Junk Garbage (DK) Tractor Feed Assemblies

In operation of the specific embodiment employing the present invention and with the modular bidirectional tractor feed assembly 10 installed on a suitable printer, the operator will adjust the positions of tractor mechanisms 34 and 36 to the width position to accommodate the particular width of record material 54 to be used for the printing operation. Graduated scale 56 provides guide lines, which the operator may use to determine the positions desired to place the tractor mechanisms 34 and36. In order to relocate the tractor mechanisms 34 and 36, the operator will release the tractor mechanisms 34 and 36 from notched rail member 30 by operation of lever 66 and the corresponding lever on tractor mechanism 36, move them to the new location and lock them in place on notched rail member 30 by operation of the same levers. With the assistance of paper edge guide 72 on tractor mechanism 34 and the corresponding paper edge guide on tractor mechanism 36, the operator will insert the leading edge of the record material 54 onto the notched rail member 30, the platform 74 of tractor mechanism 34 and the corresponding platform of tractor mechanism 36. The operator will then initiate paper feed to the printer, which will apply a rotational force to gears 24 and 28 through the connection to the printer. Splined shaft 26 and shaft 20 will rotate resulting in the rotation of platen 18 and chain 106 in tractor mechanism 34 together with the corresponding chain in tractor mechanism 36. As the operator further inserts the record material 54, filling slots 76 and 76a and the corresponding filling slots of tractor mechanism 36 provide assist in positioning the perforations 70 over the offset pins 68 for positive and accurate feeding through tractor mechanisms 34 and 36, between the paper pan 12 and bar 48 together with platen 18. After a sufficient portion of record material 54 has been fed, the operation will stop the paper feed and lift guide plate 78 and the corresponding guide plate of tractor mechanism 36 and place the record material 54 around platen 18 and onto the offset pins 68. The perforations 70 of the record material 54 will align because of the factory adjustment of the position of splined shaft 26 relative to shaft 20 of platen 18. The record material will also be properly tensioned. The operator will then lower guide plate 78 and the corresponding guide plate of tractor mechanism 36, and the system will be ready for a printing operation. The presence of record material 54 will be sensed by the paper-out sensing means, and an indication will be sent to the printer that printing may be initiated. As printing continues, gearing (not shown) in the host printer (not shown) will rotate gears 24 and 28, which will result in rotation of platen 18 and tractor mechanisms 34 and 36 and the feeding of the record material 54. The tractor feed assembly 10 will feed the record material 54 in either direction as dictated by the direction of rotation of gears 24 and 28.
By: Imran Hossain