Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a supply roll to a rotatable support shaft in an imaging system. The apparatus includes a first collet/collar assembly for accurately positioning the supply roll at a desired location on the support shaft, and a second collet/collar assembly for frictionally coupling the support shaft to an interior surface of a supply core of the supply roll using a deformable gland.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing manufacturing cost and increasing disc drive actuator assembly stiffness. A post extends from a base deck and supports an actuator assembly and cartridge bearing. In particular, the cartridge bearing comprises a stationary shaft, a bearing supported by the shaft, and a sleeve rotatably supported by the bearing for rotation about the stationary shaft. A first tolerance ring is disposed between an inner surface of the shaft and the post to secure the cartridge bearing in place during assembly. A second tolerance ring is interposed between the cartridge bearing and the E-block to secure the E-block.

Abstract: A tolerance ring is disclosed which provides increased hoop strength and resistance to deformation. The tolerance ring is placed on a stationary post so as to circumferentially extend about an outer surface of the post. An actuator assembly with an inner bored recess is thereafter placed onto the post so that the tolerance ring is compressed between the surface of the inner bored recess and the outer surface of the post, thereby maintaining a desired nominal position of the actuator assembly about the actuator pivot axis. The mechanical configuration of the tolerance ring includes a substantially cylindrical base portion from which at least one brace portion and a plurality of contact portions project. The brace portion preferably extends along the circumference of the base portion and preferably comprises either a circumferentially extending ridge or flange.

Abstract: A flywheel structure which has a ring made from a composite material of carbon fiber reinforced plastics and a spoke member inserted in the ring. The spoke member is made from the fiber reinforced plastics having a lower modulus of elasticity than that of the ring. A tapered bush is press-fitted into a center portion of the spoke member. Both of the tapered bush and the spoke member are tightly fixed on a shaft by a first spring supported by a holder, and by a second spring urging the holder so as to effectively prevent vibrations due to looseness thereof.

Abstract: A joint mechanism for a mowing machine which can be easily assembled and disassembled, including a support member of a casing which houses a cylindrical damper, which prevents vibration of a power unit from being transmitted to a rod, a holder in which the rod is inserted, and a clamp, which clamp prevents the damper and the holder from unintentionally separating from the support member, being inserted therein. The clamp has a flexible arm which extends in the direction of an output shaft of a power unit, and an engagement hook is formed on the tip of the arm. An engagement hole which the engagement hook of the clamp engages is provided on the support member.

Abstract: A rotary brush including an elongated handle and brush head and a rotary swivel joint between the handle and brush head allowing the brush to rotate to reach hard to access places when used for cleaning.

Abstract: An elastic shaft joint of the present invention comprises an elastic member, a slide sleeve and a stopper. The elastic member is composed of an elastic material such as rubber, elastomer etc and held on an inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical portion fixedly provided on the cylindrical member. The slide sleeve is made using a low-friction material such as a synthetic resin, an oil-impregnated metal etc, held on an inner peripheral surface of the elastic member and elastically pressed against an outer peripheral surface of the shaft by an elasticity of the elastic member. The stopper is provided between the shaft and the cylindrical member, permits the shaft and the cylindrical member to slightly displace in the axial and rotating directions, and hinders the displacement in the rotating direction beyond a predetermined angle enough to damage the elastic member and the slide sleeve.

Abstract: An improved faucet assembly is provided which includes a standard valve assembly used in basic plumbing systems, and a spout which communicates with the valve assembly to deliver water to a desired area. The valve assembly includes a valve stem which serves as the means by which the flow of water through the valve assembly is controlled. A simplified knob or handle attaches to the valve stem by means of a spring member which minimizes rotational and longitudinal movement of the knob or handle with respect to the valve stem. The spring member may either be a D-shaped spring, or a flat spring, depending upon the specific type of movement which must be restricted with respect to movement between the knob or handle and the valve stem. The use of the spring member and the simplified knob or handle results in a compression or friction type attachment.

Abstract: A planing machine includes a carriage locking mechanism disposed above a cutter carriage, which in turn, is connected movably to upstanding posts of a machine base that is disposed below the cutter carriage. The locking mechanism includes a pair of post embracing members, each having elongate plate portion that extends at one side of a respective pair of the posts, and two post embracing portions that are connected to opposite ends of the plate portion and that embrace the respective pair of the posts. The post embracing portions are anchored on the carriage. Two axially aligned tubular sockets are threaded internally in different directions and are mounted on the plate portions of the post embracing members. A regulating rod has opposite end portions that are threaded externally in different directions for threaded engagement with the sockets, respectively.

Abstract: A coupling includes a sleeve (E) engaged to a lead screw .COPYRGT. on one end and to a power take-off shaft from an electric motor (D) on the other end. The lead screw (C) extends into an elongated housing (A) and is threadably received for rotation within a piston (B). An insert (F) is mounted in the sleeve (E) for maintaining respective opposite overlapping ends (G) of the lead screw and the power take-off shaft. The insert is constructed of machinable plastic capable of compensating for slight misalignment while providing resiliency and reduced problems resulting from thermal expansion and contraction of the parts.

Abstract: For locking against rotation a piston on a piston rod, the piston having a peripheral groove and at least one radial through-hole to be positioned over a notch, a locking clip with a first straight end part and a curved part has a first end part extending through the radial hole in the piston and a part of the curved part of the locking clip rests in the peripheral groove when in a piston-locking position.

Abstract: An alignment coupling and method of joining an extensible member of a linear actuator to an actuated member for moving a load utilize an enlarged coupler (A) carried by the extensible member within a receptacle in the actuated member formed by a transverse surface (B) and a longitudinal surface (C). A floating alignment is provided by a compressible resilient retaining member (D) permitting limited axial and radial adjustment of the extensible member. The receptacle has an open passageway for insertion of the coupler to facilitate assembly of the components thus providing a foreshortened alignment coupling.

Abstract: An improved faucet assembly is provided which includes a standard valve assembly used in basic plumbing systems, and a spout which communicates with the valve assembly to deliver water to a desired area. The valve assembly includes a valve stem which serves as the means by which the flow of water through the valve assembly is controlled. A simplified knob or handle attaches to the valve stem by means of a spring member which minimizes rotational and longitudinal movement of the knob or handle with respect to the valve stem. The spring member may either be a D-shaped spring, or a flat spring, depending upon the specific type of movement which must be restricted with respect to movement between the knob or handle and the valve stem. The use of the spring member and the simplified knob or handle results in a compression or friction type attachment.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint body for terminals of control cables has a transverse passage with respect to the coupling of the cable with the terminal which forms two reciprocally opposed inlet mouths of freely choosable alternative use, and a central chamber for housing a ball with elastically deformable retaining and seat structure. The retaining and seat structure can comprise a sleeve provided with perimetral projections, or a first shock-absorbing sleeve and a second sleeve provided with coplanar sectoral projections or two "U"-shaped springs or a sleeve and two "U" shaped springs which traverse it.

Abstract: A hardened stop member for attachment to a header portion of a rewinder bar. The stop member is provided with a bore and has a pair of spaced apart recesses located on an inner surface of the bore. Each one of the recesses accommodates a C-shaped clamping member which has an interference fit with the header portion of the rewinder bar to retain the stop member at a desired location along the length of the header portion. The stop member facilitates replacement of a core, to be supported by the rewinder bar, during use of the rewinder bar on production equipment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a chuck assembly for internally holding a hollow substrate having an open end including: (a) a body including an end section having a width narrower than that of the inner width of the substrate to permit insertion of the end section through the substrate open end into the substrate interior; and (b) a compressible spring coiled around a portion of the end section, wherein prior to compression the spring has an outer width larger than that of the inner width of the substrate, wherein upon insertion of the end section of the body into the substrate the spring is compressed by contact with the substrate inner surface resulting in the chuck assembly holding the substrate by the force generated against the substrate inner surface by the spring in opposition to the compression.

Abstract: A depth-adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle whose shaft is disposed in a tube body including two tubes (2, 3), one sliding in the other, a sheath (5) being disposed between the two tubes (2, 3). The sheath (5) comprises projecting elements which are flexible in a radial direction and come into contact with at least one of the tubes (2, 3). The projecting elements are orientated longitudinally, namely parallel to the axis of the tubes (2, 3).

Abstract: A fertilizer applying apparatus for agricultural row crops applies fertilizer at a predetermined depth and lateral distance relative to a row line. A castering pair of disks are sized and oriented to part the soil adjacent the row line in a manner which minimizes soil fracturing which distorts the seed bed.

Abstract: A striking tool assembly comprises a tool head including a tool eye having disposed therein a sleeve member for receiving an elongated tool handle to perform a manual tool work operation. A flexing structure enables the annular wall structure of the sleeve member to temporarily collapse inwardly for a retaining section to be located in a sleeve securing position when the sleeve member is moved in a longitudinal axial direction into the tool head eye. The sleeve member includes a tool eye mating portion and an overstrike portion. The tool head system comprises a plurality of tool heads each of which is effective to perform a different manual work operation. The sleeve member of each tool head assembly has an inner tapered bore including an inner frictionally mating surface effective to frictionally mate with a preselected elongated tool handle, which may be used interchangeably with each tool head of the tool head system.

Abstract: A structure for centering and connecting two members includes a first member having an engagement opening, and a second member having an engagement projection which has an outer peripheral surface substantially corresponding to an inner peripheral surface of the engagement opening. Small protrusions extend radially outwardly and are equidistantly disposed along a circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the engagement projection. Straight notches are formed in the outer peripheral surface on both axial sides of each small protrusion to provide elasticity. When the engagement projection is fitted into the engagement opening, the small protrusions are elastically urged against the inner peripheral surface of the engagement opening. In this way, even when the two members have different thermal expansions, no play or no excessive stress is generated between the two members.

Abstract: An elevationally adjustable folding stage has a frame which folds from a storage position to use position. Stage panels form a stage surface and are reversibly and interchangeably mounted. Connectors insert into passages from the stage frame through the stage panels and provide quick connection without additional connector elements. The connectors rotate within the channel and compress an annular sleeve member axially, forcing the sleeve outward to engage the sides of the passage and secure the stage panel to the stage. The connectors are at or below the upper stage surface and are accessible axially from above by an actuator tool.

Abstract: A sleeve for coupling a tool to a handle includes a collar, a shank and a pair of resilient clips. The collar defines proximal and distal ends, and includes an exterior surface which converges from the proximal end toward the distal end. In addition, the collar includes a central bore for receiving a shaft of the tool. In an especially preferred form, the central bore is so dimensioned as to fit closely around a shaft of the tool. In addition, the exterior surface of the collar meets an interior surface of the central bore at a right or acute angle. Then, the portion of the exterior surface of the collar near the juncture with the interior surface of the central bore acts as a knife edge to scrape deposits such as caked mud from the shaft of the tool as the shaft is inserted into the sleeve.

Abstract: A single shear joint is provided which includes a conical ferrule establishing a nesting means of engagement with controlled embedment between a link and a mating component.

Abstract: A shifter handle assembly for an automotive transmission. The shifter handle assembly comprises a shifter handle having a bore into which the shifter of a vehicle is inserted. A retaining clip is inserted within an aperture of the shifter handle which engages a recessed groove in the shifter such that separation of the shifter handle assembly is prevented. The assembly is preferably constructed of four parts, all held together by the retaining clip.

Abstract: A basketball training apparatus for practicing "outside shooting" and including a rim and attached net supported by a supporting frame structure so that the rim is maintained in a horizontal orientation at a regulation height above the floor and in a manner unobstructed by the supporting structure so as to simulate the reaction to ball impact and the appearance of a conventionally supported basketball rim. The supporting frame structure includes individual frame members and frame connectors for attaching the frame members at opposite ends to define a base and upwardly extending legs attachable to connecting elements on the rim. The connecting elements each include a cup having an open end adapted to receive an upper end zone of the legs therein and a rod extension of reduced diameter interconnecting between the cup and the rim and structured to support and maintain the rim in spaced, unobstructed relation above the cups and frame structure.

Abstract: In an arrangement (1) comprising a shaft and a part having a hub (57) mounted on the shaft and comprising at least one tubular portion to be clamped onto the shaft, and a clamping member, which can be mounted on said tubular member (72, 73) comprises three inwardly directed clamping zones which are equispaced at angles of 120.degree. from one another and which are each movable in a radial direction. The clamping member and its three clamping zones are situated at the same level perpendicular to the shaft and the clamping member is constructed to be elastically deformable in radial directions and in addition comprises three application zones for an expansion device (150), which application zones are also equispaced at angles of 120.degree. from one another and are each movable in a radial direction.

Abstract: A device for use in erecting a post. The device comprises a tubular body intended for installation in the ground, e.g. in concrete within a hole, and a deformable collar for tightly retaining a post adapted to interengage with the tubular body in tight engagement. The collar is slightly deformed so as to receive the post and retain it in place. However, with appropriate equipment the post can be readily removed and replaced, for example, if accidentally damaged.

Abstract: A steering shaft coupling comprising: an outer tubular shaft member, a coaxial inner shaft member slidably inserted within the outer tubular shaft member, and a plurality of wedges located between the outer tubular shaft member and the inner shaft member. The plurality of wedges being locking wedges wherein the wedges tend to be retained in the spaces between the shaft members upon application of torque from one shaft member to the other shaft member through the wedges.

Abstract: This corner joint, which serves to connect together a plurality of hollow frame members, comprises a metal trunk member containing a plurality of holes and a plurality of metal posts mounted on and projecting from the trunk member. Each post has an inner end fitting in one of the holes, an externally-threaded outer end, and a body portion between the two ends having a non-circular outer periphery. A plurality of hollow plastic sleeves respectively fit over the outer peripheries of the body portions of the posts. Each sleeve has an inner periphery of approximately the same shape and size as the outer periphery of the associated post body portion. Retaining nuts respectively mounted on the outer ends of the posts receive the externally-threaded outer ends of the posts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grubber tine of a tubular cross-section which, as compared to known grubber tines, give reduced weight and larger flexure and vibrations when moved through the soil, which gives reduced tractive power. The grubber tine is adapted to escape obstacles within the soil in that the grubber tine is pivotally suspended on a shaft. Bosses are attached to the grubber tine through friction forces between the bosses and the grubber tine at a preferably conical contact face, achieved in that the bosses are pressed into holes in the wall of the grubber tine. In the working position, the grubber tine rests against a shaft and is kept in place by means of a safety bolt adapted to be stretched off upon the occurrence of overload. The safety bolt may be combined with a resilient member, such that the grubber tine to a certain degree may yield upon load and then return to working position.

Abstract: The device comprises a bearing (3) carrying the glass (1), a stud (6) extending throughout the bearing and fixed to a carriage (2) of the driving mechanism, and means for locking the bearing to the stud comprising an elastically yieldable member (7) adapted to be clipped to the bearing before inserting the stud in the latter and adapted to grip the stud so as to fix it to the bearing. The member (7) is a clip having two arms (8) which are capable of being elastically spread apart on each side of a central bore (5) provided in the bearing (3) for the passage of the stud (6), slots (11) being formed in the bearing each of which receives a respective arm of the member (7). This arrangement permits pre-assembling the locking member with the bearing before the insertion of the stud (6) and consequently avoiding the necessity of assembling the clip "blind" in the door with risk of a defective assembly or loss of the locking member.

Abstract: A mechanical coupler for connection to the eyepiece of an optical device. The coupler includes a body with an axially extending cylindrical wall that forms a socket with a spanning portion of the body. The cylindrical wall and body center and axially align the coupler and the eyepiece. A C-shaped clamping member has a central portion that is affixed to the wall and essentially tangentially extending free end portions that produce a side opening structure. When an eyepiece is inserted from the side, it wedges the free ends of the clamping member axially thereby producing internal restoring forces in the clamping member. When the eyepiece is seated in the socket, the free ends return toward a relaxed position and produce a clamping force that affixes the coupler axially to the eyepiece while permitting relative rotation between them.

Abstract: A coupling for joining sections of an underwater towed acoustical array iudes male and female couplers. The male coupler has an annular end portion with an axial bore that receives a first towed array section and a first connector and an annular body integral with and extending coaxially from the annular end portion. An outer groove is disposed around an outer circumference of the annular body. The female coupler has an annular end portion and an axial bore that receives a second towed array section and a second connector and a cup-shaped body portion integral with and extending from the annular end portion. The cup-shaped body portion has an inner groove disposed on the inner surface and an aperture through the cup-shaped body portion communicating with the inner groove. The inner groove is located so as to be in registry with the male coupler outer groove when the annular body is inserted into the cup-shaped body portion to form an annular channel.

Abstract: A tire valve stem stabilizing and supporting device that is used with a valve stem of an inner tire mounted on a dual wheel, the dual wheel having an access opening through which the valve stem passes. The device has a passageway through which the valve stem passes and is adapted to being removably secured in the access opening. In this way, the valve stem is stabilized and supported in the access opening. An associated kit, dual wheel system and method are also provided.

Abstract: A link assembly connectable to a pair of spaced members and adapted for rotary motion and conical deflection relative to each of the connectable members generally consisting of an elongated, rigid member having a pair of spaced head segments interconnected by an intermediate segment, each of the head segments having an opening therethrough for receiving a connectable member therein, the rigid member further including a pair of identically configured, co-extensively disposed sections mated and rigidly secured together, each of the sections including a pair of spaced head portions interconnected by an intermediate portion, each of the head portions having an opening therethrough registered with an opening in an adjoining head portion of the other section to provide the connectable member receiving opening in one of the head segments, and a bushing disposed in each of the connectable member receiving openings in the head segments of the rigid member, being formed of a thermoplastic polyurethane material and havi

Abstract: The present invention involves an air conditioner including an air handling housing having a sidewall and defining first and second compartments. First and second tangential blowers are disposed in the first and second compartments, respectively. Each of the tangential blowers defines an axis with a coaxially disposed shaft end mounted in the sidewall. A motor drives the first and second tangential blowers. A belt and two pulleys rotatably connect the first and second tangential blowers. The belt engages the pulleys, and each pulley is mounted on a respective one of the shaft ends by a tolerance ring. A bearing assembly for rotatably supporting the shaft ends includes a support plate spaced from the sidewall. The bearing assembly further includes an outer race and an inner race. The outer race is connected to the support plate and the inner race is connected to the shaft end.

Abstract: The invention herein pertains to exercise equipment and particularly to an exercise bar which is placed long the shoulders, behind the neck of the user for various torso exercises. The exercise bar comprises a longitudinal member with weights on either side of the neck portion that can be slidably moved therealong or exchanged depending on the degree of resistance desired. One version of the exercise device includes a wall mount having a motorized system for electrically adjusting the weight elements along the longitudinal member while mounted.

Abstract: An annular space is formed between a circumferential wall of a wear-resistant chip and a circumferential wall of a recessed portion of a mechanical part. A resilient stopper in the form of a ring is installed in the annular space for resilient deformation between the circumferential wall of the wear-resistant chip and the circumferential wall of the recessed portion for thereby urging the wear-resistant chip and the recessed portion in opposite direction thereby fixing the wear-resistant chip to the recessed portion.

Abstract: A locking sleeve (14) for holding the tensioned, internal elastic cord (22) of a compactable, collapsible tubular assembly (12-10) comprises a resilient member (14), in the shape of a slit tube. It is held in position within the tubular insert of the compactable, tubular assemblies by external barbs (16). The elastic cord is in turn held in position within the locking sleeve by an internal tongue (20) and prongs (18).

Abstract: A vehicle steering column which has an adjustable reach coupling in the form of a torsion bushing. The steering column has a first and second part which are slidably mounted one within the other and interconnected by the torsion bushing so as to absorb rotational backlash between the two parts of the steering column while transmitting torque through the two parts. The torsion bushing has first, second, and third zones continuous with one another and arranged so that the first and second zones are connected by the third zone and wherein the first and second zones are twisted relative to each other.

Abstract: A piston-cylinder type air damper includes a cylinder having an open end and a closed end, a piston having a head slidable along and in contact with the inner wall of the cylinder and a rod extending axially from the head and projecting outwardly from the open end of the cylinder, and a cap fitted upon the open end of the cylinder and permitting the rod to centrally penetrate therethrough. The cap is molded from a soft material into a C-shaped cylinder having a slit and two outwardly projecting claws formed upon the outer periphery thereof within the vicinity of the opposite ends thereof which define the slit therebetween. The cylinder has a hole formed within a side wall portion thereof at the open end thereof for engaging the two claws of the cap therein.

Abstract: A quick-release apparatus having improved features is used with a hub and axle assembly for attaching a bicycle wheel to the frame of the bicycle. The assembly includes a hollow hub for mounting a bicycle wheel and a hollow axle extending through the hub and rotatably mounting the hub. The axle has a pair of opposite ends which extend from opposite ends of the hub and are interfitted with lower tips of a pair of fork tines of the bicycle frame. A first improved feature is a protuberance on the body of a cam lever assembly serving as a locator which positively aligns the cam lever to pivotally move the cam lever to the proper engaged position and prevents the cam lever from being used as a wrench to rotate the drawbar shaft. The second improved feature is an adjustable nut assembly which can be easily preset to have the correct number of compression washers to impose the desired level of tensioning force on the drawbar shaft when the cam lever arm is moved to its engaged position.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for a vehicle having a planetary gear mechanism, which is accommodated in an automatic transmission case, is provided with an accordion-like leaf spring disposed in a gap for allowing interior spaces of an automatic transmission case to communicate with each other, the gap being provided in the automatic transmission case between an outer peripheral surface of axially movable brake elements which are fixed against rotation on the one hand, and an inner peripheral surface of the automatic transmission case on the other. The accordion-like leaf spring is adapted to engage and bias a friction plate and has folded-back portions or pleats that lie generally parallel to the rotating shaft.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a handle for a pull-rope starter. The handle includes a T-shaped base body having an elongated part extending in the direction of the pull rope and a handle part extending transversely to the elongated part. The elongated part has a receptacle for accommodating an elastic expansion element which is connected at one end thereof to the pull rope. The expansion element is supported at its other end on the base body. The expansion element is as long as possible and has the longest possible expansion path. This is achieved in that the expansion element is supported at its upper end on the base body with the upper end facing away from the pull rope. In this way, the expansion element is stretched thereby providing a longer expansion path.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a positive-engaging coupling between a drive part and a driven part. The positive-engaging coupling includes an insert portion defining a first noncircular cross section and formed on the driven part. The drive part defines a receptacle for accommodating the insert portion therein and the receptacle has a second noncircular cross section corresponding to the first noncircular cross section. The insert portion and the receptacle conjointly define an intermediate space when the insert portion is inserted into the receptacle. An elastic insert is inserted into the receptacle for filling out the intermediate space when the insert portion of the driven part is disposed in the receptacle. If an overload occurs, the elastic insert is destroyed and the insert portion rotates freely within the receptacle.

Abstract: An electromagnetic coupling device is proposed to obviate several drawbacks in the conventional devices, namely, to prevent loose fixing in axial direction which gives rise to undesirable rotation of the rotary shaft following the rotor, to reduce the production cost due to the use of magnetic pole in the rotor, to reduce lengthy lengthy assembly work brought about by many fixing rings and to prevent slipping out of the hub and the rotary shaft encountered in the conventional coupling devices.In order to obviate the drawbacks encountered in the conventional coupling device, a rotor retainer is placed around the rotary shaft to urge a rotor against a hub, in addition, the rotary shaft is provided with fixing portions of a minimum number, such as axially extending legs at least one of which is attached with a claw, stepped portions, a groove and so forth for preventing slipping out of the rotary shaft, hub and driven shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for preloading an airfoil blade attached to a rotor disk in a gas turbine engine. The dovetail root of a composite fan blade is preloaded to prevent rubbing and wear against the dovetail slot of a metal rotor disk during fan windmilling, with the aircraft engine off, due to wind and breezes at the airport. A resilient material is inserted into the lower portion of the slot below the engaged blade root. The disk has a radius which intersects the slot. The material is acted upon by a device which adjustably compresses the inserted material perpendicular to the radius of the disk. This causes the compressed material to exert a radially outward force against the bottom of the engaged root of the blade.

Abstract: A device for use in fixing an element to a panel of sandwich or hollow construction comprising two parallel skins, the device acting as a spacer and comprising two bushes each having a plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers extending axially from a tubular part at one end of the bush, the bushes being placed head to tail in such a way that the fingers of each bush alternate with the fingers of the other. The free ends of the fingers of each bush spread outwards and act upon the inner face of the opposite skin, the tubular part of the bush being located in a hole of the respective skin and having an axial face forming a bearing surface for the fastening member or the element.

Abstract: In medium to high volume printers using more than one print head, multiple documents may be printed side by side in one pass. Multiple rolls of ribbon are utilized on the ribbon mandril to accommodate the documents. The ribbon is kept taut across its print head by the feed system controller. When the outside diameters of the two rolls of ribbon vary, the system keeps one ribbon taut and the other tends to go slack at the print head. A split sleeve mandril with a differential mechanism connecting the two sleeves of the mandril assures that both ribbons are maintained taut. The preferred differential mechanism may be a planetary gear arrangement, or a thrust bearing arrangement. A unique ribbon roll holding mechanism, to hold the ribbon roll at the selected place on the mandril is also provided.

Abstract: A recording drum assembly comprises a cylindrical drive shaft 1, a drum 2, and an annular disc 4 of resilient material, such as spring steel, located between the drive shaft 1 and drum 2 and substantially coaxial with the drum 2. The disc 4, by elastic deformation when engaged by the drive shaft 1, provides axial alignment of the drum 2 and drive shaft 1. A portion of reduced diameter may be provided on the drive shaft 1 to facilitate removal of the drum 2 from the drive shaft. Furthermore, the annular disc 4 may be used to support the drum 2 during machining of the drum outer surface to ensure coaxial alignment.