Patent ID: 6491773
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: B29C

Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling tension of a fiber comprising:a spool holder for rotatably holding a spool of fiber; a stepper motor for driving the spool holder; redirect guides for redirecting and guiding the fiber within the apparatus; a dancer arm having a fixed end cooperatively attached to a first angular sensor for sensing a relative angular position of the dancer arm; and a free end having a fiber redirect guide mounted on the dancer arm for guiding the fiber and redirecting a path of the fiber; a low-friction preloadable pneumatic cylinder being connectable to a pressurized pneumatic supply, the pneumatic cylinder having a first end pivotably mounted at a preselected point along the dancer arm and a second end pivotably mounted to a support structure; a second angular sensor for sensing a relative speed of the fiber; and a process controller having circuitry to control fiber tension by adjusting stepper motor speed responsive to dancer arm position information provided by said first angular sensor.