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Automated tape splicing system

  • US 6,189,587 B1
  • Filed: 01/21/1999
  • Issued: 02/20/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/21/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A multi-roll automatic tape splicing device comprising:

  • (a) a support frame;

    (b) a platen rotatably mounted on said support frame;

    (c) a shaft rotatably supporting said platen and said frame;

    (d) at least two tape mandrels rotatable on said platen, said mandrels being spaced equidistant from said shaft, and spaced apart from each other, each mandrel being adapted to receive a roll of tape;

    (e) an index drive for selectively rotating the platen to successively move a mandrel carrying a fresh roll of tape into a predetermined operating position in which a web of tape can be drawn from the fresh roll of tape and for moving a mandrel carrying a nearly depleted roll of tape from which a web of tape is being withdrawn out of the operating position when the roll of tape is nearly depleted;

    (f) a first sensor on the support frame for detecting a nearly depleted condition of a roll of tape in the operating position;

    (g) a second sensor on the support frame for directly detecting rotation of a mandrel in the operating position at the moment when the roll of tape is drawn from the fresh roll of tape;

    (h) a cutting unit on the frame for severing a web of tape being drawn from a nearly depleted roll of tape; and

    (i) a control unit responsive to the first and second sensors for actuating the index drive to rotate the platen, when said first sensor detects a nearly depleted condition of the nearly depleted roll of tape, thereby moving a mandrel carrying a fresh roll of tape into the operating position, whereby a tab on the end of the fresh roll of tape adheres to the web of tape being drawn from the nearly depleted roll causing a web of tape to be drawn from the fresh roll, and when the second sensor detects rotation of the mandrel carrying the fresh roll of tape in the operating position, the control unit immediately actuates the cutting unit to cut the web of tape being drawn from the nearly depleted roll.

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