Patent ID: 6409116
Filing Date: 2002-06-25
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
A wire tensioning device for maintaining tension on a moving wire as the wire is uncoiled over the axial end of a fixed spool of wire including:a disk adapted to be mounted on the axial end of a spool of wire, said disk having a plurality of radially extending resilient filaments that protrude beyond the periphery of the axial end of the spool of wire, said filaments engaging said wire as it is unwound from said spool over said axial end of said spool to thereby apply a resistance to the uncoiling of said wire, a drive shaft powered by a reversible motor for rapidly responding to changes in said resistance applied to said uncoiling wire by bending or unbending of said filaments, said disk operably connected to said drive shaft, an arm engaged by said uncoiling wire, said arm connected to a rotatably mounted axle for pivotal movement in a limited arc, a rotor mounted on said axle, a lobe formed on said rotor, a pair of proximity switches for operating said reversible electric motor in opposite directions of rotation, one of said pair of said proximity switches positioned on each of diametrically located opposite sides of said rotor, said proximity switches positioned relative to said rotor to position said lobe in actuating proximity to only one of said pair of proximity switches during rotation of said axle in response to pivotal movement of said arm within said limited arc.