Rotary Patents (Class 156/582)
  • Patent number: 7077183
    Abstract: A laminating machine and a method for the production of laminated polyethylene foam sheets is described. The machine comprises a conveyor belt having at least two laminating assemblies disposed in spaced-apart relationship therealong. Each laminating assembly has a hot air diffuser for dispensing an elongated ribbon of hot air across the conveyor belt and a press roll which is spaced behind the hot air diffuse. A sheet laminating slot is defined between the diffuse and the press roll. The top surface of a lower polyethylene foam sheet passing under the laminating assembly and the bottom surface of an upper polyethylene foam sheet entering the laminating slot are heated by the hot air ribbon and juxtaposed and pressed by the press roll whereby to fuse the two polyethylene foam sheets together. A plurality of polyethylene foam sheets can be laminated by having a plurality of laminating assemblies along the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Industrial Packaging Group
    Inventor: Steve Normandin
  • Patent number: 7044186
    Abstract: A carpet molding system includes a support structure having a receiving end and an output end. Two ovens and two receiving systems are coupled to the support structure. One receiving system receives an under-pad material through the receiving end and guides the under-pad material through one oven and through the output end. The other receiving system receives a carpet material through the receiving end and guides the carpet material through the other oven and through the output end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Norman Bennett
  • Patent number: 7037398
    Abstract: A transparent, protective overcoat for a printed medium achieved with a thermal transfer material on a carrier ribbon that is heated and pressed to transfer a segment of thermal transfer material from the carrier ribbon onto the printable surface of a medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development, L.P.
    Inventors: David M Kwasny, Melissa D. Boyd, Mark H. Kowalski, Vladek P Kasperchik
  • Patent number: 7021355
    Abstract: A processor, such as a laminator for laminating a film onto a disc, such as a CD, DVD or the like has a tray for holding a disc for movement from a loading position to a processing position. The tray has a recess for receiving the disc, when the disc is properly positioned for processing. A sensor is provided to sense when a disc is not properly located in the recess, or when more than one disc, a warped disc or some other anomaly is present that may damage the processor. As shown, the processor is a laminator for laminating a film onto an upper surface of a disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Primera Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Cummins, Todd A. Britz, Michael R. Tolrud
  • Patent number: 7022203
    Abstract: A laminator (10) includes a housing (12) to which folding trays (18, 20) are pivotally attached adjacent inlet and outlet slots (132, 136) in the housing. The trays define slots (30, 32) which serve as carrying handles for transporting the laminator when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Henkel Consumer Adhesives, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristen W. Messina, Thomas G. Pavlak
  • Patent number: 7013945
    Abstract: A roller driving apparatus of a laminator includes a pair of supporting frames facing each other, upper and lower rollers formed between the supporting frames, upper and lower roller gears coupled with one end of the roller passing through one supporting frame to transfer rotational force to the roller and meshed with each other, connection gear selectively coupled to either the upper roller gear or the lower roller gear to transfer rotational force, motor disposed outside the one supporting frame and to which motor is fixed, motor gear fixed to rotational shaft of the motor, for selectively transferring the rotational force of the motor to the connection gear, manipulating means for manipulating transfer state of the rotational force from the motor gear to either the upper gear or the lower roller gear by moving the connection gear using external force of user, and fixing means for fixing manipulated location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Royal Sovereign, Inc.
    Inventor: Suk-Kyou Kim
  • Patent number: 7011130
    Abstract: The laminator for laminating protective, appearance changing film layer onto surfaces of CD's, DVD's, and other discs has a heated laminating roller that will press a web carrying the film onto the disc in regions on which pressure can be applied. In order to maintain the roller at a uniform surface temperature, the roller is continuously rotated whenever the roll heater is energized and the roll temperature is above a selected level so that the roller will maintain uniform temperature between laminating operations. The laminator has a supply roll for the web carrying the film, and a circuit board carrying a memory device is mounted on the interior of a hollow core of the supply roll in a manner that permits making contact with stationary members on the laminator to read information for enabling operating. A hub ring on the laminator is movable to a position to be spaced from a disc so no lamination takes place above the hub ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Primera Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd A. Britz
  • Patent number: 6994142
    Abstract: A laminator for laminating a document in at least one of a laminating pouch and on a substrate comprising upper, middle and lower rolls, the upper and middle rolls defining a first nip for laminating a document between first and second sheets of laminating film, the middle and lower rolls defining a second nip for laminating a document beneath a film on a substrate, means for driving one of the upper and middle rolls, a first drive means for connecting the upper and middle rolls, a second drive means for connecting the upper and lower rolls whereby the lower and upper rolls rotate in the same direction, means defining a first path on one side of the rolls for inserting a laminating pouch between the upper and middle rolls, and a means defining a second path on the other side of the rolls for inserting the substrate between the middle and lower rolls from the other side of the rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventors: Willis A. Murphy, Michael R. Carsten
  • Patent number: 6989068
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) applies pressure against a platen (16) using a linked series of contact members arranged in a closed loop. A drive apparatus rotates the loop about a support mechanism, thereby imparting movement to the linked series of contact members. The support mechanism is disposed to force a plurality of the moving contact members simultaneously into compressive contact against the platen (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Douglass L. Blanding
  • Patent number: 6986376
    Abstract: The device for actuation of rollers using a feed tray in a laminator. The roller actuating device of the present invention mechanically and simply actuates both a pair of heating rollers for thermal coating of films on both surfaces of an object material and a pair of compressing rollers for compressing and feeding the film-coated object material to the outside. The roller actuating device has a simple structure, thus allowing a user to easily manipulate the laminator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: GMP Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yang-Pioung Kim
  • Patent number: 6981536
    Abstract: A swing arm assembly includes a swing frame, a laminating roller, and a motor. The swing frame is rotatably mountable to a frame of a card laminator for pivotal movement relative to the frame between open and closed positions. The laminating roller is movably mounted to the swing frame. The motor is mounted to the swing frame and is configured to drive a roller actuator to move the laminating roller relative to the swing frame between a laminating position and a recessed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Fargo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent D. Lien, Ted M. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6973951
    Abstract: An apparatus for seaming roofing membranes to one another, wherein one of the membranes is secured to an underlying support structure by at least one protruding fastener is provided. The apparatus includes a wheeled carriage having an upwardly extending push/pull bar. A power supply propels the wheeled carriage and energizes a heating assembly that generates a heated airflow sufficient to fuse the roofing membranes to one another. A nozzle is coupled to the heating assembly for directing the heated airflow between the two membranes. A variable pressure roller assembly is coupled to the carriage and has a single durometer material carried by an axle that may have different diameter sections. The roller passes over the at least one protruding fastener while still applying a uniform pressure so as to form a substantially continuous width seam except where interrupted by the protruding fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Henegar
  • Patent number: 6915830
    Abstract: A laminating apparatus includes a roller, an electro-heating shaft, a power transmitting and resilient member and a power transmitting and securing member. The roller is in contact with a thin film, moves through the thin film to heat and laminate the thin film to a sheet material. The electro-heating shaft is wrapped by the roller, transforms electric energy into thermal energy to heat the thin film, and drives rotation of the roller to move through the thin film. The power transmitting and resilient member is in contact with an axial end surface of the electro-heating shaft in an axial direction of the electro-heating shaft for transmitting electricity from a power source to the electro-heating shaft. The power transmitting and securing member is coupled to the electro-heating shaft for compressing the power transmitting and resilient member therebetween, thereby continuously transmitting the electricity from the power source to the electro-heating shaft via the power transmitting and securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Primax Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin-Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 6913055
    Abstract: A lamination system comprises a thermocompression bonding means for bonding laminate films on top and/or back surfaces of cards, applying heat and pressure using a pair of heat rollers. The lamination system is provided with contact type temperature detection devices for detecting surface temperatures of the heat rollers and a heat roller attaching/detaching device for attaching or detaching the heat rollers. The heat roller attaching/detaching device places the temperature detection devices in contact with surfaces of the heat rollers when the heat rollers are being installed in the lamination system, and places the temperature detection devices apart from the heat rollers when the heat rollers are to be attached to, or detached from, the lamination system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Japan Servo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Sugaya, Kensuke Shoji
  • Patent number: 6907912
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for joining a number of sections (7) of a thermoplastic continuous web material in order to form an expandable section block (2). Said block is built up by repeatedly carrying out sequences of steps of the method. The invention also relates to a device for forming said blocks at high speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: VersaCure Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Klaus Hering Gerhard
  • Patent number: 6905572
    Abstract: A belt seam treatment apparatus includes a support element with a smooth surface that supports the seam region of the belt, a heat source that heats a treatment strip and the belt seam region, and a pressure applicator that forces the treatment strip against the belt seam region. The support element can be a tube over which the belt hangs and can include a vacuum belt hold system that secures the seam region against the tube during treatment. The heat source can be an infrared laser or an infrared lamp. Optics form a heat spot or a heat line on the strip and seam region, and a pressure wheel traverses the seam region after heating to compress the strip and seam and bond a thermoplastic polymer of the strip to the seam region of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. U. Yu
  • Patent number: 6874555
    Abstract: A transmission device of laminating machine comprises a motor interactively driven by an inner gear and a outer gear; an axis for fixing the position of an upper rolling wheel and a lower rolling wheel respectively and passing a document through; a board installed at the inner side of the motor, a positioning hole and a guiding slice disposed on the board, such that the guiding slice is coupled to the external side of the guiding block and the positioning axis is inserted into the positioning hole; a stem extended from the board; and an elastic part installed between the stem and the side board. As long as the stem is pressed downward to rotate the board, the motor and the outer gear will be separated with each other to stop the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Tex Year Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Chin-Tsung Hsiao
  • Patent number: 6846172
    Abstract: Disclosed is an embossing method and material made by the method, including at least a pair of embossing rolls having unmatched embossing patterns engraved independently from each other, and having enlarged sidewall clearances between adjacent, inter-engaged protrusions and recessions of the embossing patterns. The sidewall clearances can range from about 0.002? (about 0.050 mm) to about 0.050? (about 1.27 mm). The width of the protrusions can be greater than about 0.002? or about 0.050 mm. The peripheral surface of at least one of the embossing rolls can comprise a metal, a plastic, a ceramic, or a rubber. Also disclosed is an embossed web material capable of being used as a wrap material for food products, made by the above process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Moss Vaughn, Kevin B. McNeil
  • Patent number: 6843296
    Abstract: A master processing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feed rolls carrying a supply of stock material includes a frame and a master processing assembly operable to cause adhesive bonding between the stock materials and a master. The apparatus includes a cutting assembly and a movable feed tray. A master engaging structure engages the master as it is being processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Xyron, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Lemens, Joseph Elijio, Ronald J. Hoffman, Daniel G. Reed
  • Patent number: 6843297
    Abstract: An overcoat application apparatus is used to transfer an overcoat material from a donor support to a printed media. The overcoat application apparatus in this case includes a laminate cartridge, a donor supply reel, a donor guide bar, a heated fuser roller, a pressure roller, a peel bar, and a take-up reel. The donor supply reel provides a continuous source of donor plus overcoat material. The donor guide bar guides printed media and the donor plus overcoat into a nip created by forcing the heated fuser roller and pressure roller together. The heated fuser roller is used to transport the printed media and donor through the nip and apply heat to the donor and printed media. The pressure roller is used to apply pressure to the fuser roller in order to produce the mechanical nip. The nip plus the heat causes the overcoat material on the donor to be transferred to the printed media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kerry Neal McKay, Robert John Rosati, Scott Matthew Dennis
  • Publication number: 20040261948
    Abstract: The purpose is to simplify the heat transfer process and extend the performance range of the corresponding installations. The purpose is achieved by arranging for opposite movements of the conveyor (4) with the cylindrical packings (5) and those of the conveyor (7, 7′) with the decoration, rotating the objects (5) by means of the movement of the conveyor (7, 7′) and applying the necessary heat to the conveyor (7, 7′). Such processes and devices are used in the foodstuffs and beverages industry among others to decorate cylindrical packings of different materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: HEINEKEN TECHNICAL SERVICES, B.V.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Brandt, Daniel N. Wilkens, Neal D. Turner, Harold N. Turner
  • Patent number: 6832639
    Abstract: A master processing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feed rolls carrying a supply of stock material includes a frame and a master processing assembly operable to cause adhesive bonding between the stock materials and a master. The apparatus includes a cutting assembly and a movable feed tray. A master engaging structure engages the master as it is being processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Xyron, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Lemens, Joseph Elijio Velasquez, Ronald J. Hoffman, Daniel G. Reed
  • Patent number: 6830088
    Abstract: A hot laminating apparatus for laminating a sheet material and thin films to be hot laminated has heat shield to keep the working temperature thereof. It includes a transmitting and heating roller disposed at one side of a transmission passage of the hot laminating apparatus for heating a thin film in contact therewith and transmitting the sheet material with the thin films through the transmission passage. The hot laminating apparatus further includes a heat shield disposed around the transmitting and heating roller, and covered with a heat-reflective material on an inner surface thereof for reflecting the dissipated thermal energy back to the transmitting and heating roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin-Fu Lin
  • Publication number: 20040242392
    Abstract: The rotating cylinder comprises: an elongated inner core (12) which is substantially rigid and an interchangeable sleeve (45) which is fitted onto the core; the sleeve is axially and angularly constrained to said core and is provided on its external surface with a raised pattern. The internal surface of the interchangeable sleeve and the external surface of the inner core are conical surfaces which are mutually complementary; axial and angular locking of the interchangeable sleeve and the inner core is achieved by the friction between the conical surfaces which are forced axially one onto the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Giulio Betti, Fabrizio Lorenzi, Walter Di Nardo
  • Patent number: 6823920
    Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a print media coating device that includes first and second web supplies, first and second web take-ups, and a fuser defining a media path therethrough. The first web supply and the first web take-up are positioned on one side of the media path and the second web supply and the second web take-up are positioned on the other side of the media path opposite the first web supply and the first web take-up. A first coating material web runs from the first web supply, along the media path through the fuser, to the first web take-up and a second coating material web runs from the second web supply, along the media path through the fuser, to the second web take-up. Another embodiment is directed to a method for coating print media that includes sandwiching the print media between two layers of coating material and then fusing the coating material to the print media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Maximo Gayoso
  • Patent number: 6824637
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a flexible curtain as disclosed and claimed. Edges of a polymeric material are folded back on themselves. A portion of the edges are secured and a portion is left unsecured or free. The flexible curtain is used in a windlocking apparatus to prevent the unwanted intrusion of wind, water and debris into a building opening. The free, or unsecured flap of the folded edge absorbs shock associated with storm disturbances. Edge rollers are used to laminate the edges of the curtains selectively such that only a portion of the edge is secured leaving the flap unsecured. Stitching, ultrasonic welding and gluing are alternative ways and/or additional ways of providing for the securement of a portion of the edge to itself. Perforations are made in the secured portion of the folded edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
    Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Donald Bruce Kyle, Kelly Ray Green, Harry Edward Asbury
  • Patent number: 6810936
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for sealing cover tape. A sealing mechanism is connected to an actuator that moves the mechanism toward an adhesively backed cover tape and a carrier tape. The sealing mechanism applies heat and/or pressure to the cover tape to activate and bond the cover tape to the carrier tape. A biasing member biases the mechanism away from the cover and carrier tapes. The actuator is actuable to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member and to initiate contact between the sealing mechanism and the cover tape. When the actuator is disengaged, the biasing member moves the sealing mechanism away from the cover tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: International Product Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Merlin E. Behnke
  • Patent number: 6810935
    Abstract: A master processing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feed rolls carrying a supply of stock material includes a frame and a master processing assembly operable to cause adhesive bonding between the stock materials and a master. The apparatus includes a cutting assembly and a movable feed tray. A master engaging structure engages the master as it is being processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Xyron, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Lemens, Joseph Elijio Velasquez, Ronald J. Hoffman, Daniel G. Reed
  • Patent number: 6808583
    Abstract: A transparent, protective undercoat for a printed medium achieved with a thermal transfer material on a carrier ribbon that is heated and pressed to transfer a segment of thermal transfer material from the carrierribbon onto the printable surface of a medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David M. Kwasny, Mark H. Kowalski, Vladek P Kasperchik
  • Patent number: 6804932
    Abstract: The present invention includes apparatus and methods for sealing an envelope. A sealing nip is formed by an upper roller and a lower roller. The upper roller is mounted on an upper shaft and the lower roller is mounted on a lower shaft. A mechanism associated with the lower shaft adjusts the orientation of the lower shaft to match the orientation of the upper shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Joyce, Donald Surprise
  • Patent number: 6792990
    Abstract: A device for laminating at least one substrate to an adhesive-coated substrate for forming a laminate, in which the adhesive-coated substrate is supplied to a laminating point formed between a driven roller and a laminating roller, the substrate being supplied by means of the laminating roller to the substrate provided with adhesive and bonded with this substrate in a laminating point; and to a device for coating a layer on a substrate for the production of a coated length of material; the laminate formed from the substrates, or the coated length of material, being guided directly after the laminating point at least over a few angular degrees along the laminating roller; and the laminating roller being constituted as a temperature-adjustable roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Kiener Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Waldemar Kiener, Johann Rein
  • Patent number: 6786265
    Abstract: A laminating machine including an improved laminating pull roll mounting assembly and an improved roll height adjustment mechanism. The roll mounting assembly is formed of a pair of inwardly and downwardly extending slots. The slots include a recess on which one hub of a pull roll can be placed prior to placing the roll into the slot. The recess allows a second roll to be placed on the machine while a first roll is being secured to the machine frame. The second roll is then secured to the frame of the machine by a height adjustment mechanism including a pair of pivoting plates connected to the frame by springs. The springs push the plates upwardly to increase the space between the first and second rolls. A winding mechanism also connected between he frame member and the plates can be selectively operated to adjust the space between the first and second rolls by acting against the bias of the springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Alex J. Kaye
  • Patent number: 6782935
    Abstract: A hot laminating apparatus has a single-sided transmitting and heating roller. A heating plate is used instead of a transmitting and heating roller at the opposite side of the transmission passage in order to heat the thin film in contact therewith and cooperate with the single-sided transmitting and heating roller to transmit the thin films to be laminated. The heating plate is efficient in heating the thin film and generally less expensive than the transmitting and heating roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Primax Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin-Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 6779579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reinforcement device (1, 100), especially a reinforcement device useable in a machine for laminating rims for wheels of automotive vehicles, the machine comprising at least two substantially parallel laminating axles (21, 22, 121, 122), the reinforcement device (1, 100) being characterized by comprising a body (4, 101) associated to the housing (2, 102) of the lamination machine, the positioning of the body being variable with respect to the housing (2, 102), the body (4, 104) being provided with two bearings (41, 42, 141, 142) supportable on respective end regions of the axles (21, 22, 121, 122), so that the axles (21, 22, 121, 122) are maintained substantially parallel during the operation of laminating the rim, at least one bearing being moveable with respect to the reinforcement device by a moving means (51, 52, 150).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Meritor Do Brasil LTDA. Divisao LVS
    Inventors: Sergio Antonio Bardini, Edson Dos Santos, Ednilson Jose Ulrich
  • Patent number: 6780276
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for lamination are provided, which are advantageously used in intermittent lamination and fixed-gap lamination, the apparatus comprising first and second laminating rollers defining a laminating gap therebetween and at least one gapping block positioned between the first and second rollers such that the gapping block determines and maintains a minimum gap width. The gapping block comprises a rigid gapping block body, which may be adjustable in width, and four or more load wheels rotatably attached to the gapping block body which ride on a portion of the first and second rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Scott Alan Ripley
  • Patent number: 6779578
    Abstract: A master processing system includes a frame and a cartridge assembly having a cartridge body and first and second feed rolls rotatably mounted to the cartridge body. The first and second feed rolls carry first and second stock materials with at least one of the stock materials having a layer of adhesive disposed thereon. The cartridge body is removably mounted to the frame. A master processing assembly is constructed and arranged such that a master can be inserted into the processing assembly together with the stock materials unwound from their feed rolls and disposed on opposing sides of the master. The processing assembly performs a master processing operation, wherein the processing assembly causes adhesive bonding between the master and the stock materials being fed therein. An ejector mechanism is constructed and arranged to eject the cartridge assembly in an outward direction with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Xyron, Inc.
    Inventors: Heath E Casaldi, Ronald J. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6769467
    Abstract: Disclosed is an embosser for producing matte finish photographs from a glossy finish photograph. The embosser receives a sheet of glossy prints as generated by an inkjet printer with a clear laminate over the print to protect the inkjet generated photographic image. Pressure and embossing rollers biased to spaced apart positions within the embosser are selectively operable to move one against the other to create a nip through which the laminated print passes. At the option of an operator the laminated print may be allowed to pass between the spaced apart rollers undisturbed thereby generating a glossy photograph. At the option of the operator the rollers are moved one against the other to create the nip so that passage of the print now results in an embossment of the lamination thereby producing a matte finish photograph. Also disclosed is a method for alternatively generating a glossy or matte finish print and a matte finished print wherein the matte finish is formed in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Sergio Escobedo, Scott Matthew Dennis
  • Patent number: 6767420
    Abstract: An ultrasonic horn having substantially uniformly isotropic radial expansion and contraction amplitude in all radial directions upon excitation. The horn has a microstructure characterized by isotropically random directional grain alignment. A method for manufacturing a horn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman R. Stegelmann
  • Patent number: 6763871
    Abstract: A slip cutting system sheets an infeed web into discrete articles and merges the articles to a carrier web. The slip cutting system comprises a continuously rotating cutting die having knife blades and packings consecutively around a peripheral surface. The packings cooperate with the knife blades to define a circumferential space between each packing and an associated knife blade. When a packing is at a nip with an anvil roller, the infeed web is drawn in a downstream direction. When a circumferential space is at the nip, the infeed web halts downstream motion. When a knife blade is at the nip, the knife blade sheets the infeed web. An insert station cooperates with the cutting die to longitudinally space the articles as they merge to and are propelled downstream by the carrier web. At a subsequent station, the composite web is cut to manufacture individual products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Converting Biophile Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Hilbert, Sr., Thomas F. Hilbert, Jr., Dale E. Lanser
  • Patent number: 6758925
    Abstract: An acoustical energy transfer component for transporting acoustical energy, the component having a shaped metal component body having a substantially uniformly isotropic expansion and contraction amplitude upon acoustical excitation. A method of manufacturing an acoustical energy transfer component having a component body with a uniformly isotropic expansion and contraction amplitude upon acoustical excitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman R. Stegelmann
  • Patent number: 6755928
    Abstract: For the production of a sheet product including at least two layers (V1, V2) it is suggested, among other things, an embossing device including a first pressure roller (5; 105) interacting with a first and a second embossing cylinder (1, 3; 101, 103) provided with respective points (1P, 3P, 101P, 103P) on their cylindrical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Fabio Perini S.p.A.
    Inventor: Guglielmo Biagiotti
  • Patent number: 6736182
    Abstract: A crimper assembly forms end seals in overlapping portions of the sheet of packaging material after being folded about an article. The crimper assembly includes a crimper including a base, an insert that is formed from a resilient material, and a support plate that is formed from a rigid material. The insert has a surface that is adapted to engage and seal overlapping layers of a packaging material. The insert is disposed between the base and the support plate. The support plate is secured to the body to retain and support the insert thereon. The insert and the support plate may be formed as separate pieces or may be secured together as a single piece. To prevent excessive compression of the insert, the insert can have an aperture formed therethrough, and the support plate can have a protrusion formed thereon that extends through the aperture into abutment with the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Lako Tool & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry E. Smith, Louis M. Montano
  • Publication number: 20040079488
    Abstract: An apparatus for decorating sections comprises:
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: VERNICIATURA INDUSTRIALE VENETA S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Fenzi
  • Patent number: 6725896
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a first coating module supported in the housing and a second coating module supported in the housing. The first coating module is positioned on one side of coating media path and the second coating module is positioned on the other side of the coating media path. A panel in the housing is positioned immediately opposite the outer shell of the second coating module to define a bypass media path that diverges from the coating media path and passes along the second coating module. In another embodiment, the invention includes a first web delivery system, a second web delivery system, a fuser operative along a first media path between the first and second web systems, and a second media path bypassing the fuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company, LP.
    Inventor: Maximo Gayoso
  • Publication number: 20040069401
    Abstract: A wasteless lamination mechanism that laminates a topcoat or lamina onto a substrate, without requiring cutting of the lamina down to the size of the substrate. The substrate is preferably a card, such as an identification card, a credit card, or other CR80 size card. A lamina to be laminated onto a substrate is separated from a web containing a plurality of lamina after lamination of the leading portion of the web to the substrate begins. As a result, the rollers of the lamination station can be used to transport the lamina, thereby avoiding the need for a separate transport mechanism for transporting the lamina to the lamination station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Grant H. Wurdell, Steven J. Fitzsimmons
  • Patent number: 6716017
    Abstract: An embossing roll includes a roll body and a plurality of plates which are removably secured to the roll body. Each plate includes an outer surface which is provided with an embossing pattern. The plates can be secured to the roll body by vacuum and/or mechanical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Paper Converting Machine Company
    Inventor: Jeremy James Michael Papadopoulas
  • Patent number: 6715524
    Abstract: A DFR laminating and PET removing system which is capable of both laminating a dry film resist (DFR) layer on a semiconductor wafer and removing a DFR support film such as polyethylene terepthalate (PET) from the DFR layer on the wafer at a single location. The DFR laminating and PET removing system of the present invention comprises a PET support film removing head for removing a portion of PET film from the semiconductor wafer substrate after the PET film portion and dry film resist (DFR) portion are laminated from a DFR tape onto the wafer and before the DFR portion is cut from the DFR tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Chen Chen, Chia-Tsun Hsu, Chia-Fu Lin, Kuo-Ching Lee, Yen-Ming Chen, Kai-Ming Ching, Hsin-Hui Lee, Chao-Yuan Su
  • Patent number: 6713726
    Abstract: There is disclosed a heat-sealing method including: feeding a fusible fiber sheet (12) into the clearance between a pair of rolls (1, 5), at least one of which has sealing ridges (2, 6) of a predetermined pattern on its outer circumference; and heating and pressing the fiber sheet (12) with the sealing ridges (2, 6), to form fused portions corresponding to the pattern of the sealing ridges (2, 6), in the fiber sheet (12). An insulator (4) is disposed to cover the outer circumference of the rolls (1, 5), as lacking the sealing ridges. The insulator (4) is made of a material which has a lower thermal conductivity than that of the sealing ridges and which can be elastically contracted by the pressure of the rolls (1, 5). The fiber sheet (12) to be fed into the clearance between the rolls (1, 5) rotating is compressed by the insulator (4) to discharge its internal air and is then heated and pressed by the sealing ridges (2, 6) so that it is heat-sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tanaka, Yasuhiko Kenmochi
  • Patent number: 6709541
    Abstract: A method and device for applying a graphic from a carrier sheet to a receiving substrate. A press roll, mateingly aligned to a support surface, is made to traverse the support surface in a reciprocating manner while applying controlled pressure. A flexible web is attached and held stationary at one end of the support surface, wrapped around the press roll, and fixed to a tensioning device that allows movement of the web under tension. The web is adhesively coated on the side opposite the press roll. When pulled across the work surface by the press roll, the adhesive face of the web comes in contact with the graphic and is removed from the carrier sheet. The web is reversed and the graphic is peeled away from the work surface and the carrier sheet by the tensioning device. The carrier sheet is removed, replaced by the receiving substrate, and the cycle is repeated applying the graphic to the receiving substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Brian J. Slone
  • Publication number: 20040050500
    Abstract: A master processing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feed rolls carrying a supply of stock material includes a frame and a master processing assembly operable to cause adhesive bonding between the stock materials and a master. The apparatus includes a cutting assembly and a movable feed tray. A master engaging structure engages the master as it is being processed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: XYRON, INC.
    Inventors: Paul J. Lemens, Joseph Elijio Velasquez, Ronald J. Hoffman, Daniel G. Reed