Extel Corporation

George Smejkal

Melvin A Lace

Lawrence W Markus

An alignment mechanism for a paper tape reader in which the motor and drive sprocket assembly is firmly, but not rigidly, affixed to a base plate of the main reader unit by a plurality of compressive spring fasteners. Arcuate slots in a motor mounting base plate, in conjunction with spring-biased retainers projecting through those slots and secured to bosses on a reader base plate, maintain the two base plates in spaced parallel relation and permit limited angular rotation of the motor and drive sprocket assembly, thus facilitating angular adjustment of the motor. A bias spring applies a torsional force to the motor assembly, forcing it against an adjustable screw stop. Adjustment of this screw results in rapid and precise single-step alignment without the often disruptive further step of tightening retention fasteners.

Tape reader motor mount

A paper web take-up and storage device for a teleprinter, having a spring biased guide bail to sense paper length and a control switch that energizes a storage reel drive motor for take-up when needed, is also equipped with a paper sensor arm to detect a no-paper condition; a single switch actuator lever that is aligned with the bail, with the sensor arm, and with the control switch affords complete control for both take-up and no-paper conditions in an arrangement that allows limited reverse movement of the web back toward the printer with no appreciable resistance apart from a relatively weak bail bias spring. The reel includes a spring-latched guide flange adjustable to accommodate a number of different paper widths.

Growing community of inventors

Mt. Prospect, IL, United States of America

George Smejkal