Patent ID: 6575346
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: B65H,D07B,G02B

Abstract:
A torque capstan for use in an optical fiber cable manufacturing system, the system including a main capstan for pulling an optical fiber cable through the system in a direction, the torque capstan comprising:a first portion, the first portion having at least two pulleys rotationally mounted thereon; a second portion, the second portion having at least two pulleys rotationally mounted thereon; a first drive belt mounted on the pulleys of said first portion, the first drive belt having a longitudinal groove formed therein that is configured to grip a portion of the optical fiber cable, the longitudinal groove being substantially parallel to a direction in which the optical fiber cable is being pulled during an optical fiber cable manufacturing process; a second drive belt mounted on the pulleys of said second portion, a portion of the first drive belt being in contact with a portion of the second drive belt during the optical fiber cable manufacturing process such that rotation of one of the drive belts in said direction in which the optical fiber cable is being pulled causes the other drive belt to rotate in said direction; a feedback system; and wherein said torque capstan is configured to apply an additional force substantially parallel to said direction in which the fiber is being pulled based upon an input from said feedback system.