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:
Aug. 16, 2005
Filed:
Sep. 19, 2003
Reuben Sandler, Berkeley, CA (US);
Jon Burns, Richmond, CA (US);
Alexander Charles White, Fairfield, CA (US);
Bjorn Monteen, San Rafael, CA (US);
Jesse Thomas, Oakland, CA (US);
Nathan H. Harding, San Francisco, CA (US);
Reuben Sandler, Berkeley, CA (US);
Jon Burns, Richmond, CA (US);
Alexander Charles White, Fairfield, CA (US);
Bjorn Monteen, San Rafael, CA (US);
Jesse Thomas, Oakland, CA (US);
Nathan H. Harding, San Francisco, CA (US);
Berkeley Process Control, Inc., Berkeley, CA (US);
Abstract
A follower apparatus mounted on a track running parallel to an axis of rotation of a spool. The apparatus has a base with a roller mounted thereon and having an axis of rotation parallel to the rotational axis of the spool, the roller providing support and guidance to the material being wound. A pulley is rotatably mounted to receive material from the roller and redirect the direction of material traveled. Light beams and detection apparatus are positioned to detect material excursions to pre-determined off center portions of the roller. The follower positioning apparatus responds to signals detecting the material by repositioning the follower to place the material back on to a center zone of the roller.