that slips in response to application of a given torque and a unidirectional coupling that prevents movement of the coupling assembly in a sense opposite to the given sense.

Abstract: An apparatus for retrieving and storing an elongated flexible element such as an electrical cord, garden hose, air hose, vacuum hose, rope, or the like. The elongated flexible element has a first end for attachment to a service and a second end for attachment to an article to be coupled through the elongated member to the service. The apparatus includes first and second wheels and a framework for supporting the wheels. The supporting framework supports the wheels for rotation about their respective axes, the axes extending generally parallel to one another. The space between the wheel peripheries is selectively adjustable such that, when the wheels are in the use orientation, the wheel peripheries bear frictionally upon the surfaces of the flexible element to move the flexible element therebetween as the wheels are turned. One of the wheels is turned to retrieve the flexible element. A storage hopper is attached to the support framework for storing the retrieved flexible element.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cutting and sealing a two-ply web of thermoplastic material of tubular, flexible stock includes a sheet member formed of a non-stick material interposed between an intermittently advancing web of thermoplastic material and a sealing pad, and apparatus for moving the non-stick sheet member in the downstream direction subsequent to a blade severing the web downstream from the sealing pad and a heated sealing member sealing the plies of the portion of the web which overlie the sealing pad while the web is at rest between intermittent advancements thereof, so that any portion of the sealed portion of the web which may have become stuck to the sheet member is stripped therefrom.

Abstract: An automatic tape laying system (10) for depositing tape (66) in a lay-up (36) on a work surface (14) is provided. The system (10) includes a tape deposit apparatus (26) including a tape supply reel (64) and a cutting device (94). A tape transport module (60) transports tape from the tape supply reel (64) to the cutting device (94). A tape deposit module (62) is provided within tape deposit apparatus (26) and is rotatable between first and second positions for receiving tape (66) from the tape transport module (60). Tape 66 is received in a port (134) of tape deposit module (62) for deposit along a first direction on the work surface (14), and tape (66) is received in a port (148) for deposit along a second direction on the work surface (14). Scrap tape (176) is received in a port (122) for removal.

Abstract: A film or paper drive system for use in photographic film or paper cutters allows the operator to position the film or paper accurately and rapidly by actuating a switch. The film or paper is driven a predetermined distance at a first rate in response to actuation of the switch. If the switch remains actuated after a first period, the film or paper is driven at a second rate. If the switch still remains actuated after a second period, the film or paper is driven at a third, higher rate.

Abstract: Device for the insertion, drive and ejection of sheets of paper in a printer, comprising at least one automatic paper insertion path and at least one manual insertion path for cards or sheets, these paths terminating in an insertion point in the impression device of the printer, characterized by means, arranged on the automatic insertion path, for effecting the insertion of a continuous paper band up to a predetermined guillotine point placed ahead of the said insertion point and means of cutting the band when a predetermined length has been engaged below the said cutting point, at the moment of its arrival at the said predetermined point.

Abstract: A magnetic-tape cassette machine of the type including a horizontally extending tape drive shaft and a loading platform designed to hold the cassette upright during tape transport. To prevent the horizontally extending tape drive shaft from shifting axially during tape transport, one end of the shaft is supported against a first axial bearing secured to the machine housing and the other end is supported by an axial bearing secured to the loading platform. Alternatively, a single axial bearing is used limiting axial shifting of the tape drive shaft in one direction, and a permanent-magnet arrangement pulls the tape drive shaft in the same direction to prevent the shaft from shifting axially in the opposite second direction.

Abstract: A stepping motor drives an input shaft in a predetermined clockwise or counterclockwise direction and a pressure roller shaft is movable into engagement with rollers on the input shaft. The center roller of the input shaft is movable out of engagement with the center roller of the pressure shaft to permit driving of journal paper in a first direction, form paper in either a first or a second direction dependent upon the direction of rotation of the input shaft and journal paper along with form paper in the first direction.

Abstract: A motion picture projector having a forward and reverse film transporting drive, an assembly for sensing a predetermined film tension condition and a mode controller for selecting various operational modes is provided with a control for selectively actuating a rewind mode of operation at a predetermined film tension condition.The selectively actuated rewind control arrangement includes a controller conditioner mechanism that is responsive to film tension and effective to position the controller from a predetermined projector operating mode such as a normal forward mode to a predetermined operating mode such as still when the predetermined film tension condition is sensed. A rewind mode actuator mechanism responsive to the controller conditioner mechanism is provided to control the film transporting drive in the rewind mode upon the operation of the controller conditioner mechanism.

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

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in a web transport system wherein the web is stopped at a position it occupied when an event occurs. In particular, a motor driven capstan is provided to drive a web, such as a filmstrip, between first and second reels. A tachometer, operatively coupled to the capstan motor, provides a first signal representing the actual film velocity. The first signal is applied to an integrator which is controlled in a manner whereby during normal operation of the web transport system the integrator is off and does not affect system performance. When the event occurs requesting the capstan drive motor to stop, the integrator is enabled and provides an output which is proportional to the distance traveled during deceleration of the capstan drive motor (overshoot). The output of the integrator is coupled to first summing junction whereat it is added to a signal representing the desired film velocity which is driven to zero upon occurrence of the event.

Abstract: In a measuring instrument such as a spectrophotometer which is driven under the control of a dedicated microcomputer and has a provision for wavelength scan, a flow chart lock system is obtained by storing in the random access memory of the microcomputer an indication of the actual chart position between two sprockets on the chart drive. With this information and stored data regarding the position of the scanning apparatus of the instrument, accurate repositioning of the chart to accurately reflect the scanning position even after scale changes or different modes of operation have occurred is accomplished.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a forward-reverse and variable speed film transport mechanism for use in a motion picture projector. The mechanism includes an integrally formed multiple bladed shutter and up-and-down cam which are rotatable in unison on a driven shaft and an in-out cam having a plurality of surface dwelled concentric cam tracks which is rotatable about a fixed axis in response to the rotation of the shutter and up-and-down cam. The mechanism also includes a shuttle having at least one tooth for engaging the perforations of the film and a first cam follower communicating with the up-and-down cam for causing the tooth to travel in a forward direction through a predetermined stroke and in a reverse direction through a predetermined stroke.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a highspeed digital print-out apparatus. The apparatus involved is provided with tractors which move the paper in a first direction past a stationary print-out wheel which in conjunction with a print hammer imprints preselected indicia upon the paper. The paper is movable in the reverse or third direction, again by the tractors, to initiate a new line of indicia and in a second direction normal to said forward and reverse directions to provide spacing between adjacent lines. There is also provided a reversing mechanism for moving the paper in a fourth direction reverse to the second direction to position the paper for the start of a new sheet.

Abstract: A pilgrim step indexing mechanism provided with oppositely facing toothed ratchet wheels of the same pitch is associated with a single indexing pawl and an associated detent spring which not only detentably holds the ratchet wheels but also biases the indexing pawl to engage the ratchet wheels. The indexing pawl has two teeth one of which engages one of the ratchet wheels during a reverse stroke of the pawl to reverse feed both ratchets one increment and during a forward stroke of the pawl to advance both ratchets two increments. The ratchet wheels may be connected with a platen of a printer whereby a line of printwork, after printing, will be positioned two line spaces above the printing line for easy viewing.

Abstract: In a bidirectional continuous contact printer for sprocketed film, sprocket holes in a raw film and a master film engage teeth in a sprocket wheel located at an exposure aperture. Between one storage reel and the sprocket wheel, the raw film and the master film pass over tensioning means that draw one edge of the sprocket holes of the raw film and the master film that engage the teeth of the sprocket wheel against such teeth to align the sprocket holes of the films. The tensioning means draw the same edge of the sprocket holes against the teeth in the sprocket wheel during both directions of film transport. In one direction of film transport, the sprocket wheel pulls the film past the exposure aperture, and in the other direction of film transport, the tensioning means pull the film past the exposure aperture. In both directions of film transport, the relative film position is controlled well enough to meet high quality film printing standards.

Abstract: A tape transport system for use in a magnetic tape recorder and reproducer set is described wherein a magnetic tape is simultaneously driven by means of two capstans, and which further comprises two motors, one of which is associated with one of the capstans, and the other with the other capstan, driving discs connected to the motors, transmission belt means connecting the driving discs of the two motors with one another, and means for operating the motor downstream, relative to the moving magnetic tape, as the driving motor for the tape. Electrical braking means for braking the motor upstream relative to the other motor seen in the direction of the moving tape are also provided.

Abstract: A web handling mechanism is described for incrementally feeding a web of stretchable material (e.g., plastic film) to a processing station. The web feed rollers are driven by a motor incorporated in a servo system which electronically controls the feed rate, length of increment, dwell at processing station, etc. Variations in the speed and elasticity of a moving web are accommodated by means of a vacuum box adapted to accumulate a loop of the web material in the box and maintain proper tension on the web as supplied to the feed rollers. A detector in the vacuum box responds to a predetermined length of web accumulated in the box to trip a control circuit which actuates the feed roller motor to move the desired length of web through the processing station and then stop for a preselected interval. The circuit also controls the processing station to synchronize its operation with that of the web feed and the entire sequence is repetitive at high speed.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus for feeding packaging strap, including a strap feeding mechanism having a pair of reversibly rotatable feed rolls for feeding and returning the strap and a detector for detecting the amount of strap fed and returned. Strap is fed to the feeding mechanism by a prefeeding mechanism having unidirectionally rotatable prefeed rolls and a detector for detecting the amount of strap prefed. A control mechanism determines the difference between the amount of strap fed and returned by the feeding mechanism and controls the prefeeding mechanism to prefeed an amount of strap equal to the difference.