Web position controller for web transport systems

Abstract

A web position controller for a web transport system positions and aligns a moving web, having a variable center line, to the predetermined center line of a system utilizing the web. A fixed roller or other means constrains the moving web to contact the input roller at a constant or slightly varying angle, referenced to a pivotal axis of a rocker arm type of, preferably, a statically balanced carriage such that if the elevation of the moving web is above or below the predetermined center line of the web utilization system, the web causes a tilting action of the carriage. Mounted on the carriage are input and output rollers. The tilting action of the carriage changes the elevation of the moving web such that, upon exiting the carriage output roller, the axis of the web is substantially aligned to be coincident with the predetermined line of the system. The web position controller may be used to effect a vertical translation of the moving web while maintaining accurate alignment of the web with the center line of the system.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.