Web tensioning control system

A web tensioning system for pulling a web of material under uniform tension through a path from an entrance to an exit, said system comprising:

• (a) an exit drive motor positioned near said exit, said exit motor coupled to a drive pinch roller for selectively pulling said web through said path;
• (b) a plurality of helper motors positioned between said entrance and said exit, each said helper motor being coupled to an associated helper pinch roller for selectively propelling said web;
• (c) an exit tension sensing means for detecting the amount of tension on said web as it exits said path and generating an exit tension signal indicative of said web exit tension;
• (d) a plurality of motor control circuits, a separate one of said motor control circuit controlling each of said helper motors, each of said motor control circuits having as a feedback input said exit tension signal, each said motor control circuit selectively providing tension based control of its associated helper motor to load share any drag on said web as it follows said path with the other helper motor(s) based solely on feedback from said exit tension signal and a speed feedback signal from its associated motor.