Systems and methods for precision mapping and removal of defects in a spooled material using spool rotation and variable winding pitch
US6772974B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 7, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P40/57
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A precision method is defined for identifying defective sections of a spoolable material for removal. Defective sections are noted during manufacture and the spool containing the material is subsequently unwound to allow removal of the defective sections. The invention uses rotation data corresponding to the location on the spool where the fiber contains defects. A process controller records rotational positioning data from the take-up spool during manufacturing and uses the information to locate the defect when unwinding the spool. In addition, the pitch of winding the fiber onto the spool may be altered during manufacturing to indicate the beginning and end of a defective section. In this instance, the defective portion of the fiber can be determined during unwinding by monitoring the pitch width of the material. Finally, an algorithm for defining cut out bands adjacent to the defective sections aid in ensuring that no remaining defective fiber remains.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.