The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 31, 1983
Filed:
May. 01, 1980
Robert F Jones, Westfield Center, OH (US);
The B. F. Goodrich Company, New York, NY (US);
Abstract
A device is disclosed in which an edge-sensing means ('sensor') and a work-performing assembly are combined to perform work on a belt, strip or other work (hereafter 'material'). It may be desired to slit the material, or simply position it with respect to a reference mark, but whichever the work-performing function to be discharged, it is required to do so with accuracy relative to one or both edges of the material. The sensor comprises a silicon solar cell ('cell') and a light source ('lamp') between which an edge of the material is sensed, and the deviation from a reference position measured. Depending upon the area of the cell exposed to light from the lamp due to the variable placement of an edge of the material as it traverses the cell, an electrical current is generated in the cell which current is directly proportional to the area of the cell upon which the light falls. The current generated as a result of such sensing is processed through suitable electric circuit means to initiate or control the functioning of the work-performing assembly which includes a work-positioning (or guiding) means, and may typically also include a cutter or slitter. In one embodiment, the device comprises a sensor which senses one edge of a moving strip which is not transparent to light from the lamp, and circuit means to produce an error output signal corresponding to the deviation of the edge from a reference mark on the sensor. This signal is used to control a drive means which in turn controls a positioning means for positioning the strip so as to minimize the deviation, thus enabling the sensed edge to be accurately positioned along a reference line. For example, a moving belt such as is used under the tread of a tire, is continuously cut along a desired line which is presented to a cutter blade. Alternatively, a combined work-performing assembly including a combination work-positioning and pressure exerting means such as a guide-pressure-roller may position and press a belt or tread onto a tire carcass. In another embodiment, a rubber sidewall strip is positioned along a reference line on a tire carcass. In still another embodiment, both edges of a moving pre-cut length of tire belt or tread are sensed by a pair of oppositely disposed sensors, and an error output signal is generated in direct proportion to the offset of the belt or tread relative to reference marks over the cells in the sensors. Positioning means, responsive to the magnitude of the error output signal, and the indicated direction in which the belt or tread is transversely displaced, continuously position the belt or tread so that its center line is maintained in a reference position.