High accuracy slitter system
AssigneeThe Firestone Tire & Rubber Company
InventorsErnest R. Cox, Duane E. Snyder, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A high accuracy slitter system including both method and apparatus for aligning and cutting an elongate web of reinforced elastic material into multiple strips wherein the improved guiding apparatus includes mechanisms for both aligning the web relative to either its longitudinal center line or one of its edges while keeping the web in a generally flat condition and wherein the improved moving member includes a porous conveying member having a plurality of guide members for restraining the member against lateral movement. In a method for aligning and slitting, the improvement includes the steps of aligning the web; keeping it in a generally flat condition while aligning; and restraining the conveying member against lateral movement during slitting.
Claims17
In an apparatus for aligning and cutting an elongate web of reinforced elastic material into multiple strips which includes in combination:
- i. means, including a porous substrate, for continuously moving the web in a direction parallel to its length toward and through a cutting or slitting apparatus;
- ii. means for providing a cushion of gas between said substrate and said web to permit ready transverse movement of said web;
- iii. guiding means for aligning said web;
- and
- iv. means for providing a zone of reduced pressure between said substrate and said web, in said cutting or slitting apparatus, to firmly hold said web to said means for moving;
- wherein the improvement comprises:
- (a) said guiding means includes mechanisms for both aligning said web relative to one of its longitudinal center lines and one of its edges as well as for keeping said web in a generally flat condition;
- and
- (b) said means for moving includes a moveable porous member having means for restraining said member against lateral movement.
In a method for aligning and slitting an elongate web of reinforced elastic material into multiple strips including the steps of:
- i. at least partially supporting said web on a cushion of gas acting through a porous supporting and advancing means;
- ii. aligning said web;
- iii. adhering said web to said advancing means;
- and
- iv. slitting said web, wherein the improvement comprises:
- (a) aligning said web relative to one of its longitudinal center lines and one of its edges;
- (b) keeping said web in a generally flat condition while aligning said web;
- and
- (c) restraining said advancing means against lateral movement at least during said slitting step.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.