Abstract:
A magnetic tape transport system is provided in which a capstan used to drive the tape bidirectionally and intermittently during normal operation is coupled to a pressure source so as to disengage from and act as an air bearing with respect to the tape during rewind, permitting the tape to be driven by differences in tension on loops of the tape within a pair of vacuum chambers. The tension differential is produced by an arrangement of valves and conduits which partially vent the interior of the upstream vacuum chamber to atmosphere to maintain the tape loop therein at a nominal short loop position and which vent the interior of the downstream vacuum chamber to atmosphere only when the loop therein becomes too long so as to maintain the loop at an optimum long loop position. Thus capstan drive is eliminated during rewind with system performance being slaved to the performance of the reel motor-servo combinations which function to maintain the tape loops at the nominal positions within the vacuum chambers. During normal operation the venting conduits within the vacuum chambers are blocked by valves to restore normal vacuum tension within the chambers compatible with capstan drive.
Abstract:
A method and a system records machining information associated with insulating panels manufactured in a continuous machining line. Machining units carry out machining operations on a panel body moved along the line, between an inlet and an outlet, from a start-production unit at the line inlet. The insulating panels are manufactured by making predetermined cuts in the panel body, at the line outlet. Each machining unit is controlled by a respective electronic control unit. The method generates and prints unique graphic representation identification codes, or Data Matrix codes. A panel body portion to be machined is identified. The Data Matrix codes printed on the panel body to be machined are identified when the panel body portions pass through the machining unit. Machining information is acquired and associated with the detected Data Matrix code. The acquired machining information and associated code are sent to a main processing unit connected.
Abstract:
A perforated tape reading mechanism provides a programmable timing function. A drum rotatable by a synchronous motor carries the tape, and is supplied with a ratchet mechanism which permits the drum to rotate by said motor over a partial rotation and then returns the drum for another such cycle through a selectively variable number of ratcheted steps. A tape reader mechanism senses the perforations.
Abstract:
A plurality of magazine units, each supporting an endless record carrier tape of different length, can be used with the same readout unit. Each endless record carrier tape is looped about selected guide rollers and passes between a pair of output rollers of each magazine to form a free readout loop. When a selected magazine unit is attached to the readout unit, sensing means of the readout unit sense the readout loop of the respective selected endless record carrier tape. The guide rollers and output rollers of each magazine are positioned so that differently looped endless record carrier of different lengths can be placed on the guide rollers and output rollers.