Preattached Flexible Leader Patents (Class 242/582)
  • Patent number: 11848543
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power transmission underground cable winding device and a power transmission underground cable spreading system comprising same and, more specifically, to: a power transmission underground cable winding device for installing a power transmission three-phase underground cable in an underground power tunnel or conduit; and a power transmission underground cable spreading system comprising same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: SN ENC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Su Yeol Lee
  • Patent number: 11661305
    Abstract: A core for winding sheet material is proved. The core comprises a cylindrical tube having a longitudinally oriented slot formed therein, and a strip of soft material located in the slot. Because of the geometry of the slot and the strip, the strip may be softer in the central region but firmer where the core transitions from the relatively soft strip to the relatively hard tube. The leading edge of the sheet material imbeds itself into the soft central region of the strip as additional layers are wound around the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, John Wrenn
  • Patent number: 8220734
    Abstract: A tape drive, which is configured to receive a tape cartridge having a cartridge leader attached to magnetic tape, includes a take-up reel and a drive leader that is attachable to the cartridge leader. The drive leader has an attachment location attached to the take-up reel and a tapered portion proximate the attachment location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Vanderheyden, Peter R. Coburn
  • Patent number: 7913943
    Abstract: A tape drive, which is configured to receive a tape cartridge having a cartridge leader attached to magnetic tape, includes a take-up reel and a drive leader that is attachable to the cartridge leader. The drive leader has an attachment location attached to the take-up reel and a tapered portion proximate the attachment location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Vanderheyden, Peter R. Coburn
  • Patent number: 6644580
    Abstract: A control mechanism for loading/unloading data storage tape is provided. The control mechanism is part of a tape drive that receives a removable tape cartridge. The tape cartridge stores the data storage tape that is movable using the control mechanism. The control mechanism includes a plurality of gears, together with a cam. A leader assembly is operably connected to the control mechanism. At least portions of the leader assembly are movable in connection with loading or unloading the data storage tape relative to the leader assembly. A leader pin is joined to an end of the data storage tape. When the loading operation is performed, portions of the leader assembly are moved generally linearly into the tape cartridge and then the control mechanism causes such portions to pivot in order to engage the leader pin and remove it from its seat. When the unloading operation is performed, the portions of the leader assembly are moved in substantially opposite directions from the loading operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Makoto Sasaki, Christopher F. Banks
  • Patent number: 6565028
    Abstract: A control mechanism that loads/unloads data storage tape is part of a tape drive that receives a removable tape cartridge. The tape cartridge stores the data storage tape that is movable using the control mechanism. The control mechanism includes a plurality of gears, together with a cam. A leader assembly is operably connected to the control mechanism. At least portions of the leader assembly are movable in connection with loading or unloading the data storage tape relative to the leader assembly. A leader pin is joined to an end of the data storage tape. When the loading operation is performed, portions of the leader assembly are moved generally linearly into the tape cartridge and then the control mechanism causes such portions to pivot in order to engage the leader pin and remove it from its seat. When the unloading operation is performed, the portions of the leader assembly are moved in substantially opposite directions from the loading operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Makoto Sasaki, Christopher F. Banks
  • Patent number: 6550710
    Abstract: The present tape cartridge leader includes a flex relief aperture, located in the body of the tape cartridge leader between the guide wings. This flex relief aperture enables the tape cartridge leader to bend in a tight radius as the tape cartridge leader is pulled around the tape guide rollers in the tape drive, thereby ensuring that the tape cartridge leader is properly seated on the tape guide rollers as it traverses the tape path in the tape drive. The flex relief aperture also reduces the possibility of cracks forming in the tape cartridge leader where the guide wings meet the body of the tape cartridge leader, which is a problem in existing tape cartridge leaders. The guide wings are also shaped with a lead in radius to reduce to possibility of damage to the guide wings. In addition, the trailing edge of the guide wings includes a lead in chamfer to aid in the guide wings engaging the guide track in the cartridge housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Quantum Corporation
    Inventors: David Thomas Hoge, William J. Vanderheyden
  • Patent number: 6499684
    Abstract: A leader pin assembly for attachment to tape as a generic and space-efficient interface between tape and equipment which manipulates the tape, and a method for making the same. The leader pin assembly preferably includes a leader pin, an elastomer element, and a clip. The leader pin is barbell-shaped, having enlarged ends and at least one pair of flanges each spaced a distance from a respective enlarged end to define a pair of recesses and a center section of the leader pin. The center section of the leader pin is sized to permit tape to be wound around the center section, with the elastomer element surrounding the tape and with the clip snugly surrounding the elastomer element to keep the tape securely in place around the center section of the leader pin. The end surfaces of the leader pin may have an outward curve to ensure smooth movement across equipment surfaces during leader pin assembly manipulation. Also the edges of the leader pin may be radiused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignees: Seagate Technology, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James Eaton, Thomas R. Albrecht, Robert R. Heinze, John A. Hamming, Jeffrey S. McAllister, Thomas W. von Alten, Carl R. Hoerger, Geoffrey W. Mansbridge
  • Patent number: 6439489
    Abstract: A present tape cartridge leader with a flex relief aperture, located in the body of the tape cartridge leader between the guide wings. This flex relief aperture enables the tape cartridge leader to bend in a tight radius as the tape cartridge leader is pulled around the tape guide rollers in the tape drive, thereby ensuring that the tape cartridge leader is properly seated on the tape guide rollers as it traverses the tape path in the tape drive. The flex relief aperture also reduces the possibility of cracks forming in the tape cartridge leader where the guide wings meet the body of the tape cartridge leader, which is a problem in existing tape cartridge leaders. The guide wings are also shaped with a lead in radius to reduce to possibility of damage to the guide wings. In addition, the trailing edge of the guide wings includes a lead in chamfer to aid in the guide wings engaging the guide track in the cartridge housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Benchmark Storage Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: David Thomas Hoge
  • Patent number: 6398143
    Abstract: A tape drive (10) that includes a cartridge receiver (18), a take-up reel (16) and a drive leader (32) is adapted for use with a cartridge (22) that includes a cartridge leader (28) having a cartridge buckle component (56). The drive leader (32) includes a drive buckle component (54) that engages the cartridge buckle component (56) to couple the drive leader (32) to the cartridge leader (28). The drive leader (32) includes a leader connector (88) having a connector aperture (102). The take-up reel (16) includes a hub (120) that receives the drive leader (32). Uniquely, the hub (120) including a drive component channel (146) that is sized and shaped to receive the drive buckle component (54). Preferably, the hub (120) also includes a cartridge component channel (148) that is sized and shaped to receive the cartridge buckle component (56) and a pair of member channels (150) (152) for receiving the leader connector (88).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Quantum Corporation
    Inventors: Chan Kim, Roy MacKinnon, George Saliba
  • Patent number: 6386470
    Abstract: The takeup reel comprises a pair of segmented flanges connected in a parallel relationship to a takeup reel hub and define a first tape containment section and a second tape containment section. The segmented flanges are ultrasonically welded to the hub and include rounded protrusions that align and guide the tape media around the hub during operation of the tape drive. At least one of the segmented flanges also includes a post that is configured to mate with a feature on the tape drive to prevent movement of the takeup reel when the tape cartridge is unloaded from and loaded into the tape drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Benchmark Storage Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Vanderheyden
  • Patent number: 6375108
    Abstract: A tape drive (10) adapted for use with a cartridge (22) that includes a storage tape (26) having a cartridge buckle component (56). The tape drive (10) includes a cartridge receiver (18), a take-up reel (16), a drive buckle component (54), and a drive leader (32). The drive buckle component (54) engages the cartridge buckle component (56). The drive leader (32) secures the drive buckle component (54) to the take-up reel (16). Importantly, the drive leader (32) includes a first layer (94), a second layer (96) and a third layer (98) that are secured together. Further, the second layer (96) includes a plurality of interwoven strands (102). The drive leader (32) has improved flexibility characteristics. As a result thereof, the drive leader (32) is better able to flex to conform to the tape path. This reduces the amount of wear between the drive leader (32) and the components along the tape path and reduces the amount of contamination created by the drive leader (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Quantum Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Drechsler, Richard McGrail, Frank Osowski
  • Patent number: 6364232
    Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing device including a cassette, which contains a magnetic tape and a coupling pin connected to the magnetic tape. The cassette can be loaded into the device. The device includes a pull-out element which can be coupled to the coupling element so as to form a pull-out assembly. The pull-out assembly can be moved to a reel hub of a take-up reel. A tangential positioning means is provided between the reel hub and the pull-out assembly for tangentially positioning the pull-out assembly on the reel hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Nemeth, Hubert Schönhart
  • Patent number: 6360978
    Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing device. A cassette, which contains a magnetic tape and a coupling element connected to the magnetic tape, can be loaded into the device. The device includes a pull-out element which can be coupled to the coupling element so as to form a pull-out assembly. The pull-out assembly can be moved to the reel hub of a take-up reel. A radial positioning structure is provided between the reel hub and the pull-out assembly. The radial positioning structure is formed by two projecting portions, of which a first projecting portion projects from the reel hub and the second projecting portion projects from the pull-out assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Andreas Augustin, Franz Kletzl, Robert Nemeth
  • Patent number: 6311915
    Abstract: An improved tape drive (10) includes a cartridge receiver (18) and a buckler (20). The cartridge receiver (18) receives a cartridge (22) having a cartridge leader (28). The buckler (20) selectively retains a drive leader (32) of the tape drive (10). The tape drive (10) and cartridge (22) include a buckle (30) that securely couples the drive leader (32) of the tape drive (10) to the cartridge leader (28) of the cartridge (22). The buckler (20) includes one or more buckler retainers (96) and a deflector (121). The buckler retainers (96) selectively engage the drive leader (32) and move the drive leader (32) relative to the cartridge leader (28) to couple the drive leader (32) to the cartridge leader (28). The deflector (121) selectively deflects a portion of the drive leader (32) during buckling to enhance the reliability of buckling with certain types of cartridges (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Quantum Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher Rathweg
  • Patent number: 6179239
    Abstract: Driving device for rotating a cable drum (3) in a cable winding machine comprising gripping pins (2) arranged in a support frame (1) for rotatably supporting the cable drum and a driving device (4) provided with a motor, and a driving wheel (6) coupled to the motor for engagement with one flange (3a) of the drum. For drawing the end of the cable to a point (14) in the drum by means of a wire (13), a wire drum (8) rotated by the motor of the driving wheel is fastened to the driving wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Nextrom Holding S.A.
    Inventor: Gustaf Linderoth
  • Patent number: 6092754
    Abstract: An improved tape drive is provided herein. The tape drive includes a cartridge receiver and a buckler. The cartridge receiver receives a cartridge having a cartridge leader. The buckler selectively retains a drive leader of the tape drive. The tape drive and cartridge include an improved buckle which securely couples the drive leader of the tape drive to the cartridge leader of the cartridge. As provided herein, the buckler includes a pair of spaced apart buckler retainers which selectively engage a buckle bar of the drive leader. The buckler selectively moves the buckle bar relative to the cartridge leader to couple the drive leader to the cartridge leader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Quantum Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Rathweg, Sheldon Helms
  • Patent number: 6079651
    Abstract: A compact tape drive which can capture the end of a tape which is stored in a single reel cartridge and draw it into an operative position within the drive has a take-up coupler at the end of a flexible leader. This flexible leader is connected at its other end to the take-up hub of the tape drive. The take-up coupler is arranged to engage a coupler which is provided either at the end of the tape in the cartridge, or to an end of a flexible leader which is interposed between the cartridge coupler and the magnetic tape. Upon insertion of the cartridge, the tape drive induces coupling between the take-up and cartridge couplers and winds the take-up leader onto the take-up hub. The take-up hub is provided with a recess arrangement which allows the interconnected couplers to be snugly received in a manner which prevents the circularity of the tape winds from being disturbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Seagate Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Hamming
  • Patent number: 6021973
    Abstract: A take-up spool to be set in a photo film take-up chamber is used with a roll photo film of the 120 type to be loaded in a photo film supply chamber. The take-up spool has a slit, formed in a spool core to extend in an axial direction, is open in first and second openings, and has first and second walls. A trapezoidal erect plate is disposed erectly on the first wall, oriented crosswise to the axial direction. The erect plate has first and second inclined edges, confronted respectively with the first and second openings, and inclined with reference to the first wall. A pair of lateral claws are disposed on respective lateral faces of the erect plate to extend in the axial direction. Two press ridges project from the second wall. In combination, the roll photo film includes a spool, a photo filmstrip, a trailer, a leader, and a retainer hole formed in the leader. The retainer hole receives insertion of the erect plate, and is retained by the lateral claws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruyoshi Makino, Masami Sasou
  • Patent number: 5979813
    Abstract: A threading apparatus for threading tape from a single reel magnetic tape cartridge through a tape transport machine. The threading apparatus includes a leader block and a take-up reel. The take-up reel includes a leader block receiving section that is adapted to receive the leader block during a threading operation. Upon the take-up reel receiving the leader block, the take-up reel and leader block form a smooth winding substrate for subsequent wraps of magnetic tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Geoffrey W. Mansbridge, Jeffrey S. McAllister
  • Patent number: 5971310
    Abstract: A tape drive and cartridge are provided herein. The tape drive and cartridge include an improved buckle which securely couples a take-up leader of the tape drive to a cartridge leader of the cartridge. As provided herein, the buckle includes a first buckle component and a second buckle component which securely retain the take-up leader to the cartridge leader. More specifically, the first buckle component includes a buckle bar and the second buckle component includes a pair of spaced apart receivers which engage the buckle bar to securely retain the take-up leader to the cartridge leader. Importantly, the unique buckle provided herein inhibits leader runaway and has improved durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Quantum Corporation
    Inventors: George Saliba, Satya Mallick, An Quach, Larry Albrecht, Sheldon Helms, Chan Kim, Neil Stanick, Christopher Rathweg
  • Patent number: 5878971
    Abstract: A tab for placement on one end of a length of tape has at least one perforation. The tape can have a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side. Adhesive is on the first side, and the tab is located at the first end of the tape and adhered to the first side of the tape. The tab has at least one perforation such that when the tape is wound into a roll, the adhesive accessible through the perforation adheres the tab to the tape to prevent the tab from protruding from the roll while permitting the tab to be grabbed easily to begin unwinding the roll of tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Peter S. Minnema
  • Patent number: 5813619
    Abstract: A film assemblage comprising a spool core, and a filmstrip, a film leader and a film trailer which are to be wound as a single longitudinal strip on the spool core in a roll with the filmstrip extending between the film leader and the film trailer in order that the film leader, the filmstrip and the film trailer form a common inner side of the roll and a common outer side of the roll, is characterized in that the film trailer has a discrete cohesive patch located to be on the inner side of the roll and a discrete cohesive patch located to be on the outer side of the roll, which can only stick to one another other and not to the inner or outer sides of the roll, and which are spaced apart along the film trailer a distance substantially equal to the circumference of the roll, whereby when the film leader, the filmstrip and the film trailer are wound on the spool core with the film trailer being an innermost convolution of the roll and the film leader being an outermost convolution of the roll the cohesive patch
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Robertson
  • Patent number: 5626307
    Abstract: A pool equipment cart (10) in accordance with the present invention includes a cabinet (12) with a pair of end panels (14 and 16), a pair of side panels (18 and 20), and a bottom panel (22). An opening (28) located between end panels (14 and 16) which provides access to the cabinet interior. A take-up reel (30) with a sleeve (57) is rotatably seated on an axle (58) mounted between the pair of side panels (18 and 20) and is designed to accommodate only a single width of pool vacuum hose (72). Additionally, a curved roof (26) may be slidably disposed on side panels (18 and 20) to move between positions exposing and covering the opening (28). Further, a pair of wheels (38 and 40) connected by an axle (42) may be secured to bottom panel (22) and two supporting pieces (44 and 46) may be connected to bottom panel (22) to support cabinet (12) with wheels (38 and 40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Smith
  • Patent number: 5601243
    Abstract: This invention aims to provide a package of a terminal series strip which can make full use of the last terminal metal fixture 11 on a leading end of a terminal series strip 10 wound around a bobbin 14 as a package. The leading end of the terminal series strip 10 is connected through an auxiliary strap 17 to the bobbin 14. Even if the leading end is paid out from the bobbin 14 after the terminal series strip 10 has been almost paid out from the bobbin 14, the auxiliary strap 17 is maintained to be connected to the bobbin 14. Thus, the terminal series strip 10 can be maintained to be hung between the bobbin 14 and a crimping apparatus until the last terminal metal fixture 11 on the terminal series strip 10 is press-worked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Inagaki
  • Patent number: 5412446
    Abstract: A single-use camera comprises a main body portion having an exposure opening, a rotatable spool at one side of the exposure opening in the main body portion, a film cassette having a leading section of a filmstrip protruding from the cassette at another side of the exposure opening, a rotatable sprocket wheel between the spool and the film cassette for engaging the leading section of the filmstrip, and an elongate web attached to the spool and longitudinally extending from the spool to a location beyond the sprocket wheel. To load the camera, a leading section of the filmstrip is positioned beneath the web in engagement with the sprocket wheel. The sprocket wheel is rotated in engagement with the leading section of the filmstrip to advance the leading section beneath the web onto the spool. Then the spool is rotated to wrap the web about the spool and secure the leading section of the filmstrip to the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: James G. Rydelek
  • Patent number: 5318646
    Abstract: For the continuous formation of bags for containing bulk materials--in the form of granules, powders and the like--the end of the web (EN), from a new bobbin (BA) in readiness, is laid, with the surface to be welded on the outside, around a welding bar (18) carried by a movable element (12), and the bar (18) is positioned opposite a counterbar (20), along which the web (N) being exhausted from the previous bobbin (B) runs; bar and counterbar are brought close to one another to carry out transverse welding and cutting, in such a manner that a superimposed and welded edge (BS) emerges transversely from the continuous web thus joined, from the surface opposite that of welding. (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Garibaldo Ricciarelli S.r.l.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Cardini, Ugo Chiti
  • Patent number: 5169082
    Abstract: A cylindrical seizing element (3), made up of a fixed tubular part (32) comprising a cylindrical sector-shaped aperture (30) having a series of teeth (34) and of a movable inside part (31) also having a series of teeth (36) interposed between the first series of teeth, seizes the ends of turns of paper previously severed on a fresh reel of paper and brings the strip of paper unwinding from this fresh reel opposite a strip unwinding from an expiring reel. A splicing device comprising two rollers which are pressed against one another, one on each side of the two strips of paper, creates a splice through perforation of the two strips in an arrangement ensuring the strength of the splice. The method and apparatus are designed especially for integration in a single piece of equipment and for reliably joining two strips of paper intended to encircle cigarette filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Fabriques de Tabac Reunies, S.A.
    Inventors: Domingos da Silva, Marc Budin
  • Patent number: 4908091
    Abstract: A splicing device for packaging webs comprises a dual magazine shiftable between an on-line position and a stand-by position. Both magazines can hold a web. When the web held in the on-line position is exhausted, the magazine is shifted and the web from the stand-by position can be used while the exhausted web is replaced. A joining unit is provided for each magazine to connect the end of an exhausted web with the end of a new web. A cutting unit is positioned at the on-line position for cutting a web in use whereby a new web may be joined thereto in an aligned manner. A feeding unit is provided upstream of the cutting unit and includes a crease wheel for feeding and folding the web. Another cutting unit is provided upstream of the feeding unit for severing the web in desired package lengths. The splicing device enables rapid joining of webs with a minimum of labor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: AB Tetra Pak
    Inventors: Paul Traegaardh, Hans Nantin
  • Patent number: 4715922
    Abstract: An automatic paper roll pasting apparatus, for sequentially and continually feeding a continuous strip of paper, or a paper web, to a rotary press from a plurality of paper rolls, having a paper roll support capable of accommodating at least two paper rolls, a mechanism for measuring a value relating to the diameter of a paper roll newly mounted on the paper roll support, and a mechanism for controlling the revolution of the new paper roll, and constructed so that the revolution of the new paper roll is caused to agree with a desired revolution calculated from the revolution of a paper web which is currently fed to the rotary press, thus enabling the new paper roll to be pasted to the running paper web automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mamoru Hayashi, Hideo Kawamori
  • Patent number: 4648927
    Abstract: A method and device for the production of cover strips which are to be inserted into the grooves of stators of electric machines, from a supply of strip material provided on delivery rolls. The guide channel (26) for cover strip material (12) has several feed passages (46, 46'), which can be brought individually into connection one after the other with the main part of guide channel (26). Thus it is possible to thread the lead of a new delivery roll into its feed passage (46, 46') of the guide channel while the machine continues to run, so that when delivery rolls (16, 16') are to be changed, only a mechanical change of position of feed passages (46, 46') need be undertaken. The down time of the machine is thus greatly shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Inventors: Hans Droll, Dieter Fessler
  • Patent number: 4643783
    Abstract: A machine and method for splicing a new length of linered tape to a length of linered tape being pulled from the machine without interrupting the movement of the tape out of the machine. The tape is pulled along a supply path aligned with an outlet path, a clamp is activated to stop tape movement at an inlet to the outlet path while a path length changing mechanism is activated to shorten the outlet path at the same rate that tape is being pulled from the machine, the length of tape being pulled from the machine is cut between the outlet path and the supply path, the end of another supply path carrying the new supply length of tape is aligned with the outlet path, splicing means splice together liners on the tape ends at the aligned end and inlet, the clamp is released after such splicing, and the outlet path is returned to its normal length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Raymond A. Hogenson
  • Patent number: 4629531
    Abstract: An apparatus for joining the trailing end of a preceding sheet to the leading end of a following sheet is disclosed which effects the union of the two sheet ends by keeping the trailing end of the preceding sheet sucked to the lower side of a pair of suction boxes disposed on a sheet path as separated by an interval, cutting the sheet so held in place along the interval, elevating a movable receiving table disposed below the sheet path, and holding in place the leading end of the following sheet, thereby bringing the leading end of the following sheet into contact with the cut end of the preceding strip of sheet and thereby allowing the two sheet ends to be joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kataoka
  • Patent number: 4575016
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously feeding a ribbon to an end use are disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor means for supplying numerous rolls of material, a robot assembly for transferring the rolls of material from the conveyor means to a payoff assembly and a payoff assembly for unwinding the rolls of material. Additionally included is a storage means for storing paper such that the end use may be continuously supplied during those intervals when rolls are being changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: Essex Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Pali
  • Patent number: 4563234
    Abstract: An apparatus for winding video tape on reels of a cassette includes a winding device for winding video tape on the reels and a feeding device for feeding a pair of reels to the winding device, the winding device having two shafts on which two reels can be removably mounted, at least one of the shafts being movable in a direction away from the other, a connecting member for connecting tapes being provided so as to be brought in and out of the path of movement of the movable shaft, the connecting member being out of the path of the reels when the reels are being moved away from each other, and when the reels are spaced from each other, the connecting member is moved in and out of the space between the reels so as to connect the tape wound on the reels with video tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1986
    Assignee: Awa Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Kubo
  • Patent number: 4543152
    Abstract: An infeed mechanism coacts with a splicer mechanism for splicing successive rolls of web and for feeding the continuous web thus obtained into a rotary press or the like via a web storage mechanism, which normally stores therein a predetermined length of the web for delivery to the press or the like during splicing operation. The infeed mechanism includes a pair of roll holder arms carrying on their opposite ends an old web roll, from which the web is being delivered to the press or the like, and a new web roll to be spliced to the old web. Toward the end of the web delivery from the old web roll the roll holder arms are turned through a preassigned angle, with the result that the web from the old web roll travels close to the periphery of the new web roll. Then the new web roll is revolved about its own axis until an adhesive region thereon comes opposite to the old web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Insatsu Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiki Nozaka
  • Patent number: 4543149
    Abstract: A strip supplying apparatus comprising a stationary frame structure, a movable frame structure movable with respect to the stationary frame structure along the side wall of the stationary frame structure and having a plurality of winding reels rotatable on the movable frame structure about an axis of rotation substantially in parallel with a direction in which the movable frame structure are moved with respect to the stationary frame structure, the winding reels being spaced in an equal pitch to each other, drive unit mounted on the stationary and movable frame structures for driving the movable frame structure to move with respect to the stationary frame structure by the pitch; unwinding unit mounted on the stationary frame for unwinding a strip unwound from each of the winding reels, joining unit mounted on the stationary frame structure for joining the trailing and leading end portions of the strips unwound from two adjacent winding reels, the unwinding and joining unit being held in line with one of the w
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Abe, Yoshiaki Kawahara
  • Patent number: 4540459
    Abstract: A device, especially for cigarette-packaging machines, for joining the payed-out end of a strip, which had been wound into a reel, with the beginning of the strip of another reel. The device includes a buffer or storage device in which a certain length of the strip, which is conveyed over guide rollers, is stored, and out of which that amount of strip which is required for continuous operation is withdrawn during the joining process. The device is also provided with a separating and binding device. In order to provide for replacement of reels in a disturbance-free and semi- or fully-automatic manner at little structural expense, each reel is disposed in a cartridge on the wide sides of which the reel is mounted by means of a spindle which passes through the reel core and extends laterally out of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Fr. Niepmann GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Iain G. H. Stewart, Hans P. Pitz
  • Patent number: 4443291
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for attaching a running web which is withdrawn from a first source of supply to the leader of a fresh web which is stored in a second source of supply through the use of double sticky back adhesive strips. The apparatus comprises a supply frame provided with a conveyor assembly to transport a roll of material along the supply frame and a splicing head assembly mounted to the roll frame. The splicing head assembly has a plurality of idle rollers, a vacuum member adapted to hold the leading end of the fresh web and a cutting and clamping mechanism moveably mounted to the frame of the splicing head assembly. The cutting and clamping mechanism is adapted to be pivoted by a pneumatic cylinder to clamp the trailing web end from the expiring roll to the fresh web under tension and sever the web from the expiring roll between the dispensing roll and the location where the webs are clamped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Inventor: Barrie T. Reed
  • Patent number: 4402467
    Abstract: A web handling apparatus for selectively positioning web rolls so that the web from each roll can be moved past a work station such as a splicing station comprising a frame and a suspension arm pivoted to the frame for swinging movement about a horizontal axis. The arm is movable between first and second positions on each side of a vertical plane containing the horizontal axis. A pair of roll supports are positioned on the arm such that when the arm is in the first position, one roll is supported so that the web thereof is aligned longitudinally with a work station, and when the arm is in the second position, the other roll is supported with the web longitudinally aligned with the work station whereby the web can be removed and moved horizontally past the work station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1983
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Kontz
  • Patent number: 4392912
    Abstract: A bobbin changer, for use in producing a continuous supply of web by joining the webs from a succession of reels, comprises a splicing device for joining the leading end of the web on each new reel to the web on the expiring reel; at least two cradles for receiving and supporting reels of web during use, each having means for locating the end of the web of a new reel in readiness for splicing; and means for movably supporting each of the cradles whereby each cradle in turn can be moved from a standby position to a position aligned with the splicing device in preparation for a splicing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Assignee: Molins Limited
    Inventor: John K. Horsley
  • Patent number: 4337903
    Abstract: The method of and device for controlling the roll exchanging operation in an unrolling device includes the provision of a set of control numbers computed from the counted number of revolutions of the old roll and from the length of the withdrawn web prior to the initiation of the roll exchanging operation; the control numbers are computed from two intervals of the measured web length, from corresponding intervals of the counted number of revolutions, from the thickness of the web, from the feeding speed of the web, from the time constents of the control elements of the roll exchanging device, from the length of the adhesive leading edge of the new roll, from the desired length of the residual trailing end portion of the old web and from the diameter of the supporting central reel; computed control numbers are stored and compared in a comparator with the actual number of revolutions of the old roll whereby the coincidence of the actual number with the stored number generates in a control unit a control signal
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Assignee: Veb Kombinat Polygraph "Werner Lamberz" Leipzig
    Inventors: Peter Kessler, Joachim Kaiser, Wolfgang Keil, Hans-Gunter Despang, Jurgen Haufe, Matthias Kieser
  • Patent number: 4290834
    Abstract: The invention includes a first running web roll and a second new web roll to be attached to the first web roll as it is running, and means for pressing the second roll against the running first web whereby the second roll is caused to be rotated and brought up to the same speed of rotation as the first roll. The second roll includes a leading end, which is to be attached to the running first web, and which carries strips of double-sided adhesive tape which do not adhere to the first web until, at a desired time, means are operated to press the running first web against the second web. At this time, the tape secures both webs together, and the second web begins to run with the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1981
    Inventor: Paul M. Buettel
  • Patent number: 4278489
    Abstract: A bobbin changer includes a storage arrangement for storing a number of reels, a reel unwinding station arranged to receive successive reels from the storage arrangement, means for initially rotating each new reel at the unwinding station in a reverse direction (i.e. opposite to the direction of rotation during unwinding), a suction head which is mounted adjacent to the reel and is arranged to pull the leading end portion of the web away from the reel as it approaches the suction head, and means responsive to the movement of the leading end portion of the web and arranged to discontinue the reverse drive on the reel and to initiate a splicing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Assignee: Molins Limited
    Inventor: John K. Horsley
  • Patent number: 4238261
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a zero tail length splice between a new roll of web material (26) and an expiring roll (24) without interrupting continuous movement of the web (W).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Assignee: The Black Clawson Company
    Inventor: Richard S. Tetro
  • Patent number: 4222512
    Abstract: A rotary drive device for effecting, for example, displacement of a printing roller towards or away from a pressure roller in a printing press, is formed by a direct current or alternating current high speed motor coupled mechanically to a permanent magnet low speed motor. Fast movement is effected with the permanent magnet motor being pulled by the high speed motor, while slow movement with rapid braking is effected, at high torque, with the permanent magnet motor excited and pulling the other motor, to bring the printing roller gently into contact with the pressure roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Inventor: Aldo Bugnone
  • Patent number: 4177959
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for effecting a flying splice of vertically positioned rolls of plastic film mounted on a reel. Each supply roll of film has an adhesive strip extending diagonally across the leading edge of the film web with a sleeve member mounted to the bottom of the adhesive strip. The sleeve member is moveably mounted on a guide member mounted to the reel to hold the leading edge in position and in correct orientation for its engagement with the film web of the expiring roll. The supply roll when rotated by the reel positions the leading edge of the supply roll with its adhesive strip against film web dispensed from the expiring roll, so that the leading edge of the film web of the supply roll is carried off the roll, with the sleeve member being carried off of the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1979
    Inventors: William G. Lancaster, Patrick R. Lancaster, III
  • Patent number: 4138073
    Abstract: A continuous web converting machine is supplied with web material from a spider wheel unwind stand having a shiftable wheel axis. Movement of the spider wheel axis is regulated by a double acting fluid cylinder for controlled force application of the working web supply reel against a closed circuit pulling belt. Depletion of the working reel is detected by a limit switch actuated by contact with the shift carriage. upon working reel depletion, the pressure bias on the fluid cylinder is reversed and the shift carriage retracted to free the working reel from contact with the pulling belt. Thereafter, the spider wheel is rotatively indexed 120.degree. to align a full reel in the working position. Said full reel is prepared with a strip of double faced adhesive tape secured across the full reel web leading edge to facilitate web continuity and splice from a depleted reel to a full one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1979
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel J. Dowd
  • Patent number: 4129265
    Abstract: A continuous web converting machine is supplied with web material from a spider wheel unwind stand having a shiftable wheel axis. Movement of the spider wheel axis is regulated by a double acting fluid cylinder for controlled force application of the working web supply reel against a closed circuit pulling belt. Depletion of the working reel is detected by a limit switch actuated by contact with the shift carriage. Upon working reel depletion, the pressure bias on the fluid cylinder is reversed and the shift carriage retracted to free the working reel from contact with the pulling belt. Thereafter, the spider wheel is rotatively indexed 120.degree. to align a full working reel and the shift carrier advanced until the full working reel bears into the pulling belt with the desired pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1978
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Clarence L. Bandy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4077580
    Abstract: A method for controlling the on-the-fly splicing of a web wound on a first roll to a web wound on a second roll, wherein the first roll is being unwound and the second roll is set in rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1978
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rainer Lang, Horst Matthiesen, Manfred Rubruck