US 12,338,878 B2
Automatic tensioning apparatus and method of use
Bradley J. Bedord, Suamico, WI (US); and Michael J. Carncross, Crivitz, WI (US)
Assigned to Patz Corporation, Pound, WI (US)
Filed by Patz Corporation, Pound, WI (US)
Filed on Oct. 19, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/489,896.
Application 18/489,896 is a continuation of application No. 17/451,851, filed on Oct. 22, 2021, granted, now 11,821,495.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/198,537, filed on Oct. 26, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2024/0044396 A1, Feb. 8, 2024
Int. Cl. F16H 19/06 (2006.01); A01K 1/01 (2006.01); A47L 11/24 (2006.01); A47L 11/40 (2006.01); B65G 19/08 (2006.01); B65G 23/02 (2006.01); B65G 23/04 (2006.01); B65G 23/44 (2006.01)
CPC F16H 19/0672 (2013.01) [A01K 1/0132 (2013.01); A47L 11/24 (2013.01); A47L 11/4011 (2013.01); A47L 11/4069 (2013.01); B65G 19/08 (2013.01); B65G 23/02 (2013.01); B65G 23/04 (2013.01); B65G 23/44 (2013.01); F16H 2019/0686 (2013.01)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An automatic tensioning apparatus comprising:
a tensioning drive unit comprising:
a longitudinally extending stationary base frame with a plurality of guides extending between a lower portion and an upper portion, and a plurality of rotatable feed wheels axially secured at the lower portion;
a translatable drive frame slidably coupled to the plurality of guides;
a drive assembly coupled to the drive frame, and including a drive motor and a tensile member interface for engaging and rotationally translating a tensile member;
a plurality of drive frame actuators actuatable to move the drive frame between a bottom frame position and a top frame position; and
a sensor for at least indirectly sensing the position of the drive frame along a longitudinal base frame axis.