Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for scarfing a fibrous web (22) can include a scarfing housing (24) which has been provided with a web entrance portion (26), a web exit portion (28), a discharge conduit (30), and an air flow inlet (32, 54). A rotatable scarfing roll (34) can be located in the scarfing housing (24), and in a particular feature, the discharge conduit (30) can be configured with a distinctive conduit angle (36).

Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for ultrasonic bonding or other processing can include a rotatable ultrasonic horn member (28) having a first axial side (30) and a second axial side (32). The first axial side (30) of the horn member (28) can be operatively joined to a first rotatable axle member (34), and the first axle member (34) can be operatively joined to a first isolation member (42). The second axial side (32) of the horn member (28) can be operatively joined to a second rotatable axle member (36), and the second axle member (36) can be operatively joined to a second isolation member (44). The isolation members (42, 44) are capable of bending under a horn-life range of sonic frequencies to provide an operative component of motion along a radial direction (102) of each isolation member (42, 44), and an operative component of motion along an axial direction (100) of each isolation member.

Abstract: An ultrasonic processing method and apparatus (20) can include a rotatable, ultrasonic horn member (28) that is operatively joined to an isolation member (42) which has high rigidity. A rotatable anvil member (86) can be cooperatively positioned to provide a selected horn-anvil gap (106), and an automated drive (130) can be connected to an actuator (110), or other transfer device, to automatically adjust the horn-anvil gap (106). An electronic processor (128) can be configured to monitor an intermittent gap force detected from an output provided by a force sensor (126), and can provide a drive signal to the automated drive (130) to thereby adjust the horn-anvil gap (106) to operatively maintain a target, gap force value.

Abstract: A ultrasonic processing method and apparatus (20), can include a rotatable, ultrasonic horn member (28) operatively joined to a first isolation member (42) and a second isolation member (44). In a particular aspect, the first and second isolation members (42, 44) can exhibit high rigidity. A rotatable anvil member (86) can be cooperatively positioned to provide a selected horn-anvil gap (106), and the anvil member (86) can be located in a horizontally offset and vertically overlapping arrangement relative to the horn member (28). An actuator (110) or other transfer device can selectively adjust the horn-anvil gap (106). Additionally, an ultrasonic exciter (82) can connect to the horn member (28), and can provide an operative amount of ultrasonic energy to the horn member (28).

Abstract: An apparatus and process for directing particulate material (22) into a moving gas stream includes a delivering of the particulate material (22) from a particulate reservoir (24) along a delivery direction (118) into a housing (30) having a housing axis (32). A housing gas flow is introduced into the housing (30) through at least one entry gas port (40) that has been provided in the housing (30). The housing gas flow is arranged to combine with the particulate material (22) that is delivered from the particulate reservoir (24). A swirling motion is imparted to the housing gas flow, and the swirling motion has at least a rotational component (110) of movement which is directed substantially circumferentially about the housing axis (32).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying elastic material in a curvilinear pattern on a continuously moving substrate. The method moves a substrate along a substrate path, supplies the elastic material to an oscillation unit first roll mounted for pivoting and rolling engagement with a transfer roll, the pivoting being about a pivot axis parallel to the substrate path, oscillates the oscillation unit first roll such that the first roll pivot axis oscillates in a plane generally traverse to the substrate path, applies the elastic material from the first roll to the transfer roll in the desired curvilinear path configuration, then applies the elastic material from the transfer roll to the substrate and bonds the elastic material to the substrate. Optionally the first roll may apply the elastic material directly to the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for applying elastic material in a curvilinear pattern on a continuously moving substrate. The method moves a substrate along a substrate path, supplies the elastic material to an oscillation unit first roll mounted for pivoting and rolling engagement with a transfer roll, oscillates the oscillation unit in a path generally transverse to the substrate path, applies the elastic material from the first roll to the transfer roll in the desired curvilinear path configuration, then applies the elastic material from the transfer roll to the substrate and bonds the elastic material to the substrate. Optionally the first roll may apply the elastic material directly to the substrate.

Abstract: Controlling processes comprising detecting and measuring a parameter, for example presence and location of an element of a good, with at least two determinations as representations of the target parameter, transmitting signals to the computer, and processing the signals to compare the parameter to acceptable conditions. The detection can include three or more replications, optionally each for at least two parameters, optionally using at least two different methods to analyze the signals. The invention contemplates detecting and analyzing the target parameters using two or more analytical tools within the respective image to detect a given component of the product, namely two or more measurements of the parameter on a single visual image.

Abstract: Methods of controlling processes having operating conditions, one or more inputs, and one or more outputs. The methods comprise defining acceptable steady state conditions, operating the process, and sampling output on the basis of a dual segment output population model, detecting destabilizing process events which result in output not representing acceptable output parameters, defining operating conditions according to which output is rejected, and defining output parameters according to which output is rejected. Upon detecting a destabilizing process event, the invention temporarily implements sampling assuming a second segment of the output population.

Abstract: Methods of controlling manufacturing processes manufacturing, for example, absorbent articles. A target parameter to be measured is established, as are acceptable conditions of the target parameter. The target parameter is detected with first and second replications of determinations of the condition of the goods using multiple independent determinors, for example multiple sensors, or multiple replications using a common determinator, for example software instructions for analyzing a full digital vision image. Multiple determinations are taken at sites which are selected for their prospects for indicating acceptable conditions of the parameter. The method includes developing a measurement strategy, programming a computer to use appropriate analysis tools to evaluate the determination signals, transmitting the signals to the computer, and processing the signals according to an appropriate method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a consolidated article composed of a transition metal alloy. The method includes the step of selecting a rapidly solidified alloy which is at least about 50% glassy. The alloy is formed into a plurality of alloy bodies, and these alloy bodies are compacted at a pressing temperature of not more than about 0.6 Ts (solidus temperature in .degree.C.) to consolidate and bond the alloy bodies together into a glassy metal compact having a density of at least about 90% T.D. (theoretical density). The compacted glassy alloy bodies are then heat treated at a temperature generally ranging from about 0.55-0.85 Ts, but, in any case, above the alloy crystallization temperature, for a time sufficient to produce a fine grain crystalline alloy structure in the compacted article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for consolidating rapidly solidified, transition metal alloys which includes the step of compacting a plurality of alloy bodies at a temperature ranging from about 0.90-0.99 Tm (melting temperature in .degree.C.) for a time period ranging from about 1 min to 24 hours. The alloy bodies contain at least two transition metal elements and consist essentially of the formula (Fe,Co and/or Ni).sub.bal (W, Mo, Nb and/or Ta).sub.a (Al and/or Ti).sub.b (Cr).sub.c (B and/or C).sub.d (Si and/or P).sub.e, wherein "a" ranges from about 0-40 at. %, "b" ranges from about 0-40 at. %, "c" ranges from about 0-40 at. %, "d" ranges from about 5-25 at. %, and "e" ranges from about 0-15 at. %. The alloy bodies also have a substantially homogeneous and optically featureless structure.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for heating a vessel having a vessel bottom and at least one vessel side wall. The invention includes a furnace housing which is adapted to contain the vessel and which has a housing bottom and at least one housing side wall. A heater mechanism, located at the housing bottom and at the housing side wall, heats the vessel and is adapted to contact selected portions of the vessel bottom and vessel side wall. Thermal insulation is disposed about the housing for reducing heat loss therefrom, and an extendable temperature sensor is adapted to contact the vessel and monitor the temperature thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a chilled casting wheel. An annular wheel core member has axially extending channels formed about a circumferential, outer peripheral surface thereof and is adapted to rotate about a concentric axis of rotation. A cylindrical, axially extending wheel rim member concentrically connected to the core peripheral surface has a preselected interference fit therewith to provide a preselected residual, circumferential stress within the rim. A coolant mechanism directs a fluid coolant to the interior surface of the rim and through the channels.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for spirally winding a magnetic core from at least one filament of magnetic material. Two congruent mandrel plates are mated together in facing relation to delimit a mandrel having an outer peripheral edge portion. An annular channel is formed in the edge portion to delimit at least one channel region having a preselected characteristic width dimension, and a plurality of graduated templates are optionally disposed about the mandrel edge portion to delimit at least one template region having a preselected characteristic width dimension. Filamentary magnetic material is then wound about the mandrel to fill the channel regions and any template regions, thereby producing the core.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for selectively connecting a gas supply to a vessel employed to contain molten metal. Generally stated, the apparatus includes a sealer plate connected to an external portion of the vessel to receive the gas and direct it into a fluid conduit that is in fluid communication with a selected interior portion of the vessel. A seal holder disposed in approximate alignment with the sealer plate receives the gas from the gas supply and directs it toward the sealer plate. A spacing mechanism interposed between the seal holder and the sealer plate maintains a selected spaced distance therebetween and delimits the side walls of a substantially sealed gas conduit chamber when the sealer plate and the seal holder simultaneously contact opposite end portions of the side walls defined by the spacing means. The conduit chamber is thereby configured to conduct the gas directed from the seal holder toward and into the sealer plate.