Reel systems and methods for monitoring and controlling linear material slack
US8695912B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 17, 2012 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 17, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H75/4484
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A reel comprises a motorized spool member about which a linear material can be wound. A housing surrounds the spool member and has a port through which the linear material extends. A motor controller detects when the linear material is pulled from the spool member through the port, and responds by operating a motor to rotate the spool member in an unwind direction. During this operation, the motor controller (1) uses a spool sensor system to detect an unwind rate at which the linear material is unwound from the spool member, (2) uses a translation sensor system to detect a pull-out rate at which the linear material is pulled through the port in the unwind direction, and (3) adjusts the motor speed based on the detected rates, to limit a length of unwound linear material between the spool member and the port to less than a predetermined length.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.