Patent US4247024A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5159733A
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US
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Tenter-type stretcher having means for detecting clip obstructions
Assignee: Agfa Gevaert NV
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Filing: 1991-10-02
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Granted: 1992-11-03
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Expires: 2011-10-02
Abstract
Abstract An improved tenter-type stretcher comprises a pair of rails which diverge from one another, a plurality of clips carried in endless chains along the rails and a device for detecting obstructions in the tenter clips, wherein the detecting device is either a mechanical arm positioned to contact and move upon encountering foreign matter in the clips or a light beam which traverses the clips, and is interrupted by foreign matter in the clips.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert L. Fleming, Jr.
- 👤 Walter F. Hart, Jr.
- 👤 Edward V. Lindall, Jr.
- 👤 Ronnie D. Reid
- 👤 John A. Stewrat, III
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 22:54
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29C; B29C55/00; B29C55/02; B29C55/20; D; D06; D06C; D06C3/00; D06C3/02; D06C3/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A tenter for widthwise stretching of a web of material, comprising: a) at least two spaced apart rails defining an entrance and an exit of said tenter, said rails diverging from one another from said entrance to said exit; b) a plurality of clips, each of said clips having means for releasably engaging a slevedge edge of a web of material; c) means for propelling said clips along said rails; and d) means for detecting obstructions within said clips while the clips are not engaged with a web of material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
A tenter for widthwise stretching of a web of material, comprising: a) at least two spaced apart rails defining an entrance and an exit of said tenter, said rails diverging from one another from said entrance to said exit; b) a plurality of clips, each of said clips having means for releasably engaging a slevedge edge of a web of material; c) means for propelling said clips along said rails; and d) means for detecting obstructions within said clips while the clips are not engaged with a web of material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The tenter of claim 1, wherein said means for detecting obstructions comprises mechanical means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The tenter of claim 2, wherein said mechanical means comprises an arm pivotally connected to a support, wherein said arm is positioned to be moveably contacted by obstructions in said clips.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The tenter of claim 3, further comprising means for detecting movement of said arm and alerting means operably connected to said movement detecting means, said alerting means comprising means for alerting a tenter operator to movement of said arm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tenter of claim 3, wherein said mechanical means further comprises biasing means for biasing said arm into a position for being moveably contacted by obstructions in said clips.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tenter of claim 5, wherein said biasing means comprises a spring connected to said arm and to said support.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The tenter of claim 1, wherein said means for detecting obstructions comprises means for emitting a beam of light to traverse said clips and means for receiving said beam of light after it traverses said clips.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tenter of claim 7, further comprising alerting means operatively connected to said light receiving means for alerting a tenter operator to interruptions in receiving said beam of light.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
The tenter of claim 7, wherein said means for detecting obstructions further comprises at least one reflector for reflecting said light beam from said means for emitting a light beam to said means for receiving a light beam.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The tenter of claim 9, wherein said means for emitting a light beam and said means for receiving a light beam comprise a single retroreflective sensor unit.
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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) | 1995-11-03 | 1996-05-04 | 1996-11-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-11-03 | 2000-05-04 | 2000-11-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-11-03 | 2004-05-04 | 2004-11-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |