Patent ID: 6314333
Filing Date: 2001-11-06
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
Processing apparatus for advancing a continuous web of material through a processing step along a given section of the web, the processing apparatus comprising:(a) a dancer roll operative for controlling tension on the respective section of web;(b) actuator apparatus for applying a first static force component, to said dancer roll, having a first value and direction, and balancing said dancer roll against static forces and the average dynamic tension in the respective section of the web;(c) a controller connected to said actuator apparatus, said controller outputting a second variable force component, through said actuator apparatus, effective to control the net actuating force imparted to said dancer roll by said actuator apparatus, and to periodically adjust the value and direction of the second variable force component, each such value and direction of the second variable force component replacing the previous such value and direction of the second variable force component, and acting in combination with the first static force component to impart a target net translational acceleration to said dancer roll, the second variable force component having a second value and direction, modifying the first static force component, such that the net translational acceleration of said dancer roll is controlled by the net actuating force enabling said dancer roll to control the web tension; and(d) apparatus for computing acceleration (A.sub.p) of said dancer roll, said controller comprising a computer controller providing control commands to said actuator apparatus based on the computed acceleration of said dancer roll.