Fiber payout follower

US6929210B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Berkeley Process Control, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Reuben Sandler · Berkeley, US
• Jon Burns · Richmond, US
• Alexander Charles White · Fairfield, US
• Bjorn Monteen · San Jose, US
• Jesse Thomas · San Francisco, US
• Nathan Harding · Oakland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 19, 2003
• Grant date: Aug 16, 2005
• Expiry date: Sep 19, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H57/28
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A follower apparatus mounted on a track running parallel to an axis of rotation of a spool. The apparatus has a base with a roller mounted thereon and having an axis of rotation parallel to the rotational axis of the spool, the roller providing support and guidance to the material being wound. A pulley is rotatably mounted to receive material from the roller and redirect the direction of material traveled. Light beams and detection apparatus are positioned to detect material excursions to pre-determined off center portions of the roller. The follower positioning apparatus responds to signals detecting the material by repositioning the follower to place the material back on to a center zone of the roller.