William G Rance, Jr

Title: William G. Rance, Jr.: Inventor of Tape-Winding Technology.

Introduction

William G. Rance, Jr. is an inventor associated with West Palm Beach, Florida, and International Business Machines Corporation. His work includes inventions for attaching tape to reel hubs and winding tape media inside cartridges. He is credited with 2 patents.

Latest Patents

Rance’s listed patents address different stages of automated tape-cartridge production.

- **“Vacuum Probe for Attaching Tape to Reel Hub Within a Cartridge.”** This invention describes a vacuum probe assembly that positions a section of tape against an adhesive patch on a reel hub inside a cartridge. The apparatus also winds the tape, severs it, and holds the trailing end for attachment to the next cartridge’s reel.

- **“Multiple Spindle Winding Apparatus.”** This invention describes a system that routes cartridges through three in-line winding channels. Vacuum mechanisms apply adhesive patches to reel hubs and guide tape into cartridges, where it is attached and wound to a selected size. The system then severs the tape while retaining control of its supply end, and applies a leader block to complete the reel. Optional cleaning and identification-printing stations are also described.

Career Highlights

Rance’s patent work focuses on automating tape winding and cartridge handling. The described systems combine tape feeding, adhesive application, winding, cutting, and cartridge transfer to support continuous production.

Collaborations

Rance’s listed coworkers include Paul H. Whittington and William O. Wightman, Jr. The available information identifies them as coworkers but does not specify their roles in the patents.

Conclusion

William G. Rance, Jr.’s two listed patents document practical approaches to attaching and winding tape within cartridges, with an emphasis on coordinated, automated manufacturing processes.