Continuous Longitudinal Slitting Patents (Class 156/271)
  • Patent number: 6645408
    Abstract: Curled decorative grasses having a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of paper on at least a portion of one surface thereof are disclosed, as are methods for making such curled decorative grasses from materials wherein at least a portion of one surface of the materials is modified to simulate the texture or appearance of paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6640348
    Abstract: A method of reorienting directional features associated with manufacture of continuous fastener materials to produce products having such reoriented features, produces fastener products having an array of individual fastener elements extending from a sheet-form base, the fastener elements adapted to engage mating elements for releasable fastening. The method includes the steps of forming a continuous pre-form product having a planar base defining longitudinal edges and an array of fastener elements extending from the base; joining the longitudinal edges of the pre-form product to form a tube having a seam defined by the joined longitudinal edges; and severing the tube across the seam to form the fastener product with segments of seam extending between longitudinal edges of the fastener product. Various techniques for performing the method and various products taking unique advantage of these techniques are disclosed for providing novel fastener products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: William Clune, George A. Provost
  • Patent number: 6635140
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to place a series of timing marks on a granule covered roofing sheet. A rotary pattern cutter cuts a pattern of tabs and cutouts in the continuous granule covered sheet. The rotary position of the pattern cutter and the position of the timing marks are sensed, and the position of the continuous granule covered sheet with respect to the rotary position of the pattern cutter is synchronized in response to the sensed position of the timing marks and the sensed rotary position of the pattern cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John David Phillips, David Russell Rodenbaugh
  • Patent number: 6627033
    Abstract: The invention includes methods and products which use contact adhesives to secure separate sheets of multiple ply documents to form finished documents, such as integrated letters and envelopes, billing statements, invoices, etc. Sheet material for production of completed documents having plural plies is disclosed, the production of which includes the steps of providing a continuous web of material having sequential parts therealong, the sequential parts including a first part having a first and a second surface and a second part adjacent to the first part having a third and a fourth surface. Contact adhesive is applied to at least the first and second parts in patterns which preclude adhesive contact and bonding of adjacent facing surfaces when the web is stored, i.e., on a roll, but which permit adhesive contact and bonding of the first and second parts when separated and sequentially stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: U-Seal, Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Dexter
  • Patent number: 6623586
    Abstract: A product, apparatus and process for lamination of a sheet of polymer film onto a sheet of light weight web material. An incoming sheet of material is slit into narrow webs, which may be folded by a folding guide, and separated by use of turning bars and guides. The narrow webs then enter an embossing or laminating station. The lamination process joins the two sheets which are of different widths to allow the process to produce stock for different final products. The laminate of folded webs and polymer may be slit and/or unfolded prior to being stored on a take-up reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Mortellite, Thomas Mushaben, Kevin Preston
  • Patent number: 6596107
    Abstract: The present invention provides a distinctive process and apparatus (20) for forming an article. The technique of the invention includes a providing of a first panel layer (22), and a positioning of a second panel layer (28) onto the first panel layer (22). An inboard portion (24) of the first panel layer (22) is attached to an inboard portion (30) of the second panel layer (28), and a side region (36) of a tab web (34) is attached to the inboard portion (24, 30) of at least one of the first and second panel layers (22, 28) to provide a first assembly web (48). A fastening mechanism (40) is attached to the tab web (34), and an outboard portion (26, 32) of at least one of the first and second panel layers (22, 28) is folded to provide a folded layer (44) and a protruding layer (46). A protruding layer portion (56) of a panel assembly (50) is attached to a first waistband portion (62) of an article segment (60), and the article segment (60) is transversely folded to provide a folded article segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: James Bennington Stopher
  • Patent number: 6562173
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming textile pads from a textile batt. The method includes the steps of splitting an incoming single textile batt and forming partial thickness textile batts, applying an adhesive to outer surfaces of the partial thickness textile batts, and adhering vapor barriers to the partial thickness textile batts. The apparatus comprises a pair of feed rollers for receiving a textile batt, a splitting knife downstream of the pair of feed rollers, adhesive appliers positioned downstream of the splitting knife and capable of applying an adhesive to outer surfaces of the partial thickness textile batts, vapor barrier supply positioned downstream of the adhesive appliers and capable of supplying vapor barriers that contact the outer surfaces of the partial thickness textile batts, pressure rollers positioned downstream of the pair of vapor barrier supply rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Midwest Padding L.L.C.
    Inventors: Alan B. Collison, Chad A. Collison
  • Patent number: 6551437
    Abstract: The tape is free from any slack and separation even when it is applied and bonded to a metal joint portion while being bent. The tape, made of an unvulcanized material containing an unvulcanized rubber-base material, a vulcanization accelerator, an anti-oxidizing agent, a pigment and a bulk filler, is formed into an elongated shape having an upper and a lower surface and a predetermined thickness measured in a direction perpendicular to the lower surface or flat bottom surface 1. The upper surface forms a circularly-curved surface 2 in cross section. Since the tape is in an unvulcanized state, it is capable of being free bent when applied to the metal joint portion. After application of the tape to the metal joint portion, a paint is applied to the tape, which is followed by a heating process in which the tape is heated, and, therefore vulcanized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Meguro Chenical Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kitoshi Meguro
  • Patent number: 6544374
    Abstract: A method for making laminated roofing shingles includes providing a substantially continuous sheet of shingle material, cutting the sheet material at a first cutting station to define a first pair of longitudinal strips having interdigitating tabs with a first pattern length, further cutting the sheet to define a second pair of longitudinal strips, further cutting the sheet at a second cutting station to define a third pair of strips having interdigitating tabs with a second pattern length, laminating together one of the first pair of strips, one of the second pair of strips and one of the third pair of strips in overlapping relation to form a substantially continuous three-layer laminated strip in which one of the second pair of strips is the lowermost layer and having the tabs of the remaining two strips oriented in a common lateral direction, and cutting the laminated strip into uniform longitudinal lengths whereby laminated roofing shingles are made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Tamko Roofing Products
    Inventors: Thomas M. King, Devender Swaroop
  • Publication number: 20030051804
    Abstract: There is provided a process for forming profiled elastic laminates suitable for forming profiled elastic ear portions. The process comprises the steps of providing a continuous length of at least one elastic web material having a first width and a continuous length of a first extensible nonelastic web having a second width. The extensible web is extensible in at least the width dimension. The at least one elastic web material and the first extensible nonelastic web are joined to form a first laminate. The first laminate is cut into at least two adjacent continuous lengths of at least two nested profiled laminates. The nested profiled laminates each have at least one profiled edge. Adjacent profiled edges of adjacent profiled laminates are substantial negatives of each other. The adjacent profiled laminates are then physically separated from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Leigh E. Wood
  • Patent number: 6521076
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing laminated roofing shingles comprises coating a continuously supplied shingle mat having a width W with roofing asphalt to make an asphalt coated sheet, and subjecting the asphalt coated sheet to one of two subsequent processes. The first process comprises covering the asphalt coated sheet with granules in a first pattern suitable for making laminated shingles with an overlay having tabs and cutouts, where the area of the tabs approximately equals the area of the cutouts, thereby forming a first granule covered sheet. The second process comprises covering the asphalt coated sheet with granules in a second pattern suitable for making laminated shingles with an overlay having tabs and cutouts, where the area of the tabs is substantially greater than the area of the cutouts, thereby forming a second granule covered sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Bert Whitmore Elliott
  • Patent number: 6500292
    Abstract: A non-woven fiber pad having a convoluted surface formed by cutting a non-woven fiber batt having a plurality of low melt synthetic fibers. The non-woven batt is compressed generally toward a cutting device by a pair of counter-rotating drums having convoluted surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Niels S. Mossbeck, Steven Eugene Ogle
  • Publication number: 20020176959
    Abstract: Curled decorative grasses having a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of paper on at least a portion of one surface thereof are disclosed, as are methods for making such curled decorative grasses from materials wherein at least a portion of one surface of the materials is modified to simulate the texture or appearance of paper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20020174944
    Abstract: A drip irrigation hose of the continuous emitter type in which the outlets from the regulating passage each comprise a single longitudinal slit. By controlling the length of the slits and the flexibility of the film, water drips from the outlets when the hose is pressurized without clogging when the hose is depressurized. The slits are sufficiently long and the film is sufficiently flexible so the water drips from the outlets when the hose is pressurized. The slits are sufficiently short and the film is sufficiently rigid so the outlets close completely when the hose is depressurized. An outlet forming wheel has a knife blade on its periphery. A backing wheel engages the outlet forming wheel to establish a first nip therebetween. The backing wheel has on its periphery a circumferential slot into which the knife blade fits at the first nip. A rib forming wheel has around its periphery impressions that define a desired track pattern for the ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Michael DeFrank, David Marchetti, David L. Teegardin
  • Patent number: 6471817
    Abstract: A laser printable sheet with vehicular registration and permitting decals and/or stickers is produced in a manner that insures the sheet lays-flat, rather than being crooked, so that it does not cause significant jamming problems in laser printers. Adhesive-release material is spot coated on a web back surface, including a first patch, the back surface is imaged with static indicia, and a substantially transparent plastic pressure sensitive adhesive laminate is applied over the back surface, including over the adhesive release material patch and first static indicia. The face is die cut at the first patch within the parameter of the patch to form the first die cut portion, which is then sucked off the substrate to provide an open area with exposed transparent plastic and pressure sensitive adhesive, and then a piggy back decal is blown onto the open area. The decal is preferably a license plate decal having a reflective visible surface in vehicular registration and permitting indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Moore North America, Inc.
    Inventor: David Emmert
  • Patent number: 6419780
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing laminated shingles achieves heretofore unobtained versatility by employing separate rolls of substrate materials for underlayment and overlayment webs of the laminated shingles being made. The method contemplates that each of the underlayment and overlayment webs are separately coated with an asphalt composition and granule formulation, whereby the asphalt compositions and/or granule formulations and patterns can be different for each of the webs. Each of the webs is subdivided into plural web portions, which are thereafter laminated, and transversely cut for formation of individual laminated shingles. Laminated shingles formed in accordance with the present method may comprise underlayment and overlayment substrates which differ in thickness, with differing asphalt compositions applied thereto, and/or different granule color formulations and patterns applied to the underlayment and overlayment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Reichel & Drews, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Queisser
  • Patent number: 6406651
    Abstract: Decorative grasses having a texture and/or appearance assimilating the texture and/or appearance of paper are disclosed, as are method for making such decorative grasses from materials wherein at least one surface of the materials is modified to assimilate the texture and/or appearance of paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust Int'l. Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20020069957
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming a multi-layer pad of a non-woven fiber batt and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces and to a multi-layer pad incorporating a non-woven fiber batt and foam layer. The process of forming a non-woven batt layer and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces comprises transporting each layer along its longitudinal dimension while compressing each layer along its lateral dimension. Concomitantly with compression, each layer is cut tranversely along its lateral dimension to separate each layer into an upper segment and a lower segment and to provide conforming convoluted surfaces on the segments of each layer, the convoluted surfaces comprised of upstanding projections and depressions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Steven Eugene Ogle
  • Patent number: 6395122
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an aperture web including bonding a first and second web together with the second web bonded to a lower surface of the first web and feeding the bonded web in a first direction, subjecting the first web to pillar-shaped water jets from at least one nozzle having a plurality of orifices arranged transversely to the first direction until the first web is locally torn and provided with a plurality of apertures in rows extending parallel to one another in the first direction, and then subjecting the second web to pillar-shaped water jets supplied from at least one nozzle having a plurality of orifices arranged transversely to the first direction until peripheral edges of the apertures are partially deformed upward from the lower surface of the first web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Hisanaka, Hisashi Takai, Koichi Yamaki
  • Publication number: 20020033222
    Abstract: Filamentous textile structures are produced from a quasi continuous planar nonwoven (1) by subjecting the nonwoven (1) to fluid-dynamic forces, namely in such a way that the nonwoven (1) is split up longitudinally into a plurality of parallel slivers (3) and the fiber structure of the nonwoven (1) is bonded in the slivers. For the treatment with fluid-dynamic forces, the nonwoven (1) is placed for example against a treatment template (10) which is structured in a strip-like manner by perforations (11) and elevations (12) and fine water, saturated steam or air jets (13) are directed against the nonwoven (1) and the template (10). The slivers produced during the treatment with the fluid-dynamic forces can be processed without any further treatment into a planar textile structures or they can be subjected to a further treatment prior to said processing in order to increase their strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Applicant: Maschinefabrik Rieter AG
    Inventors: Peter Anderegg, Christian Griesshammer
  • Patent number: 6358347
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing large quantities of seamed belts for printing systems with controlled imageable seams, which belts require a defined circumference and width, from suitable belt material in a large roll thereof, by feeding a continuous web of that belt material from the roll in (or cut to) a width that is at least as wide as the defined circumference of the finished seamed belt into a seam cutting station, where the opposing side edges of the continuous web of belt material are cut as they move through the seam cutting station into opposing seam-forming mating edge patterns, preferably mating puzzle-cut patterns cut by small movement laser beams on each side of the moving web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Constance J. Thornton, Joseph A. Swift, Edward L. Schlueter, Jr., Theodore Lovallo
  • Patent number: 6355132
    Abstract: A method is provided of continuously producing a plurality of laminated shingles, including the steps of advancing a fiber sheet, waterproofing the sheet, applying granules thereto, cutting and separating the sheet into a plurality of strips which are positioned and adhered to each other to be multi-layered, and then cutting the strips while controlling the placement of longitudinal centerlines of the strips, and cutting the multi-layers so as to form a plurality of shingles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Certainteed Corporation
    Inventors: Walter F. Becker, Keith A. Rooks, Shelby L. Freeman
  • Patent number: 6355128
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for making a splice into a paper web, which device (10) has been fitted to be used as an auxiliary device in making a cross-direction splice between two ends of a web in a winder. The device (10) comprises a suction zone (11) for immobilizing the web and means (15) for keeping the device (10) in the desired location. The device has been attached to the frame constructions of the winder by means of relief devices. The invention also concerns a method for making a splice into a paper web, in which method a cross-direction splice is prepared between two ends of a web in a winder by means of a device (10) operating as an auxiliary device. In the method, the web is immobilized in a suction zone (11) of the device (10). In the method the device (10) is kept in its place by means of devices (15), and the device (10) is operated as relieved by means of relief devices as attached to the frame constructions of the winder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Pekka Eronen
  • Patent number: 6334923
    Abstract: A method of making multiple laminated shingles from a single sheet of roofing material. When four shingles are to be made, the sheet is cut into five strips, namely first and second double shims, first and second single tooth strips, and a double tooth strip. Each double shim is then laminated below the tooth portion of a single tooth strip and the tooth portion at one side of a double tooth strip, to produce a single lamination strip. The lamination strip is then slit lengthwise and crosscut by a single conventional shingle cutter to produce four sets of shingles across the width of the lamination strip. The process can produce other numbers of shingle sets. In all cases, the various strips needed are, after being cut, reassembled into a single lamination strip so that they can be slit and crosscut by a single standard shingle cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: IKO Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Henry Koschitzky
  • Patent number: 6299720
    Abstract: A slide zipper assembly comprising an interlocking zipper and a slider is provided. The zipper has a first profile and a second profile. The profiles each have a ribbon, a web attached to the ribbon, and an interlocking member attached to the web engageable with the interlocking member of the other profile. The slider is disposed for movement along the zipper and has a top from which two arms depend. The slider arms enclose the profile ribbons and have hooked ends which each hook around a profile ribbon to become positioned between the ribbon and its corresponding web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Van Erden
  • Publication number: 20010024324
    Abstract: A method for cutting and edge sealing cells of cellular retroreflective sheeting is disclosed using a specially designed apparatus and tool. Sheeting having a thickness T is heated to a thermoforming temperature to form a heated sheeting. Pressing the unheated tool, the heated sheeting, and a substrate together results in cutting and edge sealing of the heated sheeting. The tool has a radiused ridge for cutting and edge sealing with the shape of the ridge similar to the shape desired for the edge seal. A height H of the ridge is defined relative to the thickness of the sheeting. The fraction of the ridge height to the thickness of the sheeting is less than one and more than 0.2. The tools may be mounted on a perimeter of a wheel for continuously slitting and edge sealing strips of cellular sheeting. The retroreflectivity of the sheeting is maximized by (1) minimizing the width of the sealed edges while (2) maximizing the number of closed cells along the sealed edges that can withstand a water holdout test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Janovec
  • Patent number: 6264781
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for continuously producing composite structural beams is disclosed. The process includes a first step of forming a tubular element from fibers of composite material, a second step of separating the tubular element into longitudinally extensive, circumferentially separated, corner caps, a third step of securing sandwich panels between adjacent corner caps to form a tubular beam, a fourth step of shaping the tubular beam, and a fifth step of curing the shaped tubular beam. Also disclosed is an exemplary beam constructed in accordance with the process of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Bott
  • Patent number: 6238510
    Abstract: A centrally tabbed adhesive tape strip pad and centrally tabbed adhesive tape flag pad in which the centrally positioned pull tab portion of the leader strip facilitates initiation of dispensing without the use of prethreaded leader bands and facilitates insertion of a new pad into typical refillable dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph P. Callahan, Jr., Bruce E. Samuelson
  • Patent number: 6235142
    Abstract: A method of making a multi-layer laminated shingle, in which a sheet of roofing material is cut into four strips, namely a shim strip, a first narrow tooth strip, a wide tooth strip, and a second narrow tooth strip, all dovetailing with each other. The shim is then laminated below the wide tooth strip to produce a first lamination. The first lamination is slit lengthwise along its center to produce two half first lamination strips. Each half first lamination strip is then laminated below a narrow tooth strip to produce two three layer lamination strips which are cross-cut into shingles. This enables production of a three layer laminated shingle simply and efficiently. In a modified method, two shim strips are used, one at each side of the sheet of roofing material, each being laminated below the wide tooth strip to produce a first lamination as before.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: IKO Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Henry Koschitzky
  • Patent number: 6220329
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making laminated roofing shingles includes providing a substantially continuous sheet of shingle material, cutting the sheet material at a first cutting station to define a first pair of longitudinal strips having interdigitating tabs with a first pattern length, further cutting the sheet to define a second pair of longitudinal strips, further cutting the sheet at a second cutting station to define a third pair of strips having interdigitating tabs with a second pattern length, laminating together one of the first pair of strips, one of the second pair of strips and one of the third pair of strips in overlapping relation to form a substantially continuous three-layer laminated strip in which one of the second pair of strips is the lowermost layer and having the tabs of the remaining two strips oriented in a common lateral direction, and cutting the laminated strip into uniform longitudinal lengths whereby laminated roofing shingles are made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Tamko Roofin Products
    Inventors: Thomas M. King, Devender Swaroop
  • Patent number: 6214147
    Abstract: A process for in-line lamination of a non-oven fibrous sheet to an extruded polymer film. A non-oven fibrous sheet is slit into a plurality of narrow non-oven fibrous webs. The narrow non-oven fibrous webs are spaced by turning the webs around a plurality of spaced webs. An extruded polymer film is laminated onto a surface of the spaced webs to provide a laminate of the extruded polymer film and the spaced narrow webs having a portion of the extruded polymer film between the spaced non-woven fibrous webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Mortellite, Kevin W. Preston, Thomas G. Mushaben
  • Patent number: 6203636
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for imparting a graphic design to the upper surface of a fabric suitable for use as a wall or floor covering. The graphic design is formed by an elongated pile article having a plurality of filament bundles attached to an elongated support strand. The fabric may be a tufted, woven, nonwoven, flocked fabric or a needled felt. The elongated pile article may be attached to the fabric by various methods, including ultrasonically bonding, applying an adhesive, sewing, stapling or using plastic fasteners. A transfer sheet is disclosed to aid in attaching by ultrasonically bonding, the sheet being made from a fusible material having the elongated pile article is attached thereto. The transfer sheet is positioned on the fabric, the elongated pile article is then ultrasonically bonded, melting a portion of the transfer sheet material, and the unmelted portion is then removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Peter Popper, Mark Stephen Edwards, William Charles Walker
  • Patent number: 6190489
    Abstract: A lamination method, which is a method in which a dry resist film, formed by providing a color resist layer on a base film, is cut based upon the length of a substrate in the feeding direction, and press-bonded onto the substrate, and then the color resist layer is transferred onto the substrate by separating the base film, is provided with the following steps: in the cutting process, cutting the film so that the rear end of the dry resist film, after the press-bonding, extrudes from the rear end of the substrate by a predetermined width; and cutting the dry resist film again at a position inside the rear end of the substrate prior to separating the base film after the dry resist film has been press-bonded so as to eliminate the portion of the dry resist film extruding from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaharu Akitomo, Tetsurou Koyama
  • Patent number: 6177163
    Abstract: Adhesive sheet assemblies are described comprising a continuous carrier in roll form, a series of longitudinally spaced adhesive sheets on the carrier, and at least one cut in the web defining, for each adhesive sheet, one cover piece cut from the carrier such that the cover piece has an outer peripheral edge within the first portion on the backside of the adhesive sheet, so that the cover piece may be separated from the web and retained on the first portion of the backside of the adhesive sheet when the adhesive sheet is peeled off the carrier due to adhesion between the cover piece and the adhesive sheet. Preferably, at least 40 percent of the total length of the outer peripheral edge of each cover piece is substantially in registration with the outer peripheral edge of the adhesive sheet to which it is adhered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Tricor Direct, Inc.
    Inventors: Lana M. Blok, Larry E. Wenzler, Gene A. Wright
  • Patent number: 6174399
    Abstract: Adhesive bandages are prepared from an elastic backing material by decreasing the tension in the backing material just prior to attachment of the adhesive pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Len C. DeCandia, Philip DeSalvo
  • Patent number: 6174397
    Abstract: Methods an apparatus and a system in which reclosable bags and components thereof are formed. The reclosable bags 2001 are made from base web material that has transversely applied fastener tape segments thereon. The web material is used in a vertical form, fill and seal bag forming method. The method includes the steps of supplying a continuous strip of tape, having male and female fasteners profiler across the web for sealing thereon. In one embodiment a continuous strip of barrier material, and a continuous strip of fastener having first and second interlocked fastener profile strips are positioned on the continuous strip of tape; and secured thereon, the barrier tape is folded to obtain a fold and two opposing barrier tape fastener strip connecting portions; and, the fold is slit to form two separate continuous strips of barrier material strips and two continuous strips of tape. In another embodiment a coating is applied to the tape itself to prevent sealing of the folded slit tape to itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6174403
    Abstract: A method for the production of a laminated shingle wherein at least two strips of a continuously advancing sheet are coated with differently colored aggregates of granules. Present among one of the aggregates are a multitude of granules having at least one color and/or hue thereof not present among the granules of the other aggregate or aggregates. The strips are cut from the sheet and laminated one above the other so as to form at least two layers with the differently colored aggregates exposed to view. The difference in coloration creates a pleasing color contrast and accentuates the difference in elevation between the shingle layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Edward C. Steiner, Jr., Shelby L. Freeman, Walter F. Becker, Calvin G. Trotter
  • Patent number: 6171432
    Abstract: A novel method for manufacturing a layer of a laminated, disposable absorbent product, such as a fluid-permeable cover layer, an absorbent core layer or a fluid-impervious backing layer thereof, with a comparatively small amount of waste matter. The method comprises the steps of longitudinally cutting a continuous web of starting material according to a cyclic pattern constructed with line segments corresponding to the edge contour of the disposable absorbent product. The cutting operation divides the continuous web in two strips, each strip having a patterned longitudinal edge whose outline corresponds to the cyclic pattern. The strips are crossed and joined to one another in a parallel and in a phase relationship to form a compound web having longitudinal edges producing repeatedly the edge contour of the disposable absorbent product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson, Inc.
    Inventors: Henri Brisebois, Michael J. Menard
  • Patent number: 6117381
    Abstract: A gapless order change in a continuous running corrugated web is provided by utilizing a partial web sever extending transversely across the web upstream of a web selector device. The partial web sever allows the output web selector device to be readjusted downstream of the slitter-scorer to redirect the output webs between upper and lower cut-off knives as required. The partial web sever allows the order change to be effected with a continuous unbroken web containing the outs for the cut-off knife level handling the output web portions opposite the partial sever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Marquip, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Cummings
  • Patent number: 6103171
    Abstract: A gapless order change in a continuous running corrugated paperboard web, created by using a partial transverse web sever upstream of the web selector device, utilizes selector fork orientation and operation that allows a redirected web portion to be diverted from one slider table to the other with no gap at the transverse slit. The improved apparatus is particularly effective in providing web transition at order change from the lower slider table to the upper slider table where the total width of the output web portions going to the upper level is increased and requires an upward diversion of a redirected web portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Marquip, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Cummings
  • Patent number: 6099684
    Abstract: A procedure for assembling ends of optical fiber into a sheet where adhesive is deposited into parallel grooves in a top surface of a substrate. The optical fibers are placed into the grooves with one optical fiber per groove. A portion of each of the optical fibers, including the ends, extends beyond an edge of the substrate. A plate is pressed against the substrate to hold the optical fibers in the grooves. The plate has a flat surface which extends beyond the edge of the substrate and over the portion of each of the optical fibers extending beyond the edge of the substrate. A lip is contacted with and pressed against each of the optical fibers extending beyond the edge of the substrate to press the optical fibers against the flat surface of the plate. The adhesive is allowed to harden during the lip press to adhere the optical fibers and the plate to the substrate to form the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Thierry L. Dannoux
  • Patent number: 6093474
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a continuous web-like intermediate absorbent product including the steps of depositing onto a web-like supporting sheet a predetermined pattern of absorbent material. Bonding the deposited absorbent material to the supporting sheet by means of heat. Depositing longitudinal strips of an adhesive material onto the web-like sheet. Applying at least a further web-like sheet over the assembly, which joins the further sheet to the former in correspondence of the adhesive strips by compression. Longitudinally slitting the web-like composite assembly obtained and separately winding into rolls the narrower webs obtained, which include adjacent absorbent cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Korma S.p.A.
    Inventor: Antonio Sironi
  • Patent number: 6090235
    Abstract: A machine and a process for formation of a continuous composite tape for the production of wrappings for food products, along with the tape and a wrapping formed using the same; the machine being such that it includes; supply means to provide materials for forming the tape, a unit for bonding of said materials, applicator groups to apply glue on the materials and on the continuous composite tape thus formed, devices for applying the glue along preferred areas; the process being such that it includes the operations of application of the glue on preferred areas of the continuous composite tape and of bonding thereof; the wrapping being such as to provide a perforated flap at its opening and a layer of glue capable of allowing sealing during the packing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Policarta S.r.l.
    Inventor: Arturo Giusti
  • Patent number: 6086708
    Abstract: A method of making a document, such as a check or stock certificate, having enhanced security against counterfeiting. The document includes a strip of foil having a three dimensional light diffracting image thereon affixed to the document. The strip of foil may be affixed to the document before or after the background printing or face printing of the document is completed. In this manner, the light diffracting strip may be printed on by the background and face printing of the document as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Gilbert Colgate, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6063221
    Abstract: A method includes the steps of providing a tubing having an inner annular layer comprising a crosslinked polymeric material, and an outer annular layer comprising a non-crosslinked polymeric material, or a material that is crosslinked to a lesser extent than the material of the inner layer; longitudinally slitting the tubing to form a folded film; and reverse centerfolding the folded film to provide a folded film having a lateral slit edge, and a lateral folded edge opposite said lateral slit edge, such that the inner annular layer becomes an outer layer, and the outer annular layer becomes an inner layer. A bag can be made from the reverse centerfolded film, and an article such as food can be packaged in the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan S. Weinberg, Blaine C. Childress
  • Patent number: 6027597
    Abstract: A method of producing a single unit phone card assembly including providing sheets of material including a primary sheet, a secondary sheet, and an overlaminating sheet; printing information on the primary sheet; applying a coating of release agent on a face side of the primary sheet; applying a coating of varnish on a rear side of the primary sheet; applying a layer of adhesive on a face side of the secondary sheet; laminating the rear side of the primary to the face side of the secondary sheet using the adhesive layer; cutting the primary sheet after lamination of the primary and secondary sheets; laminating the overlaminating sheet to the primary sheet such that the overlaminating sheet contacts the release agent; cutting the laminated primary, secondary, and overlaminating sheets to form the single unit phone card assembly and to form excess material; applying functional perforations to the assembly; and stripping the excess material from the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Bertex Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George W. Main
  • Patent number: 5985081
    Abstract: A distinctive technique for creating a shaped article (90, 100) includes a pivoting of a first portion (56) of a cooperating web layer (26) substantially about a first joining region (40) to lie laterally adjacent to a first portion (52) of a primary web layer (24). The cooperating web layer (26) has been positioned in a superposed facing relation with the primary web layer (24) with the primary web layer having a first and second, lateral side edge regions (32, 34), and the cooperating web layer having third and fourth, lateral side edge regions (36, 38). The first side edge region (32) of the primary web layer (24) has been synchronized to the third side edge region (36) of the cooperating web layer (26) along the first joining region (40), and the second side edge region (34) of the primary web layer (24) has been synchronized to the fourth side edge region (38) of the cooperating web layer (26) along a second joining region (42) to provide a synchronized laminated web (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Mack Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5955012
    Abstract: Substantially constant tension is maintained on a melt-blown nonwoven fibrous sheet by mounting the sheet take-up roller for longitudinal movements relative so as to accommodate the increasing diameter of the sheet material being wound convolutely on the take-up roller. Sheet tension during production is thereby maintained substantially constant by virtue of a continual increase in the longitudinal distance (in relation to the machine direction) between the fiber collection mandrel and the take-up roll. Preferably, tension control is achieved by a pneumatic pressure-regulating system which includes at least one rotatable press roller which is longitudinally fixed in position relative to the collection mandrel and is in contact with the sheet material being wound around the take-up roll. The take-up roller is pneumatically advanced toward the press roller by the pneumatic actuation of at least one air cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: USF Fultration and Separations Group Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Yingling, Charles S. Hoffman, Jr., Robert J. Schmitt
  • Patent number: RE36372
    Abstract: An elongated pile article having a support strand for attachment to a plurality of yarn bundles, the yarn bundles including a dense portion with the filaments bonded to each other and bonded to the support strand, pile surface structure comprised of a plurality of elongated pile articles placed one next to the other, and a method and apparatus for making the elongated pile article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Donald William Edwards, James Kenton Odle, Peter Popper, Donald Montgomery Sadler, Harold Francis Staunton, William Charles Walker, Paul Wesley Yngve, Todd James Savidge
  • Patent number: RE36601
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method for manufacturing a laminated pad in a cost-efficient manner. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of applying strips of adhesive to a first substrate and mounting the first substrate to a second substrate. Next, adhesive is applied to the entire width of a third substrate which is in turn mounted to the laminated first and second substrates to create a laminated sheet. The laminated sheet can be slit and then die cut into individual laminated pads. The pads which result from this process have a base pad, an intermediate layer which is adhered to the base pad and a top layer in which only a portion of the top layer is mounted to the intermediate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: M.J. Woods, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Woods, Marilyn S. Woods