Abstract: A manufacturing device of an optical fiber grating to write a grating in a core of an optical fiber by irradiating the optical fiber with laser light includes: a fixing device that fixes the optical fiber to at least one of a first position located more on an upstream side and a second position located more on a downstream side in a conveyance direction of the optical fiber than a laser light irradiating position of the optical fiber in a case of writing the grating; and a feeder having a structure capable of linearly reciprocating in the conveyance direction and adapted to feed a predetermined length of the optical fiber in the conveyance direction in a case where a fixed state of the optical fiber by the fixing device is released.

Abstract: A method monitors/controls unwinding and supplying thread from a supply device to a textile machine. The supply device includes a control unit and a thread collection and supply unit moved by a motor. A first sensor detects first data indicative of a current driving torque applied to the collection and supply unit. A second sensor detects second data indicative of a current tension value of thread supplied to the textile machine. A first indicator representing driving torque values is calculated, each variation of the first indicator representing a variation of the driving torque value to compensate for a deviation of the first data. A second indicator is calculating representing tension values applied to the thread supplied to the textile machine. Each variation of the second indicator representing a deviation of the second data. Based on the indicators, malfunctions in the unwinding and supply of thread are detected and signaled.

Abstract: A cable (10) includes a cable body (11) that is formed from a plurality of wires (14) that are integrally bundled; and a pair of sockets (12) to which both end portions of the cable body (11) is separately affixed; at least one of the plurality of wires (14) being a fiber-containing wire (16), which is formed by an optical fiber (17) that extends in a cable length direction (D) and that is protected by a protective tube (18); wherein the optical fiber (17) protrudes from the protective tube (18), in the cable length direction, further outside than the socket (12); and each of the pair of sockets (12) is provided with a spool (30) that removably holds the optical fiber (17) and imparts an initial tensile strain to the optical fiber (17).

Abstract: A flattened tube fin manufacturing apparatus includes a press apparatus equipped with a mold apparatus forming cutaway portions into which flattened tubes are inserted to produce metal strips; an inter-row slit apparatus cutting the metal strip, in which the cutaway portions have been formed, into predetermined widths to form a plurality of metal strips of a product width arranged in the width direction; and a cutoff apparatus cutting each metal strip of the product width formed by the inter-row slit apparatus into predetermined lengths. The metal strips of the product width outputted from the inter-row slit apparatus advance into the cutoff apparatus after entering a downwardly sagging state. A support portion that contacts and supports lower surfaces of the metal strips of product width in the downwardly sagging state is also provided.

Abstract: A method for operating a web-processing machine having at least one first driven transport roller (2) that transports a material web (10), at least one second transport roller (4) that transports the material web (10), and at least one treatment unit (8) that treats the web, at least one transport roller (2, 4) comprising a drive device (12, 14), and at least one drive device (12) being controlled by a control device (20), and control of said drive device (12) being accomplished as a function of elongation properties of the material web (10), such that when taking into account the elongation properties of the material web (10), a damping of said elongation properties is also taken into account.

Abstract: A web processing assembly including first, second and third fixed spaced apart pairs of nip rollers moving the web respectively at a first, second and third speeds, the first and third speeds being constant and similar, the second speed being variable with a mean speed similar to the first and third speeds, a first idler roller engaging the web between the first and second pair of rollers and a second idler roller engaging the web between the second and third pair of rollers, each idler roller maintaining the web in constant tension by moving along a restrained path perpendicular to its axis to compensate for a difference between the variable second speed and the respective one of the constant first and third speeds. A method for processing a web and system for conveying a web are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for regulating a web tension of a continuous materials which is moving using a transport device with a web-tension controller, includes determining controller characteristic parameters, and using for the determining of controller characteristic parameters a characteristic which is specifiable as a function and/or at several support points.

Abstract: A system for alignment measurement for a rolling embossed double-sided optical film, the system comprising: a first roller with a first brightness enhancement film pattern and a first alignment pattern thereon, a second roller with a second brightness enhancement film pattern and a second alignment pattern thereon; a measuring unit for measuring diffraction patterns in the first alignment region and the second alignment region, respectively; and a control unit electrically connected to the first roller, the second roller and the measuring unit to adjust the relative position between the first roller and the second roller according to the diffraction patterns measured by the measuring unit.

Abstract: A wire feeding device for very fine wire includes a straightening unit, a transporting unit, a wire buffer, and a wire guide arranged on a table on which a swivel unit with a wire drive is also arranged. The swivel unit serves wire-processing stations of a wire-processing machine. A supply of very fine wire is held in a drum and passes through the straightening unit which straightens the wire, bends and kinks being thereby removed. The transporting unit pulls the wire out of the drum and through the straightening unit and feeds the wire buffer. The wire buffer has a measuring device for monitoring a hanging wire loop. Depending on the requirement for wire in the wire-processing machine, the content of the buffer can decrease and the wire apex of the loop then moves upwards. The movement of the wire apex is detected by the measuring device and controlled with a control device via the transporting unit.

Abstract: Apparatus monitoring and/or adjusting tensile force in a yarn (10) including at least three consecutive yarn deflecting elements (11, 12, 13) of which the central deflecting element (12) is displaceably held by a retention device (14) that is supported in such a way that the motion and/or position of the deflecting element (12) is substantially a function only of the tensile force F1 in one yarn segment, such segment being situated between the displaceable deflecting element (12) and only one of the two neighboring deflecting elements (11 or 13).

Abstract: A tape printer includes a holder support member at one side end in a roll sheet holder storage part in a direction substantially perpendicular to a feeding direction. In the holder support member, a mounting piece which is substantially rectangular in section and formed protruding outward on a positioning holding member of a roll sheet holder is fitted. The tape printer further includes a flat portion formed substantially horizontally between a rear edge of an insertion opening through which a roll sheet is inserted into the tape printer. On the flat portion, a front portion of a guide member is placed. At a rear edge of the flat portion in the feeding direction, at plural positions corresponding to various kinds of the roll sheets having different widths, there are formed four second positioning grooves in which part of the guide member is fitted.

Abstract: A controller for controlling the running tension of paper web for rotary press includes a paper feed unit (1) and a printing unit (2) provided with a printing cylinder (21) rotating according to an operation speed command. An in-feed roller (4) is provided in a running path of paper web (W) from a paper roll (11) of the paper feed unit (1) to the printing cylinder (21). A dancer roller device (5) detects a displacement amount of a dancer roller (51) relative to a reference position of the dancer roller (51) and absorbs variations of the running tension of the paper web (W) by the displacement. A tension control processing unit (S1) performs signal generation processing to optimize the peripheral speed of the in-feed roller (4) with respect to the peripheral speed of the printing cylinder (21) based on the displacement amount of the dancer roller (51) and the operation speed command.

Abstract: The tension of a web in a rotary printing press is regulated during passage of the web between at least first and second cylinders of at least one printing group. The two cylinders are driven using at least one drive mechanism. A distance between the two cylinders is varied to influence the web tension before, between and after the printing groups.

Abstract: A web printer has a buffer for adjusting the traveling position of the web under its slack status, a tension assigning unit for assigning fixed tension to the web delivered from the buffer, a device for detecting the traveling position of the web delivered from the tension assigning unit, a sew correction unit for adjusting the skew of the web according to the output from the detection device, and an image forming unit that forms images on the web.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the strain of a web material supplied to a machine by adjusting a tension force applied to the web material. An operator defines a target web strain via an input device. A speed sensor senses the speed of the web material supplied to the machine at a first position and a second position and generates a speed signal representative of the difference. A tension sensor senses a tension force applied to the web prior to the first position and after the first position and generates a tension signal representative of the difference. A control system calculates web strain as a function of the tension signal and speed signal, and compares the calculated strain with the target web strain and generates a speed control signal as a function of the comparison. The feed device is responsive to the speed control signal for adjusting a speed differential of the web to adjust tension force applied to the web.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of winding optical fiber onto a spool. The method includes varying a target, tension applied to a fiber as the fiber accumulates onto the spool such that the percentage change in lateral load is greater than about −3.4% for each change of about 0.25″ in pack radius. The method also includes varying the target tension such that the change in lateral load per change in pack radius includes an amount greater than about −18.0 N/m2. Additionally the invention includes varying the target tension applied to the optical fiber as the fiber accumulates onto the spool, such that the target tension applied to the fiber at the end of winding fiber onto the spool is at least about 0.1% or greater than the target tension at the start of winding fiber onto the spool.

Abstract: This invention pertains to processing continuous webs such as paper, film, composites and the like, in dynamic continuous processing operations. More particularly, it relates to accumulating limited lengths of such continuous webs and to controlling tension in such continuous webs during the processing operation. Both tension control and limited accumulations are achieved in festoon systems by connecting corresponding movably mounted festoon rolls to an actuator, sensing parameters such as position, tension, velocity, and acceleration related to the web and the festoon, and providing active force commands, in response to the sensed variables, to cause translational movement, generally including a target acceleration, in the movably mounted festoon rolls to control tension in the web while providing limited accumulation of a length of the web. The festoon control system can be used to attenuate tension disturbances, in the alternative to create controlled tension disturbances.

Abstract: A controller of running tension of paper web for rotary press including a paper feed unit 1 and a printing unit 2 provided with a printing cylinder 21 rotating according to an operation speed command, having an in-feed roller 4 provided in a running path of paper web W from a paper roll 11 of the paper feed unit 1 to the printing cylinder 21, a dancer roller device 5 for detecting a displacement amount of a dancer roller 51 relative to a reference position of the dancer roller 51 and absorbing variations of running tension of the paper web W by the displacement, and a tension control processing unit S1 for performing signal generation processing to optimize the peripheral speed of the in-feed roller 4 with respect to the peripheral speed of the printing cylinder 21 based on the displacement amount of the dancer roller 51 and the operation speed command.

Abstract: A tensioning device used in pulling off cover films, and a component feed module including the tensioning device, includes a force sensor for measuring a pull-off force applied to the cover film. The force sensor is coupled to a control device, by which the film drive can be controlled to control the pull-off force of the cover film in such a way that the pull-off force is kept substantially constant.

Abstract: A method for dynamically controlling a driver of a nip roller in a web printing press includes controlling the speed of the driver in a tension-control mode during a phase of printing press operation and in a velocity-control mode during another phase of printing press operation. The controlling of the speed of the driver in the tension-control mode is based on the tension in the web upstream of the nip roller so as to maintain the tension at a desired tension value. The controlling of the speed of the driver in the velocity-control mode is based on a predetermined driver velocity ratio for maintaining the web tension. The tension-control mode may be employed during press start-up as the web accelerates to operating speed. The velocity-control mode may be used during printing operations of the press.

Abstract: The thermal transfer line printer is provided with tension roller position detection means having tension rollers, rotatable tension roller support frames that support the tension rollers rotatably and press the tension rollers toward an intermediate sheet, and a detector and a sensor for detecting a position of the tension rollers and is provided with a controller for controlling operation of an intermediate transfer sheet feeding motor that moves at least the intermediate transfer sheet, and the controller controls the intermediate transfer sheet feeding motor so as to position the detectors in a detection range of the sensors when the intermediate transfer sheet is moved.

Abstract: A dancer roll device has a support assembly that supports a roll. A ball screw is rotatably mounted on the support assembly. A weight member is mounted on the ball screw by a nut member that is threaded over the ball screw. When the ball screw is rotated about its own axis by a motor, the nut member and the weight member are displaced along the ball screw, thereby displacing the center of gravity of the support assembly. The moment applied to the roll is changed, thus changing the tension that is applied to a wide web or a narrow web via the roll.

Abstract: An off-loom take-up for winding a cloth roll from woven cloth coming from a loom which includes a frame and a pair of spaced take-up rollers carried by the frame, at least one of the take-up rollers is a driven take up roller. A drive motor with an output shaft drives the driven take-up roller, and a motor controller is provided for controlling the speed of the output shaft of the drive motor. A pivotal dancer roll assembly is carried by the frame and includes a pivotal dancer roll under which the cloth travels from the loom to the cloth take-up roll. A voltage sensor responsive to the movement of the pivotal dancer roll outputs a plurality of voltage signals correlated to a plurality of different pivotal positions of the dancer roll. An electronic limit processor is provided for receiving the voltage signals, the processor processing the voltage signals to generate a control signal which is output to the motor controller for controlling the drive motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating a tension transducer for a web includes a pair of nip rollers and a motor for driving at least one of the pair of nip rollers, the motor having at least one roller output being a function of at least one of a motor torque and a motor velocity. A web tension transducer roll is located upstream of the nip rollers, the web tension transducer having a tension output being a function of the actual web tension of the web. A processor receives the at least one roller output and the tension output, the processor calculating a tension correction value as a function of the at least one roller output and the tension output.

Abstract: This invention pertains to processing continuous webs such as paper, film, composites, and the like, in dynamic continuous processing operations. More particularly, it relates to controlling tension in such continuous webs during the processing operation. Tension is controlled in a dancer control system by connecting a corresponding dancer roll to an actuator apparatus or the like, sensing variables such as position, tension, velocity, and acceleration parameters related to the web and the dancer roll, and providing active force commands, in response to the sensed variables, to cause translational movement, generally including a target acceleration, in the dancer roll to control tension disturbances in the web. In some applications of the invention, the dancer control system is used to attenuate tension disturbances. In other applications of the invention, the dancer control system is used to create tension disturbances.

Abstract: An arrangement for delivering a web of material from a storage reel to a process line for manufacturing absorbent disposable articles. The arrangement includes a web tension control unit for holding a predetermined value of tension in the web of material passing through the control unit for delivery to the process line. The control unit is placed in immediate proximity to the process line.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for maintaining the registration of folds with successive indicia on an advancing paper web is provided. The apparatus includes a control system for detecting the location of the indicia relative to a folding operation and adjusting the web speed to accommodate any mis-registration between the folds and the indicia.

Abstract: A beam let-off apparatus capable of adjusting the tension of a plurality of filaments as they are removed from a beam through the controlled movement of a pivoting arm directed by the tension of the unwinding filaments, comprises a frame, a driven roll, 1-3 idler rolls on the frame and a dancer roll mounted on pivoting arms mounted on the frame wherein the filaments pass under and around the dancer roll through a defined wrap angle is provided.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and method for converting sheet stock material into a relatively low density cushioning dunnage product. The machine has at least one conversion assembly for forming the stock material into a three-dimensional shape and a power infeed mechanism which supplies sheet material at a tension that does not exceed a predetermined level. A preferred embodiment of the infeed mechanism includes a powered roller that is driven at a surface speed that is faster than the speed at which a conversion assembly draws the sheet material over the former. A pressure roller presses the sheet material against the powered roller so that the sheet material is supplied to the conversion assembly. The force of the pressure roller is controlled so that the sheet material is supplied to the former at the same rate the former draws in the material, as by means of a dancer that bears against a loop of material between the pressure roller and the conversion assembly.

Abstract: A tension control apparatus includes at least two guide rollers and at least one dancer roller disposed so as to be movable relative to said guide rollers, and applies a predetermined amount of tension to a linear body wound about the guide rollers and dancer roller. This apparatus has a tension control device for variably controlling the tension applied to the linear body by adjusting an angle between a vertical line and a line connecting respective rotational centers of the guide rollers and dancer roller.

Abstract: For supplying yarns, a yarn supply apparatus is contemplated that is designed particularly for knitting machines whose yarn demand fluctuates greatly over time. The yarn supply apparatus has a rotor-driven yarn wheel, which in the ideal case furnishes yarn directly to the knitting machine or its yarn guides without the interposition of yarn storage devices. The yarn tension is monitored by means of a yarn tension sensor, which provides measured value detection for a closed-loop controller that controls the supply by the yarn wheel. The controller is also embodied such that it can process signals that contain information about the future yarn demand. Thus in the event of imminent drastic changes in demand, of the kind that in flatbed knitting machines periodically occur at the edges of the knitted goods (turning points of the yarn guide), the controller can react by presupplying yarn or by ceasing to supply yarn. Yarn tension spikes and overly steep yarn tension drops can thus be compensated for.

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.

Abstract: A method for regulating web tension in a web-fed rotary offset printing press includes increasing web tension over a predetermined speed range, substantially linearly with web speed, as the printing press runs up to operating speed, and an apparatus for performing the foregoing method.

Abstract: A thread feeding buffer for feeding a fibre thread from a magazine roll to a feed apparatus at a robot arm which is freely movable in the room. The thread feeding buffer including a thread brake and at least one movable thread guide on which a thrust force is acting. The thread is running from the magazine roll via a brake through the thread guide and further on towards the feed apparatus in such a way, that the thrust force acts for creation of a thread buffer between the brake and the feed apparatus, which buffer is variable in length. At least one guide rod for guiding the movable thread guide is arranged to cause a braking effect on downward movement of the movable thread guide for preventing entanglement of the thread fed through the movable thread guide following a rapid fall of the movable thread guide.

Abstract: An arrangement for delivering a web of material from a storage reel to a process line for manufacturing absorbent disposable articles. The arrangement includes a web tension control unit for holding a predetermined value of tension in the web of material passing through the control unit for delivery to the process line. The control unit is placed in immediate proximity to the process line.

Abstract: Strip guiding apparatus includes a roll rotatable about its longitudinal axis over which strip will travel while under tension. Sensing apparatus determines the lateral position of the strip with respect to the desired position and emits signals to control apparatus which will effect responsive rotation of support apparatus in order to effect rotation of the roll about a second axis which is spaced from and oriented generally perpendicular to the roll longitudinal axis responsive to lateral movement of the strip in relation to the desired position. Drive apparatus effects rotation of the support apparatus responsive to receipt of signals from the control apparatus in order to move the strip toward the desired position. Apparatus is also provided for measuring strip tension and emitting signals to tension controlling apparatus to adjust tension where it is not within a desired range.

Abstract: A tensioner for an armature winder which significantly reduces instantaneous increases in wire tension during winding or lead connection. System controls control the drag of a hysteresis brake, monitor wire tension via a load cell, and control a dancer arm's position through limit sensors and a closed-loop proportional valve (which regulates the pressure within an air cylinder coupled to the dancer arm). These system controls significantly reduce instantaneous increases in wire tension during winding, during the start of winding, and during lead connection. A wire breakage detection device also monitors the wire during winding and signals the system controls if wire breakage is detected. Upon such detection, a rapid discharge valve discharges the air cylinder, and flyer arm rotation is halted prior to the wire becoming unthreaded from the flyer arm.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for controlling the infeed speed of a bag making machine. In one embodiment, the nip roll speed is changed from a variable speed to a fixed speed after a cycle interrupt occurs. Once a dancer arm returns to an upward position, the nip roll speed changes back to the variable speed. In another embodiment, the nip roll speed is approximately equal to an average line speed and the dancer is trimmed to correct the speed of the nip rolls. There is also disclosed a method for controlling the infeed speed.

Abstract: A web accumulator having an even number of dancer rollers, arranged on either side of a single vertical guide rod for guiding the dancer roller for upward and downward movement. A support structure is provided on the guide rod so as to be movable upward and downward but not to rotate about an axis of the guide rod and supporting the dancer roller in a horizontal position. The support structure includes a lift sleeve fitting around the guide rod so as to be movable upward and downward while being prevented from rotating about the axis of the guide rod. A plurality of rolling members rollable along the vertical guide rod are provided between the guide rod and the lift sleeve and rollably retained on the lift sleeve.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding and tensioning threads in a textile machine including corresponding weaving members supplied with the threads. For each thread, a calander is provided with first and second superimposed wheels between which the thread, coming from a corresponding store located upstream of the apparatus, is made to pass. The wheels are mounted on corresponding parallel, horizontal shafts. A body for supporting the wheels is rotatively mounted on a corresponding body shaft having axis parallel to one of the wheels. The body itself is supported by a fixed bearing structure. A thread-holder arm of flexible and elastic material is provided with one end fixed to the body and the other end of the arm is provided with a thread-guiding ring through which the thread, coming from the calander (H), is made to pass.

Abstract: A system for moving yarn under substantially constant tension, including a translationally-fixed pivoting device, having a neutral position, for applying tension to the yarn, and a variable-speed yarn drive for moving the yarn across the pivoting device. The rotational position of the pivoting device is determined in relation to its neutral position, and in response, the speed of the yarn drive is altered to move the pivoting device closer to its neutral position for maintaining a relatively constant tension on the yarn.

Abstract: A tension controller for controlling the tension of running paper web. When a rotary press starts to operate and performs a minimum speed operation, the controller balances the tension of the paper web between a floating roller and a dancer roller, thereby easily bringing the dancer roller to the central position of its swing stroke. Also, the tension controller deactivates a dancer roller positioning mechanism in accordance with an acceleration signal before an impression on signal for starting printing is issued, thereby smoothly initiating tension control from the beginning of printing. Further, the displacement range of the dancer roller is divided into a plurality of regions. Based on values detected by three detection sensors for the dancer roller, namely a displacement direction detection sensor, a displacement speed detection sensor, and a displacement position detection sensor, the tension controller controls the driving time of an infeed roller drive transmission regulation unit.

Abstract: A length of web material is worked by a number of individual work units each of which performs a work function on the material to progressively achieve an end result, the work units being arranged serially along an X coordinate direction extending lengthwise of the web material and the web material being moved unidirectionally by each work unit. Accumulators are provided between adjacent ones of the work units and one or both of the work units located immediately on opposite sides of an accumulator are controlled in response to the amount of slack web material contained in the accumulator, as by stopping the feeding of the web material by the upstream one of the work units when the accumulated slack material exceeds a given amount and/or by stopping the feeding of the web material by the downstream one of the work units when the amount of accumulated material falls below a given amount.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for simultaneously feeding two or more rolls of material into a sewing and cutting system. Specifically, the apparatus includes a roll let-off for supporting and feeding a first roll of material or cloth. The let-off includes a tension control unit for feeding the cloth at constant tension. A second roll let-off is also included for supporting and feeding a second roll of material. The second roll let-off also includes a tension control unit in combination with a torque supplying device. The tension control unit and the torque supplying device are adjusted to place a single tension on the material that allows the second roll of material to be fed with the first roll of material simultaneously and uniformly. By using the apparatus of the present invention, improved sewn products can be produced automatically.

Abstract: A primary device placed at the upstream end of a duct and a relay device placed at an access point pull a cable through respective duct segments. The pulling speed of the primary device is controlled by an operator. The pulling speed of the relay device is variable in response to movement of the cable by the primary device to maintain equilibrium between the pulling speeds of the devices. The pulling tension exerted upon the cable by each device is monitored and discontinued upon reaching a predetermined maximum value. At the inlet to the second segment, lubricant is supplied to the cable at a quantitative rate which is proportional to the pulling speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a printing press including a tension regulator for maintaining a substantially constant tension level on a web of printing medium passing through the printing press. The printing press has at least one dancer roller, and the tension regulator includes an actuator associated with the dancer roller for maintaining a constant biasing force on the dancer roller. The tension regulator also includes a reservoir which communicates with a first chamber of the actuator to define a second chamber larger than the first chamber. The volume of the second chamber is large enough that changes thereto are negligible to the extent that a piston of the actuator is displaced. Therefore, the pressure within the second chamber remains constant which permits a constant biasing force to be applied to the piston regardless of the displacement of the piston.

Abstract: A tension sensing device for motion picture projection equipment is intended for use in a platter feed system. The device is mounted upon a column of a platter system, having a pivoting arm and a stationary or limiting arm. The film is fed over a roller on the pivoting arm, which rests on a micro-switch. The presence of tension in the film feed will cause elevation of the pivot arm, triggering a signal from the micro-switch to a control box. A timing sequence is initiated; if a pre-determined time interval is reached, the power to the projector equipment is interrupted. This device allows for more precise determination of true headwrap condition, avoiding false conditions, and offers a more durable and reliable sensing device.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting strip material includes a discontinuous conveyor for discontinuously conveying a strip material and a continuous conveyor for continuously conveying the strip material. The strip material passes in a loop between the discontinuous conveyor and the continuous conveyor with the strip material loop varying in size as the discontinuous conveyor discontinuously conveys the strip material and the continuous conveyor continuously conveys the strip material. A conveyor belt mechanism disposed between the discontinuous conveyor and the continuous conveyor is operable to dispose a conveyor belt in a loop underlying the strip material loop.

Abstract: This invention pertains to processing continuous webs such as paper, film, composites, and the like, in dynamic continuous processing operations. More particularly, it relates to controlling tension in such continuous webs during the processing operation. Tension is controlled in a dancer control system by connecting a corresponding dancer roll to a servo motor or the like, sensing position, tension, and velocity parameters related to the web and the dancer roll, and providing active gain force commands to cause translational movement in the dancer roll to control temporary, short-term tension disturbances in the web. In some applications of the invention, the dancer control system is used to attenuate short-term tension disturbances. In other applications of the invention, the dancer control system is used to create short-term tension disturbances.

Abstract: An apparatus including a material accumulator (10) which is used, in conjunction with a packaging machine, for temporarily storing a continuous web (11) of material. Accurate operation of the material accumulator (11) is achieved by pivoting at least one deflecting roller (12, 13) of the material accumulator (10) about a rotational axis (38), which is directed transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the web (11), to adjust the relative position of the web of material.