Running Length Work Patents (Class 118/123)
  • Patent number: 11433458
    Abstract: A gas delivery and purging device for an additive manufacturing chamber includes at least one flexible gas tube having a gas inlet, a purging gas outlet, and a sidewall which defines a shape of the tube, and a source of purging gas operatively connected to the at least one flexible purging gas tube for selectively delivering the purging gas to the at least one flexible purging gas tube. The gas outlet includes pores defined in substantially an entire surface area of the sidewall such that the purging gas passes through the pores and is thereby released into the chamber and is suitable for delivering a large volume of purging gas in a laminar flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventors: Russell V. Hughes, Joseph Pavilanis
  • Patent number: 10780656
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparation of a continuous composite element formed of reinforcement fibers impregnated with a resin that includes photo-initiators for curing. Reinforcement fibers are pulled through a vacuum chamber (110) and then a vertical impregnation chamber (122) where impregnation with the resin occurs. The elongate composite is then deposited onto a rotating wheel of conformation (140). During rotation, a radiation source (146) such as e.g., LEDs (light emitting diodes) are used to activate the photo-initiators and provide at least partial curing of the resin. From the wheel of conformation, the continuous composite element is passed along a vertical course (148) where additional radiation sources (150) activate the photo-initiators and provided additional curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Antonio Delfino, Oliver Joye, Pascal Schroeter, Sylvain Grandjean
  • Patent number: 10369754
    Abstract: Composite fibers created by a process including vertically texturizing and impregnating resin into the fibers at controlled viscosity results in stronger fibers in which virtually no microbubbles are trapped resulting in improved tensile strength for use in reinforcing concrete and other materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Inventors: Oleksandr Biland, Robert Ferguson
  • Patent number: 10186661
    Abstract: A method for enhancing charge carrier mobility of a field-effect transistor device. The method comprises generating uniaxial nanogrooves on a substrate and blade coating a solution comprising a semiconducting polymer onto the substrate. The polymer solution is spread onto the substrate in a direction parallel to the nanogrooves and a main-chain axis of the polymer is parallel to the nanogrooves. The semiconducting polymer can be then annealed, so that a polymer film is formed which is layered on top of the substrate, with polymer chains aligned parallel to a direction of charge carrier movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shrayesh N. Patel, Edward J. Kramer, Michael L. Chabinyc, Chan Luo, Alan J. Heeger
  • Patent number: 9248055
    Abstract: Apparatus and process for the manufacture of articles to be worn on the lower torso of a wearer, such as disposable absorbent article like diapers, training pants, adult incontinence articles, feminine care articles and the like. In particular to such articles and to the equipment and the process for manufacturing such articles, especially when different sizes or types of the article are to be prepared on the same equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: CONCEPTS FOR SUCCESS (C4S) E.K.
    Inventor: Christoph Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20140106073
    Abstract: A device for oiling strip-shaped material (strip material) includes at least one application roller which rotates in a running direction of the strip material that applies oil to the strip material, an apparatus that coats a lateral surface of the application roller with oil and a dosing device that adjusts thickness of the oil layer on the application roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: oelheld GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Storr
  • Publication number: 20130273253
    Abstract: A coating apparatus includes a backup roller configured to support a web; a slot die disposed opposite to the backup roller, the slot die including a plurality of slots and being configured to eject a plurality of coating liquids from tips of the plurality of slots respectively so as to form beads of the coating liquids in a clearance between the web and a lip surface, which is a tip surface of the slot die, thereby coating the plurality of the coating liquids into multilayers simultaneously on the web being transported; and a depressurizing apparatus. Among the lip surfaces which sandwich the plurality of slots therebetween, a lip surface end portion on a downstream side in a transportation direction of the web of the lip surface with which an interface of the plurality of the coating liquids comes into contact has a curved shape with a convex cross-sectional shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi KUNIYASU, Tamotsu SAIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20130260041
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for coating a substrate, including a horizontal coating unit having an inlet and an outlet through which a substrate is moving in and out horizontally, and coating surfaces of the substrate with coating liquid by horizontal dipping method to form a protective layer; and a squeegee unit arranged outside the outlet of the horizontal coating unit and being in close contact with the protective layer of the substrate moving out of the horizontal coating unit through the outlet to uniformize coating thickness of the protective layer. According to the present invention, coating thickness of a protective layer coated on a substrate is formed uniformly, and in particular coating quality of edges of the substrate is improved. Therefore, it is possible to minimize foreign substances introduced during manufacturing process of the substrate, thereby reducing defective rate due to foreign substances and improving productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheol Kang, Jong Hwi Kang, Hyun Wook An, Suk Gi Hong
  • Patent number: 8539904
    Abstract: A rod bed assembly (1, 11, 111) has a holder (2) made of a composite material according to a continuous primary molding method, a rod bed (3) made of a polymer according to a continuous primary molding method, and a doctor rod (4) rotatably supported in a bearing recess (34) on the front side of the rod bed. The holder (2) is formed such that the rod bed (3) and the doctor rod (4) are insertable into and removable from a socket provided in the holder in the radial direction of the doctor rod (4). The rod bed (3) has closed cavities for saving material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Timo S. Lintula, Ari-Pekka Kautto, Sami Kuparinen
  • Publication number: 20130224387
    Abstract: A direct SMC production device includes an impregnation device for impregnating fibers of a material strand. The impregnation device includes at least one densification unit which is designed to densify the material strand after application of the strand to at least one substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: SCHMIDT & HEINZMANN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Matthias Feil
  • Publication number: 20130174779
    Abstract: The invention relates to a doctor blade for the surface treatment of fibrous nonwoven webs, including a main body and a coating arranged on the surface of the main body, wherein the coating covers at least the part of the surface of the main body on which the doctor blade is provided for contact with the fibrous nonwoven web, and wherein the porosity of the coating is less on the first surface adjoining the main body than on the surface arranged opposite thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Hubert Bischof, Antje Berendes, Wolfgang Peter Mayr, Alexander Etschmaier, Norbert Gamsjäger
  • Publication number: 20130129925
    Abstract: A roll blade coating method including transferring an excessive amount of a coating liquid onto a continuously running web, and adjusting the excessive amount of the coating liquid to a desired adhesion amount with a roll blade, wherein the roll blade is held by a holding member for holding the roll blade, wherein the holding member is pressed by a plurality of air cylinders each configured to press the holding member, wherein the air cylinders are arranged in a side of the holding member, which side is opposite to a side where the holding member holds the roll blade, and wherein the air cylinders can separately be adjusted in air pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Shuji Hanai, Satoshi Nakazawa, Nobuyuki Nagasawa, Tetsuya Hara
  • Patent number: 8336486
    Abstract: There is provided a tape core wire manufacturing apparatus that makes it possible to manufacture a large variety of tape core wires in small quantities with ease, and in addition, makes it easy to apply a uniform coating over a broad width. In the tape core wire manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, a coating apparatus that applies a coating material to respective optical fiber core wires has a coating head that moves in the longitudinal direction relatively to the respective optical fiber core wires that have been placed in a row on a coating jig. The coating head has a position adjustment surface that is located in the vicinity of a coating member of the coating head and adjusts the positioning in the thickness direction of the respective optical fiber core wires when these are in the form of a tape. This position adjustment surface is pressed against the respective optical fiber core wires. The coating head is also able to be tilted in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Tomoeagawa Paper Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoichi Sasaki, Masayoshi Suzuki, Ken Sukegawa
  • Patent number: 8142569
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus of the present invention is used for the high-rate deposition of materials, such as carbon, silicon, metals, metal oxides, and the like, onto a metal substrate defined by a metal tape. The particles of the material are mixed with fluid and are injected against the metal tape at high pressure and high velocity. The particles of the material form a current collection surface of the metal tape. The metal tape is used as cathode or anode combined with a separator to form a fuel cell of a secondary battery, metal-ceramic membranes, film composite metal-ceramic materials for electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignees: Nanoener Technologies, Inc., Ener1, Inc.
    Inventors: Yevgen Kalynushkin, Peter Novak
  • Patent number: 8079323
    Abstract: A liquid wiping apparatus that can eliminate the increase in the thickness of membranous liquid and defects in the surface quality resulting from the attachment of splash onto the surface of a metallic strip and can improve the productivity in a manner of accelerating the line speed is provided. The liquid wiping apparatus includes blade wipers for contacting with a molten metal having been attached onto the metallic strip 1 to mechanically wipe the molten metal. In the liquid wiping apparatus, a pressure applying unit 7 of the static pressure pad type using gas is installed at the outlet side of the blade wiper 6 in the strip running direction, and phase-mixed flow of gas/liquid 15 is produced in membranous liquid running between the blade wiper 6 and the strip 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi-Hitachi Metals Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Masashi Yoshikawa, Tatsuya Hirano, Hironori Fujioka, Takanori Nagai
  • Patent number: 8028648
    Abstract: A rod cradle for a film, coating, or dam rod includes a frame profile (12) equipped with an insert groove (14), an insert (16) fitted into the insert groove, and the insert having a rod groove (18) and a rod (28) therein. The device has locking elements (24) for locking the insert (16) into the frame profile (12). There are, on the sides of the insert groove, edges (20) through which the insert passes into the insert groove when the rod is not present. On the sides of the rod groove (16) there are opposing lips (22). The lips (22) have vertices (74) through which the rod (28) can pass without damage to the rod or the insert so that the rod can be inserted in to the rod groove (18) and lock the insert (16) in the insert groove (14) of the frame profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Arto Karusalmi, Ari-Pekka Kautto, Sami Kuparinen, Vesa Lamberg, Pekka Ylönen
  • Publication number: 20110014380
    Abstract: The invention has for its object to provide an apparatus and process for fabricating an artificial opal film having a uniform thickness yet a large area, and provides an artificial opal film fabrication apparatus, in which a substrate (S1) coated with a suspension film (S2) having fine particles dispersed in it is located in a stage (10), and a dispersive medium of the suspension is evaporated off thereby crystallizing the fine particles to fabricate an artificial opal film, characterized by comprising a scraper (20) for adjusting the thickness of the suspension film, and a stage (10) that is movable relative thereto in a constant horizontal direction, wherein the substrate attached to that stage is positioned such that when the stage (10) moves horizontally, the thickness of the suspension film (S2) coated on that substrate (S1) and in an uncrystalliation state is controlled by the scraper (20), and crystallization by evaporation of the dispersive medium of the suspension is set off after the suspension film
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: National Institute for Materials Science
    Inventors: Hiroshi Fudoji, Tsutomu Sawada, Kenji Kitamura
  • Publication number: 20100236175
    Abstract: A siding system including interlocking panels for installation on a support surface. Each panel has opposing top and bottom edges, and adjacent panels are interlocking at least one location between their top and bottom edges. The panels are supported by projections extending from their rear faces against movement toward the support surface when installed. The panels simulate an arranged plurality of individual building elements such as bricks or stones, and have a variegated appearance. A system for creating the panels is also provided that includes a conveyance by which a panel is conveyed through a plurality of coating stations at which a plurality of different coatings are applied. The plurality of applicators are configured to dispense at least two different coatings onto the panels as the panels move along the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: TAPCO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daniel W. King
  • Patent number: 7798093
    Abstract: A cradle for a film, coating, or sealing rod has a profile (10) that includes a base part (11), a rod groove (16), and a body part (14) between them. The rod groove (16) is arranged to receive the rod (12) between lips (20, 20?) edging the rod groove (16). The circumference lying against the rod (12) is formed at least partly of a slider piece (22), which is an insert-molded part of the profile (10), and which is of a material other than the material of the base part (11) and the body part (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Ari-Pekka Kautto, Sami Kuparinen, Timo Lintula
  • Patent number: 7790218
    Abstract: A method for forming an electrode for a battery includes the step of rotating a gravure roll while allowing the gravure roll to abut against the surface of an electrode, thereby applying a coating fluid serving as a precursor of a porous layer on the surface of the electrode. In this step, part of the coating fluid applied to the surface of the electrode is continuously removed by allowing a scraper to abut against the surface of the electrode, and the width of a part of the scraper abutting against the surface of the electrode is adjusted according to variations in the width of each of linear portions of the porous layer left after the removal of the part of the coating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20100221438
    Abstract: A method in connection with coating, comprising a running web (8) arranged to be coated with a coating mix (11), coating means (1) arranged in connection with said web (8), a coating surface (6, 7) at the coating means (1) and arranged in contact with said web (8) to dose said coating mix (11), and said coating means (1) being provided with at least a first coating surface (6) and a second coating surface (7), in such a way that it is possible at said running web (8) to switch between the one (6) and the other (7) surfaces while at least one of said surfaces (6, 7) is in an active contact position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Håkan Karlsson
  • Publication number: 20100192846
    Abstract: There is provided a tape core wire manufacturing apparatus that makes it possible to manufacture a large variety of tape core wires in small quantities with ease, and in addition, makes it easy to apply a uniform coating over a broad width. In the tape core wire manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, a coating apparatus that applies a coating material to respective optical fiber core wires has a coating head that moves in the longitudinal direction relatively to the respective optical fiber core wires that have been placed in a row on a coating jig. The coating head has a position adjustment surface that is located in the vicinity of a coating member of the coating head and adjusts the positioning in the thickness direction of the respective optical fiber core wires when these are in the form of a tape. This position adjustment surface is pressed against the respective optical fiber core wires. The coating head is also able to be tilted in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: TOMOEGAWA PAPER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyoichi Sasaki, Masayoshi Suzuki, Ken Sukegawa
  • Publication number: 20100126412
    Abstract: A SMC lamination line is disclosed that has an upper carrier film and a lower carrier film with oriented chopped fibers being deposited between the carrier films. Resin paste or adhesive is provided to retain oriented fibers on the lower carrier film. A guide roller guides the carrier film in close proximity to an in-feed conveyor that feeds oriented chopped fiber unto the lower carrier film. The guide roller is preferably less than the diameter of the end roller of the feed conveyor. The guide roller is also preferably within the arc of movement of the ends of the oriented chopped fibers to ensure a smooth and non-disruptive transfer of the oriented chopped fibers to the lower carrier film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Dahl, Raymond Silva, James E. DeVries, Carl Frederick Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090258457
    Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming thin-film buffer layers of chalcogenide on a substrate web. Solutions containing the reactants for the buffer layer or layers may be dispensed separately to the substrate web, rather than being mixed prior to their application. The web and/or the dispensed solutions may be heated by a plurality of heating elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: GLOBAL SOLAR ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Britt, Scot Albright, Urs Schoop
  • Patent number: 7568513
    Abstract: A container is provided having a periphery and a base, which enclose a cavity. The periphery and the base are connected together, the periphery upwardly extending from the base. The periphery has a first slot and a substantially opposing second slot. Each of the first and second slots is sized to permit a first end of a tape located on a roll to be slid through it. A tape holder may be connected to the container so that the tape holder lies outside of the cavity of the container. The roll of tape can be placed on the tape holder so when the tape is pulled through the “mud box”, the tape is thereby unwound. As the tape is manually pulled through the “mud box”, joint compound is thinly applied to one side of the tape. As this is done, the joint compound begins to “adhere” to the tape, conditioning the tape for excellent wall adhesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Teel
  • Publication number: 20090151625
    Abstract: A disclosed image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording medium; and a foam application unit configured to apply foam generated by foaming a liquid and/or a gel onto the recording medium. The foam application unit includes an application part configured to apply the foam onto the recording medium, a supply opening configured to supply the foam to the application part, and a spreading part configured to spread the foam on the application part. The spreading part is disposed at an angle with respect to the movement direction of the application part; and the supply opening is disposed near the most upstream portion of the spreading part with respect to the movement direction of the application part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi MATSUMOTO, Minori Ichimura, Shinji Imoto, Manabu Izumikawa, Yasuhisa Kato, Yasuo Katano
  • Publication number: 20090074980
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coloring slats utilizes a roller, such as an Anilox roller, and enclosed doctor blade subassembly for metering an amount of colorant transferred to the object, and a felt-wiper subassembly for removing colorant from a roller, such as a discharge roller. The doctor blade subassembly includes a pair of side plates located at opposing ends of a doctor blade to enclose a portion of the roller and prevent colorant from building up on a side of the roller while the colorant is being applied to the roller and as excess colorant is being scraped off by the doctor blade. The felt-wiper subassembly includes a wiper blade and a felt insert that combine effectively to remove colorant that is deposited on a roller, such as a discharge roller, that contacts the object once the colorant has been transferred to the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Jabbari, Edwin Morales
  • Patent number: 7470327
    Abstract: A peripheral surface of a coating rod has an area where grooves (convex portions) are formed. This area is ground by a grinding apparatus by which a maximum height Ry of the rod surface is adjusted to 15 ?m or less. Further, a ratio of D/W is adjusted to 0.01 or more, wherein D is a total distance of the convex portions of the rod actually abutting on a web in an axial direction of the rod, and W is a coating width of the web. Furthermore, straightness of the rod is adjusted to 30 ?m or less per 1 m, and roundness of the rod is adjusted to 10 ?m or less. Micro-projections are removed by grinding so that scratches of a coating surface are prevented from occurring. Coating unevenness is prevented by improving the straightness and the roundness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Ooshima, Satoru Matsumoto, Yasuhito Naruse
  • Publication number: 20080295766
    Abstract: A liquid wiping apparatus that can eliminate the increase in the thickness of membranous liquid and defects in the surface quality resulting from the attachment of splash onto the surface of a metallic strip and can improve the productivity in a manner of accelerating the line speed is provided. The liquid wiping apparatus includes blade wipers for contacting with a molten metal having been attached onto the metallic strip 1 to mechanically wipe the molten metal. In the liquid wiping apparatus, a pressure applying unit 7 of the static pressure pad type using gas is installed at the outlet side of the blade wiper 6 in the strip running direction, and phase-mixed flow of gas/liquid 15 is produced in membranous liquid running between the blade wiper 6 and the strip 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Masashi Yoshikawa, Tatsuya Hirano, Hironori Fujioka, Takanori Nagai
  • Patent number: 7445811
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement in a coating line for a fibre-like product or fibre-like products, in which the fibre-like product is directed from output means to a press head, by means of which a tube is formed around the fibre-like product. The fibre-like product is directed from the coating line to a feed unit in a preparatory position at the side. When the coating process of a previous product has terminated, the feed unit is shifted to the coating line and the fibre-like product is fed into the press head and is accelerated to the speed of the tube by means of the feed unit. The feed unit is detached from the fibre-like product, when measurement parameters associated with the fibre-like product and/or the tube reach the predetermined values and is shifted back to the preparatory position at the side of the coating line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Nextrom Oy
    Inventors: Kari Elomäki, Mikko Lahti, Risto Leskinen, Jari Sauranen, Paavo Veijanen
  • Patent number: 7329435
    Abstract: Continuous void-free uniform coatings are formed on filamentous articles by applying a voided or otherwise substantially uneven coating to at least some of the exposed portion of a filamentous article or to a rotating substrate. The filamentous article or substrate is passed through an improvement station containing a plurality of coating-wetted rolls that contact and re-contact the wet coating at different positions along the length of the filamentous article or rotating substrate, wherein the periods of the rolls improve the uniformity of the coating. For coatings applied to a rotating substrate, the uniform wet coating is transferred to the filamentous article. The final coating can be very thin, very uniform and completely or substantially void-free. The coating improvement can be quickly and easily obtained using low cost equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: William K. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20080000418
    Abstract: According to the coating device and method of the invention, coating is performed while the coating liquid is sprayed from the coating liquid supply passage toward the lower surface of the web in a form of a curtain to form a fluid wall of the coating liquid between an exit of the coating liquid supply passage and the lower surface of the web, so that entrained air running with the web can be blocked by the fluid wall. The fluid wall can block entrained air, and therefore, allow stable coating without any defect such as a film cut in a coating film even when the web is run at speed high enough to form a film of entrained air on a web surface and coated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Atsushi Ooshima, Satoru Matsumoto, Yasuhito Naruse, Nobuyuki Sone
  • Patent number: 7211297
    Abstract: An fountain applicator for applying coating liquid onto a web of paper carried past the applicator, has a coating liquid flow path that includes a curved surface along which a sheet of the coating liquid is flowed to subject the sheet to centrifugal force to cause air entrained in the coating liquid to move away from one side of the sheet that is toward the curved surface, so that the one side is relatively free of entrained air. After being flowed along the curved surface, the sheet of coating liquid is directed toward the web in a free standing jet curtain of coating liquid, to contact the web surface primarily with the one relatively air-free side of the coating liquid sheet to decrease the occurrence of skip coating on the web surface, especially when the web is traveling past the applicator at high speeds. The coating is applied in excess onto the web surface and is metered and leveled to a desired coat weight by a downstream doctor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Stora Enso North America Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne A. Damrau
  • Patent number: 7208194
    Abstract: A film sheet which has a polymer layer formed of a coating solution is drawn from a balk roll and transported toward a rubbing apparatus. Thereby, first and second blowers sequentially disposed respectively apply to the polymer layer an air of temperature 45±2° C. and humidity 50%–60%, and an air of temperature 25±1° C. and humidity 30%–35%. Thus, damages which occurred in transporting and rolling the film sheet are removed. Thereafter, a rubbing action is performed to the film sheet such that the polymer layer has alignment. Then a liquid crystal layer is formed on the polymer layer, to obtain an optical compensation film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidetomo Itoh
  • Patent number: 7175742
    Abstract: In a doctor blade, which suppresses abrasion of a mating member and excels in water removal capability and shape retention capacity over a long time, resin is impregnated into a fibrous laminate composed of base materials and batt layers integrated by needle punching, and an adjustment is made so that the void content is between 50% and 80%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Ichikawa Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Takeuchi, Hirofumi Ishii
  • Patent number: 7112348
    Abstract: The coating apparatus and method enable the coating liquid having been scraped-off to be reused without doing any one of the fluid adjusting treatment and the filtering treatment, while maintaining the features of the scraping-off type of extrusion coater, which is suitable for obtaining a uniform and extremely thin coating film. The coating head is provided with two slits: a coating slit and a recovering slit, and the excessive coating liquid having been discharged through the coating slit and applied to the web is scraped-off and recovered through the recovering slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Mandai, Mikio Tomaru, Norio Shibata
  • Patent number: 7037375
    Abstract: A device for direct or indirect application of liquid or viscous coating medium by way of an application system onto a material web, especially a paper or cardboard web, including a weakening device for weakening the boundary layer of air that is carried along by the application surface. The weakening device is located prior to the applicator device viewed in direction of travel of the application surface. The weakening device includes a blowing device and a suction device. The blowing device is located prior to the applicator device when viewed in direction of travel of the application surface and produces an air flow in opposite direction to the direction of travel. The suction device is located prior to the blowing device when viewed in direction of travel of the application surface and sucks off at least a portion of the air flow that is produced by the blowing device, as well as at least a portion of the boundary layer of air that is carried along by the application surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Bernert, Benjamin Méndez-Gallon, Manfred Ueberschär
  • Patent number: 7022380
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for coating a traveling paper web includes a coater head. The coater head includes an inlet for receiving fresh coating material which is introduced into a mixing chamber. A looped flow path is established within the coater head which includes a feed channel extending from the mixing chamber and leading into a coating chamber where one portion of the coating material proceeds in the direction of the rotating backing roll. The aqueous slurry of coating material near the downstream end of the coating chamber enters a recirculation channel from which it is directed through a plurality of flow metering orifices back into the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignees: Metso Paper, Inc., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
    Inventors: Xuekui Lan, Brian J. George
  • Patent number: 6979387
    Abstract: In laminated, resin-impregnated doctor blades for removing water from a grooved belt in the press part of a papermaking machine, fibers of the belt-contacting layer are oriented in the direction of travel of the belt. The doctor blade so constructed exhibits greater adhesion to the belt, an improved water-removal capability, and greater durability, when compared with a doctor blade having randomly oriented surface fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Ichikawa Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Takeuchi, Hirofumi Ishii
  • Patent number: 6942904
    Abstract: The method is for applying a coating on a paper substance. A paper moves over a set of rollers. A coating is applied with a coating applicator that has ultrasonic transducers to vibrate the coating to reduce the viscosity of the coating. A downstream blade has an ultrasonic transducer in operative engagement with the blade. The vibrating blade is applied to the paper for scraping off excessive coating from the paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ultra Technology Europe AB
    Inventor: Hakan Dahlberg
  • Patent number: 6942734
    Abstract: A treatment equipment, which is intended to be installed in connection with a moving surface. The treatment equipment includes a frame and a blade holder formed from composite material as a single piece and connected to the frame. In addition, a blade is fitted to the blade holder, the bevelled edge belonging to which is arranged to be brought into contact with the moving surface by moving the blade holder. In the blade holder, there is also a separate backing blade, which is fitted at one edge into the blade holder, the other edge extending closer than the blade holder to the said bevelled edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Iikka Rata, Reijo Hassinen
  • Patent number: 6936305
    Abstract: Equipment for producing rolls of wound web material including a feed path for the web material, winding structure for winding the web material and forming the rolls, and along the feed path and upstream from the winding means, an applicator member for applying to the web material fed along the path a dry component of a component with a low liquid content of a liquid-based mixture, with which the wound web material is impregnated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Fabio Perini S.p.A
    Inventor: Guglielmo Biagiotti
  • Patent number: 6926772
    Abstract: Continuous void-free uniform coatings are formed on filamentous articles by applying a voided or otherwise substantially uneven coating to at least some of the exposed portion of a filamentous article or to a rotating substrate. The filamentous article or substrate is passed through an improvement station containing a plurality of coating-wetted rolls that contact and re-contact the wet coating at different positions along the length of the filamentous article or rotating substrate, wherein the periods of the rolls improve the uniformity of the coating. For coatings applied to a rotating substrate, the uniform wet coating is transferred to the filamentous article. The final coating can be very thin, very uniform and completely or substantially void-free. The coating improvement can be quickly and easily obtained using low cost equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: William K. Leonard
  • Patent number: 6869639
    Abstract: An improved film coater which utilizes one or more coater or applicators to transfer coating to the outer surfaces of at least one more rolls, which in turn transfers the coating from the roll surface to one or more sides of the web for coating paper is disclosed. The coater or applicator includes a smoothing doctor on the web and downstream of the one or more rolls, and may also utilize humidity from one of steam showers or a humidity enclosure to assist smoothing. The web may run in any direction, but preferably runs upwardly from the roll toward the doctor to reduce “film split” droplets effect. The present invention also reduces the fiber rise and arrange peel pattern on the coated web, resulting in a smooth uniform coated paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Stora Enso North America Corp.
    Inventors: Wayne A. Damrau, John F. Bergin
  • Patent number: 6833157
    Abstract: The coating apparatus and method enable the coating liquid having been scraped-off to be reused without doing any one of the fluid adjusting treatment and the filtering treatment, while maintaining the features of the scraping-off type of extrusion coater, which is suitable for obtaining a uniform and extremely thin coating film. The coating head is provided with two slits: a coating slit and a recovering slit, and the excessive coating liquid having been discharged through the coating slit and applied to the web is scraped-off and recovered through the recovering slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Mandai, Mikio Tomaru, Norio Shibata
  • Publication number: 20040247794
    Abstract: A coater to coat web includes an extrusion die, which has a die slot, for ejecting coating solution. A valve is disposed downstream from first and second conduits, for selectively feeding coating solution and bubble removing liquid to the extrusion die. A shifting mechanism moves the extrusion die between an offset position and a coating position. A controller causes the shifting mechanism to set the extrusion die in the offset position, feeds the bubble removing liquid to the extrusion die by setting the valve at the first conduit, feeds the coating solution by setting the valve at the second conduit, and causes the shifting mechanism to move the extrusion die to the coating position, to eject the coating solution from the extrusion die in the coating position. A bead of the coating solution is formed, for applying the coated layer to the web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Tokimasa, Akio Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20040237884
    Abstract: A treatment equipment, which is intended to be installed in connection with a moving surface. The treatment equipment includes a frame and a blade holder formed from composite material as a single piece and connected to the frame. In addition, a blade is fitted to the blade holder, the bevelled edge belonging to which is arranged to be brought into contact with the moving surface by moving the blade holder. In the blade holder, there is also a separate backing blade, which is fitted at one edge into the blade holder, the other edge extending closer than the blade holder to the said bevelled edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Metso Paper. Inc.
    Inventors: Ilkka Rata, Reijo Hassinen
  • Patent number: 6818062
    Abstract: It is possible to give ultrathin and uniform coating on a flexible web in scraping-off type coating. The distribution of pressure in a web width direction is adjusted by a pressure distribution adjusting device when an excess of coating liquid excessively applied is scraped off by a doctor blade by giving relative pressure to a coating surface of a web and the doctor blade after applying the coating liquid that is more excessive than the desired quantity of the coating liquid on the web by a precoating apparatus while making the web continuously travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Tomaru, Toshihiro Mandai, Norio Shibata
  • Patent number: 6786972
    Abstract: A method and arrangement using the drive device of a rod coating station to carry axial forces, in which the drive device includes at least a telescopic articulated shaft, at the first end of which is a changeable grooved rod and at the opposite end of which is the shaft of the drive motor. The rotation of the rod creates an axial force, which is cancelled by a counterforce from the articulated shaft side, which is brought to the end of the rod. The counterforce is brought to the rod through the articulated shaft from the drive motor side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Pekka Koskela, Olli Koivisto, Ari Rantanen
  • Patent number: RE40857
    Abstract: A recording medium particularly suitable for electrophotographic copying is characterized by coated paper that for a given basis weight has proportionally less coating and proportionally more fiber than conventional coated paper made for electrophotographic processes. The base sheet of the coated paper is preferably formed square on a paper machine wet end and has on the order of 40-50% less filler than conventional sheet paper made for electrophotographic processes. After being formed and dried, the base sheet is provided with a top coat weight that is approximately 60% less than the typical coat weight used for conventional paper. The coating is formulated to have sufficient viscosity to stay more on the surface of the base sheet. The coated sheet is calendered to a medium gloss on the order of a 75° TAPPI gloss of about 45, both to preserve a degree of surface roughness to enhance runnability of the paper through an electrophotographic copier and to provide a pleasant and easily readable surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: NewPage Wisconsin System Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Normington, Gregory E. Pulchinski, Gary G. Schiller