Patent ID: 6473669
Filing Date: 2002-10-29
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
Processing apparatus defining a processing line, for advancing a continuous web of material through a processing step along a given section of the processing line, the processing apparatus comprising:(a) first and second rolls defining a first nip; (b) third and fourth rolls defining a second nip, the first and second nips collectively defining the given section of the web; (c) a festoon, including upper and lower festoon rolls, operating on the web in the given section of the processing line, thereby to control tension in the web and to accumulate a limited length of the web sufficient to sustain operation of the process on the length of web during routine temporary stoppages of web feed to the given section of the processing line or taking the web away from the given section of the processing line; (d) an actuator applying net translational force to the upper festoon rolls; and (e) a controller driving the festoon, and computing and controlling net translational acceleration of the upper festoon rolls such that the festoon is effective to control tension, at a desired level of constancy, and to accumulate a limited length of the web, in the respective section of the processing line.