Abstract: A take-up assembly for operating a mechanism for loading and unloading the leader block of a tape cartridge, and for receiving the web of tape which it contains for subsequent transport, stores energy for transfer to the leader block loading/unloading mechanism when it is to operate to load or unload the leader block, so that even a conventional take-up motor is made capable of supplying the increased energy needed for leader block loading/unloading.A preferred take-up assembly includes a hub which is directly coupled to the take-up motor and which serves to receive the web of tape for direct transport, and a coupling which is nested within the hub and which receives the leader block loading/unloading mechanism. A pin depends from the coupling and into a circumferentially arranged slot formed inthe hub, to connect the hub and coupling as the pin engages the ends of the slot.

Abstract: A device for lifting the leading end of a paper web to the underside of a support drum on which rolls can be formed from the paper web comprises a lifting device which has a suction box pivotal thereon about an axis parallel to the drum axis, so that as the suction box passes between the blades of a longitudinal slitter, it can assume a generally vertical orientation. The suction surface is elastically deformable against the underside of the drum.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for threading thermoplastic film through at least one forward stretching machine 23, comprising driven, stationary rolls 1 and driven, raised lift rolls 2. Each of the rolls 1 and 2 has an intake plate 4 on one of its front sides, which has a milled grooved 24 for the threading apparatus to pass through. The threading apparatus comprises a flexible rod 18 with a removably attached clamp component 13 or 25. The clamp components contain variously configured clamping elements, springs, and insertion slots. The clamping elements are arranged in such a way that they hold the film web 3, which has been inserted in them, during the transport of the threading unit through the forward stretching machine, this holding being done by means of self-locking or spring-loading. For the reliable introduction of the threading apparatus into the forward stretching machine 23, there is disclosed an insertion unit 31, having pairs of upper and lower guide bearings 19.

Abstract: Apparatus for separably connecting the leader of a web of photosensitive material to a running band which serves to pull the web through a processor employs a clip one portion of which is separably connected to the web and another portion of which is provided with a channel into which the band can enter only in response to a reduction of its effective width due to its innate elasticity and entrains the clip and the web through the processor. The mechanism for connecting the other portion of the clip to the band has a matrix at one side of the path of movement of the band opposite the open side of the channel in the other portion of the clip, and a deforming member which can be moved by a motor to cooperate with the matrix in deforming the band so that the effective width of the band is temporarily reduced to allow for introduction into the channel of the other portion of the clip.

Abstract: To permit a threading roller chain for a printing machine to flex outside of a plane, for example parallel to the printing machine, and permit passage of the threading mechanism about turning bars and the like, the roller chain is formed of a plurality of bolt elements (1, 16) retaining rollers (2, 19) thereon, and rotatable within the guide track (15, 29). The bolt elements (1, 16) are connected by flexible, preferably steel cables or ropes (4, 5, 22), passed through holes (11, 23) in the bolts and retained therein by pinch or clamp deformation of the bolts. The cables or ropes accept tension forces between adjacent bolts and rollers. To accept compression forces, essentially non-compressible spacer elements (6, 24) are placed between adjacent bolts, preferably in form of tightly wound spiral springs, surrounding the respective cables or ropes. The cables or ropes, with the spacers thereabout, can be passed alongside a single roller (FIGS.

Abstract: A threading bar and a process for using the threading bar with a wire coating apparatus having parallel transport cables is disclosed. The threading bar comprises a body portion suitable for attaching wires thereto, and a gripping mechanism which is used to selectively engage a portion of a transport cable so as to secure the body portion to the transport cable. Process steps include the use of such a threading bar to draw wire through a wire coating apparatus.

Abstract: A transport for a rectangular tape cartridge enclosing a supply reel having a web of magnetic tape wound thereabout terminating in a free end attached to a leader block. The illustrated embodiment of the transport is designed to fit within the computer industry standard 51/4-inch form factor and utilizes the 1/2-inch tape cartridge defined in Proposed American National Standard X3B5/85-075. An elongate rectangular housing has internal mechanisms for supporting the tape cartridge therein and referencing the cartridge off its side surfaces. The cartridge is manually inserted into the housing through a slot in a face panel extending across a transverse end of the housing. Electro-mechanical assemblies lock the cartridge in place and complete the loading sequence by engaging a drive chuck with the hub of the supply reel, extracting the leader block from the cartridge, and pulling the leader block to the take-up hub to thread the tape along a tape path.

Abstract: A device for threading a web of flexible material through the array of rollers of a machine, e.g. a coiler for the web, utilizes an endless guide wire guided over deflection rolls integrated with those web-guide rolls which are located along the underside of the web. The wire-deflection rolls associated with the web-guide rolls along the upper surface of the web are spaced therefrom and have means cooperating with the kite wire attaching the leading end of the web to the guide wire for deflecting the kite wire off these deflecting rolls so that the deflecting rolls can be located centrally of the web-guide path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a bead filler material to a bead wherein the bead filler material may be applied to the bead at an offset position to compensate for the stretching of the filler material as it is applied to the bead to afford a proper splice of the leading and trailing ends of the bead filler material.

Abstract: A rack of a film feed unit for an automatic film developing machine is formed by two rack plates, one of which is formed in its side plates with cutouts. Film feed members can be easily mounted on the rack plate by inserting its ends into the cutouts from the front of the side plates. Also, each rack plate may be divided into a plurality of blocks, each having one end formed with grooves and the other end with projections to be engaged in the grooves to combine the blocks together. Thus, by changing the number of blocks to be coupled together, the length of the rack can be adjusted to the depth of a treating tank in which it is to be hung. Also provided in the rack are members for preventing films from meandering while being fed to the rack.

Abstract: A clip which is to separably couple an elastic belt conveyor with the leader of a web of photographic material has a slotted arm which is connectable to the leader and a frame which is integral with one end of the arm and has a square window bounded at two of its sides by triangular or square projections. The belt conveyor is caused to buckle so as to reduce its effective width, and one of its marginal portions is inserted in front of one of the projections from one side of the frame prior to insertion of the other marginal portion in front of the other projection. The projections engage one side of the conveyor and the other side of the conveyor is engaged by one side of the frame in front of and behind the window. The clip is flat and its arm is integral with the frame. The width of the window in the frame is somewhat less than the width of the conveyor.

Abstract: A film accumulating device for a film developing machine of an industrial kind in which the films are entrained by leaders. The collecting unit is situated at the outlet side of the developing machine and includes a box-like envelope (9), a series of pairs of rollers (19, 20) supported in the envelope which drive the leaders and the subsequent films connected thereto toward a subsequent roller (32). Two lateral guide supports (33, 34) deflect the leaders upwardly into guide slots (16) of lateral forks (10, 11), which are substantially extended from the end portion of the box-like envelope (9). When the leaders are completely disengaged from the roller (32) and the relative lateral guide supports (33, 34) they fall into recesses (17, 18) provided at the lower ends of the lateral forks (10, 11) and the trailing ends of the leaders are laterally supported by such recesses (17, 18).

Abstract: A photographic film processing rack is adapted to be immersed in a processing liquid tank. The processing rack includes four identical rack panels which combine to form two oppositely spaced pairs of mating vertical rack panels, each pair defining between its mating panels a vertical belt path and at least one vertical film process channel. An endless timing belt extends over a drive sprocket at the top of the processing rack, over an idler sprocket at the bottom of the processing rack, and along the vertical belt paths defined by the respective opposite pairs of mating rack panels. The timing belt has inner teeth for positive engagement with the sprockets and outer teeth for positive engagement with a flexible film leader card to which at least one exposed filmstrip is secured.

Abstract: An article for feeding into a mechanical printer the uppermost form of a continuous assembly of forms having lateral marginal sections with spaced holes coinciding with the spacing of the feed pins of the feed mechanism of the mechanical printer comprising an elongated narrow flexible strip foldable down the middle and having oppositely disposed holes in each folded half longitudinally spaced to coincide with the feed pin holes in the uppermost form and having one surface of the strip coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive film; said flexible strip adapted to be mounted on the marginal sections of the uppermost form with the holes therein aligned with the holes in the marginal section and secured to the marginal sections of said uppermost form so that the uppermost ends of the flexible strips extend substantially above the upper edge of the form, whereby the uppermost ends of the strips can be engaged by the mechanical feed means to facilitate properly positioning the uppermost form in the printer.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with improvements in a web draw-in system for a web printing press comprising printing units with register rolls around which the web is trained, a draw-in bar to be attached to the leading end of the web and two tractive elements extending along the side frames of the press and guided by bend pulleys following the web path in the press. The tractive elements extend from one drum at one end of the press to a further drum at the other end so that they may be wound onto and unwound from such drums moving the draw-in bar along the web path.

Abstract: A device for threading the leading end of a web through a web path between a series of rollers in shafts includes a leader line for attachment to the leading end of the web and for drawing the web through the web path. There is also a leader path on one side of the series of rollers which is generally parallel to but beside the web path for supporting the leader line means and confining the lateral movement of the leader line means while permitting longitudinal movement of the leader line means and the leading end of the web in the direction generally parallel to but beside of the web path. The leader path includes pulleys mounted on the roller shafts which freely rotate relative to the respective rollers. The leader line includes a proximal end portion by which the leader line means is engaged and drawn, a distal end portion, and a loop intermediate the proximal and distal end portions for attachment of the leader line connected to a retractor to the web.

Abstract: An automatic tape threading device transfers a tape leader and its associated tape from a supply reel, past a transducer head, to a take-up reel. It is comprised of a threader arm having a perpendicular threader pin which follows an arcuate path defined by an overhead cam. The overhead cam guides the threader pin from a first predetermined position, which relates to a leader block associated with the supply reel, to a second predetermined position, which relates to a receiver mechanism within the take-up reel.

Abstract: A film leader card has a series of holes for receiving the projections on a succession of endless timing belts in a film processor to advance the card and an attached filmstrip through the processor. A middle-most hole in the series of holes is spaced relative to an adjacent hole in the series to match the pitch of the projections. Each of the holes in the series forward of the middle-most hole has a pitch slightly greater than the pitch of the projections. Each of the holes in the series rearward of the middle-most hole has a pitch slightly less than the pitch of the projections. Consequently, the leader card is projection-driven only at its middle-most hole since the projections received in the forward and rearward holes are substantially clear of any contact with the edges of those holes. This clearance between the forward and rearward holes and the projections facilitates transfer of the leader card from one timing belt to another timing belt in the film processor.

Abstract: For the introduction of a strip of material between the rollers of a loop take-up apparatus having a fixed frame that includes one or more rows of rollers and a movable jockey frame that includes one or more rows of rollers, the rows of rollers are brought into a pull-through position and the strip of material is attached to a strip pull-through device and passed through between the rows of rollers situated in the pull-through position by means of the strip pull-through device. The pull-through device comprises a chain system which preferably consists of two finite chains which in the pull-through position can be guided in grooves at both sides of the rollers. The grooves are formed by guide grooves provided in the fixed frame and the jockey frame, which guide grooves are in line with each other and together form a continuous groove when the jockey frame is in the pull-through position.

Abstract: A tape leader block can be restored to and removed from its housing in a tape cassette by a device which comprises a threader arm having a leader block carrier which supports a threader pin. The leader block carrier also is provided with a gear system which engages with a compatible gear system of a rotatable yoke. The yoke terminates in a cam follower which is forced into certain distinct operating positions by powered movements of a camming device. Attainment of these operating positions serves to restore or remove the leader block to and from the tape cassette's leader block housing.

Abstract: For securing a web of material to the hook of a web threading apparatus, two flexible, magnetic plate elements are provided, between which the leading end of the web of material to be threaded can be clamped and which are connected with a loop for attachment to the hook. To maintain the web in alignment with respect to a plane defined by a longitudinal slit in a guide tube, and a guide tube axis, the magnetic plate elements are placed at the trailing end of a pulling connection (21) of pointed triangular form, having an intermediate, longitudinally resilient portion to absorb pulling shocks, and a head portion which has a lateral bead and can be threaded over open eye portions (33) of connecting elements (32) extending through the slit (31) of the guide track tube (30).

Abstract: A transport for a rectangular tape cartridge enclosing a supply reel having a web of magnetic tape wound thereabout terminating in a free end attached to a leader block. The illustrated embodiment of the transport is designed to fit within the computer industry standard 51/4-inch form factor and utilizes the 1/2-inch tape cartridge defined in Proposed American National Standard X3B5/85-075. An elongate rectangular housing has internal mechanisms for supporting the tape cartridge therein and referencing the cartridge off its side surfaces. The cartridge is manually inserted into the housing through a slot in a face panel extending across a transverse end of the housing. Electro-mechanical assemblies lock the cartridge in place and complete the loading sequence by engaging a drive chuck with the hub of the supply reel, extracting the leader block from the cartridge, and pulling the leader block to the take-up hub to thread the tape along a tape path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dressing coils of hot rolled strips, especially coilbox coils. A coil is placed in a coil support frame in such a way that it is rotatably supported about its axis. The coil frame is capable of taking up traction forces which act upon the hot strip. The traction mechanism of a traction device is secured to the end of the strip at the beginning of the coil. The strip is at least partially uncoiled from the coil via the traction mechanism. The thus uncoiled beginning of the strip is introduced into a roller truing machine until the strip is grasped by the truing rolls of the roller truing machine and is drawn into the latter.

Abstract: A tape leader block can be restored to and removed from its housing in a tape cassette by a guide which comprises a tripartite wedge system having an upwardly inclined plane, a downwardly inclined plane and an inwardly inclined plane which serve to guide the leader block into and out of a receiver opening in the tape cassette's leader block housing.

Abstract: Tractor mechanism for paper traction feed printers and typewriters, said mechanism including in a holder (2) an endless belt (8) which is mounted for movement in its endless direction, as well as a drive connection for the belt. The belt has external teeth (10) intended to drive a printing medium such as a paper web or the like through the printer on movement of the belt by engagement with a row of holes along an edge of the medium. The holed edge and the toothed belt run in a gap defined by two wall portions of the holder the height of the gap being less than at the height of the teeth plus the thickness of the belt and the wall portion facing towards the teeth has a groove (26) for the teeth.

Abstract: Film (13) in a film cassette (15) is connected to a take-up reel (19) in a film transport mechanism (11) by means of mating connectors (20,30) attached to leaders (27,29) on the cassette film (13) and on the take-up reel (19). The connectors (20,30) are retained in contoured slots (41,51) on the cassette (15) and on the film transport mechanism (19) so that when the cassette (15) is loaded onto the transport mechanism (19), the connectors (20,30) will be in alignment. By arranging the connectors (20,30) for connection and disconnection in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the film (13), an efficient connection can be effected and the connection remains stable during the operation of the film transport mechanism (11).

Abstract: A clip 12 is engaged with the leading end portion of a photosensitive material 10 of continuous length which has been printed with images. The clip is propelled by a driving force to convey the photosensitive material. In a clip removing device 56, rotating arms 66 bend the leading end portion of the photosensitive material in the direction of the thickness thereof such that the leading end portion is disengaged from the clip. The photosensitive material is then fed by rollers 72, 74, 80, 82 to a subsequent stage 87 where it is cut off.

Abstract: A paper machine where the press section features exclusively double felt roll presses (13-16; 23-26) through which proceeds the paper web (10) to be dehydrated between two felt belts (15,16; 25, 26). The paper web (10) is constantly supported by a backing belt (34) at least in the first drying group of the drying section. The transition of the paper web (10) from one roll press to the next and from the press section to the drying occurs without an open draw. The first drying cylinder (31) is located outside the backing belt loop (34), with the paper web (10) proceeding across the upper cyliner area of this drying cylinder (31). The entrance point of a rope carrier (45,46) (serving to thread the paper web into the drying section) is located behind the leaving point of the paper web (10) from the first drying cylinder (31).

Abstract: For the drawing in of material webs in web-fed rotary presses a driven draw-in element is used which has a finite length extent and which is moved along different, preadjustable draw-in paths. Guides are disposed along the draw-in paths which provide interruptions which improve the accessibility of the printing units of the presses. For the passage through these guideless regions the draw-in element is stiffened.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing and advancing the leader of a cigarette paper web which forms a roll and whose leader adheres to the adjacent convolution has tongs one jaw of which is formed with a scraping edge movable against the periphery of the roll while the roll is rotated in a direction to pay out the web whereby the leader strikes against the edge and is separated from the adjacent convolution. The impact of the leader against the scraping edge releases a catch which normally holds the spring-biased other jaw of the tongs against movement toward engagement with the one jaw whereby the two jaws clamp the leader preparatory to transport directly to a splicing mechanism wherein the leader is attached to the trailing end of the preceding web or to a conveyor which transports the leader to the splicing mechanism.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for conducting the end of a web from a machine roll or the like through a subsequent web processing arrangement, such as a reeling arrangement, along a path defined by web guiding members. The apparatus comprises a fetching and gripping arrangement for gripping the end of the web on the machine roll and around which the web is wrapped a desired number of turns, and a web end conduction member carried by a conveyor arrangement for conducting the web doubled over itself through the web processing arrangement, the web unwinding simultaneously both from the machine roll and from the fetching and gripping arrangement.

Abstract: There is disclosed in the present application an apparatus for staking to a leader block the trailing end of a length of magnetic tape wound on a reel of a substantially closed cartridge. The leader block is sized and shaped to fit into and close an opening in the wall of the cartridge and later when the cartridge is in use to provide a means by which the tape may be grasped to be withdrawn from the cartridge. The present apparatus is mounted on a movable platform which permits its withdrawal to a retracted loading position out of the way of a cartridge loading or winding operation. In its retracted position, the apparatus is provided with a short length of rod to be used later for securing the trailing end to the block by staking the rod length with the tape end into an appropriately sized slot in the leader block.

Abstract: One end of a long or continuous film is retained by a leader. The leader is engaged with engagement projections formed on the outer periphery of an endless timing belt stretched between sprocket wheels in order to guide the leader such that the film is conveyed through a treating solution contained in a treating tank. Guide means are disposed in the treating tank such as to oppose the outer periphery of the timing belt, thereby maintaining the engagement between the leader and the timing belt.

Abstract: A film accumulating device is connected to a developing apparatus in which a film is developed while being guided by a leader attached to the leading end of the film. The leader is guided obliquely upward until it abuts against guide means. Then, the leader moves upwardly while being guided by the guide means. Thereafter, one of the surfaces of the leader abuts against a hook, and the leading end thereof abuts against a stopper, whereby the upward movement is stopped. When the force for feeding out the leader has disappeared, the leader slightly lowers such as to be suspended from the hook. Thus, the film following the leader is deposited in a state wherein it is suspended from the leader.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a package doffed by a spinning frame to a winder. Packages are independently transported on a package supply conveyor by means of a peg tray which includes a guide member for securing thereto an end of a yarn extracted from the package. The package carrying tray is delivered to a frictionless inclined pathway and proceeds under its own weight to a winding position adjacent a winding unit.

Abstract: To permit formation of a threading element as a closed-loop structure, while being capable of accommodating threading paths of different lengths, the threading element is formed as a sprocket chain which has a long return portion (1) in a return path, coupled to a driven sprocket wheel (2), and connecting portions (3, 4) of a length suitable for the respective threading paths (B, C), and selectively connectable with the return portion (1), to thereby form a closed loop with the selected connecting portion (3 or 4). Pneumatically operated pistons located on path selection switches (5, 6) push the last link of the return portion into engagement with a selected end of the connecting portion, for example by engaging a cross pin (26) in a slotted end link (22, 23; 24, 25) of the connecting portions.

Abstract: The leader of a fresh reel in a cigarette making or other tobacco processing machine is engaged by the tongs on an endless chain and is advanced to a splicing device so that it can be spliced to the trailing portion of a running web which is being paid out by an expiring reel. The tongs can be opened preparatory to introduction of the leader of the fresh web between its jaws by a severing device which serves to cut the protective strip around the outermost convolution of the fresh web as well as to deflect the thus exposed leader of the web on the fresh reel into the open tongs during pivoting of the severing device from its operative to its inoperative position.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a strip of photographic paper to a flat conveyor belt includes an elongated member having at a first end thereof a hook for fitting over one edge of the flat conveyor belt. The elongated member has a supporting portion spaced from the hook and adapted to have attached thereto a strip of photographic material. A slide member is mounted for longitudinal sliding movement along a portion of the length of the elongated member between the hook and the supporting portion thereof. The slide member has projecting therefrom an integral inclined tab for engaging the other edge of the flat conveyor belt. A toggle and spring structure constantly urge the slide member toward the hook, thereby ensuring that opposite edges of the conveyor belt continuously are clamped between the hook and the tab.

Abstract: The present arrangement includes a first tape leader which can be readily and automatically coupled to a second tape leader. In a preferred embodiment the first tape leader is connected to be wound on a take up reel while the second tape leader is connected to a tape to be pulled from a supply reel. The first tape leader has one end formed into a mushroom like tab with a supporting stem. The second tape leader has a locking aperture at one end thereof which is proportioned so that a wide section thereof can fit over said mushroom like tab while a narrow section thereof will accept the stem but block passage of the mushroom tab therethrough. Accordingly when the tab is passed through the wide section and the leader is moved (pulled) toward the narrow section of the locking aperture, the tab and part of the stem become locked in the narrow section. Hence the leaders are locked, or buckled, to enable the first tape leader to pull the second leader.

Abstract: A device for threading a line with, or through, an annular member, or other endless or apertured member, from a remote position, comprises a body for location at the end of a pole, a rotor having a recess therein, and a threading member to which a line is connected. The rotor comprises a pair of spaced discs having arcuate recesses on their facing surfaces which engage corresponding arcuate flanges on the body and threading member to allow the rotor to rotate with respect thereto. The rotor is biassed to maintain the recess therein open to a space between a threading portion of the threading member and a confronting portion of the body to receive a ring or other similar element in which the threading portion is engaged. On further movement, the rotor rotates relative to the threading member to allow the ring to pass onto a line attached to the threading member.

Abstract: A forms leader is disclosed for use in printing of business forms by a printing device. The leader includes a rectangular sheet of flexible material having a series of line holes formed along the edges of the sheet. The sheet is folded along a crease to define a front portion of the sheet which is of less length than a rear portion. The crease is further positioned so that the line holes formed on the front portion align with those of the rear portion. An adhesive strip is formed across the front surface of the rear portion of the sheet, the strip being positioned along the surface so that at least a portion thereof is above a line corresponding to the bottom edge of the front portion. The adhesive has a relatively low tack, whereby the form can be removably secured to the adhesive with the front portion of the sheet extending over a portion of the form and the line holes of the form aligning with those of the sheet.

Abstract: A daylight film processing apparatus for removing an end cap of a cassette containing an exposed film and capturing the spool and film pushed outwardly therefrom so that the film can be suitably trimmed and identified and spliced to the tail of a next-preceding film and wound therewith onto a reel in a light-tight container for transfer to subsequent film processing equipment.

Abstract: A device for detecting whether or not one end of a belt-shaped sheet is locked having a depressing bar for depressing one end of a belt-shaped sheet perpendicular to the surface of an end thereof when the end is at a locking position where to be locked by an end locking member. A detector is operated when the depressing bar is moved a predetermined distance to produce a signal representative of whether the end of the belt-shaped sheet is satisfactorily locked. The depressing bar is operated in response to a signal representing when the end of the belt-shaped sheet comes to the locking position.

Abstract: A tape driving arrangement employs a plurality of tapes mounted on a drum in a manner enabling any selected tape to be positioned at a pick-up station. The free end of each tape is provided with lateral protrusions which enable the tape to be drawn through the reading zone of an input unit to a take-up reel by a mechanism that engages those lateral protrusions. That mechanism and the engaged lateral protrusions travel in paths on either side of the reading zone and thus avoid damaging the input unit. A rewind mechanism is provided to enable the tape to be rewound.

Abstract: In a magnetic tape drive in which the supply reel is contained within a cartridge, the tape is automatically threaded from the supply reel within the cartridge past a magnetic head assembly to the take-up reel by a vacuum source coupled via apertures in the hub of the take-up reel to a generally enclosed continuous flowpath extending between the supply and take-up reels. The vacuum source causes air to flow into the cartridge through air inlet ports and around the opposite sides of the supply reel to an opposite tape exit port communicating with the flowpath so as to pull the leading end of a length of magnetic tape wound on the supply reel through the flowpath and onto the take-up reel.

Abstract: In a process for continuously pulling a web of tows of carbonizable material under tension through an oxidizing oven, the web is introduced into the oxidizing oven by initially feeding a leader in the form of a web of heat-resistant cloth through the oven and then heating the oven if the oven is not already hot. The trailing edge of the leader which remains outside of the oven is then spliced to the leading edge of the web of carbonizable tows, and the leader is used to pull the web of carbonizable tows into and through the hot oven. Use of the heat-resistant leader greatly minimizes wastage within the web of carbonizable tows. Splicing of the trailing edge of the lead to the leading edge of the web of carbonizable tows is accomplished by taping, stitching and folding the two edges to form loops therein into which elongated rods are inserted. The two edges are then secured within a splice bar, the opposite halves of which define slots for receiving the two edges and the included rods.

Abstract: A threading system for threading a lead end of a web along a processing path in a papermaking machine includes an endless looped belt having a fabric base and a soft elastomeric outer surface with a transversely extending gripping slot in the surface. The slot has a round at the base and the sides of the slot are pinched together when the carrier belt extends along a straightline and with the sides separating when the carrier belt is wrapped over a roll so that the lead end of a web can be gripped in the slot for threading a web and automatically released when the sides of the slot are separated as the belt is wrapped over a roll.

Abstract: Apparatus for threading a web through a printing press includes a single cable extending through the press along the web path on one side of the web. The leading edge of the web is connected to the cable by a leader, so that the web is pulled through the printing press when the cable is driven. The cable is supported by sheaves that are mounted coaxially with the lead rollers that guide the web through the press.

Abstract: Device permitting the winding and unwinding of a tape. It comprises a feed reel on which is wound a tape, and a take-up reel equipped with a tape driving strap. The leader of the tape and the free end of the strap are provided with mutual coupling means and are positioned so as to face the interior of a mechanical member for carrying out the operations of coupling and uncoupling the strap with respect to the tape. The device according to the invention is used more particularly in equipment for recording and reading data on a support such as a magnetic tape, a photographic film, a perforated tape, etc.

Abstract: A single reel magnetic tape cartridge includes a leader block for interfacing with an automatic threading system in a tape drive. The leader block has a slot in its leading surface that precedes an enlarged receiving cavity. The cavity and slot interface with a coupling device in a positive connection to unwind the tape from the reel into the tape drive.