Patents Examined by George Koch
  • Method and system for curing pipe liners using microwave energy
    Patent number: 8328969
    Abstract: A method for curing a resin contained in a liner of an underground pipe or passageway by use of a mobile magnetron module. The module navigates the length of the passageway of pipe via air pressure which also keeps the liner inflated. A winch attached to the module regulates the rate at which the module traverses the passageway or pipe. As the module makes its way through the passageway or pipe, the magnetron emits microwaves which cures the resin. Additionally, a thermal imaging camera can be utilized in the module or trailing the module to monitor the status of the curing of the resin in its entirety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen V. Gearhart
  • Method and system for curing pipe liners using microwave energy
    Patent number: 8327899
    Abstract: A method for curing a resin contained in a liner of an underground pipe or passageway by use of a mobile magnetron module. The module navigates the length of the passageway of pipe via air pressure which also keeps the liner inflated. A winch attached to the module regulates the rate at which the module traverses the passageway or pipe. As the module makes its way through the passageway or pipe, the magnetron emits microwaves which cures the resin. Additionally, a thermal imaging camera can be utilized in the module or trailing the module to monitor the status of the curing of the resin in its entirety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen V. Gearhart
  • Method for automatic setting of the rider roll/glue applicator roll gap on a glue machine
    Patent number: 8317955
    Abstract: A method for automatically setting the rider roll/glue applicator roll gap for the single face web on a glue machine senses a forward drag that the single face web, operating at corrugator speed, exerts on the glue applicator roll, driven at an underspeed, after bringing the flute tips of the single face web into contact with the glue applicator roll by adjusting the position of the rider roll. Changes in forward drag exerted on the glue applicator roll are monitored and related directly to glue applicator roll drive current to provide a slight compression of the single face web between the rider roll and the glue applicator roll. Preferably, the glue applicator roll uses a regenerative drive and the target drive current command in a feedback control system to cause the gap to be adjusted to achieve the desired slight compression of the web flutes and to maintain the glue applicator roll under speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Marquip, LLC
    Inventors: Charles M. Hirtreiter, John R. Sofinowski, James A. Cummings
  • Labeling and preparation device for test tubes
    Patent number: 8276632
    Abstract: A labeling and preparation device for test tubes. At least one storage section places at least one pallet having a set of test tubes at a preset position. At least one transfer section is disposed above the storage section, and clamps or releases one of the test tubes. A labeling section is disposed below the transfer section, receives the test tubes transferred from the transfer section, and attaches a label having information related to a sample on a circumference of each test tube. An ejection section is disposed below the labeling section, and ejects the test tubes to an outside. A controller controls drivers of the transfer section, the labeling section and the ejection section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignees: Energium Co., Ltd., Ginus Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Lim Kim, Jung-Hun Kang, Jin-Sam Ju, Kang-Hee Lee, Chang-Soon Park
  • Head unit arrangement method, liquid droplet ejection apparatus, method of manufacturing electro-optic device, and electro-optic device
    Patent number: 8273418
    Abstract: Provided herein is a head unit arrangement method for arranging a plurality of head units in a liquid droplet ejection device that plots an image in a matrix form with functional liquid droplets in a number n of colors by performing the number n of primary scans and a number (n?1) of secondary scans. The head unit arrangement method includes evaluating liquid droplet ejection performance of each of the head units based on an inspection result of a volume of liquid droplet ejection from each of the functional liquid droplet ejection heads to arrange two of the head units that exhibit the lowest liquid droplet ejection performance at both ends in the Y-axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Katagami, Hirofumi Kobayashi, Sadaharu Komori
  • Method and apparatus for the circumferential labeling of a run of blow molded containers or bottles where the individual containers or bottles in the run have at least one varying dimension due to manufacturing tolerances, the method and apparatus providing more consistent labeling of individual containers or bottles in the run of containers or bottles
    Patent number: 8268103
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the circumferential labeling containers where the individual containers may have at least one varying dimension, due to manufacturing tolerances. The method and apparatus may provide more consistent labeling of individual containers in the run of containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Till
  • Postage label dispensing system having a peeler plow for dispensing application ready and/or lined postage labels
    Patent number: 8251115
    Abstract: A postage label dispensing system for dispensing adhesive-backed labels includes a conveyance system for displacing a supply of label material along a feed path wherein the label material includes a face material having an adhesive backing and a liner material detachably bonded to the adhesive backing. The adhesive backing defines a pair of longitudinal adhesive strips and a non-adhesive region disposed therebetween. The liner material has a longitudinal cut disposed adjacent to, and aligned with, the non-adhesive region to define a pair of liner strips. A peeler plow is disposed downstream of a bending means which induces a bend in the label material along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal cut, i.e., in an area corresponding to the non-adhesive region, which bend produces an opening between the face material and the liner strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Kolp, David W. Beckstrom
  • Speed control method and speed control apparatus for transfer device
    Patent number: 8246769
    Abstract: An object is to simplify a drive control structure of a transfer device that is designed to stop running of a film when hologram forming or surface treatment is not performed, during which the film is not required to run, and restart the film running from the running stopped state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ryobi Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiko Nakamura, Toshio Yamashita
  • Vibration welding system
    Patent number: 8245748
    Abstract: A vibration welding system has a pair of electromagnets coupled to a first workpiece support for effecting reciprocating movement of the first workpiece support relative to a second workpiece support, and an electrical drive system coupled to the electromagnets for successively energizing and de-energizing the electromagnets out of phase with each other to effect the reciprocating movement of the first workpiece support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Dukane Corporation
    Inventors: Leo Klinstein, Eugene Palatnik
  • Deposition apparatus and method for manufacturing film by using deposition apparatus
    Patent number: 8241699
    Abstract: A vapor deposition device 100 for moving a sheet-like substrate 4 in a roll-to-roll system in a chamber 2 to continuously form a vapor deposition film on the substrate 4. The vapor deposition device 100 comprises an evaporation source 9 for evaporating a vapor-depositing material; a transportation section including first and second rolls 3 and 8 for holding the substrate 4 in the state of being wound therearound and a guide section for guiding the substrate 4; and a shielding section, located in a vapor deposition possible zone, for forming a shielded zone which is not reachable by the vapor-depositing material from the evaporation source 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Sadayuki Okazaki, Kazuyoshi Honda, Tomofumi Yanagi, Shoichi Imashiku
  • Device for rotating container plates in a labeling apparatus
    Patent number: 8230893
    Abstract: The invention is generally applicable to labeling apparatus, and relates to a device (10) for rotating Container plates in a labeling apparatus; such device (10) being engaged by at least two wheels (1) with a cam (5) for guiding and rotating it, so that the plate connected therewith is also rotated; each wheel (1) consisting of at least one rigid element (2) and at least one elastic disk (3) coupled thereto, having a greater outside diameter, so that the cam (5) is first contacted by said elastic disk (3). As the load between the elastic disk (3) and the cam (5) is increased, and such disk (3) is elastically deformed, the cam (5) is contacted by the rigid element (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sidel S.p.A.
    Inventors: Vanni Zacche′, Daniele Marastoni
  • Steam corrugator system
    Patent number: 8215358
    Abstract: A system is configured to process steam. The system includes a steam supply line, a corrugator system, a heat sink, and one or more return lines. The corrugator system includes two corrugating rolls. The corrugating rolls each have a plurality of bores formed therethrough. The bores extend substantially longitudinally through the corrugating rolls. The heat sink is configured to draw steam through the corrugator system. The one or more return lines are in fluid communication with one or both of the corrugator system or the heat sink. The one or more return lines are configured to receive condensate communicated from one or both of the corrugator system or the heat sink. A steam trap assembly may also be positioned between the heat sink and a return line. The steam trap assembly may include a steam trap and a bypass line that is operable to selectively bypass the steam trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Donahue & Associates International, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Donahue, Robin A. Sommers, D. Shawn Pearson
  • Method of manufacturing optical display unit and manufacturing system of optical display unit
    Patent number: 8211253
    Abstract: Provided are a method of manufacturing an optical display unit and a manufacturing system of the optical display unit wherein in the case of sticking an optical film to an optical display substrate, a defective optical film is eliminated optimally and precision of the elimination can be confirmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Tomokazu Yura, Kazuo Kitada, Satoru Koshio, Takuya Nakazono
  • Method and device for producing film composites
    Patent number: 8206524
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing film composites. In a first method step, a first individual film is picked up by at least one first gripping device and the gripping device is moved together with the film in a first movement direction. In a further method step, the position of the film in the first movement direction is determined, and the film is fixed at a predefined position in the first movement direction. In a further method step, the position of the first film in a second movement direction is determined, said second movement direction being substantially perpendicular to the first movement direction, and the first film is moved in a second movement direction. According to the invention, the film is gripped by a second gripping device for transport in the second movement direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Muehlbauer AG
    Inventor: Lutz Heubach
  • Process for reducing wrinkles in composite laminated structures
    Patent number: 8206526
    Abstract: A wrinkle control process for manufacturing a closed cross-sectional, composite laminate structure on a male tool cured under temperature and pressure. The process includes the step of creating a plurality of filled or unfilled depressions at strategic locations in the laminate prior to curing. The depressions are created by depression forming elements that have a predetermined size designed to create a depression in under plies, alone or combined with intensification techniques. The depressions may be left unfilled or be partially or completely filled. Depression forming elements are removed after cure or remain part of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventors: Claude Baril, Kevin P. Steck, Scott Saunders, Michael Davison, Maurice Guitton, Mike Myra, Troy Brake
  • Method for cold film transfer with dynamic film tensioning
    Patent number: 8206527
    Abstract: A cold film transfer method with dynamic film tensioning guides a film web intermittently through a transfer nip with dancers to use less film web. The intermittent drive and action of a transfer cylinder channel result in undesired fluctuations in film tension or web force, which directly affect dancer motors. A control system is used to avoid high loads on the motors and the web. A control circuit acts on the dancer movement, a first process variable is mapped in the control circuit and the first process variable is a function of a force acting on the dancers as a result of the transfer film or is a function of the actual current movement profile of the dancers. A measure for web tension is calculated as a function of the first process variable and/or the amplitude of the web tension is at least limited by the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Detlef Strunk
  • Thermal and vacuum assessment method
    Patent number: 8197623
    Abstract: A thermal and vacuum assessment method includes providing a composite part having a repair area, installing a vacuum bag over the repair area, drawing a vacuum on the vacuum bag, testing for air leaks in the vacuum bag, heating the vacuum bag and obtaining a thermal image of the repair area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Everett A. Westerman
  • Thermally-controlled friction bonding of workpiece layers
    Patent number: 8196630
    Abstract: A system for controlling the strength of seals imparted to workpiece layers by a sealing roll and an anvil roll, the sealing roll and the anvil roll arranged on opposing sides of a conveyed web of workpiece layers, heating elements provided on at least one of the rolls, temperature sensors provided on the at least one of the rolls, and a controller in communication with the sensors and in operable communication with the heating elements. The sealing roll includes a textured sealing surface, the textured sealing surface being divided into a plurality of regions, the texture of a first of the regions being different from a texture of a second of the regions. By controlling the temperature of the respective regions, detrimental effects of anvil wear on the strength of the seal imparted to the workpiece layers may be offset, increasing the service life of rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: James William Busch, Michael John Mers-Kelly
  • Rotary wax transfer decorating system
    Patent number: 8187399
    Abstract: A label applicator system transfers labels from a web to items moving on a rotary item transport. The applicator system includes a supply for supplying the web with the labels thereon and a take-up for taking up the web after transfer of the label from the web to the item. The supply and take-up are vertically oriented. The applicator includes a movable label applicator head. A rotary table moves the items along a path defined by rotation of the table and rotates the items relative to an axis of the items. The label applicator head is movable toward and away from the item and the item is rotated to apply the label to the item as it moves passed the applicator head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Krzysztof P. Biernat, David B. Vaughn
  • Method for discharging liquid material, method for manufacturing color filter, and method for manufacturing organic EL element
    Patent number: 8173223
    Abstract: A method for discharging a liquid material includes performing a scan by moving a discharge target having a film formation area and a plurality of nozzles forming a nozzle row, and discharging a liquid material containing a functional material from the nozzles onto the film formation area by selectively applying one of drive waveforms generated using time division to an energy generation element in synchronization with the scan. The method includes applying a first drive waveform to a first nozzle and a second drive waveform having a different discharge timing to a second nozzle with the second nozzle being adjacent to the first nozzle, and setting the combination of the first and second drive waveforms so that the number of the energy generation elements to which the first drive waveform is applied is the same as the number of the energy generation elements to which the second waveform is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichi Miyasaka