Patent ID: 8206249
Filing Date: 2012-06-26
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. A tension head apparatus for use as part of a racquet stringing machine comprising; a snatch vise for engaging a racket string comprising; a motor assembly operable to drive the snatch vise rearwardly to apply tension to a racket string in the vice jaws wherein the load cell is attached to the motor assembly; a load cell fixed to the snatch vise and to the motor assembly and having strain gauges mounted on it to measure strain transmitted from the outer walls to the load cell during operation; a tension setting element for setting a desired tension on the racket string and transmitting an electrical signal comparable to the tension setting; an electronics assembly for reading the strain on the load cell and comparing it to the tension setting electrical signal and operable to cause the motor assembly to stop when the strain indicates that the desired tension has been reached; whereby upon rearward movement of the snatch vise with a racket string between the vice jaws, the vice jaws will close on the racket string and cause tension on the racket string to the point where the tension setting is equal to the tension on the racket string whereupon the motor assembly will stop.