US3709078A

US3709078A - Strip measuring apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3709078A
Application number: US00031487A
Authority: US
Inventors: W Mills
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-04-24
Filing date: 1970-04-24
Publication date: 1973-01-09
Anticipated expiration: 1990-01-09

Abstract

Apparatus for precisely measuring the length of feed of continuous strip material as the strip material progressively and intermittently moves into a press or the like for operation thereupon. Rotor mechanism engages the strip material or engages a strip feed roll and rotates with movement thereof. The rotative position of the rotor mechanism is automatically noted at the termination of a feed operation of the strip material. The apparatus thus is capable of indicating and/or correcting and/or controlling the length of travel or length of feed of the strip material.

Description

United States Patent 1 1 Mills 51 Jan. 9, 1973 154] STRIP MEASURING APPARATUS [76] lnventor: William D. Mills, 460 West Michaels Rd., Tipp City, Ohio 45371 [22] Filed: April24,l970

211 App]. No.: 31,487

[52] U.S. Cl. ..83/226, 83/62, 83/228, 83/522 [51] Int. Cl. ..B26d 5/20 [58] Field of Search..83/13, 62, 66, 67, 74, 250-251, .83/263-265, 50, 228, 226, 522

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,393,589 7/1968 Mills ..83/13 749,031 1/1904 Creed ..83/228 X 887,313 5/1908 Creed ..83/228X 3,613,565 10/1971 Muller ..83/228X Primary ExaminerJames M. Meister Att0rneyJacox & Meckstroth [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for precisely measuring the length of feed of continuous strip material as the strip material progressively and intermittently moves into a press or the like for operation thereupon. Rotor mechanism engages the strip material or engages a strip feed roll and rotates with movement thereof. The rotative position of the rotor mechanism is automatically noted at the termination of a feed operation of the strip material. The apparatus thus is capable of indicating and/or correcting and/or controlling the length of travel or length of feed of the strip material.

12 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PATENTED A 9 7 3. 709 O78 sum 1 or 3 BRAKE CONTROL UNIT CONTROL INVENTOR WILLIAM D. MILLS zz/ m MM 4 TTOR/VE' Y PATENTEDJAN 9 SHEET 2 3 UNIT 50% J'Hhli 70? WILLIAM MILLS RNEY PATENTEDJAN ems 3.709078 sum 3 or 3 v l/V VENT 0/? WILLIAM MILLS A TTOR/VE' Y STRIP MEASURING APPARATUS RELATED PATENT The apparatus of this invention is an improvement over the apparatus disclosed and claimed in US. Pat. No. 3,393,589, owned by the applicant herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In many types of industries, particularly in metal working industries, continuous strip material is operated upon in a machine, such as a press or punch or the like, as a length of the strip material is fed into the machine, stops, is operated upon, and then a succeeding length of the strip material is fed into the machine, stops, and is operated upon. It is necessary to move or to feed precisely a desired length of the strip material into the machine upon each feed operation.

It is an object of this invention to provide apparatus for precisely measuring the length of a feed operation of the strip material.

It is another object of this invention to provide such apparatus which indicates whether the length of the feed operation is correct or whether the length of the feed operation is less or greater than the proper desired amount.

Another object of this invention is to provide such apparatus which is capable of physically or mechanically correcting the length of feed operation of the strip material by changing the position thereof with respect to the machine prior to operation upon the strip material by the machine.

Another object of this invention is to provide such apparatus which is capable, by electrical means, of automatically correcting for an error or errors which occur in strip feed operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide means by which the length of feed operation ofa machine can be determined by operation of feed rolls orthe like, without actual movement of strip material by the feed rolls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view ofapparatus of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic side view drawn on a smaller scale than FIG. 1, with parts shown in section, of apparatus of this invention. This view also shows strip material, the feed movement of which the apparatus of this invention measures.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side view and diagrammatic type of view, with parts broken away and shown in section, drawn on a larger scale than FIG. 2, of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side view and diagrammatic view, with parts broken away and shown in section, similar to FIG. 3, but showing elements of the apparatus in another position ofoperation.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view ofa portion of the apparatus of FIGS. 3 and 4, showing the elements of the apparatus in another position of operation.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side view, with parts broken away and shown in section, showing the apparatus of FIG. 5 in another position of operation. This view also illustrates a fragment of a machine which may operate upon strip material, the movement of which is measured by apparatus of this invention.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side view with parts broken away and shown in section, similar to FIG. 6, but showing the apparatus in another position of operation.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side view, with parts broken away and shown in section, similar to FIGS. 6 and 7,

showing the apparatus in another position of operation. a

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A continuous strip 12 of material is shown in FIG. 2, supported by a drum 14 or the like. The strip 12 extends from the drum 14 to a pair of

feed rolls

16 and 18. Either or both of the feed rolls l6 and 18 are driven by a motor- 20,the operation of which is governed by a control unit 22,joined thereto.

A portion of the strip 12 is positioned between the

feed rolls

16 and 18 for movement of the strip with rotation of the

feed rolls

16 and 18. The strip l2 extends from the feed rolls I6 and 18 and has a portion thereofdisposed between substantially

horizontal guide plates

24 and 26. The strip 12 extends from the

guide plates

24 and 26 and has a portion thereof disposed upon a die member 28 which has an opening 30 therethrough. The die member 28 is directly above a table 32 which has an opening 34 therein, which is in alignment with the recess 30. Immediately above the die member 28 and above the portion of the strip 12 which is in engagement therewith is a plate 38, having an opening 40 therethrough, which is in alignment with the

openings

30 and 34 in the die member 28 and the table 32, respectively. Immediately above the plate 38 is a plate 42, which has an opening 44 therethrough, in

alignment with the opening 40 in the plate 38.

Partiallydisposed within the

openings

44 and 40 is a punch member 48, which is attached to a carriage 50. The carriage 50 is reciprocally movable upwardly and downwardly by suitable apparatus, not'shown.

The punch member 48 is an example ofa type of element which may be attached to the carriage 50 for operation upon strip material by movement of the carriage 50.

Also, supported by the carriage 50 is an engagement member 54, the upper end of which is attached to a spring 56, shown in FIGS. 5-9, within a cavity 58 of the carriage 50. A cap 57 covers the cavity 58. Thus, the engagement member 54 is resiliently movable with respect to the carriage 50, as the spring 56 urges the engagement member 54 downwardly.

Attached to the guide plate 24, by means of bolts 59 or the like, is a bracket 60. As shown in FIG. 1, the bracket 60 has a pair of vertically extending protuberant portions 62. Each portion 62 has a vertically extending channel 64 within which a carrier member 66 is slidably disposed. Spring members 68 which are also within the channels 64 engage the carrier member 66. The spring members 68 encompass screws 69, attached to an abutment member 70, and are compressed between the abutment member 70 and the carrier member 66, and urge the carrier member 66 downwardly.

The abutment member 70 is slidably disposed within the channels 64 and is adjustably positioned therein by means of engagement screws 72 which are adjustably carried by a cover plate 74. The cover plate 74 is attached to the protuberances 62 by means of bolts 76.

Spaced-apart extension members 82 are attached to the carrier member 66 and to a housing or support member 84. A shaft 86 is rotatably carried by the housing 84 and extends therethrough. Bearing members 87 rotatably support the shaft 86 within the housing 84. A wheel 88 is rotatably carried by the shaft 86 at one end thereof. At the other end of the shaft 86 a collar 90 is attached thereto. A bearing retainer 91 and spacers 93 are shown in FIG. 1. A key 92 within a slot 94 of the collar 90 joins the collar 90 to the shaft 86 for rotation therewith. The collar 90 has a hub portion 96 which is disposed within a wheel 98 at the central portion thereof. Screws 100 extend through openings 102 in the wheel 98 and are threaded into the collar 90 for securing the wheel 98 to the collar 90 and to the hub 96. Thus, a wheel 98 of any desired diameter is readily attachable to the hub 96 and to the shaft 86. Thus, a wheel 98 of any desired diameter is interchangeable with any other wheel 98 at the end of the shaft 86. A screw 101 is threaded into the end of the shaft 86 and engages a washer 105, which thus attaches the wheel 98 to the shaft 86 and prevents separation of the wheel 98 from the shaft 86.

The collar 90 has a radially extending recess 103 therein.

Intermediate the ends of the shaft 86 and integral therewith is a rotor 104. The shaft 86 and the rotor 104 are of steel material or other material which is electrically conductive. The rotor 104 has an electrical insulator section 106. If desired, the insulator section 106 may be composed ofa number of paced-apart portions.

The rotor 104 is disposed within the housing 84, directly below an opening 108 therein. Extending through the opening 108 is a brush holder 110 which has a flange 112 which is attached to the brush holder 110 by means of screws 114. Within the brush holder 110 is a separator and insulator 116 which is generally T-shape in cross-section. Also within the brush holder 110 and separated by the separator 116 are

brush members

120, 122, and 124, which are in engagement with the rotor 104, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11.

A sleeve 130 is attached, integrally or otherwise, to the housing 84 and protrudes upwardly therefrom. The sleeve 130 is directly above the collar 90 which is attached to the shaft 86 within the housing 84. A plunger 132 is partially disposed within the sleeve 130 and extends upwardly therefrom. The plunger 132 has a head I33. Encompassing the plunger 132 is a spring 134 which engages the sleeve 130 and the head 133 of the plunger I32 and urges the plunger 132 upwardly. The head 133 of the plunger 132 is directly below the engagement member 54 which is carried by the carriage member 50.

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. the

guide plates

24 and 26 have openings I40 and 142, respectively, therein. The

wheels

88 and 98 are positioned within the opening 140 and engage the strip 12. The guide plate 26 has a flange 144, to which is attached a bracket 146 which rotatably supports a roller 148, which engages the strip 12, immediately below the

wheels

88 and 98.

OPERATION The strip 12 is drawn from the drum 14 by rotation of the feed rollsl6 and 18, as the feed rolls 16 and 18 are rotated by the motor 20. The strip 12 moves as illustrated by arrows in FIG. 2. The strip 12 moves between the

guide plates

24 and 26, between the

wheels

88 and 98 and the roller 148, and between the

plates

28 and 38. The strip 12 is intermittently and progressively moved by the feed rolls 16 and 18. The motor 20 causes the feed rolls l6 and 18 to rotate through a predetermined number of revolutions so that a predetermined length portion of the strip 12 is moved to a position between the

plates

28 and 38. Then the motor 20 stops rotation of the feed rolls l6 and 18, and a predetermined portion of the strip 12 is positioned between the

plates

28 and 38 and below the punch 48. As stated. above, the control unit 22, shown in FIG. 2, governs operation of the motor 20.

The springs 68 which engage the carrier member 66, urge the carrier member 66 and the

wheels

88 and 98 into engagement with the strip 12. The degree of pressure which is applied by the springs 68 is adjustable by adjusting the adjustment screws 72 which engage the abutment member 70. Thus, the pressure of the

wheels

88 and 98 upon the strip 12 is adjustable by adjustment of the adjustment screws 72. Due to the fact that the

wheels

88 and 98 are in engagement with the strip 12,.

lengthwise movement of the strip 12 toward the

plates

28 and 38 causes rotative movement of the

wheels

88 and 98, which engage the upper surface of the strip 12. The wheel 88 rotates freely upon the shaft 86. However, the wheel 98 and the shaft 86 rotate one with the other. The roller 148, in engagement with the lower surface of the strip 12, also rotates with movement of the strip 12, as the strip 12 moves between the

wheels

88 and 98 and the roller 148.

The collar 90, which is attached to the wheel 98 and to the shaft 86, rotatively moves therewith.

When a length portion of the strip 12 has moved between the

wheels

88 and 98 and the roller 148, causing rotation thereof, and the movement of the strip 12 has stopped, the recess 103 of the collar is positionedwith respect to the plunger 132. The position of the recess 103 with respect to the plunger 132 is determined by the total rotative movement of the wheel 98 as the wheel 98 rotates with linear movement of the strip 12. When the strip 12 has moved a desired predetermined length, the recess 103 of the collar 90 is directly below the plunger 132, as shown in FIG. 3. Furthermore, when a desired predetermined length portion of the strip 12 has moved between the

wheels

88 and 98 and the roller 148, causing rotation thereof, the insulator section 106 of the rotor 104 is directly below the

brushes

120, 122, and 124. Thus, the brushes I20, I22, and 124 are in engagement with the insulator section 106 of the rotor 104, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

Any suitable electrical means or circuitry may be connected to the brushes I20, 122, and 124 and to the housing 84. Herein electrical ground potential or the like is connected to the housing 84 in a manner not illustrated. As shown in FIGS. 2-9 another potential may be applied to a conductor 160, which is joined to

indicator lamps

162, 164, and 166. A conductor 168 joins the brush to the lamp 162. A conductor 170 extends from the brush 124 to the lamp 164, and a conductor 172 extends from the brush 122 to the lamp 166.

When the strip 12 ceases to move and the

wheels

88 and 98 thus cease to move, electrical energy is applied to the conductor 160.

As stated, if the strip 12 has been moved a proper predetermined length portion by the feed rolls l8 and 16, the rotor 104 is rotatively positioned so that the

brushes

120, 122, and 124 are completely in engagement with the insulator section 106, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Thus, when the conductor 160 is energized, no current flows through any of the

lamps

162, 164, or 166, when a predetermined desired length of strip material 12 has been moved by the

rollers

16 and 18. Furthermore, if the strip 12 has been moved a proper predetermined length, the recess 103 of the collar 90 is directly in alignment with the plunger 132, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

In operation of the machine of which the carriage 50 is a part, the carriage 50 moves downwardly. Therefore, the engagement member 54 is moved downwardly therewith, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Therefore, when the collar 90 is positioned as shown in FIG. 3, downward movement of the engagement member 54 causes the plunger 132 to move freely into the recess 103 of the collar 90, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

As the carriage 50 continues to move downwardly, the punch 48 carried thereby, is moved thereby into engagement with the strip 12, and the punch 48 forces a piece 173 of the strip 12 therefrom, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Then the carriage 50 is moved upwardly, carrying therewith the punch 48 and the engagement member 54.

Then the control unit 22 again energizes the motor to rotate the feed rolls l8 and 16 through a predetermined amount of rotation for again moving a successive length portion of the strip 12 to a position between the die member 28 and the plate 38, so that a predetermined portion of the strip 12 is immediately below the punch 48. When the motor 20 is de-energized and movement of the strip 12 ceases, the collar 90 and the rotor 104 should again be rotatively positioned in the manner shown in FIG. 3.

However, if for some reason, the strip 12 may have been moved slightly farther than the predetermined desired amount, the rotor 104 and the collar 90 are rotatively positioned in a manner such as illustrated in FIG. 6. This condition may be considered as a tolerable misfeed operation. When this occurs, a part of the brush 120 extends from the insulator section 106 and is in engagement with the conductor portion of the rotor 104, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Therefore, when the conductor 160 is energized, electrical energy flows through the lamp 162, through the conductor 168, into the rotor 104, into the housing 84 and to ground.

Thus, an observer may note that the lamp 162 is lighted. This is an indication that the strip 12 has been moved slightly in excess of the desired amount.

As previously stated, when the strip 12 ceases to move, the carriage 50 begins to move downwardly, carrying therewith the engagement member 54, which engages the plunger 132 and moves the plunger 132 downwardly. As shown in FIG. 6, since the strip 12 has moved slightly farther than the desired distance, the collar 90 is rotatively positioned so that the recess 103 thereof is slightly out of alignment with the plunger 132. The plunger 132 is shown as having a lower end portion of gradually reduced dimensions. Therefore,

when the plunger 132 is forced into the recess 103 of the collar 90, the collar is slightly rotatively moved, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Due to the fact that the collar 90 is attached to the shaft 86 and to the wheel 98, slight rotative movement of the collar 90 causes slight rotative movement of the wheel 98. Thus, the strip 12, which is engaged by the wheel 98 is moved slightly rearwardly, as illustrated by an arrow 177 in FIG. 7. Thus, the position of the portion of the strip 12 between the die member 28 and the plate 38 is corrected.

Therefore, as the carriage 50 continues to move downwardly, the punch 48 severs the strip 12 in the proper portion thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Then the carriage 50 again moves upwardly.

Then the control unit 22 again energizes the motor 20 to rotate the feed rolls 18 and 16 through a predetermined amount of rotation to obtain another desired movement of the strip 12. When the motor 20 is de-energized and movement of the strip 12 ceases, the collar 90 and the rotor 104 should again be rotatively positioned in the manner shown in FIG. 3.

However, if for some reason, the strip 12 may have been moved slightly less than the predetermined desired amount, the rotor 104 and the collar 90 are rotatively positioned as shown in FIG. 8. Such a position of the rotor 104 and the collar 90 indicates another tolerable misfeed. When this occurs, a part of the brush 122 extends from the insulator section 106 and is in engagement with the metallic conductor portion of the rotor 104, as illustrated in FIG. 8. Therefore, when the conductor is energized, electrical energy flows through the lamp 166, through the conductor 172, into the rotor 104, into the housing 84, and to ground.

Thus, an'observer may note that the lamp 166 is lighted, as an indication that the strip 12 has moved slightly less than the predetermined desired amount.

Again when the strip 12 ceases to move, the carriage 50 beings to move downwardly, carrying therewith the engagement member 54, which engages the plunger 132 and moves the plunger 132 downwardly. Also, as shown,'when the strip 12 has been moved slightly less than the desired distance, the collar 90 is rotatively positioned 'so that the recess 103 thereof is slightly out of line with the plunger 132. Therefore, when the plunger 132 is forced into the recess 103 of the collar 90, the collar 90 is slightly rotatively moved, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Therefore, the wheel 98 is rotatively moved. Thus the strip 12 which is engaged by the wheel 98 is moved slightly forwardly, as illustrated by an arrow 178 in FIG. 9. Thus, the position of the portion of the strip 12 which is between the die member 28 and the plate 38 is corrected. Therefore, as the carriage 50 continues to move downwardly, the punch 48 severs the strip 12 in the proper location thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 9. 'Then the carriage 50 is again moved upwardly.

Then the control unit 22 again energizes the motor 20 to rotate the feed rolls 16 and 18 through the predetermined desired amount of rotation for proper length movement of the strip 12. When the motor 20 is again de-energized and movement of the strip 12 ceases, the collar 90 and the rotor 104 should again be rotatively positioned in the manner illustrated in FIG.

However, for some reason, the strip 12 may be moved considerably farther or considerably less than the desired amount. If the strip 12 is moved considerably farther than the desired amount, the rotor 104 and the collar 90 may be rotatively positioned as illustrated in FIG. 5. When this condition exists, an intolerable misfeed has occurred. In such rotative position, portions of the

brushes

120 and 124 are in engagement with the metallic portion of the rotor 104. Therefore, when the conductor 160 is energized, both the lamp 162 and the lamp 164 are lighted to indicate that an intolerable misfeed has occurred. As discussed below, means are provided to stop or prevent downward movement of the carriage 50 when intolerable misfeed is sensed.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the recess 103 is completely out of alignment with the plunger 132, if the plunger 132 should be moved by the carriage 50 into engagement with the rotor 104, the spring 56 absorbs additional pressure applied to the engagement member 54, as the carriage 50 moves downwardly. Thus, the plunger 132 and the rotor 104 are not damaged by engagement of the plunger 132 with the rotor 104.

As shown in FIG. 11, the brush 124 may be connected to a control unit 190 which operates a brake, not shown, which is operatively connected to the carriage 50, to stop the downward movement of the carriage 50 when the brush 124 is energized, indicating an intolerable misfeed of the strip 12.

Frequently a tolerable error in the feeding of the strip 12 becomes gradually greater upon each feed operation of the strip 12. An observer of the

lamps

162, 164, and 166 may note the repeated energization of one of the lamps, which indicates the repeated error, and may accordingly manually adjust the control unit 22 to correct the operation of the motor 20.

Also, as an alternative as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 22 may be connected directly to the

brushes

120, 122, and 124 to automatically adjust or correct the operation of the motor 20, if a predetermined number ofconsecutive improper feed operations of the strip occurs, as sensed by the brush 120 and/or the brush 122.

As stated above, energization of the lamp 162 or the lamp 166 indicates a tolerable misfeed of the strip 12. It is to be understood that the rotor 106 and the brushes and lamps associated therewith may be employed to electrically indicate and/or to correct tolerable misfeed of the strip 12 without use of the collar 90 and the plunger 132 to mechanically correct the strip feed operation.

Likewise, if desired, the automatic mechanical correction means provided by the collar 90 and the plunger 132 may be employed, without the use of the rotor I04 and the brushes associated therewith.

Thus, it is understood that the collar 90 with the plunger 132 serves as sensing and correction means in regard to movement of the strip 12. Also, the rotor 104 with the

brushes

120, 122, and 124 serves as sensing and correction means in regard to movement of the strip 12. Either of the sensing and correction means may be operated alone or in cooperation with the other sensing means.

Therefore, it is also understood that apparatus of this invention may instantaneously indicate misfeed of the strip 12 and/or instantaneously automatically electrically and/or mechanically correct strip feed operation.

Also, apparatus of this invention may automatically adjust the operation of a feed motor when misfeed operation gradually reaches a predetermined amount or number.

The

wheel members

88 and 98, best shown in FIG. 1, may be placed in engagement with a feed roll, such as a feed roll or feed rolls 200, shown in FIG. 10, to measure the rotative movement thereof. Thus, the amount of travel of the strip 12 is measured, without direct engagement with the strip. Such an assembly is particularly helpful for adjustment or set-up of the apparatus, without the movement of strip material for the adjustment or set-up.

It is to be understood that feeding of the strip 12 may be by means other than the electric motor 20 and the feed rolls 16 and '18, operated thereby. In such event, suitable correction means associated with the feed means may be automatically operated by apparatus of this invention. I

Although the preferred embodiment of the device has been described, it will be understood that within the purview of this invention various changes may be made in the form, details, proportion and arrangement of parts, the combination thereof and mode of operation, which generally stated consist in a device capable of carrying out the objects set forth, as disclosed and defined in the appended claims.

The invention having thus been described, the following is claimed:

1. Apparatus for determining the length of movement ofa continuous progressively movable strip, comprising:

support structure, rotor means rotatably carried by the support structure, a portion of the rotor means being in engagement with the strip so that the rotor means rotatively moves-with the movement of the strip, the rotative position of the rotor means thus being determined by the length of movement of the strip,

the rotor means being provided with an insulator section having at least one part and a conductor section having at least one part,

a plurality of brushes carried by the support structure in engagement with the rotor means, the brushes being engageable with each insulator section and each conductor section of the rotor means, thebrushes having a total area in engagement with the rotor means which is less than the total area of one of the sections so that at a given rotative position of the rotor means all of the brushes are in engagement with said section of the rotor means without engaging the other section of the rotor means, the rotor means also having rotative positions in which one brush is in engagement with one section without engaging the other section and at least a part of another brush is in engagement with said other section,

electrical circuit means joined to the brushes and to the conductor section of the rotor means,

the brushes thus sensing the rotative position of the rotor means and thus providing through the electrical circuit means an indication of the length of movement of the strip.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the rotor means has a portion provided with a radially extending recess therein, the recess having a given transverse dimension,

a reciprocally operable plunger carried by the support structure adjacent the rotor means, the plunger having a transverse dimension which is only slightly larger than said given transverse dimension of the recess,

the rotor means being rotatable to position the recess in alignment with the plunger so that the plunger is axially movable into the recess, the plunger having an end portion of gradually decreasing dimension so that movement of the plunger into the recess may cause slight rotative movement of the rotor means, the rotor means thus moving the strip which is in engagement therewith.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the rotor means includes: I

a wheel and a shaft attached one to the other for rotation one with the other, the wheel being in engagement with the strip,

a collar attached to the shaft for rotation therewith,

the collar having the recess therein,

a rotor attached to the shaft for rotation therewith,

the rotor having an insulator section and a conductor section,

the brushes being three brushes in engagement with the rotor along the periphery thereof, the three brushes having less area in engagement with the rotor than the insulator section thereof so that the rotor is rotatively movable to position the insulator section so that all portions of all of the brushes which engage the rotor are in engagement with the insulator section, the rotor also being rotatively movable so that at least a portion of one brush is in engagement with the conductor section while the other two brushes are in engagement with the insulator section.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 which includes carrier means adjustably supporting the support structure and urging the support structure toward the strip which is engaged by the rotor means.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 in which the carrier means is provided with a channel which extends substantially normal to the strip, the support structure having a portion within the channel, spring means within the channel and engaging said portion of the support structure and urging the support structure toward the strip which is engaged by the rotor means.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 in combination with a reciprocally operable carriage, means carried by the carriage for operation upon the strip, and means carried by the carriage and engageable with the plunger for movement thereof into the recess of the rotor means.

7. The apparatus of claim 3 which includes electrical sensing circuitry which is electrically connected to each brush, so that any brush which is at least partially in engagement with the conductor section provides a circuit therethrough, the sensing circuitry thus indicating the position of each brush with respect to the insulator section and with respect to the conductor section.

8. In combination with a machine which is provided with a reciprocally operable carriage having means for operation upon a continuous strip of material which is intermittently fed to a position adjacent the carriage by feed rolls between which the strip is moved, a portion of the strip being moved to a position adjacent the carriage and operated upon while said portion is stationary, followed by movement of a successive portion of the strip to a position adjacent the carriage, feed control apparatus comprising:

rotor means rotatable with movement of the strip, the rotor means being rotatable through a predetermined degree of rotation as a portion of the strip is moved to a predetermined position with respect to the carriage, the rotor means including electrical means,

electrical means engageable with the rotor means for sensing the rotative position thereof,

the rotor means having a recess therein.

a plunger movable into the recess when the recess is positioned at a predetermined location with respect to the rotor means.

9. In combination with a machine which is provided with a reciprocally operable carriage having means for operation upon a continuous strip of material which is intermittently fed to a position adjacent the carriage by feed rolls between which the strip is moved, a portion of the strip being moved to a position adjacent the carriage and operated upon while said position is stationary, followed by movement of a successive portion of the strip to a position adjacent the carriage, feed control apparatus comprising:

the rotor means being provided with a portion which has an opening therein,

plunger means adjacent the opening and movable with movement of the carriage, the plunger means being movable into the opening of the rotor means.

10. The method of controlling the length movement of a strip of material, within predetermined tolerances, comprising:

engaging the strip with rotor means, rotatable through a given degree of rotation when 'a predetermined length movement of the strip occurs, the rotor means having conductive and nonconductive sections, so that when a predetermined length movement of the rotor means occurs, there is a predetermined rotative position of the conductive and non-conductive sections of the rotor means,

sensing the rotative position of at least one of the sections of the rotor means,

correcting the length of movement of the strip by slight movement of the strip when a predetermined length movement of the strip does not occur within a predetermined degree of error.

11. The method of claim 10 in which the step of correcting the length of movement of the strip includes rotative movement of the rotor means.

ll 12 12. In combination with the strip feed mechanism correction means engageable with the rotor means which intermittently moves successive length portions for rotative movement of the rotor means for corof a continuous strip of material to a work position, r g the length movement of the p, the there being a work element adjacent the work position, l'ectlon mefms 1ncludm8 an electrical brush and h k element operating upon a portion f the strip 5 electrical circuitry connected thereto and electrihi i positioned at the k position, cally operable means connected to the rotor rotor means in engagement with the strip and rotameans for "Manon of the rotor meanstively movable with length movement of the strip,

Claims

1. Apparatus for determining the length of movement of a continuous progressively movable strip, comprising: support structure, rotor means rotatably carried by the support structure, a portion of the rotor means being in engagement with the strip so that the rotor means rotatively moves with the movement of the strip, the rotative position of the rotor means thus being determined by the length of movement of the strip, the rotor means being provided with an insulator section having at least one part and a conductor section having at least one part, a plurality of brushes carried by the support structure in engagement with the rotor means, the brushes being engageable with each insulator section and each conductor section of the rotor means, the brushes having a total area in engagement with the rotor means which is less than the total area of one of the sections so that at a given rotative position of the rotor means all of the brushes are in engagement with said section of the rotor means without engaging the other section of the rotor means, the rotor means also having rotative positions in which one brush is in engagement with one section without engaging the other section and at least a part of another brush is in engagement with said other section, electrical circuit means joined to the brushes and to the conductor section of the rotor means, the brushes thus sensing the rotative position of the rotor means and thus providing through the electrical circuit means an indication of the length of movement of the strip.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the rotor means has a portion provided with a radially extending recess therein, the recess having a given transverse dimension, a reciprocally operable plunger carried by the support structure adjacent the rotor means, the plunger having a transverse dimension which is only slightly larger than said given transverse dimension of the recess, the rotor means being rotatable to position the recess in alignment with the plunger so that the plunger is axially movable into the recess, the plunger having an end portion of gradually decreasing dimension so that movement of the plunger into the recess may cause sliGht rotative movement of the rotor means, the rotor means thus moving the strip which is in engagement therewith.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the rotor means includes: a wheel and a shaft attached one to the other for rotation one with the other, the wheel being in engagement with the strip, a collar attached to the shaft for rotation therewith, the collar having the recess therein, a rotor attached to the shaft for rotation therewith, the rotor having an insulator section and a conductor section, the brushes being three brushes in engagement with the rotor along the periphery thereof, the three brushes having less area in engagement with the rotor than the insulator section thereof so that the rotor is rotatively movable to position the insulator section so that all portions of all of the brushes which engage the rotor are in engagement with the insulator section, the rotor also being rotatively movable so that at least a portion of one brush is in engagement with the conductor section while the other two brushes are in engagement with the insulator section.

8. In combination with a machine which is provided with a reciprocally operable carriage having means for operation upon a continuous strip of material which is intermittently fed to a position adjacent the carriage by feed rolls between which the strip is moved, a portion of the strip being moved to a position adjacent the carriage and operated upon while said portion is stationary, followed by movement of a successive portion of the strip to a position adjacent the carriage, feed control apparatus comprising: rotor means rotatable with movement of the strip, the rotor means being rotatable through a predetermined degree of rotation as a portion of the strip is moved to a predetermined position with respect to the carriage, the rotor means including electrical means, electrical means engageable with the rotor means for sensing the rotative position thereof, the rotor means having a recess therein. a plunger movable into the recess when the recess is positioned at a predetermined location with respect to the rotor means.

9. In combination with a machine which is provided with a reciprocally operable carriage having means for operation upon a continuous strip of material which is intermittently fed to a position adjacent the carriage by feed rolls between which the strip is moved, a portion of the strip being moved to a position adjacent the carriage and operated upon while said position is stationary, followed by movement of a successive portion of the strip to a position adjacent the carriage, feed control apparatus comprising: rotor means rotatable with movement of the strip, the rotor means being rotatable through a predetermined degree of rotation as a portion of the Strip is moved to a predetermined position with respect to the carriage, the rotor means including electrical means, electrical means engageable with the rotor means for sensing the rotative position thereof, the rotor means being provided with a portion which has an opening therein, plunger means adjacent the opening and movable with movement of the carriage, the plunger means being movable into the opening of the rotor means.

10. The method of controlling the length movement of a strip of material, within predetermined tolerances, comprising: engaging the strip with rotor means, rotatable through a given degree of rotation when a predetermined length movement of the strip occurs, the rotor means having conductive and non-conductive sections, so that when a predetermined length movement of the rotor means occurs, there is a predetermined rotative position of the conductive and non-conductive sections of the rotor means, sensing the rotative position of at least one of the sections of the rotor means, correcting the length of movement of the strip by slight movement of the strip when a predetermined length movement of the strip does not occur within a predetermined degree of error.

12. In combination with the strip feed mechanism which intermittently moves successive length portions of a continuous strip of material to a work position, there being a work element adjacent the work position, the work element operating upon a portion of the strip which is positioned at the work position, rotor means in engagement with the strip and rotatively movable with length movement of the strip, correction means engageable with the rotor means for rotative movement of the rotor means for correcting the length movement of the strip, the correction means including an electrical brush and electrical circuitry connected thereto and electrically operable means connected to the rotor means for rotation of the rotor means.