Patents Examined by James D Sells
  • Patent number: 11426946
    Abstract: An ultrasonic welding system. The system includes an ultrasonic transducer assembly having a horn and a first transducer and a second transducer arranged to impart ultrasonic energy into the horn. The horn has a first part-interfacing surface and a second part-interfacing surface opposite the first part-interfacing surface. An actuator assembly is operatively coupled to the ultrasonic transducer assembly and configured to cause rotation of the horn. A controller is configured to: cause the actuator assembly to rotate the horn so that the first part-interfacing surface applies the ultrasonic energy to a first part along an entire length of the first part-interface surface while a first ultrasonic energy is applied through the horn via the first transducer to cause the first part-interfacing surface to vibrate back and forth along its entire length as the first ultrasonic energy is applied by the first transducer to the horn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Dukane IAS, LLC
    Inventors: Leo Klinstein, Petr Vasko, Robert Edward Aldaz, Joseph Re, Andrew Germaine
  • Patent number: 11426918
    Abstract: The invention concerns a machine for manufacturing plastic items comprising, in series, along the manufacturing line: a rotatable roll (1) of plastic material in the form of at least one strip; a shaper (4) for forming tubes from said strips and means (5) for longitudinally welding said tubes; means (6) for cutting the tubes transversely, arranged so as to form tube sections (10); means for transferring and depositing said sections in holding and moving means; an oven (8) in which said tube sections move; a first turret (9) supporting moulds; means for processing the tube sections in the first turret; means for blowing a pressurised fluid into the moulds; a second turret (14) for discharging the bottles from said moulds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventor: Stylianos Eleftheriou
  • Patent number: 11415255
    Abstract: This document describes aseptic fluid coupling devices for fluid systems and methods of manufacturing such aseptic fluid coupling devices. For example, this document describes aseptic fluid coupling devices that include removable membrane strips that protect the interior of the aseptic fluid coupling devices from contamination prior to use. Methods for attaching removable membranes to the aseptic fluid coupling devices are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventor: Thomas Michael Stierns
  • Patent number: 11413830
    Abstract: A vibration measurement device measures vibration of at least one of the first sealing member and the second sealing member. A determination device determines quality of the sealing process according to a measurement result of the vibration measurement device from before the first sealing member and the second sealing member reach the closed position to after the first sealing member and the second sealing member reach the closed position. The sealing drive unit causes relative movement between the first sealing member and the second sealing member from an open position at a moving speed determined according to a type of the bag, to place the first sealing member and the second sealing member in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: PACRAFT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Matsumura, Shinichiro Hyodo, Kyoji Nagasaki
  • Patent number: 11407181
    Abstract: An ultrasonic welding method for joining a first thermoplastic part and a second thermoplastic part without causing visible read-through on an exposed surface of the second part. The method includes arranging the first part on an inner surface of the second part. The inner surface is opposite the exposed surface. The first part has an interface portion contacting the inner surface. The method includes causing a horn of an ultrasonic welding stack to be pressed against the first part by applying ultrasonic energy oscillating at a frequency in a range of 45-70 kHz through the horn, to thereby join the first part and the second part together. The horn has at least one protruding distal portion configured to penetrate through the first part as the ultrasonic energy is imparted through the horn. The distal portion has a length longer than a thickness of the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Dukane IAS, LLC
    Inventors: Petr Vasko, Jiri Vizek, Arno{hacek over (s)}t Benda, Leo Klinstein
  • Patent number: 11382798
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to assembling elastic laminates that may be used to make absorbent article components. Methods herein may include an anvil adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation, wherein first and second spreader mechanisms adjacent the anvil roll are axially and angularly displaced from each other with respect to the axis of rotation. During the assembly process, a substrate may be advanced in a machine direction onto the rotating anvil. The first spreader mechanism stretches a first elastic material in the cross direction, and the second spreader mechanism stretches a second elastic material in the cross direction. The stretched first and second elastic materials advance from the spreader mechanisms and onto the substrate on the anvil roll. The combined and elastic materials may then be ultrasonically bonded together on the anvil to form at least one elastic laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Todd Douglas Lenser, Urmish Popatlal Dalal
  • Patent number: 11376630
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an ultrasonic vibration unit having a converter (1) for converting an electric ac voltage into a mechanical ultrasonic vibration and a sonotrode which is vibrationally coupled to the converter (1), wherein the sonotrode and the converter (1) are matched to each other in such a way that the ultrasonic vibration unit can vibrate with a natural frequency f, in which a standing longitudinal wave having at least one vibration node and at least two vibration antinodes is formed within the ultrasonic vibration unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: HERRMANN ULTRASCHALLTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Gabriel Ertz, Jens Twiefel, Jorg Wallaschek, Ulrich Vogler
  • Patent number: 11358823
    Abstract: An adhesive dispenser is disclosed. The adhesive dispenser includes a cartridge, a dispensing roll, a plunger assembly, and a handle. The cartridge defines a cavity. The dispensing roll is positioned within the cavity and adapted to dispense an adhesive tape. The plunger assembly is positioned within the cavity and is adapted to move relative to the cartridge. The handle is adapted to receive the cartridge therein and is adapted to move the plunger assembly relative to the cartridge such that the plunger assembly applies a section of the adhesive tape to a surface adjoining a bottom portion of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Victory Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Tyson, Scott Rendel, David Kittle
  • Patent number: 11351737
    Abstract: An energy apparatus can be configured for providing energy to an item being transferred over a rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can include a first energy mechanism configured to be fixedly coupled to the rotatable drum and rotate with the rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can also include a second energy mechanism configured to rotate around a circumference of the rotatable drum. The energy apparatus can additionally include a translation system coupled to the second energy mechanism and configured to move the second energy mechanism to an end position that allows the second energy mechanism and the first energy mechanism to provide energy to the item while there is no relative motion between the first energy mechanism and the second energy mechanism. Methods of providing energy to an item utilizing an energy apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Lohoff, Craig R. Roble, Greg Rajala, Katherine M. Nackers, Kelly D. Farmer, Jason K. Sieck, Joseph D. Coenen, Jerry L. Hameister
  • Patent number: 11345096
    Abstract: A method of anchoring a connector in a heterogeneous first object that includes a first building layer and, distally of the first building layer, an interlining layer. The method includes providing the first object and the connector, which includes thermoplastic material in a solid state; contacting the connector with the first building layer; applying a first mechanical pressing force to the connector until the first building layer is pierced by the connector and a distal portion of the connector reaches into the interlining layer; applying a second mechanical pressing force and mechanical vibration to the connector until a flow portion of the thermoplastic material is flowable and penetrates structures of the first object, and a distally facing abutment face of the head portion abuts against the metal profile in a region next to the opening; and letting the thermoplastic material resolidify to yield a positive-fit connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: MULTIMATERIAL-WELDING AG
    Inventors: Jörg Mayer, Joakim Kvist, Mario Lehmann, Patricia Poschner
  • Patent number: 11342301
    Abstract: A bonding tool for bonding a semiconductor element to a substrate on a bonding machine is provided. The bonding tool includes a body portion including a contact region for contacting the semiconductor element during a bonding process on the bonding machine. The bonding tool also includes a standoff extending from the body portion, and configured to contact the substrate during at least a portion of the bonding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Kulicke and Soffa Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ai Jun Song, Jeremy Neyhart, Thomas Colosimo, Benjamin D. Trabin, Matthew B. Wasserman
  • Patent number: 11338527
    Abstract: A stitchless highly oriented polypropylene fabric bulk bag of the type that can hold 500 to 5000 pounds (226.7 to 2268 kilograms) of bulk material includes a highly oriented polypropylene fabric top, body and bottom, with a heat fused joint providing an air tight connection between the top and body, and another air tight heat fused joint connecting the body and bottom. A fill spout and discharge tube may also be provided with an air tight heat fused joint connecting the fill spout to the top and another air tight heat fused joint connecting the discharge spout to the bottom. Heat sealing machinery include heat seal bar assemblies that can self-align during heat-sealing to apply even pressure to all areas being heat sealed. A heating element is of single piece construction and can include end coupler portions as part of the single piece construction. Carrier plates used in a heat-sealing assembly line guide parts placement, provide quality checks for parts placement, and tooling set-up for machinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: AMERIGLOBE, LLC
    Inventor: Clifford Dunlap
  • Patent number: 11331223
    Abstract: The methods herein relate to assembling an elastic laminate with a first elastic material and a second elastic material bonded between first and second substrates. During assembly, an elastic laminate may be formed by positioning the first and second substrates in contact with stretched central regions of the first and second elastic materials. The elastic laminates may include two or more bonding regions that may be defined by the various layers or components of the elastic laminate that are laminated or stacked relative to each other. In some configurations, a first plurality of ultrasonic bonds are applied to the elastic laminate to define a first bond density in the first bonding region, and a second plurality of ultrasonic bonds are applied to the elastic laminate to define a second bond density in the second bonding region, wherein the second bond density is not equal to the first bond density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Todd Douglas Lenser, Urmish Popatlal Dalal, Uwe Schneider, Todd Joseph Statt, Joerg Mueller, Melanie Acevedo
  • Patent number: 11325320
    Abstract: A system and method for welding thermoplastic components by positioning and moving a heated plate between the components to melt their respective faying surfaces, and as the plate moves, pressing the components together so that the melted faying surfaces bond together as they cool and re-solidify, thereby creating a composite structure. The plate has a heated portion which is positioned between and heated to melt a portion of the first and second faying surfaces. A manipulator mechanism moves the plate along an interface from between the portion to between a series of subsequent portions of the first and second faying surfaces, thereby welding the thermoplastic components along the entire interface to create the composite structure. The heated portion may contact the faying surfaces and melt them through conduction, or may be suspended between them and melt them through radiation and convection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Anthony Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 11325319
    Abstract: A sonotrode includes multiple layers of a material melted to one another to form a structure. The structure provides a base that has an attachment feature that is configured to operatively secure to an ultrasonic converter. The structure includes a shaft that extends from the base to a terminal end that provides a working surface that is configured to selectively engage a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: DB SONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn Beach, Theodore Robert Brown, David Diegel
  • Patent number: 11312085
    Abstract: Embodiments herein include a system for joining components. The system can include a rotating base platform, a plurality of receptacles mounted to the base platform, and a rotating sonotrode platform. A plurality of sonotrodes are mounted to the sonotrode platform. Each sonotrode can correspond to a receptacle. Each sonotrode can move in a reciprocating motion between a release position distant from a corresponding receptacle and a compressing position proximal to the corresponding receptacle. The compressing position occurs at a first angular position of the sonotrode platform. Each sonotrode is energized at the compressing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Campbell Soup Company
    Inventor: Mark Robert Watts
  • Patent number: 11305507
    Abstract: A protective packaging formation device is disclosed herein. The device includes an inflation assembly that directs fluid between first and second overlapping plies of a web material. The device also includes a sealing mechanism that includes an arcuate web-support surface. The web-support surface includes a heater that defines a heating zone that is operable to heat the plies to create a longitudinal heat seal that seals the first and second plies together as the web is driven over the heating zone in a downstream direction. The web-support surface also includes a cooling zone disposed downstream of the heating zone operable to allow the heated plies to cool at the longitudinal heat seal as the web is driven over the heating zone in a downstream direction, such that the cooled longitudinal heat seal retains the fluid between the plies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging LLC
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wetsch, Stephen J. Milchuck
  • Patent number: 11305313
    Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting ultrasound comprises a curved oscillating body having a coupling surface for coupling a converter, wherein the oscillating body is curved and has a recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventors: Lea Rohrbach, Joachim Engenhart
  • Patent number: 11298886
    Abstract: A process for joining two sheeting articles reinforced with unidirectionally aligned endless-fibres by ultrasonic welding, wherein the fibres are embedded in a matrix of polycarbonate and the sheeting articles have abutting ends that are substantially rectangular and substantially even. The process comprises (1) arranging the sheeting articles next to one another end-to-end in the region of the abutting ends in a welding apparatus between a sonotrode and an anvil, (2) welding the sheeting articles by means of ultrasound, wherein the sonotrode and the anvil exert pressure on the to-be-welded sheeting articles in the melting region between the sheeting articles and perpendicularly to the abutting ends of the sheeting articles, and (3) removing the sheeting articles that are welded to one another from the welding apparatus. Also provided is a second process for joining two sheeting articles, a sheeting article, an apparatus, and a multilayer composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Covestro Deutschland AG
    Inventors: Matthias Knaupp, Thomas Grimm, Henning Börger
  • Patent number: 11285676
    Abstract: A control method of an ultrasonic welding system comprises: detecting operation of the ultrasonic welding system immediately while the ultrasonic welding system is in a working state; acquiring a current working frequency of an ultrasonic generator in the ultrasonic welding system while the ultrasonic welding system is detected to complete a preset first operation every time; determining a current frequency searching range of the ultrasonic generator according to the current working frequency of the ultrasonic generator; controlling the ultrasonic generator to search for an anti-resonance point in the current frequency searching range; and adjusting the working frequency of the ultrasonic generator to be an anti-resonance point while the anti-resonance point is searched in the current frequency searching range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignees: CONPROFE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., SMARTGUY INTELLIGENT EQUIPMENT CO., LTD., SMARTGUY INTELLIGENT EQUIPMENT CO., LTD. GUANGZHOU BRANCH
    Inventors: Bingjiang Yan, Chengyong Wang, Weiqiu Li, Jifeng He, Jianjian He, Jinbo Lu