Variable Guide Path Patents (Class 242/615.1)
  • Patent number: 11945207
    Abstract: According to examples, an apparatus may include a first feed element and a second feed element, in which a web is to be fed to the first feed element and from the first feed element to the second feed element. The apparatus may also include a controller that may determine whether the web exiting the second feed element is shifted from an intended position and based on a determination that the web is shifted from the intended position, cause the first feed element to be moved laterally a first distance and the second feed element to be moved laterally a second distance to compensate for the shift in the web exiting the second feed element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronald R. Anderson, Joseph Santich
  • Patent number: 11945670
    Abstract: A system for decurling a web from a roll of material comprises rollers, a decurling station actuator, a sensor, and a controller. The rollers are configured to pull the web along a path with an angle. The decurling station actuator is configured to shift one of the rollers relative to the other rollers to adjust the angle of the path. The sensor is configured to sense a characteristic of the roll of material and generate sensor data. The controller is configured to receive a signal representative of the sensor data and direct the decurling station actuator to shift one of the rollers based at least in part on the sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Brown LLC
    Inventors: Victor L. Chun, Philip Eichbauer, Brian Keeley
  • Patent number: 11401956
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for supporting an explosive device (13) including a base member (3), one or more support members (11) and a fluid aperture (19). The base member (3) includes a base member aperture (5) to provide a passage (7) to a base chamber (9) of the base member (3). The one or more support members (11) are telescopically receivable through the base member aperture (5) and into the base chamber (9), wherein the one or more support members (11) support the explosive device (13). The fluid aperture (19) allows pressurised fluid into the base chamber (9) to force the one or more support members (11) towards an extended configuration (23) such that at least part of the one or more support members (11) are telescopically extended out of the base chamber (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: MGW ENGINEERING PTY LTD
    Inventor: Anthony Redfern
  • Patent number: 10875285
    Abstract: A lamination system includes a sheet supply, a material supply, and a laminator. The laminator causes a sheet from the sheet supply to be laminated to a sheet from the material supply to establish a laminated sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Brooke D. Kitzmiller, Jeffrey A. Middlesworth
  • Patent number: 10647100
    Abstract: A lamination system includes a film supply, a material supply, and a laminator. The laminator causes a film from the film supply to be laminated to a sheet from the material supply to establish a laminated sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Brooke D. Kitzmiller, Jeffrey A. Middlesworth
  • Patent number: 9493323
    Abstract: A fiber bundle guide 1 includes a cylindrical guide roller 11, a support member 12 which rotatably supports the guide roller 11, and a movable mechanical section 13 arranged between the guide roller 11 and the support member 12, so that the guide roller 11 swings in response to widthwise changes in the traveling path of the fiber bundle Y. According to this fiber bundle guide, it is possible to prevent excessive shifting of the fiber bundle Y toward one of both sides of the circumferential edge of the guider roller 11, preventing shrinking or bending of the fiber bundle Y due to the contact of the fiber bundle Y to the flange 112 of the guide roller 11, which makes it possible to guide the fiber bundle Y without causing twisting of the bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: KAMITSU SEISAKUSHO LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshiyasu Maeda
  • Publication number: 20150014473
    Abstract: A fiber bundle guide 1 includes a cylindrical guide roller 11, a support member 12 which rotatably supports the guide roller 11, and a movable mechanical section 13 arranged between the guide roller 11 and the support member 12, so that the guide roller 11 swings in response to widthwise changes in the traveling path of the fiber bundle Y. According to this fiber bundle guide, it is possible to prevent excessive shifting of the fiber bundle Y toward one of both sides of the circumferential edge of the guider roller 11, preventing shrinking or bending of the fiber bundle Y due to the contact of the fiber bundle Y to the flange 112 of the guide roller 11, which makes it possible to guide the fiber bundle Y without causing twisting of the bundle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: KAMITSU SEISAKUSHO LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshiyasu MAEDA
  • Patent number: 8882081
    Abstract: A line guiding structure comprises a round guiding shaft, a fixing unit, an elastic element, a linear bearing and a wheel set. The round guiding shaft comprises a fixing and an open end. The fixing unit is used for fixing the round guiding shaft and comprises a fixing base and a bearing. The fixing base is disposed on mechanical equipment, and the bearing is disposed in the fixing base. The elastic element is sleeved on the round guiding shaft and comprises a first end and a second end. The linear bearing is sleeved on the round guiding shaft. A connecting piece is disposed on the linear bearing. The wheel set comprises a fixing plate, a supporting frame and two pulleys. The fixing plate is connected on the connecting piece. A slide hole is formed between two opposite pulley surfaces of the two pulleys for a line to pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hong-Tao Deng
  • Publication number: 20140291030
    Abstract: Cable guides for overhead support of drill line on a drilling rig during a slip and cut operation feature replaceable liners of wear material supported by a re-usable base. A tensioning roller added to the draw-works resides outward from the periphery of the draw-works drum and is spring-biased toward same into order to force the incoming drill line against the periphery of the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Jesse Urquhart
  • Publication number: 20140151493
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pneumatically actuated redirection surface guide tool for use in tape laying systems. In the laying of unidirectional, pre-impregnated carbon fiber tapes, for instance, a tape can be directed between a tape supply reel and a tape laying head through use of one or more of the disclosed guide tools. The surface of the guide tool includes small holes that allow for positive and negative air pressure to be applied to the surface to increase or decrease the friction between the tape that is passing over and being redirected by the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: NORTH CUTTING SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Slyne
  • Patent number: 8720039
    Abstract: A laminated core punching apparatus, configured such that a stator-punching press machine that has a molding die performing a partial punching gradually approaches the shape of the stator core piece. There is a punching die to punching out the stator core piece from a strip-form steel plate, and two stator lamination stations. A rotor-punching press machine and a stator-punching press machine are constructed to operate synchronously. An intermediate loop portion capable of causing a strip-form steel plate to hang down in a loop is provided in order to adjust a length of the strip-form steel plate between the two press machines, and a loop guide portion that guides a loop locus of the strip-form steel plate from above so that the strip-form steel plate does not invert is disposed above the intermediate loop portion to be capable of ascending and descending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Matsubara, Shigeru Maeda, Atsuya Takagi, Takuya Ooura, Hajime Nishiguchi, Motoki Koori, Masahiro Hayabuchi, Susumu Kato, Keishi Ohki, Kenji Shinohara, Akio Murakami
  • Patent number: 8674263
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wire guiding liner, in particular a welding wire liner, having a plurality of guiding bodies which are pivotable with respect to each other around a defined pivot axis. At least one biasing device is provided which acts between adjacent guiding bodies so as to push them apart while still allowing the liner to bend under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: AWDS Technologies SRL
    Inventors: Carlo Gelmetti, Filippo Corradini
  • Patent number: 8640982
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing strip materials onto one or more moving substrates includes a frame extending transversally of the substrate path that supports guide arms. Each guide arm includes pulleys for dispensing strip materials and is able to be moved along the frame by a friction drive system, which includes crank shafts, pulleys, and cables. Each guide arm can be held in position by a friction braking system, which includes members that are pressed against components of the drive system to frictionally prevent motion. A position feedback system measures and displays the location of the guide arms. A substrate tracking and adjustment system tracks the position of the substrate as it moves side to side from a normal path and automatically adjusts the position of the frame along a guide track to maintain the guide arms in a desired position in relation to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Adalis Corp.
    Inventors: Jorge A. Nash, Orion A. Cavins, Neil S. Schwinler, Thomas J. Barron
  • Publication number: 20130248634
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) serves to influence a running material web (2). To this end, the apparatus (1) has at least one adjustable roller (4), which deflects the material web (2). In order to improve the web running characteristics of the material web (2), the at least one roller (4) is adjustable by at least two degrees of freedom. Moreover, the at least one roller (4) is operatively connected to at least two actuators (17) such that at least one of the actuators (17) is assigned to each of the degrees of freedom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: TEXMAG GMBH VERTRIEBSGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: JORG VONDERHEIDEN
  • Patent number: 8517620
    Abstract: A printer includes a supporting member, a print head and a guide member. The supporting member is configured to support a sheet print medium on an upper surface of the supporting member. The print head is provided to print on the sheet print medium fed onto the upper surface of the supporting member. The guide member is configured to guide the sheet print medium to feed the sheet print medium onto the upper surface of the supporting member. The guide member includes at least one guide collar around which the sheet print medium is wound and a guide bar provided in the at least one guide collar so that the at least one guide collar is rotatable around the guide bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takaaki Kanbara
  • Patent number: 8403252
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining uniform tension across a width of a web including a frame, a roller, a shaft about which the roller rotates, a first arm rigidly connected to a first end of the shaft, a second arm pivotally connected to a second end of the shaft, and a third arm rigidly connected to the second end of the shaft. The first arm is pivotally connected to the frame by a first joint. The second arm is pivotally connected to the shaft by a second joint and to the frame by a third joint. The third arm is coupled to the frame through a fourth joint. The first, third, and fourth joints are offset from the axis of the shaft by substantially the same distance. The first and third joints are offset in the same direction. The fourth joint is offset in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Christopher M. Muir
  • Publication number: 20120305687
    Abstract: Apparatus, system and methods of using the apparatus and system to manipulate fiber(s) into a chopper, winder or other fiber(s) processing equipment. By using the apparatus the operator(s) are freed up for pressing duties that will increase productivity and also create a safer workplace. The apparatus supports and constrains slowly or rapidly running fiber(s) and moves through a sequence of movements that reposition the fiber(s) into a path that places the running fiber(s) in the proper location for processing in the chopper, winder or other processing equipment and also places the running fiber(s) into a desired groove or valley on a separator roll or guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Michael David Folk, Brian Samuel Hamby, Jerry Eugene Skelton, Randall Clark Bascom
  • Patent number: 8308037
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining uniform tension across a width of a web includes a roller, a first arm and a second arm, a plurality of devices, and a plurality of links. The roller includes a shaft, about which the roller rotates, that defines an axis of rotation. The first arm and the second arm are coupled to opposite sides of the shaft of the roller and to a corresponding one of the plurality of devices such that each device is allowed two degrees of rotational freedom about the arm to which it is coupled. Each of the devices is pivotably coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of links such that the roller is allowed to pivot about a first axis. Each link is pivotably coupled to a stationary frame such that the roller is allowed to pivot about a second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Christopher M. Muir, Randy E. Armbruster, Ruth H. Parker, Nathan J. Turner
  • Patent number: 8215578
    Abstract: A winder including a frame. The frame includes at least one spindle configured to support at least one package, the spindle rotating about a first axis approximately perpendicular to the diameter of the package so as to draw and wind at least one strand in the form of a package, and at least one positioning and guiding device configured to position and guide at least the strand on the rotating spindle. A keeper is configured to keep the strand in contact with the positioning and guiding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics Europe
    Inventors: Christophe Naulet, Jean-Michel Cogniaux, Pascal Frayer
  • Patent number: 8132754
    Abstract: A traversing device for stabilizing the yarn path of a thin and uniform flat fiber bundle without causing any trouble, e.g. entanglement of single fibers, and ensuring a good winding appearance of the winding package of fiber bundle, and a yarn path guide for stabilizing the yarn path without causing any trouble, e.g. entanglement of single fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kunihiro Mishima, Ken Kugita, Hidetaka Matsumae
  • Patent number: 8123156
    Abstract: A traversing device for stabilizing the yarn path of a thin and uniform flat fiber bundle without causing any trouble, e.g. entanglement of single fibers, and ensuring a good winding appearance of the winding package of fiber bundle, and a yarn path guide for stabilizing the yarn path without causing any trouble, e.g. entanglement of single fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kunihiro Mishima, Ken Kugita, Hidetaka Matsumae, Shota Sakimura, Seiji Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20110024546
    Abstract: A web meandering correction system (1) includes: an edge detector (2) that detects an edge position signal of a web; an HPF processing unit (3) that executes a high-pass filtering process on the edge position signal using a predetermined lower limit frequency as a reference; a high-frequency noise analyzing unit (4) that analyzes high-frequency noise that has passed through the HPF processing unit (3); an LPF processing unit (5) that executes a low-pass filtering process on the edge position signal using a predetermined upper limit frequency as a reference; a coefficient setting unit (6) that sets a coefficient that determines the characteristics of the low-pass filtering process on the basis of a result of analysis by the high-frequency noise analyzing unit (4); and a meandering correction unit (7) that corrects meandering of the web on the basis of information acquired by the LPF processing unit (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Toshio Fuwa
  • Patent number: 7862257
    Abstract: A cable guide device for a manhole includes a wall supporting plate supported against a wall surface of an entrance part of the manhole, a cable guide body positioned at the bottom part of the wall supporting plate, a rotation shaft mounted vertically to the cable guide body and the wall supporting plate so that the cable guide body can be rotated from side to side with regard to the wall supporting plate, and at least one guide roller which rotates integrally with a roller shaft combined with the cable guide body so as to guide the cable into at least one underground pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: KT Corporation
    Inventors: Seong Taek Jeong, Jin Woo Han, Byong Soo Woo
  • Publication number: 20100270416
    Abstract: A traversing device for stabilizing the yarn path of a thin and uniform flat fiber bundle without causing any trouble, e.g. entanglement of single fibers, and ensuring a good winding appearance of the winding package of fiber bundle, and a yarn path guide for stabilizing the yarn path without causing any trouble, e.g. entanglement of single fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Toray Industries, Inc., a corporation of Japan
    Inventors: Kunihiro Mishima, Ken Kugita, Hidetaka Matsumae, Shota Sakimura, Seiji Tsuji
  • Patent number: 7610681
    Abstract: A stock supply station for use in a insulated glass unit component production line includes a plurality of rotatable sheet stock coils, an indexing mechanism, and an uncoiling mechanism. The indexing mechanism is coupled to the sheet stock coils for indexing a selected one of the sheet stock coils to an uncoiling position. The uncoiling mechanism selectively uncoils sheet stock from a sheet stock coil indexed to the uncoiling position to thereby provide sheet stock to a downstream processing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: GED Integrated Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Calcei, Mohamed Khalfoun, Brian G. James, Timothy B. McGlinchy, John Grismer, Robert R. Shepherd, II
  • Publication number: 20090223637
    Abstract: A feed unit for feeding elastomeric material, extruded by at least one extruder, to at least one user unit, and wherein a variable-length conveyor is supported by a first and a second supporting device located at an input end and an output end of the conveyor respectively; and wherein the first supporting device is connected to the conveyor to allow the conveyor to rotate about a vertical first axis and a horizontal second axis, both crosswise to a travelling direction of the elastomeric material along the conveyor; the second supporting device is extensible vertically and connected to the conveyor by a first releasable joint; and the conveyor is connectable to the user unit by a second releasable joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Giorgio Marangoni
  • Patent number: 7419137
    Abstract: A feed control assembly for feeding a cable on to a rotatable reel has a primary guide for controlling the location of the cable as it feeds on to the reel, and a drive assembly arranged to reciprocate the primary guide means as the cable feeds through the primary guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: IB Supplies PTY Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian Charles Boon
  • Patent number: 7392975
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle mounted winch and cable assembly that may include a slide track, a winch, a cable guide and a powering means. Also disclosed is a related method. The slide track may be rigidly mounted to the vehicle and may have a track axis extending generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The winch may be rigidly mounted to the vehicle for accepting and discharging the cable. The cable guide may be movably secured to the slide track and may accept the cable from the winch and then redirect the cable from a direction generally parallel to the track axis to a direction generally perpendicular to the track axis. The powering means may adjustably move the cable guide along the slide track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc
    Inventor: Ronald B. Nespor
  • Patent number: 7300018
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for stabilizing high speed running along a longitudinal direction, of a band (4) applied on a rotary surface (3) and along which a portion of the surrounding air forms a boundary layer (43) trapped with the band (4). According to the invention, a deflecting member (5) is placed in the dihedron (G) between the band (4) and the rotary surface (3). Said deflecting member (5) has a face (50) directed toward the band which is tilted with respect thereto and is fitted with at least one orifice (55) emerging into an inner space (51) provided inside said deflecting member (5) and connected to an outer zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Vai Metals Technologies SAS
    Inventors: Thierry Malard, Marc Valence, Christian Viel
  • Patent number: 7296717
    Abstract: A method of controlling a moving web in relation to a selected transverse position comprising positioning a first positioning guide proximate a second positioning guide wherein the second positioning guide has a mechanism for positioning the web having minimal backlash. The web is passed through the first positioning guide and the second positioning guide. A sensor detects the transverse position of the moving web at the second positioning guide. The sensor transmits the transverse location of the web at the second positioning guide to a controller. The controller manipulates a zero-backlash actuator wherein the zero-backlash actuator is coupled to the second positioning guide such that the transverse position of the web is controllable to within a preselected dimension of the selected transverse position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ronald P. Swanson, James N. Dobbs, Daniel H. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7275404
    Abstract: An adjustable guide, includes two or more mechanisms each having a rotatable retaining element containing a retaining groove with a variable radius in its perimeter surface. The grooves form a guidance path to control the lateral, i.e. non-axial, motion of a long bar moving along a longitudinal axis during a production process. The diameter of the guidance path varies according to the variable radii of the grooves. The guidance path increases in size at a predetermined rate, from a point of origin to an end point on the retaining groove. Rotating the retaining elements causes the diameter of the retaining grooves to change so that the size of the guidance path can be changed to match the diameter of the bar being rolled, size of the guidance path can be changed to fit the diameter of a new bar rolled without having to exchange the guide for a different sized guide, reduce fiction between the bar and the guide, a media, such as compressed air, can be injected between the retaining elements via orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: OG Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tzyy-Shuh Chang, Hsun-Hau Huang, Chang-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 7222814
    Abstract: A deflection for deflecting a strip in a reeling plant, in particular, of a metal strip from an initial channel to a final channel arranged above the initial channel and vice versa, wherein a drive acts with an upper drive roller on the upper side and with a lower drive roller on the lower side of the strip, can be improved when a temporarily pivotable into a strip, upper separating device is arranged downstream of the upper drive roller, and a temporarily pivotable into a strip, lower separating device is arranged downstream of the lower drive roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: SMS Demag AG
    Inventors: Andreas Bohn, Matthias Peters, Karl Hoen, Dominik Geibert
  • Patent number: 7204187
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for tensioning and sealing tightening straps of plastics for package tightenings, in which the superposed strap ends are received in a strap channel which is essentially open at a longitudinal outer side and the two faces. The strap channel has a strap edge guide at its longitudinal inner side for the inner edges of the tightening strap. A tensioning device is arranged in the front region of the device, and a sealing device is arranged in the rear region. So as to compensate for the forces acting outwardly on the upper strap end due to the irregular deformations of the upper strap end during the tensioning process by the tensioning roller of the tensioning device which is mounted in a floating manner, the strap edge guide is arranged obliquely to the tensioning direction of the tensioning roller and projects further into the strap channel in the vicinity of the strap sealing device than in the region of the tensioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Cyklop GmbH
    Inventors: Leo Zeimetz, Detlef Scholl, Peter Nober
  • Patent number: 7073747
    Abstract: A guiding roller, that is used to turn a web of material, has a jacket surface provided with holes over at least a portion of its periphery. An inner surface of the guiding roller is provided with compressed air. A piston is axially displaceable in the roller inner surface and can occlude selected ones of the holes. A motor is provided for displacing the piston in response to a control signal supplied by a control circuit. The guiding roller is pivotally supported by a frame and can pivot through 90° about a pivot axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the roller. A gear mechanism couples a rotational movement of the piston about the axis to the pivotal movement of the guiding roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Anton Weis
  • Patent number: 6955323
    Abstract: A web guider comprising a movable section that has an inlet roller for picking up a web, an outlet roller for releasing the web, and a curved rail; and a fixed section that has a guider for guiding the curved rail and a motor for providing a driving force for swinging the movable section; wherein the motor transmits the driving force through a driver of the motor to a follower of the curved rail, an orientation of the movable section is changed by changing a position at which the driver contacts the follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Zuiko Corporation
    Inventor: Kikuo Yomeoka
  • 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: 6923402
    Abstract: A tape guide post mechanism for guiding running of a tape includes: a post arm, the post arm including a tape guide post, around which the tape is looped at a predetermined angular distance, and which guides running of the tape, and a hole; an arm shaft which engages with the hole and rotatably supports the post arm, wherein an external side surface of the arm shaft is in contact with the hole at at least two points in the vicinity of an upper opening of the hole and at at least two points in the vicinity of a lower opening of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Nagasaki, Akio Konishi
  • Patent number: 6866176
    Abstract: A self-tracking roller for centering conveyor belts and web materials on conveyor systems having a guide wheel at each end of a centrally pivoting shaft for contacting the belt or web. The self-tracking roller will pivot in the direction of travel of the belt or web along the side contacted and redirect the belt or web to a central or neutral position by the pivoting action of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Jack C. Harris
  • Patent number: 6830212
    Abstract: A web tracking and repositioning apparatus having at least one pivoting conveyor roll pivotable and rotatably supported at its center about a bearing assembly through which extends a longitudinal fixed shaft with said bearing assembly connecting to a coaxially mounted sleeve positioned at its weighted center about the bearing assembly, extending outward toward fixed support members, and interconnected to a pair of guide members or cams mounted about the fixed shaft, whereby cooperative engagement of the pivoting cylindrical sleeve and the guide members eccentrically mounted about the shaft at the opposite ends of the sleeve which cooperatively engage end cap members via a pin and an elongated slot causes a web of material conveyed over the conveyor roll to be steered centrally following misalignment due to uneven tension in the conveyed web of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Jack C. Harris
  • Publication number: 20040232276
    Abstract: A garden hose and cord guide has been developed which can be inserted into the ground and keeps the hose or cord from damaging the garden environment. The garden hose and cord guide has the advantages of being easy to use, height adjustable, and allows for free and natural movement of the cord or hose if needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Mitch Ferris
  • Patent number: 6676066
    Abstract: A spiral winder wrinkle remover capable of wrapping a material of varying thickness into a structurally stable, smooth coil. As a material is supplied to the spiral winder, the collecting device, such as a spool, rotates and oscillates linearly along the axis of rotation to distribute the material along the length of the collecting device and form a structurally stable coil of material. As the material is directed to the collecting device it is threaded through a tilting guide. The guide tilts with the linear oscillations of the collecting device and maintains a uniform tension across the width of the material. The oscillations and tilting guide ensure that a material, particularly if the material's thickness varies along its width, is wrapped into a structurally stable coil where the layers of the coil are wrapped smoothly, without folds or wrinkles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Recot, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Wayne Keel
  • Publication number: 20030213867
    Abstract: A web guider comprising a movable section that has an inlet roller for picking up a web, an outlet roller for releasing the web, and a curved rail; and a fixed section that has a guider for guiding the curved rail and a motor for providing a driving force for swinging the movable section; wherein the motor transmits the driving force through a driver of the motor to a follower of the curved rail, an orientation of the movable section is changed by changing a position at which the driver contacts the follower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Kikuo Yomeoka
  • Patent number: 6622622
    Abstract: Disclosed is a paper guide device suitable for a label printer. The paper guide device comprises left and right guide members defined, on one side surfaces thereof facing each other, with guide grooves which receive and guide both widthwise edges of paper, and formed, on respective rear and front surfaces thereof, with flat geared portions; left and right gear bands formed, on respective front and rear surfaces thereof, with rack gears which are respectively meshed with the flat geared portions of the left and right guide members; a pinion gear positioned between the left and right-gear bands and meshed with the rack gears of them; and an adjustment knob slidably installed on a printer body and connected to one end of the right gear band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Korea Printing Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-Jun Lee, Jang-Hwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20030141405
    Abstract: A spiral winder wrinkle remover capable of wrapping a material of varying thickness into a structurally stable, smooth coil. As a material is supplied to the spiral winder, the collecting device, such as a spool, rotates and oscillates linearly along the axis of rotation to distribute the material along the length of the collecting device and form a structurally stable coil of material. As the material is directed to the collecting device it is threaded through a tilting guide. The guide tilts with the linear oscillations of the collecting device and maintains a uniform tension across the width of the material. The oscillations and tilting guide ensure that a material, particularly if the material's thickness varies along its width, is wrapped into a structurally stable coil where the layers of the coil are wrapped smoothly, without folds or wrinkles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Donald Wayne Keel
  • Patent number: 6578789
    Abstract: The invention relates to a deflection method for deflecting a strip (3, 8), especially a metal strip (3, 8), from an initial guide channel (5) to a final guide channel (9) which runs next to said initial guide channel (5). When passing through the initial guide channel (5), the strip (3, 8) comprises an underside (II) which faces away from the final guide channel (9) and has an upper side (I) which faces toward the final guide channel (9). In order to support the deflection of the metal strip (3, 8) from the initial guide channel (5) to the final guide channel (9), the invention provides that the strip (3, 8) is subjected to the action of a medium (12) on the underside (II) thereof during the deflection. The invention also relates to a corresponding deflection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: SMS Schloemann-Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Braun, Günter Kneppe, Uwe Raschke, Reinhard Irle
  • Publication number: 20030047580
    Abstract: A self-tracking roller for centering conveyor belts and web materials on conveyor systems having a guide wheel at each end of a centrally pivoting shaft for contacting the belt or web, pivoting in the direction of travel of the belt or web along the side contacted, and redirecting the belt or web to a central or neutral position by the pivoting action of the roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Jack C. Harris
  • Patent number: 6501620
    Abstract: A guide mechanism and method for positioning a tape media in a transverse position at a transducer. A first surface guide disposed to one side of the transducer engages the tape media surface to orient the tape media surface non-planar with respect to the transverse position. A second surface guide disposed between the first surface guide and transducer engages the tape media surface to orient the tape media surface parallel to the transverse position. An edge guide disposed adjacent to the transducer engages the edge of the tape media positioning the tape media at a predetermined transverse position. A third and fourth surface guides and a second edge guide may be provided on the opposite side of the transducer to permit positioning of the tape media having bidirectional movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew P. Wojciechowski
  • Patent number: 6499281
    Abstract: A deflecting subassembly 10 for the guided deflection of a band 12 consisting, in particular, of plastic may be provided, in particular, for a strapping machine 16 comprising a strapping subassembly 14, for the purpose of deflecting the band 12 in a region located between a band store 18 and the strapping subassembly 14. The deflecting subassembly comprises a deflecting roller 20, a band-inlet channel 22, which is arranged upstream of the deflecting roller 20, a band-outlet channel 24, which is arranged downstream of the deflecting roller 20, it being possible for the band-inlet channel 22 and the band-outlet channel 24 to be adjusted relative to one another, and an outer, flexible directing member 26 which bridges the interspace between the band-inlet and band-outlet channels 22 and 24, respectively, and is located opposite the outer circumference of the inner deflecting roller 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Fischer
  • Patent number: 6476349
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing articles to be included in cans, a metal strip (1) is fed to an article forming unit (11), in which it is punched and stamped to form the articles. Before the article forming operations, the strip (1) is provided with laser engravings on one of its upper and lower surfaces, or on both these surfaces. The laser engravings form indicative marks on the articles. In addition to the article forming unit (11), an apparatus for manufacturing such articles has a metal strip supply (8), means (13) for feeding the strip (1) and a laser unit (9) for providing the indicative laser engraved marks on the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Rexam AB
    Inventor: Manfred Jendick
  • Patent number: 6427939
    Abstract: An anti-crimping roll is fixed to a vehicle moving in a direction perpendicular to the moving trace of a piston by way of a cylinder extending/shrinking the piston in a linear direction, and they are disposed at a position capable of moving along a longitudinal direction of a steel sheet within a plane in which the anti-crimping roll is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of a tension reel. A control device calculates an aimed winding angle of the steel sheet to the anti-crimping roll capable of avoiding occurrence of crimps based on a thickness and a width of the steel sheet, and drives the cylinder and the vehicle such that the calculated angle is aligned with an actual wind-up angle calculated from the stroke amount of the piston, moving amount of the vehicle to adjust the position of the anti-crimping roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Kawasaki Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Miyata, Tsutomu Matsubara, Yasuhiro Yamaguchi, Akinobu Kamimaru