Web tension equalizing roll and tracking apparatus

Patent 6866176 Issued on March 15, 2005. Estimated Expiration Date:

September 11, 2021. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

296222

2655251

2655252

3407673

3776442

Angularly adjustable web-supporting steering roller
Patent #: 4641770
Issued on: 02/10/1987
Inventor: Hediger

Web tracking mechanism
Patent #: 4893740
Issued on: 01/16/1990
Inventor: Hediger, et al.

Skew preventer for a film belt
Patent #: 5276460
Issued on: 01/04/1994
Inventor: Miyajima

Web tracking device with ramp support
Patent #: 5397043
Issued on: 03/14/1995
Inventor: Blanding

Apparatus and method for steering an endless belt Patent #: 5659851
Issued on: 08/19/1997
Inventor: Moe, et al.

Inventor

Harris, Jack C.

Application

No. 09950494 filed on 09/11/2001

US Classes:

226/23, Responsive to material-contacting element242/615.1Variable guide path

Examiners

Primary: Mansen, Michael R.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Piltch, Esq.; Sanford J.

International Classes

B65H026/00
B65H057/28

Abstract

A self-tracking roller for centering conveyor belts and web materials on conveyor systems having a guide wheel at each end of a centrally pivoting shaft for contacting the belt or web. The self-tracking roller will pivot in the direction of travel of the belt or web along the side contacted and redirect the belt or web to a central or neutral position by the pivoting action of the roller.