Button Patents (Class 425/801)
  • Patent number: 6098249
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus for forming a fibrous pad for absorbent products with improved density control. Fibers entrained in a high speed air flow are deposited onto the foraminous surface of a spaced, three-dimensional pad-forming pocket. The fine foraminous pad forming screen is supported on its periphery by two top plates, a coarse forming screen, two subplates and end rails which incorporate a device to hold the pad forming screen.A gas flow regulating system consisting of precisely placed cross directional fixed and adjustable airflow control louvers controls the air flow direction and reduces spill over and turbulence during the pad formation and especially during the transition of the forming pocket into and out of the air stream as the rotary former shell rotates through the filling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventors: Jerry L. Toney, Nathan E. E. Toney, Gerald Najour, Gregory F. Ward
  • Patent number: 6063317
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for molding clusters of fibers, including at least some thermoplastic fibers, into products at a cost, quality, and performance level acceptable for commercial production. The clusters are dedensified 10 and then placed 12 into an empty mold 20. The mold 20 has apertures 28 to facilitate the transfer of thermal energy through the mold 20. A linear conveyor 32 is used to transport the mold through a plurality of process locations on a continuous or semi-continuous basis. Included is a heating location 48 wherein the mold 20 is heated 14, providing an influx of thermal energy sufficient to fuse the thermoplastic fibers to form a heated product. A cooling location 50 follows the heating location 48, wherein the mold 20 and the heated product contained therein are cooled 6 to produce a cooled product. The cooled product is then ejected 18 from the mold 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Oakwood Padded Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip Patrick Carroll, III
  • Patent number: 6033607
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a cushion member from a fiber mixture by a filling process comprising filling a fiber mixture composed of synthetic matrix fibers and binder fibers dispersed therein into a mold cavity of an air-permeable mold by a transportation air stream and a heat-treatment process comprising making a molding air stream for heating and/or cooling the fiber mixture filled in the mold cavity to pass through the fiber mixture, wherein a contact surface of the mold with the fiber mixture is divided into a plurality of contact sections, and a flow rate and/or pressure of an air stream passing through each of the contact sections are regulated to a predetermined condition so that the air stream in the mold cavity is differently controlled in the filling process and the heat-treatment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignees: Teijin Limited, Araco Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsunori Kataoka, Masanao Yamaguchi, Takayasu Mori
  • Patent number: 6024905
    Abstract: The present invention describes a device for the discontinuous manufacture of shaped composite articles and an appropriate process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: HP-Chemie Pelzer Research & Development LTD
    Inventor: Colm Doris
  • Patent number: 5948342
    Abstract: A rapid prototyping method utilizing a powder sintering process and an apparatus for fabricating a product, utilizing the method. The rapid prototyping method includes steps of slicing an image of a product to be fabricated into a number of layers, preparing a mold sheet for each of the slices of the product with a cavity adapted to the profile of the corresponding slice, laying the mold sheet in place on a one-on-the-other basis, feeding the cavity of the mold sheet with a powdery material, pressurizing the material, repeating the preceding steps for each slide to form a multilayer structure for a complete product, and sintering the multilayer structure to produce a finished product. The rapid prototyping method according to the invention provides major advantages over comparable known methods in terms of cost, processing time, and profiling accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignees: Hiromu Nakazawa, Mitsui Seiki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiromu Nakazawa, Mitsuo Ishikawa, Koichi Nishimura, Hiroyuki Tsuyuki
  • Patent number: 5935509
    Abstract: A process for forming a preform includes drawing a vacuum through a porous overform (16) from its outer surface toward its inner surface; providing retractable pins (32) that protrude through vertical extending sections (34) of the overform when in an extended position; depositing chopped fibers onto the outer surface of the overform such that the vertical extending sections of the overform have the fibers retained against sag by protruding sections (35) of the pins while said preform is formed; and retracting the pins from the vertical extending sections of the overflow in order to remove said preform from said overflow after cure. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for the use in manufacturing fibrous preforms that incorporates a porous overform (16) for receiving chopped fibers and binder material thereon and a plurality of pins (32) protruding through a vertically extending section (34) of the overform for engaging and supporting chopped fibers deposited onto the overform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Cambridge Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald M. Elliott
  • Patent number: 5866173
    Abstract: An absorbent core for use in an absorbent article for absorbing discharged bodily fluid includes a first absorbent material dispersed throughout the core, and a second absorbent material provided in a discrete strip, and substantially surrounded by the first absorbent material. An apparatus and method for producing such cores includes a mold support advanceable in a predetermined direction and having at least one mold therein, and a tubular conduit for the second material alignably positioned such that a portion of the conduit will pass through at least a portion of the mold as the mold support is advanced. The mold support may include a forming drum or a forming belt. The tubular conduit has a distal end through which the second absorbent material may be expelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Godfrey Reiter, John Billings Burchnall
  • Patent number: 5843365
    Abstract: A preform of complex three-dimensional shape is prepared by a directed fiber preforming process in which a flow of chopped fibers are drawn by vacuum against a foraminous screen having a shape corresponding to that of preform to be made. The screen has depressed regions that are susceptible to excessive build-up of the chopped fibers. To counteract the build-up in these areas, a baffling system is provided behind the screen having baffle plates which are extendable into and out of blocking engagement with the backside of the problem depressed regions to govern the vacuum draw and hence the deposit and build-up of fibers across the depressed regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Textron Automotive Company Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Pinson, Robert A. Hames, Josh Kelman
  • Patent number: 5766541
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for forming a preform from glass fiber strand material. The preform is formed by feeding continuous glass fiber strand material into a mold to form a continuous wool product in the mold; feeding a binder into the mold; compressing the mold to compact the wool product to a desired density; and heating the mold to cure the binder, such that a preform is formed having generally the shape of the compressed mold. The mold is then opened and the preform is removed from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: O-C Fiberglas Sweden AB
    Inventors: Goran K. Knutsson, Bengt G. Nilsson, Lennart Svensson
  • Patent number: 5762844
    Abstract: A distinctive method and apparatus (20) for forming a composite fibrous web (22) includes a web supply (24, 25), which provides at least two appointed fiber layer sections (26, 28) of desired fiber material. Each of the layer sections (26, 28) has a selected composition. A fiberizer (30) disintegrates each of the fiber layer sections (26, 28) into individual, laterally adjacent fiber streams (32, 33) while substantially maintaining a lateral separation of the fiber streams while the fiber streams (32, 33) are moving through the fiberizer (30). A directing channel (34) delivers the fiber streams (32, 33) from the fiberizer (30) to a forming chamber (40). The forming chamber (40) is configured to substantially maintain the separation of the fiber streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James George Van Himbergen, Thomas George Olsen, James Joseph Wiltzius, John Wallace de Vos, Leon Robert Flesburg, Ryan Joseph Roth, Brian Keith Costelic
  • Patent number: 5756039
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for forming a sanitary napkin having a multi-segment core. Such a core is formed using a mold having a deposition cavity which is divided into cavity segments by at least one partition. Each partition can comprise a passageway for interconnecting adjacent cavity segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ronald Ray McFall, David Christopher Oetjen
  • Patent number: 5688467
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in manufacturing a fibrous preform with a narrow channel flange includes a foraminous preform screen (12), a fiber nozzle (28) that blows a stream of chopped fibers onto the screen (12) and binder nozzles (32) that spray binder into the fiber stream. Air blown from air nozzles (30) helps guide the fibers and a ducted fan (26) helps draw and hold them onto the screen (12). The screen (12) is formed with a narrow channel flange (16) having a shape identical to the narrow channel flange of the fibrous preform to be manufactured. The screen's flange (16) has a channel floor (36) extending laterally outward from the screen's main body (14) and a channel outer wall (38) projecting perpendicularly away from the channel floor (36) toward the fiber nozzle (28). A hinge (40) connects the channel floor (36) to the channel outer wall (38). To allow the nozzles to deposit a more uniform layer (42) of fibers, the outer wall (38) is rotated outward to lie parallel with the channel floor (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventors: John Kelman, David R. Pinson
  • Patent number: 5665396
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional fabric of the type which may be used in absorbent garments, dressings or the like involves the use of an apertured collector element which has a predetermined three-dimensional shape. The method involves positioning material adjacent to one side of the apertured collector element and developing a pressure differential between the one side of the apertured collector element and a second, opposite side to force the fabric material against the apertured collector element. The material, which has conformed to the shape of the collector element, is then solidified into its intended three-dimensional shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: John Thomas Ulman
  • Patent number: 5620712
    Abstract: A topsheet for use in body fluid absorptive articles is so improved that collapse and clogging of liquid passages therein may be reliably avoided. The topsheet includes an upper sheet, provided with skin-contacting areas and liquid passages, and a lower sheet provided with skin-non-contacting areas, areas welded to the liquid passages, and exposed areas. The exposed areas are welded to each of the liquid passages around lower openings thereof so as to protect the liquid passage against collapse and clogging. The exposed areas define a skin-contacting surface which rises up into each of the liquid passages without extending above the upper surface of the skin-contacting areas. The upper sheet cooperates with the lower sheet to define cavities extending in the direction of the topsheet thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignees: Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, Ltd, Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunari Nishino, Shigeyuki Motomura, Shizuo Shimizu, Takamitsu Igaue, Tsutomu Kido, Hisashi Takai
  • Patent number: 5609816
    Abstract: In a process for preparing a molding from fibers and/or flakes and thermoplastic binder, the material is introduced into a mold, compacted, and bonded by thermal effect. To make it possible to introduce the material rapidly and such that a consistently equal density or a density changing in a defined pattern will be obtained, a filling contour calculated for the given molding is formed by a first mold disk set. After filling the filling contour, a first finished contour mold is positioned against it. A second mold disk set, whose disks are displaceable between the disks of the first mold disk set and form the second finished contour of the molding, is subsequently displaced in the first mold disk set against the first finished contour mold, while the material present in the filling contour is compacted. The material is subsequently fixed by thermal effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Schaeffler Teppichboden GmbH
    Inventors: Wulf Thoma, Ekkehard Labitzke
  • Patent number: 5603743
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing fibrous material includes establishing a flow of fibrous material, positioning at least two flow distributors in a position to direct a gaseous flow into contact with the flow of fibrous material, such as a flow of glass fibers, each flow distributor having an outer surface having one or more openings for the emission of gas, an inner surface having one or more orifices for the emission of gas, and a pressurized source of gas in contact with the inner surface, the inner surface being moveable with respect to the outer surface to intermittently align some of the openings with some of the orifices, thereby enabling gas from the pressurized source of gas to be emitted through the inner and outer surfaces and into contact with the flow of fibrous material to distribute the fibrous material, and moving one of the surfaces relative to the other of the surfaces to control the emission of gas from the flow distributor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Aschenbeck, William A. Watton, James G. Snyder
  • Patent number: 5587121
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the moulding of a part from a gas-pervious raw material compound in a gas-pervious mould (14). The mould is positioned in flow chamber (10) in such a way that the gas flowing through the flow chamber is also caused to flow through the mould. A gas-pervious filling material chamber (16, 18) filled with filling material (26) is positioned in front of and/or behind the mould, which filling chamber brings about a desired, for instance an equally large, pressure drop over the "package" (12) formed by the mould and the filling material chamber along the whole cross-sectional area of the flow chamber. The invention also relates to the product produced by the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Juha Vesa
  • Patent number: 5580505
    Abstract: Unusually strong and highly perforated plates are formed by pressurized filtration of a suspension of chopped ceramic fibers in an aqueous dispersion of colloidal alumina or colloidal silica through a mold having a perforated filter base and a pin support base having pins that extend through and beyond the perforations of the filter base. Pressurized filtration is preferably conducted by applying vacuum on the downstream side of the mold. When the layer of chopped fibers deposited on the perforated filter base has the desired thickness, filtration is stopped. The perforated filter base and pin support base are moved apart to retract the pins from contact with the perforated layer of chopped fibers which is transferred to a drier for conversion into a strong perforated plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Alzeta Corporation
    Inventor: Martin G. Carswell
  • Patent number: 5569425
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for quickly, and substantially uniformly, heating and cooling a bed of polymeric fibers having high melting point and low melting point fibers therein for softening the low melting point fibers and bonding them to the high melting point fibers to form a seat cushion. Hot and cool gases are flowed through the bed of fibers via a plurality of ventilator spikes extending into the fibers in the mold cavity to effect substantially uniform gas flow rates through the fibers for quick more uniform heating/cooling of the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Prem P. Gill, Paul W. Chrenka, David W. Whitehead
  • Patent number: 5536341
    Abstract: A soft panel has a layer formed from thermoplastic fiber clusters comprised of a very high percentage of crooked matrix fibers and a very low percentage of crooked binder fibers with a lower melt temperature and wherein the fibers have a plurality of bends that entangle the fibers together in the clusters. The fiber clusters are blown onto a first foraminous screen that defines a retainer side of the fiber layer and through which air is being drawn. A layer of thermoplastic powder is sprayed onto a thermoplastic veil draped over the fiber cluster layer while the latter remains on the first screen and air is drawn through this screen and the veil to retain the powder layer in place. A hot shell skin tool is then applied to the powder to form a flexible skin fused to the fiber cluster layer. The fiber cluster layer with the flexible skin joined thereto is then adhered on its retainer side to a preformed rigid retainer to complete the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Josh Kelman
  • Patent number: 5496570
    Abstract: A spreader for glue-coated particles for the production of particleboard in a steel belt continuous press has a clump breaker with at least two disintegrating rollers which are provided with peripheral rows of equispaced teeth equispaced axially along each roller. The rows of teeth of the two rollers interdigitate to form a gap of meandering shape of a gap width determining the disintegrating resolution of the clump breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Siempelkamp GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Dieter Mauss, Ju/ rgen Pesch, Friedhelm Schlu/ pen
  • Patent number: 5494622
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for forming a composite web having selected discrete pocket regions which are distributed on a carrier layer and contain high-absorbency material. The invention includes a pattern chamber having opposed side walls, an entrance end wall and an exit end wall. A particulate supplying mechanism provides particles of high-absorbency material into the pattern chamber, and a web supplying mechanism provides a gas permeable carrier layer. A foraminous forming mechanism moves the carrier layer through the pattern chamber, and the forming mechanism includes a pattern of openings which are formed therethrough and are arranged to provide for a selected pattern of the discrete pocket regions. A vacuum supplying mechanism provides a selected level of relatively low gas pressure at an underside region of the forming mechanism to produce a selected gas-flow through the carrier layer and the foraminous forming mechanism to form the pocket regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Mark G. Heath, John T. Hahn, Lorry F. Sallee, Joseph A. Mlinar, Thomas M. Killian, Thomas G. Olsen
  • Patent number: 5447677
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for making absorbent products in which a first material, such as absorbent fluff formed from wood pulp, is introduced into a vacuum forming chamber. A portion of the fluff is deposited into the cavity of a mold transported through the forming chamber by a forming wheel so as to form a layer of pure fluff within the bottom of the mold cavity. A second material, such as superabsorbent particles or heat stabilized fibers, is introduced into the forming chamber so that streams of the first and second materials collide within a mixing zone. As the mold continues it travel through the forming chamber, a mixture of first and second materials from the mixing zone is deposited within the mold cavity, thereby filling it. The portion of the mixture that extends above the surface of the mold is scraped off by a scarfing brush that directs the mixture back into the mixing zone, thereby creating turbulence that ensures thorough mixing of the two materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Griffoul, Martin Wislinski
  • Patent number: 5424026
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for compressively molding cushioning material using a quadrangular cylindrical molding box having an end side closed by a receiver mold, whereas the other end of said molding box receives supply of dry raw material consisting of fiberized paper or pulp by a volume corresponding to several times the actual volume of a molded body. A compressive mold inserted from the other end of the molding box is shifted to one-end side of the molding box to compress supplied raw material between a receiver mold. Simultaneously, a core member is retreated to a predetermined position of said one-end side in association with the shifting movement of the compressive mold. As a result, the core portion having thin thickness and the interior of the core member can securely be compressed and molded with even density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignees: Settsu Corporation, Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Masatoshi Tohbo, Shigeru Miyawaki, Koichi Yoshida, Seiichi Yonekawa, Kiyohisa Ueda, Katsuhiro Yamaji, Eiji Koyanagi, Masahiro Takeda, Hidetoshi Hirata
  • Patent number: 5382403
    Abstract: In the production of growth blocks of sphagnum there are considerable operational problems with the required compacting of the loose sphagnum, as both compaction worms and pistons may easily get stuck. Instead, the invention provides for the use of a suction technique, whereby the loose sphagnum (2) is sucked into a perforated pipe (34) in a suction chamber (28), whereby a marked compaction of the material is achievable without any use of mechanical devices. The compacted block material may be surrounded by a decomposable paper casing, which is laid in successively as a lining hose of air permeable paper. The compacted material can be delivered as a compact string (46) by successive projection movements of the suction chamber (28) for being cut into blocks (56), and the suction chamber can temporarily opened for free return movements into its initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: Oyvind Ellegaard
  • Patent number: 5378296
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the production of formed parts for use as pads in seats, for instance. The object is to provide a new apparatus with a different operating principle by means of which formed parts in which the density of the padding is uniform can be produced. The apparatus according to the invention comprises devices known per se for opening padding raw material into a desired looseness and for transporting it into a weighing device and for transferring the weighed batch of padding material into a filling chamber by means of a suction created by a vacuum pressure acting on the filling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Juha Vesa
  • Patent number: 5376327
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of forming a preform (12) of structural fibers (14) includes a hermetically sealed housing (18) for controlling air pressures and flow therein. A perforated screen (28) is located within the housing (18) separating same into a high pressure chamber (34) and a low pressure chamber (36). Pressurized air is supplied to the high pressure chamber (34) to agitate and randomize fibers (14), and a vacuum (26) is provided in the low pressure chamber (36) to draw and compact the fibers against the screen (28). The pressure differential between the chambers (34, 36) provides significant compaction of the fibers against the screen. A binder (16) is applied to the fibers (14) to maintain the shape of the preform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Automotive Polymer-Based Composites Joint Venture and Development Partnership
    Inventors: Claude A. Di Natale, John A. McGeehan
  • Patent number: 5346664
    Abstract: Apparatus for forming a continuous ribbon of connected dish-shaped sequins including a punch-and-die system for receiving a continuous ribbon of moldable material, a power source coupled to the continuous ribbon of moldable material to move the ribbon through the punch-and-die system incrementally to discrete spaced positions; and forming a score line at a first discrete position of the ribbon, punching a hole at a second discrete position of the ribbon, shaping the sequin at third and fourth discrete positions of the ribbon, forming the dish-shaped face at a fifth discrete position of the ribbon and accomplishing the formation of the score line, the hole, the outer shape of the sequin and the dish-shaped face on each sequin simultaneously by the punch-and-die system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Harry Lenson
  • Patent number: 5302100
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the insert for the drum of a device for producing shaped pads from fibrous material. These inserts are attached to a disk of the drum and are designed in accordance with the shape and size of the pads to be produced. To simplify the retrofittability of the device or the drum for the production of pads of another size or shape and the number of drum inserts which must be kept in stock, it is provided that the drum insert consists of a base body, which, in turn, consists of a supporting sheet having several openings and several laminar sheets disposed in the direction of rotation of the drum and at right angles thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Winkler & Dunnebier
    Inventors: Stephan Scheu, Armin Geisen
  • Patent number: 5245728
    Abstract: Absorbent flakes or particles are transported from a source to a pad form device by an air flow passing the flakes or particles through a conduit between the source and the pad forming device. In order to supply a homogenous flake flow to the pad forming device, baffle devices or at least one baffle device is arranged in the conduit. The baffle device or baffle devices are equipped with baffling rods arranged in a certain position within the baffling device housing so that the flake air mixture must flow through the spaces between neighboring baffling rods to assure a dissolution of any flake accumulations or clumps. Preferably, a cross-section flow area reducer is arranged upstream of each baffling device to increase the flow speed or velocity of the flow entering the respective baffling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Winkler & Duennebier Maschinenfabrik und Eisengiesserei KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Rupp, Armin Geisen
  • Patent number: 5229052
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying fibers to a foraminous mold or surface using strands of binder and glass fibers is disclosed. A strand of binder fiber is chopped and entrained into a chute. The chute has a longitudinal airstream directed therethrough toward the foraminous surface. The binder fiber is separated into filaments by the airstream. The glass fiber strand is chopped and entrained into the chute downstream of the filaments. The chopped glass and the binder filaments mix within the chute and are then directed by the airstream onto the foraminous mold or surface. The mixture may be fanned out from the chute to provide more even coverage of large sized molds or surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Wellman Machinery of Michigan, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Billiu
  • Patent number: 5226991
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus is used for forming airlaid articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins and the like. The apparatus includes an anvil drum with die cavities formed therein. The die cavities have foraminous bottom walls for drawing a stream of air-entrained fibrous fluff therethrough. A first material layer is laid on the anvil drum for covering some of the die cavities and is then deformed into the cavities. After a belt with opening corresponding to the die cavities has been laid on the first layer for protecting the sealing areas from fluff, an air stream with fibrous fluff is drawn through the first layer and through the foraminous bottom walls, thus pulling the first layer into the die cavities and causing the fluff to be deposited in the cavities. A second material layer is placed on the deposited fluff and glued or crimped to the first layer. A die-cutting roller then cuts the airlaid articles into the desired shape before the articles are removed from the anvil drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignees: Mike Svaighert, International Design & Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Mike Svaighert
  • Patent number: 5217672
    Abstract: A preform (11) is formed from sprayed binder and chopped fibers from respective nozzles (21) and (18) onto a foraminous screen (14). A plurality of nozzles (33) are circumferentially spaced about nozzles (21) and (18) and provide heated air to cure the binder. The nozzles (18),(21), and (33) are affixed to each other and are mounted onto a gantry (32) for relative motion with respect to the screen (14). The heated air cures the preform (11) simultaneously with it formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Josh Kelman, Robert Hames
  • Patent number: 5202133
    Abstract: A spreading unit which may be used for the spreading of particles for the production of thin pressed board or as a cover layer or face layer for a multilayer pressed board in conjunction with other spreading units along a belt upon which a mat of the mixture of particles and glue is to be formed. The spreading unit has a bunker and a discharge system for discharging a raw material stream in free-fall which is intercepted by an air classifier spreading the particles onto the belt in parabolic paths. In a region directly below the raw-material discharge and over a portion of the parabolic paths, a ball-collecting unit, for example a disk grate, is provided to intercept the balls while allowing the particles to pass without altering their classification. Fine particles of the parabolic paths beyond the ball catcher pass directly onto the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: G. Siempelkamp GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Jurgen Pesch, Friedrich Bottger
  • Patent number: 5198236
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for dry forming adhesive coated wood fibers in an airstream in a particular mold apparatus. The invention permits the manufacture of a mat of differing cross-sectional shapes but of uniform density. The invention includes the advantageous steps of final curing of the mat off of the main molding apparatus, thus achieving efficiencies in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Dennis E. Gunderson, Roland L. Gleisner
  • Patent number: 5188785
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a synthetic board from cellulosic or lignocellulosic fibers is disclosed wherein a standard isocyanate binder is emulsified and immediately applied to the fibers before consolidation into a finished board product. The apparatus includes an emulsification and application nozzle comprising a diluent inlet, a binder inlet, a mixing section for emulsifying the diluent and the binder, and a spray nozzle for applying the binder/diluent emulsion to the fibers. The method includes supplying a binder stream, supplying a diluent stream, emulsifying the binder with the diluent and immediately applying the emulsion to the fibers. The method further includes flushing the binder/diluent emulsion using the diluent at the end of a binder application run to prevent curing of the emulsion and clogging of the apparatus. The binder/diluent emulsion can be applied to the fibers either in the blowline or downstream of the blowline, such as in the blender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Medite Corporation
    Inventors: Ted J. Bauer, David M. Harmon, Gordon Treliving, deceased, Rory G. Kirwan
  • Patent number: 5145351
    Abstract: In an apparatus for the shaping and compacting of absorbent pads for absorbing body fluid, which are intended for articles of hygiene and which consist of a plurality of part layers and, if appropriate, are treated with a superabsorbent agent, to form at least one absorbent-pad layer. A rotary band has arranged on it over the entire length of the rotary band, at distances from one another, trough-shaped insertion molds into which shaping insets can be inserted. Along the rotary band production devices are arranged, in twos respectively along the linear outward path and return path, and in the opposite direction to the rotary band there is a driving band which can be pressed against this, and furthermore there is arranged a thermal compacting device which has calender and/or embossing rollers following in the conveying direction and which consists of a heating cylinder with a pressure band arranged on it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Progesan SRL
    Inventor: Guido Rossi
  • Patent number: 5094601
    Abstract: An apparatus for molding a plastic cap onto a pre-formed metallic shank includes a shank insertion device for inserting the shank onto a carrier member such that a head of the shank is elevated above the carrier member. A molding device, having an open mold cavity engages the carrier member such that the carrier member acts as a portion of the mold. A contour forming device can be used to form raised contours in said carrier member prior to the insertion of said shanks at said shank insertion device. A feeder mechanism is provided for drawing the carrier member through the contour forming device, the shank insertion device, and the molding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Tim H. Sparrow, Richard L. Harlow, Don Wilder, Kevin Jackson
  • Patent number: 5093059
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the transport of a homogeneous mixture of chopped fibers, wherein the fibers remain in a homogeneously mixed condition during their transport from a chopper gun to a workpiece, by use of two transvector apparatus placed in series with a conduit attached therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignees: Shell Oil Company, ABB Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nazim S. Nathoo, Hans O. Hjertson
  • Patent number: 5064484
    Abstract: A method of forming and bonding fluff pads for diapers and the like wherein both the steps of forming and bonding are performed on the same vacuum drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Paper Converting Machine Company
    Inventors: Grantland A. Craig, Gary E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5057166
    Abstract: Discontinuous fibers are entrained in a gaseous medium and coated while entrained with a substantially continuous coating of a binder material. Plural coatings of various binder materials may be applied to the entrained fibers. Also, one or more solid particulate materials may be adhered to the fibers by the binder material as the binder material dries. The binder material may be heat bondable and mixed with other fibers for use in producing a wide variety of products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Corporation
    Inventors: Richard H. Young, Sr., Amar N. Neogi, Christel Brunnenkant, James F. L. Lincoln, Michael R. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5034181
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing fiber preforms includes a relatively small motor which is able to power a large fan because the fan is kept in a partial vacuum condition. A duct connects a fan housing to a vacuum box which has an air flow opening therein of relatively narrow width. A shuttle member is horizontally translatable above the vacuum box on a support bed and the shuttle member is divided into air flow channels by baffle plates. Only a small number of air flow channels can pass above the air flow opening at a single time and this serves to keep low pressure in the vacuum box. In addition, a vortex gate is provided in the duct between the fan housing and the vacuum box and serves to restrict air flow through the duct when the pressure within the duct drops below a certain level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Process First, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Billiu
  • Patent number: 5028374
    Abstract: A binder, a water-repelling agent, and a mold release agent are added to wooden fibers obtained by splitting wood chips. This mixture is collected into a body having a particular shape without being formed into a mat. The collected body is compression molded under heat to make a molded wooden product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiichi Imao, Sadao Kieda, Yoshio Taguchi, Hideaki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 4995141
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating product changeover in the manufacture of fluff pads for disposable diapers which employs a side shifting drum equipped with removable pad forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Paper Converting Machine Company
    Inventor: Steven G. Gould
  • Patent number: 4976905
    Abstract: A composite lumber product of consolidated comminuted wood and thermosetting resin made by a method which comprises densifying the material into a product-shaped heated metal mold by applying the compressing thrust in a direction parallel to the width dimension of the lumber-like article produced, rather than in the direction parallel the thickness dimension as in conventional hot platen pressing. Densifying in this manner produces much superior orientation of the wood grain along the long axis of the composite lumber product. The timed period elapsed during the densification to dimension now can be, and must be, quite short--of the order of twenty seconds or preferably less--allowing maximum heat transfer into the densified material from the hot metal broad-face (W.times.L) surface to thus minimize the presstime required. Apparatus for carrying out the method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Inventor: Gordon E. Brown
  • Patent number: 4908175
    Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of forming, from a single column of fibers, an airlaid fibrous web having a multiplicity of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: John J. Angstadt
  • Patent number: 4904440
    Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of forming airlaid fibrous webs having a multiplicity of layers and/or discrete particles of absorbent gelling material dispersed through at least a portion of the web. The apparatus is of the type which includes a laydown drum having a foraminous forming element, a primary vacuum chamber, and a dusting layer vacuum chamber; a primary hood; and a dusting layer hood. The dusting layer of fibers formed on the laydown drum acts to block the passage of particles or fibers entrained in a first fiber stream which is airlaid over the dusting layer so as to minimize equipment plugging problems and the loss of particles or fibers through the foraminous forming element. The primary vacuum chamber of the laydown drum preferably spans the primary hood and a portion of the dusting layer hood so that the dusting layer is not sheared off, damaged, or destroyed as the laydown drum rotates to the position where the first fiber stream is deposited over the dusting layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: John J. Angstadt
  • Patent number: 4892470
    Abstract: An apparatus permitting formation of a flanged product with the wider flanged portion in engagement with a foraminous transporting device. The apparatus uses a mold-like former having a narrower or smaller portion separated from the foraminous surface by a wider flange forming portion. The flange forming portion is adjacent to the foraminous surface and is separated from the foraminous surface after pad formation leaving the formed pad behind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson
    Inventors: Allan P. Farrington, Gerald M. Marshall
  • Patent number: 4765780
    Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of providing a multiplicity of streams of air-entrained fibers. The apparatus is of the type which includes a splitting member having multiple ports disposed in and along the surface of the splitting member; a first conduit duct in communication with a first port for directing a column of air past a first port to cause a portion of the column of fibers to split off and be drawn into the first conduit duct; and a second conduit duct in communication with a second port for directing a column of air past a second port to cause a second portion of the column of fibers to split off and be drawn into the second conduit duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: John J. Angstadt
  • Patent number: 4761258
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus for forming a fibrous web, and includes a fibrous supply mechanism for providing fibers of web material. The fibers are deposited onto a foraminous web forming layer which may optionally have a pocket recess formed therein. A foraminous spacing mechanism supports the web forming layer while allowing a substantially unrestricted gas flow from a region immediately adjacent to and downstream from the web forming layer. A gas flow regulating layer has a selected pattern of apertures therethrough, and is fixedly positioned in adjacent facing relation with the foraminous spacing means. The regulating layer provides a selected pattern of gas flow through the web forming layer. The regulating layer, the foraminous spacing mechanism and the gas flow regulating layer are constructed to form an installable and replaceable assembly, and a flow forcing mechanism provides a flow of gas through the web forming layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Enloe