Preliminary Weakener Patents (Class 225/96)
  • Patent number: 7137539
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of converting a web of indefinite length into a plurality of web portions by slitting the web at a transverse point prior to processing the web portions into a plurality of use supply forms (such as rolls), wherein the plurality of web portions are separated by a two-stage process. A first stage of the process is a partial separation operation that almost entirely separates the web portions, but leaves the web portions connected, such as by a slitting operation that leaves a series of connected zones. The second stage includes the complete separation, such as by breaking of the connected zones. The complete separation of the web portions preferably occurs near the station at which the use supply forms are created, such as a winding station. Thus, the web portions, after substantial separation at the first stage can be handled (for example, guided and tensioned) as if the plurality of web portions were a full width web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Byron M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7134582
    Abstract: A substrate (1) having a first groove (4) is provided with a protrusion (3) on the first groove (4). This protrusion (4) preferably has a top with an apex angle of 30 to 150 degrees and results in a controlled breaking of the substrate (1) and a minimum of loss due to deviations of the crack initiated at the protrusion (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N. V.
    Inventors: Petrus Cornelis Paulus Bouten, Frederik Hendrik In't Veld, Roger Maria Helmut Godfried Wehrens
  • Patent number: 7025239
    Abstract: A device for cleaving optical fibers having a housing with an internal chamber, a fiber alignment member removably connected to the housing and a fiber cutting member supported by the housing. The alignment member has an opening sized to receive the ferrule of a fiber optic connector and has a stop proximate to the inward end of an opening to engaged the ferrule distal end. The alignment member is quickly interchangeable with another sized and arranged to handle the ferrule of a different type or size connector. The opening is sized to receive ferrule with an optical fiber to be cleaved, and permits the fiber to extend inward beyond the inward end of the opening and into the housing internal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Itano, Harley B. Lang, III, Thomas J. Luenow, Patrick S. McNutt, Michael S. Silbaugh
  • Patent number: 6945443
    Abstract: A device for parting a laminated substrate used for a liquid crystal cell is provided which is capable of obtaining, at a time of the parting, a parting line being vertical to a face on which a scribe line is formed, thus enabling prevention of a failure in the parting of the laminated substrate. To part the laminated substrate made of a first substrate and a second substrate into a plurality of substrates used for the liquid crystal cell, the scribe line is formed on one substrate out of the first substrate and second substrate along a boundary of the substrate used for the liquid crystal cell and multiple parting force is applied by timesharing to the other substrate out of the first and second substrates along the scribe line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: NEC LCD Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Matsuzawa
  • Patent number: 6905054
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for fracturing, into a bearing cap and a connecting rod, an integral preform which defines a cylindrical aperture and two spaced-apart bolt seat shoulders. A guide member defines a first guideway along which moves a first slide member, the latter in turn defining a second guideway parallel to the first, along which a second slide member moves. A split mandrel has an upper part fixed with respect to the first slide member and a lower part fixed with respect to the guide member. The split mandrel halves define an internal tapered passageway for receiving a wedge capable of forcing the mandrel halves apart. Projections on the second slide member contact the bolt seat shoulders when the cylindrical aperture of the preform receives the split mandrel, and means are provided for urging the second slide member toward the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Tri-Way Manufacturing Technologies
    Inventors: Joel W. Jones, David R. Prince
  • Patent number: 6901199
    Abstract: A device for cleaving optical fibers is provided. The device includes a housing assembly having an opening therein for receiving an optical fiber to be cleaved, and housing bending and cutting members which are reciprocally moveable in a direction transversely and substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of an optical fiber inserted into and through the opening into the housing. The housing assembly optionally has a removably connected receptacle for receiving the cut ends of a plurality of cleaved fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Tabeling
  • Patent number: 6838040
    Abstract: A method for weakening a portion of a web includes moving a web in a machine direction between at least a first location and a second location, wherein the second location is positioned downstream of the first location, forming a line of weakness in the web at the first location, wherein the web has a first tensile strength across the line of weakness, and weakening the line of weakness at a second location, wherein the web has a second tensile strength across the line of weakness after the line of weakness is weakened at the second location and wherein the first tensile strength is greater than the second tensile strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Mlinar, Todd W. Hajos, Kenneth J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6837410
    Abstract: An automatic picture tube cutting machine is provided. The machine includes a transporting mechanism for transporting a tray carrying a picture tube into a moving-up-and-down base, which automatically adjusts the vertical position of the picture tube based upon its size. The machine also includes a positioning and cutting device wherein a plurality of clamp units cooperatively set tungsten heating filaments in contact with the picture tube to circumscribe that picture tube at a preset cutting height. Upon heating via the tungsten heating filaments and subsequent cool water quenching, the picture tube is broken at its circumscribed portion into separated front and rear stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Neng-Kuei Yeh
  • Publication number: 20040251290
    Abstract: The aim of present invention is to improve the efficiency and quality of the cutting of brittle non-metallic materials. In the first variant, the inventive method for cutting brittle non-metallic materials consisting in notching along cutting line and in additionally acting on the surface of the material, is characterised in that the additional action on the surface of the material is performed with at least one elastic wave source in the area of the notch, the amplitude and frequency of elastic waves are selected according to a condition of deepening the notch to the predetermined depth or cutting through said material. In the second variant, the notching is performed by heating the material surface along the cutting line with the aid of a laser beam elongated therealong and by locally cooling the heated area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Vladimir Stepanovich Kondratenko
  • Patent number: 6817505
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fracture-separating a workpiece which comprises one or more ring-shaped workpiece sections that are aligned axially one behind the other. The method comprises the following steps: fixing the workpiece for the fracture-separation process; axially introducing at least one expansion device into at least one borehole which is formed in each ring-shaped workpiece section; creating at least one fracture notch in at least one borehole during and/or after the axial introduction of the expansion device; and expanding the expansion device for fracture-separating at least one ring-shaped workpiece section. The invention also relates to a device which is suitable for carrying out said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Alfing Kessler Sondermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Hahnel, Horst Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 6783486
    Abstract: An outsert molded product allows easy separation between a substrate part and a resin part at the time of disposal of the product. As a result, a significant effect of promoting preservation of the global environment can be achieved. The outsert molded product comprises a metal substrate having a fixing hole, an anchor formed by a resin that is fixed to the substrate and a groove formed in at least a surface of the anchor. The anchor is provided continuously inside the fixing hole and both surfaces of the substrate including the fixing hole, and the groove is formed nearly in the shape of a ring in such position that the fixing hole is projected nearly in the vertical direction to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Murakami
  • Publication number: 20040144826
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fracture-separating a workpiece which comprises one or more ring-shaped workpiece sections that are aligned axially one behind the other. The method comprises the following steps: fixing the workpiece for the fracture-separation process; axially introducing at least one expansion device into at least one borehole which is formed in each ring-shaped workpiece section; creating at least one fracture notch in at least one borehole during and/or after the axial introduction of the expansion device; and expanding the expansion device for fracture-separating at least one ring-shaped workpiece section. The invention also relates to a device which is suitable for carrying out said method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: Alfing Kessler Sondermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Hahnel, Horst Wisniewski
  • Publication number: 20040099121
    Abstract: A device for cleaving optical fibers having a housing with an internal chamber, a fiber alignment member removably connected to the housing and a fiber cutting member supported by the housing. The alignment member has an opening sized to receive the ferrule of a fiber optic connector and has a stop proximate to the inward end of an opening to engaged the ferrule distal end. The alignment member is quickly interchangeable with another sized and arranged to handle the ferrule of a different type or size connector. The opening is sized to receive ferrule with an optical fiber to be cleaved, and permits the fiber to extend inward beyond the inward end of the opening and into the housing internal chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Itano, Harley B. Lang,, Thomas J. Luenow, Patrick S. McNutt, Michael S. Silbaugh
  • Patent number: 6739488
    Abstract: The present invention is a tablet cutter. The tablet cutter has a blade support portion, a cutting blade and a tablet support portion. The blade support portion has a hollow rectangular box shape portion with five sides and one open end. The cutting blade is affixed to the interior of the blade support portion. The tablet support portion has at least one tablet holder. The blade support portion may be adapted to enclose the tablet support portion as the tablet support portion slidingly engages the blade support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Health Care Logistics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Sharpe
  • Patent number: 6708857
    Abstract: A method is provided for cutting a glass duct, whereby the glass duct can be cut off completely straight. In this method, the coating layer is first cut through all round at the axial location of the fiber where the fiber is to be notched before the notching and subsequent breaking off of the glass duct. To enable the use of this method for glass ducts of varying diameters, the glass duct can be retained in a fixed position during cutting, while a cutting member, as well as a counterpressure surface for the cutting member, are moved all round the glass duct. Because glass ducts of a relatively small diameter are pressed further sidewards by the cutting member than glass ducts of greater diameter, this method effectively limits this sidewards displacement to prevent the glass ducts from breaking in an unintended manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: SGT Explotitatie B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Martinus van Deursen, Ewie de Kuyper
  • Publication number: 20040045993
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the separation of plastic cards, especially chip cards, from a sheet or strip material, with an upper and lower cutting tool giving the cutting outline which are designed to cut into a corresponding upper and lower side of the sheet or strip material with the retention of a residual cross-piece, whereby at least two upper and at least two lower cutting tools arranged in each case next to each other are provided for the forcibly coupled separation of several plastic cards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: MUEHLBAUER AG
    Inventors: Mario Weinfurtner, Richard Steif, Johann Heigl
  • Patent number: 6698637
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fracture-separating a workpiece which comprises one or more ring-shaped workpiece sections that are aligned axially one behind the other. The method comprises the following steps: fixing the workpiece for the fracture-spectrum process; axially introducing at least one expansion device into at least one borehole which is formed in each ring-shaped workpiece section; creating at least one fracture notch in at least one borehole during and/or after the axial introduction of the expansion device; and expanding the expansion device for fracture-separating at least one ring-shaped workpiece section. The invention also relates to a device which is suitable for carrying out said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Alfing Kessler Sondermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Hahnel, Horst Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 6695191
    Abstract: A device for cleaving optical fibers is provided. The device includes a housing assembly having an opening therein for receiving an optical fiber to be cleaved, and housing bending and cutting members which are reciprocally moveable in a direction transversally and substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of an optical fiber inserted into and through the opening into the housing. The housing assembly optionally has a removeably connected receptacle for receiving the cut ends of a plurality of cleaved fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Tabeling
  • Patent number: 6685075
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dispenser for serially dispensing plastic bags from a wound roll of plastic bags. The dispenser includes a support member which is attachable to a support surface, a pivotable arm that can pivot between a roll-loading position and bag-dispensing positions, a braking surface to prevent freewheeling, a mechanism to prevent axial movement of the roll of bags on the pivotable arm, and a tongue positioned to engage an opening between bags while the bags are dispensed. A dispensing system combines the dispenser with a roll of plastic bags having an axial passageway through the center of the roll. The dispenser can dispense a wound roll of bags that has a core or is coreless. The sides of the core can be flush with the sides of the roll of bags, can extend from the sides of the roll of bags, or can have a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Crown Poly, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Paul Kannankeril
  • Patent number: 6634079
    Abstract: An optical fiber cleaver, comprising a blade capable of applying a scratch to the outer peripheral surface of an optical fiber and a pusher pushing the optical fiber to cleave it at the scratched part, wherein it further comprises a reverse-running prevention mechanism which prevents the blade which was moved directly and gave scratch to the optical fiber from being directly moved reversely and giving scratch again to the optical fiber, the reverse-running prevention mechanism comprises a cam moved directly in connection with the blade and a cam follower being in contact with the cam and capable of directly moving the pusher, and the cam presses the pusher automatically against the optical fiber for cleavage after the optical fiber has been scratched by the blade and, after the scratch has been given completely, locked with the cam follower so as to suppress the cam from being moved directly in the reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Kazama
  • Patent number: 6628879
    Abstract: An adapter for an optical fiber cleaver for cleaving optical fiber. The optical fiber cleaver includes an opening therein for receiving a connector ferrule of a first category fiber connector containing an unsheathed optical fiber end portion extending therebeyond. The optical fiber cleaver is designed to cleave a portion of the unsheathed optical fiber end portion extending beyond the connector ferrule. The adapter has a tail piece which can hold an unsheathed optical fiber end portion to be cleaved to a selected length prior to insertion into a second category fiber connector. The tail piece has a diameter similar to the ferrule for insertion into the cleaver opening and a length selected to produce a cleaved unsheathed optical fiber end portion of a length needed for the second category fiber connector different than the length cut by the cleaver for the first category fiber connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Thomas Robinson, Michael Masatsugu Itano
  • Patent number: 6609643
    Abstract: An improved fracturing machine for fracturing a connecting rod preform includes clamping mechanisms at both upper and lower portions of the preform. Wedges lock the clamps onto the preform during fracturing. The top and bottom clamps provide a cleaner fracture at the fracture plane. The bottom clamp preferably includes rear and forward members which may move along an arc-shaped interface to allow adjustment of the clamping contact position. The top clamp preferably includes rear and forward clamp portions which are spaced slightly such that the forward clamp can twist slightly to accommodate the shape of the individual preform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Tri-Way Machine Tool Ltd.
    Inventor: Joel W. Jones
  • Patent number: 6599384
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for separating a discrete element from a first substrate web, moving at a first speed, and placing the discrete element on a second substrate web, moving at a second speed. The apparatus includes a first station, wherein perforations are made in the first substrate web, and a second station, wherein the discrete element is separated from the first substrate web at a line of perforations and the discrete element is transferred to a positioned on the second substrate web. The first station includes a perforation cutter assembly and conveyer assembly. The perforation cutter assembly includes first and second rollers with a cutting blade, with a discontinuous edge, and an anvil surface, respectively, to make perforations in the first substrate web. The second station includes a separation and transfer mechanism having separation and transfer segments for separating and transferring the discrete element from the first substrate web to the second substrate web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James Dell Milner, Robert Herrick Collins, James Grant Lee, David Allen Palzewicz
  • Publication number: 20030116597
    Abstract: A method for cutting a laminated web comprises the steps of engaging a first side of the laminated web with a crack initiator having a high rake angle, the crack initiator extending from a first cutter base having a low rake angle, the laminated web including at least a support web, and an upper layer that may, at least for imaging elements, be considered a protective layer, the upper layer being thinner than the support web, the upper layer being located at the first side of the laminated web structure; simultaneously engaging a second side of the laminated web with a second cutter; generating a first crack in the first side of the laminated web with the crack initiator completely through the upper layer; engaging the web with the cutter base of the first cutter; and further propagating the first crack using the cutter base while disengaging the crack initiator of the first cutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Zhanjun Gao, Yeh-hung Lai, Mridula Nair, Aparna Vasant Bhave
  • Publication number: 20030110915
    Abstract: A roll web guide system for defining a web travel path in a dispenser is provided. The web guide system includes a drive roller that is rotatably mounted within the dispenser. The drive roller defines at least one annular groove. A guide roller is also present. The guide roller is urged toward the drive roller to form a nip with the drive roller. The guide roller defines at least one annular groove therein. A plurality of stripper guides are partially disposed within the annular grooves of the guide roller and drive roller. The stripper guides prevent the web from wrapping around the guide roller and the drive roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: David Wayne Kapiloff, Richard Paul Lewis, Paul Francis Tramontina
  • Patent number: 6578748
    Abstract: A device for breaking and dividing an enlarged bearing portion of a connecting rod into a main body portion and a bearing cap portion includes a split mold which is insertable into an aperture in the enlarged bearing portion. A pressing mechanism includes pressure caps engaging dramatically opposite points on the outer surface of the enlarged bearing portion at locations where the beating portion is to be broken and divided when a wedge is forced into the split mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Matsuoka, Toshio Watanabe, Katsuaki Aihara, Hirotsugu Zushi
  • Patent number: 6577804
    Abstract: A sheathed optical fiber cutting method and apparatus for cutting the sheathed optical fiber. In one embodiment, the sheathed optical fiber is rotated around its center axis against a cutting blade. An incision is made in an area of the sheathed optical fiber that is under tension from being bent. The incision makes a cut that is flat and perpendicular to the axis of the optical fiber. In one embodiment, the blade for making the incision is mounted in a vibration generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Murakami, Takanobu Yamazaki, Toshihiro Mikami, Xu Jie
  • Patent number: 6561403
    Abstract: A bag dispenser, for separating and dispensing plastic bags from a roll of bags where one end is attached to the top of the next bag by perforation lines with a slot therebetween. The bags are dispensed from a device comprising a wire frame formed into arcuate channels to support the core that the series of bags are rolled onto. The dispenser includes a second tensioning member attached to a support member and disposed at an angle thereto to provide tension to the edges of the roll of bags as the core passes through the channel passageway as bags are removed from the roll. Spaced apart from the support is a symmetric separating tongue. The tongue will engage the slot regardless of whether the bags are drawn over or under the tongue. As the user pulls on the bags, a tension is created by the brake and the user to deflect the tongue which remains deflected until the tongue engages the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles P. Kannankeril, Adrian G. Gerritsen
  • Patent number: 6557740
    Abstract: A device for removing a pill from its package including a lower base portion having a generally rectangular configuration. The lower base portion has a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, and opposed side walls. The front wall has an upper arm and a lower arm extending outwardly therefrom whereby the upper arm is contiguous with the top wall and the lower arm is contiguous with the bottom wall. The upper arm has an aperture therethrough. An upper arm portion is hingedly coupled with the lower base portion. The upper arm portion is comprised of an elongated central section, a downwardly turned back portion, and a forward head portion. The forward head portion has a downwardly extending protrusion secured thereto. The protrusion is aligned with the aperture in the upper arm of the lower base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Sue Dent
  • Patent number: 6536121
    Abstract: A scribing apparatus which forms a scribe line on a work 100 comprises a scribe body 10 having a cutter 13 put on the work 100 and a vibration generation member 14 which vibrates the cutter 13 in a direction perpendicular to the work 100 periodically, a support device having a support body 20 for supporting the scribe body 10 to be movable, and magnetic force applying means 40 for holding the scribe body 10 at a standard height in the direction by using magnetic force. The magnetic force applying means 40 includes a pair of magnets 41a, 41b and a pair of magnets 42a, 42b repulsing each other in a direction parallel to a direction in which the vibration generation member 14 vibrates. And magnetically repelling force applied to the scribe body 10 by said first pair of magnets 41a, 41b and magnetically repelling force applied to the scribe body 10 by said second pair of magnets 42a, 42b oppose to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignees: THK Co., Ltd., Beldex Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Ishikawa, Gyo Shimotoyodome
  • Publication number: 20030047056
    Abstract: Said improvements can be used for cutters provided with a base to support the ceramic piece that is to be cut, longitudinal guides for displaceable assembly of a support on which a collapsible cutting wheel holder is mounted, said holder being provided with a threaded hole hole for mounting an actuating lever that makes it possible to press and displace the cutting wheel on the ceramic piece by marking the breaking or cutting line thereof. The periphery of the handle of the cutting wheel has at least three longitudinal grooves having any given geometry with the purpose of reducing the frequency of vibration thereof during grating of the ceramic pieces, and at least one longitudinal plane that is co-planar or projects inward relative to the general outer surface of the handle for actuating the end of the lever intended for the immobilization thereof in the cutting wheel holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Josep Torrents I Comas
  • Patent number: 6523595
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for separating a discrete element from a first substrate web, moving at a first speed, and placing the discrete element on a second substrate web, moving at a second speed. The apparatus includes a first station, wherein perforations are made in the first substrate web, and a second station, wherein the discrete element is separated from the first substrate web at a line of perforations and the discrete element is transferred to a positioned on the second substrate web. The first station includes a perforation cutter assembly and conveyer assembly. The perforation cutter assembly includes first and second rollers with a cutting blade, with a discontinuous edge, and an anvil surface, respectively, to make perforations in the first substrate web. The second station includes a separation and transfer mechanism having separation and transfer segments for separating and transferring the discrete element from the first substrate web to the second substrate web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James Dell Milner, Robert Herrick Collins, James Grant Lee, David Allen Palzewicz
  • Publication number: 20030010802
    Abstract: A device is described for cutting soft, flexible sheet-like workpieces (1) which has a work support (2), a cutter head (3) which can be positioned against the work support (2) and has at least one cutter (4), and a device for holding down the workpiece (1) to operate in conjunction with the cutter head (3), whereby provision is made for said device to be located laterally adjacent to the cutter (4) and whereby said device can be adjusted in relation to said cutter perpendicular to the work support (2). In order to achieve advantageous construction conditions it is proposed that the hold-down device consists of at least one pressure roller (5) which forms a conical roller surface (18) and which has a trunnion (6) extending transversely in relation to the direction of cut and inclined at an angle to the work support (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: GFM GmbH
    Inventors: Gottfried Blaimschein, Franz Heidlmayer
  • Publication number: 20020185513
    Abstract: A bag dispenser, for separating and dispensing plastic bags where the bottom of one bag is attached to the top of the next bag by perforation lines with a hole therebetween. Preferably the bags are composed of 10% low density polyethylene and 90% high density polyethylene. The dispenser comprises a frame that holds a shaft on which a roll of the bags is placed and includes a shelf below the roll of bags. The shelf has a bag stop on the end of it that intercepts the holes between the bags and causes them to separate along the perforation lines. The shelf is attached by brackets secured with bolts and wing nuts to the frame of existing bag dispensers to backfit those dispensers with the present device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph W. Morris
  • Patent number: 6481594
    Abstract: A roll mounted T-shirt bag and dispensers for same are described. The bag is designed for fresh produce and includes front and rear panels, first and second side gussets, a bottom seam, a top seam and a U-shaped cutout forming an openable bag mouth and a pair of carrying handles. The bags are joined above and below the upper and lower seams at first and second perforation lines. The bags are wound onto a cylindrical core to form a compact roll. In a variant of the invention, the bags are folded inwardly from the side edges prior to rolling onto the core to form a more compact roll. Dispensers are described that are designed to hold the roll mounted bags in both folded and unfolded form. The dispensers include a separating tongue designed to engage the U-shaped cutout and permit the bags to be dispensed from the bottom of the bag roll. The dispensers are designed for mounting to either vertical or horizontal surfaces and function efficiently in very limited spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Inteplast Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ron C. Yeh, Ben Tseng
  • Patent number: 6478206
    Abstract: A method of forming a scribe line on a work surface is carried out by a scribing apparatus comprising a scribe body including an abutment member, such as cutter provided with an penetrator, having at least first and second ridgelines and a sharp tip end portion and a vibration generating member for periodically applying vibrations to the abutment member. A vibration is applied to the abutment member with the tip end portion thereof abutting against the work surface, and the scribe body is relatively moved along the work surface to thereby form a scribe line on the work surface. In this scribing method, a first angle constituted by the first ridgeline of the abutment member and the work surface and a second angle constituted by the second ridgeline thereof and the work surface are made different from each other and the first and second ridgelines are opposed in the moving direction of the scribe body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignees: THK Co., Ltd., Beldex Corporation
    Inventors: Gyo Shimotoyodome, Hirokazu Ishikawa, Takeki Shirai
  • Patent number: 6460258
    Abstract: A scribe body (A) includes an abutment member (30) and a vibration generating member (40) for applying vibrations to the abutment member (30). The scribe body (A) is connected to a support portion (6) of a slide mechanism (3) through a vibration damping member (7). Two pairs of vibration damping members (7) are vertically spacedly arranged. The vibration damping members (7) of each pair are arranged on the left and right sides of the scribe body (A). By relatively moving the abutment member (30), which is pressed against a surface of a workpiece by its own weight of the scribe body (A), along the surface of the workpiece while applying vibration, which are generated by the vibration generating member (40), to the abutment member (30), a scribe line is formed in the surface of the workpiece. Vibration of the scribe (A) is damped by the vibration damping member (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignees: Beldex Corporation, THK Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gyo Shimotoyodome
  • Patent number: 6457469
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cutting slabs or tiles, comprising a frame which has a support surface for the slabs or tiles and a cutting mechanism which is displaceably mounted on the frame, above the support surface, in order to produce a point of break in the surface of the slab or tile. According to the invention, guiding elements are provided for guiding the cutting mechanism along a curved path while it is displaced on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventors: Erich Mueller, Daniel Schmid
  • Publication number: 20020125286
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for fracturing, into a bearing cap and a connecting rod, an integral preform which defines a cylindrical aperture and two spaced-apart bolt seat shoulders. A guide member defines a first guideway along which moves a first slide member, the latter in turn defining a second guideway parallel to the first, along which a second slide member moves. A split mandrel has an upper part fixed with respect to the first slide member and a lower part fixed with respect to the guide member. The split mandrel halves define an internal tapered passageway for receiving a wedge capable of forcing the mandrel halves apart. Projections on the second slide member contact the bolt seat shoulders when the cylindrical aperture of the preform receives the split mandrel, and means are provided for urging the second slide member toward the mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Joel W. Jones, David R. Prince
  • Patent number: 6419217
    Abstract: A paper web is drawn into a printing and can be guided along a selected one of several paths. The paper web is weakened along a line of separation and is then held by a retaining system that can move the web in a conveying direction along a first path. The web is fed to a different conveying path and is separated ot torn along the line of separation. This line of separation or weakening is formed at an angle to the production direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Manfred Wolfgang Hartmann, Horst Bernhard Michalik
  • Publication number: 20020084301
    Abstract: An improved device or tool is provided for cleaving angled ends onto at least one optical fiber (1) in which spring means (6) and co-operating pivotally mounted clamping blocks (7a, 7b) are employed to clamp and tension the optical fiber (1) with tension (T). A sharp corner edge (11) of an anvil (10) is used to locally deflect or displace the fiber (1) and bend it about the opposing sharp corner edge (12) of the clamping surface (5) of one of the clamping blocks (viz 7b) so that the fiber experiences a localised shear force. The resultant stress is a superposition of tension and shear and is directed away from the axis of the fiber (1). An acutely angled blade (13) is operable to score the fiber (1) at a point between the two opposing corners (11, 12). The fiber (1) cleaves with ends which are consistently angled at between 1° and 20° (preferably 5° to 10°) away from the perpendicular to the fiber axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: IAN JOHN MURGATROYD
  • Patent number: 6394330
    Abstract: A method of converting a web of indefinite length into a plurality of web portions by slitting the web at a transverse point prior to processing the web portions into a plurality of use supply forms (such as rolls), wherein the plurality of web portions are separated by a two-stage process. A first stage of the process is a partial separation operation that almost entirely separates the web portions, but leaves the web portions connected, such as by a slitting operation that leaves a series of connected zones. The second stage includes the complete separation, such as by breaking of the connected zones. The complete separation of the web portions preferably occurs near the station at which the use supply forms are created, such as a winding station. Thus, the web portions, after substantial separation at the first stage can be handled (for example, guided and tensioned) as if the plurality of web portions were a full width web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Byron M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6386417
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for fracturing, into a bearing cap and a connecting rod, an integral preform which defines a cylindrical aperture and two spaced-apart bolt seat shoulders. A guide member defines a first guideway along which moves a first slide member, the latter in turn defining a second guideway parallel to the first, along which a second slide member moves. A split mandrel has an upper part fixed with respect to the first slide member and a lower part fixed with respect to the guide member. The split mandrel halves define an internal tapered passageway for receiving a wedge capable of forcing the mandrel halves apart. Projections on the second slide member contact the bolt seat shoulders when the cylindrical aperture of the preform receives the split mandrel, and means are provided for urging the second slide member toward the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Tri-Way Manufacturing Technologies
    Inventors: Joel W. Jones, David R. Prince
  • Publication number: 20020050504
    Abstract: A method of forming a scribe line on a work surface is carried out by a scribing apparatus comprising a scribe body including an abutment member, such as cutter provided with an penetrator, having at least first and second ridgelines and a sharp tip end portion and a vibration generating member for periodically applying vibrations to the abutment member. A vibration is applied to the abutment member with the tip end portion thereof abutting against the work surface, and the scribe body is relatively moved along the work surface to thereby form a scribe line on the work surface. In this scribing method, a first angle constituted by the first ridgeline of the abutment member and the work surface and a second angle constituted by the second ridgeline thereof and the work surface are made different from each other and the first and second ridgelines are opposed in the moving direction of the scribe body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Applicant: THK CO.,LTD.,Tokyo-to.Japan and BELDEX CORPORATION Tokyo-to-Japan
    Inventors: Gyo Shimotoyodome, Hirokazu Ishikawa, Takeki Shirai
  • Publication number: 20020043546
    Abstract: A printer tear bar and presenter system for printing on a strip of media and presenting a portion of the media to a user. The media comprises a plurality of perforations and a plurality of bridges of connecting material separating the perforations. The tear bar comprises first and second side portions and a center portion. The side portions and the center portions are adapted to abut the surface of the media so that friction creates stress on the bridges of connecting material. The first and second side portions are preferably tapered to concentrate tearing stress on corresponding bridges of connecting material. The printer and control circuitry are adapted to advance the media rapidly after the printer has finished printing to prevent users from pulling on the media prematurely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 1999
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: ROBERT A. LUCIANO, RAYMOND G. BRYAN
  • Publication number: 20020033405
    Abstract: An automatic rolled tissue dispensing system, which includes a housing within which is located a tissue advancing element comprising a pair of feed rollers which pull the tissue product from a roll of continuous rolled tissue product and advance the tissue to a sheet separating element comprising a pair of tearing rollers which remove individual tissue sheets from the continuous roll. A guide allows the tissue sheets discharged from the tearing rollers to be laid horizontally and stacked in a dispensing tray accessible to the user. An electric motor drives the rollers. The tearing rollers are driven through a variable clutch at a faster speed than the feed rollers, which causes the tissue to tear along its perforations in between the two sets of rollers. A first photo detecting sensor monitors the number of tissue sheets discharged from the tearing rollers, and a second photo detecting sensor monitors the presence of tissue sheets in the dispensing tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventor: Franc Gergek
  • Publication number: 20020023939
    Abstract: A connecting rod fracture machine is disclosed which mateably inserts a half-split type mandrel into an opening of a large end portion of a connecting rod to expand the opening. The machine comprises first and second support members (31), (32) for supporting the connecting rod horizontally, the support members being arranged movably apart from each other on the base of a pallet (24) for placing the connecting rod (1) thereon. Moreover, the machine includes a half-split type mandrel (36), vertically provided on these support members, comprising mandrel half portions (37), (38) with each outer peripheral surface thereof being in contact with the inner surface of the opening. The machine also comprises a wedge (53) for separating the mandrel half portions uniformly apart from each other, the wedge having tapered surfaces in contact with opposite edge surfaces of the mandrel half portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: YASUNAGA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroichi Hase
  • Publication number: 20010045441
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus and method are disclosed for dispensing sheet material from at least one roll of the sheet material. Dispensing is transferred from a stub roll to a reserve roll automatically in response to sensing a predetermined quantity of the stub roll. An isolating element is provided to lift the reserve roll out of contact with dispensing rollers during dispensing of sheet material from the stub roll, and a nipping element is provided to nip sheet material of the reserve roll when dispensing is transferred from the stub roll to the reserve roll. A cam controls movement of both the isolating element and the nipping element. Structure is also provided for sensing the diameter of the reserve roll of sheet material and providing an indication when the reserve roll is a predetermined diameter. The dispenser is quiet and capacity efficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Applicant: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Dale T. Gracyalny, David Carpenter, Kamala Grasso, Douglas W. Johnson, Peter D. Johnson, John E. Longan, John R. Moody, Hugh L. Smith, Ronald J. Vish
  • Patent number: 6321964
    Abstract: A continuous paper cutting unit including a press mechanism for pressing and holding both sides of the perforations of continuous paper by a press means link mechanism, and a cutting mechanism like a blunt instrument using a cutting means link mechanism. With the appropriate placement of the paper guides, the transport of the continuous paper is smooth and the cutting of the continuous paper along the perforations thereof is preformed reliably using a small drive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Yamaguchi, Takumi Sato
  • Patent number: 6279805
    Abstract: A continuous paper cutting unit including a press mechanism for pressing and holding both sides of the perforations of continuous paper by a press means link mechanism, and a cutting mechanism like a blunt instrument using a cutting means link mechanism. With the appropriate placement of the paper guides, the transport of the continuous paper is smooth and the cutting of the continuous paper along the perforations thereof is preformed reliably using a small drive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Yamaguchi, Takumi Sato