Machine for wrapping tape on a pipe including improved means of controlling the tension on the tape

A machine for wrapping tape on a pipe including improved means of controlling the tension on the tape, comprising:

• a bracket supported for simultaneous rotation around and axial advancement along a pipe;
• a spindle rotatably supported to the bracket and adapted for receiving a roll of tape thereon;
• a brake disc coaxially mounted and rotated with said spindle;
• a brake housing having a slot therein receiving the outer peripheral area of said disc;
• a movable brake pad;
• an opening in said brake housing having a said brake pad longitudinally positionable therein, one surface of the brake pad contacting said disc;
• a rotatable cam plate having a cam surface thereon, the cam plate being supported in proximity to said brake pad;
• a longitudinally positionable cam follower having one end in engagement with said brake pad and the other in engagement with said cam plate, the pressure exerted by said cam follower pushing said brake pad into increased frictional contact with said disc being determined by the rotational position of said cam plate;
• a follower arm having the inner end pivotally supported to said bracket and having the outer end in engagement with the external periphery of a roll of tape mounted on said spindle;
• a first linkage arm extending from said cam plate normal to the rotational axis thereof;
• and
• a second linkage connected to said follower arm adjacent the inner pivoted end, the outer ends of the first and second linkage arms being pivotally secured to each other, whereby increased frictional contact of said brake pad with said brake disc is achieved in proportion to the diameter of the roll of tape on said spindle.