Automatic edge positioning and fabric guiding for sewing machines
AssigneeMotiv Inc.
InventorsGeert Oktaaf Maurice Beyaert, Stefaan René Vierstraete, Steven Goegebeur, Wim Jan George Matthys, Steve Guy Robert Jacob
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods are provided for automatic edge positioning and guiding of a moving web, such as a textile fabric or carpet, onto a conveyor system comprising manufacturing operations such as sewing, for example. More in particular an apparatus is provided including mechanics, optics and control for steering and positioning the side edges of the moving web in order to correct for misalignment, and hence sewing can occur appropriately.
Claims14
An apparatus for steering an edge of a moving web, the apparatus comprising:
- a moving conveyor;
- and
- two pairs of rolls adjacent to at least one edge side of said moving conveyor, the two pairs of rolls comprising per pair of rolls a first roll above and a second roll below said moving conveyor,
- wherein:
- for each pair of rolls said first roll above and/or said second roll below can be moved along a vertical axis in relation to one another;
- said two pairs of rolls are mounted with their central axes perpendicular to the travel direction of said moving conveyor;
- and
- said two pairs of rolls comprise a first pair of rolls mounted in a fixed position along a transversal direction of said moving conveyor and a second pair of rolls movably mounted along said transversal direction of said moving conveyor, such that the distance between adjacent rolls of said first and second pair respectively above and below said moving conveyor is variable along said transversal direction.
A method for automatic alignment of an edge of a moving web, the method comprising:
- (a) guiding said moving web onto a moving conveyor, provided with two pairs of rolls adjacent to the same edge side of said moving conveyor, toward said two pairs of rolls;
- (b) holding said moving web at said edge by a first pair of rolls while at least one of the rolls of a second pair of rolls is lifted away from said moving web;
- and
- (c) holding and pulling said moving web toward said edge side of said moving conveyor by said second pair of rolls while at least one of the rolls of said first pair of rolls is lifted away from said edge of said moving web.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.