Unwinding Path (e.g., Material Alignment) Patents (Class 242/563.1)
  • Patent number: 10556361
    Abstract: A system for feeding a coating material from at least one movable modular unit to a coating device is provided, the at least one movable modular unit being provided for the storage and provision of roll-type or coil-type coating material units including edge strips for applying to a narrow side of panel-type workpieces. A feed section holds and transports the coating material. A cassette unit guides the coating material provided by the feed section. A coupling section couples the at least one movable modular unit to the feed section, the at least one movable modular unit holding coating material units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Homag GmbH
    Inventors: Reiner Goetz, Johannes Schmid
  • Patent number: 10384898
    Abstract: A fixing structure for fixing a reel is disclosed. The fixing structure includes a shaft having a first end having a first plurality of protrusions, and a second end having a second plurality of protrusions, wherein each of the first plurality of protrusions and one of its adjacent protrusions have a first recess therebetween, and each of the second plurality of protrusions and one of its adjacent protrusions have a second recess therebetween; and a supporting device, including a first supporting portion supporting the first end, and having a first protruding portion abutting the first recess; and a second supporting portion supporting the second end, and having a second protruding portion abutting the second recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Inventor: Shih-Hao Ray Yeh
  • Patent number: 10005296
    Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a first supporting portion, a second supporting portion, and an adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism includes a first rack, a second rack, a pinion gear, and a third supporting portion configured to movably support the first and second racks and configured to rotatably support the pinion gear. The third supporting portion includes first to fourth ribs. The first and second racks are respectively movable in first and second areas in an axial direction. The first area and the second area define one end and another end. The first rib and the fourth rib are positioned close to the another end, and the second rib and the third rib are positioned close to the one end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidenori Jo, Keiji Seo, Takehiko Inaba, Yuki Nagashima, Hitoshi Sanada
  • Patent number: 9511603
    Abstract: A method for printing a plurality of image planes on a substrate, the method includes providing a plurality of print head for depositing material on the substrate as the substrate moves along a transport path; providing a first sensor in a predetermined position along a transport path relative to predetermined positions of the plurality of print heads; providing an indication of position of the substrate along the transport path; providing a plurality of cue marks at predetermined positions or intervals on the substrate which are detected by the first sensor; and determining placement of an image plane printed by at least one of the plurality of print heads upstream of the first sensor based on the detection of position of the cue marks on the substrate by the first sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Piatt, Eric Karl Zeise
  • Patent number: 9387708
    Abstract: A printing apparatus and a roll paper transportation device which reduces the space needed to accommodate a roll paper buffer mechanism unit and paper detection unit, and to reduce poor electrical contact in the contact part of the paper detection unit. The roll paper transportation device has a paper detection unit for detecting the presence of roll paper. The paper detection unit itself comprises a detection lever that pivots rotationally when in contact with the roll paper, a cam formed integrally with the detection lever and having a curved surface that is concentric to the rotary axis of the detection lever, and a switch lever that contacts the curved surface of the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Norio Nagata
  • Patent number: 9205681
    Abstract: When conveyance of the recording paper 3 by the conveyance mechanism 12 stops, the printer 1 supplies power of a specific current level to the supply motor 25. This applies specific torque to the paper roll 2 in the opposite direction as the direction in which tension is applied to the recording paper 3 by a spring 30, and holds the movable member 27 at the same position as when conveyance of the recording paper 3 stopped. The torque applied to the paper roll 2 to hold the print position of the movable member 27 is torque sufficient to hold the paper roll 2 still without rolling, and is less than the torque required to turn the paper roll 2 to maintain constant tension on the recording paper 3. Little current is therefore supplied to the supply motor 25, and the supply motor 25 is prevented from overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Norio Horaguchi
  • Publication number: 20150048198
    Abstract: A method for reducing the effects of variations in an unwinding, convolutely wound roll of web material is disclosed. The method utilizes the steps of: a. selecting a reference objective relating to a downstream operation, b. choosing at least one feedback device correlated to the reference objective, c. collecting process data from the at least one feedback device at different positions within a time-varying operation cycle for at least one operation cycle at a learning speed, d. calculating an error as the difference between the collected process data from step (c) and a reference signal related to the selected reference objective, e. generating a correction signal based upon the calculated error from step (d) and, f. applying the correction signal to the actuator during a succeeding time-varying operation cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jason Lee DeBruler, Paul Anthony Kawka, Andrew Price Palmer
  • Publication number: 20140367508
    Abstract: A method to monitor a media roll mounted in a printing apparatus comprises scanning with a sensor an end side of a media roll by displacing the sensor in the radial direction of the roll, detecting the position of a media roll outer edge during said scanning, and determining a dimension of the media roll on the basis of the detected outer edge position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Antonio Gracia VERDUGO, Marta Coma VIVES, Mauricio Seras FRANZOSO
  • Publication number: 20140291438
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a medium support section that has a supply section supplying a continuous-shaped recording medium, a medium path through which the recording medium supplied on the supply section passes, and a transportation mechanism that transports the recording medium; and a recording section that performs recording on the recording medium passing through the medium path. A hole that is formed in a side wall having a light shielding property and capable of visually recognizing the inside of the medium path on the upstream side from the transportation mechanism in a transportation direction through the inside of the medium support section is provided in the medium support section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Seijun HORIE
  • Publication number: 20140209731
    Abstract: A web guide control unit for guiding a web is provided. The web guide control unit includes a web guide control unit for guiding a web. The web guide control unit includes a guide roller. The guide roller includes an adjustment unit and two tension measurement units for measuring the tension of the web at a first location and a second location of the guide roller. The present disclosure also provides a web processing apparatus with at least one web guide control unit as described herein is provided. A method for guiding a web by means of the web guide control or the web processing apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventor: Stefan HEIN
  • Patent number: 8757535
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing feed rate variations when unwinding a web material to transport the web material away from the parent roll at a web takeoff point where the feed rate variations are induced by parent roll geometry variations. The method utilizes both calculated and measured data to make suitable adjustments in the driving speed for an out-of-round parent roll to maintain a relative constant feed rate. By dividing the parent roll into 1, 2, . . . n sectors, the data can be refined to a relatively high degree taking into account high speed data processing capabilities as well as operating system response times to make appropriate driving speed adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Paul Alan Binner, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8740130
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing feed rate variations when unwinding a web material to transport the web material away from the parent roll at a web takeoff point where the feed rate variations are induced by parent roll geometry variations. The method utilizes both calculated and measured data to make suitable adjustments in the driving speed for an out-of-round parent roll to maintain a relative constant feed rate. By dividing the parent roll into 1, 2, . . . n sectors, the data can be refined to a relatively high degree taking into account high speed data processing capabilities as well as operating system response times to make appropriate driving speed adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Paul Alan Binner, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8733687
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for reducing feed rate variations when unwinding a web material. The apparatus includes a rotational position and speed determining device for determining the rotational position and speed of the parent roll, a drive system for imparting rotational movement to the parent roll, a device for measuring the radius of the parent roll, and a logic device. The logic device generates an ideal speed reference signal and utilizes calculated and measured data to establish a corrected speed reference signal to make adjustments in the driving speed based upon the corrected speed reference signal to maintain a relatively constant feed rate. By dividing the parent roll into 1, 2, . . . n sectors, the data can be refined to a relatively high degree taking into account high speed data processing capabilities as well as operating system response times to make appropriate driving speed adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Paul Alan Binner, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8733685
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for reducing feed rate variations when unwinding a web material. The apparatus includes a rotational position and speed determining device for determining the rotational position and speed of the parent roll, a drive system for imparting rotational movement to the parent roll, a device for measuring the radius of the parent roll, and a logic device. The logic device generates an ideal speed reference signal and utilizes calculated and measured data to establish a corrected speed reference signal to make adjustments in the driving speed based upon the corrected speed reference signal to maintain a relatively constant feed rate. By dividing the parent roll into 1, 2, . . . n sectors, the data can be refined to a relatively high degree taking into account high speed data processing capabilities as well as operating system response times to make appropriate driving speed adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Paul Alan Binner, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8733686
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for reducing feed rate variations when unwinding a web material. The apparatus includes a rotational position and speed determining device for determining the rotational position and speed of the parent roll, a drive system for imparting rotational movement to the parent roll, a device for measuring the radius of the parent roll, and a logic device. The logic device generates an ideal speed reference signal and utilizes calculated and measured data to establish a corrected speed reference signal to make adjustments in the driving speed based upon the corrected speed reference signal to maintain a relatively constant feed rate. By dividing the parent roll into 1, 2, . . . n sectors, the data can be refined to a relatively high degree taking into account high speed data processing capabilities as well as operating system response times to make appropriate driving speed adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Paul Alan Binner, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20140124609
    Abstract: An unrolling device, particularly for materials in rolls, with material alignment control, comprising elements for unrolling a roll of material to be unrolled, the device further comprising elements for detecting at least one lateral edge of the material unrolled from the roll which are adapted to detect quantitatively the movement of the edge transversely to the unrolling direction of the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: COMELZ S.P.A.
    Inventor: Alessandro Corsico Piccolino
  • Publication number: 20140063163
    Abstract: The advantage of the invention is to provide a medium feed device and the like for intermittently feeding a recording medium in which meandering can be securely corrected without the occurrence of wrinkles in the recording medium. The medium feed device has a meandering detection sensor which detects position displacement of a recording medium in a width direction, and a control section which controls driving of a width movement unit based on detection results by the meandering detection sensor. The control section stops driving of the width movement unit when stopping feeding of the intermittent feeding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shuichi KANEMOTO
  • Patent number: 8616489
    Abstract: A sheet product dispenser is provided for sheet product from a roller. The sheet product dispenser includes a first roll of sheet product, called a stub roll, a main roll of sheet product, and a dispensing arrangement. A sensor is provided for detecting when sheet product on a stub roll is depleted. The sensor generates a signal in response to the depletion of the stub roll and a controller activates an electromechanical actuator. The actuator acts to operate a transfer bar that moves an end portion of the main roll sheet product adjacent a roller assembly that engages the main roller sheet product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Harold J. Goeking, Robert W. Cornell, Panagiotis Zosimadis, Noah McNeely
  • Patent number: 8616488
    Abstract: A web winding up or unwinding device adapted for a web-form material coating machine comprises a web roll support, the web roll support comprising a web roll changing device, and a web edge guide device, the web edge guide device comprising a sensor device adapted for determining a shifting of a lateral edge of a web of the web-form material to be wound up on or unwound from the web roll arranged on the web roll support, a web roll support displacing device adapted for laterally displacing the web roll support, and a control device adapted for controlling the sensor device and the web roll support displacing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl-Heinrich Wenk
  • Publication number: 20130233961
    Abstract: A determination device that determines the mounted state of the roll body on which the medium is wound in a roll shape, includes a roll motor that rotates a rotating member on which the roll body is mounted; a transportation roller that transports the medium fed from the roll body, in a transportation direction; a storage unit that stores information which is capable of specifying a pulling-out direction of the roll body mounted on the rotating member; a sensor that detects a rotation of the transportation roller; and a determination unit that detects whether or not the roll body corresponding to the information is mounted normally. The determination unit determines that the roll body is not mounted normally, in a case where the sensor detects the rotation of the transportation roller is rotating, when the roll motor is rotated in a direction corresponding to the pulling-out direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Niioka, Hideo Uruma
  • Patent number: 8488266
    Abstract: One embodiment is tape drive that includes a take-tip reel onto which tape is wound. A height adjustment assembly adjusts a height of the take-up reel while the tape is being unwound from the take-up reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. McAllister, Robert Nemeth
  • Patent number: 8453959
    Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure is directed to, in one embodiment, a process for controlling a converting line web. More specifically, a sheet material is provided on the converting line. A loss of control is detected in the sheet material web and the sheet material web is broken at a location upstream from the converting line web rewinder. The broken sheet material web is redirected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin B. Sartain, Matthew Robert Wilson, Vivek Moreshwar Karandikar, Paul Louis Bartocci, Jeffrey Wasylyk, Damon Otis Branch, James Daniel Rucinski, James Leo Baggot
  • Patent number: 8157199
    Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure is directed to, in one embodiment, a process for controlling a converting line web. More specifically, a sheet material is provided on the converting line. A loss of control is detected in the sheet material web and the sheet material web is broken at a location upstream from the converting line web rewinder. The broken sheet material web is redirected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin B. Sartain, Matthew Robert Wilson, Vivek Moreshwar Karandikar, Paul Louis Bartocci, Jeffrey Wasylyk, Damon Otis Branch, James Daniel Rucinski, James Leo Baggot
  • Patent number: 7984871
    Abstract: A printing apparatus and a roll paper transportation device which reduces the space needed to accommodate a roll paper buffer mechanism unit and paper detection unit, and to reduce poor electrical contact in the contact part of the paper detection unit. The roll paper transportation device has a paper detection unit 8 for detecting the presence of roll paper 5, and a buffer mechanism unit 7 for absorbing variation in roll paper tension in order to keep the roll paper 5 tension less than or equal to a predetermined level. The buffer mechanism unit 7 forms a housing unit 16 for housing at least part of the paper detection unit 8 in a common area disposed in the buffer mechanism unit 7 enabling the paper detection unit 8 and buffer unit 7 to operate in unison without interfering with the operation of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Norio Nagata
  • Publication number: 20110012978
    Abstract: A conveyance mechanism is configured to convey a leading part of a roll paper pulled out of a wound part of the roll paper via a conveyance path including a curved portion bent toward an opposite direction to a winding direction of the roll paper wound in a roll shape. The conveyance mechanism includes a control unit configured to control conveyance of the roll paper in such a manner that a front end portion of the roll paper becomes greater with respect to number of times or total time in passing through the curved portion compared to a central portion of the leading part of the roll paper pulled out of the roll paper wound in the roll shape in a longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hideki Kawashima
  • Publication number: 20090294570
    Abstract: A web winding up or unwinding device adapted for a web-form material coating machine comprises a web roll support, the web roll support comprising a web roll changing device, and a web edge guide device, the web edge guide device comprising a sensor device adapted for determining a shifting of a lateral edge of a web of the web-form material to be wound up on or unwound from the web roll arranged on the web roll support, a web roll support displacing device adapted for laterally displacing the web roll support, and a control device adapted for controlling the sensor device and the web roll support displacing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventor: Karl-Heinrich WENK
  • Publication number: 20090184194
    Abstract: A signal conductor installation tool includes a chassis; a tracking system in operable communication with the chassis; a spool rotatingly supported on the chassis; and a through hole in the chassis sized to pass a conductor from the spool to a target tubular member and method thereof
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Carl W. Stoesz
  • 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: 7220942
    Abstract: A device is provided for feeding an endless welding wire stored in a first container in a first coil generally concentric with a first vertical axis and a second container in a second coil generally concentric with a second vertical axis spaced longitudinally from the first axis in a given direction. The novel device including a track element extending in a path generally including the coil axes and extending above the coils in the given direction. A grommet, with a vertical wire receiving guide opening, is mounted on a support mechanism carried by the track element for movement of the grommet above the coils and along the path of the track element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Barton, Michael A. Carroscia, Christopher Hsu
  • Patent number: 7121496
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method and system for correcting web deformation during a roll-to-roll process. The present invention includes controllable mechanical components that are capable of dynamically adjusting the planarity of the web during the roll-to-roll process. By adjusting the web during the roll-to-roll process, the accuracy of the layer-to layer alignment of successive patterning steps is greatly increased thereby enabling the production of electronic structures with lower overlap capacitance and higher resolution. A first aspect of the present invention is a method for correcting web deformation during a roll-to-roll process. The method includes initiating a roll-to-roll process involving a flexible web substrate, detecting deformation in the flexible web substrate during the roll-to-roll process and dynamically aligning the flexible web substrate based on the detected deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Warren Jackson
  • Patent number: 6929210
    Abstract: A follower apparatus mounted on a track running parallel to an axis of rotation of a spool. The apparatus has a base with a roller mounted thereon and having an axis of rotation parallel to the rotational axis of the spool, the roller providing support and guidance to the material being wound. A pulley is rotatably mounted to receive material from the roller and redirect the direction of material traveled. Light beams and detection apparatus are positioned to detect material excursions to pre-determined off center portions of the roller. The follower positioning apparatus responds to signals detecting the material by repositioning the follower to place the material back on to a center zone of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Berkeley Process Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Reuben Sandler, Jon Burns, Alexander Charles White, Bjorn Monteen, Jesse Thomas, Nathan H. Harding
  • Patent number: 6903654
    Abstract: The invention is directed to improved automatic dispenser apparatus for dispensing sheet material and the like without contact between a user and the dispenser. Proximity detection apparatus is provided to detect the presence of a user in a detection zone generated outside the dispenser. Control apparatus controls actuation of the dispenser in response to the detected user. Preferred forms of the proximity detector include a sensor and a signal detection circuit operatively connected to the sensor. The sensor includes conductors configured to have a capacitance and positioned such that the capacitance is changed by the presence of a user within the detection zone. The signal detection circuit detects the change in capacitance and is provided with an oscillator having a frequency which is affected by the sensor capacitance and a differential frequency discriminator which detects changes in the oscillator frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Alwin Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Hansen, Thomas Michael Leiterman, Larry Allen Schotz, William G. Haen, Alan P. Paal, Abtin Spantman, Patrick Gerald McCutcheon
  • 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: 6834825
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (12) for winding up and unwinding metal strips, used in particular for cold-rolling. This device has a spindle (21) which is mounted inside a hollow shaft and onto which the strip is wound; for this purpose the spindle is rotated by a motor (20) which actuates the hollow shaft by means of a mechanical transmission. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the position of the hollow shaft along the axis of rotation may be adjusted by means of hydraulic actuators, in such a way as to compensate for any winding defects in the coil present on the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: SMS Demag Innse SpA
    Inventors: Alberto Pollastrelli, Angelo Coari
  • Publication number: 20040118965
    Abstract: A follower apparatus mounted on a track running parallel to an axis of rotation of a spool. The apparatus has a base with a roller mounted thereon and having an axis of rotation parallel to the rotational axis of the spool, the roller providing support and guidance to the material being wound. A pulley is rotatably mounted to receive material from the roller and redirect the direction of material traveled. Light beams and detection apparatus are positioned to detect material excursions to pre-determined off center portions of the roller. The follower positioning apparatus responds to signals detecting the material by repositioning the follower to place the material back on to a center zone of the roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Reuben Sandler, Jon Burns, Alexander Charles White, Bjorn Monteen, Jesse Thomas, Nathan H. Harding
  • Patent number: 6739546
    Abstract: An axial-position adjustment apparatus is used to adjust the axial position of an arm shaft equipped with paper roll support arms. The arm shaft is supported rotatably and axially movably on a frame in a paper web feed unit and rotated by means of a shaft-rotating apparatus located at one end portion of the arm shaft. The axial-position adjustment apparatus has a moving member including a male screw and connected to the arm shaft in such a manner as to be rotatable and axially immovable in relation to the arm shaft; a guide member having a threaded hole formed therein, the male screw of the moving member being screwed in the threaded hole, and the guide member being provided in such a manner as to be nonrotatable and axially immovable in relation to the frame; and a drive unit for rotating the moving member. The moving member and the guide member are located adjacent to the shaft-rotating apparatus. The drive unit is provided on a support member axially immovably connected to the arm shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho, Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruo Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20040084561
    Abstract: A web handling apparatus includes a base, a housing, a splicing head mounted in the housing, and first and second non-rotatable swing out roll shafts, each shaft having opposite first and second ends. The roll shafts are normally positioned in the housing substantially parallel to the splicing head so that web can travel through the splicing head to on from web rolls on the roll shafts. A web accumulator mounted to the housing conducts web to or from the splicing head and the housing is movably mounted to the base so that the housing can move relative to the base in either direction parallel to the roll shafts. An actuator connected between the housing and the base moves the housing relative to the base in response to signals from a web position sensor so as to minimize the side lay of web extending to or from the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: John W. Clifford, Andrew P. Butler, Peter E. Bianchetto, Pierre Gachet, Robert Mavilia
  • Patent number: 6704988
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus incorporating the method for making a long, continuous laminate. A plurality of layers of materials are simultaneously wound around a metal hub. Strips of refractory material, perforated metal, metal foil, metal mesh, and random fiber media, are employed in the layers of materials. The hub, once completed, is placed into a furnace for diffusion bonding and later cooled to room temperature. The cooled laminate coil may be cut into various lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: GKD-USA Incorporated
    Inventors: Rick Thomas Kenney, Todd Kenneth Arlon Fischer
  • Publication number: 20040011915
    Abstract: A device for mounting a delivery spool (3) having a wound band strip, in particular a labeling delivery spool, is described, which has a mandrel-like mounting core (15), a holding device, by means of which the delivery spool is releasably arrestable and/or is releasably clamped on the mounting core, and a device for axial alignment of the delivery spool. In order to make possible the attachment as well as the adjustment of a delivery spool in a comfortable manner, it is provided that the holding device that secures the delivery spool and the device for axial alignment of the delivery spool can be actuated through a common drive (30, 16). The actuation preferably takes place automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Manfred Korthauer
  • Patent number: 6595460
    Abstract: A method of aligning the edge of an elongated printable media on the web handling assembly of a printer is disclosed. The method includes the steps of projecting an alignment marker onto at least a portion of the web handling assembly, passing the elongated printable media through the web handling assembly, and aligning the edge of the elongated printable media with the alignment marker such that the edge is substantially co-linear with the alignment marker. An apparatus for aligning an elongated printable media on the web handling assembly of a printer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Innovative Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Bobby Grant Jones