Automatic spool tensioning mechanism
US10513412B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 3, 2017 |
| Grant date | Dec 24, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 12, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2701/32
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems (100) and methods (1400) for operating a Spool Mechanism (“SM”). The methods comprise: transitioning an operational mode of SM from a first operational mode in which a drag torque is not settable to a second operational mode in which the drag torque is settable; selectively mechanically coupling a rewind motor to a spool (612) of SM by engaging a coupler (1014) in response to the SM's transition into the second operational mode; activating the rewind motor (610) such that the rewind motor applies a motor torque having a pre-defined value selected for facilitating a setting of the drag torque to an optimal value; mechanically gradually adjusting an amount of drag resistance applied to the spool by a drag mechanism (1012); and discontinuing the mechanical adjustment of the drag resistance when the spool's speed is within a threshold percentage range of a zero resistance speed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.