Periodically aligning an endless web
AssigneeEastman Kodak Company
InventorsCarl M. Marsiglio, John P. Swapceinski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Web-tracking method and apparatus periodically reduces tension on endless web, laterally adjusts the position of the web, and then restores web tension.
Claims7
Web-tracking apparatus, comprising:
- at least two web-engaging members for supporting an endless web and defining a path along which such web is movable, means for mounting one of said members to impart tension to the web;
- means cooperating with said tension imparting means for periodically reducing such tension;
- and means cooperating with said tension reducing means for laterally adjusting the position of the web relative to said members during intervals when web tension is reduced.
An improved method of maintaining alignment of an endless web trained about, held under tension by, and movable about a path defined by spaced members, the improvement comprising the steps of:
- a. periodically reducing web tension for a selected interval;
- and
- b. adjusting the lateral position of the web relative to such members during the interval of reduced tension.
In web-supporting apparatus for aligning a web movable along an endless path including first and second web-supporting, rotatable cylindrical rollers disposed in spaced relation adjacent to the path, and means for imparting web moving force to one of such rollers, the improvement comprising:
- a. second roller mounting means (i) for moving said second roller to selectively increase and reduce web tension and (ii) for supporting said second roller so that it changes its orientation in response to lateral movement of the web;
- b. web-engaging means located along the path and having spaced web-engaging portions, at least one of which engages and laterally adjusts the position of the web relative to said rollers during intervals when web tension is reduced;
- and
- c. control means coupled to said mounting means for periodically (i) moving said mounting means to a position at which web tension is reduced so that during such reduced tension said web-engaging means moves said web laterally to align the web on said rollers;
- and then (ii) moving said mounting means to reapply tension to said web so that said web moving force is effective to move the aligned web in the path.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.