Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a self-contained tension control system. An example self-contained tension control system can include a brake system configured to provide tension friction to a web, a tension transducer to provide tension information indicative of tension of the web, a controller configured to receive the tension information, to compare the tension information to set point information, and to provide a command signal to the brake system, and an enclosure configured to enclose the brake system, the tension transducer, and the controller, the enclosure including a first web opening and a second web opening configured to allow the web to enter the enclosure and to pass through the enclosure to equipment downstream of the self-contained tension control system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for web tension control are provided. In an example, an apparatus can include a tension beam configured to deflect in a predictive manner when under a force load, a first shaft directly coupled to the tension beam and configured to mechanically interface with a torque device, a second shaft directly coupled to the tension beam opposite the first shaft and configured to interface with a structural member of a web machine, and a strain gauge coupled to the tension beam and configured to provide an electrical representation of the force load.

Abstract: An under-pillow bearing (UPB) load cell for controlling tension in the winding process for a continuous web of material. The load cell has a deflection and sensor assembly that is quickly and easily removable from the load cell for maintenance and repair. The deflection and sensor assembly includes a load beam that is insertable into the load cell. In one embodiment, a pluggable sensor insert may be inserted into or removed from the load beam, without removing any of the fasteners that mount the load cell to the machine support.

Abstract: Modified friction pad and friction-pad receptale assembly for a brake/clutch module permitting greater ease inserting pad into and withdrawing it from the brake/clutch module. The pad is held into the receptacle by clips at the distal end of the receptacle rather than the proximal end. That configuration, in conjunction with finger-grip depressions near the proximal end of the pad, allow the pad to be removed with one hand. Additionally, the friction pad assembly protects the torque-resistor pad guides from wear by interposing the spring steel of the retaining clips between the pad assembly and these guides.

Abstract: Generally trapezoid-shaped friction material pads can be used in conjunction with piston assemblies having torque collars with upstanding torque posts and with torque collars that have torque legs with inclined inner faces or shoulders to embrace side faces or shoulders of the pads. A retainer clip cooperates with the torque legs to prevent unwanted radial movement of the pad. A back plate of the pad has one or more tabs projecting beyond a wider base of the pad for facilitating pad removal. Tabs on the pad for indicating that a worn friction pad is due for replacement are located beyond the wider base of the pad or within the friction material pad. The friction pads are adapted for installation on module bases which include air ports on side surfaces and are constructed for interconnection that provides for air transfer between adjacent modules via the air ports.

Abstract: A load cell is disclosed having a top plate and a base plate, the top plate adapted for receiving a pillow block mounting and shaft bearing thereon and the base plate adapted to be fixedly secured to a machine frame or other fixed structure. A deformable spring member is secured to both plates, which upon deforming tilts the top plate. A pair of gauged beams are disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the plates and substantially orthogonal to the direction of an applied force. The gauged beams are secured at one end to a support member and at the other to a collar member. A load transfer rod secured at one end to the support member extends through the collar member to a link member secured to the top plate. Upon tilting of the top plate, the load transfer rod and the gauged beams deflect, causing strain gauges on the gauged beams to generate electrical voltage signals proportional to the applied force.

Abstract: A web tension sensing device supports the end of a rotating roll by means of a housing. A bearing within the housing transmits forces to a beam which carries a strain gage. The beam is mounted within a cylindrical body which can be secured to a fixed structure in a variety of ways.The beam has a flat middle portion of reduced thickness, where the strain gage is located, and the forward end of the beam is fitted within the bearing, which is a spherical self-aligning bearing.

Abstract: A transducer employs a beam with spaced, parallel end portions interconnected by a middle portion disposed at an angle of about 45.degree. with respect to the end portions. Strain gages are mounted on the middle portion of the beam. The transducer can be employed for measuring and monitoring forces acting on a shaft.

Abstract: A single disc, single acting brake or clutch has one or more pneumatically actuated piston and cylinder assemblies for urging friction material into contact with a disc that is rotatable relative to a body which carries the piston and cylinder assembly.

Abstract: A web tension sensing device supports the end of a rotating roll by means of a housing. A bearing within the housing transmits forces to a beam which carries a strain gage. The beam is mounted within a cylindrical body which can be secured to a fixed structure in a variety of ways. The beam has a flat middle portion of reduced thickness, where the strain gage is located, and the forward end of the beam is fitted within the bearing, which is a spherical self-aligning bearing.

Abstract: A brake or clutch has a pair of opposed, finned, heat dissipating discs between which are mounted back-to-back pistons for forcing generally kidney-shaped friction pads into engagement with inner surfaces of the discs. The friction pads are readily removable by loosening a thumbscrew which holds a torque post in locking position and rotating the torque post to an unlocked position. A fin arrangement for good heat dissipation and a novel hub arrangement are shown.