Abstract: A friction feed media drive mechanism for a sign plotter includes a front idler roller and a back idler roller positioned under compression against a drive roller. The compression may be selectively applied by the user depending whether a friction feed or pin feed mode of operation is desired. Where the pin feed mode of operation is desired, the compression assembly is released and no compression is applied. The compression assembly includes a compression spring loaded member which fits through an opening in a housing and is selectively secured therein by a securing rod attached to a cam shaped knob. The front idler roller and back idler roller are both attached to a roller holding assembly, which has a groove therein adapted for fitting over the driving pins. The two idler rollers extend below the surface of the attaching assembly and may have a hard plastic sleeve on the ends thereof to reduce bending.

Abstract: A camera includes an internal cover plate which is supported independently of a camera back cover for movement between covering and uncovering positions where it covers and uncovers a film take-up chamber respectively. When the internal cover plate is in the covering position, its inner surface contacts a leader portion of a film pulled out of a film cartridge received in a film cartridge chamber, for preventing a sprocket hole of the leader portion of the film having engaged one of sprocket pawls of a sprocket from being disengaged therefrom. The sprocket is provided at a position past an exposure station for transportation of the film toward the film take-up chamber.

Abstract: A matrix of thin, deformable component elements is advanced by a mechanism so that at least the most immediate element of the matrix is maintained registered and non-deformed during translation. The mechanism includes a circumferentially faceted wheel, with teeth protruding radially from the facets for engaging holes in the matrix and indexing the matrix when the wheel is rotated. A rectangular plate pivoted about one end and arranged to rotate with the wheel has a surface which engages one facet of the wheel parallel thereto. The plate clamps the matrix between the plate and wheel precluding relative motion of that element with the wheel during rotation of said wheel and precluding deformation of the elements during such rotation or translation.

Abstract: An anti-smudge bar for a recorder is disclosed wherein the recorder has a drive means for advancing a strip chart in a longitudinal direction. The strip chart, as it advances, passes over a platen disposed upstream of the advancing means. A pressure roller adjacent the upstream side of the platen presses the strip against the platen. The pressure roller has a plurality of longitudinal grooves spaced by sharp crests which contact the chart in a manner preventing smudging of wet ink traces previously recorded on the chart. The ink traces are recorded on the chart by a recording pen which is movable in a direction transverse to the direction of chart movement. The roller and the pen are lifted from chart contact whenever the chart direction is reversed to permit subsequent recording on a chart segment previously recorded on.