Laterally Movable Support Patents (Class 226/19)
  • Patent number: 11433717
    Abstract: A process for applying noise-reducing elements to a tyre for vehicle wheels. A plurality of noise-reducing elements are arranged on a feeding belt movable along a predetermined feeding direction. The noise-reducing elements are subsequently aligned along the feeding direction and brought into mutual contact, to then be transferred onto a service plane arranged downstream of the feeding belt along the feeding direction and having, on an upper surface thereof, a continuous film which supports a layer of adhesive material. The layer of adhesive material is applied onto a lower surface of each of the noise-reducing elements taking it from the continuous film. The noise-reducing elements are then transferred one by one onto a conveyor belt arranged downstream of the service plane along the feeding direction. The noise-reducing elements are finally positioned one by one on a radially inner surface of a tyre.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: PIRELLI TYRE S.P.A.
    Inventors: Ivan Gildo Boscaino, Maurizio Marchini, Adriano Girotto
  • Patent number: 11350004
    Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus includes a pair of regulating units both of which are movable in a width direction in a document placement unit, a detection processing unit that detects a separation distance between the pair of regulating units, a restriction processing unit that restricts execution of a specific process of conveying a document when a difference between the separation distance detected at a specific timing and a reference distance exceeds a threshold value, and a cancellation processing unit that cancels the restriction on execution of the specific process when the separation distance detected after the restriction on execution of the specific process by the restriction processing unit is the same as the separation distance detected before the detection timing of the separation distance and on or after the specific timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Akifumi Seto
  • Patent number: 10636596
    Abstract: A flow sensor module employs a fitting which defines an offset sensor bypass which is disposed at an acute angle to a linear flow path through the fitting. A dynamic pressure or flow sensor is disposed in the sensor bypass. A bonnet assembly is removably mounted to the fitting and mounts the sensor and fluidly seals the sensor in the fitting. A solid state controller has a panel which indicates a number of operational conditions including whether there is fluid flow through the flow system. The panel may have a chemical feed pump default indicator, a control valve indicator and an air trap device indicator and, in one embodiment, a manual override switch to turn on a feed pump, a control valve, an air trap device or an electrically operated device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Thomas R. Duksa
  • Patent number: 10551167
    Abstract: In a method and a device for position detection of a material web (2), the position of the material web (2) is determined on the basis of a marking (13) provided thereon. This marking (13) is detected by a first sensor (4), which emits a position signal (33) proportional to the position of the marking (13). The material web (2) is furthermore detected by a second sensor (5), which emits a signal proportional to the velocity of the material web (2) transversely to the movement direction (8). An output signal (7), which represents position-proportional values of the material web (2) even when the position signal (33) fails, is then calculated from the velocity signal (54) and the position signal (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Texmag GmbH Vertriebsgellschaft
    Inventor: Juergen Eisen
  • Patent number: 10286617
    Abstract: A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable web, the web including opposing longitudinal edges and a pair of sheets sealed together by transverse seals that form a series of inflatable containers. The machine generally includes a support structure, a spool for supporting a roll of the inflatable web, a web conveyance system, an inflation system to inflate the containers, and a sealing device for sealing closed the openings of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Brian A. Murch, Jason D. Lepine, Laurence B. Sperry
  • Patent number: 9981094
    Abstract: A CPAP apparatus for supplying pressurized breathable gas to a patient includes a blower device including an electric motor, an impeller driven by the motor, and a housing to receive the motor and the impeller, a housing element that defines a blower receiving chamber to receive the blower device, and a suspension device to elastically support the blower device within the chamber of the housing element. The suspension device includes at least one elastic support chamber coupled to both the blower device and the housing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: RESMED LIMITED
    Inventors: Dieter Heidmann, Klaus Henry Schindhelm, Knut Jöchle
  • Patent number: 9802726
    Abstract: A system for sterilizing bottles with a gaseous sterilant. The system includes moving means for continuously moving bottles one after another along a path. An assembly is provided for distributing a predetermined amount of the gaseous sterilant from a source of gaseous sterilant to each of the bottles. The assembly includes a plurality of injectors that are movable with the bottles. One of the plurality of injectors is associated with each of the bottles. The injector is fluidly connected to the source of gaseous sterilant when the bottle associated with the injector is disposed along a first portion of the path. The injector is disposed above the bottle when the injector is in a first position. The injector is disposed within an interior of the bottle when the injector is in a second position such that the predetermined amount of the gaseous sterilant is conveyed into the interior of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Thaddeus J Mielnik, Aaron L Hill
  • Patent number: 9583250
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a tunable inductor having a magnetic core which has an air gap. In order to vary the inductance of the inductor, the inductor includes a tuner that is moveable relative to the magnetic core in the vicinity of the air gap. An actuator is attached to the tuner which, upon actuation, moves the tuner relative to the magnetic core to thereby vary the spacing between the tuner and the core in the vicinity of the air gap. The variation of the spacing between the tuner and the magnetic core varies the effective air gap of the overall inductor in the desired fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Christopher D. Meyer, Nathan S. Lazarus
  • Patent number: 9284150
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing absorbent articles includes: a detecting section detecting an edge position of a continuous sheet in the width direction when the detecting section is stopped at a stop position, a meandering correcting section correcting meandering of the continuous sheet, a motor moving the detecting section in the width direction, and a controller controlling the motor based on a movement signal related to movement of the detecting section. The controller has a value corresponding to a distance from a reference position to each stop position, moves the detecting section to each stop position based on the corresponding value and the movement signal. The controller detects that the detecting section reaches the reference position based on a current of the motor. The reference position is a limit position for physical movement in the width direction of the detecting section, and is at or outside the outermost stop position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takumi Nakano
  • Patent number: 9238563
    Abstract: Some aspects relate to an apparatus for detecting an edge of a material web. In some examples, the apparatus comprises an ultrasound sensor which comprises two or more separately readable ultrasound receiver elements and an ultrasound transmitter element, wherein the ultrasound transmitter element is designed and arranged such that it applies an ultrasound measurement signal to two or more of the ultrasound receiver elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: TEXMAG GMBH VERTRIEBSGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Lars Zwerger, Wolfgang Krauth, Günter Franz
  • Patent number: 9004336
    Abstract: A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a conveyance roller pair that has a roller with a uniform diameter in a sheet width direction and that is configured to pinch and convey a sheet, and a guide unit that is provided on an upstream side of the conveyance roller pair and that is configured to regulate a position of an edge of the sheet, wherein the conveyance roller pair conveys the sheet in a state in which the sheet is bended by the guide unit so that on a roller side with a uniform diameter in a sheet width direction, the sheet convexly bends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryosuke Sato, Kenji Shigeno, Kengo Nieda
  • Patent number: 8893942
    Abstract: An apparatus of correcting belt-meandering for a secondary battery is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes i) upper and lower rollers configured to receive a base material therebetween, wherein the base material comprises positive and negative electrode materials and an insulating material interposed between the electrode materials and ii) a driver portion configured to rotate the upper and lower rollers such that the base material is transferred in a first direction during the rotation. The apparatus may also include i) a support portion configured to support shafts of the driver portion and the upper and lower rollers and ii) a transverse moving mechanism configured to move the support portion in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae-Sik Oh, Keon-Soo Bae, Gi-Bong Cho, Sung-Jea Park
  • Patent number: 8662772
    Abstract: An edge guide is provided. A structure includes curved surface over which a print media can travel. The print media includes a first edge and a second edge that is opposite the first edge. A first media guide is contactable with the first edge of the print media. A second media guide is contactable with the second edge of the print media. The second media guide is spaced apart from the first media guide. A relative spacing between the second media guide and the first media guide is adjustable such that a distance between the first media guide and the second media guide is variable. The second media guide includes a mechanism that applies a nesting force to the second edge of the print media to cause the first edge of the print media to move toward and contact the first media guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Christopher M. Muir, Randy E. Armbruster, Ruth H. Parker
  • Patent number: 8640982
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing strip materials onto one or more moving substrates includes a frame extending transversally of the substrate path that supports guide arms. Each guide arm includes pulleys for dispensing strip materials and is able to be moved along the frame by a friction drive system, which includes crank shafts, pulleys, and cables. Each guide arm can be held in position by a friction braking system, which includes members that are pressed against components of the drive system to frictionally prevent motion. A position feedback system measures and displays the location of the guide arms. A substrate tracking and adjustment system tracks the position of the substrate as it moves side to side from a normal path and automatically adjusts the position of the frame along a guide track to maintain the guide arms in a desired position in relation to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Adalis Corp.
    Inventors: Jorge A. Nash, Orion A. Cavins, Neil S. Schwinler, Thomas J. Barron
  • Patent number: 8596509
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate alignment apparatus capable of performing coarse and fine alignments of a substrate in a progressing route to remove or reduce an alignment error between the substrate and a pattern roll. The coarse alignment may be performed by moving a frame using a stage when the alignment error is relatively large, and the fine alignment may be performed by moving subsidiary rollers of a roller unit relative to a main roller of a roller unit when the alignment error is relatively small. An example substrate alignment apparatus may include a frame and a roller unit rotatably fixed to the frame to support a substrate, wherein the roller unit includes a main roller, and at least one subsidiary roller fixed to the main roller such that the at least one subsidiary roller can move relative to the main roller to align the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Min Kim, Sin Kwon, Young Tae Cho, Jung Woo Seo, Ki Keon Yeom, Ki Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8474675
    Abstract: A device for automatically controlling the edges of a web of sheeting has a first deflecting roller and a second deflecting roller, which are arranged parallel to each other, and also a drive for shifting the deflecting rollers in opposite axial directions. A sensor detects the position of the sheeting. The drive shifts the deflecting rollers in opposite axial directions and the ratio between the friction of the sheeting on the first deflecting roller and the friction of the sheeting on the second deflecting roller is changed on the basis of the position of the sheeting detected by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Haehnel, Werner Goetz, Roland Benz
  • Patent number: 8319946
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer device that can feed a work in a stable condition without applying it any excess loads. The transfer device for feeding a tape-shaped work to a process stage standing in an upright position, which is placed on one side of the process stage and which includes a supply reel, a take-up reel and a work feeding mechanism. Specifically, the supply reel, around which the work and a protective sheet are wound, is adapted to feed the work and the protective sheet therefrom. The take-up reel is adapted to wind the work and the protective sheet that have been fed from the supply reel, and it is located below the supply reel. The work feeding mechanism is adapted to forward the work from the supply reel to the take-up reel through the process stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: ORC Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin Sato, Akira Nakazawa
  • Publication number: 20120260813
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for measuring a running direction of a substrate web (6). The method for measuring a running direction of a substrate web consists of the substrate web (6) being guided around a measuring roller (12), at least one bearing force of the measuring roller (12) being measured, and the running direction of the substrate web (6) being determined based on the measured bearing force. The device (10) for measuring the miming direction of a substrate web (6) comprises a measuring roller (12), with the substrate web (6) being guided around said measuring roller (12). Furthermore, the device (10) comprises at least one sensor (18a, 18b, 18c) for measuring a bearing force of the measuring roller (12) and comprises an evaluation circuit, said evaluation circuit being connected to the at least one sensor (18a, 18b, 18c) and being suitable for determining an alignment of the substrate web (6) based on the bearing force measured by the sensor (18a, 18b, 18c).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Ingo Neuber, Holger Runkowske, Stefan Schluenss, Andreas Mandik
  • Patent number: 7961299
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer device that can feed a work in a stable condition without applying it any excess loads. The transfer device for feeding a tape-shaped work to a process stage standing in an upright position, which is placed on one side of the process stage and which includes a supply reel, a take-up reel and a work feeding mechanism. Specifically, the supply reel, around which the work and a protective sheet are wound, is adapted to feed the work and the protective sheet therefrom. The take-up reel is adapted to wind the work and the protective sheet that have been fed from the supply reel, and it is located below the supply reel. The work feeding mechanism is adapted to forward the work from the supply reel to the take-up reel through the process stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: ORC Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin Sato, Akira Nakazawa
  • Publication number: 20110089214
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing strip materials onto one or more moving substrates includes a frame extending transversally of the substrate path that supports guide arms. Each guide arm includes pulleys for dispensing strip materials and is able to be moved along the frame by a friction drive system, which includes crank shafts, pulleys, and cables. Each guide arm can be held in position by a friction braking system, which includes members that are pressed against components of the drive system to frictionally prevent motion. A position feedback system measures and displays the location of the guide arms. A substrate tracking and adjustment system tracks the position of the substrate as it moves side to side from a normal path and automatically adjusts the position of the frame along a guide track to maintain the guide arms in a desired position in relation to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Adalls Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge A. Nash, Orion A. Cavins, Neil S. Schwinler, Thomas J. Barron
  • Patent number: 7918372
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates an apparatus for controlling the lateral offset of webs of material. The apparatus can include a support structure for supporting a roll and a mechanism for lifting the web of material off the roll. The support structure can include a fixed portion and at least one movable portion. The roll is preferably journaled to first mountings, the first mountings being attached to the movable portion of the support structure, so that the roll can be moved together with the first mountings. A potential advantage of this design is that the journal bearing of the roll on a respective shaft can be configured more easily and given smaller dimensions. According to a further aspect of the disclosure, the lifting mechanism can include at least two single rollers, rotatably journaled to two lateral supports. Such single rollers are advantageously arranged along a circular-arc plane. The web of material can thus be deflected with as large a radius as possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Texmag GmbH Vertriebsgesellschaft
    Inventors: Roland Palatzky, Thomas Grimm
  • Publication number: 20100072244
    Abstract: A guiding apparatus and method for a shift generated by a web during web transportation is provided, in which a coarse position guiding module and a fine position guiding module function to directly adjust the web so as to compensate the shift occurred during the process of transportation according to a position of the web. By means of monitoring a location of the fine position guiding module at any time, a reference of the coarse position guiding module will be adjusted when the location of the fine position guiding module satisfies the condition defined in the guiding method, so as to change a position where the web enters into the fine position guiding module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chia-Cheng CHUANG, Chih-Yu Ke, Chin-Lung Liu, Chih-Jen Tsai, Chung-Hsin Hsiao, Chang-Chou Li
  • Publication number: 20090242602
    Abstract: Various method embodiments move web equipment from a first web processing station to a second web processing station. According to a method embodiment, the web equipment is raised away from the first web processing station, where raising includes rotating the web equipment about a rotary axis. The rotary axis is linearly moved along a linear axis. The web equipment is lowered toward the second web processing station, wherein lowering includes rotating the web equipment about the rotary axis. Various embodiments move a laser head from one web processing station into operational position at another web processing station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Delta industrial Services, Inc
    Inventor: David Schiebout
  • Patent number: 7422132
    Abstract: A vacuum belt conveyor for a web forming machine intended for transporting a web threading tail (24) has lateral guidance. The vacuum belt conveyor has a frame construction (16) with two rolls (17, 18), an air-permeable belt loop (21) and guiding equipment (22) for providing lateral guidance. The guiding equipment (22) is composed of air blows (25), which are arranged on both sides of the web threading tail (24) and near the web threading tail (24) receiving end of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Juha Laitio
  • Patent number: 7255255
    Abstract: A method of dispensing a strip product using a strip fabrication assembly, by entering arm positions for guide arms of the assembly into a guide arm controller device, moving the corresponding guide arms of the strip fabrication assembly to the respective arm positions using the guide arm controller device, and feeding different strip materials through the assembly using the guide arms, after moving them to the entered arm positions. The guide arms are coupled to threaded rods, and are moved by actuating servo motors which are coupled to the threaded rods. The guide arm controller device may include a programmable logic controller, which has been programmed to control the servo motors in response to entry of guide arm positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: H.B. Fuller Licensing & Financing, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Shea, Curtis L. Carter
  • Patent number: 7204401
    Abstract: A web material feeding apparatus has a suction plate 24 provided near an outlet of a reservoir box 2. The suction plate 24 can be shifted in the direction across a feeding path for tip paper C, by operation of a motor 76. The feeding apparatus also has a sensor unit 96 provided at the upstream side of a receiving drum 12. The sensor unit 96 supplies a detection signal to a controller 120. When the controller 120 detects meandering of the tip paper C on the basis of the detection signal supplied from the sensor unit 96, the controller 120 actuates the motor 76 to shift the suction plate 24 to thereby correct the meandering of the tip paper C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Hisao Suzuki, Syozo Horikawa, Hiroshi Okamoto, Takayuki Irikura, Hiroyuki Yoshinari
  • Patent number: 7197971
    Abstract: A sheet material trimming apparatus and method are described which are suitable for use in a booklet making system. An exemplary apparatus includes at least one cutter for trimming a first and a second edge of a sheet material in a first and a second direction, and a drive system for moving the sheet material in two perpendicular directions for trimming the first and second edges with the at least one cutter. The drive system moves the sheet material in two perpendicular directions by rotating and translating a roller. The sheet material trimming apparatus allows for automatic changes in the amount of material cut off each side of the sheet material by moving the sheet material in two directions without requiring repositioning of the cutter(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Steven W. Trovinger
  • Publication number: 20040108351
    Abstract: A web material feeding apparatus has a suction plate 24 provided near an outlet of a reservoir box 2. The suction plate 24 can be shifted in the direction across a feeding path for tip paper C, by operation of a motor 76. The feeding apparatus also has a sensor unit 96 provided at the upstream side of a receiving drum 12. The sensor unit 96 supplies a detection signal to a controller 120. When the controller 120 detects meandering of the tip paper C on the basis of the detection signal supplied from the sensor unit 96, the controller 120 actuates the motor 76 to shift the suction plate 24 to thereby correct the meandering of the tip paper C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Hisao Suzuki, Syozo Horikawa, Hiroshi Okamoto, Takayuki Irikura, Hiroyuki Yoshinari
  • Patent number: 6550656
    Abstract: A device for spreading, compressing or guiding a running material web formed by a rotatably supported roll. The roll has a number of slats distributed over its circumference which can be displaced transversely to the direction of the web. The slats are actively connected with control devices that cause a longitudinal displacement of the slats. Alternating slats are actively connected to different control devices. Half of the slats have an adhesive surface and the other half has a sliding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Erhardt + Leimer GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Kurz
  • Publication number: 20020175198
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for axially adjusting guides for paper web infeed means of rotary printing machines. According to the invention, different alignments of the paper infeed means can be set, said alignments being distanced from the lateral mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Andreas Josef Kleinschnitz
  • Publication number: 20020121737
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in connection with a wire guide roll of a paper machine. The arrangement comprises a wire guide roll which is arranged to guide a wire, if the wire is driven to the side from its normal track of travel. The wire guide roll is turned in the direction of travel of the wire by means of at least one actuator. The lateral position of the wire is observed by means of a guide flap monitoring the movement of the wire edge, from which guide flap the guidance information is transmitted to a control unit Which, for its part, controls said actuator. Furthermore, at least one sensor is arranged in connection with the guide flap to determine the position of the guide flap and to control the lateral exceedings of the wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Applicant: Metso Paper Inc.
    Inventor: Vesa Juutinen
  • Patent number: 6379760
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a process for producing laminated materials. The process comprises the steps of: (a) supplying material from a first supply roller; (b) supplying materials from a system comprising a plurality of further supply rollers; (c) tracking lateral movement of the material leaving said first supply roller; and (d) adjusting the lateral position of said system in response to said lateral movement, such that the lateral alignment of the plurality of further supply rollers remains constant with respect to the material leaving the first supply roller. The adjustment step (d) may be manual, or it may be automatic e.g. in response to tracking in step (c) by means of an electronic sensor which tracks a control line on the material leaving the first supply roller. By maintaining constant lateral alignment, it is possible to manufacture laminated materials comprising a layer made from strips of material which abut but which do not overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Tecksom International Limited
    Inventor: Luen Sing Tang
  • Patent number: 6352188
    Abstract: A transport mechanism for transporting photographic media along a processing path. The mechanism includes a roller assembly having a pair of space support roller assemblies disposed along a common shaft. Each pair of roller assemblies having a support roller having an outer engaging surface. A spring is provided for biasing the contact surface toward the edge of the media and a retaining member for restraining movement of each of the roller assemblies on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ralph L. Piccinino, Jr., Kevin H. Blakely
  • Publication number: 20010023883
    Abstract: A device for spreading, compressing or guiding a running material web formed by a rotatably supported roll. The roll has a number of slats distributed over its circumference which can be displaced transversely to the direction of the web. The slats are actively connected with control devices that cause a longitudinal displacement of the slats. Alternating slats are actively connected to different control devices. Half of the slats have an adhesive surface and the other half has a sliding surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Applicant: Erhardt + Leimer GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Kurz
  • Patent number: 6062453
    Abstract: A conveyor system and method for steering and shifting an associated strip component to a desired transverse position includes a sensor for sensing the transverse position of the associated strip component, a shaft rotatable about an axis generally perpendicular to the direction of motion of the strip component, and a plurality of guide disks rotatably mounted on side by side sleeve bearings which are keyed to the shaft. Each of the guide disks has an inner circumferential bearing surface and an outer circumferential surface for engagement with the bottom surface of the associated strip component. Each of the guide disks is canted at a fixed angle with respect to the shaft axis. Additionally the shaft is axially movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Thomas Alan Murray, Ralph Damon Ring
  • Patent number: 6013212
    Abstract: A method of controlling lateral wandering of flattened tubular plastic film in gauge distribution apparatus in which gauge distribution is effected by passing a flattened tubular plastic film around at least one turning bar whose position with respect to the film is varied. The method comprises adjusting the position of a turning bar in response to a signal from the sensor which senses the position of one of the side edges of the flattened film before it is wound on a storage roll. When lateral wandering of the flattened tubular film is sensed, the position of the turning bar is varied until the sensor detects that the film has returned to its desired path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Macro Engineering & Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Mirek Planeta, Peter V. Tkach
  • Patent number: 5947617
    Abstract: A printer comprises a skew correction mechanism for a roll paper between a roll paper loading section and a recording section. The skew correction mechanism has a pair of first roller and second roller each having a guide surface for the roll paper, arranged in the transverse direction of the roll paper and eccentrically mounted on respective shafts. A skew of the roll paper is detected by a skew sensor, and the first and second rollers is rotated by a predetermined angle in the opposite directions to obtain different path lengths for the roll paper between both the guide surfaces of the rollers, thereby correcting the skew feed of the roll paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Shin Kondo
  • Patent number: 5942077
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing laminated materials is provided, having a first supply roller, a system comprising a second and a third supply roller, and an electronic sensor which tracks lateral movement of a control line in material leaving the first supply roller, wherein the lateral positioning of said system is adjusted in response to said lateral movement such that the lateral alignment of the second and third supply rollers remains constant with respect to said material. By maintaining constant lateral alignment, it is possible to manufacture laminated materials comprising a layer made from strips of material which abut but which do not overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Tecksom International Ltd.
    Inventor: Luen Sing Tang
  • Patent number: 5938098
    Abstract: A positive pressure operated servo apparatus for lateral alignment of a continuous web of paper, plastic, textiles and other materials which are being processed at windup, unwind, printing, coating, folding and slitting stations, or other intermediate points in the machine process. The apparatus includes an air source communicating with a sensor and servo valve which regulates a double-acting air actuator having an output member to move a web positioning assembly. The servo valve is regulated by a diaphragm that is controlled by a pneumatic correction signal force from a low pressure sensor circuit and is arranged under the influence of such signal force to selectively position a valve element relative to two orifice openings to provide differential air pressure proportional to error to operate the actuator to produce actuator movement proportional to the error to correct and maintain the position of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Robert L. Fife
  • Patent number: 5915611
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly for strip material, wherein a conveyor feeds a strip of material axially through a centering device presenting two guide elements, which are movable into respective positions contacting the strip and symmetrical in relation to a reference axis parallel to the traveling direction of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Viscardo Baldoni, Giancarlo Scarpetti
  • Patent number: 5901647
    Abstract: Various components in a rotary printing press are driven by suitable electric motors. Each component and its associated drive motor is provided with an angle position sensor. A tolerance range for the rotary angular position of each electric motor is selected. If the actual instantaneous angular position of the motor or component falls outside of the tolerance range, the rotary printing press is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer-Albert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Kohlmann
  • Patent number: 5769298
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a guide apparatus for guiding a moving web of material having a tuft portion mounted on a backing portion such that the backing portion extends outwardly from the tuft portion to form at least one tuft edge. The web is movable in a web direction through a travel path threaded through the guide apparatus. The guide apparatus comprises a base and a platform pivotally mounted on the base to pivot about a pivot range. At least two parallel steering rollers are mounted on the platform and disposed transversely of the web direction of travel when the web travels across the platform. A sensor is positioned substantially adjacent to the travel path of the web to sense a lateral position of the tuft edge and to output an output signal indicative of the lateral position of the tuft edge when the web travels through the travel path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Fife Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Plumb
  • Patent number: 5727722
    Abstract: A conveyor belt system comprises a main conveyor belt mounted about rollers and moveable to carry a web from an infeed area. The belt is porous and air is drawn from a vacuum box underlying the belt to create a pressure differential across the belt to hold the web in position.The position of the web in the infeed area is detected by a detector which is used to control the cross-belt which lies between the web and the conveyor belt. By transfers movement of the belt the position of the web can be maintained at a desired location relative to the belt. The use of a web as a position control member is more effective than the use of edge guides, particularly for thin or soft web materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Rolt Designs Limited
    Inventor: Richard C. Rolt
  • Patent number: 5685248
    Abstract: A device to remove any bias in the position of a cut line on a continuous strip of cloth. The device has at least two detecting devices located along a predetermined path to detect the position of the cut line and a straightening bar to tilt the continuous strip to compensate for the bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Phoenix Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Parks C. Stewart, Robert A. Trobaugh, III
  • Patent number: 5664738
    Abstract: A positive pressure operated control apparatus for lateral alignment of a continuous web of paper, plastic, textiles and other materials which are being processed at windup, unwind, printing, coating, folding and slitting stations, or other intermediate points in the machine process. The apparatus includes an air source communicating with a combination sensor and controller which regulates a double-acting air actuator having an output member to move a web positioning assembly. The controller is regulated by a sensor paddle which is spring loaded to be maintained in engagement with the web edge. As the web wanders or becomes misaligned, the paddle moves in proportion to the misalignment and results in movement of a valve element relative to two orifice openings to provide differential air pressure proportional to error to operate the actuator to produce actuator movement proportional to the error to correct the position of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Robert L. Fife
  • Patent number: 5647948
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying tracks of an adhesive substance on strip-shaped material, in particular to the back of bottom support strips that consist of strips of carpet. A guiding and transporting device transports the material in its longitudinal direction and a device for applying the adhesive substance is arranged vertically on top of an approximately horizontal area of movement of the material. A nozzle arrangement, consisting of several outlet nozzles for the adhesive substance, is distributed over the width of the material, and the number of active outlet nozzles that apply the adhesive substance may be altered so as to adapt the device to different material widths. Each outlet nozzle may be activated or deactivated individually as well as independently of the other outlet nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Georgios Paridis
  • Patent number: 5581908
    Abstract: Arrangements are described which allow a printing stock web to be reliably drawn through a drier. A draw-in member which grasps the tip of a printing stock web has a power transmission, e.g. a roller chain, which runs in a guide. Plates or blowing boxes which are movable vertically to the draw-in plane of the printing stock web and form closures in the guide by lateral projections of their side walls are provided to prevent dirt from penetrating into this guide. Rollers or cylinders are provided for additional correction of a lateral displacement of the printing stock web while the web is drawn in by the draw-in member. A friction-locking engagement, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Klaus Theilacker
  • Patent number: 5395067
    Abstract: A tape travel controlling system in a recording/reproducing apparatus according to the present invention includes a tape width detector, a tape traveling path adjuster for changing a set condition(s) for a tape guide(s), and a tape traveling path controller, and is constructed so that the tape traveling path controller controls the amount of change in the set condition(s) for the tape guide(s) in the tape traveling path adjuster in accordance with an output signal provided from the tape width detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Kano, Kichizaemon Okazaki
  • Patent number: 5377891
    Abstract: An process for controlling the force exerted on a moving web of material, including a batten roller having an adjustable drive and a fixing roller having a pressure sensor. An amplifier is coupled between the pressure sensor and the adjustable drive. A web pulling device pulls the web in a downstream direction across the batten roller and the fixing roller. The pressure sensor generates a first signal representing the tensile force on the web as it passes the fixing roller. The first signal is amplified to provide a control signal to the drive for adjusting the speed of the batten roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Erhardt & Leimer GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Peltzer, Heinz Hermanns, Hans Seibold
  • Patent number: 5362041
    Abstract: A sheet registering unit for an image forming apparatus in which in the location upstream of the transfer stage, a preregistering roller device and a registering roller device are disposed while being separated with a predetermined distance from each other, and the leading edge of a sheet of paper is positioned with the aid of a loop of the sheet formed in a manner that the leading edge is thrust against the nip of the paired rollers of the registering roller device, and in this state the sheet is additionally pushed by the preregistering roller pair. In the sheet registering unit, the shafts supporting the roller members of the registering roller device or the roller members are supported by the combination of linear bearing members and springs, and by a pressure in the oblique direction caused in the sheet nipped by the registering roller device, the roller members of the registering roller device are shifted in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiko Ryuzaki, Yoshio Kogure, Hideo Ichikawa, Yasuo Nakamura, Takuji Miyazawa