Winding – tensioning – or guiding – Tension control or brake – Supply controlled
Reexamination Certificate
2002-05-07
2003-03-04
Mansen, Michael R. (Department: 3654)
Winding, tensioning, or guiding
Tension control or brake
Supply controlled
C242S131000, C242S14700M, C242S421700
Reexamination Certificate
active
06527216
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for feeding multiple fibers to a winding machine or the like and, more particularly, to such apparatus wherein the tension in each fiber is monitored and controlled so as to prevent the fiber from sagging as it traverses the distance from a spool to the winding machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Winding machines adapted to wrap a plurality of strands of fiber or wire into a completed product or onto a core member that is being drawn through a winding machine are well known in the art. The strands of fiber that are to be applied in this way are often supplied to such machines from a separate apparatus including a plurality of spools of fiber. Associated with each spool of fiber is a strand delivery assembly which often includes both a mechanical tension controlling mechanism and a clutch mechanism. The tension controlling mechanism functions to maintain a constant tension on the strand of fiber as it leaves the spool. When a constant or near constant tension is not maintained in each fiber as it makes its way to the winding machine, a difference in length is created between fibers which greatly degrades the quality of the winding on the end product.
In prior art fiber pay-out apparatus, the tension control mechanism is often engaged by means of a clutch mechanism that restrains the spool from rotating and dispensing a strand of fiber and periodically releases the spool when the tension controlling mechanism reaches the limit of its operation. Release of the spool permits an additional length of fiber to be unwound from the spool. These prior art tension control mechanisms have provided less than desirable results. In particular, prior art fiber or wire pay-out systems have suffered from a lack of accurate and precise control of the tension in each fiber due, in part, to the lack of an adequate real-time control of the interaction between the tension control mechanism and the clutch mechanism. A tension control system is needed that allows for the monitoring of fiber tension, and a feed-back loop control over the release of fiber from a spool.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a multi-spindle fiber pay-out apparatus that provides fiber tension control. In a preferred embodiment, a frame supports a plurality of spools of fiber, with each spool of fiber being mounted on a spindle having a first end and a second end. The first end of the spindle is in rotational supporting relation to the spool of fiber and the second end is operatively engaged with a magnetic particle brake, which is itself in control communication with an electronic controller. A fiber take-up system is mounted upon the frame in cooperative relation to the spool of fiber and arranged so as to compensate for changes in the fiber pay-out rate from the spool of fiber that are caused by activation/deactivation of the magnetic particle brake, or inherent irregularities in the fiber coming from the spool. A load cell transducer is also mounted upon the frame, adjacent to the fiber take-up system. The load cell transducer is at least partially engaged by a fiber, and is arranged in electrical data communication with the magnetic particle brake so as to (i) activate the magnetic particle brake when a tension in the fiber is detected below a predetermined magnitude, and (ii) deactivate the magnetic particle brake when the tension in the fiber is at or above the predetermined magnitude. A method for monitoring and adjusting the length of a fiber via monitoring of the tension in the fiber is also provided in which a continuous length of fiber is paid-out so as to continuously engage a rotating portion of a load cell transducer. The magnitude of the load applied to the load cell transducer by the fiber is compared to a standard. When a load is detected by the load cell transducer that is below the standard, means for retarding the pay-out of fiber are activated. When the load is at or above the standard the means for retarding the pay-out of fiber is deactivated.
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Eagelman John M.
Ledbetter William M.
Duane Morris LLP
Magnatech International LLP
Mansen Michael R.
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