Lamina Is Running Length Web Patents (Class 156/302)
  • Patent number: 6736923
    Abstract: This invention provides a process and apparatus (38) for the manufacture of disposable absorbent cores from a continuous web (40), wherein a plurality of first and second core elements (40a, 40b) are cut from the same continuous web (40). The object of the invention is achieved by rotating each of first and second core elements (40a, 40b) about axes perpendicular to the plane of the core element and subsequently combining a first core element (40a) and a second core element (40b) in proximal relationship to form the absorbent core. Preferably each of the first and second core elements (40a, 40b) are rotated through 90° in mutually counter-rotating directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dirk Franzmann, Christoph Johann Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6730188
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a refastenable absorbent garment comprises moving a continuous absorbent garment subassembly in a machine direction, wherein the continuous absorbent garment subassembly comprises a continuous front body panel web, a continuous rear body panel web and a plurality of discrete crotch portions spaced along the machine direction and connecting the continuous front and rear body panel webs. The crotch portions are folded in a cross direction with one of the continuous front and rear body panel webs folded over the other of the continuous front and rear body panel webs in the cross direction. The method further comprises successively cutting the continuous front and rear body panels of the continuous absorbent garment subassembly in the cross direction and thereby forming a plurality of discrete absorbent garment subassemblies, each of which comprises a front body panel and a rear body panel, wherein the front and rear body panels are connected with the crotch portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Sanders
  • Patent number: 6730189
    Abstract: The invention provides a process and apparatus for the manufacture of disposable absorbent articles comprising the application of discrete web panels (40a, 40b) to a receiving web (1), wherein a plurality of first web panels (40a) and second web panels (40b) are cut from the same continuous web (40), and wherein the process comprises the steps of: cutting the continuous web (40) to form at least a first web panel (40a) and a second web panel (40b); rotating the second web panel (40); and applying the first web panel (40a) and the second web panel (40b) to the receiving web (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dirk Franzmann, Christoph Johann Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6729374
    Abstract: A device for laminating labels disposed upon a continuous strip of liner. The device includes a plurality of spindle structures for supplying a continuous strip of protective film and the continuous strip of liner to a laminating structure, which adheres the continuous strip of protective film to the continuous strip of liner over the labels disposed thereon to form a single continuous strip of laminated liner. The laminating structure has a drive wheel with a plurality of teeth arranged upon the surface of the drive wheel so as to engage a plurality of tractor feed holes formed into the continuous strip of the laminated liner. The drive wheel rotates to bring the continuous strip of laminated liner into contact with a plurality of laminate cutting blades that rotate in registration with the drive wheel so as to cut the protective film in registration with the labels disposed upon the strip of liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Wallace J. Beaudry
  • Patent number: 6726794
    Abstract: A pre-loaded disposable merchandiser (10), apparatus for producing merchandiser (10), and method for producing merchandiser (10). Merchandiser (10) includes strip (30), hanger (46) at one end of strip (30), and a plurality of items (12) connected to strip (30) in staggered locations. The apparatus includes strip material feeder (36), tape applicator (80) to apply piece (72) of tape (60) to a portion of strip (30) and a portion of an items (12). Items (12) may be heat sealed to strip (30) instead of taped. The method includes registering items (12) with strip (30) with items (12) being heat sealed to strip (30) or taped to strip (30). Merchandiser (10) is then cut from strip (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Rudolph Foods Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Belt
  • Patent number: 6722413
    Abstract: In order to selectively reinforce portions of a material web, a cutting and laminating device efficiently produces the required reinforcing strips and then laminates them to the web. In order to efficiently and accurately produce these reinforcing strips, a cross web shear is utilized which is capable of cutting required reinforcing strips from the fairly large web of reinforcing material in an accurate manner. Once cut, a holding and positioning device is capable of grabbing onto the reinforcing strip and appropriately positioning it next to the primary material web. A separate laminator can then attach this reinforcing strip to the web at a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sig Pack Doboy Inc.
    Inventors: Philip A. Koehler, Steven F. Nagel
  • Patent number: 6713185
    Abstract: A method of forming a reinforced polymer film structure is disclosed that includes the steps of slitting a biaxially oriented polymer film web having a top face and a bottom face into a first portion and a second portion, identifying the first portion and the second portion, and placing the first portion atop the second portion, such that the bottom face of the first portion is adjacent the top face of the second portion. This structure provides an impact and tear resistant laminate. Also disclosed is a method of forming a polymer film structure by identifying a molecular orientation direction profile of two portions of biaxially oriented polymer film and layering the two portions such that a molecular orientation direction profile of one does not coincide with a molecular orientation direction profile of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Polyester Film, LLC
    Inventors: Charles David Carlson, Jr., Russell Scott Foxhall
  • Patent number: 6706145
    Abstract: An aqueous adhesive dispersion comprising an adhesive polymer in dispersed form, an anionic or cationic polyelectrolyte, and optionally at least one polyalkylene glycol having a molar mass of 200 to 100,000 g/mol, and other additives; and a process for producing multilayered paper or a material using the aqueous adhesive dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Ahlstrom GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Werres, Bernd Reinhardt, Klaus Rienaecker
  • Patent number: 6695945
    Abstract: A method of anchoring fastening tabs to side portions of a disposable sanitary garment, such as a diaper or an incontinence guard includes the steps of cutting out holes in a backing sheet in opposite side portions of the rear or front part thereof; joining a top sheet to the cut backing sheet with an absorbent body disposed between these sheets to create a composite blank; placing fastening tabs in the side portions of the composite blank containing the cut out holes in the backing sheet with the manufacturer's ends of the tabs each being disposed in one of the holes, the tabs being made of a material which is compatible to the top sheet material from a welding point of view; and anchoring the manufacturer's ends of the fastening tabs to the top sheet by welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Tomas Gandemo
  • Patent number: 6669804
    Abstract: A self-adhesive label for displaying information includes a leaflet, a tab member, and an adhesive layer. The leaflet has a lower surface and an end edge. The tab member is separately formed from the leaflet. An exposed portion of the tab member is disposed alongside the leaflet adjacent the end edge. The tab member has a lower surface. The adhesive layer includes a first adhesive portion engaging the lower surface of the leaflet and a second adhesive portion engaging the lower surface of the tab member. At least a portion of the leaflet does not overlie the tab member. The label may include a laminate cover overlying the upper surface of the leaflet and including a laminate tab portion overlying the exposed portion of the tab member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Pharmagraphics (Southeast) L.L.C.
    Inventors: Roger L. Pendry, Carl W. Treleaven
  • Patent number: 6662843
    Abstract: Method an apparatus and a system in which reclosable bags and components thereof are formed are disclosed. 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: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030217803
    Abstract: A method for production of absorbent articles having the shape of pants including providing individual absorption cores, securing the absorption cores to an elastic material web which is advanced continuously in a direction of travel, assembling the individual articles to form a pants shape, cutting out individual articles each comprising an absorption core and a piece of the elastic material web, the cutting-out stage and assembling stage giving each article two leg openings and a waist opening. The elastic material web has an elastic extensibility in the direction of travel of at least 80%, and preferably at least 100%, and the elastic material web during production is stretched a maximum of 5% in the direction of travel of the material web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Kent Hermansson, Niclas Norrby, Catarina Linner
  • Patent number: 6649010
    Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for applying tape tabs to a traveling web, for example, for placement of fastening tabs on a running web of disposable diapers. The invention provides a cutting roll positioned to cut segments from a continuous infeeding web of tape material against a rotating anvil. The anvil, which is traveling at a speed equal to or very close to that of the infeeding tape web, carries the tape segments to a point on its tangency where a higher-speed traveling diaper web most nearly approaches, at which point the traveling diaper web is displaced slightly toward the anvil by means of a protuberance acting against the web. This movement causes it to come into contact with the next available tape segment, which becomes adhered to the higher-speed traveling web. This process provides for operation at higher speeds, higher efficiencies, greater flexibility and lower noise levels than previous processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Curt G. Joa, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Parrish, Myron Free
  • Patent number: 6641684
    Abstract: A method of producing a succession of self-adhesive labels carried on a length of release backing material, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a laminar material which includes a release backing material as a lower layer and an upper layer comprised of a web of self-adhesive backed material or a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive; (b) depositing a succession of pre-printed labels onto the upper layer of the laminar material and adhering the pre-printed labels thereto, the laminar material being conveyed past a label applying station; and (c) cutting through the upper layer of the laminar material as far as the release backing material thereby to form the required self-adhesive labels; wherein the rate of deposition of the pre-printed labels onto the upper layer is controlled by detecting the position of pre-printed labels which have been deposited onto the laminar material, comparing the detected position with a desired position of the pre-printed labels and changing the said rate of depos
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: David John Instance
  • Patent number: 6626222
    Abstract: A method for fabricating semiconductor components, such as BGA packages, chip scale packages, and multi chip modules, includes the steps of cutting decals from ribbons of adhesive tape, and then attaching a semiconductor die to a substrate using the decals. A system for performing the method includes a tape cutting apparatus configured to cut the decals from the tape without wasted tape, and then to apply the cut decals to the substrate. A first finished dimension (e.g., width) of the decals is determined by a width of the tape, and a second finished dimension (e.g., length) of the decals is determined by indexing the tape through a selected distance. The tape cutting apparatus includes cutters configured to move through guide openings to cut and apply the decals to the substrate. The guide openings align the tape to the cutters, and also align the cut decals to the substrate. The system also includes a substrate handling apparatus configured to index and position the substrate relative to the guide openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: John VanNortwick
  • Patent number: 6620275
    Abstract: Laminated resealable booklets on labels having an unadhered pull tab are made on a label press or the like by separating release material from label material in a web of label stock, neutralizing the adhesive on the label material in predetermined locations, and adhering the active adhesive on the label material to the release material. A succession of initial bases are die cut, and the resulting waste matrix is removed. Booklets are then laminated over a portion of the initial bases, and of course the laminate also covers the spaces between adjacent initial bases. The laminate and initial bases are then die cut to form the label products. Each label product includes a booklet, a base label portion of the initial base which the booklet covers, and a portion of the adjacent initial base which is not adhered to the release liner. The unadhered portion of the adjacent initial base forms the pull tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Edwards Associates Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Avila, Andrew Vale
  • Patent number: 6620276
    Abstract: The object of the invention is achieved by an apparatus (10) comprising a plurality of means for forming web loops (101), each means for forming web loops being positioned between adjacent web support plates (20), wherein each of the web support surfaces lies in an arc, the arcs lying around the circumference of a circular path, and wherein the web support surfaces and means for forming web loops (101) are rotatably mounted about the axis of the circular path. In a prefered embodiment of the invention, the means for forming web loops (101) is provided by rotatably driving the web support plates (20) around the circular path with a circumferential velocity, wherein the circumferential velocity is varied between a minimum circumferential velocity and a maximum circumferential velocity so that the distance between adjacent web support plates (20) varies between a minimum distance and a maximum distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Lothar Kuntze, Christoph Johann Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6617007
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of forming coreless rolls of pressure sensitive adhesive tape involves the use of a mandrel assembly having a specific circumferential tape supporting segment thereon for winding tape. The circumferential tape supporting segment has a tape engaging surface portion that, in a radial orientation, is compressible yet sufficiently stiff to support the tape as it is successively wound about the mandrel to form a tape roll, and that is sufficiently pliant to permit ready axial removal of a wound tape roll from the shaft. The innermost wrap of pressure sensitive adhesive tape about the mandrel is masked by an adhesive liner. That liner is formed from one portion of a liner/tab segment which had been applied to the tape previously, and prior to winding, the tape is severed, and the remainder of that liner/tab forms an end tab on the outermost end of the previously formed coreless tape roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David R. Cram, Dee Lynn Johnson, Harvey D. Ogren, Jeffery N. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6599384
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for separating a discrete element from a first substrate web, moving at a first speed, and placing the discrete element on a second substrate web, moving at a second speed. The apparatus includes a first station, wherein perforations are made in the first substrate web, and a second station, wherein the discrete element is separated from the first substrate web at a line of perforations and the discrete element is transferred to a positioned on the second substrate web. The first station includes a perforation cutter assembly and conveyer assembly. The perforation cutter assembly includes first and second rollers with a cutting blade, with a discontinuous edge, and an anvil surface, respectively, to make perforations in the first substrate web. The second station includes a separation and transfer mechanism having separation and transfer segments for separating and transferring the discrete element from the first substrate web to the second substrate web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James Dell Milner, Robert Herrick Collins, James Grant Lee, David Allen Palzewicz
  • Publication number: 20030136497
    Abstract: A method for the production of an elastic, air-permeable laminate film is disclosed, whereby material webs made of a fiber non-woven fabric are applied to both sides of an elastomer layer, and the multi-layered material subsequently runs through an ultrasound bonding station. The elastomer layer is melted to form point-shaped bonds at discrete locations by means of ultrasound, while maintaining the substance of the fiber non-woven fabric. An air-permeable structure is formed at the melted sites. According to the method, a melt film made of a thermoplastic elastomer is passed to a laminating unit and introduced, in the thermoplasticized state, between two material webs of fiber non-woven fabric that run into the laminating unit. The melted intermediate layer of the multi-layered material is cooled to solidification temperature, whereby a laminate with cover layers made of fiber non-woven fabric is produced. The laminate is subsequently passed to the ultrasound bonding station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Markus Hamulski, Georg Baldauf, Marcus Schonbeck
  • Publication number: 20030118771
    Abstract: A carrier release tape having pressure-sensitive adhesive segments attached thereto is disclosed which has an indexing mechanism thereupon to facilitate the dispensing of individual adhesive segments from a handheld adhesive segment applicator apparatus. The indexing mechanism consists of a plurality of patterned scores, cuts, or indentations located in the surface of the carrier release tape, thereby allowing for an advancement mechanism in the handheld adhesive segment applicator apparatus to engage the carrier release tape. The indexed adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape may thereby be dispensed by the handheld mechanical adhesive segment applicator apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: John P. Downs, Dennis E. Lohr, Angela M. Obst, James J. Cigelske
  • Publication number: 20030084992
    Abstract: An adhesive bandage pad module, and a method of making adhesive bandage pads, are disclosed. The adhesive bandage pad module, and method of making an adhesive bandage pad, include a servo motor which rotates a knife roll, a transfer roll, and an infeed assembly, a continuous pad strip fed to the infeed assembly, a knife roll and a blade that cuts the continuous pad strip against an anvil, that tangentially contacts the knife roll, on the knife roll. In the module, the amount of pressure exerted by the blade upon the anvil, and transferring of the cut pad onto an adhesive backing on the transfer roll are controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Edward Muesch, Charles Lee Adams, John Damiani, Phil DeSalvo
  • Patent number: 6544375
    Abstract: The invention provides a process comprising the steps of: feeding a web into a web transfer apparatus (1) at a first speed (V1); cutting a web portion (101) off the web (100); and accelerating the web portion (101) to the speed (V2) of a receiving web (200), separating the web portion (101) into at least a first web portion (102) and a second web portion (103) by means of at least a second cut; moving the web portions (102, 103) relative to each other so that they are spaced apart; and applying each of the spaced apart web portions (102, 103) to the receiving web (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Christoph Johann Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6527902
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a machine and process for cutting discrete workpiece components from webs of material, precisely registering them with respect to one another, and depositing them with precise registration onto a constantly moving web of material, the webs of material optionally all moving at different speeds. In a particular embodiment of the invention, a process for manufacturing a multi-component absorbent personal hygiene article is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory John Rajala
  • Patent number: 6523595
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for separating a discrete element from a first substrate web, moving at a first speed, and placing the discrete element on a second substrate web, moving at a second speed. The apparatus includes a first station, wherein perforations are made in the first substrate web, and a second station, wherein the discrete element is separated from the first substrate web at a line of perforations and the discrete element is transferred to a positioned on the second substrate web. The first station includes a perforation cutter assembly and conveyer assembly. The perforation cutter assembly includes first and second rollers with a cutting blade, with a discontinuous edge, and an anvil surface, respectively, to make perforations in the first substrate web. The second station includes a separation and transfer mechanism having separation and transfer segments for separating and transferring the discrete element from the first substrate web to the second substrate web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James Dell Milner, Robert Herrick Collins, James Grant Lee, David Allen Palzewicz
  • Patent number: 6520236
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a machine and process for cutting discrete workpiece components from webs of material precisely registering them with respect to one another, and depositing them with precise registration onto a constantly moving web of material, the webs of material optionally all moving at different speeds. In a particular embodiment of the invention, a process for manufacturing a multi-component absorbent personal hygiene article is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory John Rajala
  • Patent number: 6516850
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying strip fastener elements or zippers to web material includes an unwind stand holding a roll of film material, an infeed dancer arrangement of rollers, a zipper apparatus which conditions zipper material, cuts zippers and delivers zippers to a zipper feed apparatus. The zipper feed apparatus loads zippers into a sealing platen of a rotating turret. The rotating turret carries the zippers successively to a position adjacent a surface of the film and a seal bar presses the film to successive zippers to seal the zippers thereto while a new zipper is being received in a sealing platen of the turret at a loading station at a rotational position at a distance from the sealing station. The film with zippers attached is drawn downstream of the turret to a rewind dancer roll assembly and thereafter to a rewind stand for winding into a roll of zippered film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Hudson-Sharp Machine Co.
    Inventors: Gerry J. Blohowiak, Peter J. Hatchell, Sean Kevin Lemerand, Ernest H. Teske, Scott C. Romenesko
  • Patent number: 6508899
    Abstract: A thermoplastic trim strip is mounted to an edge face of a wood-core furniture panel by applying a face of the trim strip directly to the edge face and bonding the trim-strip face directly to the panel-edge face. The panel has outer faces terminating at the edge face and the trim strip is provided with edge lips that project past the broad faces when the strip is bonded to the edge face. The edge lips are melted over onto the panel faces and trimmed off where they project past the panel faces. A thin layer of glue can be applied between a face of the trim strip and the edge face and the trim-strip face is bonded to the panel-edge face by means of the glue layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: W. Dollken & Co. GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Meyer Zu Drewer, Herbert Müller
  • Patent number: 6508903
    Abstract: A method for forming a securing label including affixing a security activating material to a substrate to form a sub-assembly label, attaching the sub-assembly label to a top label material, and cutting the top label material to form a top label where the sub-assembly label and the top label form the securing label. Attaching of sub-assembly layer includes inserting the sub-assembly layer between a paper layer and a carrier layer of the top label material which have been separated from each other and then remarried after insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Phenix Label Co.
    Inventors: Johannes Maximillian Peter, Mark Volz
  • Patent number: 6497918
    Abstract: This invention concerns a process and a device for producing strip elements for electronically securing articles and a corresponding produced strip element. The aim of the invention is to present a process, a device, and a strip element which can be economically produced according to said process. As for the process, the aim is achieved in that an endless strip of electronically detectable material is fed and is cut into individual segments of a defined length, in that the individual segments are advanced by means of a conveyor, the speed of which is greater than the speed at which the endless strip is fed, the relative velocity being adjusted to provide the desired interval between two consecutive strip segments, and in that the segments separated by intervals are given a coating on one or both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Meto International GmbH
    Inventors: Detlef Duschek, Gordon Klassen
  • Patent number: 6494244
    Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for applying tape tabs to a traveling web, for example, for placement of fastening tabs on a running web of disposable diapers. The invention provides a cutting roll positioned to cut segments from a continuous infeeding web of tape material against a rotating anvil. The anvil, which is traveling at a speed equal to or very close to that of the infeeding tape web, carries the tape segments to a point on its tangency where a higher-speed traveling diaper web most nearly approaches, at which point the traveling diaper web is displaced slightly toward the anvil by means of a protuberance acting against the web. This movement causes it to come into contact with the next available tape segment, which becomes adhered to the higher-speed traveling web. This process provides for operation at higher speeds, higher efficiencies, greater flexibility and lower noise levels than previous processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Curt G. Joa, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Parrish, Myron Free
  • Patent number: 6484778
    Abstract: An adhesive bandage pad module, and a method of making adhesive bandage pads, are disclosed. The adhesive bandage pad module, and method of making an adhesive bandage pad, include a servo motor which rotates a knife roll, a transfer roll, and an infeed assembly, a continuous pad strip fed to the infeed assembly, a knife roll and a blade that cuts the continuous pad strip against an anvil, that tangentially contacts the knife roll, on the knife roll. In the module, the amount of pressure exerted by the blade upon the anvil, and transferring of the cut pad onto an adhesive backing on the transfer roll are controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventors: Edward Muesch, Charles Lee Adams, John Damiani, Phil DeSalvo
  • Patent number: 6475325
    Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for applying tape tabs to a traveling web, for example, for placement of fastening tabs on a running web of disposable diapers. The invention provides a cutting roll positioned to cut segments from a continuous infeeding web of tape material against a rotating anvil. The anvil, which is traveling at a speed equal to or very close to that of the infeeding tape web, carries the tape segments to a point on its tangency where a higher-speed traveling diaper web most nearly approaches, at which point the traveling diaper web is displaced slightly toward the anvil by means of a protuberance acting against the web. This movement causes it to come into contact with the next available tape segment, which becomes adhered to the higher-speed traveling web. This process provides for operation at higher speeds, higher efficiencies, greater flexibility and lower noise levels than previous processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Curt G. Joa, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Parrish, Myron Free
  • Patent number: 6471818
    Abstract: A process for applying a portion of a closed zipper inside a container of flexible material, in which a segment or portion of a closed zipper-strip is first applied by a fixing device upon the inner sides of a film of flexible material, prior to cutting of the zipper strip portion from the remainder of the zipper strip. The zipper portion is applied in such a position that it will not interfere with the subsequent sealing along transverse seal lines defining the opposite sides of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: ICA S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gino Rapparini
  • Patent number: 6467235
    Abstract: A shingle and a method of and apparatus for making the shingle is provided, whereby patches of preselected granules or combinations of granules are provided, separated by transverse areas of different, preferably darker granules, having slots centrally thereof, to yield the appearance of multi-tab shingles that are thicker than they actually are, with transverse shadow lines. A longitudinal shadow line is optionally provided, along the upper and/or lower portion of the exposed tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Husnu M. Kalkanoglu, Kermit E. Stahl, Joseph Quaranta
  • Patent number: 6428887
    Abstract: There is disclosed adhesive-oxyhalopolymer composites having surface hydrogen and oxygen or oxygen functionality groups wherein the oxygen or oxygen functionality sites are chemically bonded to an adhesive material forming a stable and permanent bond with surprisingly and unexpected superior bond strength. The adhesive-oxyhalopolymer composites comprise an oxyhalopolymer prepared from a halopolymer having from about 1 to 100 percent of surface halogens permanently substituted with hydrogen and oxygen or oxygen-containing groups of which from about 3 to about 30 percent of the substituted halogens are replaced with oxygen or oxygen-containing groups and from about 70 to about 97 percent of the substituted halogens are replaced with hydrogen atoms and the oxyhalopolymer is chemically bonded to an adhesive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Integument Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence G. Vargo, Douglas J. Naab, Timothy S. Koloski
  • Patent number: 6413345
    Abstract: A method of forming a label for displaying information includes providing a release liner having an upper surface. A discrete patch of leaflet adhesive is applied to the upper surface of the release liner. The leaflet adhesive patch has an end edge. A leaflet is provided having a bottom panel and a top panel overlying and connected to the bottom panel along a fold line. The leaflet is applied to the release liner and the leaflet adhesive patch such that a first portion of the bottom panel overlies the leaflet adhesive patch and a second portion of the bottom panel adjacent the fold line extends beyond the end edge of the leaflet adhesive patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Pharmagraphics (Southeast), L.L.C.
    Inventor: Carl W. Treleaven
  • Patent number: 6409855
    Abstract: A method for making wallboard or backerboard sheets which are relatively lightweight, strong, and which have good fire resistance, thermal insulation, and sound absorbing properties includes forming core material having opposing first and second major surfaces and comprising aerated concrete, securing at least one face layer on at least one of the first and second major surfaces of the core material, and cutting the core material and at least one face layer secured thereto into a plurality of wallboard or backerboard sheets. The provision of aerated concrete for the core provides many key advantages over conventional gypsum wallboard sheets, and/or conventional backerboard sheets, such as gypsum greenboard or cementitious backerboard, for example. In one class of embodiments, the method may further include curing the core material prior to securing the at least one face layer thereto. In another class, the method may further include curing the core material after securing the at least one face layer thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Consolidated Minerals, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Browne Gregg, Leslie G. Bromwell
  • Patent number: 6405778
    Abstract: A pre-loaded, disposable merchandiser, a machine for producing the merchandiser and methods for producing the merchandiser and for packaging items to be sold for display. The merchandiser comprises a strip, a hanger at one end of the strip for suspending the strip, and a plurality of items to be offered for sale, adhesively connected to the strip in staggered locations on the strip. Apparatus for producing the merchandiser comprises a strip material feeder operable to deliver or feed strip material to a station, a tape arm operable to advance tape, a tape cutter operable to cut off a piece of the tape, and an install pad operable to apply the piece of tape to a portion of the strip and to a portion of an item to be sold or to packaging for the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Rudolph Foods Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Belt
  • Patent number: 6406579
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing anti-theft and/or traceability devices associated with stoppering and covering means The invention relates to the high-rate industrial manufacture of remote-detectable devices used in particular as anti-theft devices but also to carry information, associated with means for stoppering and covering containers. To this end, a material in web form is unwound and caused to travel along, and at least one detectable means such as a filament or an oriented-particles film or an electronic tag is deposited in continuous or discontinuous form on this material, this or these detectable means running or following on from one another in the direction of travel of the web-form material. This material is cut according to the singular or plural detectable means deposited on it, so as to separate individual elements each equipped with a detectable means such as a filament, and themselves constituting stoppering or covering means, or parts of such means, for example gaskets for caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Manufacture Lyonnaise de Bouchage-MLB
    Inventor: Robert De Vaujany
  • Patent number: 6401786
    Abstract: A laminated stretch cushion strap assembly having a stretchable cover, a stretchable cushion filler and a stretchable bottom or bottom fabric. The cover includes a stretchable top fabric, a first adhesive web layer positioned on one side of the top fabric and a stretchable base layer positioned on the first adhesive layer on a side opposite that of the top fabric. The stretchable bottom fabric forms with the cover an enclosure. The stretchable cushion filler is adapted to be completely enclosed within the enclosure. The stretchable cushion filler has a first cushion layer, and adhesive for securing during lamination the cover to the stretchable cushion filler, and the cushion filler to the stretchable bottom fabric. The adhesive is a second adhesive web layer positioned between the stretchable base layer and the first cushion layer to secure the cushion filler to the cover, and a third adhesive web layer positioned on the first cushion layer to secure the bottom fabric to the cushion filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Playtex Apparel, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Tedeschi, P. Benjamin Paschal, Joseph M. Petrovich, Billy Poindexter, II, Gloria Falla
  • Publication number: 20020056523
    Abstract: The apparatus for sticking a tape onto a semiconductor wafer comprises a winding tape roll for winding a tape wound around a tape roll, a taper roller having a diameter which is tapered or reduced toward both ends thereof, a wafer table mounting thereon a semiconductor wafer which is taken out from a wafer carrier station and positioning the wafer thereon, an orientation flat cutter and a circumferential cutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: Mutsuo Ishinoda
  • Patent number: 6380025
    Abstract: In the present invention, a diaphragm for pressurizing and heating an encapsulating material is pre-heated to a predetermined temperature before laminating a lamination unit comprising a photovoltaic module and the encapsulating material. As a result, one surface of the lamination unit is heated by a heater provided on a table and the other surface is heated by the diaphragm, so it is possible to prevent appearance of a temperature difference between the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Kaneka Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Suzuki, Hideo Yamagishi, Masataka Kondo
  • Publication number: 20020036051
    Abstract: This invention pertains to processing continuous webs such as paper, film, composites, and the like, in dynamic continuous processing operations. More particularly, it relates to transferring discrete parts to a continuous web, whether paper, film, composite, or the like. Specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for taking discrete parts from a source in a taking zone, optionally taking the discrete parts as components of a continuous web, onto a transport head on a transfer assembly, severing the discrete parts from the continuous web if received as part of a continuous web, rotating the transfer assembly about a first axis and correspondingly rotating the transport head about a second axis radial to the first axis, to thereby present the discrete parts to a receiver in a transfer zone, and transferring the discrete parts to the receiver in the transfer zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Gregory John Rajala, Paul Martin Niemi, Daniel James Oshefsky
  • Patent number: 6350340
    Abstract: Methods, an apparatus and a system in which reclosable bags and components thereof are formed are disclosed. The reclosable bags 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 across the web a continuous strip of tape, having male and female fastener profiles thereon, for sealing thereto. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6338769
    Abstract: A method to obtaining a product formed by a discontinuous/interrupted material and backing, using a continuous gluing/heating machine. A base material is provided with a thermo adhesive resin or an elastomer. A discontinuous/interrupted material is placed over the base material and pressed or joined to form a product comprising the base material and the discontinuous/interrupted material. The combined produce undergoes a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Jorge Salles Rabasa
  • Patent number: 6319347
    Abstract: This invention pertains to processing continuous webs such as paper, film, composites, and the like, in dynamic continuous processing operations. More particularly, it relates to transferring discrete parts to a continuous web, whether paper, film, composite, or the like. Specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for taking discrete parts from a source in a taking zone, optionally taking the discrete parts as components of a continuous web, onto a transport head on a transfer assembly, severing the discrete parts from the continuous web if received as part of a continuous web, rotating the transfer assembly about a first axis and correspondingly rotating the transport head about a second axis radial to the first axis, to thereby present the discrete parts to a receiver in a transfer zone, and transferring the discrete parts to the receiver in the transfer zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory John Rajala, Paul Martin Niemi, Daniel James Oshefsky
  • Patent number: 6313746
    Abstract: The magnetic marker strip is formed of a signal strip made from ferromagnetic material with a low coercive force onto which there is applied ferromagnetic material whose coercive force is distinctly higher than that of the material of the signal strip. The signal strip is relatively long as compared with its width, and emits harmonic-containing signals in a first, unmagnetized state as a consequence of the magnetic field in the interrogation region and emits no harmonic-containing signal in a second state in this magnetic field. The ferromagnetic material with the larger coercive force is arranged in the form of a plurality of control elements at a spacing from one another on the signal strip, the width of the control elements being essentially equal to the width of the signal strip, and the control elements switching the signal strip into the first state when they are in a first, unmagnetized state, and switching the signal strip into the second state when they are in a second, magnetized state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Vacuumschelmze GmbH
    Inventors: Kurt Emmerich, Giselher Herzer
  • Patent number: 6294038
    Abstract: A method, module and apparatus useful in the application of linerless labels to surfaces of elements is provided in a methodology so that conventional linered label applicators can be used with linerless labels. A source of linerless labels is provided comprising a composite of an elongate sheet of reusable, temporary liner having adhered to a low adhesion surface of the reusable, temporary liner an adhesive face of a cut linerless label, the composite being rolled into a roll. The source of linerless labels is used in a method for enabling a linered label applicator to accept linerless label sheet for application to the surface of elements comprising associating a source of precut linerless labels on a roll of reusable, temporary liner sheet to a linered label applicator so that a composite of: a) the reusable, temporary liner sheet and b) cut-out linerless labels is fed into the linered label applicator where linered label is normally directed into the linered label applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Label Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald A. Majkrzak
  • Patent number: 6287410
    Abstract: A method and a system for producing a pressed-wood composite product from a prepared, pre-assembly mat having opposed facial expanses, and including, between such expanses, selected wood components, such as wood veneer, wood strands or other wood fibrous material, plywood sheets, lumber pieces, and further including between such wood components, inter-component heat-curable adhesive. The proposed method and system feature transporting such a pre-assembly through a processing zone, and, within that zone, creating within the pre-assembly both cyclic compression and cyclic heating. Compression is effected principally utilizing distributed pairs of opposing pinch rolls which act on transported material either through independent platens, or through surface materials which become incorporated in a final pressed-wood product. Cyclic heating is effected through use of microwave wave-guides interleaved effectively with the pressure-applying pinch rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Andrzej M. Klemarewski