Patent ID: 11867598
Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
Field: Measurement (Instruments)
Classification: CPC G  B | IPC B  G

Claim 6:
7. An automated process for sampling a rubber strip moving in a predetermined direction, the process comprising the following steps:
a first phase of the process comprising the following steps:
the step of shaping the rubber strip to a predetermined thickness; and
the step of directing the rubber strip, after shaping, to an automatic sampling system such that the rubber strip passes between an anvil and a punch of the automatic sampling system, the anvil comprising a cylinder of a predetermined diameter and with a circumferential surface that engages the rubber strip during its movement, the anvil being fixed so that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation, and the punch having a cylindrical housing of a predetermined length extending between a sampling end and an opposite installation end;

a second phase of the process comprising the following steps:
the step of sampling the rubber strip by a die-cutter provided at the sampling end of the punch and having an annular blade of a predetermined diameter, with an ejector of the punch remaining in the standby position, the ejector being disposed within the housing of the punch and moving along a common longitudinal axis among the ejector, the housing and the die-cutter, the ejector comprising a structure with a predetermined length that extends between a release end comprising a domed surface with a tapered surface area and an opposite attachment end; and
the step of taking a sample with the die-cutter;

a third phase of the process comprising the following step:
the step of engaging the sample taken during the second phase, with the ejector remaining in the standby position while securing the sample taken as the punch rotates toward a down position; and

a fourth phase of the process comprising the following steps:
the step of supplying a rod cylinder of the punch with pressurized fluid to effect corresponding movement of the ejector from the standby position to a release position, this step being performed simultaneously with the continuous rotation of the punch toward the down position; and
the step of releasing the sample from the domed surface to a recovery means.