Relieved Or Configured Pressing Face Patents (Class 156/581)
  • Patent number: 6342123
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for forming differentially frangible seals (FS) in a final closed pouch (FCP) are described. The method involves differential cooling a seal portions of pouch forming dies (15, 15A) with a fluid directed at or in a portion of the die. The method is useful for forming pouches with dual chambers separated by a frangible seal and surrounded by a hard seal, one chamber for a liquid (L) and the other chamber for another material (M). Single pouches are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventors: Blake M. Rees, Brian L. Rockafellow
  • Publication number: 20020003023
    Abstract: The pressure element (7) is designed for gluing a bandlike covering (4) by means of an adhesive onto a narrow face (3) (edge) of straight or curved (profiled) cross section of a board element (2) or for gluing a film onto a profile bar having a surface of straight or profiled cross section. The pressure element (7) has an elastically deformable pressure face (30). High adhesive bonding strength and high surface quality are achieved in a simple, uncomplicated and cost-effective way by means of only a few pressure elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: Konrad Scholz
  • Publication number: 20020001920
    Abstract: Two wafers are properly brought into contact with each other. The first wafer is supported by a wafer support table (3) having an annular peripheral portion (3d). The substrate support table (3) is in contact with only the peripheral portion (3d) of the first wafer. While the second wafer opposing the first wafer is supported, the lower surface of the second wafer is pressed near its central portion, so the first and second wafers come into contact with each other outward from the central portion. The central portion (3c) of the wafer support table (3) is not in contact with the first wafer. Even when particles adhere to the central portion, unevenness on the supported first wafer can be prevented. Therefore, no gas is left between the wafers. This invention also provides a wafer support table formed by fabricating a silicon wafer. A commercially available silicon wafer is fabricated by lithography to prepare a wafer support table (31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: TORU TAKISAWA, TAKAO YONEHARA, KENJI YAMAGATA
  • Patent number: 6332490
    Abstract: A method for repairing a discrete damaged part of a strip bonded to an article surface includes applying a first removable masking member along and adjacent the damaged part of the strip and separated from the strip by a gap of at least 0.005″, and applying a second removable masking member to the outer surface of the strip. A repair adhesive, which can be cured at a curing temperature less than a higher temperature which can result in damage to properties of the article or a surface coating, is applied at and beneath an edge of the damaged part of the strip. Then the repair adhesive is cured at the curing temperature. Apparatus for bonding a strip to an end portion of the article includes a body having a channel there through defined, in part, by spaced apart support surfaces for article surfaces and positioned relative one to the other at a relative spatial position substantially coinciding with the relative spatial position of the article surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Philip R. Griggs
  • Patent number: 6298896
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for constructing a composite structure (112) is disclosed. The apparatus (100) comprises a flexible layer (104), which has a working surface (106) and an underside surface (108), coupled to a base (102). At least one support element (302) is coupled to the underside surface (108) of the flexible layer (104), and at least one adjustable element (304) is coupled to the support element (302) for adjusting the position of the flexible layer (104). More specifically, the flexible layer (104) may have internal reinforcing elements (300) for added strength and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Sherrill, Kendall G. Young
  • Patent number: 6294046
    Abstract: To provide a heat-sealing apparatus capable of: achieving a complete sealing property by causing a liquid or dirt having entered small irregularities in a tube inner face to flow out of a sealed zone together with a molten resin; and a heat seal with no crack caused by the molten resin having flowed into container and with an excellent compression strength. A heat-sealing apparatus for forming a packaging material 1 made of a laminate including a synthetic resin layer into a tubular-shape of a container, and transversely heat-sealing a tubular packaging material container filled with fluid by using a sealing jaw 3 having a high-frequency coil 2 with a ridge 11 on its flat pressing face and a jaw 5 opposing to it, wherein a first groove 16 is disposed on at least one pressing face of the high-frequency coil 2, capable of forming a synthetic resin bulge adjacent to the outer side of a zone to be sealed on a container's interior side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Shikoku Kakoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kume, Hiroshi Katayama, Michio Ueda
  • Patent number: 6290793
    Abstract: A method of assembling a liquid crystal display device including a pair of substrates combined together with a sealing member and a liquid crystal interposed between the substrates, includes the steps of disposing a plurality of spacers in the area of the sealing member between the substrates, positioning a frame on an outside surface of each substrate, the frame being aligned with the sealing member, and applying pressure to each frame so that a region corresponding to a display area is substantially pressure-free and a uniform cell gap is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Istvan Lovas, Minhua Lu, Kei-Hsiung Yang
  • Publication number: 20010015264
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a press for manufacturing laminated plastic cards, such as check guarantee cards, credit cards and the like of several films to be pressed together with each other. Moreover, operations are conducted with two compression plates which are movable relative to each other which accommodate in the compression slot the films to be pressed together with their pressure plates with the interposition of at least one compression pad. It is essential that this compression pad is held rigidly or displaceably on the press.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Wolfgang Stein, Jan Cerajewski
  • Patent number: 6276114
    Abstract: A high-frequency heat-sealing apparatus is provided which is capable of achieving a satisfactory seal in which a sealed zone is narrower in its width than at its central portion and in which contaminants such as liquid beverages are not present between thermoplastic material layers over the longitudinal direction of the sealed zone. The apparatus transversely heat-seals a tubular packing material made of a laminate including a synthetic resin layer and a conductive material layer in the presence of a fluid. A ridge shaped to contain an arcuate partial curve in its transverse contour is formed on the action face of a high-frequency coil flush with the flat action face of one of the pressing members for pressing the central portion of a sealed zone having two rounded and narrowed right and left sides. A flash portion for a molten thermoplastic resin is formed adjacent to the outer side of the high-frequency on the cutting side of the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Shikoku Kakoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kojiro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6277228
    Abstract: A method of forming or debossing a permanent identification mark or indicia onto a plastic material, such as a housing of an appliance, which becomes soft or melts when heated to a predetermined temperature, comprises applying a label having an adhesive on one side to the substrate or housing with the adhesive side in contact with the substrate or housing. The label, including the adhesive, also becomes soft, melts, or disintegrates when heated to the predetermined temperature. Then, predetermined portions of the label, which portions form the outline of the permanent mark or indicia, is heated to at least the predetermined temperature. The portions of the substrate or housing corresponding to the predetermined label portions are also heated to the predetermined temperature and melted away to a predetermined depth, leaving a permanent mark or indicia on the substrate or housing, even if the label is forcibly removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventors: Marvin Fabrikant, Patricia Fabrikant
  • Patent number: 6245180
    Abstract: Methods for forming a lined brake shoe having a curved brake lining attached to a table of the lined brake shoe. The curved brake lining is manufactured by molding a flat sheet of brake lining material in a partially polymerized state. This flat sheet is allowed to cool prior to be positioned within a press having warmed dies. The warm dies of the press form the curved brake lining while holding the curved brake lining in its desired shape. The warm dies restart the polymerization process. When further polymerization has been completed the curved lining is removed from the press. One embodiment places the table of the lined brake shoe in the press. Then, by adding a bonding material, the completed lined brake shoe can be manufactured while the polymerization process continues in the press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Midwest Brake Bond Company
    Inventor: Keith F. Barnhardt
  • Patent number: 6230781
    Abstract: A crimper assembly includes upper and lower crimper bars which are rotated relative to a sheet of packaging material. A pair of upper crimpers are secured to opposite sides of the upper crimper bar, while a pair of lower crimpers are secured to opposite sides of the lower crimper bars. Each of the upper crimpers includes a metallic base having an outwardly facing portion with an undulating cross sectional shape. A slot is formed in the outwardly facing portion of the upper crimper, and a cutting blade is retained therein. In a first embodiment, an insert is secured to the base of each of the upper crimpers. The insert includes a rigid shank having a lip portion extending therefrom. Portions of the outer surface of the shank are covered by a layer of a relatively resilient material. The layer is formed from a material which is suitable for compressing overlapping portions of the folded sheet of packaging material to form an intermeshing seal pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Lako Tool & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6228204
    Abstract: An apparatus for welding fluoropolymeric pipe liners together comprising: a plate having first and second opposing surfaces, the first and second opposing surfaces facing away from each other; a temperature-resistant coating overlaying at least one of the opposing surfaces; and means for heating the first and second opposing surfaces. A method for joining fluoropolymeric liners using the apparatus of the present invention is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Crane Co.
    Inventors: Walther C. Reinhardt, Ray A. Lewis, Jeff A. Ewald
  • Patent number: 6216759
    Abstract: The method and apparatus allow more precise and quicker gluing of frames and mirrors or glass having different shapes and dimensions to furniture panels in general. According to the method, strips of glue are deposited onto a furniture panel by means of sprayer pistols or nozzles and then the frame or the mirror sheet is applied to the panel. The apparatus which carries out the method includes one or more cross-bars sliding over the panel supporting table, and slide carriages carrying the sprayer pistols or nozzles and running along the cross-bar. The apparatus having this configuration can apply the glue along any desired path which preferably matches with the frame or mirror shape. It is also possible to have the apparatus working in accordance with a program prepared in a computer control station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Giuliana Guerrieri
  • Patent number: 6189590
    Abstract: An improved disk label sticking device includes an annular label bearing seat configured to have a lower side pressing against elastic elements on a movable base below. The edges of the label-bearing seat are formed with guide flanges extending into slanting guide slots of a base. Furthermore, the label-bearing seat is centrally provided with a circular through hole having guide slots or guide tracks on its edges. A circular receiving seat has a guide track or guide groove that matches the circular through hole and presses against a central elastic element on the lower base. The receiving seat can be slidably inserted into the through hole. An adhesive-backed annular label can be placed reversely on the label-bearing seat, and a compact disk or an optical disk can be placed reversely on the receiving seat. When the receiving seat is pressed to displace downwardly, the disk will adhere to the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Wen-Feng Tsay
  • Patent number: 6189589
    Abstract: In a method and molding apparatus for laminated molded bodies, a thermal-molding felt and a thermoplastic resin sheet, respectively in hot and soft condition, are set or placed on a mold face of cold-pressing-molding lower mold. A cold-pressing-molding upper mold lowers onto the lower mold to press the the thermal-molding felt and thermoplastic resin sheet. Simultaneously, cooling air is supplied to center portion of the thermal-molding felt through a blowing pipe protruding from mold face of the thermal-molding felt side and intruding into the felt accelerating circulation of cooling air and cooling of the thermoplastic resin sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Kasai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Tokunaga, Takashi Tsubosaki, Shoichi Itoh, Hisashi Yamada
  • Patent number: 6182734
    Abstract: The invention consists in an apparatus for sealing tubular or bag-shaped packing casings, comprising tools such as crimping shears for crimping the packaging casing as well as a punch (10) and a die (12) for setting and closing closure clips (46), where the movement of one or several tools is predetermined by at least one cam track on which a scanning roller (22; 32) is rolling, and which is characterized in that it additionally comprises a guide roller, which rolls on a separate guideway on the cam plate and by means of an elastic element (61) urges the scanning roller (32) against the cam track with a bias due to an elastic deformation of the elastic element (61).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Poly-Clip System GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Detlef Ebert, Klaus Wissel
  • Patent number: 6182733
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved methods and apparatuses for manufacturing microfabricated devices, and particularly, microfluidic devices. In general the methods and apparatuses of the invention provide improved methods of bonding substrates together by applying a vacuum to the space between the substrates during the bonding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Richard J. McReynolds
  • Patent number: 6162314
    Abstract: A welding method controls the welding temperature, welding cycle time, and welding pressure for fabrication of composite structural parts. A welding unit welds multiple plies of thermoplastic prepreg into welded multi-ply assemblies by concentrating welds along the thermoplastic prepreg plies at localized and strategic positions. Two platens weld a plurality of the multi-ply assemblies into a layup using a plurality of heated pins. The heated pins are hollow to reduce surface heating during welding and are non-uniformly shaped to allow indexing of the layup. After the layup is cut into a plurality of thermoplastic prepreg segments along a layup pattern, the thermoplastic prepreg segments are indexed according to the weld marks impressed by the non-uniformly shaped heated pins. The thermoplastic prepreg segments are formed into kits or wedges by stacking smaller thermoplastic prepreg segments on top of larger thermoplastic prepreg segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Kassuelke, Stephen A. Haglund
  • Patent number: 6126768
    Abstract: A method of assembling a liquid crystal display device including a pair of substrates combined together with a sealing member and a liquid crystal interposed between the substrates, includes the steps of disposing a plurality of spacers in the area of the sealing member between the substrates, positioning a frame on an outside surface of each substrate, the frame being aligned with the sealing member, and applying pressure to each frame so that a region corresponding to a display area is substantially pressure-free and a uniform cell gap is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Istvan Lovas, Minhua Lu, Kei-Hsiung Yang
  • Patent number: 6116316
    Abstract: A device for bending a flat, round disc element, especially for forming a widened gap between two adjacent, facing disc elements which are to be glued together, includes a first part for contact with a first portion of the disc element, a second part for contact with a second portion of the disc element. The second, radially outer part is axially movable relative to the first part. A vacuum source is disposed to bend the radially outer portion of the disc element as the second part is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Toolex Alpha AB
    Inventors: Ove Ohman, Lars Bering
  • Patent number: 6093460
    Abstract: A paperboard material 101 is mainly composed of a paperboard having a weight of 200 to 450 g/m.sup.2, a density of 0.65 to 0.82 and a gas permeability of 50 to 200 sec. A first resin layer having liquid-impermeability and thermal resistance is formed entirely on the surface of the paperboard on the inner side of the receptacle, and a second resin layer having permeability to gas and liquid is formed entirely on the back surface of the paperboard. Radial score lines 117 are formed in the portion corresponding to the corners of the paperboard material 101 toward its outer periphery. The score lines 117 do not reach the outer periphery of the paperboard material 101 but terminate at the position at a distance "a" (1 to 3 mm). The score lines 117 are formed by pressing the paperboard with a pressing die from the side constituting the inner side of the receptacle toward the outer side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Toyo Aluminum Foil Products Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isao Iwaya
  • Patent number: 6083337
    Abstract: An assembly for use in bonding an trim cover to a foam pad along a pair of conveyor line in a process of a plurality of stations. A plurality of tool carriers are transported along each of the conveyor lines to each station. The tool carrier supports at least one mold assembly for bonding an air impervious adhesive film between the cover and the foam pad. A collar assembly pivotally supports a press platen above the mold assembly and provides pivotal movement between an open position spaced at a predetermined angle above the mold assembly and a closed position compressing the foam pad against the trim cover and mold assembly. The tool carrier includes a pair of vacuum inlet connectors for engagement by a vacuum snorkel to provide vacuum pressure to the mold assembly and travel with the tool carrier along the conveyor line between consecutive process stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Bailey, Scott Barber, John Sapielak, Ron Monk, Dennis Sosnowski, Raymond Ormachea, Brian Scholfield, Don Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6079469
    Abstract: A transverse sealing device in a tubular bag forming machine that has two sealing jaws with flat sealing faces disposed in an interstice between two pairs of clamping jaws, and also has a severing knife for longitudinally dividing the crosswise seam made by the sealing jaws. In order to remove the severing knife from the thermal influence of the sealing jaws, the severing knife is disposed and is movable separately from the sealing jaws and in a position of repose is located outside the range of motion of the sealing jaws. To that end, an aperture is provided in one of the clamping jaws for receiving the severing knife in the position of repose, and an arm supports the severing knife and also protrudes through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Willi Stirnkorb, Martin Beck
  • Patent number: 6019154
    Abstract: A manufacturing process, such as that used for ultrasonic welding, employs a self-leveling fixture (20) including a base (12) and an operation stage (14) that are separated by leveling devices (16) and 18). The leveling devices include a centrally located spherical plane bearing (16) and one or more spring members (18) disposed about the periphery of the operation stage. In this way, the operation stage can react in response to pressure applied thereto complying to the applied pressure, thus providing a realistic self-leveling feature. After the pressure is removed, the return to a normal position via the spring action of spring (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Ma, Xinpei Lu, Mark S. Bresin
  • Patent number: 6019863
    Abstract: Indication members provided around a central hole in a disk does not adversely affect reference surfaces to be clamped, and clear, stable indication is maintained. For this purpose, first and second optical disks having annular light transmissive disk substrates with a common central hole, one surface of each of which light transmissive disk substrates is provided with a reflection film, are attached to each other as one body with an adhesive layer interposed therebetween, such that the reflection films opposed each other, thereby forming a compound optical disk. Label members are provided from the reflection film side by printing or attachment on flat portions surrounding the central hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba-Emi Limited
    Inventors: Hideyuki Irie, Takeshi Hagio, Minami Amano, Mikio Mori, Takashi Tomita, Keiji Kakinuma
  • Patent number: 6004420
    Abstract: A method for producing optical disks each by bonding two disk substrates to each other through an adhesive sheet, which comprises the steps of: preparing a tape which includes a release tape, and a plurality of disk-like adhesive sheets arranged under a lower surface of the release tape at predetermined intervals; pressing the tape against an upper surface of a first disk substrate by an elastic material to thereby temporarily bond the first disk substrate to one of the adhesive sheets under the lower surface of the tape so as to form a temporarily bonded article; separating the release tape from the temporarily bonded article to expose the adhesive sheet; putting a second disk substrate on the exposed adhesive sheet and pressing the second disk substrate against the exposed adhesive sheet by the elastic material to thereby stick the second disk substrate to the temporarily bonded article so as to form a stuck article; and keeping the stuck article under a pressure or heat and pressure atmosphere to thereby b
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Nakamura, Toshihiko Tomita, Hitoshi Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 5942081
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding a cover (22) over the undulating surface of a foam cushion (10) by placing the foam cushion (10) on a tool (18), piercing the cushion (10) with a plurality of needles (44), lifting the needles (44) to lift the cushion (10) as the cushion is frictionally retained on the needles (44), heating ambient air and ejecting the hot air from the needles (44) and into the cushion to elevate the temperature of the cushion. A compression plate (58) with holes (60) extending therethrough is disposed against the backside of the cushion (10) with the needles (44) extending through the holes (60). The needles (44) with the cushion (10) thereon are lowered to place the undulating surface of the cushion against an adhesive film (82) on the backside of the cover (22) so that heat is transferred from the cushion (10) to melt the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Parrish
  • Patent number: 5932051
    Abstract: An in-line system for fabricating a double sided compact discs by bonding together an information bearing surface and another surface, has a prestressing station with means for deforming at least one of the surfaces in such away as to not disturb any of the data. It employs an adjustable spacer for maintaining an adjustable separation between symmetrical arcuate portions of the outer circumference of the information bearing surfaces in the bonding station. This adjustable spacer comprises two spacer arms that comprise wedge shaped portions for entry between the edges of said discs and maintaining a displacement of at least the outermost edges of said discs. There is also disc displacement means for bringing together the two information bearing surfaces by displacement of at least one of said information bearing surfaces orthogonal to the plane of the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: WEA Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: William Mueller, Edward Pickutoski, Lewis Robert Gensel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5925215
    Abstract: A bonding die for forming an automotive seat, which comprises a lower die member, an upper die member movable towards and away from the lower die member, and an elevation mechanism operable at the lower die member. A foam cushion member secured to the upper die member may be pressed and bonded to a trim cover assembly placed on the lower die member so as to produce a bonded unit for forming the automotive seat. At the completion of this bonding, the elevation mechanism is operated to lift and float the bonded unit from the lower die member to provide a state where the bonded unit may be smoothly taken out from the lower die member without tear and damage caused in the trim cover assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeki Kon
  • Patent number: 5913998
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to an implantable containment apparatus made of selectively permeable material. In particular, the implantable containment apparatus is used to contain a therapeutical device, such as a drug delivery device, a cell encapsulation device, or a gene therapy device. A therapeutical device can be easily placed and replaced in an apparatus of the present invention without damaging tissues associated with the selectively permeable material of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Gore Hybrid Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Butler, Daniel F. Davidson, Stanley L. Mish
  • Patent number: 5882472
    Abstract: A tagged packet carries a tag which is attached to the main body of the packet by a thread. The thread comprises polypropylene so as to be attachable by heat sealing to the body. The body is made up of layers of sheet material also comprising thermoplastic material to allow the body to be closed by heat seals. The thread is secured to the face of the body at one edge at the same time as that edge is heat sealed and the heating for the thread seal is applied from the opposite face of the body whereas the adjacent regions of edge seal spaced from the thread has the heating applied through the first face. This arrangement gives closer control of the different conditions required for securing the thread and for sealing together only the sheet material of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Lipton, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey William Vernon, James Goodwin, Andrew Cleall, Thomas William Bailey
  • Patent number: 5879506
    Abstract: A label applicator for applying labels to cup-shaped packaging containers including a label storing device means in the form of label rolls, from which labels are removed with the aid of a removal device and labels are applied by a transfer device to the packaging containers. The labels are applied by a contact pressure device to the jacket faces of the packaging containers. Because the application of the labels to packaging containers takes place after the forming of the containers, the design of the label application device is simplified, and accessibility to the containers is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosh GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Mueller
  • Patent number: 5876553
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming reinforcing structural rebar comprises: resin supply means for supplying a first resin; a first shaping die; means for impregnating a first reinforcing material with the first resin; means for pulling the resin-impregnated first reinforcing material through the shaping die to form the core of the structural rebar; material applying means for applying material for the outer cladding of the structural rebar to the core; and mold means for molding the outer cladding layer into a desired configuration on the core. The material applying means for applying the outer cladding includes means for applying an inner cladding layer over the core and means for applying an outer cladding layer over the inner layer. The inner cladding layer includes a second thermosetting resin containing a second reinforcing material, and the inner cladding layer applying means is configured so that the second reinforcing material is applied substantially unidirectionally along the longitudinal axis of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Marshall Industries Composites, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 5870884
    Abstract: A multiple compartment package having a connecting bridge with a frangible internal barrier is made from two composite or thermoplastic sheets or webs welded together to form the front and back walls of the package, and the central bridge portion is defined by one or more partitions spanning the short distance between the webs. In the preferred embodiment, multiple partitions form a plurality of parallel compartment strips to create an obstruction to penetration of substances from one packet to the other. One process for making the invention uses a comb-shaped mask and a thermoplastic insert strip interwoven between the tines of the comb. The tines are extended down between the welding heads of the packaging machine, preventing welding from taking place between the thermoplastic sheets wherever the comb mash is, with the result that the welding occurs between the strip and an alternating one of the side webs creating a zig-zag pattern that forms the vacant barrier compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Brian R Pike
  • Patent number: 5868901
    Abstract: A crimper assembly includes upper and lower crimper bars which are rotated relative to a sheet of packaging material. A pair of upper crimpers are secured to opposite sides of the upper crimper bar, while a pair of lower crimpers are secured to opposite sides of the lower crimper bars. Each of the upper crimpers includes a metallic base having an outwardly facing portion with an undulating cross sectional shape. A slot is formed in the outwardly facing portion of the upper crimper, and a cutting blade is retained therein. In a first embodiment, an insert is secured to the base of each of the upper crimpers. The insert includes a rigid shank having a lip portion extending therefrom. Portions of the outer surface of the shank are covered by a layer of a relatively resilient material. The layer is formed from a material which is suitable for compressing overlapping portions of the folded sheet of packaging material to form an intermeshing seal patter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Lako Tool & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry E. Smith
  • Patent number: 5817208
    Abstract: The present invention intends to improve the productivity and reliability of a resin-sealed-type semiconductor device. Therefore, the invention provides a resin sealing die for integrally molding a semiconductor chip, a lead frame to which the semiconductor chip is fixed, and metal wires which electrically connect the electrode terminals of the semiconductor chip to the inner leads of a head frame with sealing resin to manufacture a resin-sealed-type semiconductor device, wherein a cavity of the resin sealing die is formed at a portion where separable upper and lower dies confront each other, at least one of the upper surface of the cavity of the upper die and the lower surface of the cavity of the lower die comprises an engraved hole, and a metal block having a mark carved on a reference surface thereof facing the cavity is detachably attached to the engraved hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Sachiyuki Nose, Minako Onoe
  • Patent number: 5800659
    Abstract: A wallet size card book which has been adapted to hold a card having the dimensions of a conventional credit card, and is particularly designed to be carried in the credit card compartment of a wallet or similar size compartment holder. The use of a resin emulsion adhesive, a vinyl acetate ethylene copolymer emulsion, in the card book makes it possible to create a properly formed pocket closed on three sides for holding and protecting the card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: William Exline, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Exline, Michael P. Exline
  • Patent number: 5788809
    Abstract: A self aligning clamp for fixturing two items of unequal thickness together in a stationary relationship in a vice device prior to joining the items together by welding, glueing or the like is disclosed. The self aligning clamping device has a fixed rigid lower jaw adapted to receive an underside of the two items of unequal thickness together in a stationary co-planar relationship, the lower jaw being disposed transversely to the vice device and further having a lower region adapted for releasable communication with a lower extent of the vice device, each jaw still further having a solid cylindrical shape for urging continuous, rigid, unbending contact communication with the upper side of each item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: David G. Brennan
  • Patent number: 5769999
    Abstract: An improved apparatus (10) for thermally bonding indicia to caps comprises relatively movable upper and lower platens (12,14) with a heat source in one of the platens for heating it. A handle (18) pivotal in a vertical plane raises and lowers the upper platen (12) swinging it through virtually a 90.degree. arc to permit easy positioning of a cap between the platens where they are open. Both platens (12,14) have curved nesting pressing surfaces (20,20'), the upper platen pressing surface (20) having a concave shape and the lower platen pressing surface (20') having a convex shape with the radius of curvature of the upper platen pressing surface (20) being greater than the radius of curvature of the lower platen pressing surface (20') so that the platens (12,14) apply equal pressure across a cap disposed between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Stahls', Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald C. Anderson, David A. Myers
  • Patent number: 5766405
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a laminate containing a metal foil strip and a plastic film strip, in which the two strips have stamped structures repeated at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction of the strips and are disposed at contiguous points in the laminate, a pre-stamped strip and the second strip being continuously joined together from one end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: W.C. Heraeus GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Herklotz, Karl-Heinz Ullrich, Thomas Loose, Friedrich Lach, Alfred Bauer, Horst Hartmann
  • Patent number: 5755921
    Abstract: A press for transferring images from pictures or substrates to other objects, such as mugs or other cylindrical objects. The press comprises a flexible band or jacket type clamp lined with suitable compressible material and capable of being clamped tightly against a generally cylindrical outer surface of an object, with the image to be transferred against such outer surface. The image is urged into intimate contact with the outer cylindrical surface by the clamping pressure transferred through the compressible material. An adjustable clamp permits ease of placement of the band type press onto the object to which the image is to be transferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Fargo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher R. Christensen
  • Patent number: 5746883
    Abstract: An apparatus for bonding semiconductor wafers firmly bonds the wafers to each other and can always lay the bonded wafers on a desired bonding plate. The bonding plates have a plurality of grooves formed on their respective surfaces to reduce the bond force between the wafers and the bonding plates of the apparatus, and to prevent the wafers from sliding off the plates due to an air cushion. An interval controlling pin projects from the surface of one of the bonding plates to reduce breakage of the wafers by maintaining an interval between the bonding plates as they are are rotated towards each other. An elastic pad portion is installed on one the bonding plates for providing an elastic force for the wafers placed on the bonding plates so that the wafers bond to each other properly when the bonding plates are further rotated towards each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gi-ho Cha, Chi-jung Kang, Byung-hun Lee, Kyung-wook Lee
  • Patent number: 5743996
    Abstract: A structure of bonding die for use with a trim cover assembly having a connected portion where one cover section thereof is sewn with another cover section thereof, and for pressure bonding the trim cover assembly to a foam cushion member. A retainer member is provided on the die, which is formed by bending a rigid wire material into a loop-like shape such as to have an inward elastic deformability give therein. Such retainer member permits its smooth insertion into the connected portion of trim cover assembly, without any tear and damage caused in the trim cover assembly per se, to thereby provide an easy and precise location of the trim cover assembly with respect to the foam cushion member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: TACHI-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ikuo Sakamoto, Tatsuo Majima
  • Patent number: 5733406
    Abstract: Valve making apparatus heat seals valve films together, and cools the resulting product web. Valves are preferably formed in two side-by-side serial arrays, with each operation of a valve die forming multiple balloon valves, including a portion of a balloon valve to be completed on a subsequent operation of the sealing die. A tension control and web conveyor are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: M & D Balloons, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Dean Knight
  • Patent number: 5730818
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for affixing a fastener to the garment side of an absorbent article having a profiled shape, especially an absorbent article that is thicker in the center than at the ends. The method involves placing a fastener with its pressure sensitive adhesive surface adjacent the garment side of the absorbent article, and applying pressure to adhere the pressure sensitive adhesive surface to the garment side of the absorbent article while the absorbent article and the fastener are between a compressible component and an anvil surface. The apparatus comprises a compressible component comprising a surface with a plurality of compressible, resilient elements projecting therefrom in a direction toward an anvil surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Cathy Lynn Isakson
  • Patent number: 5728255
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Enclosure Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eran J. P. Jurrius, Robert L. Karam, Jr., James E. Jurrius
  • Patent number: 5727686
    Abstract: A tamper-evident envelope has a first layer of paper-containing material and a second layer of paper-containing material attached to each other along a number of seams. Each seam includes a pattern embossed and/or perforated through both layers along a major part of the seam. If the envelope is opened and resealed along one of these seams, the embossed or perforated pattern is corrupted, thereby making the unauthorized opening of the envelope readily apparent to an intended recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Boaz Kristal
  • Patent number: 5711845
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for gluing an ornamental body (S) onto a shaped body (W). The device aims to minimize the elongation of the ornamental body and the residual stress in it when it is fitted in a concave part (B) of the shaped body (W) to provide a product of good quality wherein no separation of the ornamental body from the shaped body occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Sintokogio, Ltd.
    Inventors: Fukuji Ozawa, Hisamoto Tsuiki, Tetsu Yabuno
  • Patent number: 5698068
    Abstract: This invention provides a thermocompression bonding equipment which, when the material to be bonded is to be changed, allows easy replacement and preparation of a compression bonding head, reduction of working time required for replacement and preparation of a compression bonding head, and simplified adjustment of the compression bonding head. The thermocompression bonding equipment is provided with a head unit 20 comprising a base 10, thermocompression bonding head 56 and sliding mechanism 50 for sliding the thermocompression bonding head 56 provided on the base 10, pressing means 30, which are structured independently from the head unit, for pressing the sliding mechanism 50 to slide the thermocompression bonding head 56, thereby thermocompression bonding the material of ACF, LCD, and TAB, and a base frame 40 provided with positioning means 40, 41 for positioning the base 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Iwao Ichikawa, Norio Kawatani, Kazuaki Suzuki, Yukio Yamada