Patents Represented by Attorney Jack L Oney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7524449
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an absorbent core assembly containing a batt of particulate material which may be used in an absorbent article. The apparatus may include a laydown drum having a plurality of vacuum zones, a plurality of fence zones, and a plurality of blow-off zones. The vacuum zones may be substantially permeable to permit air to pass through and into the laydown drum. The fence zones may be substantially impermeable to inhibit air from passing through. The blow-off zones may be substantially permeable to permit air to pass out of and through said laydown drum. The apparatus may also include a deposition chute for depositing particulate material on a web of material in close proximity to the laydown drum. A shield may also be attached to the deposition chute in order to prevent the particles from bouncing off of the laydown drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bradley Edward Walsh, Horst Blessing, Darrell Ian Brown, John Glasgow Burns, Jr., Joseph Allen Eckstein, Volker Maier
  • Patent number: 7368027
    Abstract: A method for making an edge fold on an absorbent article having longitudinal edges including the steps of activating a portion of an absorbent article along its longitudinal edges to create substantially uniform gathers, folding a portion of the absorbent article along its longitudinal edges, and bonding a portion of the absorbent article along its longitudinal edges. Said method may include the step of cutting a portion of the absorbent article before the step of folding. Said method may include the step of cutting a portion of the absorbent article after the step of bonding. Said step of activation may include the application of heat to the absorbent article to assist in the activating process, whether before or during activation. Said bonding may be performed by application of adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, compression bonding, thermal bonding, radio frequency bonding, infrared bonding and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Uwe Schneider, Christoph Schmitz, Adi Jackels
  • Patent number: 7262335
    Abstract: An easy-open, re-closable package for a plurality of disposable diapers includes a wrapping layer which substantially surrounds the plurality of disposable diapers and a re-closable fastening system. The re-closable fastening system may be joined with the wrapping layer. The re-closable fastening system may have a female fastening portion and a male fastening portion, wherein the female fastening portion and the male fastening portion being releasably engageable. In another exemplary embodiment, the male fastening portion is releasably engageable between the plurality of disposable diapers and the wrapping layer. The re-closable package may also include a removable portion. The removable portion being integrally formed within the re-closable fastening system. The removable portion may include a grip portion. The removable portion may be defined by a first perforation and a second perforation, wherein pulling upon the grip portion results in the tearing along of the perforations so as to open the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Andreas Peter Motsch, Martin Werner Frank
  • Patent number: 7217262
    Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a stretchable fastening member is disclosed. The absorbent article comprises a chassis and a stretchable fastening member. The chassis extends longitudinally and laterally and comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The stretchable fastening member comprises a fixed portion permanently joined to the chassis, a distal portion provided with a fastening material and a stretchable panel positioned between the fixed portion and the distal portion. The stretchable fastening member is joined to the chassis such that the distal portion is positioned laterally outwardly from the fixed portion in the flat-out configuration of the stretchable fastening member. The stretchable panel of the stretchable fastening member comprises a first stretchable zone and a second stretchable zone disposed in the lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Co.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakahata, Yasuhisa Minemoto
  • Patent number: 7169228
    Abstract: An applicator for application of a substance onto a material. The applicator has a housing, a valve and a nozzle. The applicator may also have a journal that is connected to the valve which together translate in a linear motion to provide shuttering functionality. The valve may be circular or non-circular in shape. The applicator may extrude hot-melt onto a continuous web or drum. In another embodiment, the applicator may have a housing and a valve. The applicator may also have a journal that is connected to the valve which translate together in a linear motion to profiled product application functionality and rotate together to provide shuttering functionality. The valve may be circular or non-circular in shape. The applicator may extrude hot-melt onto a continuous web or drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Uwe Schneider
  • Patent number: 6966474
    Abstract: A control arrangement decoupled two driven inputs for driven belt web accumulators using gear trains, gear trains with torque feed-forward control or gear trains with toque feed-forward control and velocity feedback control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Eric Christopher Berg, Stephen Douglas Congleton, Myron Lee Stuebe, Todd Michael Yeagle
  • Patent number: 6957160
    Abstract: A new machine control method and system for registering pre-produced webs into a converting line producing disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, pull-ups, feminine hygiene articles or a component thereof. The pre-produced webs can include a multiplicity of pre-produced objects spaced on the web at a pitch interval in the web direction. The pre-produced web being manipulated in order for the pre-produced object of the web to be registered in relation to a target position. The present invention includes five embodiments, where the first embodiment is expressed as a generic claim. The first embodiment includes a closed-loop feedback registration system; the second and third embodiments, in addition, include an open-loop feedforward control system; the fourth and fifth embodiments, in addition, include an automatic phasing system. In addition, the third embodiment uses a machine vision system to recognize any element of a complex pre-produced object (e.g., colorful graphics).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Charles Phillip Miller, Michael Sulya Kolodesh, Daniel Jon Amundson, Mark Edward Southman, Jon K. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 6955733
    Abstract: A new machine control method and system for registering pro-produced webs into a converting line producing disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, pants, feminine hygiene articles or a component thereof. The pre-produced web can include a multiplicity of pre-produced objects spaced on the web at a pitch interval in the web direction. The pre-produced web being manipulated in order for the pre-produced object of the web to be registered in relation to a target position constant. The present invention includes three embodiments, where the first embodiment is expressed as a generic claim. The first embodiment includes a closed-loop feedback registration system; the second and third embodiments, in addition, include an open-loop feedforward phasing system. In addition, the third embodiment uses a machine vision system to recognize any element of a complex pre-produced object (e.g., colorful graphics).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Charles Phillip Miller, Michael S. Kolodesh, Douglass Scott Henry, Michael Joseph Lamping, Jon Kevin McLaughlin, Terry Howard Thomas
  • Patent number: 6942086
    Abstract: A transfer apparatus is provided for transferring a workpiece from a moving anvil to a moving carrier. The apparatus comprises: a support structure comprising a support member rotatable about a first axis, and a workpiece gripping structure mounted to the support structure comprising at least one workpiece gripping member having a workpiece-receiving surface. The gripping member is rotatable about a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis such that the gripping member is capable of being rotated about the second axis during transfer of a workpiece from the moving anvil to the workpiece-receiving surface. The workpiece gripping member is also rotatable about a third axis substantially transverse to the first and second axes so as to be capable of rotating the workpiece from a first angular position at the anvil to a second angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Russell Pearce Bridges, John Frederick Droste, Nathan Alan Gill, Ron Herbert Helton, Maite Iraolagoitia, Charles Phillip Miller
  • Patent number: 6936039
    Abstract: A strong, easy to use tab and slot fastening device suitable for use with disposable absorbent articles. The fastening device preferably includes a tab member and a slot member. The slot member has an inboard portion, an outboard portion and a slot. The inboard portion located laterally inboard of the outboard portion and the slot located between the inboard portion and the outboard portion. The tab member has a length, a proximal edge, a distal edge and a lip portion. The tab portion is passed through the slot of the slot member to engage the fastening device. Once passed through the slot, at least the lip portion of the tab member pivots such that it overlaps the outboard portion of the slot member to prevent the tab member from disengaging from the slot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mark J. Kline, Tracey E. Beckman, Thomas Henrich, David J. K. Goulait, Miguel A. Robles, Constance L. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6915700
    Abstract: A simulation press is provided comprising a fixed main body; a carriage associated with the main body for movement relative to the main body; a first plate coupled to the fixed main body and being adapted to engage a workpiece; and a second plate coupled to the carriage for movement with the carriage. The second plate is also adapted to engage the workpiece. One or more motor apparatus are coupled to the fixed main body and the carriage for effecting movement of the carriage relative to the main body. A drive controller is coupled to the motor apparatus for controlling the operation of the motor apparatus in response to feedback from one or more feedback sensors so as to cause the second plate to move relative to the first plate such that the first and second plates engage at least one point site on the workpiece so as to simulate compression loading of a point site on a workpiece in a nip type process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Barry Jay Anderson, Michael Joseph Lamping, Eugene Paul Daut
  • Patent number: 6911023
    Abstract: An article to be worn about a wearer including an fastening system joined to the article including a receiving member having at least a first receiving fastening element and a second receiving fastening element. The first receiving fastening element is disposed on a flap having a proximal portion joined to the article and a distal portion extending from the proximal portion. The second receiving fastening element is disposed so as to be generally in face to face relationship with the first receiving fastening element when the receiving member is in a closed configuration. An engaging member includes at least a first engaging fastening element and a second engaging fastening element. The first engaging fastening element is engageable with at least the first receiving fastening element and the second engaging fastening element is engageable with at least the second receiving fastening element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Raymond Scott Hamilton, George Christopher Dobrin, Mark James Kline, George Bartol Glackin, III, Luke Robinson Magee
  • Patent number: 6893388
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for pre-fastening disposable absorbent articles having a slot-and-tab fastening system during manufacturing of the pre-fastened disposable articles, such as diapers, pull-on diapers, training pants, adults incontinence pads and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: George S. Reising, Michael D. Trennepohl, Darrell Ian Brown, John Carroll Molander, Jason Matthew Prosek
  • Patent number: 6889856
    Abstract: A shelf display apparatus for absorbent articles which are packaged in a flexible film. The apparatus has a substantially horizontal bottom wall and a support structure which together provide a storage region adapted to store substantially upright the absorbent articles. The support structure may include an upstanding side wall which may have ribs to improve package stability, windows to improve product visibility and/or magnets to improve apparatus stability. Another support structure may include a plurality of partitions and a plurality of recesses. The apparatus may also have an advertising panel adapted to display product information relating to the absorbent articles. The product information may refer to a particular product version of the absorbent articles which are stored in close proximity to a plurality of similarly stored absorbent articles. Absorbent articles may include disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, and pantiliners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Sean Thomas Clark, Chris Joseph Kazakeos, Carol Anne Leong-Son, Todd Hayley Parker
  • Patent number: 6855223
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an elasticized composite material including a multiplicity of elastic strips for use in garments, particularly in disposable absorbent articles is disclosed. The method includes the steps of folding the first substrate around the mandrel to form a tube while moving the tube longitudinally at a first velocity, and simultaneously winding at least one elastic strip around an outer surface of the tube at a second velocity to form a helical path. The elastic strip can be joined to the outer surface of the tube along the helical path to form a first composite tube. The method further includes the step of folding a second substrate around the first composite tube to cover the elastic strip and to form a second composite tube, which then can be slit longitudinally to form a planar composite material. Finally, the planar composite material can be activated to form the elasticized composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Larry Kenneth Johnson
  • Patent number: 6843134
    Abstract: A simulation press is provided comprising a fixed main body; a carriage associated with the main body for movement relative to the main body; a first plate coupled to the fixed main body and being adapted to engage a workpiece; and a second plate coupled to the carriage for movement with the carriage. The second plate is also adapted to engage the workpiece. One or more motor apparatus are coupled to the fixed main body and the carriage for effecting movement of the carriage relative to the main body. A drive controller is coupled to the motor apparatus for controlling the operation of the motor apparatus in response to feedback from one or more feedback sensors so as to cause the second plate to move relative to the first plate such that the first and second plates engage the workpiece and simulate a ring rolling operation on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Barry Jay Anderson, Michael Joseph Lamping, Eugene Paul Daut
  • Patent number: 6841019
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for splicing a strip of material packaged in stacks arranged parallel to each other. The method comprises a step of reversely rotating the bottom end portion around the transverse edge of the bottom end portion and/or reversely rotating the top end portion around the transverse edge of the bottom end portion until the longitudinal tangential vector of the bottom end portion forms an angle of 90 and 270 degrees with the longitudinal tangential vector of the top end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter + Gamble Company
    Inventor: Martin Scaife
  • Patent number: 6840930
    Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article having a longitudinal centerline and a lateral centerline, comprising; (a) a containment assembly having a rear waist region, a crotch region, a front waist region, a pair of longitudinal edges, a body facing surface and a garment facing surface opposite to the body facing surface, the containment assembly comprising a topsheet, a backsheet joined to the topsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a pair of barrier leg cuffs having a proximal edge and a distal edge and being positioned adjacent to the longitudinal edges of the containment assembly; (b) a pair of rear ear panels extending laterally outwardly from the proximal edges of the barrier leg cuff in the rear waist region; (c) a pair of front ear panels extending laterally outwardly from the proximal edges of the barrier leg cuff in the front waist region; and (d) a reinforcement nonwoven joined to at least one of either the rear ear panels or the front ear panels, the reinforceme
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kouichi Miyamoto, Yukio Heki, Masataka Sugita
  • Patent number: 6814318
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device being configured and disposed to electrostatically charge and dispense a product from a supply to a point of dispersal. This device has a reservoir configured to contain the supply of product and a nozzle to disperse the product. A channel is disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle, wherein the channel permits the electrostatic charging of the product upon the product moving within the channel. A positive displacement mechanism is used to move the product from the reservoir to the nozzle. A portion of the high voltage electrode being disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle is used to electrostatically charge the product within the channel at a charging location. A mixing mechanism may be disposed between the reservoir and the nozzle to reconstitute any product which may have separated. The high voltage contact may be spring biased in direction towards the high voltage electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David Edward Wilson, Bryan Michael Kadlubowski, Jeffrey Keith Leppla, Toru Sumiyoshi
  • Patent number: 6811019
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving a material web traveling at a first speed in a receiving zone, forming discrete parts from the material web, and applying the discrete parts onto a carrier traveling at a second speed through an application zone. The apparatus has a cutting device for severing the material web to form the discrete parts. At least two shells for receiving the discrete parts in the receiving zone and applying the discrete parts in the application zone are used. The shells may be coupled to programmable motors for moving said shell in an orbital path. A roll may be positioned interior to said shells. The cutting device may be used to sever the material web between said shells and against said roll. The roll may be a vacuum roll that provides vacuum in order to hold the discrete parts against said shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Rebecca Hansen Christian, Jeffrey Hale Blumenthal