Gerber Scientific Products, Inc.

Daren C Yeo

Kenneth O Wood

Patrick Raiola

A friction drive apparatus includes an edge detection system for determining a lateral position of a strip material advancing in a longitudinal direction. The edge detection system includes a first sensor and a second sensor for monitoring the lateral position of the strip material. The friction drive apparatus also includes instructions for automatically aligning the strip material as the strip material is advanced a predetermined aligning distance and instructions for calibrating the second sensor with respect to the first sensor to compensate for any potential discrepancies therebetween. The apparatus and methods of the present invention ensure that the strip material is properly aligned in the friction drive apparatus and limit waste of strip material during those operations.

Methods for calibration and automatic alignment in friction drive apparatus

Method for calibrating an edge detection system in a friction drive apparatus

A method and apparatus for defining a reference position of a tool with respect to at least one direction of movement is provided. The reference position is defined by comparing a position to which the tool has been commanded with the actual position of the tool with respect to the direction of movement. Lag data indicative of the difference is compared to a predetermined lag value, and advancement of the command position is terminated in response to lag data exceeding the predetermined data. The reference position is defined with respect to such lag data.

Growing community of inventors

Stafford, CT, United States of America

Daren C Yeo