Abstract: A system, according to one embodiment, includes: a plurality of tape reels; and a tape drive configured for reading data from tape stored on at least one of the plurality of tape reels. At least some of the tape reels have a tape wound thereon and a spring-like clip coupled to a free end of the tape. Moreover, the clip is selectively positionable in a wrapped position where the clip wraps around a portion of the tape when the tape is wound onto the reel, thereby holding the portion of the tape in place on the reel.

Abstract: A traction control system expands and deploys compact tightly wound precut paper with die cut slits. The system has an axle with a smaller diameter as compared to the diameter of tube over which a precut paper package is wound, thereby providing friction free rotation. The precut paper roll rests against a spongy device at one end. The other end of the precut paper role rubs against an adjustable cylinder assembly, providing friction that prevents paper spill and misalignment. The precut paper is manually fed to a paper-handling-mechanism having a large diameter central bulge roll contacting a spring-loaded small diameter roll. A flat belt strung between two pulleys contacts the large diameter roll at the bottom to thereby support the paper. Precut paper exiting the paper-handling-mechanism is manually pulled by user in any direction to expand the precut slits and thereby create a three-dimensionally shaped paper web for packaging.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism that deploys a roll of web material having slit cuts and expands it into a web with a cellular structure. This is accomplished by mounting the roll of unexpanded web material on an axle that is positioned at a first angle to a guide wheel assembly. That first angle is not perpendicular to the direction of deployment. The material moves through the guide wheel assembly longitudinally in such a way that tension is applied at a second angle to the direction of deployment. This diagonal tension causes the web material to expand and form cells. Single axle as well as multi-axle systems are disclosed. In this way, a plurality of rolls of web material may be deployed and expanded as a single unit.

Abstract: A dispenser to deploy and expand cut web material uniformly to form a three dimensional lattice. The unexpanded web material is substantially longer than it is wide. The web material is die cut and has essentially parallel longitudinal strands on opposite transverse sides. The dispenser tracks the threaded web material over three rollers, and uses an adjustable braking mechanism that creates diagonal web tension to pull the paper from the roll. After the web material is threaded through the mechanism, simply pulling the web material on the opposite side from the rollers deploys and expands it simultaneously. The unit can accommodate a plurality of rolls of web material mounted to deploy and expand either individually or simultaneously. The web material itself may have more than one layer. An exemplary embodiment of the dispenser is a motorized version, where a motorized guide wheel assembly pulls the web material, thereby eliminating the necessity of manual deployment.

Abstract: This invention solves some critical issues of contamination and waste of paper taken from a roll of paper towels for cleaning. Two hands are required to remove a sheet, one to restrain the roll and the other to pull the sheet away The hand restraining the roll will leave contamination, exposing others to bacteria. Users will consume more paper than is required to get a clean sheet. This invention solves the problem using a self adjusting vertical clamp bar to restrain the roll, that is held on a vertical post, and horizontal base, eliminating the need to use a second contaminated hand. The clamp bar will self adjust to roll size as sheets are removed.

Abstract: A dispenser has a cover and a housing body. Within the housing body is a pair of rollers having a nip area therebetween. When the cover is open, a disengagement mechanism may be manually depressed to increase the space between one end of the rollers, while the space between an opposing end of the rollers remains substantially unchanged to facilitate the removal of a jam in the nip area of the dispenser.