Apparatus and method for minimizing waste and improving quality and production in web processing operations by automatic narrow web twist defect correction

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are provided to minimize waste and improve quality and production in web processing operations. The apparatus and methods provide defect detection in deposition of acquisition material, which on current machines frequently flips and is difficult to detect when it has flipped causing manufacturers to scrap thousands of products. Using the present invention, defects are able to be detected by discerning a difference in the appearance from side to side with a vision camera, and an acquisition inverter can flip the material to a correct orientation.

1 . An apparatus for correcting a misfeed in an incoming web having a first side and a second side, the apparatus comprising:
 a vision system for inspecting whether an incoming web is properly oriented or improperly oriented, said vision system coupled to a controller;   a web guide carrying said incoming web;   said vision system communicatively coupled to said web guide;   said web guide receiving a signal from said controller to initiate a correction sequence when said vision system detects an improperly oriented condition.