Web handling system and vacuum roller for use in conjunction therewith
US8931675B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 8, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jan 13, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 29, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2555/13
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vacuum roller for a web handling system comprises a hollow, cylindrical, rotably driven drum and an end cap threadingly mounted onto the rear end of the drum. Together, the drum and the end cap define a plurality of individual, externally communicable vacuum paths. A spherical, metal movable element is internally disposed within each vacuum path and regulates the passage of air therethrough. A plurality of magnetic elements is fixedly mounted on a stationary annular holder. In use, each magnetic element selectively displaces each movable element when disposed in close proximity thereto to the extent necessary so as to permit the passage of air through its corresponding vacuum path. As such, the vacuum roller is provided with a predefined range of suction, or vacuum zone, about the outer surface of its rotating drum that directly corresponds to the angular arrangement of the plurality of stationary magnetic elements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.