With Particular Guide Or Guard Patents (Class 242/566)
  • Patent number: 7201343
    Abstract: The present invention is a laminate media, in the form of a continuous strip of carrier-less, pre-cut plastic patch protections, connected by perforations. The invention further describes both a method for separating the patches from each other by stressing the perforated patch area without stopping the driving process and a cassette within which the separation process occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventor: Stephane Mabit
  • Patent number: 7185839
    Abstract: A razor wire dispensing and retrieving apparatus for installing razor wire along a perimeter to create a protective border and collecting the wire when the border is no longer desired. The razor wire dispensing and receiving apparatus essentially comprises a frame with a wire hanger and a wire spreader. The wire hanger and spreader function to permit efficient dispensing, retrieving, and transport of razor wire. Moreover, the frame attaches to a variety of vehicles, including military vehicles. As the vehicle travels along a perimeter, the apparatus dispenses wire from the hanger while the spreader keeps the wire aligned. The apparatus also includes a means of pivoting the frame on a horizontal axis. Pivoting the frame down from the dispensing position permits the apparatus to be used as a wire-retrieving device. In this position, the wire is loaded back onto the hanger as the spreader keeps the wire aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Samuel H. Albritton
  • Patent number: 7185842
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for dispensing rolled sheet material, the apparatus including a housing that defines an interior adapted to rotatably support rolled sheet material and having a dispensing opening sized to allow sheet material to be dispensed therefrom. The apparatus further includes a floating nip within the housing such as, for example, may be formed by first and second rollers. The floating nip minimizes variation in the force required to remove sheet material from the dispenser that may result from a user changing the angle at which sheet material is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Paul Lewis, Paul Francis Tramontina
  • Patent number: 7178756
    Abstract: An automated perforated web splicing system includes a web stock roll of a perforated web, supported on a single unwind spindle, and having both a precut web leader edge and a web trailer edge for splicing. Also included in the automated perforated web splicing system is a leader holder device for automatically acquiring and positioning the web leader edge of the web stock roll according to perforations in the perforated web, and a splicing station for automatically positioning the web trailer edge prior to splicing and performing an on-pitch splice according to perforations in the perforated web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Stephen M. Reinke
  • Patent number: 7156334
    Abstract: A pay-out tube adapted to be used in conjunction with a capable container for directing cable from a winding disposed within the container. The pay-out tube includes a molded tube for receiving and guiding cable from the interior of the cable container and includes a surrounding wall having a series of spaced-apart ribs integrally molded into the wall and extending from the wall such that the thickness of the individual rigs exceed the thickness of the wall. Further, the pay-out tube includes a cable retainer including a surface having at least one slit formed therein that defines two sections, at least one section being deflectable and which opens in response to a cable end being inserted between the two sections, permitting the cable to move between the two sections and be held by the two sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: X-Spooler, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Fore, Sr., James R. Fore, II, Lloyd Young
  • Patent number: 7124980
    Abstract: The wire spool guide assembly is a conduit through which wire is dispensed in a controlled and orderly manner. The assembly has at least one wire spool guide, a handle bar and a spindle. The spindle may be a single spindle or part of a wire spool cart. The spindle is used to hold wire spools and the handle bar. The handle bar serves to hold the guide. The guide includes an eyebolt rotatably mounted to a support frame via a ball bearing. The eyebolt guides wire as it is dispensed from the spool acquiescing to the direction of the user's pull. Friction, created as wire is pulled through the eyebolt, slows the speed at which the spool rotates on the spindle. The frame of the guide, however, is fixed on the handle bar by a fastener disposed at a bottom end of the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: James Giovannoni
  • Patent number: 7121497
    Abstract: An apparatus to prevent strip material from falling off the edges of a strip material package when unwinding. The package comprises a generally cylindrical and flangeless core around which the strip material is wound transversely in a plurality of overlapping layers. The apparatus also includes an idler roller. When unwinding, the strip material goes around the idler roller, then around the package, generally in its central portion and then again around the idler roller before being fed to a laminating machine. A method to use the apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventors: Martin Robitaille, Steve Gagnon, Alain Carbonneau
  • Patent number: 7114678
    Abstract: In a film extraction apparatus, a flexible stripper blade tongue is held in a relaxed condition with the tongue extending downwardly of the blade by a natural curvature in the tongue near the tongue's juncture with the remainder of the blade. Inducing stress in the blade to create a slight degree of curvature of the tongue forces the tongue into a longitudinally straight and stiffened condition allowing the tongue to be driven through the cartridge mouth. Relaxation of the stress on the blade returns the tongue into its normal, downwardly-extending condition with the end of the tongue resting on the outer layer of the film irrespective of the roll diameter. Presence of the stripper blade upper surface across the gap between the cartridge mouth and a following film channel serves to guide the film into the film channel during the film extraction procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Alexander Sokolskiy, David J. Bassett
  • Patent number: 7100863
    Abstract: A floating liner for a container of welding wire which floating liner includes a tube having two ends and a passageway extending between the two ends. The floating liner is unsupported between the top of the container and the retaining ring. The floating liner is designed to provide structural support to the wire and added stiffness or rigidity to the wire to inhibit buckling of the wire, knot formation in the wire that can form between the retaining ring and the top of the container. The floating liner has a weight profile that causes one end of the tube to at least partially float above the top surface of a layer of welding wire or retaining ring in the container as the welding wire is paid out of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Hsu, David J. Barton, Michael A. Carroscia
  • Patent number: 7080802
    Abstract: A conduit uncoiler assembly provides a mast carried by a base. The mast includes a central post carrying a plurality of radially extending support arms that support the bottom or base of the coiled conduit. Each support arm carries a radially extending retaining arm for supporting the inner diameter of the coil. The mast also carries at least one guide bar that continuously and automatically supports the top surface of the coil as the conduit is unwound. The system provides and maintains support to the bottom, top, and inner circumference of the coil as the conduit is unwound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventors: Larry P. Bayer, Kenny Baus
  • Patent number: 7063285
    Abstract: A cassette for use in delivering a continuous length of filament provides improved reliability by employing means for preventing tangling of the filament in the cassette. The cassette has a substantially closed housing defining a chamber in which a spool is rotatably mounted, and a path from the chamber to an exit orifice. A length of filament is wound around the spool and has a free strand positioned in the path. The filament strand is advanced along the path and delivered through the exit orifice by a means for advancing. Tangling is prevented by locking the spool during transport of the cassette to maintain a tight wind, and by guiding the filament strand along a snag-free path as it is withdrawn from the cassette. In the exemplary embodiments, a removable pin locks a flange or hub of the spool, and the filament strand is withdrawn through a tubular guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Stratasys, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Turley, Thomas L. Taatjes
  • Patent number: 6988854
    Abstract: Fiber-optic cable is dispensed underwater into a trench from a vehicle moving along the bed of the body of water. The cable is wound on a stationary spool and dispensed over the end of the spool by a rotary arm driven by a motor controlled to maintain a desired tension in the cable. The cable has a fiber optic core, metal wires wound around the core, and a tensioned laminate of copper tape adhered to plastic tape wound around the wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Sanmina-SCI Corporation
    Inventor: David R. Porter
  • Patent number: 6934459
    Abstract: The invention relates to a line for processing an optical fiber having first and second ends, the line comprising a support for receiving a reel with the fiber wounded thereon; a de-winder for unwinding the fiber without substantial rotation of the reel; and a processing station for receiving the optical fiber from said de-winder to perform a processing on a portion of the optical fiber. The invention also relates to a method for writing a grating on a fiber having first and second ends, the fiber being wounded on a first reel and being capable of being wounded on a second reel, the method comprising connecting the first end of the fiber to a circulator; connecting said circulator to a source of light and to a first measurement means; de-winding the fiber from the first reel without rotation of the reel; writing a grating on the fiber with a source of radiation; and measuring reflection spectra of the grating with said first measurement means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Lxsix Photonics Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Lefebvre
  • Patent number: 6929210
    Abstract: A follower apparatus mounted on a track running parallel to an axis of rotation of a spool. The apparatus has a base with a roller mounted thereon and having an axis of rotation parallel to the rotational axis of the spool, the roller providing support and guidance to the material being wound. A pulley is rotatably mounted to receive material from the roller and redirect the direction of material traveled. Light beams and detection apparatus are positioned to detect material excursions to pre-determined off center portions of the roller. The follower positioning apparatus responds to signals detecting the material by repositioning the follower to place the material back on to a center zone of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Berkeley Process Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Reuben Sandler, Jon Burns, Alexander Charles White, Bjorn Monteen, Jesse Thomas, Nathan H. Harding
  • Patent number: 6902134
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for dispensing rolled sheet material, the apparatus including a housing defining an interior adapted to contain rolled sheet material and a dispensing opening for allowing sheet material to be dispensed from the interior of the housing. The apparatus further includes a nip within the housing such as, for example, may be formed by first and second rollers. In addition, the apparatus includes a mobile roll support system adapted to support a roll of sheet material within the housing wherein the roll of sheet material rotates to dispense sheet material and further wherein the mobile roll support system and the roll of sheet material move toward the nip as sheet material is dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Green, Joseph Elisabeth Oberdorf, Bastiaan Roelof Tjaden
  • Patent number: 6869040
    Abstract: A method, a system and an arrangement for handling component tapes in connection with mounting components onto circuit boards in a component mounting machine are disclosed, which utilizes a carrier for carrying component tapes. Each component tape is held by a component tape reel. The component mounting machine utilizes component magazines from which components, carried by the component tape, are supplied for use in a mounting process of the component mounting machine. The component tape of each component tape reel is loaded into a tape guide for guiding the component tape in the component mounting machine, and the component tape reels are arranged in the carrier, which thereaft is placed in the magazine. The tape guides are then mounted in the magazine such that the component tape loaded therein may interact with feeding devices provided in the magazine. Thereby, the magazine is loaded with components and prepared for the ensuing mounting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Mydata Automation AB
    Inventor: Eric Esk{dot over (a)}ng
  • Patent number: 6834827
    Abstract: A wiring cart for use by electricians is provided whose wire collator outlet from which the wires are drawn is adjustable relative to the position of the conduit opening through which the wires are to be pulled. Such adjustability is provided in one embodiment by adjustable legs that vary the height of at least one end of wire cart. The frame of the wire cart is constructed to allow the cart to be stood on end to aid in the installation of wires through a junction box or in overhead installations. Adjustable wall spacers may also be included to provide a fixed relative positioning relative to the wall. Modular expansion of the number of spools from which wire may be pulled is also provided by stacking, vertically or horizontally, a number of such wire carts. Portability is facilitated by wheels on which the wire cart may be rolled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Scott Burkitt
  • Publication number: 20040217226
    Abstract: An automatic high-speed wrapping system for wrapping packages in heat sealable thermoplastic film includes a film delivery unit wherein the film is dispensed and wrapped around the packages at a high rate of speed as the packages travel through the system. The packages travel continuously in a straight line through the system and are delivered at the input end of the system by a feed conveyor into a wrapping station where the packages are surrounded by the film, thence to the side sealing mechanism which forms a seal while severing the salvage from the packages, then into an end sealing mechanism where both ends of the packages are sealed and the film web connecting succeeding packages is severed. The film is delivered to the wrapping station in two plies and subsequently inverted for wrapping around the products. The positions of the wrapping station and film delivery units are adjustable to efficiently accommodate a variety of product heights while providing proper film delivery geometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicants: Lantech Management Corp., Lantech Holding Corp. d/b/a Lantech.com
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Limousin
  • Patent number: 6782606
    Abstract: A tape guide for guiding a carrier tape in a component mounting machine, a tape magazine for receiving the tape guide, and a system including the tape guide and the tape magazine. The carrier tape carries components that are positioned in sequence on the carrier tape and are covered by a cover tape. The tape guide includes an exposure mechanism for exposing the components at a picking position, wherein the exposure mechanism includes a separator for separating and lifting a lateral portion of the cover from the carrier tape, leaving the remaining portion of the cover at least partially attached to the carrier tape, and for bringing the lifted portion of the cover aside. The tape guide also includes a lock for enabling ready and quick attachment and detachment of the tape guide to and from the component mounting machine, a guiding for guiding the carrier tape towards a picking position, and a retainer for preventing accidental displacement of the carrier tape along the tape guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Mydata Automation AB
    Inventor: Johan Bergström
  • Patent number: 6773205
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of installing a cable in ducting from a location intermediate the length of the ducting. The cable is provided in a coil at the location and some cable is passed from one end of the coil into a first portion of the ducting extending from the location to one end of the ducting. The remaining cable is passed from the other end of the coil into a second portion of the ducting extending from the location to the other end of the ducting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Pirelli General plc
    Inventor: Ralph Sutehall
  • Patent number: 6726142
    Abstract: A twist controlling device for ribbon material wound in a coil about a central axis. The device controls twists in the ribbon material as it is fed from the coil to a processing machine. The device includes a gate adapted to be positioned along a ribbon feed path from the coil to the processing machine and having an opening therethrough for receiving the ribbon material. The gate is adapted to engage the ribbon and is rotatable about a gate axis generally coincident with a center of the opening for controlling twisting of the ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney L. Abba, Robert J. Waldron, Robert J. Makolin
  • Patent number: 6726079
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wire feed device for guiding and straightening a wire which is comprised of a wire infeed unit and a self-cleaning deflection head which are connected together by a flexible guide hose. The wire infeed unit has a guide passage therethrough whose inlet and outlet are offset so the wire will remain in contact with a contact element within the passage to generate a signal when the wire is in the passage. The deflection head has a guide arc-shaped guide passage therethrough which, in turn, have outwardly radiating pockets spaced along the outer side thereof which remove debris (e.g. the material abraded from the wire and wire shavings) transport it out of the deflection head. Dimpled guide points are formed on the other side of the arc-shaped guide passage opposite the pockets to facilitate the self-cleaning of the wire. A wire straightening sleeve is positioned downstream of the deflection head, which can generate a control/monitoring signal is positioned downstream of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Bruno Münster
  • Patent number: 6712311
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for fabricating a laminate product having a pair of sheet materials spaced by a plurality of flexible parallel vanes which are secured to the sheet material so that planar movement of the sheet materials in opposite directions cause the vanes to shift between open and closed positions. The vane material is formed from a web of material by dyeing the material, drying the dyed material, applying spaced longitudinally extending lines of adhesive on opposite faces of the material, and cutting the material into a plurality of side-by-side strips with each strip having a bead of adhesive on each face and along opposite side edges. The cut material with adhesive applied thereto is taken up on a transfer roll and moved to a vane/strip handling station where the strips of material are processed and delivered to a laminating station in parallel overlapping relationship with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, David Hartman
  • Patent number: 6705059
    Abstract: Apparatus which is capable of rotatably carrying a fabric roll in a vertical orientation and which is movably attachable to an element of a known fabricated wall structure. In particular, such apparatus is useful in the practice of dispensing a sheet of vapor retarding fabric when constructing insulated fabricated wall structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Guardian Fiberglass, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary E. Romes
  • Patent number: 6694606
    Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a plurality of electric-component tapes each of which includes a carrier tape and holds a plurality of electric components in a lengthwise direction of the carrier tape, and supplying, from the each electric-component tape, the electric components, one by one, to an object device, the apparatus including a feeding device which feeds a first electric-component tape in a lengthwise direction thereof, and a connection-portion detecting device which detects a connection portion where a terminal end portion of the first electric-component tape being fed by the feeding device is connected to an initial end portion of a second electric-component tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Ohashi, Yasuo Muto, Koichi Asai
  • Publication number: 20040031875
    Abstract: In a tape cassette and a tape unit according to the present invention, the tape unit 20 comprises a support 21 including: a rotation support section 21a rotatably supporting a tape spool 53 and facing a roll part T0 of a print tape T; and a junction section 55 extending from the rotation support section. A guide groove 55a for guiding the print tape T pulled out from the roll part T0 is formed on the junction section 55. By virtue of such composition, the tape unit 20 can be attached to a cassette case body 32 of the tape cassette maintaining the print tape T being set in the guide groove 55a, by which the replacement of the tape unit T which is stored in the cassette case body 32 can be made easier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Yoshihito Nonomura
  • Patent number: 6631867
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the type dealing with relatively wide documents of the present invention includes a generally L-shaped bar. The bar extends from one side of an apparatus body to a position above a document table and is angularly movable in the direction of width of the apparatus body. The bar includes a horizontal portion that includes a semicircular trough playing the role of a document guide. A document or documents are simply rolled up together and then put on the horizontal portion. The documents are pulled out of the horizontal portion one by one and inserted into the apparatus body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Minakawa
  • Patent number: 6616090
    Abstract: A wire supply control assembly for creating a length of slack wire in readiness for use. The slack wire is stored by arching a length of wire upward along a feeder arm and downward to a baling machine. The wire feeder arm is biased in an upward position by a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Timothy C. Stamps
  • Patent number: 6595462
    Abstract: A device and method for dispensing and measuring a plurality of strands from a single spool of stranded material is disclosed. The device is comprised of a mobile portion on which a plurality of pulleys is mounted. The mobile portion includes a frame mounted on an axle to which tires are attached so that the mobile portion may be wheeled about readily. A stationary portion includes a plurality of pulleys and a supply spool of wire. Stranded material from the supply spool is routed back and forth between the mobile portion and the stationary portion, over the pulleys attached to each, until the number of strands between the mobile portion and the stationary portion corresponds with the desired number. Next the mobile portion is displaced away from the stationary portion a distance equal to the length of strands desired. A distance measurement device is mounted on the mobile portion to aid the user in ascertaining the distance that the mobile portion has moved, thereby indicating the wire length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventors: La Rhonda A. Lenski, William E Webb, Gary Miller
  • Publication number: 20030122028
    Abstract: A twist controlling device for ribbon material wound in a coil about a central axis. The device controls twists in the ribbon material as it is fed from the coil to a processing machine. The device includes a gate adapted to be positioned along a ribbon feed path from the coil to the processing machine and having an opening therethrough for receiving the ribbon material. The gate is adapted to engage the ribbon and is rotatable about a gate axis generally coincident with a center of the opening for controlling twisting of the ribbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney L. Abba, Robert J. Waldron, Robert J. Makolin
  • Patent number: 6578789
    Abstract: The invention relates to a deflection method for deflecting a strip (3, 8), especially a metal strip (3, 8), from an initial guide channel (5) to a final guide channel (9) which runs next to said initial guide channel (5). When passing through the initial guide channel (5), the strip (3, 8) comprises an underside (II) which faces away from the final guide channel (9) and has an upper side (I) which faces toward the final guide channel (9). In order to support the deflection of the metal strip (3, 8) from the initial guide channel (5) to the final guide channel (9), the invention provides that the strip (3, 8) is subjected to the action of a medium (12) on the underside (II) thereof during the deflection. The invention also relates to a corresponding deflection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: SMS Schloemann-Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Braun, Günter Kneppe, Uwe Raschke, Reinhard Irle
  • Patent number: 6578787
    Abstract: A method and bobbin holder for manufacturing a fishing fly includes a check member for elastically and frictionally engaging the line to provide tension in the line and prevent slackening or loosening of the line when the line is drawn from the bobbin or cut. The bobbin holder is formed from a v-shaped holder having a guide rod extending from the apex of the v-shape and the check member is located between the bobbin and the guide rod. The frictional engagement of the line is a slit formed in an elastic material forming the check member. The slit can be formed by a diametrical cut in a tubular member or be the interface between two layers of the material. A fastener supports the check member between the tube and the bobbin and may also provide a compression to the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Kimio Yonenoi
  • Publication number: 20030102398
    Abstract: A reel for coiled strip stock includes a coil support adapted to carry a coil of strip stock for rotation about a horizontal axis, and a pair of pivotally mounted stock guides that establish a variable-sized loop of stock substantially encircling the coil support between payoff from the coil and exiting to the using station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Richard D. Nordlof
  • Publication number: 20030089817
    Abstract: A system and process for unwinding rolls of material is disclosed. The system is particularly well suited for unwinding soft, high-bulk tissue webs. In one embodiment, the system includes the combination of a center unwind device and a surface unwind device to unwind the roll of material in a primary unwind location. Once the roll of material is partially unwound, the roll is then moved to a secondary unwind location while a new roll of material is moved into the primary unwind location. In this manner, multiple rolls of material can be continuously unwound without substantial downtime. The system of the present invention can be used to unwind a single roll of material or can be designed to unroll multiple rolls of material simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Hanson, Robert J. Seymour, Mike E. Daniels, James Baggot, Randy LeValley, Edward Marksman, Preston O'Connor, Kenneth Pigsley, Douglas C. Thomas, Jeffrey Greiner, David Gruber, Matt Storm, Steve Weiland
  • Patent number: 6543713
    Abstract: A wire fence roller apparatus includes a framework, a rotatable elongated drum, a pair of guide plates, and a wire guiding arrangement. The drum is mounted to a pivotal end portion of the framework for undergoing pivotal movement therewith. The drum is thus swingable with the pivotal end portion of the framework toward and away from a stationary end portion of the framework so as to dispose the drum in an operative position wherein the drum extends between and is rotatably mounted to the opposite end portions of the framework to permit winding or unwinding of wire fence about or from the drum with rotation of the drum and in an inoperative position wherein the drum is released from and angularly displaced away from the stationary end portion of the framework to permit loading and unloading of the wire fence onto and from the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. Frolander, Michael R. Frolander
  • Patent number: 6540170
    Abstract: A multiple coil dispenser supports a pair of coils for dispensing a flexible material from one of the coils. The dispenser includes a frame and at least one coil support for supporting the coils for rotation. A fixed arm is mounted to the frame and includes a plurality of rollers positioned longitudinally therealong. A movable arm is pivotally mounted to the frame for movement toward and away from the fixed arm. The movable arm has a plurality of rollers positioned longitudinally therealong and is biased away from the fixed arm. A bifurcated chute directs the strapping material from one of the coils to the arms. A brake assembly is operably connected to the movable arm between an engaged position when the movable arm is moved away from the fixed arm and a disengaged position when the movable arm is moved toward the fixed arm. A space between the fixed arm and the movable arm defines an accumulation region that varies in size as the movable arm moves toward and away from the fixed arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Allison D. Tipton, Richard G. Newman
  • Patent number: 6527217
    Abstract: A bobbin for tying a fishing fly includes a pair of arms connected at respective first ends and spaced at respective second ends, each second end having a generally axially spaced bearing surface configured to receive a hub of a spool. A tube for receives a thread from the spool and a screw is connected to the arms generally between the first ends and the second ends and extends generally parallel to the axially spaced bearings for adjustably controlling the arms in a manner to apply an amount of pressure on the hubs of the spool wherein the screw is configured to permit one's hand holding the bobbin to adjust the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: David C. Lyons
  • Patent number: 6516892
    Abstract: A coiled tubing rig is operable to simultaneously translate and rotate coiled tubing in a borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Patrick J. Reilly
  • Patent number: 6491250
    Abstract: A rotary-type circuit-component supplying apparatus including a plurality of feeders each of which stores a plurality of circuit components of a same sort and which supplies the components one by one from a component-supply portion thereof, at least one rotary table which is rotatable about a first axis line which is substantially vertical and which holds the feeders such that the respective component-supply portions of the feeders are arranged along a circle having a center on the first axis line, and a table-driving device which rotates and stops the rotary table to position the component-supply portion of each of the feeders at a predetermined component-supplying position, the feeders including at least one pendent feeder which includes a main portion which is held by the rotary table such that the main portion extends in a substantially horizontal direction, and which supports a tape-feeding mechanism which feeds a tape carrying the circuit components to the component-supply portion of the pendent feeder,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Asai, Shinsuke Suhara
  • Patent number: 6449999
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to reduce the amount of space and the technical effort required to feed the front end of a wire coil into a wire drawing installation. To achieve this, the arm of the device is formed from a base section and an end section, whereby the end of the base section can pivot around a first pivotal axis and is connected to the base of a rotationally mounted holder and the pivotal axis of the base section runs perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said holder. One end of the end section can pivot around a second pivotal axis and is connected to the other end of the base section. The first and second pivotal axes run parallel to each other. The free end of the end section of the arm supports a head unit that is rotationally mounted around two axes that are located in a normal position to each other. A hook-shaped gripping element and a clamping device which dresses the front end of the wire coil are arranged on said head unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: EJP Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Elefterios Paraskevas
  • Publication number: 20020117574
    Abstract: An article of manufacture for restricting the pay out of line wound on a rotatable spool. The article comprises an elongated thin narrow strip of pliant material having first and second ends and having an aperture centrally located intermediate the first and second ends. Proximate the first and second ends of the band is at least one circular hole, each being sized and adapted to receive a spindle that rotatably supports the spool. The centrally-located aperture is sized and adapted to receive the line which is trained through the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald Hawley
  • Patent number: 6422504
    Abstract: In the wiring industry is often necessary to either run a number of individual wires together as a bundle or to use a variety of different types of wire on a regular basis. In either case it is cumbersome to have to handle a number of individual spools of wire while working on an installation. Therefore, the present invention presents an easily maneuvered, four wheeled cart upon which a number of spools of wire, or other spooled material, of either like size or different sizes, can be rotatably mounted along inclined plane such that wires can be pulled from multiple spools without becoming entangled one with another. A wire guide aids in bringing the various wires together as a bundle for pulling as a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Doyle W. Elder
  • Patent number: 6419424
    Abstract: A tailer for transporting coiled pipe and assisting in the unwinding of the pipe for laying in a trench. A support cradle contacts the outer surface of the coil, thereby obviating the need for a reel. The cradle includes self-centering support rollers upon which the coil freely rotates during the pipe laying operation. Horizontal rollers are provided as a retainer for engaging the inner surface of the coil. The position of the retainer rollers is adjustable to accommodate a variety of coil diameters. To remove coil set from the pipe unwinding from the coil, a reforming assembly includes a straightener and rerounder. The pipe reforming assembly is mounted on rollers on the base of the trailer for translating back and forth to track the pipe during unwinding to maintain alignment. The rerounder and straightener are provided with a releasable gate and top portion respectively, to assist in the loading and unloading of the pipe in the reforming assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignees: Null's Machine & Mfg., Inc., Mountaineer Gas Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Null, Robert L. Ronk, Franklin S. Boggs, Kendrall P. Waller
  • Publication number: 20020088894
    Abstract: A balloon tying system including a plate portion having a pair of upper apertures and a pair of lower apertures therethrough. The plate portion includes an upper strap portion extending between the pair of upper apertures thereof. The upper strap portion secures the plate portion to the helium tank. A hook portion is secured to the plate portion. The hook portion is defined by an upper linear segment and a lower arcuate segment. The lower arcuate segment has an upper aperture and a lower aperture therein in communication with an internal common channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Antonio Garza
  • Patent number: 6416010
    Abstract: A method for installing cable in a building wherein the cable is to be pulled from a central room or closet to multiple outlets in multiple offices, the method comprising providing a spool of cable to be installed, providing a cable guide device having a plurality of apertures therein and identifying indicia thereon for identifying the apertures and corresponding to the outlets to which the cable is being installed, inserting the free end of the cable through an aperture in the cable guide device, pulling the cable through the guide member to the outlet whose identification corresponds to the identifying indicia for the opening in the cable guide member through which the cable was pulled; also a cable guide member and a cable installation cart which supports multiple spools of cable to be installed and one or more cable guide having removable indicia thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Douglas D. Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20020074447
    Abstract: A stand for carrying a reel around which a linear product such as wire may be wound. The stand comprises a base and a support member for engaging the reel in a manner that permits the reel to rotate so that the linear product may be unwound therefrom or wound thereon. The stand comprises a line guide having a guide head designed to guide the linear product during the winding or unwinding process. The guide head is carried on a guide arm which is configured to be mounted on the stand. Optionally, the line guide and stand are configured to provide a position on the stand where the line guide may be stowed when not in use. Preferably, the guide arm is flexible to permit the desired positioning of the guide head and, optionally, to facilitate stowage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Wayne A. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6394384
    Abstract: A multi-roll media supporting and supply system is provided for supporting and supplying a web of media from a roll of media to a media using machine. The multi-roll media supporting and supply system includes a support mechanism having a first side and a second side; a media supply assembly supported rotatably on the support mechanism, including a cylindrical member having a circular periphery, a shaft defining a first axis of rotation, and a plurality of elongate recesses for each supporting a roll of media. The multi-roll media supporting and supply system also includes a staging assembly associated with at least one of the first side and the second side of the support mechanism for assisting loading of a roll of media onto the media supply assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Alday, David A. Bartman
  • Patent number: 6393797
    Abstract: An insulated roof or wall structure is formed by creating a depth of drape to the approximate thickness of the R-value of a fiberglass insulation batt in a draped, untaut sheet of vapor barrier material which defines an insulation cavity in which the fiberglass is located thereby minimizing compression of the fiberglass and approximating in the structure its intended R-value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Guardian Fiberglass, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary E. Romes
  • Patent number: 6340132
    Abstract: In an electronic component feeding device which comprises a component carrier tape wound around a reel, on which electronic components are accommodated in cavities formed on a support tape whose surface is covered by a removable top tape, a reel guide is pivotally mounted, which has a U-shaped cross section that resembles a hook, an open end of the hooked part being formed at a fixed angle &thgr;, and which holds the reel when engaged with an outer peripheral edge of the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Okawa, Takao Kashiwazaki, Shuichi Kubota, Tadashi Endo, Masato Tanino, Akira Kabeshita
  • Publication number: 20020003186
    Abstract: A system and method for unwinding cable from a cable spool typically using an all-terrain vehicle. The cable spool is typically rotatably mounted on a conventional jackstand provided on a trailer, and the cable unwinding system includes a roller drum rotatably mounted on the conventional rear rack of the all-terrain vehicle. According to the method of the invention, the free end of the cable is initially extended from the cable spool and looped around the roller drum, and a tether provided on the trailer or jackstand is removably fastened to the free end portion of the cable on one side of the roller drum. As the all-terrain vehicle is driven away from the cable spool, the roller drum pulls the cable from the cable spool as the rotating cable spool dispenses the cable. After a selected length of cable has been removed from the cable spool, the all-terrain vehicle is stopped and re-positioned for pulling another segment of cable from the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: Cecil R. Hinds