Apparatus for measuring tension in web-type materials

Claim 2

In an apparatus for measuring tension in web-type and sheettype materials a substantial distance from an edge thereof, the combination of a load deflection beam, means in responsive relation to deflection of said beam for sensing the magnitude of the load force causing said deflection, an elongated feeler member extending from said load deflection beam, a load feeler sleeve mounted for rotation on said feeler member a distance from said load deflection beam such that said feeler sleeve has capacity to engage said material a substantial distance beyond said material edge, a pair of elongated reference members straddling said feeler member, a reference sleeve mounted for rotation on each of said elongated reference members, and means rigidly fixing said elongated reference members in place with said reference sleeves in operative relation to said load feeler sleeve.

Claim 3

The combination as in claim 1 wherein said sleeves have reduced diameter ends for facilitating edgewise insertion of said sleeves into operating position on material whose tension is to be measured.

Claim 4

The combination as in claim 1 wherein said fixing means is comprised of a rigid support structure carrying said elongated reference members in substantially parallel relation to said feeler member, and means for adjusting said support structure with said reference members thereon in perpendicular relation to said elongated feeler member.

Claim 5

The combination as in claim 3 wherein said adjusting means includes gage means for setting the perpendicular distance between the feeler sleeve and the reference sleeves at preselectable values.

Claim 6

The combination as in claim 1 wherein said apparatus includes reference means for maintaining said substantial distance of said feeler sleeve a pre-set fixed distance beyond said material edge.

Claim 7

The combination as in claim 5 wherein said means rigidly fixing said elongated reference members in place includes a reference surface of said reference means for maintaining said pre-set fixed distance.

Claim 8

In an apparatus for measuring tension in web-type and sheet-tyPe materials, the combination of a load deflection beam, means in responsive relation to deflection of said beam for sensing the magnitude of the load force causing said deflection, an elongated feeler member extending from said load deflection beam for transmitting said load force to said load deflection beam, a load feeler sleeve mounted for rotation on said feeler member a sustantial distance from said load deflection beam, a pair of elongated reference members straddling said feeler member, a reference sleeve mounted for rotation on each of said elongated reference members, a rigid support structure fixing said elongated reference members in place in substantially parallel relation to said feeler member with said reference sleeves in operative relation to said load feeler sleeve, and means for adjusting said support structure with said reference members thereon in perpendicular relation to said elongated feeler member, said adjusting means including gage means for setting the perpendicular distance between the feeler sleeve and the reference sleeves at preselectable values and adapted for including said material for providing a preselected value of said gage means setting.

Claim 9

In an apparatus for measuring tension in web-type and sheet-tyPe materials, the combination of a load deflection beam, means in responsive relation to deflection of said beam for sensing the magnitude of the load force causing said deflection, an elongated feeler member extending from said load deflection beam for transmitting said load force to said load deflection beam, a load feeler sleeve mounted for rotation on said feeler member a sustantial distance from said load deflection beam, a pair of elongated reference members straddling said feeler member, a reference sleeve mounted for rotation on each of said elongated reference members, a rigid support structure fixing said elongated reference members in place in substantially parallel relation to said feeler member with said reference sleeves in operative relation to said load feeler sleeve, and means for adjusting said support structure with said reference members thereon in perpendicular relation to said elongated feeler member, said adjusting means including gage means for setting the perpendicular distance between the feeler sleeve and the reference sleeves at preselectable values and adapted for including said material for providing a preselected value of said gage means setting.

Claim 10

In an apparatus for measuring tension in web-type and sheet-type materials, the combination of a load deflection beam, means in responsive relation to deflection of said beam for sensing the magnitude of the load force causing said deflection, an elongated feeler member extending from said load deflection beam for transmitting said load force to siad load deflection beam, a load feeler sleeve mounted for rotation on said feeler member a substantial distance from said load deflection beam, a pair of elongated reference members straddling said feeler member, a reference sleeve mounted for rotation on each of said elongated reference members, a rigid support structure fixing said elongated reference members in place in substantially parallel relation to said feeler member with said reference sleeves in operative relation to said load feeler sleeve, said rigid support structure including a base plate fixed to one end of said deflection beam and having an angular section at the other end of said deflection beam in perpendicular relation to said elongated feeler member, an adjustable support carrying said elongated reference members with said reference sleeves in operative relation to said elongated load feeler sleeve, and means cooperating with said adjustable support and angular section for fastening said support to said angular section at selectable positions of perpendicular adjustment of said reference members with respect to said elongated load feeler member.

Claim 11

In an apparatus for measuring tension in web-type and sheet-type materials, the combination of a load deflection beam, means in responsive relation to deflection of said beam for sensing the magnitude of the load force causing said deflection, an elongated feeler member extending from said load deflection beam for transmitting said load force to siad load deflection beam, a load feeler sleeve mounted for rotation on said feeler member a substantial distance from said load deflection beam, a pair of elongated reference members straddling said feeler member, a reference sleeve mounted for rotation on each of said elongated reference members, a rigid support structure fixing said elongated reference members in place in substantially parallel relation to said feeler member with said reference sleeves in operative relation to said load feeler sleeve, said rigid support structure including a base plate fixed to one end of said deflection beam and having an angular section at the other end of said deflection beam in perpendicular relation to said elongated feeler member, an adjustable support carrying said elongated reference members with said reference sleeves in operative relation to said elongated load feeler sleeve, and means cooperating with said adjustable support and angular section for fastening said support to said angular section at selectable positions of perpendicular adjustment of said reference members with respect to said elongated load feeler member.

Claim 12

The combination as in claim 8 wherein said adjustable support has a gaging projection overlapping said base plate for receiving a piece of said material between said overlapping projection and said base plate to establish one of said selectable adjustment positions.

Claim 13

The combination as in claim 9 wherein said load deflection beam includes a sealed stress concentration hole carrying strain gages operatively fixed therein to said load deflection beam for measuring tension load force transmitted to said load deflection beam.

Claim 14

The combination as in claim 9 wherein narrow lands of bearing material with a recess therebetween and a powder lubricant in said recess are provided for the rotational mounting of each of said sleeves.

Claim 15

The combination as in claim 9 wherein said means for sensing the magnitude of the load force causing said deflection includes stress concentration notches in said beam and strain gages in said stress concentration notches.

Claim 16

The combination as in claim 9 wherein said means for sensing the magnitude of the load force causing said deflection includes a capacitive sensing structure.

Claim 17

The combination as in claim 9 wherein said means for sensing the magnitude of the load force causing said deflection includes a linear variable differential transformer sensing structure.

Claim 18

The combination as in claim 9 wHerein said means for sensing the magnitude of the load force causing said deflection includes a high frequency circuit sensing structure.

Claim 19

The combination as in claim 9 wherein said means for sensing the magnitude of the load force causing said deflection includes a dial indicator fixed in operative relation to said beam.

Claim 20

The combination as in claim 9 wherein said sleeves have reduced diameter ends for facilitating edgewise insertion of said sleeves into operating position on material whose tension is to be measured.