Responsive To Photocell Detection Patents (Class 226/20)
  • Patent number: 11427424
    Abstract: The present application relates to rolled good feeding device and method. Material feeding devices and methods are provided for conveying material from material rolls. The material roll may be adjusted in the longitudinal direction during the feeding process by a rectifying frame to aid in maintaining alignment during the unrolling. Tension of the unrolled material may be monitored and unrolling speeds of the feeding device can be adjusted to maintain tension of the material within a range for that material. Aspects also contemplate elements to feed multiple rolled materials simultaneously for subsequent processing in combination as layered materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Guo Chang Wang, Qi Feng Zheng, Bin Fu
  • Patent number: 10689805
    Abstract: A curl straightening method applied upon printing on a spread medium in a printing step, the method being provided with a first spreading step of spreading the medium fed out from a medium roll between a feeding step of feeding the medium from the medium roll in which the medium made of a textile fabric and having a predetermined width is wound on a roll core, and the printing step of printing on the medium fed out from the medium roll, and in the first spreading step, spreading of the medium is performed in a state where the medium fed out from the medium roll is stretched on an outer circumference of a first spreader roller rotating about a pivotal axis parallel to a pivotal axis of the medium roll, and the medium has its surface side with a curl stretched on the outer circumference of the first spreader roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shin Ito, Tomohiro Takano
  • Patent number: 10517477
    Abstract: Methods and systems for single beam scanning capable of imaging the surface of a spherical body of arbitrary radius of curvature are provided. The spherical imaging methods and systems utilize one or more off-axis parabolic (OAP) mirror to perform a geometrical transformation of the spherical surface to a flat rectilinear imaging coordinate grid such that the single scanning beam maintains a normal incidence across the curved field of view of the spherical body. The imaging methods and systems project the spherical surface to a Cartesian plane and then the remapped surface is rapidly imaged by raster-scanning an illumination beam in the rectangular coordinate such that the OAP mirror produces a rectilinear image of the target. The imaging of the spherical surface is accomplished while maintaining the target, illumination source, and detector in a stationary position. The imaging systems and methods may utilize a single source and a single detector, and may incorporate a THz illumination source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Warren S. Grundfest, Shijun Sung, Zachary Taylor
  • Patent number: 9721197
    Abstract: A control device comprises: a movement control unit configured to control movement of an object; a detecting unit configured to optically detect, at a specific position, the object moving through control by the movement control unit, to thereby output a detection voltage; and a movement amount determining unit configured to determine a movement amount of the object to be moved through the control by the movement control unit, based on a tendency of a change in the detection voltage when the object is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
    Inventor: Yohei Ishidoya
  • Patent number: 9528576
    Abstract: A drive system for an agricultural work machine having a primary drive system configured to drive a performance system for performing a crop preparation or handling operation including a fluid motor, a fluid pump and a tensioner system. The fluid motor is configured to produce a drive force and to be driven by a flow of fluid moving through the motor. The fluid pump is operatively connected to the fluid motor and is configured to drive the fluid motor. The tensioner system is operatively connected to the fluid motor and to the fluid pump, wherein the direction of fluid flow through the fluid motor adjusts the application of at least one force applied to a belt in the drive system. The fluid motor is configured to adjust the force applied to the belt by regulating a belt tension in proportion to a torque provided by the fluid motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Henry D. Anstey, Daniel E. Derscheid
  • Patent number: 9360680
    Abstract: An electromagnetic beam stabilization device comprises a parabolic mirror fixed within a gimbal so that the focal point of the parabolic mirror coincides with the gimbal's center of rotation, and an electromagnetic beam emitter, such as a laser, positioned so that a beam maintains focus on a point substantially at the center of rotation and thereafter strikes the parabolic mirror. The beam's focal point may be repositioned using repositioning optics like a flat mirror. An image stabilization device comprises a parabolic mirror fixed within a gimbal so that the gimbal's center of rotation coincides with the focal point of the parabolic mirror, and an image sensor having an image plane that coincides with the focal plane of the parabolic mirror. The parabolic mirror's focal plane may be reimaged using reimaging optics like an elliptical mirror. The laser stabilization and image stabilization features may be combined in a single device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Ilias Syrgabaev
  • Patent number: 9215893
    Abstract: There is provided a machine of manufacturing a low fire-spreading web, having a travel path (2) through which a paper web (W) travels; an applicator (3) that is interposed in the travel path (2) and used to apply a combustion inhibitor (7) onto the web (W); and a dryer (4) that dries the web (W) applied with the combustion inhibitor (7), further including a detector (9) that measures a parameter indicative of width of the web (W) that has passed through the dryer (4); and a controller (10) that controls a drying condition of the dryer (4) on the basis of a measurement result obtained by the detector (9) so that the width of the web (W) falls within an allowable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Takafumi Izumiya, Shinzo Kida, Keisuke Towatari, Masaaki Fukaya
  • Patent number: 8515328
    Abstract: A medium conveying apparatus includes: a conveying mechanism that conveys a recording medium that extends long continuously in one direction, a conveying direction of the recording medium being the same as the one direction; a detecting unit that detects a detection subject mark formed on the recording medium; and a moving mechanism that moves the detecting unit in a direction that crosses the conveying direction, and a plurality of detection subject marks are formed on the recording medium in such a manner that they are arranged in the direction in which the recording medium extends long continuously and that a mark width in the direction that crosses the conveying direction changes as the position goes along the conveying direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 7708176
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chia-Cheng Chuang, Chih-Yu Ke, Chin-Lung Liu, Chih-Jen Tsai, Chung-Hsin Hsiao, Chang-Chou Li
  • Patent number: 7654427
    Abstract: The present invention provides a suction roller which is capable of being adopted for sucking an object. The suction roller is provided with a negative pressure inside thereof and at least one opening for sucking the object by at least one valve disposed in each opening respectively for selectively controlling the on-off of the negative pressure through the opening. During the rotation of the suction roller, the valves in a specific area are capable of being opened so that the negative pressure can pass through the openings with respect to the opened valve to suck the object and transport the object subsequently. In another embodiment, the present invention also provides a transporting apparatus combining the suction roller and a guiding mechanism for transporting the object and compensating the shifting during the moving of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chih-Jen Tsai, Chang-Chou Li, Chung-Hsin Hsiao
  • Patent number: 7374072
    Abstract: An assembly for ensuring a correct lateral positioning of an elongated material conveyed along a feeder system and prior to a forming operation. The elongated material is fed from such as an unreeling coil and includes first and second lateral edges. First and second bodies are located along the feeder system and in communication with at least one of the lateral edges associated with the elongated material. Each of the bodies includes a fixed component secured to a rail extending laterally above the feeder system. A laterally displaceable component is biasingly secured to the fixed component and includes a roller in communication with a selected lateral edge of the elongated material. The bodies are laterally displaced, upon misalignment of the elongated material relative to the biasingly engaged roller. A sensor associated with each of the bodies causes an alarm signal to be issued to a processor, indicating the misalignment condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: BAE Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Irwin
  • Publication number: 20080010852
    Abstract: The invention relates to a guiding device for a continuous paper sheet comprising at least one guiding element which is disposed downstream with respect to an application group and used in the form of an air circulating channel in order to ensure a contactless guiding in a machine producing and/or processing a continuous material sheet, in particular a paper or paperboard sheet. Said guiding element consists of a guiding surface made at least partially of an air-permeable porous material which is exposed to a compressed air pressure in such a way that air can circulate therethrough, thereby forming an air cushion between said guiding surface and a moving material sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Markus Oechsle, Roland Mayer, Peter Kahl, Martin Kustermann, Stefan Reich
  • Patent number: 7055726
    Abstract: An apparatus for modifying a traveling position of a paper web in a paper web processing machine is provided. The apparatus is capable of easily attaching a detection means; requiring no operation of the paper web processing machine to determine an accurately adjusted position for attachment; and extremely easily setting a desired size of a tolerable deviation range of a practical position of a side edge to an originally expected position of the side edge when the sheet travels. The apparatus includes a traveling position modification means for modifying a position of a side edge of a paper web traveling toward a processing section in a paper web processing machine; a detection means for detecting the position of the side edge of the paper web; and a control means connected to the modification means and the detection means for controlling the modification means based on a value detected at the detection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho
    Inventors: Atsushi Satoh, Yoshiki Kunoh
  • Patent number: 6834823
    Abstract: Supply device for supplying rubber material (11) to a cutting device (3). In the direction away from the cutting device the supply device contains a supplying table (3) having a supplying mechanism (4), an unwinding trestle (7) containing a stock of rubber material, a space between the unwinding trestle (7) and the supplying table (3), which space is suitable for taking up a loop of rubber material forming a stock buffer. Between the unwinding trestle (7) and the supplying table (3), preferably at a distance above the supplying table, a first conveyor (5) having a drive is placed. Preferably at a distance above the unwinding trestle a second conveyor (8) having a drive is placed, in which the space for taking up the loop of rubber material is formed between the second (8) and the first (5) conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Vmi Epe Holland B.V.
    Inventors: Klaas Nauta, Adrianus Theodorus Hendrikus De Keijzer
  • Patent number: 6659006
    Abstract: A tension control device for a printing press having an adjustment roller, with a web of the press passing from a supply roll of the web to the adjustment roller. Means are provided for measuring the tension on opposed sides of the web passing downstream from the adjustment roller, and means are provided responsive to the measuring means for automatically approximately equalizing the tension of the web by adjustment of the adjustment roller on one end only of the adjustment roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Goss Graphic Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Brennan, Theodore Costopolous, Frederick J. Whiting, Thaddeus A. Niemiro, Xin Xin Wang
  • Patent number: 6622625
    Abstract: A reference medium is scanned both with a medium sensor (44) capable of detecting a low-transmittance printing medium with high accuracy and with a medium sensor (45) capable of detecting a high-transmittance medium with low accuracy so as to find edge positions Ry0, Ry1 of the reference medium. The difference Diff0 between the edge positions is calculated and stored as a correction value. If it is hard to detect a printing medium by means of the medium sensor (44), the medium sensor (45) is used to detect the medium, and the resulting edge position is corrected using the correction value Diff0. In addition, for any given printing medium, a first driving level of a light source for outputting a predetermined output amount of the sensor (44) and a second driving level of a light source for outputting a predetermined output amount of the sensor (45) are calculated and, based on the difference between the two driving levels, the type of the printing medium is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Finetech, Inc.
    Inventor: Yuichi Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20030116599
    Abstract: A configurable paper transport having a frame having at least one station for securing a non-driven paper web process device. The configurable paper transport defines a paper web path through the non-driven paper web process device, or devices. The configurable paper transport also contains a driver that moves a paper web along the paper web path. In a preferred configuration, the stations and associated non-driven paper web process devices have a universal receptacle permitting any non-driven paper process device, selected from a plurality of non-driven paper process devices, to be located in any station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Energy Saving Products and Sales Corporation
    Inventor: Richard P. Lamothe
  • Publication number: 20030000988
    Abstract: A deskewing device for a moving web of material in a corrugated cardboard manufacturing system incorporates a plurality of successive processing units that are equipped with processing tools, which are movable crosswise to the direction of conveyance of the web of material. A skew measuring device is provided to determine the skew of the web of material. It has a first position sensor, at least one second position sensor, which determine the transverse position of the web of material at predetermined longitudinal positions. A control unit is used to calculate from the data of the position sensors the skew of the web of material and the transverse position of the processing tools is corrected accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Karl Ruhland, Ulrich Bosl, Karl Waldeck, Stefan Spickenreuther
  • Patent number: 6488193
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying and applying a strip component (11) such as a tire tread is disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing the strip component on a belt conveyer (16), determining a guideline (52) of the strip component (11) at an exit end (20) of the belt conveyor (16), and laterally adjusting the exist end (20) of the belt conveyor (16) to align the guideline (52) of the strip component (11) with a predetermined guideline such as the guideline of a tire building drum (12). The apparatus includes a belt support transverse housing (76) which is laterally moveable by a motion controller (64) in response to a sensor (58) which detects the guideline (52) of the strip component (11). Guides on the transverse housing (76) move the belts of the conveyor (16) on slider plates without physically touching the conveyed strip component (11), thereby preventing damage to the component material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
    Inventors: Raymond Patrick Eckman, Gary Robert Burg, Mark Daniel Banas
  • Publication number: 20020162874
    Abstract: The present invention provides adhesive film constructions that include a detectable transparent release liner. The release liner includes a transparent polymeric core and one or more detection stripes. The detection stripes are parallel to the longitudinal length of the construction. By providing a release liner that is transparent over a majority of its major surfaces (except for the detection stripes), the problem of edge detection when using transparent liners and/or transparent adhesive film constructions can be addressed without significantly degrading the ability to see through a majority of the film and liner composite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph P. Spolidoro, David J. Murphy, Andrew W. Morris
  • Patent number: 6460748
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the transverse position of a strip of packaging material on a packaging machine for producing packages containing a pourable food product, the device having a slide movable crosswise with respect to the strip and carrying a gripping member for moving the strip transversely; and a system for automatically adjusting the position of the slide in response to signals generated by optical sensors for detecting respective limit positions of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A
    Inventor: Alessandro Boschi
  • Publication number: 20020014508
    Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a longitudinal edge of a flexible and continuously longitudinally moving web has a support having a longitudinally nondisplaceable face extending transversely across and immediately adjacent the edge and an alignment element having a plurality of parallel and elongated formations engageable with the web. An actuator displaces the element between an aligning position with the formations extending at an acute angle to the edge, pressing the web against the support face, and urging the moving web transversely outward at the edge and a standby position with the formations out of operative engagement with the web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Applicant: SCHMALE-HOLDING GmbH & CO.
    Inventor: Johannes Freermann
  • Patent number: 6269995
    Abstract: A friction drive apparatus for feeding strip material in a longitudinal direction includes a first friction wheel and a second friction wheel rotated by a first motor drive and a second motor drive, respectively. The friction drive apparatus also includes a sensor disposed behind the friction wheels with respect to the motion of the strip material to detect a lateral or skewing error and a motion processor that drives the first and the second motor drives independently at different speeds to correct the lateral or skewing error of the strip material. The friction drive apparatus also detects a longitudinal error of the strip material by tracking an actual position of the strip material and comparing it to the commanded position to correct the error. If there is a discrepancy between the actual position and the commanded position of the strip material, the rotational speed of each friction wheel is either decreased or increased to correct any longitudinal creep or slippage, respectively, of the strip material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Gerber Scientific Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard G. Rich, Ronald B. Webster, Mark E. Guckin
  • Patent number: 6192955
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for aligning webs, such as photographic film or paper, where the trailing edge of an expiring web is spliced to the lead edge of a fresh web. A supporting means having the fresh web thereon in a fixed position is caused to move by sensor means transmitting a signal corresponding to precise positioning of the expiring relative to the fixed position of the fresh web. According to the invention, a programmable controller is used to analyze the signals received from the sensors and directs the movements of the supporting means where the webs are ultimately moved into abutting or overlapping contact and then spliced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Brian Scott Rice
  • Patent number: 6138885
    Abstract: A web and an associated web feeding and handling apparatus for performing a work operation on the web is disclosed. The apparatus feeds the web in a feed direction longitudinally of itself by means of a friction drive. The operation of the drive is controlled by lateral and longitudinal alignment indicia located on the web which insure that the web is properly aligned with the feed direction as the web is initially fed into and then through the apparatus, and to insure that any bowing of the web during the work operation is corrected or compensated for.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Gerber Scientific Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Hevenor, Thomas A. Gordon
  • Patent number: 6000595
    Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a continuous pinless web that is free of tractor pin feed holes within a utilization device that is originally adapted to feed web having tractor pin feed hole strips along its widthwise edges is provided. The utilization device can comprise an IBM high-volume laser printer having an image transfer drum synchronized to a pair of tractor pin feed drive units. A drive roller is operatively connected to the lower pin feed unit according to a preferred embodiment. A registration controller is utilized to synchronize the movement of the web with the operation of the utilization device element using a differential and a separate registration motor. The image transfer drum and drive roller are each synchronized to a central drive motor that generates pulses via an encoder. The pulses track the movement of the image transfer drum. A mark sensor reads marks on the web to synchronize actual movement of the web with the image transfer drum using the registration motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Roll Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: H. W. Crowley, John W. Clifford, William F. Bolza, Tamas Hetenyi, Richard A. Sjostedt
  • 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: 5895535
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring web alignment at a splice disposed between a trailing end of an expiring web and a leading end of a new web. The apparatus includes a speed monitor monitoring the moving webs. A splice sensor indicates the presence and absence of the splice while an edge sensor provides a signal indicating the position of the edge relative to a reference position. The edge signals are manipulated to provide a skew and offset value which provides a measurement of web alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Alan R. Bentz
  • Patent number: 5849123
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for aligning webs, such as photographic film or paper, where the trailing edge of an expiring web is spliced to the lead edge of a fresh web. A supporting means having the fresh web thereon in a fixed position is caused to move by sensor means transmitting a signal corresponding to precise positioning of the expiring relative to the fixed position of the fresh web. According to the invention, a programmable controller is used to analyze the signals received from the sensors and directs the movements of the supporting means where the webs are ultimately moved into abutting or overlapping contact and then spliced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Brian Scott Rice
  • Patent number: 5813337
    Abstract: A system for controlling the lateral position of a web in a web-fed printing press having a printing unit. The web has a series of printed images thereon. The system includes an optical scanner for sensing the lateral position of an image on the web and for generating a first signal. The system also includes an edge sensor which senses the lateral position of a corresponding web edge and which generates a second signal. A controller processes the first and second signals to produce a control signal. The systems also includes a positioning means responsive to the control signal for laterally positioning the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Quad/Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Peters, Keith A. Tabor, Michael J. Horvath, Mark Hackler, Robert Knier
  • Patent number: 5783007
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus implements a method of joining two sheets of heat transfer paper into a single sheet almost twice as wide for use in heat transfer printing of extra wide cloth. The paper is withdrawn from source rolls and passed along first and second respective web paths with a very slight overlap between the papers. A glue station applies a speed controlled amount of glue to the overlap region of one paper and the edges of the paper are brought together in the desired overlapping relationship. The thus joined paper is passed through compression rollers and wound onto a resilient rewind roll. Edge sensors in each of the web paths maintain the overlap alignment of the paper paths and tension sensors in each of the paths maintain a desired level of tension. A video camera imaging system provides the operator with periodic video images of a magnified region of the overlap so that proper registration between the patterns on the respective papers can be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Transprint USA
    Inventors: William Boyd, Malcolm E. Clare, George Stafford, Thomas Garth, Clement Ramdin
  • 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: 5667122
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for maintaining the edge of a moving web on a web handling apparatus at a desired operating path. The operating path of a web edge is monitored with respect to a first desired edge path. The web is secured for movement along an intended path of travel. The web edge is maintained at the first desired edge path. The web edge is monitored with respect to a second desired edge path as it is maintained on the first desired edge path. The web is automatically maintained along the second desired edge path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Young Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: William O. Young, Jr., Michael R. Bell, George Lark
  • Patent number: 5660675
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus implements a method of joining two sheets of heat transfer paper into a single sheet almost twice as wide for use in heat transfer printing of extra wide cloth. The paper is withdrawn from source rolls and passed along first and second respective web paths with a very slight overlap between the papers. A glue station applies a speed controlled amount of glue to the overlap region of one paper and the edges of the paper are brought together in the desired overlapping relationship. The thus joined paper is passed through compression rollers and wound onto a resilient rewind roll. Edge sensors in each of the web paths maintain the overlap alignment of the paper paths and tension sensors in each of the paths maintain a desired level of tension. A video camera imaging system provides the operator with periodic video images of a magnified region of the overlap so that proper registration between the patterns on the respective papers can be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Transprint USA
    Inventors: William Boyd, Malcolm E. Clare, George Stafford, Tom Garth, Clement Ramdin
  • Patent number: 5645207
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for handling a moving material of indeterminate length utilizes a pair of endless elements located on opposite sides of an intended path of travel for the moving material. Each element is configured to engage and hold a corresponding edge of the material at least partially through the apparatus. The apparatus includes a detector assembly adjacent the path of travel for detecting deviation of at least one edge of the moving material from a normal operating path and outputting signals to initiate corrective reaction to the deviation. The reaction is defined in a predetermined relationship to time the edge remains out of its normal operating path. The apparatus also includes an adjustment device in operative communication with at least one frame member and the detector assembly. The adjustment device receives the corrective signals and positionally adjusts the corresponding frame member in response thereto to achieve the normal operating path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Young Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: William O. Young, Jr., Ebun Surka, George Lark
  • Patent number: 5554262
    Abstract: An edge tracking apparatus for maintaining a continuous circulating papermaking fabric in an aligned position as it moves through a papermaking machine. The edge tracking apparatus includes a pivotally mounted guide roll and a laser scanner. The laser scanner, which produces a laser screen, is positioned relative to an edge of the papermaking fabric so that the edge bisects the laser screen. A controller is connected with the laser scanner. The controller acts to receive signals from the laser scanner in response to transverse movement of the edge of the papermaking fabric and to convert those signals into control signals which activate a drive in the steering apparatus. The drive shifts the longitudinal position of the guide roll causing it to steer the papermaking fabric back into its aligned position. A recording unit is also connected with the controller and is controlled to plot the position of the edge during operation of the papermaking machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Wangner Systems Corp.
    Inventor: John S. Turner
  • Patent number: 5489784
    Abstract: Method and device for monitoring a moving web, such as a wire in a paper machine, a felt, or a material web, such as a board or paper web. A bar of radiation beams is directed at the face of the web to be monitored by a series of transmitters in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the web. Radiation reflected from the web and the background is detected by a series of receivers. The measurement signals obtained in this way are passed to an electronic unit in which a quantity that characterizes the monitoring of the web is determined from the measurement signals. The approximate location of the edge, the edges, or of corresponding discontinuities of the web is detected "digitally" on the basis of the radiation beam of the radiation transmitter in whose area the greatest change takes place in the received radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Valmet Paper Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Jukka Koiranen, Kari Pellinen, Olli Sarkkinen
  • Patent number: 5483391
    Abstract: An automatic deck adjusting apparatus having a tape running system adjusting mechanism for adjusting a VCR deck automatically and control means for controlling the adjusting mechanism to adjust the tape running system automatically. The tape running system adjusting mechanism comprises a plurality of screw driver tip assemblies for screwing adjustment screws and/or nuts in the system, a motor assembly for rotating the screw driver tip assemblies by a predetermined angle, a driver housing for fixedly supporting the screw driver tip assembly and the motor assembly in place, moving means attached to the driver housing for reciprocating the housing, a positioning means aligning the deck mechanism and the screw driver housing to be coincided in position with each other when they are coupled together and, a video camera for monitoring the position of the tape passing through guide posts and an audio/control head assembly or head drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Sam Jung Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae-Gab Gweon, Deockje Cho, Jaeuk Ryu
  • Patent number: 5335572
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, an apparatus and sheets of materials for producing marked security threads as are used to increase the protection of documents and papers of value against forgery. The inventive method is for processing, in particular cutting, security threads out of sheets of material in register, the sheets of material being fed to the processing units in exact alignment. The feed principal is based onguiding the sheet of material on at least one edge of the sheet,determining the position relative to one of the edges of the sheet,producing a signal from the determination of position, andpositioning the feeding device relative to the processing unit so that the sheet of material runs into the latter in a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: GAO Gesellschaft fur Automation und Organisation
    Inventor: Wittich Kaule
  • Patent number: 5333770
    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: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Kano, Kichizaemon Okazaki
  • Patent number: 5328072
    Abstract: A device for continuously determining the position of the edge of a moving web uses a light signal from a light relay emitted in the direction of the edge of a web. The light signal is received and converted by the light relay into an input/output signal which is used as an indicator and as a control value for the position of the edge of the web. The signal outlet is moved together with the signal input preferably along a circular path which intersects the edge of the web twice so that the position of the edge of the web can be determined from the corresponding input/output signals obtained during each revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: J.M. Voith GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Ruessmann, Helmut Lieberg
  • Patent number: 5252991
    Abstract: A system is described for providing positional information regarding a media sheet in an image forming apparatus. The system includes a laser for providing a beam of collimated light and a mechanism for moving a media sheet along an imprinting path. Beam sensors are placed in the imprinting path, and positioned so as to be partially shaded by a media sheet when it is moved along the imprinting path. A scanning system moves the light beam across the media sheet and past its edges to cause the beam to fall on the beam sensors, when the media sheet is partially shadowing the beam sensors. A processor is responsive to outputs from the beam sensors to determine positional information regarding the media sheet. Positional information is derived by determining the time during which the scanned beam is incident on a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Chris A. Storlie, Edwin Hirahara
  • Patent number: 5208633
    Abstract: In an imaging device having a belt supporting image on an image supporting surface and moving along an endless path in a process direction, an exposure device for forming images on the image supporting surface, an arrangement is provided to derive information about belt position with respect to the exposure device. The belt is provided with at least one fiducial opening or target at a belt edge, and a sensor is arranged with respect to the belt and the fiducial opening, to sense illumination directed through the fiducial opening. An illumination source is provided at a fixed position with respect to the exposure device and the sensor to directing illumination to the sensor, when the fiducial opening is aligned with the sensor, including at least two independently detectable illumination sources arranged along a cross process direction. Belt position with respect to the exposure device is then determined from the amount of occlusion of one of the first and second independently detectable illumination sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Frank C. Genovese
  • Patent number: 5141585
    Abstract: In affixing a tape to an adhesion form by pressing the tape thereagainst with a press roller at the forward end of a tape supply head rotatable about a C axis while feeding the tape to the press roller, a method comprising detecting the positions of opposite side edges of the tape during the tape affixing operation with sensors on at least one of the front and rear sides of the press roller, calculating the amount of sidewise deviation of the tape from the resulting detection signals, calculating the required angle of rotation of the press roller about the C axis based on the calculated value, and rotating the press roller about the C axis by an amount corresponding to the amount of sidewise deviation of the tape in a direction opposite to the direction of sidewise deviation of the tape to thereby current the deviation and maintain the amount of sidewise deviation within a very small range. An apparatus for practicing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Shinnippon Koki Kabushiki Kaisha (Shinnippon Koki Co., Ltd.)
    Inventors: Nobuo Shinno, Yasuhiro Ohnishi, Toshikazu Shigematsu
  • Patent number: 5098507
    Abstract: A relieved plastic floor tile rolling press having an automatic alignment device comprising a surface roller from which a surface substratum with plane patterns printed thereon is unwound, a pressing roller on which recessed carves shaped the same as the plane patterns are formed to form relieved patterns on the plastic tile, and a sensing device to detect the lateral deviation and also detect the longitudinal location of the surface substratum. The sensing device also comprises a sensor to detect the rotational location of the pressing roller. The information detected by the sensing device is then sent to microprocessors to adjust the lateral location of the surface substratum and eliminate the difference between the longitudinal location of the surface substratum and the rotational location of the pressing roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Inventor: Chen-Chi Mao
  • Patent number: 5087313
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for producing slit pieces of finished corrugated board from respective paper liners and at least one fluting using a corrugated line having at least a single facer, a double backer and a slitter, while minimizing or substantially eliminating waste resulting from the misalignment of the respective liners, flutings, single face web and corrugated product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: ARC Machinary Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Duecker
  • Patent number: 5019864
    Abstract: A film core for an electrophotographic copying or printing machine comprises a core frame member provided at opposite ends with rollers, such frame member being slightly flexible about a steering axis of one of said rollers, to allow pivotal movement of that roller about the steering axis, but being substantially rigid against any other relative pivotal or translational movement between the ends of the core frame by which the rollers are supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Douglas L. Blanding
  • Patent number: 5018888
    Abstract: A paper tension adjusting device in which one of the tractors with feeding pins changing feeding apertures in the paper is movable widthwise to adjust widthwise paper tension. The desired tension is determined from paper thickness which is in turn determined from the hammer flight time. Lengthwise tension is adjusted by adjusting paper clampers separated from the tractors. The tension is both widthwise and lengthwise directions is determined by optically sensing the positions of the feeding pin with respect to the aperture in which that pin is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nishimura, Masao Miyasaka, Nobuhiko Itoh, Toshio Hiki, Akira Igarashi
  • Patent number: 4996563
    Abstract: A film core supporting structure for an electrophotographic copying or printing machine. The supporting structure includes a two-point suspension system near a roller in the film core and a yoke assembly supporting the film core near another roller. A one-point supporting system is used to support the yoke and restrict its movement in only one dimension. Toner stations are attached to the film core and a drum is supported by the two-point suspension system. A write-head is connected to the yoke. The overall supporting structure prevents distortion of the machine frame from imparting distortive forces through the supporting structure to the film core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Douglass L. Blanding
  • Patent number: 4913328
    Abstract: A magnetic tape tracking system for a magnetic recorder/player having a crown guide roller whose orientation can be controlled to effect lateral movement of the tape. This movement is utilized to correct for deviation of the tape from its desired tape path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Odetics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon R. Schulz