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:
Apr. 19, 2005
Filed:
Jan. 21, 2003
Jon P. Rust, Cary, NC (US);
Stephen P. Stroupe, Gastonia, NC (US);
Thesley A. Byrd, Sanford, NC (US);
Joseph A. Brenzovich, Apex, NC (US);
Jon P. Rust, Cary, NC (US);
Stephen P. Stroupe, Gastonia, NC (US);
Thesley A. Byrd, Sanford, NC (US);
Joseph A. Brenzovich, Apex, NC (US);
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (US);
Abstract
A system for precision testing of fiber length and the like using electrostatic collection and control of fibers. The system comprises two spaced-apart and longitudinal extending electrode plates wherein one electrode plate has a positive charge and the other electrode plate is grounded or has a negative charge. An endless rotating belt extends between and parallel to the electrode plates, and the rotating belt is positioned next adjacent and in contact with or in close proximity to one of the two spaced-apart electrode plates such that the distance between the belt and the other electrode plate is greater than the length of fibers to be tested. A fiber introduction system is provided to introduce a plurality of individual fibers above the two electrode plates such that the fibers will adhere to the belt and the other ends of the fibers are attracted to the other electrode plate and thereby straightened. An imaging system is provided above the belt to generate image data corresponding to the length of individual fibers being transported by the rotating belt, and a data processor serves to analyze the image data to determine the length of fibers passing beneath the imaging system.