Apparatus and method for non-contact active tensioning and steering of moving webs
US5558263A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 26, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2404/15212
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A moving web in a conveyance machine is tensioned and steered without contact of the web to the machine a pair of parallel air bars in a single moveable frame which is adapted to pivot controllably about two intersecting orthogonal axes in a plane through the air bars. Separate feedback control systems monitor the tension and position of the web and adjust the orientation of the frame about each axis to adjust tension and lateral position of the web independently and continuously. Additional fixed air bars on opposite sides of the web in the web path between the moveable air bars provide high and unvarying web wrap angles on the moveable air bars to increase the tension and steering operating range and sensitivity. An additional moveable air bar is provided downstream of the pair of moveable air bars and is adapted to pivot controllably about another axis orthogonal to the direction of the tensioning and steering axes whereby the axial direction of the moving web can be changed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.