Abstract: A paper roll stand holds a paper roll in such a manner as to allow it to rotate in two opposite directions so as to temporarily locate a leading web end on a table board. An arm assembly positioned above the table board is movable in the lengthwise and lateral directions. The arm assembly includes a suction cup device for lifting up the outermost web of the paper roll, a cutter device for cutting the paper web, and a tape-attaching device for adhesively attaching web pasting adhesive tapes to the web's leading end. A device for adhesively attaching a head of a web end-fastening strip to an inner side of the web's leading end is located below the web. A paper roll-pressing device for adhesively fastening a tail of the web end-fastening strip to the outer surface of the roll is also included. A new paper roll prepared for web pasting according to the present invention is brought to the paper roll stand of a printing unit and rotatably held thereon.

Abstract: Handling of strip films is improved by providing a method of film handling capable of advancing films wound in either direction. The winding direction of the film is detected, and an air flow is generated and the film spool is unwound depending on this detection. After being preliminarily unwound, the film is positively engaged and fed by advancing rollers.

Abstract: A horizontal type of open-reel magnetic tape drive unit automatically clamps a tape reel in a drive section after the reel is inserted, then separates the free end of the tape from the reel, and guides the free end of the tape along a tape transport path to be wound onto a take-up hub, with these separation and guidance operations being performed by a small number of high pressure air jets. Pressure sealing of the unit is unnecessary, and the overall configuration is simple and easily manufactured.

Abstract: An automatic film threading apparatus (10) that allows roll-film (58) to be automatically threaded through a series of film developing and processing chambers (12a) located on a roll-film processor (50). The apparatus is further comprised of a powered film spool (52a) and a pinch roller (16a) disposed above the spool to form a rolling intersection. A spool and roller combination is located between the upper ports (12b) of each chamber pair. Also located above and below each chamber pair is an upper and a lower film guide (18) (56). Automatic threading is accomplished by extracting a small section of film (58) from its reel (14b) and attaching the film to one end of a threading leader assembly (15). The other end of the threading leader is then manually threaded through a first chamber pair where a threading tip (15c) engages the rolling intersection of the roller (16a) and spool (52a). From this point on, the film (58) is automatically threaded through each successive chamber (12a).

Abstract: An automatic magnetic tape loading apparatus in a magnetic tape recording/playback system includes a reel support rotatably mounted in a first recess in a base for supporting an open feed reel, a takeup hub rotatably mounted in a second recess in the base for winding a magnetic tape fed from the open feed reel, and a channel defined in the base for passage therethrough of the magnetic tape as it is supplied from the open feed reel to the takeup hub. The base has thereon a plurality of air ducts for blowing air through the first recess and the channel into the second recess to carry a leading end portion of the magnetic tape from the open feed reel via the channel to the takeup hub until the leading tape end portion is coiled around the takeup hub.

Abstract: A narrow guide belt runs in the edge area of the paper web width across the drying cylinder of a paper machine and serves to thread the transfer strip through the drying cylinder section. On each drying cylinder, about in the center of the looping zone formed by the guide belt on the drying cylinder, two or three guide belt pulleys are so arranged that the belt will for a short distance lift off the cylinder. The pulleys can be swiveled in a position spaced from the drying cylinder where the guide belt lifts entirely off the cylinder.

Abstract: In a threading arrangement for strip-shaped material with a timely operating overlapping of gaps of guiding for the material after a supply device for example at treatment locations, particularly at treatment devices for band-shaped photographic layer carrier, a guiding rail is provided for guiding the material at both flat sides and at a side edge, and the guiding rail is movable in the plane of the material transverse to its transporting direction with a guide for the side edge to an overlapping position and after threading from said position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for properly positioning the machine reel in a magnetic tape drive containing an automatic tape threading mechanism, wherein the file reel consists of a tape cartridge with tape attached to a leader block. The automatic threading mechanism connects to the leader block and pulls the tape through the tape path to insert the leader block into the hub of the machine reel. However, before the leader block can be inserted into the machine reel hub, the machine reel must be properly aligned to receive the leader block. The present invention provides apparatus and methods for properly aligning the machine reel to receive the tape leader block. The disclosure also provides a means to detect when the last wrap of tape is being removed from the machine reel hub during an unload operation and stop the machine reel at the proper angular location so that the tape leader block can be removed from the hub without damage to the hub or the leader block.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive has two pivoted swing arms positioned respectively between the file reel and the capstan, and between the machine reel and the capstan, and biased away from the reels to apply tension to the tape during operation which decouples the tape and reel inertia from the capstan. The tape passes between a pair of rollers on each of the swing arms and an adjacent fixed roller. In order to thread the tape, the swing arms are retracted out of the tape path so that pneumatic threading may occur. A deflector is positioned between a pair of rollers on one of the swing arms to define a tape threading path.

Abstract: A yarn feeding means comprising a yarn detaching guide positioned in the vicinity of a positively rotating roller for feeding a yarn continuously fed from a supply source to a yarn winder and capable of selectively occupying either of two positions, one of which is a retractive position where the detaching guide is non-operative to the yarn path and the other is a projective position where the detaching guide is engageable with the yarn path to detach the yarn from the positively rotating roller. The yarn detaching guide holds the yarn during the threading operation away from the feed roller whereby the yarn can be withdrawn even by a standard capacity suction gun irrespective of a high surface speed of the feed roller. A winder comprising the yarn detaching guide is also provided.

Abstract: A recorder has a chart feed mechanism for automatically loading a chart for recording operation. By loading a chart stock storing a chart into a recorder case, discharge roller and feed roller of a chart feed means are actuated to feed the chart into a condition in which data can be recorded thereon.

Abstract: A film handling device for pulling out and forwarding a leader from a spool of film after the film has been removed from a film cartridge. The spool of film is held in a film guide having an arcuately formed rear portion shaped to receive the spool of film and a forward guide portion composed of straight sections converging towards a forwarding opening. A pair of film forwarding rollers are selectively engageable with the spool of film through cuts formed in the rear portion of the film guide. A detector positioned in the forward portion of the film guide detects the presence of the film leader. Before the presence of the film leader is detected, the film forwarding rollers rotate the spool of film in the film rewinding direction. Then, the direction of the rollers is reversed.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive has swing arm tensioning devices with two rollers. During normal operation, the tape passes between the two swing arm rollers and a fixed roller. During automatic threading, a pneumatic trough formed by the base casting and an opening in the bottom of the base casting transports tape for threading.

Abstract: In a method for guiding the leader of the web in the drying section of a paper machine, a narrow leader is cut out of the full-width web by water jets, or the equivalent, such as, for example, against a roller of the press section. The leader is guided by a plurality of air jets into a gap between threading ropes and is carried between the threading ropes over drying cylinders. The leader is detached from a rock roller of the press section by a first plurality of air jets and is guided by a second plurality of air jets into connection with a drying wire in the drying section of the paper machine. A third plurality of air jets are directed through the drying wire to the leader supported on the drying wire and detach the leader from the drying wire. Substantially immediately upon detachment of the leader from the drying wire, transverse air jets are directed at the leader and shift the leader into the gap between the threading ropes and move the leader between the threading ropes over the drying cylinders.

Abstract: An arrangement for and method of operation for threading strand-like material such as wire or tubing around a grooved type, rotatable block assembly wherein tension is needed to pull the material through a reduction die, includes a plate mounted on the same shaft as the block. This plate supports three devices used in a time sequence relationship in said threading operation for the drawing process: a gripper arm for grasping the pointed end and introducing it into the groove; a shear for severing the pointed end; and a deflector mechanism for guiding the material away from the block assembly. Clutch assemblies are selectively operated to place the plate into and out of engagement with the drawing block for the plate's rotation therewith and it's non-rotation.

Abstract: A novel, heat curable, liquid polymer composition is disclosed which comprises a modified urethane oligomer containing terminal ethylenic unsaturation and a free radical catalyst. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer composition further includes at least one additional component selected from a reinforcing agent and a filler; the cured composition demonstrates enhanced impact properties and is particularly useful in automotive body constructions.

Abstract: In a tape winding machine, a vacuum probe assembly for attaching one end of a section of tape to an adhesive patch oriented on the periphery of a reel mounted within a cartridge, and means for winding the tape on the reel, severing the tape an reattaching the trailing end to the vacuum probe for subsequent adherence to the reel of the next cartridge.

Abstract: Cylinder dryer for a paper machine comprising a plurality of drying cylinders (10,20). The paper web and its lead strip are conducted between said cylinders (10,20) supported by a fabric (11). For guiding through the cylinder dryer the lead strip (L) having a width of a smaller order of magnitude than the normal width of the web (W), an air blowing means has been arranged adjacent to the drying cylinder and the free draws thereinbetween. Said air blowing means urges the web lead strip against the surface of the supporting fabric (11) or the cylinder. Said blowing means has substantially the same width as the lead strip and it carries a plurality of nozzles holes (14), through which air jets (F.sub.1,F.sub.2) are directed against the web. The covering angle of said air blowing means substantially equals that angle (.beta.) on which the web supporting fabric (11) and the web (W) on its outside change direction.

Abstract: A magnetic tape storage and drive apparatus in which the tape stored in the cartridge has a ferrule means attached to the lead end of the tape. The associated drive means includes a leader and threading apparatus for the tape and is used with a pair of spherical recording heads and pressure pads to eliminate the need for accurate tape tension control means.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for pulling the tail of a web-like material through a drying or cooling plant. In such a plant the web-like material is floated on air at a given distance from a surface provided with air delivery orifices. The web-like material (10) is thereby caused to pass zig-zag over drivable reversing rolls (2), while an endless traction or pulling member (3) in the form of a belt or rope runs in a separate path through the plant, substantially parallel to the material web, and is provided with means (12,13,14,15) with the aid of which the forward web end or tail (11) is attachable for pulling through the plant. At least one of the reversing rolls (2) is adapted at one end portion for carrying the tail pulling member either directly or over a pulley (9) drivably connected to said end portion. Driving the tail traction member is performed with the same means as drive the reversing rolls.

Abstract: A tape transport of the belt driven type, wherein an endless belt engages a drive pulley and peripheral portions of tape packs on a supply reel and a take-up reel. The transport is mounted on a support frame, which is in turn mounted for sliding movement in a housing. A drive belt roller is mechanically coupled to movement of the support frame, and withdrawal of the support frame from the housing results in movement of the drive belt roller and disengagement of the belt from the supply tape pack, to facilitate tape loading and unloading. Drive belt pick-off posts affixed to the housing retain a portion of the drive belt in the housing, to maintain belt tension during tape loading and unloading, and to ensure disengagement from the supply tape pack.

Abstract: A pneumatic monitoring system for a magnetic tape drive includes a single sensor which includes a differential pressure transducer. Points in the tape drive to which vacuum is applied are coupled to one side of the sensor and points in the tape drive to which pressure is applied are coupled to the other side of the detector. The sensor produces an analog voltage representing the state of the pneumatic system. It is digitized and applied to a microprocessor which compares the sensor voltage to present ranges for calibrated conditions of the tape drive. If the sensed voltage is outside of these ranges, error conditions are indicated.

Abstract: A feed arrangement for transporting a record carrier around and in intimate contact with a printing platen in a printer. The feed arrangement includes a rotatable guiding member in the form of a paddle wheel having a number of resilient blades mounted in interference relationship to the platen. The guiding member serves to capture the leading edge of the record carrier and redirect it toward and then urge it into intimate contact with the platen.

Abstract: An automatic tape threading device suitable for use with a tape system including a supply reel and a takeup reel arranged vertically in superposed relation one above the other. The device includes a threading chute allowing a tape payed out of the supply reel to slide downwardly thereon, a tape transporting passage extending downwardly from the lower end of the threading chute and a roller interposed between the threading chute and the transporting passage for changing the direction of movement of the tape and guiding same. An air jet stream is ejected from near the top of the roller toward the tape transporting passage, to as to positively introduce the leading end of the tape to the tape transporting passage.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically feeding a film to the outside of the reel on which the film has been rolled around. The film has a leader part affixed to the forward end of the film. The width of the leader part is larger than the width of the image recording part of the film. The reel has a pair of flanges disposed spaced from each other by a distance smaller than the width of the leader part. The leader part is rolled around the outer circumference of said paired flanges. A feed roller is provided to feed out the leader part to the outside of the reel. The feed roller has a width smaller than the space between the paired flanges and is movable between a position outside of the paired flanges and a position inside of the flanges. The position of the feed roller is detected by a detector which detects that the whole leader part has been fed out from the reel.

Abstract: One or several fabric loops are disposed along the running route of a web of paper. The loops are driven via reversing rollers normally belonging to the paper machine. Air blowers extending along the running route of the fabric loops are disposed so that air jets blown through them support the tail of the web of paper and press it toward the fabric that drives the tail forward in connection with different parts of the machine, such as the calender and other rollers. An additional roller is provided as a continuation of the reversing roller and is provided with a magnetic clutch for connecting and disconnecting it as needed.

Abstract: An unfilled assembled cassette for fitting to the printhead or platform of a printer or the like has a closed chamber to be packed with inked ribbon and a short length of noninked messenger or leader ribbon threaded along the intended ribbon path. To fill the cassette, ink impregnated ribbon is joined to the messenger ribbon and then wound into the cassette while the messenger ribbon is withdrawn, after which the ends of the ink impregnated ribbon are joined to form a continuous band.

Abstract: An automatic threading apparatus using a pantocam for a magnetic tape transport is disclosed. A leader block attached to the free end of the tape in a cartridge is connected to a pick-up pin attached to one end of a broken arm linkage. The broken arm linkage has its second end fastened to a rotatable shaft. The extension of the broken arm linkage is controlled by a follower link which includes a bearing that follows a cam groove. Rotating the broken arm linkage causes the tape from the cartridge to follow the tape path, such as a cucumvoluted path, in a sweeping motion past air bearing guides and a transducer into a take-up reel. The threading pin remains in contact with the leader block which forms a smooth surface for the tape with the take-up reel.

Abstract: An automatic threading apparatus for a magnetic tape transport is disclosed using a constant force spring located outside of the plane of the tape path. A leader block attached to the free end of the tape from a cartridge is connected to a pick-up pin of the threading apparatus. The pick-up pin is attached to a spool that is connected to a constant force spring, sometimes known as a negator spring. The other end of the spring is connected to a hub which is located on a plane different from the take-up reel. A latch holds the spool with the spring adjacent to the supply reel. When the latch releases the spool, the spring on the spool will wind around the spool and pull the pick-up pin through a guide path such that the leader block is placed into the take-up spool and forms a part of the take-up hub to allow a desired smooth surface for the wraps of the tape around the hub.

Abstract: A handtool (1,2) for threading e.g. a weft yarn in a pneumatic weaving machine has a conduit (8,9) issuing therefrom, the free end of which constituting a blowing nozzle (9). Adjacent to the nozzle aperture a guiding surface (3) for the yarn is provided. This tool may be used in difficultly accessible points of the yarn path through the machine. The yarn is presented to the guiding surface (3) of the tool whereafter it is carried along by the air jet of the blowing nozzle (9). In one embodiment the tool has a thread guiding eye (4) with a lateral release slot (5).

Abstract: A device for sequentially dispensing sheet material from a primary roll and a reserve roll including rotatable dispensing rollers, at least one of the rollers having a groove therein, sensing means for entering the groove when sheet material from the primary roll is depleted and tucker means responsive to such movement to engage reserve roll sheet material and introduce it between the rotatable rollers.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing backing strips and exposed films from drop-in cassettes wherein the window for the foremost unexposed film frame is located in front of an opening for observation of symbols on the backing strip has a pusher which is movable through the opening to expel the leader of the backing strip through the window and into the nip of two first advancing rollers which introduce the leader into a first channel for entry into a collecting receptacle. The leader of exposed film is stripped off the backing strip by a deflector and enters a second channel to advance into the nip of two second advancing rollers and to be transported to a splicing station for connection to the trailing end of the preceding film. The pusher can enter a circumferential groove of one first advancing roll and the other first advancing roll has a shallower groove for a finger which directs the leader of the backing strip into the first channel.

Abstract: A pair of draw-off rollers (10, 11) of a thread drawing-off device comprising an over-mounted pressure roller (11) which cooperates resiliently with a driven roller (10) which projects across the front of the pressure roller (11). The pressure roller (11) has at least one recess (113, 114) on its front face (110) which is dimensioned in such a way that it temporarily completely releases a thread (4) sliding along the surface of the driven roller (10) and lying adjacent to the front (110) of the pressure roller (11). By means of a device of this type, the thread (4) is drawn off, for the purposes of joining, to such an extent from the spool (31) that the thread (4) reaches the side (310) of the spool (31) which is facing away from the front (110) of the pressure roller (11) provided with recesses (113, 114). The thread is then introduced into the spinning chamber (2) and is joined.

Abstract: Polyester yarns spun from spinnerets are delivered to bobbins held on a bobbin holder in a winding apparatus through godet rollers which have mirror finished surfaces and axially grooved surfaces. Upon threading the yarns on the bobbins, the yarns are moved to the axially grooved surface from the mirror finished surfaces by means of a yarn displacing guide disposed upstream of the uppermost godet roller. The change in the tension in the yarn caused by the threading operation of the yarn is transmitted beyond the godet rollers, and entanglement of the yarn around the godet roller does not occur.

Abstract: An automatic threading apparatus for a magnetic tape transport is disclosed in which a flexible sprocketed guide tape loop is disposed in a continuous guide channel which is shaped to conform to the shape of the complex tape path extending from the supply reel to the take-up reel of the magnetic tape transport. The guide tape is driven by a sprocketed gear to move in sliding engagement with the continuous channel in either direction to move a leader block coupling device attached to the sprocket tape from a first position adjacent the supply reel where the leader block is coupled and decoupled from the device to a second position associated with the take-up reel where the leader block is maintained coupled to the device and caused to rotate relative thereto by and with the take-up reel during a winding operation.

Abstract: A dispenser for flexible sheet material having a reserve roll that automatically moves in the dispensing position when the dispensing roll is almost exhausted. The sides of reserve roll guide tracks are angled inwardly to engage the reserve roll spool at an off center point, so the spool is pushed downwardly into contact with a driving roller during rotation. The leading edge of the reserve roll towel engages the remaining portion of the almost exhausted dispensing roll and is moved therewith to be threaded through the dispensing mechanism. The perforating mechanism is assisted through the perforating stroke by a spring mechanism. The sensing roll is halted by a roll stop mechanism including a pivoted stop link and an anti-reverse pawl.

Abstract: A dispenser for wound rolls of flexible sheet material, such as, paper towels, toilet tissue or the like has inwardly facing tracks on the opposite inner side walls of the dispenser housing to receive therein outwardly projecting spindles carried by wound rolls to be dispensed for the rolls to move in succession downwardly relative to the tracks with a section of the lower end of each track slanting away from a feed roller mounted adjacent the lower end of the dispenser housing and each track having at such lower end section a pivotally mounted roll rotation driving guide biased toward the track center to form the lower side of each track section slanting away from the feed roller.

Abstract: The system dispenses, unloads and discharges film cartridges while unloaded film strips are cut, identified, spliced end-to-end and wound into a roll--all automatically. The system alternatively provides semi-automatic or manual handling of individual cartridges or film strips and is especially suited for unloading and splicing so-called "110" cartridge film.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing backing strips and exposed films from drop-in cassettes wherein the window for the foremost unexposed film frame is located in front of an opening for observation of symbols on the backing strip has a pusher which is movable through the opening to expel the leader of the backing strip through the window and into the nip of two first advancing rollers which introduce the leader into a first channel for entry into a collecting receptacle. The leader of exposed film is stripped off the backing strip by a deflector and enters a second channel to advance into the nip of two second advancing rollers and to be transported to a splicing station for connection to the trailing end of the preceding film. The pusher can enter a circumferential groove of one first advancing roll and the other first advancing roll has a shallower groove for a finger which directs the leader of the backing strip into the first channel.

Abstract: An arrangement for transporting strip-shaped material, particularly photographic paper, includes a one-piece elongated holding element which extends along a triple-turn hairpin course to form four holding sections which are substantially parallel to one another and define with each other three spaces for strip-shaped material. Two brackets which are welded to the end portions of the two outer sections of the holding element and are bent at right angle to the remainder of the respective outer sections support the holding element on a conveyor belt for travel therewith. The four sections of the holding element resiliently contact one another to clamp the strip-shaped material therebetween when such strip-shaped material is received between neighboring sections.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for engaging and moving leading edges of coils of sheet steel from one position to another along a steel processing line. For example, in a slitting line, the leading edge of a new coil of steel is moved by the apparatus from a slitter to a recoiler mandrel or drum. The engaging apparatus includes two elongate clamping members extending transversely of the steel sheet and having lengths exceeding the width of the slit sheet. Jack-screws are used to move the upper member toward and away from the lower one to engage the leading edge of the sheet and to release it. The clamping members and moving means are mounted on a carriage carried by overhead supports or by supports at one side of the line which support the carriage for movement from one position on the processing line to another. A roller extends the length of the lower clamping member and is positioned at the discharge or downstream side thereof to support the steel sheet as it moves beyond the clamping members.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming glass filaments comprised of (a) a plurality of spaced apart forming sections wherein each section is comprised of (i) a feeder adapted to supply a plurality of streams of glass to be attenuated into continuous filaments, a zone being defined by the paths of the free-falling streams, (ii) applicator means laterally spaced from said zone adapted to apply a coating to the advancing filaments, (iii) first guide means laterally spaced from said zone adapted to gather the filaments into a strand, the guide means and applicator being positioned such that the coating is applied to the filaments at a region external to said zone and intermediate the feeder and the first guide means along the path of advancement of the filaments, (iv) secondary attenuation means laterally spaced from the zone adapted to advance the filaments as waste, (b) a single primary attenuation means adapted to simultaneously attenuate the streams from each section into filaments; and (c) second guide means posit

Abstract: The present invention relates to a controllable thread extractor with an air passage connected to a vacuum source which includes a shaft passageway perpendicular to the air passage dividing the air passage into two sections, a ball is received in the shaft and means for actuating the ball to selectively open and close the air passage.

Abstract: A device for unloading exposed film from a cassette, discarding a backing strip which is wound with the film, discharging the cassette body and conveying the film to a light-free storage box. The cassette is initially loaded into the device through a shutter-closable aperture and received by a downwardly inclined cradle. Upon initiation of the loading cycle, the loading aperture shutter closes and a pneumatic ram lifts the cradle to place the cassette against the inlet of a film guide. A motor raises a violator probe after the cassette is in place to guide the backing paper between a pair of powered rollers which draw the backing strip from the cartridge thereby carrying the film into the film guide. The backing strip is discharged through a series of ducts to be discharged outside the machine.

Abstract: A perforated form band is introduced into a form printer through an input passage or shaft. The passage is formed by spaced walls and is pivotally mounted on the printer for movement between an input position and a working position. In the input position, a form band is introduced into and aligned within the input passage. In one embodiment, the leading end of the form band contacts transversely extending stop surfaces, while in another the leading end of the form band is aligned with an indicating mark and the perforations on the form band engage with projections in the input passage. With the form band aligned, the input passage is moved into the working position engaging the perforations in the form band on pins projecting outwardly from sprocket wheels which drive the form band through the printer. In the working position of the input passage, the form band no longer contacts the stop surfaces or engages the projections used in the aligning operation.

Abstract: Supply and take-up reels are mounted above a horizontal base for selective powered rotation about respective vertical axes. Vertical guide surfaces and a cover panel define an air tight continuous flowpath extending between the peripheries of the reels past a read/write head. A blower mounted in a hood structure beneath the base sucks air through the flowpath and through a perforated center spool of the take-up reel. A river of air thus pulls and guides the free end portion of the magnetic tape from the supply reel to the take-up reel as the supply reel is rotated by a drive motor to unwind the tape therefrom. The supply hub is adapted to automatically center the supply reel thereon. The supply hub further includes a plurality of annularly spaced reel engaging pawls mounted in, and normally retracted into the hub, and an over-center actuating means for selectively extending the pawls through differential rotation of a pair of separate rotors included in the hub.

Abstract: An automatic film threading device adapted for use with cameras or projection devices will drive the free end of the roll of film from a magazine along a film path and into the equipment. The threading mechanism comprises a drive for the reel and means for spreading the mouth of the magazine to free the film from the magazine. A second member moves into contact with the outer surface of the wound film to strip the free end from the roll of film and thread the same into a nip area between two drive rollers. The stripping member is biased toward the wound roll of film and a roller near the stripping finger engages the outer convolution of the wound film to hold the roll as the stripping finger contacts the film to direct the free end of the film off the reel.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for introducing a moving web to a stenter apparatus at the commencement of the stenter apparatus operation comprises gripping and transporting the web between at least two belt conveyors which are driven at a linear speed substantially equal to the linear speed of the edge grips of the stenter apparatus, transferring the moving web into the moving edge grips of the stenter apparatus, and disengaging the belt conveyors from gripping and transporting contact with the moving web when continuous web transportation through the stenter apparatus has been established. Useful in processes for the production of oriented and heat-set thermoplastics films such as polyethylene terephthalate films for feeding the film to the stenter apparatus at the beginning of the film production process or if a malfunction necessitating re-feeding occurs in the stenter apparatus. Preferably incorporates means for feeding the film to a dump until re-feeding can occur, then severing the film and re-feeding.

Abstract: A device for ejecting a loop of leader tape from a magnetic tape cassette, in which a portion of the leader tape is blown out of the cassette so as to form a loop, by means of a stream of air issuing from at least one nozzle which is connected to a source of pressurized air and projects into one of the apertures in the front wall of the cassette which is located in a holder.

Abstract: A container for exposed photographic roll film is so positioned in a film removing apparatus that the observation and exposure openings of its bridge register with a pivotable pusher which thereupon moves forwardly to expel the leader of the backing strip into the nip of a first pair of advancing rolls. The backing strip extracts the film from the takeup section of the container, and a deflector causes the leader of the film to enter a channel wherein the film advances toward a second pair of advancing rolls. The deflector and/or the first pair of advancing rolls defines for the backing strip a path which makes an angle of 30.degree.-60.degree. with the direction of travel of backing strip from the takeup section of the container toward the exposure opening. This insures that the film is not scratched during withdrawal, even if it is tightly wound onto the takeup reel and even if the dimensions of the container deviate from optimum dimensions.