Automatic tensioning apparatus and method of use
AssigneePatz Corporation
InventorsBradley J. Bedord, Michael J. Carncross
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An automatic tensioning apparatus is provided that includes a tensioning drive unit having a longitudinally extending stationary base frame with a plurality of opposing guides extending between a lower portion and an upper portion, and a plurality of rotatable feed wheels positioned about the lower portion. The tensioning drive unit further includes a translatable drive frame having a plurality of rollers engaged with the plurality of opposing guides, along with a drive assembly coupled with the drive frame, and including a drive motor and a tensile member interface for engaging and rotationally translating a tensile member, as well as a first drive frame actuator actuatable to provide a vertically translating force upon the drive frame.
Claims20
An automatic tensioning apparatus comprising:
- a tensioning drive unit comprising:
- a longitudinally extending stationary base frame with a plurality of opposing guides extending between a lower portion and an upper portion, and a plurality of rotatable feed wheels positioned about the lower portion;
- a translatable drive frame having a plurality of rollers engaged with the plurality of opposing guides;
- a drive assembly coupled with the drive frame, and including a drive motor and a tensile member interface for engaging and rotationally translating a tensile member;
- and
- a first drive frame actuator actuatable to provide a vertically translating force upon the drive frame.
An automatic tensioning apparatus comprising:
- a tensioning drive unit comprising:
- a longitudinally extending stationary base frame with a first guide and a second guide, the guides situated on opposing sides of the base frame and extending between a lower portion and an upper portion;
- a drive frame movably coupled to the first guide and the second guide;
- a drive assembly coupled to the drive frame, and including a drive motor and a tensile member interface for engaging and rotationally translating the tensile member;
- and
- a drive frame actuator for providing a vertically translating force upon the drive frame to selectably increase or decrease tension on the tensile member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.