Web roll cradle with positive drive
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and method of cyclic or intermittent feeding and unwinding of sheet material includes a pneumatic motor that drives the rotary web roll support and a brake that serves to stall out the motor when the predetermined length of material has been unwound. Draw means is provided to draw the predetermined length of film in a manufacturing process, such as packaging, with a slack loop being formed between the draw means and the web roll. The pneumatic motor is preferably a cylinder and rack combination with a drive stroke producing a capability greater than said predetermined length with the brake stalling out the motor at the end of the stroke to assure proper feed during each cycle and to maintain the tension in the web at a minimum and substantially constant during the complete operation. The slack loop is formed by a dancer assembly with linkage means comprising a cam and leaf spring applying the brake in a progressive manner only during the final moments of unwinding of the material. The dancer assembly desirably has insufficient pulling or tensioning power to pull film from the web roll so that complete reliance for feeding is put on the positive drive. The drive means and the draw means are operated at mutually exclusive times and are coordinated by first and second valves that actuate the drive means as the draw means are withdrawn to complete the drawing step.
Inventors
- 👤 Nelson R Henry
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-11-24 | 1979-05-26 | 1979-11-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-24 | 1983-05-26 | 1983-11-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-24 | 1987-05-26 | 1987-11-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |