Patent ID: 8403252
Filing Date: 2013-03-26
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for maintaining uniform tension across a width of a web, the apparatus comprising: a frame; a roller including a shaft about which the roller rotates, the roller shaft defining an axis of rotation, the roller shaft including a first end and a second end; a first coupling that couples the first end of the roller shaft to the frame such that the roller shaft is free to rotate, the first coupling including a first arm and a first joint, the first end of the roller shaft being rigidly connected to the first arm, the first arm extending away from the roller shaft to the first joint, the first joint being offset relative to the roller axis by a first distance; a second coupling that couples the second end of the roller shaft to the frame, the second coupling including a second arm, a second joint, and a third joint, the second arm being free to pivot relative to the roller shaft and the frame through the second joint and the third joint, respectively, the third joint being offset relative to the roller axis by a second distance that is substantially equal to the first distance and in the same direction relative to the roller axis; and a third coupling that couples the second end of the roller shaft to the frame, the third coupling including a third arm and a fourth joint, the third arm being rigidly coupled to the second end of the roller shaft and coupled to the frame through the fourth joint, the fourth joint being offset relative to the roller axis by a third distance that is substantially equal to the first distance, the offset being in an opposite direction relative to the roller axis.