Moving Web (flying Splice Or With Web Accumulating Means) Patents (Class 156/504)
  • Patent number: 11745970
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic splicing of rolls of sleeve material used in various packaging applications. The disclosed system will automatically splice the leading end of a new roll onto the trailing end of the old roll in an overlapped configuration. The apparatus performs an automatic cut and splice operation resulting in a splice of the two film rolls with tape applied to both sides of the splice joint where the new roll overlaps the cut end of the prior roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventor: Elisa M. Duncan
  • Patent number: 10994959
    Abstract: An apparatus, and a related method, for unwinding reels and for joining a ply between two reels including a first unwinder adapted to unwind a first reel, a second unwinder adapted to unwind a second reel, a joining device adapted to join a first ply belonging to the first reel with a second ply belonging to the second reel, the joining device including a first pulling bar is able to pull a flap of the first ply along a joining path with the second ply, a second pulling bar is adapted to pull a flap of the second ply along a joining path with the first ply, joining means configured to join, in a joining point along the joining path, the flap of the first ply with the second ply or the flap of the second ply with the first ply, first cutting means configured to cut the first ply or the second ply upstream of the joining point where the joint is performed between the first ply and the second ply, and second cutting means configured to cut the flap of the first ply or the flap of the second ply downstream of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: GAMBINI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Fabio Picchi, Giovanni Buffa
  • Patent number: 10457512
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for splicing a trailing edge of an outgoing roll with a leading edge of a replacement roll with a lapless butt splice on-the-fly during converting and printing production. A first strip of adhesive tape may be placed partially under the leading edge, such that a portion of the adhesive tape remains exposed beyond the leading edge. The replacement roll may be accelerated to match the speed of the outgoing web's movement, a trailing edge of the outgoing web may be cut free from the outgoing roll, and the trailing edge of the outgoing roll may be positioned over the exposed portion of the adhesive tape. A second strip of adhesive tape may be applied over the leading edge and trailing edge using a splicer roller timed to apply the tape when the edges pass proximate to the splicer roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: New Era Converting Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Pasquale
  • Patent number: 10093502
    Abstract: A label cutter comprises a movable cutting blade, a pre-tensioning device, and a trigger. The pre-tensioning device pre-tensions the cutting blade into an arrested position. Upon its release, the cutting blade moves from the arrested position to a cutting position for cutting a label strip. In the arrested position, the cutting blade is retracted behind a component of the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: KHS GMBH
    Inventor: Lutz Deckert
  • Patent number: 9981821
    Abstract: Splicing equipment for strips of paper, paper tissue, plastic and the like, defines an outgoing strip with a first strip and a second strip directed toward a user apparatus by means of two cutting mechanisms and two splicing group. In particular, the equipment comprises an output arresting mechanism actuatable for arresting the outgoing strip during the operations of cutting and splicing; and two respective applying devices for a double sided adhesive film. The splicing groups include a respective retaining member provided for retaining, after cutting and separation, an initial edge of the first strip or, respectively, an initial edge of the second strip in preparation of splicing on a terminal edge of the outgoing strip; and in which the applying devices are selectively actuatable for automatically depositing the double sided adhesive film on the initial edge of the first strip or, respectively, on the initial edge of the second strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Tecnau S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giuliano De Marco, Armando Aprato, Marco Andreuccetti
  • Patent number: 9833016
    Abstract: The apparatus for combining tobacco sheets (3, 4) comprises a first shaft for carrying a first bobbin (30) of tobacco sheet (3) and a second shaft for carrying a second bobbin (40) of tobacco sheet (4). The apparatus also comprises a splicing unit (2) for combining an end portion of tobacco sheet from the first bobbin (30) to a head portion of tobacco sheet from the second bobbin. The splicing unit comprises a cutting device (20) for cutting the tobacco sheets such as to provide complementary cuts to the tobacco sheets (3) from the first bobbin and from the second bobbin (4), a dispensing device (23) for dispensing water to at least one of the tobacco sheets (3, 4), and a combining device (24) for applying force onto the tobacco sheets thereby producing a spliced tobacco sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Gindrat, Alessandro Metrangolo
  • Patent number: 9833946
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the ultrasonic processing of materials, which has an ultrasonic processing system, which comprises: an ultrasound generator, a converter (12), a sonotrode (16), and a counter tool (18); wherein the sonotrode (16) and/or the counter tool (18) has a substantially cylindrical sealing surface having at least one elevation (45) and can be rotated such that, during the processing, the elevation (45) rotates about the axis of rotation and comes in contact with the material web (20) during a sealing time, wherein a control apparatus (24) is provided for the ultrasound generator, to which control apparatus a feedback variable from the ultrasound processing system is fed and which control apparatus determines a manipulated variable therefrom and feeds said manipulated variable to the ultrasound generator, wherein a process variable from the processing process is determined and is linked to the manipulated variable determined by the control apparatus (24) before the feeding
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Herrmann Ultraschalltechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Gnad
  • Patent number: 9771686
    Abstract: A method of producing a paper product. A paper web is formed on a paper machine. The paper web has a plurality of sections. The web is analyzed to perform at least one of inspecting and identifying properties. The web is marked with a plurality of marks. At least one mark is marked at each of the plurality of sections. Thereafter, the web is wound with a winder to form a parent roll. A paper rating is assigned to each section based upon properties in that section that are identified. The web is unwound from the parent roll on a converting line having a plurality of operational parameters. At least one of the plurality of marks is read with a mark reading unit. The paper rating associated with the at least one mark is obtained. At least one operational parameter of the converting line is changed based upon the rating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Andrew G. Bomstad, Thomas J. Petersen, Joseph A. Schulz, Gregory T. Johnson, Mark F. Gerrits
  • Patent number: 9540201
    Abstract: Method and apparatus of splicing a paper web, in which a paper web from a new reel is spliced to a paper web from an emptying reel and a position of glue or two sided tape in the surface of the new paper reel is marked. The method includes receiving a command for splicing, determining the splicing time instant, accelerating a rotation of the new paper reel, detecting the glue or tape, controlling, based on the detected glue or tape, the rotation of the new paper reel in such a manner that the rotation speed of the new paper reel and the position of the glue or tape are as required at the splicing time instant, and splicing the paper web at the splicing time instant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: ABB Oy
    Inventor: Tapio Talvitie
  • Patent number: 9518362
    Abstract: A system for producing a paper product. The system includes a paper machine, an analysis tool, and a converting line. The paper machine forms a paper web having a plurality of sections, inspects the paper web to identify properties, and marks the paper web with a plurality of marks, at least one mark being assigned to each of the plurality of sections. The analysis tool assigns a paper rating to each section of the paper web based upon the identified properties in that section of the paper web. The converting line has a plurality of operational parameters and converts the paper web into the paper product. The converting line reads at least one of the plurality of marks on the paper web, obtains the paper rating associated with the mark read, and changes at least one operational parameter of the converting line based upon the paper rating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Andrew G. Bomstad, Thomas J. Petersen, Joseph A. Schulz, Gregory T. Johnson, Mark F. Gerrits
  • Patent number: 9340387
    Abstract: An apparatus for splicing a new web having repeated patterns, to a web in use moving along a predetermined path and also having repeated patterns. The apparatus having: a handling device to advance the new web at the same speed as the web in use and positioning a segment of the new web to overlap a segment of the web in use such that the corresponding patterns align; a cutting device for cutting the overlapping segments of the webs at the area interposed between two successive patterns and dividing each web into an upstream portion and a downstream portion; a folding device for selectively folding either the upstream portion of the web in use and the downstream portion of the new web outside the overlapping area; and an applicator for applying a splicing buffer on the adjacent the cut portions of the two webs to be joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: SIDEL S.p.A. con Socio Unico
    Inventor: Mattia Giuliani
  • Patent number: 9321604
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic splicer for the continuous supply of laminar strips, comprising a reel holder for incorporating two reels that can be positioned alternately in a feed position for feeding to an application process and in a standby position, there being above the reel holder a guide rail on which a splicer head that can move in a movement projected towards a splicing zone is mounted, carrying the laminar strip of a reel arranged in standby for splicing it with the laminar strip of the feed reel during a joint movement of said laminar strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Manuel Torres Martinez
  • Patent number: 8911578
    Abstract: A supply group of a packing band from reels, with an automatic change of the reel for an object-packing machine, includes a supply conveyor along which the packing band runs, a device for transversally cutting the band located at a start of the supply conveyor, a device for supporting one reel of the band of slim packing material and a device for supporting a second reel of band of slim packing material. The group includes a first entry conveyor of the first band from the first reel to the supply conveyor, a second entrance conveyor of the second band from the second reel to the supply conveyor, a device for advancing for introducing or extracting the front end of the first band to or from the supply conveyor, and a device for advancing for introducing or extracting a front end of the second band into or from the supply conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: A.C.M.I. -Societa'per Azioni
    Inventor: Giacomo Magri
  • Patent number: 8910689
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing downtime in processes utilizing continuous webs as a raw material upon the detection of a defective portion in a continuous web includes a defect detection member. The defect detection member detects the defects in the continuous web while a first engaging member can stop or slow the speed of the continuous web upon the detection of the defective portion. A second engaging member can receive the defective portion and separate the defective portion from the continuous web and can attach non-defective portions together. A storage element can provide a contingent amount of the continuous web to any downstream processes while the continuous web is stopped or slowed by the first engaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Uwe Schneider
  • Patent number: 8845941
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: GrandNano, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander B. Lemaire, Charles A. Lemaire, Leif T. Stordal, Dale J. Thomforde
  • Patent number: 8839835
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for producing an absorbent article are provided. Generally, the apparatuses and methods allow for continuous delivering of a plurality of web material to downstream equipment during a manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the apparatuses and methods allow for simultaneously unwinding, splicing, and lamination of multiple rolls of web material rotatably mounted to a frame and delivering the web material to various downstream manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: James Jay Benner, Patrick John Healey, Jose Mauricio Berrizbeitia
  • Patent number: 8770250
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for splicing together old and new thermoformable sheets in order to supply a continuous thermoforming operation. The apparatus is used to join together thermoformable sheets by: providing a first thermoformable sheet with a trailing edge and a second thermoformable sheet with a leading edge; forming a terminal edge portion with a hot element along the trailing edge and a complementary terminal edge portion along the leading edge by severing a scrap sheet from each portion; laterally retracting each scrap portion away from the trailing edge and the leading edge; and joining together the first thermoformable sheet and the second thermoformable sheet by interlocking together the terminal edge portion with the complementary terminal edge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventors: Jere F. Irwin, Dale L. Vantrease
  • Patent number: 8551376
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: GrandNano, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander B. Lemaire, Charles A. Lemaire, Leif T. Stordal, Dale J. Thomforde
  • Patent number: 8434539
    Abstract: This invention relates to a tape applicator or tape head formed from a combination of two separated apparatuses namely a detachable unit containing a front portion of the tape applicator and a stationary unit containing a rear portion of the applicator with snap-on engagement there between to obtain the interactive motion of a conventional tape applicator i.e. the present invention separates a conventional tape applicator into two separate portions which results in the ability to quickly change tapes and reduces safety hazards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Lamus Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: Joe Augustine S. T. Lam
  • Patent number: 8381787
    Abstract: A splicing device (13) and a method for the transport and feeding of plastic film (8) to a processing station. In this processing station the articles are wrapped in the plastic film (8) and the film (8) can subsequently be shrunk. This device includes a supply of film rolls with at least three separate film rolls (1 to 6) that are subsequently fed to a conveyor. The device furthermore includes a fixation device (20, 24, 26) arranged between the conveyor and the film rolls (1 to 6). The fixation device (20, 24, 26) fixes and joins the beginnings of film of new full film rolls (2 to 6) to the sheet of film currently fed into the processing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Stefan Elsperger
  • Patent number: 8342221
    Abstract: An apparatus for jointing of cord fabric performed when cord fabric for topping is alternately drawn from two supply positions for continuous supply. When drawing to supply of the cord fabric on one side, a start end portion of the cord fabric on other side is locked to hold by a locking pin of a jointing holder, and is set to a jointing mounting portion in a state where an unvulcanized jointing rubber member is pasted thereto. When a final end of the cord fabric on the one side comes closer, a finish end portion thereof is pasted to the start end portion of the cord fabric held by the holder by interposing the rubber member therebetween. The finish end portion and the start end portion are squeezed for joint from upper and lower sides by press members. Thereafter, the holder is removed, and the cord fabric on the other side is drawn to supply continuously to the cord fabric on the one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Takatsuka, Taizo Yamamoto, Makoto Koumo, Yu Hatayama
  • Patent number: 8240843
    Abstract: A dual web winder device for a web press includes a pair of drive motors and a pair of shafts. Each shaft is coupled to one of the drive motors and configured to carry a roll of web media. The shafts and drive motors are synchronized to simultaneously unwind a first roll of web media from one shaft and rewind a second roll of web media on the other shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Paul Ray
  • Publication number: 20120180931
    Abstract: A thermoforming web accumulator is provided having a frame, a web guide element, an arm, and an actuator. The frame is configured to be provided within a thermoforming line. The web guide element is configured to be provided beneath a web of thermoformable material being delivered along the thermoforming line. The arm is carried by the frame and is configured to articulate the web guide element between raised and lowered positions. The actuator is operatively coupled with the arm to articulate the arm to controllably move the web guide element between raised and lowered positions to accumulate an extra length of web and discharge the extra length of web during a web splicing operation. A method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Jere F. Irwin, Dale L. Vantrease
  • Patent number: 8162643
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Alexander B. Lemaire, Charles A. Lemaire, Leif T. Stordal, Dale J. Thomforde
  • Patent number: 8163118
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for splicing together old and new thermoformable sheets in order to supply a continuous thermoforming operation. The method for joining together thermoformable sheets includes: providing a first thermoformable sheet with a trailing edge and a second thermoformable sheet with a leading edge; forming a terminal edge portion with a hot element along the trailing edge and a complementary terminal edge portion along the leading edge by severing a scrap sheet from each portion; laterally retracting each scrap portion away from the trailing edge and the leading edge; and joining together the first thermoformable sheet and the second thermoformable sheet by interlocking together the terminal edge portion with the complementary terminal edge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Jere F. Irwin, Dale L. Vantrease
  • Publication number: 20120085483
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for operating a corrugator wet end splicing of three short orders between a longer first order and a longer fifth order utilizes a primary splicer and a tandem splicer in which the first two short order webs from paper rolls on the tandem splicer can be prepared for splice while the first longer order is running by threading the first of the short order webs from the tandem splicer to the primary splicer for splice preparation on the primary splicer and preparing the second short order for splice on the tandem splicer. The first and second short order webs are spliced on the primary and tandem splicer, respectively, immediately after completion of the longer first order. The third short order web is provided by a fourth roll mounted on the roll stand for the primary splicer immediately after completion of the longer first order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Marquip, LLC
    Inventor: James A. Cummings
  • Patent number: 8146328
    Abstract: Film supply apparatus (2) has two film holders (22a, 22b) supporting two rolls of film as film (101) on a use side and film (100) on a stand-by side respectively, feed rollers (3) for feeding film (101) on the use side, film holding member (34) holding a leading end portion of film (100) on the stand-by side, sucker (36) pulling back film (100) on the stand-by side upstream in a feeding direction and heater bar (31) heat-sealing two films (100, 101). Sucker (36) attracts film (100) by suctioning and pulls film (100) back to a position where a leading end portion thereof faces heater bar (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Orihiro Engineering Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Orihiro Tsuruta, Shunji Yamada
  • Patent number: 8127818
    Abstract: A method of jointing a cord fabric when the cord fabric for topping is alternately drawn from two supply positions for continuous supply. During drawing to supply of the cord fabric on one side, a start end portion of the cord fabric on other side is locked to hold by a locking pin of a jointing holder, and is set to a jointing mounting portion in a state where an unvulcanized jointing rubber member is pasted thereto. When a final end of the cord fabric on the one side comes closer, a finish end portion thereof is pasted to the start end portion of the cord fabric held by the holder by interposing the rubber member therebetween. The finish end portion and the start end portion are squeezed for joint from upper and lower sides by press members, thereafter, the holder is removed, and the cord fabric on the other side is drawn to supply continuously to the cord fabric on the one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Takatsuka, Taizo Yamamoto, Makoto Koumo, Yu Hatayama
  • Publication number: 20120031564
    Abstract: The gluing device includes a log feeding path that extends at least partially between a flexible conveying member and a feeding surface; and a log inserter that sequentially introduces logs between the flexible conveying member and the feeding surface. The inserter includes a flexible input member, provided with pushing elements for pushing single logs between the flexible conveying member and the feeding surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Fabio Peini S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mauro Gelli, Mauro Ricci
  • Patent number: 8088238
    Abstract: A process and a device for the splicing of label bands having a conveying device for the forward movement of a first forward label band and of a second trailing label band along a transport path, and a splicing station for exerting a splicing pressure during the transport. In order to ensure that the splicing can be carried out reliably and precisely, even at high band speeds there is provided within the transport path in front of the splicing station, a separating device for the formation of a defined end edge on the trailing end of the forward label band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Dieter Hafner
  • Publication number: 20110271640
    Abstract: A device for producing a longitudinal seal between two juxtaposed plies of film that are conveyed along a longitudinal path of travel, the juxtaposed film plies including a series of containers therebetween, wherein the device includes a sealing mechanism that forms a sealing zone in the travel path in which the longitudinal seal is produced, and a pressure mechanism that forms a pressure zone in the travel path in which the juxtaposed film plies are compressed, the pressure zone being positioned between the containers and the sealing zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: SEALED AIR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Laurence B. Sperry, Eric A. Kane
  • Patent number: 8011409
    Abstract: A splicing device to join a first web material coming from a reel being fed (BA), to a second web material (NB), coming from a reel standing by (BB), comprising two heads (107A, 127A; 107B, 127B), each of which comprises: a roller (129A; 129B) associated with a clamping bar (143A, 145A; 143B, 145B) to hold an initial edge of the second web material (NB); a counter-pressure member (109A; 109B) cooperating with said roller (129A; 129B) to press said first and second web material (NA, NB) against each other; a cutting member (111A; 111B); a moving unit (113A; 113B), on which said counter-pressure member (109A; 109B) and said cutting member (111A; 111B) are carried. A first common control member (121) is provided to cause, by the movement it imparts to the moving unit of one or other head alternately: pinching of the first and second web material between the roller (129A; 129B) and the counter-pressure member (109A; 109B); cutting of the first web material; and release of the second web material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Fosber S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Adami
  • Patent number: 8002924
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Tamarack Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Machamer
  • Patent number: 7967047
    Abstract: A film splicer including a base body on which two films to be spliced are aligned such that splicing ends thereof make contact with each other, an adhesive tape applied to the splicing ends of the films to join them, and a splicer arm that is folded against the base body to bore sprocket holes by punching members and to cut the adhesive tape by cutting members to a length corresponding to the length in the width direction of the films, wherein the cutting members comprise punches capable of punching out both the adhesive tape and excessive edge areas in the width direction of the films and that are formed with tapered portions having an angle relative to a cutting direction that extends in the longer direction of the films, the tapered portions being formed at both end areas in the cutting direction, whereby edge areas in the width direction of the films spliced together are free of steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuaki Fujii
  • Patent number: 7938925
    Abstract: Clutch pressure or servo motor torque profiling is applied to the powered capstan roll in a corrugator web splicer to control tension in the paper in the accelerating new paper roll to bring the new roll up to line speed more quickly and without causing web tear out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Marquip, LLC
    Inventors: James A. Cummings, Jeffrey M. Stieber, Paul S. Heidenreich
  • Patent number: 7849899
    Abstract: An illuminator emits light obliquely to an end of an adhesive film. A CCD camera is provided in a direction perpendicular to the adhesive film to capture an image of the light reflected irregularly from the end of the adhesive film. A black plate is provided on a back side of the adhesive film. In the image obtained by the CCD camera, therefore, only the end of the adhesive film is displayed whitely in a line shape. A position of the adhesive film is determined based on a line corresponding to the end of the adhesive film. Since the light reflected from the end of the adhesive film is utilized, the position of the adhesive film can be determined accurately irrespective of a color of the adhesive film, a color of a base film to which the adhesive film is joined, and a depth of each color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Yamamoto, Satoshi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7833375
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for butt-jointing edges of an elastic material sheet is disclosed. The elastic material sheet is supported such that the two edges to be butt-jointed are oppositely opposed. By moving a pair of counterrotating conical surfaces along the edges, the surfaces of the edges portions are drawn toward the center between the two edges so that the edges are butt-jointed. Between the conical surfaces, a small space is provided so as to form a small rib-like protrusion along the butt-joint. Then, the small rib-like protrusion of the elastic material is pressed down to flatten. Therefore, at the butt-joint interface, the elastic material irregularly interfuses to increase the strength of the butt-joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gaku Tanaka, Kazuaki Yarimizu, Masayuki Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20100243172
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for forming an ultrasonic weld that includes a sonotrode having an ultrasonic actuator coupled to an elongate sealing end face for delivering ultrasonic energy to the webs in the sealing gap and a rotating cylindrical anvil having at least one raised portion extending longitudinally along an outer surface thereof. The raised portion has a radially outer surface, whereby the sealing gap is defined intermittently between the end face of the sonotrode and the radially outer surface of the raised portion of the anvil as the raised portion rotates past the end face of the sonotrode. The elongate sealing end face of the sonotrode has a substantially helical surface, whereby the sealing gap travels helically along the surface as the raised portion of the anvil cylinder rotates past the end face of the sonotrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Mars Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel Blanchard, David Wicks, Michel Montoya
  • Patent number: 7803242
    Abstract: An apparatus for splicing an elongate multi-layered workpiece includes: (a) drives and guides cooperating to drive the workpiece along a working path; (b) a cutter for severing the workpiece; (c) a layer manipulator for separating layers; (d) an applicator for applying adhesive; and (e) a deflector unit for deflecting the workpiece from the working path. The cutter effects the severing to present first and second workpiece segments. The layer manipulator effects inter-layer separation in one segment to present an interlayer zone in the one segment. A drive inserts the other segment in the interlayer zone. The layer manipulator urges the layers together to capture the other segment within the interlayer zone to establish a multi-layer structure. A drive and at least one of the workpiece deflector unit and the applicator situate the multi-layer structure adjacent to the applicator for finishing the splicing by applying adhesive to the multi-layer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hagman, Ralph D. Cope, Ross Hutter, Steven A. Cope, Kim Ferrara, Nanette M. Gopez, Michael J. Case
  • Patent number: 7776172
    Abstract: A web joining apparatus and related method. The apparatus includes a turret arm which supports an old roll and a new roll around which band-state flexible support bodies are wound, a front pasting drum including a holding device holding the tip end of the band-state flexible support body of the new roll and a cutting drum provided with a cutting member with substantially the same length as the width of the band-state flexible support body. A projection amount is set so that only a single sheet of the band-state flexible support body can be cut off. The flexible support body of the old roll is cut off and the tail end of the flexible support body of the old roll and the tip end of the flexible support body of the new roll are joined as the band-state flexible support body is conveyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Tonohara
  • 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: 7708043
    Abstract: A device for splicing the free end of a strip of web material to a homologous strip of web material being supplied includes a first moving element and a second moving element, each of which is able to function alternatively as retention structure for the free end and as guiding structure for the web. The moving elements are, at least in part, translatable with respect to one another for connecting the free end to the web, performing the operation of splicing. The first and the second moving elements are selectively orientable between a position of opening, in which the moving element has a gripping formation exposed to receive the free end, and a position of closing, in which the gripping formation faces the other moving element of the device to allow the free end to connect to the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Fameccanica.Data S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Pasqualoni
  • Publication number: 20090288757
    Abstract: Apparatus for continually joining paper webs, comprising a device able to compress the webs (5,6) onto an impression cylinder or roller (4) while the webs advance toward an outlet section of the apparatus. The compressive device includes a roller or cylinder (2) which exhibits a hard outer surface (20) supported by an underlying elastic surface (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Fabio Perini
  • Patent number: 7621479
    Abstract: An apparatus for switching a strip feed between supply rolls has first and second supports displaceable in a direction independently parallel to each other between an outer reload position and an inner supply position and respective first and second shafts on the supports extending parallel to the direction and adapted to carry respective rolls of strip. The strip is pulled off one of the rolls in the supply position of the respective support and fed continuously or in steps to a user. Respective cutters on each of the supports cut the respective strip, and respective gluers on each of the supports glue a leading end of the respective strip to a trailing end of the strip of the other roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jürgen Matzenmüller
  • Publication number: 20090218046
    Abstract: An illuminator emits light obliquely to an end of an adhesive film. A CCD camera is provided in a direction perpendicular to the adhesive film to capture an image of the light reflected irregularly from the end of the adhesive film. A black plate is provided on a back side of the adhesive film. In the image obtained by the CCD camera, therefore, only the end of the adhesive film is displayed whitely in a line shape. A position of the adhesive film is determined based on a line corresponding to the end of the adhesive film. Since the light reflected from the end of the adhesive film is utilized, the position of the adhesive film can be determined accurately irrespective of a color of the adhesive film, a color of a base film to which the adhesive film is joined, and a depth of each color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Masayuki Yamamoto, Satoshi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7533844
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a paper splicing apparatus that can improve workability of an operator and splicing accuracy at low cost with a simple construction. Thus, a paper splicing apparatus that carries out paper splicing by sticking together a tip of a new web pulled out from a rolled web to an old web drawn out from another rolled web comprises a first reciprocating member provided to freely reciprocate in an approaching/departing direction to/from a surface of the old web, a second reciprocating member provided to freely reciprocate in the approaching/departing direction independently of the first reciprocating member, a first roller pivotally supported to freely rotate with respect to the first reciprocating member, and a second roller pivotally supported to freely rotate with respect to the second reciprocating member with the new web fastened between the first roller and the second roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Mizutani, Yoshio Harada, Takayuki Miyake
  • Publication number: 20090071607
    Abstract: A splicing device to join a first web material coming from a reel being fed (BA), to a second web material (NB), coming from a reel standing by (BB), comprising two heads (107A, 127A; 107B, 127B), each of which comprises: a roller (129A; 129B) associated with a clamping bar (143A, 145A; 143B, 145B) to hold an initial edge of the second web material (NB); a counter-pressure member (109A; 109B) cooperating with said roller (129A; 129B) to press said first and second web material (NA, NB) against each other; a cutting member (111A; 111B); a moving unit (113A; 113B), on which said counter-pressure member (109A; 109B) and said cutting member (111A; 111B) are carried. A first common control member (121) is provided to cause, by the movement it imparts to the moving unit of one or other head alternately: pinching of the first and second web material between the roller (129A; 129B) and the counter-pressure member (109A; 109B); cutting of the first web material; and release of the second web material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: FOSBER S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Adami
  • Patent number: 7441579
    Abstract: A splicing device to join a first web material coming from a reel being fed (BA), to a second web material (NB), coming from a reel standing by (BB), comprising two heads (107A, 127A; 107B, 127B), each of which comprises: a roller (129A; 129B) associated with a clamping bar (143A, 145A; 143B, 145B) to hold an initial edge of the second web material (NB); a counter-pressure member (109A; 109B) cooperating with said roller (129A; 129B) to press said first and second web material (NA, NB) against each other; a cutting member (111A; 111B); a moving unit (113A; 113B), on which said counter-pressure member (109A; 109B) and said cutting member (111A; 111B) are carried. A first common control member (121) is provided to cause, by the movement it imparts to the moving unit of one or other head alternately: pinching of the first and second web material between the roller (129A; 129B) and the counter-pressure member (109A; 109B); cutting of the first web material; and release of the second web material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Fosber, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Adami
  • Patent number: 7426809
    Abstract: In a packaging apparatus, when replacing a preceding single-faced corrugated fiberboard (wrapping material) with a subsequent single-faced corrugated fiberboard, a draw-out roller is operated such that the preceding single-faced corrugated fiberboard is drawn out to its trailing end. At this time, a reserve roller, around which the single-faced corrugated fiberboard is trained, is moved such that the single-faced corrugated fiberboard, which has been drawn out, is accumulated thereat. Then, the trailing end of the preceding single-faced corrugated fiberboard and a leading end of the subsequent single-faced corrugated fiberboard are joined together at a joining device. In this way, the preceding single-faced corrugated fiberboard can be used up until its final end, and thus there is no waste of the single-faced corrugated fiberboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Arima
  • Publication number: 20080135158
    Abstract: A splicing method and apparatus for use with a labelling apparatus is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for winding up and removing a web from a labelling apparatus, particularly the waste web from which self-adhesive labels have been removed by a labelling apparatus. Web splicing is achieved by detecting the end of one web feed and securing that end while it is transported to the start of another web feed to be adhered to that another web under a pressing action before being released to allow continuation of web feeding by the joined together webs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Johan Baumli