Optics: measuring and testing – By monitoring of webs or thread
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-24
2001-01-16
Pham, Hoa Q. (Department: 2877)
Optics: measuring and testing
By monitoring of webs or thread
C250S559120, C250S559360
Reexamination Certificate
active
06175419
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a solid-state sensor system for determining the position of at least one edge of a web material.
2. Prior Art
Web edge sensor systems having a transmitter disposed on one side of a web and a receiver disposed on the other side of the web for locating the position of an edge of the web therebetween, are known in the art. To determine information such as the web center, the prior art web edge sensor systems require two sensors. Under this scheme, the two sensors are located at the lateral web edges and are positioned perpendicular to the web direction of travel. The sensors are mounted on mechanical drive systems which adjust the position of the sensors via belts and motors in response to periodic lateral web travel.
The drive system of the prior art web edge sensor systems maintains the position of the sensor relative to the web, which is disposed in between the sensor transmitter and receiver, to accurately determine web location and travel. However, such drive systems are complex and have many moving parts. These drive systems suffer from mechanical error, operate incorrectly, or in some cases completely fail as a result of their complexity. Even minor mechanical error can result in stoppage of the web production line to replace or repair the drive systems. Such interruptions are inefficient and costly.
Thus, a need exists for a sensor system which does not suffer from the aforementioned problems caused by sensors requiring complex mechanical drive systems, as described above, while continuing to accurately determine the web location and movement. It is to such an improved sensor system that the present invention is directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a light sensor system for determining the position of at least one edge of a web of material traveling along a predetermined path. Generally, the sensor system comprises a transmitter assembly and a receiver assembly.
The transmitter assembly is capable of selectively transmitting at least one collimated light curtain. The receiver assembly is capable of generating output signals in response to receiving at least a portion of the collimated light curtain transmitted by the transmitter assembly. The receiver assembly is spaced a distance from the transmitter assembly so as to define the travel path therebetween. The web of material traveling along the travel path blocks at least a portion of the collimated light curtain transmitted by the transmitter assembly. Thus, the output signal generated by the receiver assembly indicates the position of the web of material as the web of material is moved along the predetermined path in between the transmitter assembly and the receiver assembly.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the transmitter assembly of the present invention includes a plurality of modularly connectable transmit segments to create the collimated light curtain. In this embodiment, the receiver assembly is similarly comprised of a plurality of modularly connectable receive segments. Each receive segment is capable of determining the position of at least a portion of the web of material.
The advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description is read in conjunction with the attached drawings and the appended claims.
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Exhibit “A”—Engineering Drawing of Model SE-4001 Sensor Assembly.
Exhibit “B”—Operating Instructions for SE-4001 Sensor.
Exhibit “C”—Flyer Showing A Photoelectric Centerguide.
Exhibit “D”—Specifications for SE-4001 Sensor.
Exhibit “E”—Model SE-4004 Sensor Assembly.
Exhibit “F”—Drawing of Model SE-4001 Sensor Assembly.
Exhibit “G”—Electrical Interconnection Diagram for Sensor.
Haque Md M.
Hueppelsheuser Dale
Newton John P.
Storie Greg A.
Winter Darcy
Dunlap Codding & Rogers P.C.
Fife Corporation
Pham Hoa Q.
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