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:
Dec. 17, 1996
Filed:
Apr. 24, 1995
Joseph A Watkins, Rochester, NY (US);
Joseph E Yokajty, Rochester, NY (US);
Thomas A Sisson, Hilton, NY (US);
Thomas P Melanson, Rochester, NY (US);
Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, NY (US);
Abstract
Apparatus for winding a strip (58) of web into a cartridge (40), the cartridge including an enclosing shell (42, 44); a spool (46) mounted for rotation within the shell, the spool being engageable externally of the cartridge (51, 53) for rotation; the spool comprising a core (54) with features (56) for attaching an end (60) of the strip to the core; an axially extended opening (50) through the shell for advancing or withdrawing the strip; and a light-shielding door (52). A shuttle mechanism (86) has a vacuum head (88) which grips the strip and moves the end to a position for engagement by a tool (94) positioned outside the opening, after which the tool inserts the end into the cartridge and attaches it to the core. A winding motor (354) rotates the spool to draw the strip into the cartridge. During the winding, a rotatable air bar (92) adjusts the path of the strip to prevent contact with the peripheral edges or walls of the opening.