Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for preparing a leading edge of web material

US5524844A · kind A · utility

8Cited by
27References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 29, 1993
Grant dateJun 11, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 29, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S242/91
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for tensioning an outer layer or web material about a roll of web material includes a tension roller assembly. The tension roller assembly is defined by a rotatable idler roller that is movable into and out of contact with the outer layer of web material by way of a linear drive mechanism. Idler roller contact with the web material outer layer tensions the outer layer about the roll of web material. A tensioner associated with the idler roller adjusts the rotational drag on the idler roller which controls the amount of tension that the idler roller applies to the web material outer layer. A vacuum retraction assembly of the tensioning apparatus acts to further tension the web material outer layer. The vacuum retraction assembly includes a vacuum bar having a plurality of vacuum cups coupled to a vacuum source. The vacuum bar is movable relative to the roll of web material by way of a drive mechanism such that actuation of the vacuum source causes the outer layer of web material to adhere to the vacuum bar while subsequent movement of the vacuum bar away from the roll of web material acts to further tension the outer layer of web material about the roll of web material.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.