With Stretching Or Tensioning Means Patents (Class 156/494)
  • Patent number: 7128800
    Abstract: A vacuum forming machine and a method of manufacturing a duplex twin-sheet element from two continuous webs of thermoplastic material conveyed in parallel by means of a twin-sheet frame provided therebetween, which is adapted to be loaded by means of a tensioning frame for creating closed machine chambers with the material web sections to be shaped, provides for the aspect that the twin-sheet frame is provided with a front frame section in the front along the conveying direction of said material webs, which frame section can be removed for de-moulding said twin-sheet element. The material webs are conveyed in a cycled operation when the twin-sheet frame is not loaded and open in the conveying direction, and for forming a twin-sheet element, the twin-sheet frame is closed and loaded by the tensioning frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Geiss AG
    Inventor: Manfred Geiss
  • Patent number: 7112253
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are presented for manufacturing transparent mirrored spheroidal mini-balls for solar energy and related applications such as optical switches. For these applications it is imperative to provide accurate specular reflection from the mirror. Various means are described for maintaining the desired mirror flatness and avoiding warping, buckling, etc. of the mirror surface during manufacture. The mini-balls are in the size range of 4 microns (4×10?6 m) to 10 centimeters (10?1 m), and are transparent in at least one hemisphere. They preferably have a reflecting mid-plane mirror, though they can also be mirrored on a flat top of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Mario Rabinowitz
  • Patent number: 7108759
    Abstract: A method for increasing the bond strength of ultrasonic bonds in elastomeric materials comprising elongating the elastomeric materials prior to ultrasonically bonding the materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederique You, Paul T. VanGompel, Russell E. Thorson
  • Patent number: 7097725
    Abstract: A placement device, comprising: a guide section for guiding an elastic member; a first nip roll and a second nip roll for pressing together the elastic member and a web; a transfer section capable of transferring the guide section across the web; and an indicating section for indicating a position, wherein when the guide section comes close to the position while moving in a first direction, the transfer section can stop transferring the guide section in response to a signal from the indicating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Zuiko Corporation
    Inventors: Kikuo Yoneoka, Xu Joy, Katsutoshi Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 7073431
    Abstract: An improved structure portable strapping machine in which a band is articulated via a strap pulling device, a swinging device, and a cutting device and then bound tight by a friction welding means to facilitate strapping objects of various shapes and dimensions that are difficult to ship. As such, utilization of the improved structure portable strapping machine of the present invention is easy, convenient, rapid, reliable, and safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: Yu-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 7060143
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device for attaching a label jacket to objects, such as bottles or similar items, where a jacket label is seized by its forward margin by a spreading jaw unit and pulled in axial direction over the object, where the object, before the pull-over application, is held by the area of its mantle surface, by positive and/or friction lock, the pull-over process is started, the holding device on the mantle surface is temporarily released as soon as the spreading jaw unit at least partially surrounds the object at its mantle surface, and, at the latest before the desired adhesion height of the label jacket on the object is reached, the latter objects is again seized by the area of its mantle surface, which is now covered with the label, and in the process the label is affixed in a non-slip manner, while the spreading jaw unit is pulled off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Gunter Eiban, Herman Englbrecht, Erich Eder
  • Patent number: 7008497
    Abstract: A method for producing a wearing article of the present invention includes the steps of: supplying an elastic member; stretching the elastic member; placing the stretched elastic member so that the elastic member spreads across a plurality of first webs divided in a transport direction; making a part of a second web loose in the transport direction while transporting the second web, thereby forming a loose portion; placing the first webs, on which the elastic member is disposed, on non-loose portions before and after the loose portion of the second web; and cutting the elastic member between adjacent first webs of the plurality of first webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Zuiko Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Nakakado, Hitoshi Satoh, Satoshi Tanaka, Ikuo Tachibana
  • Patent number: 6969441
    Abstract: In the invention, a method is provided for producing a composite nonwoven fabric. A polymer is extruded into heated continuous filaments, possibly elastic, from the die head to a first chilled roller, wherein the extruder is configured to provide the continuous filaments to the chilled roller in a canted direction that is at a tangent or angle to the surface of the first chilled roller. The filaments are conveyed in a downward direction by way of chilled rollers to a nip. In a next step, the nonwoven web is sprayed with an adhesive and is laminated on the continuous filaments in the nip to form a composite nonwoven fabric. The continuous filaments move vertically downward approximately in line with the lamination process, facilitating automatic re-threading of filaments when they are broken or interrupted in their travel downward onto the chilled rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard M. Welch, Charles J. Morell, Michael C. Cook, James R. Fitts, Jr., Donald V. Willitts, Marion C. Morris, Ronald H. Wideman, John A. Brewer, Mark M. Mleziva, Kenneth M. Salter, Raymond J. May, Lavada Boggs, Leslie D. Dobbins
  • Patent number: 6957678
    Abstract: The device according to the invention for tensioning and sealing of strapping bands has a band abutment (24) for the inner band edges (27) of the band ends (20, 21) to be welded together, which is provided with a band width adjustment device (28) according to the invention, with the help of which the band abutment adjusts the band abutment transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strapping band in the housing and that the device can be adjusted to strapping having with different widths without any reconstruction measures (see FIG. 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Cyklop GmbH
    Inventors: Detlef Scholl, Christian Spohr, Peter Nober
  • Patent number: 6869494
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of achieving low tension, highly conformable elasticized areas in a nonwoven web construction such as may be suitable for the waistbands or leg openings of disposable absorbent pant garments, cuffs on sleeves of medical garments, or the like. A web, or webs, of nonwoven material which make up the substrate for the elasticized area are provided to be very light weight and flexible and provide the minimal amount of substrate to which an elastomeric liquid barrier material is affixed. The absorbent, or liquid retention, section of an absorbent garment article made according to the present invention will have its own barrier layer facing the backsheet, in order that the backsheet may be composed of a light and conformable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Harold Roessler, Michael Tod Morman
  • Patent number: 6843296
    Abstract: A master processing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feed rolls carrying a supply of stock material includes a frame and a master processing assembly operable to cause adhesive bonding between the stock materials and a master. The apparatus includes a cutting assembly and a movable feed tray. A master engaging structure engages the master as it is being processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Xyron, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Lemens, Joseph Elijio, Ronald J. Hoffman, Daniel G. Reed
  • Publication number: 20040261935
    Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for manufacturing a filtering screen, a frame of plastics coated metal or reinforced plastics material is located in a jig and at least two sheets of wire cloths are placed over the frame and their edges gripped by pneumatically operated clamps carried by the jig. The clamps are pneumatically driven outwardly of the frame to tension each cloth in orthogonal directions. The tensioned cloths are pressed against the frame and heated in order to bond the cloths to the frame. The heated material is allowed to cool, and after completion of the bonding step the clamps are released, allowing the frame to be removed from the jig. Where necessary the cloths are trimmed back to the edges of the frame. A separate set of pneumatically operated clamps may be provided for gripping all four edges of each wire cloth layer to allow each layer to be individually tensioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew Hughes, Morton Barrowmore Auld
  • Publication number: 20040238128
    Abstract: Machine for manufacturing mesh bags from a continuous roll of tubular mesh, and for filling and closing said mesh bags, which comprise an expansion device which is perimetric to the tubular mesh, the core expander of which is equipped with a vertical aperture which, as if it were a slot, traverses said core expander and connects the two frontal faces thereof and extends from its base to an intermediate point, for which the core expander adopts an inverted “U” shape, the machine also being fitted with preventive welding means, adapted for partially welding the two frontal faces of the tubular mesh and, as the case may be, the adjoining laminates of thermally weldable material through the aperture of the core expander; a traction device which drags a section of the tubular mesh provided with a bottom; conveyor means; and second and third filling and closing stations, respectively, both being arranged linearly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: GIRO GH, S.A.
    Inventor: Ezequiel Giro Amigo
  • Patent number: 6811643
    Abstract: A method of making a microporous laminate sheet having a first film layer and a second layer. The first film layer includes a pore initiator and is bonded to the second layer in order to form a laminate sheet. The laminate sheet is then stretched using at least one CD intermeshing stretcher and at least one MDO stretching unit. Methods of making a microporous film is well as a microporous film laminate are also provided, along with an apparatus for stretching a film or laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Hughey McAmish, Kenneth L. Lilly
  • Publication number: 20040182499
    Abstract: Stretchable film laminates including a layer of elastomeric openwork, such as a plurality of elastic strands or an elastomeric mesh structure. The stretchable film laminates may include a film layer bonded to the layer of elastomeric openwork, with the film layer having cross-directional stretch and the laminate having a multi-phase stretchability profile. The stretchable film laminates may be made by extruding a film from a die, stretching the film, forming and stretching a layer of elastomeric openwork, conveying the stretched elastomeric openwork onto the film while the film is stretched, and passing the film and the elastomeric openwork through a nip. The invention also includes a machine capable of producing machine-direction, cross-direction, and biaxial stretch materials. The machine includes at least one extruder, at least one filament die and at least one film die both attached to the extruder(s), and at least one nip downstream of the extruder(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Leslie Warren Collier, Susan Elaine Shawver, Bryon Paul Day, Raymond Jeffrey May, James Russell Fitts, Michael Tod Morman, Monica Varriale, Matthew Boyd Lake, David Michael Matela, Gregory Todd Sudduth, Randall James Palmer, Charles John Morell, Prasad Shrikrishna Potnis, Rasha Wafik Zaki Farag, Cristian M. Neculescu, Peiguang Zhou
  • Patent number: 6792990
    Abstract: A device for laminating at least one substrate to an adhesive-coated substrate for forming a laminate, in which the adhesive-coated substrate is supplied to a laminating point formed between a driven roller and a laminating roller, the substrate being supplied by means of the laminating roller to the substrate provided with adhesive and bonded with this substrate in a laminating point; and to a device for coating a layer on a substrate for the production of a coated length of material; the laminate formed from the substrates, or the coated length of material, being guided directly after the laminating point at least over a few angular degrees along the laminating roller; and the laminating roller being constituted as a temperature-adjustable roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Kiener Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Waldemar Kiener, Johann Rein
  • Patent number: 6789592
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method are provided for guiding the seam allowance of a seamed joint of a fabric into alignment longitudinally with a seam sealing tape applied to the seamed joint within a consolidation nip, all to effect a leakproof seal of the joint. The apparatus includes guide means positioned proximate the consolidation nip, adjacent the entrance thereof, the guide means having an opening therein to and through which the seam allowance is passed. The opening is of a size sufficient to accept and guide the seam allowance passing therethrough. The opening is preferably a slot, the open end of the slot being positioned adjacent the seamed joint and aligned with the tape as the tape and joint pass to and through the consolidation nip. The guide means optionally includes coacting shock absorbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Biro, D. Scott Wolf
  • Patent number: 6777025
    Abstract: A method for tensioning unrolled donor substrate to facilitate transfer of organic material to form a layer on the unrolled donor substrate, comprising the steps of: delivering of a portion of the unrolled donor substrate from a roll to a frame disposed in an organic coating chamber, such frame defining an aperture; engaging the unrolled donor substrate and tensioning such material using a first clamp assembly associated with the frame; coating the tensioned donor substrate with an organic layer in the organic coating chamber; and cutting the unrolled tensioned portion of donor substrate into a sheet before or after it has been coated with organic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Mark D. Bedzyk
  • Publication number: 20040123954
    Abstract: A placement device, comprising: a guide section for guiding an elastic member; a first nip roll and a second nip roll for pressing together the elastic member and a web; a transfer section capable of transferring the guide section across the web; and an indicating section for indicating a position, wherein when the guide section comes close to the position while moving in a first direction, the transfer section can stop transferring the guide section in response to a signal from the indicating section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Kikuo Yoneoka, Xu Joy, Katsutoshi Kishimoto
  • Publication number: 20040118504
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite material having orientated thermoplastics and non-orientated thermoplastics or only orientated thermoplastics and a three-dimensional component manufactured using the composite material. The composite material is heated to a temperature level above the stress-free melting point of the higher-melting thermoplastics. A mechanical stress is applied within the composite material using a device for holding the composite material in order to temporarily raise the melting point of the orientated thermoplastics during shaping, thus ensuring the component quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Herrmann, Asmir Salkic, Robert Bjekovic
  • Patent number: 6748996
    Abstract: A rotation device includes: an endless guide; and a plurality of moving sections that move while being guided by the guide, wherein an interval between the moving sections can be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Zuiko Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Nakakado, Yuzo Ichiura, Satoshi Tanaka, Ikuo Tachibana
  • Publication number: 20040103972
    Abstract: An apparatus for breaking a perforation of a moving web includes a web conveyor adapted to move a web in a machine direction, wherein the web has at least one perforation, and at least one breaking member moveable between a first position and a second position. The at least one breaking member is adapted to be positioned remote from the at least one perforation at the first position and is adapted to be positioned adjacent the at least one perforation at the second position. A tensioning device is adapted to sufficiently tension the web against the at least one breaking member such that the at least one perforation is broken. A system and method for breaking a perforation of a moving web is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery M. Tabor
  • Publication number: 20040089403
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing an article having an elastic member, comprises: a stretcher for receiving the elastic member at a low velocity VL and outputting the elastic member at a medium velocity VM; a carrier including a first pad and a second pad for picking up the elastic member from the stretcher, and a cutter for cutting off the elastic member while carrying the elastic member; and a station for carrying a web at a high velocity Vh and disposing the cut-off elastic member from a pad onto the web. When the elastic member striding over the first pad and the second pad is cut off, an interval between the first pad and the second pad is shortened so as to reduce a shrinking force of a portion of the elastic member between the first pad and the second pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Hitoshi Satoh
  • Patent number: 6732778
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an absorbent article comprising the steps of continuously feeding out a long, extensible, continuous member (5) from a predetermined position, cutting the continuous member (5) into lengths (P1) each equivalent to a length of one sheet of the absorbent article at a predetermined position, and fixedly arranging the cut continuous member at a predetermined position of the absorbent article, wherein a predetermined pattern is preliminarily printed on the continuous member (5) at a printing pitch shorter than the cutting length (P1) of the continuous member, and the speed for feeding out is controlled such that the predetermined pattern is located at a predetermined part of the cut continuous member, thereby obtaining the absorbent article in which the predetermined pattern is arranged at a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Machida, Makoto Kokubo
  • Patent number: 6708470
    Abstract: Device for placing label sleeves (2) onto containers (1) such as bottles or similar items by means of a first apertured pusher (4), positioned coaxially with respect to a container which carries a partially positioned label sleeve, and which can be moved forward and backward axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container, in a controlled manner, and whose internal diameter is at least slightly smaller than the diameter of the label sleeve (2) and, coaxially with respect to the first apertured pusher (4), a second pusher (5) is provided internally, which is led in a manner so it can be moved axially with respect to the first apertured pusher (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Günther Eiban, Ernst Seidl
  • Publication number: 20040050481
    Abstract: The invention includes a belt forming apparatus. The belt forming apparatus includes a station. The station includes a first invertible gripping member, a second invertible gripping member, and a welder having a nib placed relative to the first invertible gripping member and the second invertible gripping member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Erich Coiner, David Burney, Alan Jacques
  • Patent number: 6699346
    Abstract: A method for the automated, series application of a self-adhering protective film to a surface portion of vehicle body includes (1) readying of a film piece, pulled off from a supply roll, in a readying station in a stretched-out, fold-free state by at least one holding element; and (2) pulled off the film piece to the desired length from the supply roll, cutting off the film piece and holding on opposite edges, with the fold-free stretched-out state being retained and being transferred into the application station. The next film piece, which is pulled behind by the film piece is held stretched out in the fold-free state by the at least one holding element of the readying station. The film piece is applied to the body by lowering it in a positionally correct manner, by the at least one application robot, onto an associated surface portion of the body and is pressed onto the portion in a fold-free and bubble-free manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Uwe Habisreitinger, Bernhard Nordmann
  • Patent number: 6698488
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mutsuo Ishinoda
  • Patent number: 6698487
    Abstract: A master processing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feed rolls carrying a supply of stock material includes a frame and a master processing assembly operable to cause adhesive bonding between the stock materials and a master. The apparatus includes a cutting assembly and a movable feed tray. A master engaging structure engages the master as it is being processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Xyron, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Lemens, Joseph Elijio Velasquez, Ronald J. Hoffman, Daniel G. Reed
  • Publication number: 20040007328
    Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and placing limp pieces of material is particular constructed for positioning the relative placement of two cut pieces. The apparatus employs a slip cut configuration and has an anvil roll with a circumferential groove receiving and guiding a uncut end segment of a web of material to be cut. The groove tapers off to a surface substantially flush with the wheel surface. When the web is cut, the cut piece lies on the flush surface, facilitating transfer of the cut piece to the other cut piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Popp, Robert Duane Herberg
  • Patent number: 6668893
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for preparing a microporous laminated sheet, which allows a stable breath ability of microporous film to be maintained while making an adhesion of the microporous film excellent. Also, a method of preparing the microporous laminated sheet using the system and a microporous laminated sheet prepared thereby are disclosed. The preparing system includes an adhesive-applying section serving to apply an adhesive in the linear or lattice shape on the microporous film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: UPC Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwang Yeun Hwang
  • Publication number: 20030221767
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for securing engagement between fastening components of a pre-fastened garment upon initial assembly thereof, the fastening components are arranged by the apparatus in at least partially opposed relationship with each other and then engaged with each other to define an engagement seam. The garment is then mechanically handled by the apparatus to subject the engagement seam to a shear stress to promote increased engagement between the fastening components during initial assembly of the garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Robert Vogt, Kurt Garrett Krupka, Bradley M. Marohl, David Albert Maxton, Robert L. Popp, Michael William Protheroe
  • Publication number: 20030213549
    Abstract: A method of making a microporous laminate sheet having a first film layer and a second layer. The first film layer includes a pore initiator and is bonded to the second layer in order to form a laminate sheet. The laminate sheet is then stretched using at least one CD intermeshing stretcher and at least one MDO stretching unit. Methods of making a microporous film is well as a microporous film laminate are also provided, along with an apparatus for stretching a film or laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Larry Hughey McAmish, Kenneth L. Lilly
  • Patent number: 6619359
    Abstract: The invention features an apparatus for mounting a pellicle to a reticle. The apparatus includes: a base; a first holder coupled to the base and including two edges positioned to support a first object below its center of gravity and secure the first object in substantially vertical alignment with the base, the first object including one of the pellicle and the reticle; a second holder slidably coupled to the base and including two edges positioned to support a second object below its center of gravity and secure the second object in substantially vertical alignment with the base, the second object including the other of the pellicle and the reticle; and a pressure applicator assembly slidably coupled to the base to adjustably apply pressure to a periphery of the second object held in the second holder and drive it against a corresponding periphery of the first object held in the first holder. In additional embodiments, the apparatus provides automated mounted of the pellicle and reticle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Shane P. Ballard, Robert J. Viola, Carl E. Merkel, Robert Teissler
  • Patent number: 6619360
    Abstract: The present invention is a floor vinyl repair technique and tool. According to the present invention, the prior art repair technique is practiced, except a special domed-disc spacer is placed between the patch and the damaged piece to be removed before the cut through both layers with the knife. This way, the replacement patch is elevated slightly above the damaged piece. This slight elevation allows for a slight increase in the perimeter of the patch, and offsets the slight stretching of the patch during the cut, thereby resulting in a more exact fit between the patch and the surrounding, original undamaged vinyl when the patch is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventors: Tracy P. Roesler, Glen L. Durrant
  • 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: 6610161
    Abstract: A method for applying a fluid filament to a strand useful for bonding elastic strands to an absorbent garment is described. The strand is oscillated as it moves along an isolated path past a fixed fluid filament dispenser. The strand captures substantially all of the fluid filament, and at least partially all sides of the strand are coated with the filament. The filament coated strand may then be bonded to one or more substrates in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Paragon Trade Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward P. Erdman
  • Patent number: 6589149
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for applying a web component (42) to a moving substrate (44). The process aspect includes a delivering of the web component (42) to a rotatable applicator wheel (58). The applicator wheel has an entry surface-region (114), an exit surface-region (116), a transport surface-region (118), and an applicator wheel diameter (112). The web component (42) is contacted onto the entry surface-region (114) of the applicator wheel (58), and the applicator wheel is rotated to move the web component along a substantially circumferential, applicator path along the transport surface-region (118) of the applicator wheel. The applicator wheel (58) is oscillated about a pivot axis (102) which is spaced from the moving substrate (44) by a pivot distance (100), and the web component (42) is operatively applied from the exit surface-region (116) of the applicator wheel (58) onto the moving substrate (44) to provide a desired curved web configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David James VanEperen, Adam Lewis Daniels, Kevin Lester Fiedler, Gene Mark Gregory, Steven Michael Parsons, James Bennington Stopher
  • Publication number: 20030121611
    Abstract: The device according to the invention for tensioning and sealing of strapping bands has a band abutment (24) for the inner band edges (27) of the band ends (20, 21) to be welded together, which is provided with a band width adjustment device (28) according to the invention, with the help of which the band abutment adjusts the band abutment transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strapping band in the housing and that the device can be adjusted to strapping having with different widths without any reconstruction measures (see FIG. 3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Detlef Scholl, Christian Spohr, Peter Nober
  • Patent number: 6585840
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for making a three-dimensional garment. The process is carried out by loading an insert onto an expandable/retractable process loop fixture. A waist elastic member can be bonded to a waist area of the insert. A garment shell can be applied over the insert and the waist elastic member. A waist area of the garment shell can be attached to the waist elastic member and to the waist area of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald L. Rabe, Joseph R. Alberts, Joseph Daniel Coenen, Edward A. Drezdzon, II, Thomas David Ehlert, Donald Merlin Fries, Richard M. Konetzke, James Frederick Roth, Robert Eugene Vogt
  • Patent number: 6582800
    Abstract: System, method and material for making pneumatically filled packing cushions in which a plastic film material having two superposed layers joined together along first and second longitudinal edges is prefabricated at a first location by forming longitudinally spaced, transversely extending rows of perforations across it and sealing it together along seal lines which extend from the first edge of the material in a direction generally parallel to the rows of perforations other and terminate a short distance from the second edge to form chambers with open mouths facing the second edge between the rows of perforations. The material is then fan-folded or formed into rolls for storage and shipment. At a second location, gas is introduced into the chambers by passing the material along a tube positioned between the ends of the seals and the second edge of the material and injecting the gas into the open mouths of the chambers through openings in a side wall of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gunter G. Fuss, Vladimir Yampolsky
  • Patent number: 6578337
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioning device for tightening strapping bands. When a tensioning motor runs forwards in the tensioning direction, a tensioning wheel is automatically pivoted against an abutment in the opposite direction. Once the tensioning process is complete, said tensioning wheel is pivoted back out of the tensioning position and into the starting position by running the tensioning motor backwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Cyklop GmbH
    Inventors: Detlef Scholl, Leo Zeimetz, Peter Nober
  • Patent number: 6569275
    Abstract: A method of applying leg elastics to absorbent garments involves varying the number and position of feed nips and idler rolls and optimizing the tension between multiple elastic members. The elastic members are bonded to a substrate with variable tension. More particularly, higher tension is provided in the areas of the garment where greater gasketing pressure is required, while lower tension is provided in areas where greater comfort is desired and high gasketing pressure is not needed. Furthermore, each elastic member may vary in degrees of tension from the other elastic members. The resulting garments have optimized comfort, fit and containment about the leg openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lee Popp, Joseph D. Coenen, Toan Thanh Le Minh
  • Patent number: 6564701
    Abstract: A band-thickness adjusting device for a portable packing machine includes an adjusting shaft and an activating rod combined eccentrically with the adjusting shaft, and a press rod pressed axially by eccentric movement of the adjusting shaft to press down a friction head of a fusing device. Then the gap between the friction head and a stationary friction head of the fusing device can be changed to suit to different thickness of packing bands so that pressure against the packing band may be adjusted for the thickness of a packing band, with the gap between the two friction heads freely adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignees: Tekpak Corporation, Transpak Equipment Corp.
    Inventors: Chin-Chang Liu, Chi-jan Su
  • Patent number: 6562166
    Abstract: A method of achieving a workpiece material property change using a horn with a set of activation teeth as a source of ultrasonic energy and an anvil with a second set of activation teeth. The workpiece is engaged in tension between the two sets of activation teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John C. Molander, D. Randell Greer
  • Patent number: 6554040
    Abstract: A device for placing a seal, such as a water seal, on a motor vehicle body. This device includes a jig which is placed in contact with the body of the motor vehicle, a carriage borne by the jig and able to move on the latter so as to ensure placement of the seal, and rails for guiding and orienting the carriage on the jig. A method for operating this device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignees: Process Conception Ingenierie S. A., Technorop Automation
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Cueff, Alain De Bentzmann, Jean-Paul Rousse
  • Patent number: 6546986
    Abstract: A panel forming method and apparatus used compressed fibrous material such as straw, hay and the like. The fibrous material from bales is debailled by debailler rollers and passed to straw walkers. The straw walkers move the material to crop shredders which deposit the shredded fiber on a conveyor. A leveller roller smooths the mat on the conveyor which mat moves to a picker roller. The picker roller moves the crop into a chute and a compression cavity where the material is severed and compressed by a reciprocating ram. The severed and compressed material has glued paper applied to its upper and lower surfaces and thereafter moves between heated platens for curing the glue. The severed and compressed material now forming a longitudinal panel is pulled by puller rollers and subsequently severed into panels of a desired length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Enviro Board Corporation
    Inventors: Monty Raymond Waggoner, Delano Halder Fehr
  • Publication number: 20030066593
    Abstract: A method of securing an elastic band having an elastic and a meltable material film to an article includes the steps of extending the article on a workbench, positioning the elastic band on the article, activating the meltable material layer, pressing the elastic band on the article, and cutting the article along with an edge of the elastic band. The method preferably further includes the step of heat-pressing the secured elastic band. An apparatus for performing the method includes an axis, a roller mounted on the axis, a cutter having a blade, and a pipe supplying a hot air toward an area of the article on which the elastic band is positioned. The roller and the cutter are freely rotational with respect to the axis. When the article is in contact with the roller, a movement of the appratus or the article makes the roller and the cutter rotate. With this configuration, it is possible to more efficiently secure the elastic band to the article, and the cutting and the securing are performed simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Alberto Kopelowicz
  • Patent number: 6533013
    Abstract: An electric strapping tools and methods therefor having an electric motor with an output shaft coupled to a feed wheel, a modulator circuit coupled to a power input of the motor for controlling strap tension. A magnet is disposed on an end of the motor armature and offset from the rotation axis thereof, and a magnetic field detector is disposed near magnet to detect rotation of the armature. The motor rotates the feed wheel and vibrates a welding jaw when the shaft rotates in the same direction, and tool parameter adjustment potentiometers are isolated from abuse by the tool user by corresponding control knobs coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Nix
  • Patent number: 6520237
    Abstract: Strand coating methods and systems having an applicator head pivotally mounted adjacent a substrate, a coating material dispenser mounted on the applicator head, a strand guide mounted on the applicator head, wherein the strand guide and the coating material dispenser are adjustably positionable in unison relative to the substrate by pivoting the applicator head to vary the spacing of the strands relative to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Edward W. Bolyard, Jr., Daniel D. Bourget, Mairi C. MacLean