Fiber tensioning device

Abstract

A fiber tensioning device, including a frame, two or more axles rotatably supported by the frame, each axle having a drum that engages the fiber, each axle also having a wheel, a belt for coupling each of the wheels, and a brake for controlling the belt.

1 . A fiber tensioning device, comprising:
 a frame;   a plurality of axles rotatably supported by the frame, each axle having a drum that engages the fiber, each axle also having a wheel;   a belt for coupling each of the wheels; and   a brake for controlling the belt.   
   
   
       2 . The fiber tensioning device recited in  claim 1  wherein at least two of the axles are arranged substantially parallel to each other in a plane. 
   
   
       3 . The fiber tensioning device recited in  claim 2  wherein the wheel includes a gear for engaging the belt. 
   
   
       4 . The fiber tensioning device recited in  claim 3  wherein the belt includes a chain for coupling each of the gears. 
   
   
       5 . The fiber tensioning device recited in  claim 4  wherein each of the axles is supported on the frame by a friction-reducing bearing. 
   
   
       6 . A fiber tensioning device comprising:
 a first drum;   a second drum arranged substantially parallel to the first drum;   the fiber being wrapped around and extending between the first and second drums;   at least one fiber guide arranged between the first and second drums for maintaining a spacing between passes of the fiber extending between the drums; and   a brake for controlling a rotation of at least one of the drums.   
   
   
       7 . The fiber tensioning device recited in  claim 6 , wherein the fiber guide comprises a plurality of axially-aligned sheaves arranged substantially parallel to the first and second drums, each sheave having a groove for receiving a pass of the fiber between the first and second drums. 
   
   
       8 . The fiber tensioning device recited in  claim 7  further comprising a pair of fiber guides for maintaining a spacing between passes of the fiber extending between each side of the drum. 
   
   
       9 . The fiber tensioning device recited in  claim 8  wherein the first and second drums rotate in opposite directions. 
   
   
       10 . The fiber tensioning device recited in  claim 8  wherein the first and second drums rotate in the same direction. 
   
   
       11 . A fiber tensioning device, comprising:
 a first drum;   a second drum arranged substantially parallel to the first drum;   the fiber being wrapped around and extending between the first and second drums;   means, arranged between the first and second drums, for maintaining a spacing between passes of the fiber extending between the drums; and   a brake for controlling a rotation of at least one of the drums.   
   
   
       12 . The fiber tensioning device recited in  claim 11  wherein the spacing means comprises a pair of fiber guides arranged near each of the first and second drums for maintaining a spacing between passes of the fiber extending between each side of the drum. 
   
   
       13 . The fiber tensioning device recited in  claim 11  wherein the first and second drums rotate in opposite directions. 
   
   
       14 . The fiber tensioning device recited in  claim 12  wherein the first and second drums rotate in a same direction. 
   
   
       15 . The fiber tensioning device recited in  claim 12  wherein the fiber guide comprises a plurality of axially-aligned sheaves arranged substantially parallel to the first and second drums, each sheave having a groove for receiving a pass of the fiber between the first and second drums. 
   
   
       16 . The fiber tensioning device recited in  claim 1  wherein each drum includes at least one groove for receiving the fiber. 
   
   
       17 . The fiber tensioning device recited in  claim 4  wherein each drum includes at least one groove for receiving the fiber. 
   
   
       18 . The fiber tensioning device recited in  claim 6  wherein each drum includes at least one groove for receiving the fiber. 
   
   
       19 . The fiber tensioning device recited in  claim 8  wherein each drum includes at least one groove for receiving the fiber. 
   
   
       20 . The fiber tensioning device recited in  claim 13  wherein each drum includes at least one groove for receiving the fiber.