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US4316568A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Methods and apparatus for guiding tape
Assignee: Bell and Howell Co
•
Filing: 1979-08-02
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Granted: 1982-02-23
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Expires: 1999-08-02
Abstract
Abstract Tape guiding methods and apparatus advance a tape through an arcuate bend having equal radii at both edges. Within that bend an unbalance providing a net force transversely of the tape is created at the tape edges while maintaining the equal radii. The advancing tape is guided by applying it with the created net force to a reference surface while maintaining the equal radii.
Inventors
- 👤 Frederic F. Grant
- 👤 Nancy L. Sarkisian
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 13:38
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65H; B65H23/00; B65H23/04; B65H23/24; G; G11; G11B; G11B15/00; G11B15/56; G11B15/58; G11B15/60; G11B15/605; G11B15/607; B65H2408/00; B65H2408/20; B65H2408/21; B65H2408/215
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 47
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of guiding a tape having two opposite tape edges, comprising in combination the steps of: providing in said tape a floating arcuate bend having equal radii at both of said tape edges; advancing said tape through said bend having said equal radii; creating within said bend at said tape edges an unbalance providing a net force transversely of said tape while maintaining said equal radii; and applying said advancing tape at one of said tape edges with said net force to a reference surface while maintaining said equal radii.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of guiding a tape having two opposite tape edges, comprising in combination the steps of: providing in said tape a floating arcuate bend having equal radii at both of said tape edges; advancing said tape through said bend having said equal radii; creating within said bend at said tape edges an unbalance providing a net force transversely of said tape while maintaining said equal radii; and applying said advancing tape at one of said tape edges with said net force to a reference surface while maintaining said equal radii.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
118 words
A method of guiding a tape having two opposite tape edges, comprising in combination the steps of: providing in said tape a floating arcuate bend having equal radii at both of said tape edges; advancing said tape through said bend having said equal radii; creating within said bend at said tape edges an unbalance providing a net force transversely of said tape while maintaining said equal radii, said creation of said unbalance including the step of establishing at said bend past said two tape edges, respectively, first and second fluid leakages of different configurations; and applying said advancing tape at one of said tape edges with said net force to a reference surface while maintaining said equal radii.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
118 words
A method of guiding a tape having two opposite tape edges, comprising in combination the steps of: providing in said tape a floating arcuate bend having equal radii at both of said tape edges; advancing said tape through said bend having said equal radii; creating within said bend at said tape edges an unbalance providing a net force transversely of said tape while maintaining said equal radii, said creation of said unbalance including the step of establishing at said bend past said two tape edges, respectively, first and second fluid leakages of different configurations; and applying said advancing tape at one of said tape edges with said net force to a reference surface while maintaining said equal radii.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein: said different configurations are established as different cross-sectional configurations.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
144 words
A method of guiding a tape having two opposite tape edges, comprising in combination the steps of: providing in said tape an arcuate bend having equal radii at both of said tape edges; advancing said tape through said bend having said equal radii; creating within said bend at said tape edges an unbalance providing a net force transversely of said tape while maintaining said equal radii; and applying said advancing tape at one of said tape edges with said net force to a reference surface while maintaining said equal radii; said creation of said unbalance including the steps of: establishing at said bend a first fluid leakage between the other of said tape edges and a further surface spaced from said reference surface; and establishing at said bend a second fluid leakage past said one tape edge and alongside and below said reference surface.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
144 words
A method of guiding a tape having two opposite tape edges, comprising in combination the steps of: providing in said tape an arcuate bend having equal radii at both of said tape edges; advancing said tape through said bend having said equal radii; creating within said bend at said tape edges an unbalance providing a net force transversely of said tape while maintaining said equal radii; and applying said advancing tape at one of said tape edges with said net force to a reference surface while maintaining said equal radii; said creation of said unbalance including the steps of: establishing at said bend a first fluid leakage between the other of said tape edges and a further surface spaced from said reference surface; and establishing at said bend a second fluid leakage past said one tape edge and alongside and below said reference surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein: said establishing at said bend of a second fluid leakage includes channeling said second fluid leakage past said one tape edge and alongside and below said reference surface.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
153 words
A method of guiding a tape having two opposite tape edges, comprising in combination the steps of: providing in said tape an arcuate bend having equal radii at both of said tape edges; advancing said tape through said bend having said equal radii; creating within said bend at said tape edges an unbalance providing a net force transversely of said tape while maintaining said equal radii; and applying said advancing tape at one of said tape edges with said net force to a reference surface while maintaining said equal radii; said creation of said unbalance including the steps of: providing said reference surface with spaced channels extending below said reference surface; establishing at said bend a first fluid leakage between the other of said tape edges and a further surface spaced from said reference surface; and establishing at said bend a second fluid leakage past said one tape edge and through said channels.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
153 words
A method of guiding a tape having two opposite tape edges, comprising in combination the steps of: providing in said tape an arcuate bend having equal radii at both of said tape edges; advancing said tape through said bend having said equal radii; creating within said bend at said tape edges an unbalance providing a net force transversely of said tape while maintaining said equal radii; and applying said advancing tape at one of said tape edges with said net force to a reference surface while maintaining said equal radii; said creation of said unbalance including the steps of: providing said reference surface with spaced channels extending below said reference surface; establishing at said bend a first fluid leakage between the other of said tape edges and a further surface spaced from said reference surface; and establishing at said bend a second fluid leakage past said one tape edge and through said channels.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as claimed in claim 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the establishment of said first and second fluid leakages includes the step of: moving a fluid into and past said bend.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein: said bend is provided about an arc subtending an angle of up to 180°.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
190 words
A method of guiding a tape, comprising in combination the steps of: providing a tape vacuum column; delimiting said vacuum column by first and second surfaces, by a third surface extending between and perpendicularly to said first and second surfaces, and by a fourth surface extending between said first and second surfaces in parallel to said third surface; establishing one of said third and fourth surfaces as a reference surface for guiding said tape; providing said third and fourth surfaces with different surface configurations with respect to the flow of a fluid relative thereto; drawing into said vacuum column a loop of said tape extending through a first leg along part of said first surface, through a second leg along part of said second surface, and through a bight portion between said first and second legs and transversely of said third and fourth surfaces; advancing said tape through said legs and said bight portion in said vacuum column; drawing a fluid past said bight portion and different surface configurations of said third and fourth surfaces; and applying said advancing tape to said reference surface by said drawing of a fluid.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
190 words
A method of guiding a tape, comprising in combination the steps of: providing a tape vacuum column; delimiting said vacuum column by first and second surfaces, by a third surface extending between and perpendicularly to said first and second surfaces, and by a fourth surface extending between said first and second surfaces in parallel to said third surface; establishing one of said third and fourth surfaces as a reference surface for guiding said tape; providing said third and fourth surfaces with different surface configurations with respect to the flow of a fluid relative thereto; drawing into said vacuum column a loop of said tape extending through a first leg along part of said first surface, through a second leg along part of said second surface, and through a bight portion between said first and second legs and transversely of said third and fourth surfaces; advancing said tape through said legs and said bight portion in said vacuum column; drawing a fluid past said bight portion and different surface configurations of said third and fourth surfaces; and applying said advancing tape to said reference surface by said drawing of a fluid.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as claimed in claim 9, including the step of: creating with said fluid drawing at said bight portion an unbalance providing a net force transversely of said advancing tape.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein: said third surface is provided with grooves; and said advancing tape is applied to said third surface by drawing said fluid past said bight portion through said grooves and between said bight portion and said fourth surface.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein: said grooves are provided along said third surface.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein: said grooves are provided along said third surface in parallel to said first and second surfaces.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
183 words
A method of guiding a tape, comprising in combination the steps of: providing a tape vacuum column; delimiting said vacuum column by first and second surfaces, by a third surface extending between and perpendicularly to said first and second surfaces, and by a fourth surface extending between said first and second surfaces in parallel to said third surface; establishing one of said third and fourth surfaces as a reference surface for guiding said tape; drawing into said vacuum column a loop of said tape extending through a first leg along part of said first surface, through a second leg along part of said second surface, and through a bight portion between said first and second legs and transversely of said third and fourth surfaces; advancing said tape through said legs and said bight portion in said vacuum column; drawing a fluid past said bight portion through a first fluid leakage having a first cross-sectional configuration at said third surface and a different second cross-sectional configuration at said fourth surface; and applying said advancing tape to said reference surface by said drawing of fluid.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
183 words
A method of guiding a tape, comprising in combination the steps of: providing a tape vacuum column; delimiting said vacuum column by first and second surfaces, by a third surface extending between and perpendicularly to said first and second surfaces, and by a fourth surface extending between said first and second surfaces in parallel to said third surface; establishing one of said third and fourth surfaces as a reference surface for guiding said tape; drawing into said vacuum column a loop of said tape extending through a first leg along part of said first surface, through a second leg along part of said second surface, and through a bight portion between said first and second legs and transversely of said third and fourth surfaces; advancing said tape through said legs and said bight portion in said vacuum column; drawing a fluid past said bight portion through a first fluid leakage having a first cross-sectional configuration at said third surface and a different second cross-sectional configuration at said fourth surface; and applying said advancing tape to said reference surface by said drawing of fluid.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method as claimed in claim 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, including the step of: maintaining equal radii at opposite edges of said tape in said bight portion throughout said advancing of said tape and said drawing of a fluid.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
93 words
Apparatus for guiding a tape having two opposite tape edges, comprising in combination: means for providing in said tape a floating arcuate bend having equal radii at both of said tape edges; means coupled to said tape for advancing said tape through said bend having said equal radii; and means for creating within said bend at said tape edges an unbalance providing a net force transversely of said tape for applying said advancing tape at one of said tape edges with said net force to a reference surface while maintaining said equal radii.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
93 words
Apparatus for guiding a tape having two opposite tape edges, comprising in combination: means for providing in said tape a floating arcuate bend having equal radii at both of said tape edges; means coupled to said tape for advancing said tape through said bend having said equal radii; and means for creating within said bend at said tape edges an unbalance providing a net force transversely of said tape for applying said advancing tape at one of said tape edges with said net force to a reference surface while maintaining said equal radii.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
120 words
Apparatus for guiding a tape having two opposite tape edges, comprising in combination: means for providing in said tape a floating arcuate bend having equal radii at both of said tape edges; means coupled to said tape for advancing said tape through said bend having said equal radii; and means for creating within said bend at said tape edges an unbalance providing a net force transversely of said tape for applying said advancing tape at one of said tape edges with said net force to a reference surface while maintaining said equal radii, said means for creating said unbalance including means for establishing at said bend past said two tape edges, respectively, first and second fluid leakages of different configurations.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
120 words
Apparatus for guiding a tape having two opposite tape edges, comprising in combination: means for providing in said tape a floating arcuate bend having equal radii at both of said tape edges; means coupled to said tape for advancing said tape through said bend having said equal radii; and means for creating within said bend at said tape edges an unbalance providing a net force transversely of said tape for applying said advancing tape at one of said tape edges with said net force to a reference surface while maintaining said equal radii, said means for creating said unbalance including means for establishing at said bend past said two tape edges, respectively, first and second fluid leakages of different configurations.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein: said different configurations are different cross-sectional configurations.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
152 words
Apparatus for guiding a tape having two opposite tape edges, comprising in combination: means for providing in said tape a floating arcuate bend having equal radii at both of said tape edges; means coupled to said tape for advancing said tape through said bend having said equal radii; and means for creating within said bend at said tape edges an unbalance providing a net force transversely of said tape for applying said advancing tape at one of said tape edges with said net force to a reference surface while maintaining said equal radii, said means for creating said unbalance including: a further surface spaced from said reference surface; means for establishing at said bend a first fluid leakage between the other of said tape edges and said further surface; and means for establishing at said bend a second fluid leakage past said one tape edge and alongside and below said reference surface.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
152 words
Apparatus for guiding a tape having two opposite tape edges, comprising in combination: means for providing in said tape a floating arcuate bend having equal radii at both of said tape edges; means coupled to said tape for advancing said tape through said bend having said equal radii; and means for creating within said bend at said tape edges an unbalance providing a net force transversely of said tape for applying said advancing tape at one of said tape edges with said net force to a reference surface while maintaining said equal radii, said means for creating said unbalance including: a further surface spaced from said reference surface; means for establishing at said bend a first fluid leakage between the other of said tape edges and said further surface; and means for establishing at said bend a second fluid leakage past said one tape edge and alongside and below said reference surface.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein: said establishing means include means for channeling said second fluid leakage past said one tape edge and alongside and below said reference surface.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
160 words
Apparatus for guiding a tape having two opposite tape edges, comprising in combination: means for providing in said tape a floating arcuate bend having equal radii at both of said tape edges; means coupled to said tape for advancing said tape through said bend having said equal radii; and means for creating within said bend at said tape edges an unbalance providing a net force transversely of said tape for applying said advancing tape at one of said tape edges with said net force to a reference surface while maintaining said equal radii, said means for creating said unbalance including: spaced channels in said reference surface extending below said reference surface; a further surface spaced from said reference surface; means for establishing at said bend a first fluid leakage between the other of said tape edges and said further surface; and means for establishing at said bend a second fluid leakage past said one tape edge and through said channels.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
160 words
Apparatus for guiding a tape having two opposite tape edges, comprising in combination: means for providing in said tape a floating arcuate bend having equal radii at both of said tape edges; means coupled to said tape for advancing said tape through said bend having said equal radii; and means for creating within said bend at said tape edges an unbalance providing a net force transversely of said tape for applying said advancing tape at one of said tape edges with said net force to a reference surface while maintaining said equal radii, said means for creating said unbalance including: spaced channels in said reference surface extending below said reference surface; a further surface spaced from said reference surface; means for establishing at said bend a first fluid leakage between the other of said tape edges and said further surface; and means for establishing at said bend a second fluid leakage past said one tape edge and through said channels.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21 wherein said means for establishing said first and second fluid leakages include: means for moving a fluid into and past said bend.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21, wherein: said bend providing means include means for bending said tape about an arc subtending an angle of up to 180° C.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
190 words
Apparatus for guiding a tape, comprising in combination: a tape vacuum column delimited by first and second surfaces, by a third surface extending between and perpendicularly to said first and second surfaces, and by a fourth surface extending between said first and second surfaces in parallel to said third surface, said third and fourth surfaces having different surface configurations with respect to the flow of a fluid relative thereto and one of said third and fourth surfaces including a reference surface for guiding said tape; means for drawing into said vacuum column a loop of said tape extending through a first leg along part of said first surface, through a second leg along part of said second surface, and through a bight portion between said first and second legs and transversely of said third and fourth surfaces; means for advancing said tape through said legs and said bight portion in said vacuum column; and means for drawing a fluid past said bight portion and different surface configurations of said third and fourth surfaces, including means for applying said advancing tape to said reference surface by said drawing of a fluid.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
190 words
Apparatus for guiding a tape, comprising in combination: a tape vacuum column delimited by first and second surfaces, by a third surface extending between and perpendicularly to said first and second surfaces, and by a fourth surface extending between said first and second surfaces in parallel to said third surface, said third and fourth surfaces having different surface configurations with respect to the flow of a fluid relative thereto and one of said third and fourth surfaces including a reference surface for guiding said tape; means for drawing into said vacuum column a loop of said tape extending through a first leg along part of said first surface, through a second leg along part of said second surface, and through a bight portion between said first and second legs and transversely of said third and fourth surfaces; means for advancing said tape through said legs and said bight portion in said vacuum column; and means for drawing a fluid past said bight portion and different surface configurations of said third and fourth surfaces, including means for applying said advancing tape to said reference surface by said drawing of a fluid.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein: said drawing means include means for creating with said fluid drawing at said bight portion an unbalance providing a net force transversely of said advancing tape.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
47 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein: said third surface has grooves; and said drawing means include means for applying said advancing tape to said third surface by drawing said fluid past said bight portion through said grooves and between said bight portion and said fourth surface.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein: said grooves extend along said third surface.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein: said grooves extend along said third surface in parallel to said first and second surfaces.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
182 words
Apparatus for guiding a tape, comprising in combination: a tape vacuum column delimited by first and second surfaces, by a third surface extending between and perpendicularly to said first and second surfaces, and by a fourth surface extending between said first and second surfaces in parallel to said third surface one of said third and fourth surfaces including a reference surface for guiding said tape; means for drawing into said vacuum column a loop of said tape extending through a first leg along part of said first surface, through a second leg along part of said second surface, and through a bight portion between said first and second legs and transversely of said third and fourth surfaces; means for advancing said tape through said legs and said bight portion in said vacuum column; means for drawing a fluid past said bight portion through a first fluid leakage having a first cross-sectional configuration at said third surface and a different second cross-sectional configuration at said fourth surface; and means for applying said advancing tape to said reference surface by said drawing of fluid.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
182 words
Apparatus for guiding a tape, comprising in combination: a tape vacuum column delimited by first and second surfaces, by a third surface extending between and perpendicularly to said first and second surfaces, and by a fourth surface extending between said first and second surfaces in parallel to said third surface one of said third and fourth surfaces including a reference surface for guiding said tape; means for drawing into said vacuum column a loop of said tape extending through a first leg along part of said first surface, through a second leg along part of said second surface, and through a bight portion between said first and second legs and transversely of said third and fourth surfaces; means for advancing said tape through said legs and said bight portion in said vacuum column; means for drawing a fluid past said bight portion through a first fluid leakage having a first cross-sectional configuration at said third surface and a different second cross-sectional configuration at said fourth surface; and means for applying said advancing tape to said reference surface by said drawing of fluid.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 or 29, including: means for maintaining equal radii at opposite edges of said tape in said bight portion throughout said advancing of said tape and said drawing of a fluid.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
161 words
In a tape vacuum column, the improvement comprising in combination: first and second surfaces; a third surface extending between and perpendicularly to said first and second surfaces; and a fourth surface extending between said first and second surfaces in parallel to said third surface, said third and fourth surfaces having different surface configurations with respect to the flow of a fluid relative thereto; and means for drawing a fluid into said vacuum column to form a loop of tape therein, including means for drawing into said vacuum column said loop of tape to extend through a first leg along part of said first surface, through a second leg along part of said second surface, and through a bight portion between said first and second legs and transversely of said third and fourth surfaces; and means for maintaining equal radii at opposite edges of said tape in said bight portion throughout said advancing of said tape and said drawing of a fluid.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
161 words
In a tape vacuum column, the improvement comprising in combination: first and second surfaces; a third surface extending between and perpendicularly to said first and second surfaces; and a fourth surface extending between said first and second surfaces in parallel to said third surface, said third and fourth surfaces having different surface configurations with respect to the flow of a fluid relative thereto; and means for drawing a fluid into said vacuum column to form a loop of tape therein, including means for drawing into said vacuum column said loop of tape to extend through a first leg along part of said first surface, through a second leg along part of said second surface, and through a bight portion between said first and second legs and transversely of said third and fourth surfaces; and means for maintaining equal radii at opposite edges of said tape in said bight portion throughout said advancing of said tape and said drawing of a fluid.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
14 words
A vacuum column as claimed in claim 31, wherein: said third surface has grooves.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
16 words
A vacuum column as claimed in claim 31, wherein: said grooves extend along said third surface.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
24 words
A vacuum column as claimed in claim 31, wherein: said grooves extend along said third surface in parallel to said first and second surfaces.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-02-22 | 1985-08-24 | 1986-02-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-02-22 | 1989-08-24 | 1990-02-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-02-22 | 1993-08-24 | 1994-02-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |