Strand-Feeder

Abstract

A mechanical device for advancing a strand between two rotatable sheaves where the facing sides of the sheaves are provided with teeth. The sheaves are mounted on separate axis and are tilted toward each other. This tilting allows the teeth of the two sheaves to engage with each other at one side and to disengage with a gap between themselves on the opposite side of the two disks. The strand is laid in the gap portion between the two sheaves and is wrapped in circular configuration between the teeth portion in undulated shape. The downstream portion of the wrapped strand is released by the teeth of the two sheaves in the gap portion and can be effortlessly be withdrawn from the sheaves.

1 . A strand feeding device for transporting strand material comprising of:
 (a) a pair of rotatable disks;   (b) the axis of the two rotatable disks skewed to each;   (c) the skewing of the two axis resulting that one portion of a rotatable disk is closer to the other rotatable disk on one side and further apart on the opposite side;   (d) supplying both rotatable disks with teeth on the surfaces where they face each other;   (e) intermeshing the teeth of one rotatable disks with the teeth of the other rotatable disks at the place where they are closer together;   (f) guiding a moving strand to a point between the two rotatable disks where they are further part;   (g) letting the strand run through the portion of the two rotatable disks where they intermesh.   
     
     
         2 . A strand feeding device according to  claim 1  where the rate of rotation of at least one rotatable disk is controlled. 
     
     
         3 . A strand feeding device according to  claim 1  where the clearance of the intermeshing teeth can be adjusted. 
     
     
         4 . A strand feeding device according to  claim 1  or  2  where the two rotatable disks are pressed together by an adjustable spring force; 
     
     
         5 . A strand feeding device according to  claim 1  or  2  where the rear portion of the teeth have an extension to prevent the strand from slipping towards the centers of the two disks. 
     
     
         6 . A strand feeding device according to  claim 1  where the teeth are made from elastomeric materials; 
     
     
         7 . A strand feeding device according to  claim 1  where an elastomeric foam cushion is placed between the teeth of one rotatable disk which presses against the teeth of the other rotatable disk in order to act as a clamp for the passing strand. 
     
     
         8 . A method of feeding a strand by mechanical means comprising the steps of:
 (a) application of a pair of disks   (b) providing each of the two disks with teeth facing each other;   (c) skewing the axis of the disks against each other in order to intermesh the teeth of the two disks in one area and leaving a gap between the teeth on the opposite side;   (d) guiding a moving strand into the gap between the two rotatable disks;   (h) letting the strand run through the portion of the two rotatable disks where they intermesh.