초록 ▼

The present invention relates to a guide apparatus for guiding a moving web of material having a tuft portion mounted on a backing portion such that the backing portion extends outwardly from the tuft portion to form at least one tuft edge. The web is movable in a web direction through a travel path

The present invention relates to a guide apparatus for guiding a moving web of material having a tuft portion mounted on a backing portion such that the backing portion extends outwardly from the tuft portion to form at least one tuft edge. The web is movable in a web direction through a travel path threaded through the guide apparatus. The guide apparatus comprises a base and a platform pivotally mounted on the base to pivot about a pivot range. At least two parallel steering rollers are mounted on the platform and disposed transversely of the web direction of travel when the web travels across the platform. A sensor is positioned substantially adjacent to the travel path of the web to sense a lateral position of the tuft edge and to output an output signal indicative of the lateral position of the tuft edge when the web travels through the travel path. Control device for generating control signals responsive to the signals produced by the sensor for automatically correcting a deviation from a predetermined position of the web position. Finally, platform drive device responsive to the control signals generated by the control means is provided for pivoting the platform and thereby controlling the angular position of the platform relative to the base.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A guide apparatus for guiding a moving web of material having a tuft portion mounted on a backing portion such that the backing portion extends outwardly from the tuft portion to form a pair of opposing tuft edges, the web being movable in a web direction through a travel

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A guide apparatus for guiding a moving web of material having a tuft portion mounted on a backing portion such that the backing portion extends outwardly from the tuft portion to form a pair of opposing tuft edges, the web being movable in a web direction through a travel path threaded through the guide apparatus, the guide apparatus comprising:a base;a platform pivotally mounted on the base to pivot about a pivot range, at least one steering roller being mounted on the platform and disposed transversely of the web direction of travel when the web travels across the platform;bending means disposed adjacent to the travel path of the web for engaging the backing portion of the web and for forming a bent portion of the web when the web travels across the bending means;a sensor positioned substantially adjacent to the travel path of the web, the sensor comprising:a transmitter transmitting a sensor media, the transmitter being positioned adjacent to the tuft portion of the web when the web travels across the bending means;a receiver positioned adjacent to the tuft portion of the web and being positioned to receive at least a portion of the sensor media transmitted by the transmitter, the transmitter and the receiver being positioned such that at least a portion of the tuft portion of the web is disposed between the transmitter and the receiver when the web travels across the bending means so that at least a portion of the sensor media intersects at least a portion of one tuft edge of the web to sense a lateral position of the tuft edge and to provide an output signal indicative of the lateral position of the tuft edge when the web travels through the travel path;control means for generating control signals responsive to the signals produced by the sensor for automatically correcting a deviation from a predetermined position of the web position; andplatform drive means responsive to the control signals generated by the control means for pivoting the platform and thereby controlling the angular position of the platform relative to the base.