Abstract: A production line for manufacturing absorbent disposable articles includes a conveyor path (3, 14, 15) which moves a web of material through the production line, and a row of devices (1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13) which are arranged sequentially in the movement direction of the conveyor path and which perform different operations in the manufacture of the absorbent article. The devices are carried by rectangular carrier plates (29, 34, 35, 39, 47) which are attached to vertical posts (17) which, in a framework (16), are placed on the same side of the conveyor path and sequentially in a direction parallel with the movement direction of the conveyor path. The framework includes a plurality of connectors (27, 28) which connect to flowing media delivery lines, such as electric current and compressed air.

Abstract: Colored or metallic foil is applied to toner printed onto a substrate, such as paper, in a high speed, versatile manner, using a rotating impression cylinder, and a rotating transfer cylinder having circumferentially spaced heated raised portions. The toner, which preferably includes a thermoplastic component, is applied to the paper with any suitable printer, such as a computer controlled MIDAX (ion deposition) print engine. The toner may be heated by an infra red heater just before the paper is fed to the nip between the impression and transfer cylinders. A foil strip having an adhesive layer facing outwardly, a foil layer, and a release coating on a backing, is also fed to the nip, and the backing taken up downstream of the nip. Heat and pressure applied at the nip transfer the adhesive and foil from the foil strip to the tacky toner, producing the desired foil printed paper, which then may be further processed.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a spring core by adhesively bonding strings of pocketed coil springs together utilizes a moving adhesive applicator for depositing adhesive onto a moving string of pocketed coil springs. Subsequently, individual strings are adhesively bonded to similar strings to form the spring core of pocketed coil springs. The moving applicator may take one of any number of various embodiments which include reciprocating movement, rotational movement, pivotal movement and/or linear translational movement for spraying a pattern of adhesive onto the moving string of pocketed coil springs. The adhesive may be dispensed in a plurality of parallel lines from a set of nozzles. The nozzles may be moved and turned on and off under the control of a programmed controller.

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.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for sealing an edge region of a planar material ply includes a central controller and at least one platform. The automated apparatus and method further employs a mechanism for picking a single planar material ply in addition to a mechanism for moving the single planar material ply to the platform. The automated apparatus and method includes a sealing device which seals the edge region of the planar material ply where the sealing device provides a fluid to a predetermined focused region within the edge region. The fluid substantially shrinks and melts strands in the focused region of the planar material ply.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hot air welding apparatus that provides accurate and repeatable control of the drive wheel speed. To afford very precise control of the speed and relative rotation of the drive wheels at all times during the welding process, the present invention is provided with a computer control system and two high torque stepper motors, one for each drive wheel. The computer control system allows the speed and position of the drive wheels to be regulated with a very high accuracy. The computer control system allows the drive wheel settings to be adjusted while the seam is being welded and further includes an automatic ramp capability, a repeat mode, and a test strip mode. Further, the computer control system is capable of controlling the temperature of the air used in the welding process.

Abstract: A sealant strip applying system (10) is for applying a sealant strip (12) to a top surface of a sheet material (16) adjacent to a plurality of straight edges (18, 20) thereof. The system (10) is configured to support the sheet material (16) and to produce the controlled repositioning thereof on an air flotation table (30) with each edge (18, 20) being selectively aligned with a front edge (34) of the table (30). The sealant strip (12) is successively applied to each edge (18, 20) by a sealant strip applicator (50) that is supported by the air flotation table (30) and mounted for selective movement along the front edge (34) thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a joint of pipe with a web of reinforced concrete includes an improved applicator that wraps the joint of pipe with a web of concrete that is reinforced with a steel mesh and which is also layered with a web of poly film. The improved applicator has a motor drive and a gear box that interfaces the motor drive with one of the belt pulleys that drives the applicator belt. The primary applicator belt can be disengaged from the pipe, thereby transferring both pulleys to idler pulleys after pipe wrapping is initiated. This allows the large motor drives that actually rotate the pipe to control the speed at which the web of concrete is applied to the pipe. The motor drive for the applicator belt is initially engaged for a few seconds to overcome initial friction associated with start up of the applicator. A timer can be used to regulate the number of seconds that the applicator motor operates until it is disengaged using the clutch.

Abstract: A device to facilitate the mounting of an optical sensor on a windshield glass using a clear adhesive tape is disclosed. The device holds the sensor, with tape exposed, in a vacuum chamber which is sealed against the glass. The chamber is evacuated, and the sensor is then pressed against the glass by the longitudinal movement of a drive shaft. The sensor may be installed with consistent force and with no trapped air pockets or air bubbles. Air pockets are a special concern because air pockets adversely effect the optical performance of the sensor. The vacuum chamber device may be controlled by a computer, and features a latching mechanism which prevents the sensor from making contact with the glass until the chamber is evacuated.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for manufacturing a full-fashioned glove from similar or dissimilar polymeric material includes a controller that actuates various components in the apparatus, a thumb mold that forms a thumb portion from two layers of a first material and a hand mold which forms a plurality of fingers and a cuff from the first material and a second material. Both the thumb mold and hand mold have appropriate cavities with apertures therethrough wherein a vacuum source, actuated by the controller, draws the appropriate material toward the surface of the mold prior to closure thereof. Upon closure of the molds, a fusing element is energized by the controller and the materials are fused to one another to form the appropriate portion of the full-fashioned glove. After the glove is removed from the remaining materials, it can be employed in various types of manufacturing industries.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a joint of pipe with a web of reinforced concrete includes an improved applicator that wraps the joint of pipe with a web of concrete that is reinforced with a steel mesh and which is also layered with a web of poly film. The improved applicator has a motor drive and a gear box that interfaces the motor drive with one of the belt pulleys that drives the applicator belt. The primary applicator belt can be disengaged from the pipe, thereby transferring both pulleys to idler pulleys after pipe wrapping is initiated. This allows the large motor drives that actually rotate the pipe to control the speed at which the web of concrete is applied to the pipe. The motor drive for the applicator belt is initially engaged for a few seconds to overcome initial friction associated with start up of the applicator. A timer can be used to regulate the number of seconds that the applicator motor operates until it is disengaged using the clutch.

Abstract: An apparatus for splicing the leading label in a roll of labels to one of the last labels in a second roll. The second roll, depleted because the labels are applied to articles in an assembly line, has photosensitive device that registers this depletion as the second roll is consumed. The device initiates splicing the leading label to a label in the depleted roll. A controller also responds to the device by moving the dancer arm to a predetermined position in order to control the registration of the leading label with the last labels in the second roll. The controller also responds to a count of the labels that are in the web between the production line and the splice in order to identify the article to which the splice has been applied to eject that article from the production line.

Abstract: To enhance printed products, lamination is to be carried out by of a controllable pair of laminating rollers, rather than by the conventional method of calender rolling. To do this, the film is applied with relatively low contact-pressure roller pressure in a floating manner. The film can be fed to the laminating rollers without tension by means of a controllable applicator mechanism with a film tension regulating device. The processing rate and sheet length, for example, can be entered by computer so as to control the sequence of the feeder output and also the sequence of a wet cutting device via a suitable incremental-value transmitter from the main drive. Accordingly, processing rates of 60 to 100 meters per minute can easily be set. The quality remains good even at the highest speeds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for impermeably sealing microencapsulated or other scent slurry during the printing process. The method comprises the application of an impermeable overlay sheet over the scent slurry on a continuous web of material, using double-sided tape or other adhesive means along the periphery of the overlay sheet. Preferably an impermeable metallic foil is used for the overlay, but other impermeable sheet material (e.g., plastic sheet) may be used. The apparatus continually feeds and applies the impermeable overlay sheet also disclosed. A second, similar apparatus may be provided to mirror the first apparatus, in order to apply a second impermeable overlay sheet to the opposite surface of the scent slurry coated web, thereby preventing bleed through of the scent and/or other chemicals.

Abstract: By the welding of plastic material, the plastic material is placed between a welding electrode of a profile and pattern mating the welding to be performed, and a counter electrode comprising one or several pulse heating wires. Together the pulse heating wires cover the pattern of the welding electrode and project preferably a short distance beyond the welding electrode. The pulse heating wires are furthermore mutually and outwardly electrically insulated. A separating tape of a higher melting point than the plastic material has been inserted between the pulse heating wires and the plastic material. The welding press comprises a welding plane with the welding electrode and a fixing plane for the counter electrode. The temperature of the welding electrode can be kept constant and within a temperature range of approximately 20.degree. C. to approximately 250.degree. C. The fixing plane is non-heated. The pulse heating wires are secured to the fixing plane and are mutually and outwardly electrically insulated.

Abstract: Films of thermoplastic material may be sealed together by application of a radio frequency field through a pair of oppositely positioned electrodes. Preferred thermoplastic materials have a low dielectric dissipation factor, and such materials include polyethylene. The sealing apparatus includes a circuit having compensation and matching circuits for providing resonant operation and minimizing the amount of reflected energy from the electrodes. Through the use of this invention effective RF sealing is produced-between films of thermoplastic material having a low dielectric dissipation factor. Further the sealing apparatus preferably includes at least one electrode coated with a ceramic and a release material for providing thermal conduction to the films, thereby enhancing the sealing effectiveness of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating a flat panel display having a display area greater than 645 square centimeters. The flat panel display is comprised of an upper glass plate and a lower glass plate and has data generation material interposed between the upper glass plate and the lower glass plate. The flat panel display is formed by aligning the suitably etched upper glass plate with respect to the suitably etched lower glass plate in the X, Y, and Z planes. During formation, the upper glass plate has spacing devices disposed on the lower side thereof and the lower glass plate has bonding material deposited on the upper side thereof. The apparatus includes a lower plate XY stage device for supporting the lower glass plate, the lower plate XY stage device being adjustable in the X and Y planes. An upper plate positioning stage device is included for supporting the upper glass plate.

Abstract: A system for fabrication of absorbent articles includes a linear array of frame modules each having an open interior. Panels are mounted to one face of the modules. Article fabrication mechanisms are mounted to project from the panels. Operating means are disposed within the modules and are operatively engaged through the panels with the fabrication mechanisms. An operating and control system is provided for a machine in which disposable absorbent articles are fabricated. Continuously operating mechanisms are driven by electric motors for continuously operating on moving webs and other components of the article. A main drive shaft is rotated for transferring power through direction phasing mechanical power transfer devices to mechanisms which intermittently effect unity operations with respect to an associated moving web.

Abstract: To determine a paper splice time when the present web is spliced to a next web for the purpose of a so-called lot shift (or a paper shift) in an apparatus for producing corrugated paper boards, not only a length of each core but also a length of each web have been hitherto measured. In view of the current circumstance that a measuring operation is accompanied by various errors and an order is often given with a small lot in size, determination of a paper shift time is made at an operator's discretion which depends on his skill. In practice, there often arises a malfunction that the operator erroneously determines the time when a paper shifting operation is to be performed.

Abstract: A top ply labeler includes a presser foot and applicator pad which are arranged for relative movement to one another travel along a rectilinear path as the ram of an applicator cylinder is extended and retracted toward and away from the top surface of a lay-up of sheet material whereby a label carrying identification information are applied at predetermined positions. The applicator cylinder is mounted to the applicator backplate for relative vertical movement toward and away from the top ply surface to maintain the labeller at a desired elevation above the top ply. A vane carried by the pressure foot is detected by a sensor carried on the applicator pad when the pressure foot contacts the surface of a top ply. As the applicator pad continues its downward movement, the pressure foot and vane move relative to the applicator pad until such time as the vane is detected by the applicator pad sensor to apply to the label and stop the downward movement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for ultrasonically bonding endcaps to a food or tobacco product container comprised of a material dissimilar from the endcaps. Ultrasonic vibration is applied to the joint between the container and the endcaps, which includes a strip of preapplied adhesive, so that the adhesive partially melts. The partially melted adhesive quickly resolidifies, providing a durable bond without the disadvantageous and time consuming use of wet glues. The apparatus includes a pair of opposingly mounted ultrasonic devices, a controller associated with each ultrasonic device, and a general purpose computer programmed to synchronize and mointor the controllers.

Abstract: A connecting member for filter bags or the like used for collecting dust has a main body secured to the filter bag, which main body has a multi-ply structure of board or cardboard. The main body has a passageway therethrough for facilitating the passage of dust into the filter bag. A slide gate is arranged on the main body between two plies of the main body and a handle thereon projects laterally beyond the main body and is movable between a moved in position leaving the passage opening uncovered and a moved out position shutting it. The main body is folded from a single piece of material cutout along preset fold lines. The plies of the main body placed on top of each other after folding are bonded together. The slide gate is at least partly a component of the cutout and is connected with the rest of the cutout via preset tear lines so that the slide gate may be torn off to the side after folding and bonding.

Abstract: Disclosed is a decentralized control method for a corrugator line characterized by the fact that, in the control method for a corrugator line for the continuous production of corrugated boards including the process of bonding a liner to the corrugated medium so as manufacture a single-faced corrugated board, bonding another liner to this single-faced corrugated board so as to fabricate double-faced corrugated boards or sheets, cutting the boards into predetermined lengths, and the like and having a local control unit provided for each process unit which is set up by dividing the aforenoted series of production processes so as to achieve synchronized production control of the line by means of these unit-process local control units which are allotted different functions and which are linked into a multiplex transmission network.

Abstract: A knitted, woven or non woven article such as a glove for example, having a wrist cuff includes an edge binding which is activatable by the application of heat thereto to prevent unraveling of the cuff edge. The bound edge is defined by first and second yarn ends which are knitted or woven together, wherein the first yarn includes a heat activatable, thermoplastic outer covering and the second yarn is defined by a nonthermoplastic, elastic material. The first and second yarns are knitted or woven in a manner to form crossover points therebetween. The edge binding is subjected to heat in order to melt the thermoplastic outer covering of the first yarn, thereby joining the first and second yarns at the crossover points. The articles may be formed on conventional, automatic knitting machines. The knitted articles are ejected from the machine and are gravity fed into a device which melts the thermoplastic outer covering of the first yarn, and thereby bind the edge of the article.

Abstract: An apparatus and system is disclosed for fabricating refrigeration cabinets of the type including an outer shell and inner shell separated by an insulating medium, such as polyurethane foam. The inner and outer shells are each formed of a plurality of plates which, according to the invention, are maintained in their respective relative positions long enough to permit the insulating medium forming components to be introduced therebetween and to cure and adhere to the plates so as to thereafter maintain the plurality of plates in their predetermined relative positions as an integral cabinet without the need for prior securement.

Abstract: Upper and lower rollers have grooves for a bead ring having a clamp area portion produced by a bead winding machine. The bead ring is placed in the groove of the lower roller with the beginning of the clamp area portion in position for pressing by lowering of the upper roller so that the bead ring is engaged by the groove in the upper roller. The rollers are oscillated between the pressing position at the beginning of the clamp area and the end of the clamp area to roll the top, bottom and sides of the clamp area portion during the movement of the bead ring. The pressure on the bead ring is released by raising the upper roller at the initial pressing position at the beginning of the clamp area so that the bead ring may be removed with the same orientation it had when it was placed in the groove.

Abstract: Apparatus for automating assembly of shock detectors having an indicator within an inner tube seemingly disposed within an outer tube, the indicator being adapted for indicating when a shock greater than a predetermined magnitude has been experienced, characterized by an assembly line machine for assembling shock detectors including a plurality of stations at which specific jobs are performed and an indexing table for moving a plurality of elements from station to successive station in the assembly line and including respective sub-assemblies for loading an inner tube into an assembly line rotator, a sealer for sealing a first end of the inner tube, an implacement mechanism for placing the indicator within the inner tube, an outer tube loader for loading the outer tube into the assembly line, a subcombination for combining and sealing the inner tube within the outer tube so as to form the shock detector and an unloader mechanism for unloading the shock detector from the assembly line with respective control m

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adhesively bonding together in edge abutting relationship two sheets of woven, felted or other textile such as carpet using a joining tape which includes electrically conductive-metal foil or wires and an integral layer of heat softenable adhesive. Electric current is passed through the foil or wires to thereby heat and soften the adhesive. A control circuit senses the voltage and current in the foil or wires and controls the current in accordance with an adjustable predetermined value to heat the adhesive to a temperature at which the adhesive becomes tacky. The control circuit maintains the adhesive in the tacky state while the abutting edges which overlap the tape are adjusted as required to form the desired join. The control circult is then adjusted to increase the current in the foil or wires to increase the temperature thereof and melt the adhesive so that it flows into the material of the sheets.

Abstract: The subject apparatus assemblies strips of pocketed upholstery springs, one strip at a time, into spring cores for mattresses and the like.The connections of each such strip to its predecessor are made between the interpocket webs of the pocket sheeting of the two adjacent strips, preferably at intervals of two springs, and are staggered by one spring from strip to strip.The disclosed and preferred technique for joining the pocket material of the adjacent strips is thermal welding by ultrasonic vibration, but other specific forms of connection are also suggested.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a sheet binding apparatus wherein sheets such as bank notes are wound by tape and bound into a bundle of sheets by fusing and cutting the tape. The apparatus is provided with a pair of holding plates, each formed with a notch groove through which the tape is passed. The holding plates which hold the sheets therebetween are horizontally moved to a binding section while a tape is passed through one of the notch groove of one holding plate. At the binding section, a tape push-down member pushes down the tape through the other notch groove of the other holding plate to wind the sheets. The tape push-down member is formed at the lower end thereof with a forked portion for providing a recess. A heating member having a convex surface for engaging with the tape is disposed below the recess of the tape push-down member. The tape is heated and cut off while it is sandwiched between the tape push-down member and the heating member.

Abstract: A garment bag bottom sealing machine used in a dry cleaning operation or garment manufacturing industry includes a V-link belt which receives hangers fed thereto one at a time by a feeder. A sealer on the machine effects a double seal of a garment bag, and the bagged garment is discharged from the machine for further processing. The sealing machine is separate from any other equipment used in a garment dry cleaning operation or garment manufacturing industry.

Abstract: A coating method in which a coating film is transferred from a film carrying roll leaf, onto the surface of a product. A positioning platform, together with a pressure member which acts against the platform, define a transfer station at which the roll leaf and product are concurrently aligned. A continuously moving and guided thermal belt preheats the foil sufficiently to effect separation of the roll leaf decorative layer from the carrier, and assure its transfer to the product surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and apparatus for manufacturing flat plastic net. Tubular plastic net is made by extruding plastic material through coaxial circular counter-rotating die members to form a net structure having a plurality of crossing strands. The angular displacement of successive longitudinally-aligned junctions of the crossing strands is controlled, preferably by controlling the relative counter-rotation of the extrusion die members, and successive longitudinally aligned junctions are cut longitudinally within each junction. The tubular net so cut is opened out to form flat net.The flat net so produced, the edges of which are characterized by successive longitudinal edge junctions, in which each edge junction is cut longitudinally within the junction, is particularly useful for fencing material, for example.

Abstract: A coating apparatus in which a coating film is transferred from a film carrying roll leaf, onto the surface of a product. A positioning platform, together with a pressure member which acts against the platform, define a transfer station at which the roll leaf and product are concurrently aligned. A continuously moving and guided thermal belt preheats the foil sufficiently to effect separation of the roll leaf decorative layer from the carrier, and assure its transfer to the product surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a tape to leads of a semiconductor lead frame, includes, a tape feeder, a punch for punching the tape and for pressing the punched tape against the lead frame, a mechanism for horizontally moving the lead frame and setting it in the punch and the press, and a mechanism for adjusting the timing of the feeder, the punch, the press and the moving mechanism. The punch and the press include a fixed upper die on which the lead frame rests and in which the tape is supported, the punch being movable against the tape for punching out a portion of the tape and for pressing it against the lead frame.

Abstract: This invention relates to a small laminating machine which is primarily designed to laminate identification cards and the like with heat sealable packets of a special configuration. The packets to be used with the machine consist preferably of two sheets of Mylar film coated with polyethylene on the facing sides and attached to a tear-off tab.

Abstract: Apparatus for laying filament reinforced tape in a form, cutting same to a predetermined pattern and molding same in a preferred form.

Abstract: A fresh web of cigarette paper or the like is spliced to the running web by a uniting band, which is adhesive at both sides, after the fresh web is accelerated to the speed of the running web. The uniting band is placed between the running web and the leader of the fresh web, and the running web is shifted sideways to adhere to the adjacent side of the uniting band as well as to move the other side of the uniting band against the fresh web as soon as the speed of the fresh web rises to that of the running web. The running web is severed behind the moving uniting band, and the fresh web is severed ahead of the moving uniting band. Severing of the fresh web is preceded by relaxation of tensional stress upon the leader of the fresh web in response to displacement of a guide roller which engages the fresh web between a stationary knife for the fresh web and a pair of motor-driven advancing rolls which pull the leader of the fresh web in the course of and subsequent to completed acceleration of the fresh web.

Abstract: A method for reducing lace breakage in a process in which a continuous roving is impregnated with a polymer powder before melting and consolidating the impregnated roving, wherein the consolidated lace tension is continuously recorded and the supply of polymer to the roving correspondingly adjusted.

Abstract: The cyclic application of glue to one face of strip elements continuously delivered edge-to-edge into a reciprocating kicker breech to be collimated into a row forming sheet assembly having thickness equal to the width of individual sheets is controlled by a cascaded series of relays whereby the remotely operated glue guns are not actuated by the final triggering event in the cycle unless a trigger safety device is released by a measurable addition to the cumulative sheet product within the preceding kicker cycle. Additionally, growth of the sheet accumulation is continuously monitored with an actual length comparison to a desired, set-point length. When the desired length is reached, glue gun operation is restrained for one cycle to provide an unbonded interface between the final strip of a preceding sheet and the first strip of a successive sheet.

Abstract: An open-loop method and apparatus for controlling the heating of webs utilized in a corrugating machine for the production of double-face corrugated paperboard as a function of at least one production factor of the corrugator machine. A rotatably journaled heating roll receives a web in contact with a circumferential area of the roll and the circumferential area of contact between the web and the roll is varied by a control circuit. The control circuit varies the contact area by positioning a positionable means relative to the heating roll in response to at least one production factor of the corrugating machine. The control circuit senses the at least one production factor of the machine and generates a signal related to the sensed production factor. The generated production factor related signal is periodically sampled and is stored at a first time.

Abstract: An improvement in vacuum presses for mounting and laminating graphic arts objects such as photographs and the like, the improvement consisting of providing a platen assembly comprising a flexible metal platen that is supported only at its edges and is engaged and heated by a flexible heater unit.

Abstract: There is provided a tab tape splicing apparatus for automatically fastening a tab tape on the adhesive surface of a rolled pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet at the end of the roll to provide a rolled pressure-sensitive adhesive tape with a tab at the leading end thereof. The apparatus comprises a rail fixedly mounted between a pair of upright frame members on both sides of a base to extend in the breadthwise direction of a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet, a movable frame movable from side to side along the rail, a splicing roll attached to the movable frame for fastening a tab tape, a tape holder for holding a roll of tab tape, cutting means for cutting the tab tape, and means for moving the movable frame from side to side.

Abstract: A process for controlling the amount of polymer applied to a lace in which a powdered heat is applied to melt the polymer and the composite is passed through a die to consolidate the product and remove excess polymer, the control being effected by detecting the amount of excess molten polymer and automatically adjusting the polymer input. The process is also suitable for controlling the amount of polymer applied in a process for coating a lace.