Apparatus and method for mechanically gripping and transporting webs of material
AssigneeCurt G. Joa, Inc.
InventorsSudeep Ingole, Lloyd Kreif, Brenden Schulz
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Abstract
Individual fibers of a material layer are pinched within adjacent coils of a spring in the present invention by a spring-like surface carried by a moving object such as a conveyor belt, rotating drum or rotating puck. The spring coils are slightly opened to accept the individual fibers. Next the spring coils are closed to carry and transport the web of fibers. At a deposition point, the coil springs, carried by a moving object such as a conveyor belt, rotating drum or rotating puck, are opened slightly, releasing fibers and depositing the web at a desired location.
Claims5
An apparatus for transporting material, the apparatus comprising:
- a series of biased gripping members, said biased gripping members operable between an open position and a closed position;
- said biased gripping members transported in a web processing system from an acquisition point for receiving said material, to a transport segment for moving substantially the entire length of said material by gripping substantially the entire length of said material with said gripping members, to a deposition point for releasing said material;
- wherein said biased gripping members are in said open position at said acquisition point and receiving a portion of said material between adjacent biased gripping members;
- and
- wherein said biased gripping members are in said closed position at said transport segment, and retaining said portion of said material between adjacent biased gripping members;
- and
- wherein said biased gripping members are in said open position at said deposition point and releasing said portion of said material between adjacent biased gripping members;
- and a belt carrying said series of biased gripping members.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.