Abstract: In a fastener driving tool having a novel depth of drive control is provided. The fastener driving tool includes a tool body having a cylinder with an axis, the cylinder enclosing a piston, wherein the piston is driven in a driving direction, a depth control probe, and a bumper associated with the depth control probe, wherein the bumper has a trailing surface. The depth control probe is movable relative to the tool body between an extended position and a retracted position, and the depth control probe creates a space having a predetermined length between a surface of a substrate and the trailing surface of the bumper. A surface of the piston hits the trailing surface of the bumper after the fastener has been driven to control the driving depth of a fastener.

Abstract: A meltblowing method and system for dispensing first and second fluids from corresponding first and second orifices of a die assembly to form a meltblown first fluid filament. The die assembly directs the first and second fluid flows parallelly, or divergently, or directs two second fluid flows convergently toward a common first fluid flow, whereby the first and second fluids are dispensed from orifices at equal first fluid flow rates and equal second fluid flow rates. The die assembly is compressably retained between opposing end plates coupled to an adapter for further coupling to a main manifold having a fluid metering device for supplying first fluid to the die assembly. The meltblown filaments are depositing onto a moving substrate by vacillating the filament non-parallel to a direction of substrate movement, whereby vacillation a first fluid flow is controllable by an angle between the first fluid flow and one or more flanking second fluid flows, among other variables.

Abstract: Liquid atomization systems and methods including nozzle apparatuses having one or more liquid orifice and one or more fluid orifices associated with each liquid orifice for forming atomized liquid flows. In one application, one or more atomized liquid flows are formed adjacent a moving article and vacillated predominately non-parallel to the direction of the moving article, before depositing the vacillating atomized fluid flows onto the moving article.

Abstract: A method for producing visco-elastic fluidic material flows by drawing a visco-elastic fluidic material with corresponding separate second fluid flows associated therewith to form a visco-elastic fiber vacillating in a repeating, generally omega-shaped pattern having a bowed portion with first and second side portions that first converge toward each other and then diverge outwardly in generally opposing directions. In one operation, the visco-elastic fiber vacillating in the repeating, generally omega-shaped pattern is an adhesive material deposited onto woven and non-woven fabric substrates and stretched elongated elastic strands in the manufacture of a variety of bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles.

Abstract: A method for applying fluids to a strand and useable for bonding adhesive coated strands to substrates in the production of bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, by drawing the strand along an isolated path, moving a fluid or adhesive fiber back and forth across a path of the strand as the fluid fiber is dispensed toward the strand, and capturing substantially all of the fluid fiber on the isolated strand, and in some applications contacting an adhesive coated strand with the substrate to bond the strand thereto. The adhesive fiber is vacillated back and forth across a path of the strand beyond opposing sides thereof to at least partially coat all sides thereof with adhesive. In bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, the methods substantially eliminate fabric stiffening and loss of moisture absorbing capacity thereof, provide substantially uniformly bonding along the axial dimension of the strand to ensure uniform bunching of fabrics, optimum fluid absorption, and comfort.

Abstract: A method for applying fluids to a strand and useable for bonding adhesive coated strands to substrates in the production of bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, by drawing the strand along an isolated path, moving a fluid or adhesive fiber back and forth across a path of the strand as the fluid fiber is dispensed toward the strand, and capturing substantially all of the fluid fiber on the isolated strand, and in some applications contacting an adhesive coated strand with the substrate to bond the strand thereto. The adhesive fiber is vacillated back and forth across a path of the strand beyond opposing sides thereof to at least partially coat all sides thereof with adhesive. In bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, the methods substantially eliminate fabric stiffening and loss of moisture absorbing capacity thereof, provide substantially uniformly bonding along the axial dimension of the strand to ensure uniform bunching of fabrics, optimum fluid absorption, and comfort.

Abstract: A method for applying fluids to a strand and useable for bonding adhesive coated strands to substrates in the production of bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, by drawing the strand along an isolated path, moving a fluid or adhesive fiber back and forth across a path of the strand as the fluid fiber is dispensed toward the strand, and capturing substantially all of the fluid fiber on the isolated strand, and in some applications contacting an adhesive coated strand with the substrate to bond the strand thereto. The adhesive fiber is vacillated back and forth across a path of the strand beyond opposing sides thereof to at least partially coat all sides thereof with adhesive. In bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, the methods substantially eliminate fabric stiffening and loss of moisture absorbing capacity thereof, provide substantially uniformly bonding along the axial dimension of the strand to ensure uniform bunching of fabrics, optimum fluid absorption, and comfort.

Abstract: A method for producing visco-elastic fluidic material flows by drawing a visco-elastic fluidic material with corresponding separate second fluid flows associated therewith to form a visco-elastic fiber vacillating in a repeating, generally omega-shaped pattern having a bowed portion with first and second side portions that first converge toward each other and then diverge outwardly in generally opposing directions. In one operation, the visco-elastic fiber vacillating in the repeating, generally omega-shaped pattern is an adhesive material deposited onto woven and non-woven fabric substrates and stretched elongated elastic strands in the manufacture of a variety of bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coaxial hose assembly comprises male and female half hose assemblies wherein the half hose assemblies respectively comprise a male and female connector, an outer tube member for conducting a first fluid therethrough, an inner tube member for conducting a second fluid therethrough, a joint retainer nut member for securing the male and female connectors together, and a sleeve member mechanically and fluidically connecting axially inner ends of the inner tube members together. Threaded disengagement of the joint retainer nut member releases the male and female connectors from each other, whereby the half hose assemblies may be readily pulled apart in opposite axial directions disengaging the axially inner end of one of the inner tube members from the sleeve member so as to achieve quick disconnection of the hose assembly.

Abstract: A method for producing visco-elastic fluidic material flows by drawing a visco-elastic fluidic material with corresponding separate second fluid flows associated therewith to form a visco-elastic fiber vacillating in a repeating, generally omega-shaped pattern having a bowed portion with first and second side portions that first converge toward each other and then diverge outwardly in generally opposing directions. In one operation, the visco-elastic fiber vacillating in the repeating, generally omega-shaped pattern is an adhesive material deposited onto woven and non-woven fabric substrates and stretched elongated elastic strands in the manufacture of a variety of bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles.

Abstract: A method for applying fluids to a strand and useable for bonding adhesive coated strands to substrates in the production of bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, by drawing the strand along an isolated path, moving a fluid or adhesive fiber back and forth across a path of the strand as the fluid fiber is dispensed toward the strand, and capturing substantially all of the fluid fiber on the isolated strand, and in some applications contacting an adhesive coated strand with the substrate to bond the strand thereto. The adhesive fiber is vacillated back and forth across a path of the strand beyond opposing sides thereof to at least partially coat all sides thereof with adhesive. In bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, the methods substantially eliminate fabric stiffening and loss of moisture absorbing capacity thereof, provide substantially uniformly bonding along the axial dimension of the strand to ensure uniform bunching of fabrics, optimum fluid absorption, and comfort.

Abstract: A meltblowing method and apparatus for dispensing an adhesive through a plurality of first orifices of a die assembly fabricated from a plurality of laminated members to form a plurality of adhesive flows at a first velocity, and dispensing air through a plurality of second orifices in the die assembly to form a plurality of air flows at a second velocity. The plurality of first and second orifices arranged in an alternating series so that each of the plurality of first orifices is flanked on substantially opposing sides by one of the plurality of second orifices, wherein the plurality of first and second orifices are oriented to direct non-convergently the plurality of adhesive flows and the plurality of air flows.

Abstract: A parallel plate nozzle for extruding visco-elastic fluidic materials, useable in the manufacture of non-woven materials, and method therefor dispenses a plurality of first and second fluids from a corresponding plurality of first and second orifices to form first and second adjacent fluid flows. The first fluid flows are drawn and attenuated by not more than one corresponding second fluid flow at a second velocity greater than a first velocity of the first fluid flow to form corresponding first fluid filaments, which are preferably relatively continuous and vacillated chaotically. The first and corresponding second fluid flows are spaced as closely as possible to maximize filament drawing efficiency, and adjacent first fluid orifices are spaced sufficiently apart to prevent merging of the first fluid flows prior filament formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating a paint filter. The apparatus includes a duct, air supply, spray gun, target, filter holder and particle sensing device. The spray gun and target are disposed within the duct to simulate actual paint spraying conditions, including production of overspray. The filter holder maintains a test filter downstream of the target such that overspray interacts with the test filter. The particle sampling device is associated with the filter holder and is configured to sense and provide information indicative of paint filter efficiency and preferably includes a time-of-flight particle measurement instrument. During use, the spray gun sprays paint particles at the target. Overspray from the target interacts with the test filter. The particle sampling device senses data upstream and downstream of the filter, from which a filter evaluation is made.

Abstract: In a combustion-powered, fastener-driving tool with a combustion chamber, a piston chamber communicating with the combustion chamber, a driving piston movable within the piston chamber between an initial position and a terminal position, and a driving blade mounted to the driving piston so as to be conjointly movable with the driving piston, the driving piston, the driving blade, and the piston chamber are arranged so that combustion in the combustion chamber imparts energy to the driving piston and the driving blade so as to drive the driving piston and the driving blade from the initial position toward the terminal position with the driving blade preceding the driving piston, over a stroke having a length sufficient to enable the driving blade to transfer more than eight tenths of the maximum, transferable energy to a fastener engaged by the driving blade as the driving piston and the driving blade approach the terminal position. The piston chamber has an inner, cylindrical wall.

Abstract: An air pre-heating apparatus useable for pre-heating air supplied to one or more hot melt adhesive dispensing nozzles mounted on an adhesive supply manifold. Air is supplied from an air supply inlet on an outer portion of an outer heating member to an air supply outlet on an inner heating member having a heater therein. The outer heating member formed of a plurality of laminated plates having one or more air flow paths, which include preferably a serpentine air flow path portion that increases the residence time of the air therein. The air is supplied through the apparatus against a decreasing temperature gradient whereby heat is increasingly added thereto before the air is supplied to the nozzles. The apparatus is preferably thermally isolated from the manifold to permit maintaining the pre-heating apparatus at a temperature different than a temperature of the manifold.

Abstract: A meltblowing method and system for dispensing first and second fluids from corresponding first and second orifices of a die assembly to form a meltblown first fluid filament. The die assembly directs the first and second fluid flows parallelly, or divergently, or directs two second fluid flows convergently toward a common first fluid flow, whereby the first and second fluids are dispensed from orifices at equal first fluid flow rates and equal second fluid flow rates. The die assembly is compressably retained between opposing end plates coupled to an adapter for further coupling to a main manifold having a fluid metering device for supplying first fluid to the die assembly. The meltblown filaments are depositing onto a moving substrate by vacillating the filament non-parallel to a direction of substrate movement, whereby vacillation a first fluid flow is controllable by an angle between the first fluid flow and one or more flanking second fluid flows, among other variables.

Abstract: A meltblowing method and apparatus for dispensing an adhesive through a plurality of first orifices of a die assembly fabricated from a plurality of laminated members to form a plurality of adhesive flows at a first velocity, and dispensing air through a plurality of second orifices in the die assembly to form a plurality of air flows at a second velocity. The plurality of first and second orifices arranged in an alternating series so that each of the plurality of first orifices is flanked on substantially opposing sides by one of the plurality of second orifices, wherein the plurality of first and second orifices are oriented to direct non-convergently the plurality of adhesive flows and the plurality of air flows.

Abstract: A piston velocity control and stability control system is provided for a combustion powered tool having a self contained combustion engine. The system includes a ring that may be adjusted relative to exit ports in a cylinder of the combustion engine. The ring includes openings which may be incrementally aligned between a completely exposed, and a substantially closed position relative to the exit ports. Displaced air volume within the cylinder exits through the exit ports as a piston advances down the cylinder, and the velocity of the piston will be greatest when the exit ports are completely exposed. User initiated reduction of the effective size of the exit ports by adjustment of the ring will reduce piston velocity as described per application. A nosepiece used to guide the driver blade and position the blade over a fastener is isolated from the cylinder so that the nosepiece remains stable relative to the workpiece upon combustion and until the driver blade strikes the fastener.

Abstract: A system and method for applying fluids, including fiberized hot melt adhesive, onto a substrate from one or more meltblowing die assemblies mounted on a manifold that supplies fluid thereto. At least one of the die assemblies is selected from a group of die assemblies having different configurations of fluid dispensing orifices, wherein various combinations of the different die assembly configurations are mountable onto the manifold to provide a wide range of partial fluid dispensing patterns onto the substrate. Each of the plurality of fluid dispensing orifices are flanked by an air dispensing orifice disposed on opposing sides thereof, wherein air dispensing orifices may extend across a portion of the remaining portion of the meltblowing die assembly void of fluid dispensing orifices.