Of Feed Or Motion Of Indefinite Length Work Or Transfer Carrying Tape Patents (Class 156/361)
  • Publication number: 20100186879
    Abstract: A continuous splicer includes first and second closely spaced rotating cylinders each having a respective cutting element and tape retaining arrangement disposed on its outer periphery. With a depleting web fed by the first cylinder and a replenishing web fed by the second cylinder, an end of the replenishing web is adhesively joined to the depleting web while in motion and the depleting web is severed by the first cylinder's cutting element in forming a splice of the two webs. As the replenishing web depletes, a third web may be inserted on the first cylinder and automatically or manually spliced to the original replenishing web without stopping or re-configuring the splicer. The splicer is capable of delivering the webs at a constant rate or a rapidly changing and/or dynamic cycling rate, and applies relatively low web tension for operation with delicate, narrow and extensible webs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Tamarack Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David Machamer
  • Patent number: 7757737
    Abstract: To provide a device for pasting a film exhibiting dichroism and a film exhibiting birefringence at an arbitrary angle with high precision. The device for pasting a film exhibiting dichroism and a film exhibiting birefringence at an arbitrary angle comprises a detector for detecting the angle of an axis where absorption is maximum or minimum in the plane of a film exhibiting dichroism, and a detector for detecting the slow axis in the plane of a film exhibiting birefringence. An angle between the film exhibiting dichroism and the film exhibiting birefringence is controlled using the detector for a film exhibiting dichroism and the detector for a film exhibiting birefringence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignees: Kuraray Co., Ltd., JSR Corporation, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., Toppan Printing Co., Ltd., NEC Corporation, Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshimasa Eguchi
  • Publication number: 20100167176
    Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing apparatus (100) for an electrode material assembly for a fuel cell, which apparatus bonds an electrode material to both faces of an electrolyte membrane (10) continuously transported. The manufacturing apparatus (100) includes a drive mechanism for transporting the electrolyte membrane (10) in a predetermined direction (66), and a tension relieving mechanism for relieving the tension on the transport direction of the electrolyte membrane (10). The drive mechanism can include a plurality of drive system rollers, and the tension relieving mechanism can include tension relieving devices (62), (72), (82), and (92), each interposed between each pair of the adjacent drive system rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Kenichi Kawai
  • Patent number: 7712503
    Abstract: A dual head horizontal automatic flexible spacer and/or sealant applicator for a glass work piece that applies the flexible spacer and/or sealant along a single axis and will operate on a range of work pieces sizes. The machine will automatically square a work piece and pivot about a virtual pivot point of a corner of the work piece for any of a range of work piece sizes. A method of applying spacer and/or sealant is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Billco Manufacturing Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard D Spotts, John M Bridgen
  • Patent number: 7712502
    Abstract: An inspection system (9) includes an idler wheel (61) that is coupled to a fabrication system (8) and is in contact with a backing layer (65) of an applied material (64), A rotation sensor (63) monitors the idler wheel (61) and generates a rotational signal. A controller (24) is coupled to the rotation sensor (63) and determines a characteristic of one or more flaws and FOD (19) on a composite structure (12) in response to the rotation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Roger W. Engelbart, Reed Hannebaum, Tim Pollock
  • Publication number: 20100108252
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for manufacturing a perform (42) for a load path aligned fiber composite structure. The process includes cutting off relatively short fiber band pieces (40, 40?, 40?) from a spread fiber band (14), placing the fiber band pieces (40, 40?, 40?) at a predetermined position and fixing them at this position by means of a binder material (38).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: EADS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Gessler, Oliver Meyer
  • Patent number: 7704345
    Abstract: A method for decorating the cylindrical walls of receptacles, comprising the following steps: a) moveable mandrels are arranged in a loop and are displaced, keeping their axes parallel to a direction D; b) each receptacle is engaged by the cylindrical wall thereof on the mandrel; c) the mandrel is brought into the vicinity of a marking cylinder which turns about a fixed axis parallel to direction D; d) the mandrel is rotated at a speed which is correlated with that of the marking cylinder; e) a transfer film support strip is displaced between the marking cylinder and the mandrel; f) the marking cylinder and mandrel are placed in contact with each other such that the marked area of the transfer film adheres to the cylindrical wall; g) the support strip is removed from the cylindrical wall of the receptacle. The inventive method is adapted to the manufacture of flexible tubes and can be easily implemented on existing devices such as capping machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Cebal SAS
    Inventor: Michel Bosshardt
  • Publication number: 20100096091
    Abstract: A labeling machine, comprising a conveyor of containers, each to be labeled with a label taken by cutting from a continuous ribbon wound in a reel, and further comprising feeder elements which are adapted to convey with the appropriate timing the ribbon to a device for the intermittent cutting of each individual label, and elements for locking the label during cutting which are inserted between the cutting device and a drum for transferring the cut label to a container provided on the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Mario Ballarotti
  • Patent number: 7699084
    Abstract: A system for fabricating a corrugated board sheet fabricated includes warp status information obtaining means (6, 6A-6H, 7, 7A, 7B, 8, 8A-8H, 240a, 240b, 241a, 241b) for obtaining warp status information concerning status of the warp of the corrugated board sheet fabricated by a corrugated-board fabrication machine (1); running-state information obtaining means (5, 5A-5H) for obtaining running state information concerning a running state of the corrugated-board fabrication machine (1); control variable calculating means (4, 4A-4H) for calculating a control variable of a particular control factor that affects the warp of the corrugated board sheet and that is one among control factors used to control the corrugated-board fabrication machine (1) based on the warp status information of the corrugated board sheet and the running state information of the corrugated-board fabrication machine (1); and control means (5, 5A-5H) for controlling the particular control factor using the control variable calculated by the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishibuchi, Junichi Kawase, Yukuharu Seki
  • Patent number: 7688434
    Abstract: An inspection system (9) includes an idler wheel (61) that is coupled to a fabrication system (8) and is in contact with a backing layer (65) of an applied material (64), A rotation sensor (63) monitors the idler wheel (61) and generates a rotational signal. A controller (24) is coupled to the rotation sensor (63) and determines a characteristic of one or more flaws and FOD (19) on a composite structure (12) in response to the rotation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Roger W. Engelbart, Reed Hannebaum, Tim Pollock
  • Publication number: 20100051201
    Abstract: A hand held labeler has a support liner wheel that is driven by a motor to accurately advance the label web, while providing adequate storage for the support liner of an entire label web. In one embodiment, the labeler includes a micro-controller that controls the motor to vary the speed of the support liner wheel to accommodate for the increased speed of the label web as the circumference of the support liner grows on the support liner wheel. The labeler also includes an applicator to separate the labels from the support liner. The applicator may include a trigger mechanism that is connected to the micro-controller to signal the micro-controller that a label has been placed on an item. The micro-controller may be programmed to start the motor upon receiving the signal from the trigger mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: JOE & SAMIA MANAGEMENT INC.
    Inventor: Joseph Z. Sleiman
  • Patent number: 7669629
    Abstract: A system for fabricating a corrugated board sheet fabricated includes warp status information obtaining means (6, 6A-6H, 7, 7A, 7B, 8, 8A-8H, 240a, 240b, 241a, 241b) for obtaining warp status information concerning status of the warp of the corrugated board sheet fabricated by a corrugated-board fabrication machine (1); running-state information obtaining means (5, 5A-5H) for obtaining running state information concerning a running state of the corrugated-board fabrication machine (1); control variable calculating means (4, 4A-4H) for calculating a control variable of a particular control factor that affects the warp of the corrugated board sheet and that is one among control factors used to control the corrugated-board fabrication machine (1) based on the warp status information of the corrugated board sheet and the running state information of the corrugated-board fabrication machine (1); and control means (5, 5A-5H) for controlling the particular control factor using the control variable calculated by the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishibuchi, Junichi Kawase, Yukuharu Seki
  • Publication number: 20100043948
    Abstract: A cord arranging method using a guide roller and capable of forming annular cord structures of various shapes is disclosed. A guide roller 30 is moved along the surface of a rotating core 13 to guide a continuously fed cord 1 to a continuously changing position on the surface of the core 13 to wind the cord 1 in successively and closely arranged coils to form an annular cord structure. The guide roller 30 is moved two-dimensionally along the surface of the core 13, and the angular position of the guide roller 30 is regulated such that the guide roller 30 presses the cord 1 against the surface of the core 13 always perpendicularly to the surface of the core 13.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuo Mizota
  • Patent number: 7665498
    Abstract: The invention provides a tape monitoring system for use with a taping machine that is mounted independent of a taping head. The tape monitoring system includes a tape dispensing sensor for determining whether tape is being dispensed from the tape supply and capable of providing a signal relating to a tape dispensing velocity, an object presence sensor for determining whether an object is present for taping and capable of providing a response when the object is present, and a control system operatively connected to the tape dispensing sensor and the object presence sensor for determining a potential error condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John F. Bredl, Craig R. Smythe
  • Patent number: 7661454
    Abstract: An apparatus of this invention includes: a workpiece holding mechanism that holds a ring frame and a wafer; a tape supplying device that supplies a continuous dicing tape or a continuous carrier tape to which a precut dicing tape is joined, to a joining position; a joining unit that joins the continuous dicing tape or the precut dicing tape separated from the carrier tape, to the ring frame and the semiconductor wafer; a tape cutting mechanism that cuts the dicing tape joined to the ring frame along a contour of the ring frame; and a residual tape collecting section that takes up and collects a residual tape after the cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Yamamoto, Naoki Ishii
  • Publication number: 20100024954
    Abstract: A pasted substrate (24a) is produced by: detecting a half cut site (34) by CCD cameras (72a and 72b) constituting first and second detecting mechanisms (47a and 47b); calculating dislocation amounts (?La and ?Lb) with respect to a reference position for each of photosensitive webs (22a and 22b); driving a rubber roller (80a) according to an arithmetic mean value (?L) of the dislocation amounts (?La and ?Lb) to correct the feed amounts of the photosensitive webs (22a and 22b); then conveying a glass substrate (24) to a space between the rubber rollers (80a and 80b); and pasting the photosensitive webs (22a and 22b) thereto. There are also provided a photosensitive transfer material having a thermoplastic resin layer and a photosensitive resin layer, and in which a melt viscosity ?K of a photosensitive resin layer at 100° C., and a melt viscosity ?Cu of a thermoplastic resin layer at 100° C. satisfy a relationship of ?K/?Cu>2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideaki Ito, Takeshi Ando, Makoto Shimizu, Yasuhisa Watanabe, Nobuyasu Akiyoshi, Kazuyoshi Suehara
  • Patent number: 7644744
    Abstract: A lid sealing machine includes a casing attached to a housing, a sealing device disposed in the casing, a container holder for supporting and moving containers into and out of the casing, a supply reel, a take up reel and a roller rotatably attached onto the housing for supporting a film material and for transmitting the film material from the supply reel around the roller and to the take up reel, and for moving the film material between the sealing device and the container holder, and for allowing the film material to be forced to seal the containers by the sealing device. A detecting device may be used for detecting a rotating movement of the roller and a movement of the film material relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Jyh Huei Fan
  • Patent number: 7641752
    Abstract: A mechanism for laying a strip on a receiving surface rotating about a first axis. The mechanism includes a laying head moving along a second axis oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the surface and along a third axis oriented parallel to a radial direction passing through the point of contact between the receiving surface and a strip applicator of the laying head. The laying head is rotatable about a front axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the second and third axes and passing through the contact point. the laying includes a device for estimating the value of the of the angle ? formed by a tangent to the transverse profile of the surface and the second axis. The movements of the laying head are determined by the value of the angle ? in such a way as to displace the laying head in a direction parallel to the tangent following the transverse profile of the receiving surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Michelin-Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Serge Nicolas, Nicolas Chevaux, Patrice Monnereau
  • Patent number: 7637297
    Abstract: An apparatus, device and method for producing end seals on a continuous supply of fastener strip having first and second interlocked profiles before the fastener strip is attached to a supply of thermoplastic film used to make a reclosable bag. The fastener strip is advanced through a guide. A first section is identified and fused thereby providing a first end seal. A second end section is identified with the identification based on the first end seal. The second section is fused, thereby providing a second end seal with the result of a length of fastener strip including a pair of end seals. A device is provided to simultaneously fuse and cut the fastener strip at the exiting end of the fastener guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Eric P. Plourde
  • Patent number: 7632368
    Abstract: A label sticking device is provided with a suction head 50 which holds a label L peeled off from a release liner S in the process of paying out a raw sheet M, a camera 15 which inspects a position of the sucked label, a label-positioning device 16 which adjusts a positional deviation of the label when the deviation is detected, a printing device 17 which prints on an adhesive layer of the label, a shifter 18 which shifts the label printed toward an object to be stuck with the label, and a controller 20 which controls these devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Lintec Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiro Fujita
  • Patent number: 7632366
    Abstract: A folding apparatus of the present invention comprises a folding section 40 for folding a web W in two so that opposite side edges W1, W2 of the web W are in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to each other; a correction section 90 for correcting a moving direction of the web W by contacting the web W in the folding section 40; a detecting section 41, 103 for detecting a reference portion W1, W2 of the web to be used as a reference in a web folding operation so as to output positional information regarding a position of the detected reference portion W1, W2; and a control section 3 for controlling the correction section 90 based on the positional information so as to change a state of contact of the contact of the correction section 90 with the web W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Zuiko Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Shimizu, Kazuo Okubo, Kikuo Yoneoka
  • Publication number: 20090294038
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reducing web tension change during intermittent driving of a transfer film in a film transfer unit, include severely impairing the web tension by contact sections before and after a transfer nip of the film transfer unit as the transfer film runs through a channel at the transfer nip. In order to reduce the web tension changes, front and/or rear guide elements before and after the transfer nip are moved time-asynchronously in relation to one other in order to at least reduce web tension fluctuations of the transfer film as it passes through the transfer nip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: MANFRED JURKEWITZ, STEFAN MAIER, JURGEN RAUTERT, JOACHIM SONNENSCHEIN, ALEXANDER WEBER
  • Publication number: 20090272493
    Abstract: A labeler includes a waste liner rewind wheel for taking up the release liner after it has been separated from the labels, and a print mechanism positioned along the label path for real-time printing of a desired print material on the labels. In one embodiment, the waste liner rewind wheel includes a mechanism for adjusting the speed of the rewind wheel as the amount of waste liner on the rewind wheel increases, while maintaining sufficient tension on the waste liner to pull the waste liner onto the rewind wheel. In another embodiment, the print mechanism is mounted to the frame along the label path, such that the print mechanism is capable of printing on the labels as they are moved past the print mechanism. The labeler may additionally include an encoder for registering the position of the label web with respect to the print mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: JOE & SAMIA MANAGEMENT INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Z. Sleiman, Michael R. Schram, Douglas F. Lovegrove, Bradley V. Allen
  • Publication number: 20090266470
    Abstract: A label applicator system transfers labels from a web to items moving on a rotary item transport. The applicator system includes a supply for supplying the web with the labels thereon and a take-up for taking up the web after transfer of the label from the web to the item. The supply and take-up are vertically oriented. The applicator includes a movable label applicator head. A rotary table moves the items along a path defined by rotation of the table and rotates the items relative to an axis of the items. The label applicator head is movable toward and away from the item and the item is rotated to apply the label to the item as it moves passed the applicator head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Krzysztof P. Biernat, David B. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 7607468
    Abstract: In the case the die cut label sheet is mounted, by detection of threshold voltage of output signal of the photo sensor, each label provisionally adhered to a front surface of the die cut label sheet is fed to a print start position. In the case the unfixed-length roll sheet is mounted, if the feeding speed is less than 40 mm/sec, by detection of threshold voltage of output signal of the photo sensor, the feeding state of unfixed-length roll sheet is judged, or if the feeding speed is not less than 40 mm/sec, on the basis of voltage change for the predetermined potential difference portion of output signal of the photo sensor, the feeding state of unfixed-length roll sheet is judged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, Yusuke Ota, Satoru Moriyama, Jun Jiang, Hirotsugu Unotoro
  • Patent number: 7600934
    Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a printer, a laminator device and feeding arrangement for feeding to said laminator device, in an integrated operation, media that is outputted from said printer. The apparatus also includes an arrangement for performing lamination only on selected portions of the print media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Roberto Guillen, Francisco Javier Pozuelo, Joan Matias Guerra
  • Patent number: 7594592
    Abstract: A feeder for the surface mounting device is disclosed. The feeder includes a feeding unit being installed at one side of a main frame, having a plurality of armature coils and a circular permanent magnetic unit facing the plurality of armature coils to generate a rotation/reverse rotation force and carry a tape at a pitch interval and having a position sensing unit and a position detecting disk capable of sensing the position of the circular permanent magnetic unit, a vinyl separation unit carrying the vinyl removed from the tape by the rotation force or re-carrying the vinyl by the reverse rotation force, and a vinyl recovery unit recovering the vinyl by winding the same by the rotation force or discharging the vinyl by the reverse rotation force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Mirae Corporation
    Inventors: Ji Hyun Hwang, Do Hyun Kim, Sang Yeon Hwang
  • Patent number: 7591430
    Abstract: A point of sale terminal that is capable of printing on a roll of paper is provided with a compartment defining an upper surface and an opposite lower surface, a left side and a right side between the upper and lower surfaces, and a rear surface between the upper and lower surfaces. The terminal also includes a display and a keypad disposed on the upper surface, and a printer with a paper roller and a printing mechanism for receiving and printing on the roll of paper. The printer is disposed within the compartment, and a door is provided in the lower surface of the compartment for insertion of the roll of paper. The compartment is provided with an exit for the paper adjacent the rear surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: VeriFone Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: David Talach, Mehran Mirkazemi
  • Publication number: 20090215215
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a hybrid multi-junction photovoltaic device. The method begins by providing a plurality of planar photovoltaic semi-transparent modules. Each of the modules is a fully functional, thin-film, photovoltaic device and includes first and second conductive layers and at least first and second semiconductor layers disposed between the conductive layers. The first and second semiconductor layers define a junction at an interface therebetween. The method continues by disposing the modules one on top of another and hybridly adhering them to each other. At least one of the modules is configured to convert a first spectral portion of optical energy into an electrical voltage and transmit a second spectral portion of optical energy to another of the junctions that is configured to convert at least part of the second spectral portion of optical energy into an electrical voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Sunlight Photonics Inc.
    Inventors: Sergey Frolov, Michael Cyrus
  • Publication number: 20090188628
    Abstract: To provide a lay-up apparatus capable of precision positioning and laying of thin strips of copper foil or insulation tape on a flat plane even when there are variations in the cut lengths of the strips. A lay-up apparatus lays first and second strips of tape 101, 102 on top of two electrodes 5, 6 deposited on a photovoltaic devices panel 1. The strips of tape are unwound by first and second grippers 112, 122 and cut to predetermined lengths by first and second cutters 113, 123. The cut strips of tape are laid one on top of the other and transported by rotatable moving means 130. The moving means 130 rotates in opposite directions when laying the strips of tape it holds from the electrode 5 toward the electrode 6 and when laying the strips of tape from the electrode 6 toward the electrode 5, while using one end of the strips of tape as a reference and keeping constant the relative positions of the reference end of the strips of tape and that electrode which is nearest the reference end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: NISSHINBO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Masato Kasahara, Yutaka Momota
  • Patent number: 7563339
    Abstract: A cutting device (10) for cutting a material (12) and providing a cut portion of the material (12). The device comprises a heating assembly comprising an electrical induction arrangement (32) for heating the cut portion of the material by induction heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Relco U.K. Limited
    Inventors: David Gill, Mark Gill
  • Publication number: 20090107631
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet laminating apparatus with a jamming-detection mechanism. A sensing element is disposed beside the roller for detecting whether a plastic film is adhered onto the roller during the laminating operation. When the jamming phenomenon occurs, the roller is reversely rotated to eject the jammed sheet article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventor: Yung-Tai Pan
  • Patent number: 7503366
    Abstract: The invention provides a component feeding device where heat generation of a drive circuit is minimized and a printed board mounted with this drive circuit is miniaturized by forming an inexpensive structure using a single microcomputer and by energizing each of the servomotors only when necessary. In a component feeding unit of a dual lane type, a CPU in a microcomputer controls a start of driving of one of servomotors by energizing the servomotor through a drive circuit based on a component feeding signal for one lane outputted from a CPU of an electronic component mounting apparatus, and the CPU in the microcomputer controls one of the servomotors so that the servomotor is not energized when a component feeding signal for another lane is inputted before a predetermine time passes after a delay timer starts timekeeping when receiving a detection signal about rotation of the servomotor by a predetermined amount from an encoder detecting a rotation amount of the servomotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Instruments Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Oyama, Shigeru Kageyama, Kazuhiro Nagao, Tsutomu Yanagida
  • Publication number: 20090032195
    Abstract: An automated tape head assembly for a multiple axis tape laying machine includes a tape supply reel and a tape compaction roller. Tape from the supply reel passes through the space between the two independent structures of the supply reel and compaction roller defining a tape path that substantially maintains a zero Gaussian curvature of the tape. The tape path is a curved path referred to as a compliance loop that results from a substantially or partially unrestrained curved path between the supply reel and the compaction roller. This structure allows the compaction roller to shift laterally and vertically with respect to the supply reel while the supply reel is in a fixed position with respect to the tape head assembly generally. This structure also allows the compaction roller to roll, steer, and follow the fiber tape's natural path, all with significant independence from the supply reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: William J. Slyne
  • Patent number: 7472524
    Abstract: A method for applying pressure relief valves to packaging during the packaging process. A punch shaft and an applicator shaft each have an axis and opposed ends. The punch shaft has a punch at one end. The applicator shaft has an applicator vacuum head at one end. Each shaft moves axially between retracted and extended positions. The shafts are angled, with the punch and applicator ends more apart than the respective opposed ends, and are carried on a plate for limited rotational movement relative to the applicator unit. First the punch is pivoted from a first position into a third position, while the applicator head is simultaneously pivoted from a second position into the first position. Then the punch is pivoted from the third position back into the first position, and the applicator head is simultaneously pivoted from the first position back into the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Plitek, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Karl K. Hoffman, Vladimir Prive, Tom Roberts, Steve Kaganovich
  • Publication number: 20080302483
    Abstract: A motorized head for applying fiber composite material to an application surface includes a drive roll and a backup roll for feeding fiber composite material toward the application surface, a compaction roll for pressing fiber composite material onto the application surface, and a restart pinch roll assembly located between the drive roll and the compaction roll for driving fiber composite material received from the drive roll to the compaction roll. The drive roll nip between the drive roll and the backup roll forms a drive zone that grips and drives the composite material, a clamp zone that prevents movement of the composite material after it has been cut, and a free zone that allows composite material to be freely pulled through the head. Two cutters mounted on the drive roll mesh with a single anvil on the backup roll to cut the composite material to the desired length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Milo M. Vaniglia
  • Patent number: 7461680
    Abstract: A system for accurately and repeatedly pulling a length of plastic fastener tape a predetermined distance. The system comprises an indexing gripper assembly and a stationary gripper assembly, the latter being disposed downstream of the former. The indexing gripper assembly is carried on a carriage that travels back and forth on a linear rail. The rotation of a lead screw is converted into linear displacement of the carriage, the lead screw being driven by a servomotor. While the stationary gripper is open, the indexing gripper grips the fastener tape; then the indexing gripper is advanced a predetermined distance, pulling the fastener tape with it. The stationary gripper is then actuated to grip the fastener tape, following which the indexing gripper is opened and returned to its home position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Cortigiano, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7462252
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying labels to an article being conveyed along an article conveyor path comprises first and second label applicator pad members hingedly connected together, and a single air cylinder actuator, comprising a piston rod fixedly connected to the first label applicator pad member, which is movable between a RETRACTED position and an EXTENDED position. An applicator roller is disposed upon the second movable label applicator pad member, and in accordance with the label application mode of operation, the applicator roller adheres a downstream half-end portion of a label onto a side face of the carton, wraps the label around a trailing end corner region of the carton, and applies an upstream half-end portion of the label onto the trailing end face of the carton when the piston rod is moved to the EXTENDED position while the article is being conveyed past the label applicator pad members by the article conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Illininois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Lee Schaller, David Allen DeLuca, James Joseph Masgula, Jason Allen MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20080271852
    Abstract: This invention comprises a machine for the selection and labelling of test tubes for analysis laboratories and the like. Said machine is designed to provide the doctor taking the blood sample with test tubes already selected and labelled, according to the request by the patient from whom the sample is taken. This invention comprises an automated, computerised machine, comprising loading means for test tubes, means for the selection and transport of the test tubes, means for printing labels and sticking them onto the body of the test tubes, means for depositing the labelled test tubes, electronic control and management means, data entry and video communication means, and independent power means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Luigi Adriano Giacalone
  • Patent number: 7441578
    Abstract: A release liner staging unit for depositing a release liner onto an adhesive layer. The unit includes an accumulator that creates a buffer between an amount of release liner supplied and an amount needed for covering a layer of adhesive. The tendency of release liner placed within the accumulator to settle allows additional release liner to be introduced, thereby producing a slightly saturated level of release liner in the accumulator. Time delays can be accounted for to reduce the number of times a drive mechanism needs to operate, thereby reducing wear on such componentry. The unit may also form part of a larger release liner application device and adhesive application system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Valco Cincinnati, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lee Mainous, David Allen Popham, John Paul G. Chambers, Chris Mark Jamison
  • Patent number: 7438776
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for adhering a tape (3) on a wafer (20) are disclosed. The wafer is supported on a table (31), and the tape is supplied, between a tape adhering surface (20?) and a tape adhering unit (46), from a tape supply unit (42). The table is moved toward the tape adhering unit, whereby the tape adhering surface of the wafer on the table is pressed against the tape adhering unit through the tape with a force (F). Further, the tape adhering unit is moved from one end (28) to the other end (29) of the wafer in parallel to the tape adhering surface. The pressure (P) under which the tape adhering surface is in contact with the tape adhering unit through the tape is kept substantially uniform while the tape adhering unit moves from one end to the other end of the wafer. As a result, the pressure on the wafer is accurately equalized in spite of the movement of the tape adhering unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Kobayashi, Minoru Ametani
  • Patent number: 7424902
    Abstract: An inspection system (9) includes an idler wheel (61) that is coupled to a fabrication system (8) and is in contact with a backing layer (65) of an applied material (64). A rotation sensor (63) monitors the idler wheel (61) and generates a rotational signal. A controller (24) is coupled to the rotation sensor (63) and determines a characteristic of one or more flaws and FOD (19) on a composite structure (12) in response to the rotation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Roger W. Engelbart, Reed Hannebaum, Tim Pollock
  • Patent number: 7424901
    Abstract: A system for fabricating a corrugated board sheet fabricated includes warp status information obtaining means (6, 6A-6H, 7, 7A, 7B, 8, 8A-8H, 240a, 240b, 241a, 241b) for obtaining warp status information concerning status of the warp of the corrugated board sheet fabricated by a corrugated-board fabrication machine (1); running-state information obtaining means (5, 5A-5H) for obtaining running state information concerning a running state of the corrugated-board fabrication machine (1); control variable calculating means (4, 4A-4H) for calculating a control variable of a particular control factor that affects the warp of the corrugated board sheet and that is one among control factors used to control the corrugated-board fabrication machine (1) based on the warp status information of the corrugated board sheet and the running state information of the corrugated-board fabrication machine (1); and control means (5, 5A-5H) for controlling the particular control factor using the control variable calculated by the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishibuchi, Junichi Kawase, Yukuhara Seki
  • Patent number: 7412996
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembling and hemming fabrics by hot applying strips (5) or films (5) to which thermofusible plastic materials have been applied or spread, comprising, on a bearing framework, a strip or film supplying spool (4), the strip or film being entrained on a pulling roller (7), cooperating with a sensor roller (8) mounted on a swinging lever (9), supporting a strip guiding pawl (13), the strip being further entrained on a strip supply pulling element. Downstream of the pawl (13) a guiding assembly is provided, having an adjustable width, and at the outlet of said guiding assembly, a pressing roller (30) is arranged, which is associated with a foot assembly (31), cooperating with entraining grippers (33, 34) for driving with an indexing type of movement, the fabric materials on which the strip (5) is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: FRA-SER S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Salotto
  • Publication number: 20080190561
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for producing a sheet material including: an RFID reader (11) for reading information from an RFID tag; a sheet supply unit (12) for supplying the sheet material (4) having a heat-sensitive printing layer on one surface of a sheet-type base material, and having a heat-sensitive adhesive layer on the other surface of the sheet-type base material; a printing unit (13) for performing printing on the heat-sensitive printing layer of the sheet material (4) supplied from the sheet supply unit (12); a thermal activation unit (15) for heating the heat-sensitive adhesive layer of the sheet material (4), which is printed by the printing unit (13), to develop an adhesive force of the heat-sensitive adhesive layer; and a control unit (16) for controlling the thermal activation unit (15) to develop the adhesive force in a predetermined area of the heat-sensitive adhesive layer other than an area facing the RFID tag so as to form an adhesive area to be attached to the article, and for controlling t
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Norimitsu Sanbongi, Takanori Okayasu, Kazuo Tani, Minoru Hoshino, Noriyoshi Shoji
  • Publication number: 20080179012
    Abstract: A reversible transmission mechanism for laminator and laminator having same in which a motor is mounted on a spring-supported lever at one side of the laminator body for driving a transmission gear train through a pinion on the output shaft of the motor to rotate two sheet-transfer rollers, and a press member is provided for pressing by the user to bias the lever and to further change the engagement between the pinion and the transmission gear train for reversing the sheet-transfer rollers upon a paper jam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Chuang-Mu Chiu
  • Patent number: 7402216
    Abstract: A method for the production of reinforced tube-shaped structures (1) of rubber layers and reinforcement layers (2, 3) has the steps of: a) applying a first rubber layer (2a) with a first extrusion unit (4a) onto a series of sequential rigid cylindrical mandrels (5) which are coupled to each other and which are driven at an advancement speed (v) in the direction of an advancement axis (x); b) applying a first filament layer at defined desired filament angles (?1) referred to the advancement axis (x) with a bobbin creel unit (10a) having means which rotate about the advancing mandrels (5); c) applying atleast one further rubber layer (2b) to the first filament layer utilizing at least one additional extrusion unit (4b); d) continuously measuring the advancement speed (v) of the mandrels (5); controlling the quantity, which is applied via the first extrusion unit (4a), in dependence upon the measured advancement speed (v) in order to obtain a defined desired thickness of the first rubber layer (2a); f) controlli
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Contitech Luftfedersyteme GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Berger, Rainer Oehl, Klaus Binder
  • Patent number: 7401631
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and system for applying decorative tape to a glass sheet. The disclosed system and method allow tape segments that are shorter than a distance between a cutter and a glass engagement position to be applied by an application head to the glass sheet. The system includes the application head, a tape supply, a drive roller, a cutter, and a controller. The application head applies tape segments cut from the tape supply to the glass pane. The drive roller advances the tape dispensed by the application head. The cutter cuts end portions of each tape segment. The controller is programmed to sort moves of the application head, tape supply, drive roller, and cutter to allow tape segments that are shorter than a distance between the cutter and the glass engagement position to be applied to the glass sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: GED Integrated Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brady Jacot, William A. Briese
  • Publication number: 20080149265
    Abstract: Stock having printed circuits thereon is conveyed in a transport plane by a conveying device, and electronic components carried by a transfer belt are transferred to the stock under pressure exerted by the belt. The electronic components are transferred to the belt by a feed device individually in such a way that the electronic components are accurately positioned on the stock by the transfer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Markus Hosel, Thomas Walther
  • Patent number: 7389803
    Abstract: A manufacturing line has a feeder for feeding a hoop substrate, a bake oven for heating and drying the fed hoop substrate, a die bonding device for applying an adhesive to a predetermined position on the dried substrate to mount an IC chip, and a cure oven for bonding the IC chip to the hoop substrate by heating and curing the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hisao Takemura