Patents Examined by George R. Koch, III
  • Patent number: 7951250
    Abstract: A method is provided for configuring a mailpiece creation system to minimize system set-up, mitigate errors and reduce the skill level required to perform tabbing operations. The method includes the steps of (i) determining a fold configuration of the sheet material employed in the creation of a mailpiece, (ii) determining the dimension of an adhesive tab for securing a free edge of the sheet material, (iii) determining a target location for the placement of each adhesive tab relative to the free edge of the folded sheet material, (iv) configuring at least one system parameter of the mailpiece creation system in accordance with at the fold configuration, adhesive tab dimension, and/or target location, and (v) executing a mail run job by the mailpiece creation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Ltd.
    Inventor: Geoffrey A. Farmer
  • Patent number: 7942180
    Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for applying glue to fibers for the production of fiberboard, especially MDF board or similar wood material board. Said installation comprises a fiber feed unit having at least one fiber feed conduit which opens into a fiber exit tube via e.g. an arched fiber deflection element and receives the air that is used to transport the fibers, a chute which is located downstream of the fiber exit tube, a glue application device which is located between the fiber exit tube and the chute and which has spray nozzles for spraying the fibers that emerge from the fiber exit tube and enter the chute with drops of glue, and a collection device, located downstream of the chute and having a transport device for collecting and optionally carrying off the fibers and a suction device for suctioning air from the chute through the transport belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Siempelkamp Maschinen-und Anlagenbaw GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Aengenvoort, Michael Schöler, Klaus Schürmann, Lothar Sebastian
  • Patent number: 7934467
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of preparing and coating a large structure such as a ship's hull while in a dry dock wherein a plurality of spray guns disposed in an array are positioned by a robotic arm in a spaced relationship along the surface to be treated so that their spray patterns overlap. The array of spray guns is traversed downwardly a thus painting a strip whereupon the spray guns are secured, move horizontally and then activated to be moved upwardly until another strip adjacent to and overlapping the first strip is painted. These steps are repeated until the surface area is substantially entirely painted. A shroud is provided for collecting paint oversprays and other excess paint is mounted in the array assemblage. An auxiliary spray gun may be positioned and its spray pattern adjusted to apply paint to areas which were missed by the original spray pattern emanating from the array of spray guns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: John Stephen Morton
  • Patent number: 7935200
    Abstract: A protocol for determining process parameters for debulking composite laminates is established using a standardized double vacuum debulk (DVD) process. This allows for the development of a rapid fabrication process for thick laminates of toughened carbon/epoxy composite materials. The protocol provides for obtaining cure and current consolidation information of a composite material system as a preliminary baseline. A test matrix is prepared for varying time/temp profiles to pursue better results or find process limits and the testing defined by the matrix is run with variations of time/temp DVD profiles to confirm data values. Results for the process variations in the test matrix are then assessed. An optimum consolidation is determined and process points are defined at which quality drops off. The protocol results are then applied to part preparation for the material tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Russell L. Keller, John F. Spalding
  • Patent number: 7935199
    Abstract: When a label on a conveyor belt is detected, there is performed a label sticking process of making a sticking mechanism take out the label and stick it to an article at a predetermined position, while when a defect of the label on the conveyor belt is detected before detecting the label, the label is sent out to a label recovery position without performing the label sticking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignees: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha, Takara Pac Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadayoshi Mochida, Shinichi Kashiwagi, Takashi Sekimoto
  • Patent number: 7935389
    Abstract: A printer is provided which sprays ink from nozzles to print recording paper P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takanori Takahashi, Kenji Okamoto, Soichi Kuwahara, Yuji Yakura, Shinichi Horii, Yoshiaki Haba, Hiromitsu Takeda
  • Patent number: 7934529
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of high speed manufacture of swatch bearing sheets wherein each sheet is directed through various operating stations via sequentially releasing a suction force from an endless vacuum belt conveyor while sequentially pulling the sheet onto another endless vacuum belt conveyor with a suction force to allow for substantially continuous engagement of the sheet with the endless vacuum conveyors during the manufacture and inspection of the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Color Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley I. Lerner, Steven B. Winter, Gregory O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7927440
    Abstract: Air bubbles or foreign objects in a transparent adhesive layer that bonds a transparent plate and a plate-like member together in full-surface contact are detected without fail. For the detection, an optical fiber or the like is used to irradiate the adhesive layer with light from a side, the cast light is guided through the adhesive layer, and a state of the adhesive layer is checked with the guided light. A check that discriminates defects in the adhesive layer from defects in the bonded transparent plate is thus made possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Matsuhira
  • Patent number: 7922842
    Abstract: An automatic device for perimetric sealing of an insulating glazing unit composed of at least two glass panes and at least one spacer frame supported and movable in a slightly inclined position with respect to the vertical on a conveyor. A sealing head movable with relative motion with respect to the glazing unit has at least one sealing nozzle suitable to deliver a sealant flow. In order to maintain the correct mutual position of said at least one sealing nozzle with respect to the cavities of the glazing unit to be sealed and to allow the spacing of the nozzle therefrom, a sensor is provided transversely to the plane of the insulating glazing unit that detects the distance from the glass pane. An actuation mechanism is further provided for the relative motion between the sealing head and nozzle and the glazing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: For.El. Base di Davanzo Nadia & C. S.N.C.
    Inventor: Fortunato Vianello
  • Patent number: 7922843
    Abstract: A strip-shaped polarizing film has a protective film strip conformably adhered to one surface thereof and a releasable liner conformably adhered to the other surface thereof and delivered from a film delivering station 1. After an appearance inspection, a lamination of the protective film strip and the polarizing film strip F is half-cut using a laser unit 11 to form an array of laminations each consisting of a protective film and a polarizing film F, with the releasable liner being left intact. Then, the polarizing films F are fed to a peeling mechanism 4. The peeling mechanism 4 feeds a forwardmost one the polarizing films F to a laminating mechanism 5 while peeling off the releasable liner therefrom by a knife-edged member. The forwardmost polarizing film F is laminated to a liquid-crystal panel W conveyed to the laminating mechanism by a panel transport apparatus 18 in synchronization of the feeding of the forwardmost polarizing film F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Kitada, Yoshihiro Kameda, Kanji Nishida, Tomokazu Yura, Takaichi Amano, Hiromichi Ohashi, Atsushi Hino, Naoyuki Matsuo
  • Patent number: 7918182
    Abstract: The temperature of a developing solution is varied depending on the type of resist or the resist pattern. The developing solution is applied while scanning a developer nozzle having a slit-shaped ejection port that has a length matching the width of the effective area of the substrate. After leaving the substrate with the developing solution being coated thereon for a predetermined period of time, a diluent is supplied while scanning a diluent nozzle, thereby substantially stopping the development reaction and causing the dissolved resist components to diffuse. A desired amount of resist can be quickly dissolved through the control of the developing solution temperature, while the development can be stopped before the dissolved resist components exhibit adverse effect through the supply of the diluent a predetermined timing, whereby achieving a pattern having a uniform line width and improved throughput.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electronic Limited
    Inventors: Taro Yamamoto, Kousuke Yoshihara, Hideharu Kyouda, Hirofumi Takeguchi, Atsushi Ookouchi
  • Patent number: 7918953
    Abstract: Positioning recognition marks are read by movable recognition device for positioning objects to be bonded to each other. An alignment method includes a step of reading the recognition marks during movement of the recognition device before its complete stop, and a step of identifying absolute positions of the recognition marks by correcting the mark recognition positions having been read based on a position feedback signal of the moving recognition device. A mounting method using the alignment method is also disclosed. It is possible to maintain a high alignment accuracy, eliminate necessity of assuring a settling time for complete stop of the movable recognition device, and significantly reduce the alignment time and mounting tact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Toray Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Yamauchi, Mikio Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7918181
    Abstract: A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Fuh-Wei Tang, Syed F. A. Hossainy, Dorrie Happ, Ty T. Hu
  • Patent number: 7918260
    Abstract: Adhesive labels are applied to a continuous strip by a unit fed with a first continuous strip of wrapping material advancing along a first path, and a second continuous strip of backing material presenting a succession of labels and advancing along a second path. The labels are detached singly from the second strip by a diverter blade placed along the second path and presenting a sharp edge over which the backing strip is routed through an acute angle to induce the separation of the labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: G.D. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gilberto Spirito, Andrea Biondi
  • Patent number: 7913734
    Abstract: A strip-shaped polarizing film has a protective film strip conformably adhered to one surface thereof and a releasable liner conformably adhered to the other surface thereof and delivered from a film delivering station 1. After an appearance inspection, a lamination of the protective film strip and the polarizing film strip F is half-cut using a laser unit 11 to form an array of laminations each consisting of a protective film and a polarizing film F, with the releasable liner being left intact. Then, the polarizing films F are fed to a peeling mechanism 4. The peeling mechanism 4 feeds a forwardmost one the polarizing films F to a laminating mechanism 5 while peeling off the releasable liner therefrom by a knife-edged member. The forwardmost polarizing film F is laminated to a liquid-crystal panel W conveyed to the laminating mechanism by a panel transport apparatus 18 in synchronization of the feeding of the forwardmost polarizing film F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Kitada, Yoshihiro Kameda, Kanji Nishida, Tomokazu Yura, Takaichi Amano, Hiromichi Ohashi, Atsushi Hino, Naoyuki Matsuo
  • Patent number: 7910174
    Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a flat panel display device includes a substrate on which a picture display section is formed and a stage on which the substrate is loaded. A dispenser applies a sealant along an outer line of the picture display section in the substrate. A light detector emits light toward the sealant and detects the amount of reflected light in real-time. A controller detects broken lines in the sealant in accordance with a signal supplied from the light detector and controls the dispenser so as to re-apply the sealant to spaces in the broken line in which the sealant is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Choon Ryu, Hae Joon Son
  • Patent number: 7909951
    Abstract: The method of assembling a light scanning apparatus is capable of fine-adjusting a scanning angle and resonance frequency of a mirror section. The method comprises: a step of measuring the scanning angle and resonance frequency of the mirror section, with actuating a vibration source, in a state where a substrate holding member is temporarily fixed on a base member; a step of moving the substrate holding member, in the longitudinal direction of a substrate after releasing the temporarily-fixed state of the substrate holding member; a step of fine-adjusting a substrate-holding position by repeating the step of moving the substrate holding member; and a step of fixing the substrate holding member after the substrate-holding position is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Shinano Kenshi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yukio Shinozuka
  • Patent number: 7905969
    Abstract: The feeding apparatus is provided with a first feeding section for feeding a long-formed sheet in the longitudinal direction of the sheet, a second feeding section for feeding the long-formed sheet delivered from the first feeding section in a direction intersecting obliquely with the feeding direction of the first feeding section and a control section for controlling the first feeding section and the second feeding section so that the second feeding section starts to operate before the leading end of the long-formed sheet delivered from the first feeding section is in contact with the second feeding section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Miyahara, Jiro Agawa, Makoto Tachibana, Yoshinori Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 7900673
    Abstract: A tissue manufacturing/handling device is provided. The device comprises a reel turn-up section including a tissue reeling station and an adhesive application system. The tissue reeling station is configured to provide a tissue spool in the path of an advancing tissue web. The adhesive application system is configured to apply a turn-up adhesive to the advancing tissue web or the tissue spool and comprises an adhesive spray rack. The spray rack comprises at least one adhesive applicator nozzle coupled to an adhesive manifold via an adhesive valve assembly. The spray rack comprises a rotation mechanism configured to permit reciprocal rotation of the spray rack about an axis substantially parallel to the spray rack axis between a spray position and at least one maintenance position. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Valco Cincinnati, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Mainous, Chris Jamison, Clark Brown, David Swedes
  • Patent number: 7901526
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatic feeding of elongated sheet stock from a stamping station into a roll forming station in a window component production line includes a transfer mechanism, a feed mechanism and a controller. The transfer mechanism is between the stamping station and the roll forming station. The feed mechanism is positioned at an entrance to the roll forming station. The controller is in communication with the stamping station, the transfer mechanism and the feed mechanism. The controller is programmed to engage stock material that extends from the stamping station with the transfer mechanism, transfer the stock material paid out by the stamping station to the feed mechanism, and drive the feed mechanism to feed the elongated sheet stock into the roll forming station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: GED Integrated Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian G. James, Mohamed Khalfoun, Timothy B. McGlinchy