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AssigneeBerkeley Process Control, Inc.
InventorsReuben Sandler, Jon Burns, Alexander Charles White, Bjorn Monteen, Jesse Thomas, Nathan H. Harding
Estimating the term…
A follower apparatus mounted on a track running parallel to an axis of rotation of a spool. The apparatus has a base with a roller mounted thereon and having an axis of rotation parallel to the rotational axis of the spool, the roller providing support and guidance to the material being wound. A pulley is rotatably mounted to receive material from the roller and redirect the direction of material traveled. Light beams and detection apparatus are positioned to detect material excursions to pre-determined off center portions of the roller. The follower positioning apparatus responds to signals detecting the material by repositioning the follower to place the material back on to a center zone of the roller.
A follower apparatus for use in guiding material between the follower and a spool, the follower comprising:
An apparatus as recited in claim I wherein said follower module includes first and second physical stops positioned approximate first and second ends of said roller so as to prevent said material from moving past said ends of said roller.
An apparatus for guiding material between a spool and a material guidance module comprising:
An apparatus as recited in claim I wherein said motorized apparatus includes a track, and wherein said base is configured to move on said track, and wherein said track is oriented substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of said spool.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.