US2388121A - Tension control device - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 30, 1945. G. s. CA-RBONNEAU I 2,388,121

TENSION CONTROL DEVICE Filed Oct. 14, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 e6 J0 #7 M1. E312. 22 ,4? N 66 w 46 W I 40 g, 62 i I I M INVENTOR; GQMZOH J f'anazzrzm Ma ma/7% I r I I Oct. 30, 1945. G. s. CARBONNEAU 2,333,121

- l TENSION CONTROL DEVICE Filed Oct. 14, 1945 '5 Shets-Sheet 2 INVENTQR.

O t. 3Q, 1945. v G. s. CARBONNEAU 2,338,121

TENSION CONTROL DEVICE Filed Oct. 14, 1943 s Sheets- Sheet s Patented Oct. 30, 1945 UNITED STATES PATENT. OFFICE TENSION ooN'rnor. nsvron Gordon S. Carbonneau, Park Ridge, 111., assignor to Utah Radio Products Company, Chicago, 111., a corporation'oi Illinois Application October 14, 1943. Serial No. 506,180

16 Claims.

This invention relates generally to tension control devices and more particularly to tension controls adaptable for use in winding relatively fine Wire breakage presents a serious problem, particularly in connection with the handling of light gauge stock. Considerable trouble has been experienced in the handling of fine wire such as copper wire, ranging in diameter from" .0010 inch to .003 ,inch. Nichrome wire having a diameter as low as 000% inch is employed in ,the manufacture oi resistance windings and presents a serious breakage problem. One method heretofore employed in winding operations to reduce the possibilityof wire breakage contemplates slow initial winding speeds. Such methods. however, reduce the speed at which the winding operations are completed and do not take into consideration problems incident to the winding of objects which are irregular as distinguished from circular in cross-section. Objects which are, for exclose winding of the wire upon the periphery of the part which is being wound.

, time and yet must be sufllcient to insure a firm,

It is, therefore, an important object of the present invention to provide a tension controlling,

device which will enable relatively fine wires to be withdrawn from supply spools and wound on rotating objects at substantially uniform tension without breakage.

It is a. further object or the present invention to provide a tension controlling device as set forth above which will enable sudden high speed starting of the object to be wound without subjecting the wire to excessive tension, thereby reducing wire breakage to a minimum.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a tensioncontrol arrangement which will enable winding wire upon the periphery of irregularly shaped objects at uniform tension.

. More specifically. the present invention contemplates a control device which automatically controls the supply spool so that when wire is initially withdrawngtherefrom the spool is free to rotate in an unwinding direction and after the inertia of the spool tively controlled braking action positively prevents overrunning of the spool and cooperates to maintain uniform tension in the wire as it is wound upon the rotating work piece.

In addition, the present invention contemplates a novel floating guide arrangementinterposed between the supply spool andthe rotating work v piece which serves to materially reduce the tension to which the wire must be subjected in order to withdraw it from the supply spool.

The present invention contemplates the provision of braking meansin combinatidn with the aforesaid floating guide or pulley, the eflective- .ness' of said brake means being'controlled in accordance with the position occupied by said guide.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages will be more apparent from the following detail description when considered in connection with'the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. l is a perspective view of a tension control I device embodying the present invention, said device being shown in operative association with a rotatable work piece to which the wire is being pplied;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged transverse sectional view or the supply spool and associated tension control mechanism, said view being taken substantially along the line 2 -2 of Fig. l, a portion of the tension setting wheel being shown in elevation;

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially along the'llne 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary detailed sectional view taken substantially along the line i-l of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a horizontal detailed sectional view taken substantially along the line 5-5 of Fig. 2; Fig.6 isfla sectional view taken substantially along the line 8-6 of Fig. 5, the major portion of 'the tension setting disc being broken away to disclose parts otherwise hidden;

' Fig. 7 is an enlarged elevational view or the resilient bumper for the floating guide pulley; Fig. 8 is an elevational view of a modified tension control mechanism, saidview being taken similarly to the viewshown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of the modified control mechanism as viewed'i'rom the left of Fig. 8;

Fig. 1015 a detailed sectional'vlew of the modi- V fled control'mechanism of Figs. 8 and9 to more clearly illustrate the structural arrangement of with; and

the screw element and parts associated there- Fig. 11 is a view similar 7 to Fig. 3 disclosing a has been overcome a senslfurther modified form wherein the brake "arm of Figs. 8 to 10, inclusive, is associated with the screw mechanism of Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive.

Referring now to the drawings more in detail wherein likenumerals havebeen used to designate similar parts throughout the various figures, it will be seen that one embodiment of the-invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to7, inclusive, comprises a spool supporting and controlling device 'designated generally by the numeral 28. This device 28 includes a frame structure designated generally by'the numeral 22 having a base section 24, an upright or vertical section 26 and a bearingsection 28. -As clearly illustrated in Fig. 2, the bearing section 28 carries suitably spaced gntia-griction bearings 38 ,for supporting a spin- The spindle 32 projects beyond the vertical 2 an empty spool 34 is shown partly in section to illustrate the manner in which conical members 36 and 38 serve to maintain the spool concentrically clamped upon the spindle 32. The member 36 is secured to the shaft 32 by a suitable cross pin 48. The-member 38 is internallythreaded to cooperate with the outer threaded extremity of frame section 22 and this projecting portion of the spindle servesto accommodate a, spool 34. In Fig.

ble' element 68, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 4, the extremity of the flexible element being suitably secured to the control wheel as indicated in Fig. 4. The control wheel 12 is secured to and rotatable with a spindle or micrometer screw 14, which spindle is rotatably supported within a bushing 16. This'bushing I6 is secured againstrotation' upon the frame 28 by a split bearing construction clearly illustrated in Figs. 4 to 6, in-

clusive. By tightening a screw "I8 the bushing is firmly clamped in position against rotation and axial displacement. Particular attention is directed to the fact that the rightextremity of the spindle 14 as viewed in Fig. 4 is'threaded and this threaded portion rotates within a complementary threaded sectionof the bushing 18. Hence rotation experienced by the controlwheel l2 and consequently by the spindle or screw 14 causes said shaft or spindle to experience longitudinal movement. Rotation of the control wheel 12 in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, re-

sulting from the upward movement of the portion 'of the flexible member 68 extending between the the spindle 32 in securing the spool as a rotative unit with .the spindle. This is merely one form or method of mounting, and is shownfor illustrativepurposes only and not by way of limitation.

able plastic material. The member 36 is formed integral with a disc or brake wheel 42, the peripliery of which provides a braking surface which cooperates with a brake shoe 44. This brake shoe 44 is carried intermediate the extremities of a verticallydisposed leaf spring member 46, the up- In the disclosed embodiment the conical mem bers 3'8 and 38 are preferably formed of relatively light material such as vBakeliteor other suitperextremity of the springbeing secured to an arm 48 projecting beyond and secured to the upper extremity of the frame section 22 by means of a screw .58. The functioning of the brake shoe 44 is controlled by a, mechanism about to be described butbefore describing said control mechanism it is well to note that wire to be unwound 58 whichis suspended from a flexible element '68. This flexible element 88 extends upwardly from the yoke 58 through a resilient buffer or bumper member 62 and thence over a pulley 64 rotatably supported by aninverted U-shaped member 86. This U-shaped member 68 serves as a pivotal support for the bumper 62 and is secured to the free extremity of a horizontal arm 68. This arm 88 is carried by the upper extremity of a vertical support rod I8 and is adjustably secured thereto by a clamping or set screw II.

The rod 18 extends upwardlyfrom and is secured to the base section 24 of the frame 28.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the wheel I2 and the pulley 64, will cause the spindle or screw 14 to experience axial movement to the left as viewed in Fig. 4. The outer'extremity of the spindle or screw 14 is conical so as to make a point contact with the lower extremity of the leaf spring 48. Thus, movement of the screw member to the left releases the pressure against the 'leaf spring and consequently relieves the braking action of the shoe against the periphery of the disc 42. Movement to the right of the screw 14 serves to urge the spring 46 to the right and thereby increases the braking action of the brake s'hoe 44 against the periphery of the brake wheel 42. v

The screw 14 is constantly urged rotatably in a .clockwisedirection as viewed from the left of Figs. 3 and 4 by a.clock spring 88. The inner extremity of the spring 88 is coupled with a drum 82 which is secured to the control disc 12 in any suitable manner as .by means of rivets 84, as

shown in Fig. 4. The opposite or outer extremity of the clock or spiral spring 88 is secured to a pin 83, which pin is carried by an adjusting plate or disc 88 .This plate or disc 88 is rotatably mounted upon the bushing 13 and is secured against rotary movement by a locking pin 88 carried at the outer extremity of a resilient arm extending outwardly from the split bearing structure of the frame 28. By flexing the arm 92 so as to withdraw the pin 98 from registration .with' a companion aperture 84, the disc- 88- may be rotated so as to impart greater or less tension to the clock spring 88.

From the foregoing it will be understood that when the pull exerted by the wire which is being withdrawn from the spool 34 causes the flexible element 68 to be unwound from the control wheel 12, the rotationof the wheel 12 is opposed by the clock spring, 88. Likewise, when the tension of the wire 34a lessens and results in upward movewii'e 34a from the spool 34 is withdrawn from the V grooved so as to receive several turns of the fleximent of the pulley 52 and consequent tendency for the flexible element 38to slacken, the spring 88 functions to automatically take up the slack and simultaneously increase the braking action on the brake wheel 42.

A clearer understanding of the functioning of the above described control mechanism may be had by considering the action which takes place when the motor 56 is initiall started to cause the winding of the wire 34a on the work piece 54. Assume that the free end of thewire 34a is brought into contact with the periphery oithe spring 80.

' spool '34.

60. The motor is'now suddenly activated, thereby causing a very sudden pull on the wire a. The sudden pulling of the wire a causes a sudden or instantaneous rotation of the control wheel or disc 12 in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fla. 1 and as viewed from the left of Figs. 3 and ,4, thereby retracting the screw II and consequentlly relieving the braking action of the shoe 44. Thus, the sudden shock resulting from the fast starting of the motor is taken up in the downward movement of the pulley 52 and the rotary movement of the control wheel I2 against the action of'the clock spring 80. By the time this shock resulting from the sudden starting of the winding motor is taken upthe braking action upon the spool has been released and the wirebegins to unwindfrom the spool. Any slackening in the tension of the wire 34a during the winding operation results in an upas the wire or strand is being wound upon the surface having lower peripheral speed, any tendautomatic increasing of thebraking action uponthe spool due to thefollow-up action of the clock ward movement of the pulley 52 and in the consequent rotation of the wheel I2 in a clockwise direction due to the take-up action of the clock This results in slightly increasing .the braking 'eflect upon'the wheel 42, thereby positively preventing overrunning oi the supply Thus, throughout the entire coiling operation the braking action upon the rotating spool is so controlled that uniform tension of the wire 34a is constantly maintained and at no time is the wire subjected to a tension which exceeds its tensile strength and at no time is the supply spool permitted to overrun, In other words, the "present invention contemplates a brake means as described which is operable in accordance with the pull exerted upon the wire by the rotating work piece. When the pull exerted upon the wire has a tendency'to exceed a predetermined tension the braking action is automatically relieved and when the pull exerted upon the wire has a tendency to lessen, the braking action automatically increases in such a manner as to maintain uniformity or balance in tension.

The control may be so adjusted as to prevent the wire or strand from exceeding its elastic limit although in someinstances it has been found possible and desirable to permit -a uniform amount of wire elongation without exceeding the yield point. I

The above described tension control mechanism also functions emciently in instances where variation in tension of the withdrawn wire might result from the winding of an irregularly shaped workpiece. In instances where the work piece is circular in cross-section, Itheperipheral speed of the .work surface is constant butv in instances where the work piece is, for example, rectangular.

in cross-section,- the peripheral speed of a point located on the narrow surface of the work is con- 'siderably greater, than the peripheral speed of a point on the wide surface of the work. In winding such an object the variation in peripheral speeds has a tendency to exert proportional variations in pull upon the wire and when the wire is of a relatively small gauge these variations are often suiilcient to cause breakage. By

employing the control device previously described, variations in peripheral speed will not impart proportional variations in tension or pull .upon the wire. This is due to the fact that when the portion of the work having the greater f peripheral speed is pulling on the wire the control wheel "12'IunctiOnS to relieve the braking action just enough to counteract any tendency for increasein the tension of the wire. Likewise,

ency for the wire to slacken is counteracted by spring 80.

It will be app rent that the pulley 52 and its supporting yoke 58 move with great rapidity in response to the pulling action of the wire-34a and the consequent rotation experienced by the control disc I2. If the yoke 58 was suddenly brought into engagement with a fixed abutment such as the U-shaped member 66 (Fig. 1), it would have a tendency to dislodge the wire 340 from the pulley 52 and would also subject the parts to very severe operating conditions. To avoid clashing ofthe yoke 58 with a fixed abutment, the resilient bumper 62 in the form of a U- shaped spring member is employed. The flexible element 60 passes through an aperture provided in the center of the spring 62. The bumper 62 is pivotally supported upon the U-shaped. bracket member 66 and thus enables the flexible element 80. to assume various degrees of angular displacement to the vertical. Thus,- when the wire 34a is being withdrawn from the far end of the spool; as shown in Fig. l, the portion of the flexible element 60 extending between the pulley 64 and the pulley 62 approximates thevertical, whereas when the 'wire from the spool 36 is being withdrawn from the near or outer end of the spool \A slightly modified form of tension controlling device is shown in Fig. 8. The device of Fig. 8 differs principally in the form of take-up spring which functions in cooperation with the control disc I2 and in the structural details of the brake arm. It will be noted that the device shown in Fig. 8 incorporates a brake arm 96 which is nonresilient, as compared with the resilient leaf spring arm '46 previously described. The arm 96 is pivotally mounted at 98 and is formed with a longitudinally extending recess I00. Extending over this recess I00 and secured atits upper extremity only to the arm 96 is a leaf spring I02. This leaf spring I02 carries the brake arm 44. The lower extremity of the arm 96 i secured to one end of a coiled spring I04, the opposite extremity of this coiled spring being secured to an adjustable screw member I06. the screw member I06 is obtained by rotating the knurled nut I08. The spring I04 cooperateswith the leaf spring I02 in causing the brake shoe 44 to bear resiliently against the periphery ,of the disc 42. The disc 42 is secured to and rotatable with the spool supporting spindle 32, Figs. 8

and 9. a

w The control wheel I2 of- Fig. 8 is secured to a screw IIO which rotates in a bushing H2 in the same manner as the screw. 14 is rotatable within 1 the bushing I6 previously described. The bushformed with anenlargementor head Ill. Intering I|2,like the bushing I6; is "secured against rotation within the frame by. means of the clamping screw I8. The inner extremity of the screw Ild'p asses through a recess in the arm 96 and is posed between thehead I I4 and the brake arm 96 is alballthrust bearing H6. Extending inwardly from the head H4 is a reduced section provided with an axially extending recess .II8. One ex- Adjustment of spring 80 previously described serves to continuously urge the disc I2 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 9. In other words, any tendency for the wheel I2 to be rotated in a counterclockwise direction is opposed by the coiled spring I20. Rotation of the disc I2 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 9 causes the screw H and consequently the head 4 formed integral therewith to move to the left (Fig. 8), thereby swinging the brake arm 96 to the left,so as to reducethe' braking effectiveness of the shoe 44 upon the periphery of the brake wheel 42. The control mechanism of Figs. 8 and 9 distinguishes from that disclosed in previously. described figures in that when the screw member I10 moves inwardly it is not movedagainst the brake arm as -is the screw member I4 (see Fig. 4)'but in fact the head H4 is moved so as to permit the coiled spring I04 to act upon the arm 96 and thereby increase the braking action of the shoe 44. It will be noted that an adjustable screw member I26 is associated with the arm 96 and serves to'control the degree of fiexure of the leaf spring I02. In some instances, depending upon the sensitivity of control desired, the screw may be so positioned as to provide some space between the inner extremity of the screw and the adjacentsurface of the leaf spring. Under such circumstances positive braking action of the shoe 44 does not take place until the leaf spring .I02 has been flexed into engagement with the inner extremity of the screw or abutment I26. By adjusting the position of the screw I26 and the position of the screw I06, the braking action of the shoe 44 may be very sensitively controlled to meet the needs incident to its use. The tension of the take-up coiled spring I may be adjusted by rotating a handle I28 of a vertically disposed adjusting rod I30. The lower end of this rod I30 carries a; worm I32 which meshes with a companion worm wheel I34 coupled with the shaft I22. Thus, the force or tension of the coiled spring I 20 may be controlled 2,388,121 4 v 11 wherein the control mechanism of Figs. 1 to '1',v

inclusive, incorporates the brake arm 86 of Fig. 8.

In Fig. 8 the coiled spring I04 functions to increase the braking action of theshoe 44 whereas in Fig.11 a coiled spring I04a continuously urges the arm 86a to the left so as to maintain contact between said arm and the screw". The arm 96a is recessedsimilarly to the arm 96 and also employs the leaf spring I02 which carries'the brake shoe 44. The adjustable abutment screw I I26 may also be carried by the arm 86d to control the degree of flexure experienced by. the spring I02.

In all other respects the control mechanism shown in Fig. 11' is structurally identical with that disclosed in Figs. 1 to I, inclusive.

' From the foregoing it will be apparent that this invention contemplates an improved, efllciently operable means for controlling the tension in strands such as wire,. thread and the like during by adjusting the vertical shaft I30, whereas the adjustment of the tension in the previously described clock spring 80 is obtained by disengaging the pin 90 from the disc 88 and moving the disc 88 until one of the other apertures 94 is brought into registration with the retracted pin 90. a

A detailed description of the functioning of the control mechanismshownin Figs. 8 to v10, inclusive,.in combination with the flxed pulley 64 and floating pulley 62 is not believed necessary. It will sufliceto state that when the control mechanism of Figs. 8' to 10, inclusive, is employed, downward movement of the pulley 62 causes counterclockwiserotation-of the control disc I2 as viewed in Fig. 9 and from the left of Fig. 8, thereby causing the screw IIO to rotate in a manner which relieves the braking action upon the, brake wheel 42. The upward, movement of the floating pulley. 62 permits the coiledspring I28 to rotate the the withdrawal .thereof from a supply spool. The micrometer adjustment screw in association with the take-up spring, floating pulley, et cetera, provides a cushioning action which precludes the possibility of excessive tension in the strand as it is being withdrawn from the spool. 'As previously pointed out, excessive tension normally experienced in conventional mechanisms for withdraw;- ing wire from spools is positively avoided. In devices constructed in accordance with the present invention which have been in successful commercial use, a take-up of as much as 36 inches of wire has been obtained at the start of the winding operation, thereby preventing the wire from being subjected to excessive tension conditions. By

employing the floating pulley 62 the aforesaid take-up of 36 inches is accomplished by subjecting said pulley to vertical displacement of only 18 inches. The arm68 may be positioned along the vertical rod I0 in an adjusted position prior to the starting of the unwinding operation, thereby affording the pulley 52,greater or lessdegree of I vertical shifting. Also, before winding. the work piece, the take-up spring such as the clock spring 80 or the coiled \spring I20 may be adjusted to resiliently impart greater or less turning force to its respective control wheel I2. With the view of reducing to a minimum the inertia which must be overcome in moving the floating pulley 62 downwardly as a result of the pulling action of the wire 34a, rotating parts such as the wheel I2, the brake wheel 42, and even the pulleys 62 and 64 are preferably made of light weight material such as' Bakelite. By employing the floating pulley 62 over which the wire must pass from the suppl spool 34 to the work piece 64, a tackle or pulley block arrangement is presented which reduces to a satisfactory minimum the tension'to which thewire 84a must be subjected in order to render the tension control mechanism associated with the control wheel 1: functionally fbperable.

In addition, the sensitivity of the take-up springs 80 and I20 associated withthe control wheels coupled with the mechanical advantage afforded bythe aforesaid tackle or pulley block arrange? merit assures balanced, substantially uniform tension conditions which .enables' very flne wires to be firmly wound upona work. piece without the slightest possibility of breakage. That isto say,-

-- despite the smallness in the gauge of the wire, the

sensitivity in operation of the control mechanism is such as to maintain a predetermined uniform tension in the wire.

It will also be noted that the floating pulley 62 withdraws the wire from the spool 84 at substantially the same angle at all times. Also theggxible element 60 is tangentially withdrawn from the wheel I2 at the same'radlal distance at all times. That is to say, the pullof the flexible element 60 is always exerted at the same point, thesame distance from the center of the wheel, and tangentially in the same direction. This materially contributes to the uniformity in function of the tension control device. 1

It. has been previously pointed out that the micrometer mechanism of the brake control means is automatically responsive to variations in the pulling force exerted upon the wire or strand during the withdrawal thereof to correspondingly control the operative eflectiveness of the brake means-and thus maintain balanced tension conditions. In this connection, it should also be understood that variations in pulling force fre- 'cuently result from irregularity in the speed of the electric motor which rotates the work piece. The present invention is designed to prevent deleterious increases in wire tension from irregularities in the speed of the motor. The sensitivity of the aforementioned micrometer or screw mechanism, and'parts associated therewith, is such that it may be adjusted to permit some or to entirely prevent any elongation in the wire.

Wires of extremely small cross section may be.

subjected to some elongation without breakage providing accurate control of the tension experienced by the wire is maintained in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The brake means or shoe previously described is preferably maintained in continuous contact with the brake wheel 42. In other words, it is preferableto preventthe brakewheel 42 from running free at an time except at the instant of starting. The construction of the brake arms disclosed herein is such that when increase in' braking action is initiated, such action is of a yieldable or cushioning nature due to the fact that the brake shoes are mounted directly upon spring members.

In one instance this constitutes the leaf spring 46 and in .the other instance the leaf spring I02,

- each of which is free at one extremity to facilitate the flexing thereof.

The micrometer adjustment or screw mechanism previously described makes it possible to apply substantial brakingforce although the force available to effect such braking action is relatively small. That is to say, the turning force applied tothe control disc 12 in. one direction by the pullingof the flexible element 60, and in the other directionby the resilient action of the take-up springs (clock spring 80 or coil spring I), is of relativelysmall magnitude as compared'with the force of the screw. member acting upon the brake arm., Thus, the lesser. force available to bring about automatic-responsiveness of the control discto variations in pulling force: upon the wire acts through. the micrometeradjustment or screw mechanism in making' availabie a greater force for operating the brake means.

Throughout thespeciflcation and in the claims reference is made to V the present invention as being adaptable; for controllingthe tension in tra ds- Theitermfstrandff is usedin its broadst sense to include either a single fllament, wire,

I sion in strands as they are being applied to'the peripheral surface of aflrotating object, but is adapted to 'be employed in any instance where a strand must be withdrawn from" a source of suptural embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific disclosures and structural details, but is capable of other 'modiflcations and changes without departing from the spiritand scope of the appended claims.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

' 1. Mechanism for controlling the tension in a strand as it is being withdrawn from. a source oi supply and applied toa work piece including a free support for a coiled strand, shiftable brake means for governing the force exerted. by thestrand to withdraw the strand from said support and brake control means including micrometer mechanism operatively associated with said brake means and automatically responsive to variations in the pulling force exerted upon the strand during the withdrawal thereof to correspondingly control the operative effectiveness of said brake means.

2. Mechanism for controlling the tension in a strand as it is being withdrawn from a source of supply and applied to a work piece including a 3. Mechanism for controlling the tension in a strand as it is being withdrawn from a source of supply and applied to a work piece including a free support for a coiled strand adapted to be rotated in response to the pull experienced by the strand as it is .being withdrawn therefrom, shiftable brake means for governing the force required to rotate said support, and brakecontrol ,means including rptatablescrew mechanism operatively associated with said brake'means and automatically responsive to variations in the pulling force exerted upon the strand during the withdrawal thereof to correspondingly control the operativeeffectiveness of said brake means.

1 4. Mechanism for controlling the'tension in a strand as it is' beingwithdrawn from afsource of supply and applied'to a workpiece. including a support fora coiled 'strandjshift'abl'ei brake means for governing the'force required. to. withdraw the strand from said support, brake control means including'micrometer mechanism operatively associated with said brake means and automatically 'responsiveto variations in ith'e pulling'force-exertedj upon the strand during the withdrawal thereof to' correspondingly controllthe operative t med be e n? e1 b brake control means I 5; Me fo effectiveness of, said brake means; iifesili'ent slack. take up'means cooperativelyassociatd with said micrometer mechanism, and es'll'ent ine sfiand said fjb i ii ie n .h" i l ..l a strand asit'is being withdrawn from a source of supply includinga support for a coiled strand, shiftable brake means for governing the force required to withdraw the supported strand, and

brake control means including a rotatable screw. member for directing movement of said brake means, said screw member being automatically responsive in rotation to variations in the pulling force above a predetermined value exerted upon the strand during the withdrawal thereof.

6. Mechanism for controlling the tension in a strand as it is being withdrawn from a source supply including a support for a. coiled strand.

shiftable brake means for governing the force required to withdraw the supported strand, brake 2,388,121 t required to withdraw the supported strand, brake control means automatically responsive to variations in the pulling force exerted uponthe strand during the withdrawal thereof, said brake control means including a rotary control member, a flexible actuating element having one extremity peripherally associated with said rotary member,

a shiftable strand guiding member vcoupled with the opposite extremity of said flexible element,

a guiding member for said flexible element positioned above said rotary member and said strand guiding member, and a bumper. means interposed between .the guide means for the flexible element and said strand guiding means.

11. Mechanism for controlling the tension in a strand as it is being withdrawn from a source of supply and applied to a work piece which may be non-cylindrical including a support for a coiled strand, shiftable brake means for governing the force required to withdraw the strand from said support, flexible brake control means 'includingmicrometer mechanism operatively ascontrol means including a rotatable screw member automatically responsive to variations in pulling force exerted upon the strand during the withdrawal thereof, shiftable strand guiding means, and a flexible element coupling said shiftable strand guiding means with said brake control means whereby variations in pull exerted upon the strand will be transmitted to said brake control means.

I 8. Mechanism for controlling the tension in a strand as it is being withdrawn from a source of supply including a support for a coiled strand, shiftable brake means for governing the force required to withdraw the supported strand, brake control means automatically responsive to variations in pulling force exerted upon the strand during the withdrawal thereof for effecting movement of said brake means, shiftable strand guiding means, a flexible element coupling said shiftable strand guiding means with said brake control means whereby movement of said shiftable strand guiding means will correspondingly eflect said brake control means, a fixed guide means for said flexible element interposed between said shiftable strand guiding means and said brake control means, and means for securing said fixed guide means in various fixed positions with respect to said brake control means.

9. Mechanism for controlling the tension in a strand as it is being withdrawn from a source of supply including a support for a coiled strand, shiftable brake means for governing the force required to withdraw the supported strand, brake p of said flexible element whereby variations in pull experienced by the strand will be transmitted to said brake control means.

10. Mechanism for controlling the tension in a strand as it is being withdrawn from a source'of supply including a support for a, coiled strand, means for governing the force sociated with said brake means and automatically responsive to variations in the pulling force exerted'upon the strand during the withdrawal thereof to correspondingly control the operative effectiveness of said brake means, resilient slack take-up-means cooperatively associated with said, micrometer mechanism, and means for adjust ing the tension in said resilient slack take-up means.

l2. Mechanism for controlling the tension in a strand as it is being withdrawn from a source of supply and applied to a polygonally shapedwork piece including a support for a coiled strand, shiftable brake means for governing the force required to withdraw the strand from said support, flexible brake control means including micrometer mechanism operatively associated with said brake means and automatically responsive to variations in the pulling force exerted upon the strand during the withdrawal thereof to correspondingly control the operative supply and applied to a rotating non-cylindrical work piece including a support for a coiled strand, shiftable brake means for governing the force required towithdraw the strand from said support, flexible brake control means including micrometer mechanism cooperatively associated with said brake means and automatically responsive to variations in the pulling force exerted upon the strand during the withdrawal thereof to correspondingly control the operative eil'ecv tiveness of said brake means, and resilient slack take-up means including a coiled spring cooperatively associated with said micrometer mechanism.

14, Mechanism for controlling the tension in a strand as it is being withdrawn from a source of supply, means adaptedto be rotated inre sponse to the withdrawing of the strand, shittable brake means for goveming'the force required to cause rotation 01 said first-mentioned means during the withdrawal of the strand, and flexible brake control means including micrometermechanism operatively associated with said brake means and automatically responsive to variations in the pulling force exerted upon the strand during the withdrawal thereof to eurespmdingly control the operative effectiveness of said brake means. v

15. Mechanism for controlling the tension in a strand as it is being withdrawn from a source of supply, means adapted to be rotated in response to the withdrawing of the strand, brake means operatively associated with said first-mentioned rotatable means for governing theiorce required to withdraw the strand, said brake means inbinding a brake wheel and a shiitable brake 10 member peripherally associated therewith, brake control means including mechanism automatically responsive to variations in pulling force "exerted upon the strand during the withdrawal I thereof, said brake control means comprising a 15 rotary wheel member, shittable strand guiding means, and a flexible element coupling said shittable strand guiding means with the wheel of said brake control means whereby variations in pull exerted upon said strand will control the so quired to withdraw the supported strand, brake control means responsive to variations in the pulling force exerted upon the strand during the withdrawal thereof, said brake control means including a rotary control member, a flexible actuating element having one extremity operatively associated with said rotary member, a shiftable strand guiding member associated with the opposite extremity of said flexible element, and a bumper means interposed between said shittable strand guiding member and said rotary control member.

' GORDON S. CARBONNEAU.

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