Nip mechanism and method of operation thereof
US6817611B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 1, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2513/41
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A nip mechanism for a substrate transfer system includes: a first nip roller; a second nip roller located substantially vertically above the first nip roller; and a drive motor for driving the first nip roller and the second nip roller to feed a substrate between the first nip roller and the second nip roller when the drive motor is driven in a first direction. The second nip roller creates and maintains a nip with the first nip roller due to a force of gravity without using a spring or other mechanical device while the drive motor is driven in the first direction. The drive motor engages a one-way clutch for engaging a roller separation mechanism to raise and separate the second nip roller from the first nip roller when the drive motor is driven in a second direction. The first and second nip rollers maintain substantial vertical alignment with one another when the drive motor is driven in either direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.