Patents Examined by John M. Jillions
  • Patent number: 6186437
    Abstract: A method and device for applying a load to a reel in a reel-up of a paper web in which a reel spool and the reel wound around it from the paper web are is loaded against a reeling cylinder with a predetermined loading force supported by a supporting point. The supporting point of the loading force is located in a construction movable at least in the machine direction along with the reel spool. The construction is positioned with respect to a fixed supporting point in accordance with the growth of the reel by a transfer device located between the construction and the supporting point and operating by mechanical power transmission, and/or a carriage at least partly bearing the weight of the reel is used as the construction. The supporting point of the reel is transferred at least in the machine direction by the carriage. The loading force is produced by a force device acting between the supporting point in the moving construction and the reel spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Pekka Ruha, Jouni Rantanen, Sakari Suoniemi
  • Patent number: 6182960
    Abstract: The apparatus for processing flexible, sheet-like products (14) has a feed conveyor (12) which is intended for feeding the products (14) to an intermediate conveyor (18). The latter has pivotably controlled grippers (22) arranged one behind the other and moved along a continuous circulatory path (26) in the direction of circulation (U). The intermediate conveyor (18) is intended for altering the position of the fed products (14), while the sequence of the products remains unaltered, such that the previously mutually facing sides of adjacent products (14) are reversed, and then for transferring the products to a removal conveyor (38). For this purpose, each gripper (22) is controlled such that the product (14) retained by it is drawn around the following gripper (22) as seen in the direction of circulation (U), from one side of the gripper to the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventors: Alex Keller, Roberto Fenile
  • Patent number: 6179280
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically closing and/or opening of the envelope closing flap for any sized envelope when stacked together. This device makes use of a vacuum transfer device using suction cups along with a drive roller and camming device for selectively gripping and moving individual envelopes through the system. The envelopes, if open, will be stacked upright in a feed tray and, if closed, will be stacked inverted in the feed tray and will be passed to two main drive rollers as a burst of air is emitted from a wedge to change the orientation of the closing flap from a first position to a second position. This can be used for opening or closing of such flaps. The device also includes a housing with multiple rollers powered therein along with a connecting rod assembly and cam member for selectively supplying vacuum to the pivotally movable suction powered vacuum transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventors: Andrew F. Coppolo, Ross F. Morrone
  • Patent number: 6179241
    Abstract: The invention provides a new latch mechanism which is controlled by a camshaft which is mounted axially in the bedroll and by a servo motor which rotates the camshaft. The servo motor normally rotates the camshaft in the same direction and at the same speed as the bedroll. When the web is to be severed, the speed of the servo motor is either increased or decreased to rotate the camshaft relative to the bedroll. The rotation of the camshaft allows push rods in the bedroll to move radially inwardly to release the severing and transferring mechanism. Cam followers for the severing and transferring mechanism engage a stationary cam and control the movement of the mechanism. After the web is severed and transferred, the camshaft is rotated to force the push rods radially outwardly to relatch the severing and transferring mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Paper Converting Machine Co.
    Inventors: James D. Ba Dour, Jr., Joseph A. Blume
  • Patent number: 6179245
    Abstract: A flange design for spools and reels may be provided from molded materials such as plastics. Improved strength, stiffness, fracture resistance, energy absorption, and toughness may be provided by appropriate design of corrugations extending substantially radially from a hub or core portion toward a rim portion. Spools and reels may be produced from Styrene plastics, olefinics such as polyethylene and polyprophelene, and may have tubes formed from the same or different materials. Flanges may be designed to crush near a rim or to be stiff near a rim. Likewise, portions of a flange may be designed to buckle, fracture, or otherwise fail sufficiently to absorb energy, while protecting a spool from excessive fracture or distortion. Likewise, portions of the flange may be designed to fail while others nearby do not, in order to protect against catastrophic failure (e.g. extensive separation).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: C. Robert Ripplinger
  • Patent number: 6179237
    Abstract: An apparatus for coiling a continuously arriving wire has a main support rotatable about an axis and having mounting formations and a head carried on the support and having mounting formations engaging the support mounting formations. A guide tube is fixed on the head and has an intake end aligned with the axis and closely juxtaposed with the main support and an outlet end axially spaced from the intake end and opening tangentially offset from the axis. A releasable fastener engaged between the support and the head presses the head mounting formations against the support mounting formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: SMS Schloemann-Siemag AG
    Inventors: Siegfried David, Karl Keller
  • Patent number: 6179281
    Abstract: In order to control the ejection of sheets from input compartments in a paper output device belonging to a printing or photocopying system, verification occurs as to whether a previously processed sheet has been removed as soon as it has been established that at least one input compartment is almost empty. Ejection of the sheet immediately following according to the order of processing occurs thereafter. These steps are repeated until the input compartment is empty. The printing operation is then stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Oc{acute over (e)} Printing Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Pilsl, Bernward Heller, Gerhard Oberhoffner
  • Patent number: 6179239
    Abstract: Driving device for rotating a cable drum (3) in a cable winding machine comprising gripping pins (2) arranged in a support frame (1) for rotatably supporting the cable drum and a driving device (4) provided with a motor, and a driving wheel (6) coupled to the motor for engagement with one flange (3a) of the drum. For drawing the end of the cable to a point (14) in the drum by means of a wire (13), a wire drum (8) rotated by the motor of the driving wheel is fastened to the driving wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Nextrom Holding S.A.
    Inventor: Gustaf Linderoth
  • Patent number: 6176411
    Abstract: A paper transfer apparatus is provided which is incorporated in an electrophotographic printer having a photosensitive drum for printing on elongated paper. The paper transfer apparatus serves to transfer the elongated paper along a transfer path extending via the photosensitive drum. The paper transfer apparatus includes a discharge or scuff roller for pulling the elongated paper in a transferring direction. The discharge roller is spaced downstream from the photosensitive drum. The paper transfer apparatus also includes a pair of tractors for advancing the elongated paper along the transfer path. The tractors are spaced upstream from the photosensitive drum. Each of the tractors is provided with a presser member supported by a tractor lid of the tractor. The presser member serves to apply friction to the elongated paper when the tractor lid is in closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Seiji Suketomo
  • Patent number: 6176448
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a lock cup mounted for pivotal or rotational movement in relation to a bush mechanism over a predetermined arc of a circle. The arc subtends an active working section of less than 360°. A wedge extends into the gap between the lock cup and the bush mechanism to reduce the gap when the retractor is at rest. Preferably a wedge extends from both the lock cup and the bush mechanism. Such an arrangement reduces the slack between the lock cup and bush mechanism without jamming the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic Jallot
  • Patent number: 6170727
    Abstract: A web and an associated web feeding and handling apparatus for performing a work operation on the web is disclosed. The apparatus feeds the web in a feed direction longitudinally of itself by means of a friction drive. The operation of the drive is controlled by lateral and longitudinal alignment indicia located on the web which insure that the web is properly aligned with the feed direction as the web is initially fed into and then through the apparatus, and to insure that any bowing of the web during the work operation is corrected or compensated for.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Gerber Scientific Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Hevenor, Thomas A. Gordon
  • Patent number: 6168108
    Abstract: A web tension control and apparatus uses a lightweight dancer and a control system that detects web tension using the dancer position as well as downstream sensors to maintain a relatively constant web tension. The control system also adjusts the braking force to an unwind roll based on the diameter of the roll, allowing for greater web tension control. A two-phase braking system prevents the unwind roll from spilling excess paper into the production line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert E. Morley
  • Patent number: 6168107
    Abstract: A restraining assembly for use in conjunction with a linear transducer. The restraining assembly comprises a plurality of spaced apart magnets positioned on a stationary frame, where the magnets provide a reverse torque and restrict excessive rotational speed on a spool when a copper disc or equivalent magnetic flux medium is rotated at a close proximity to the face of the magnets. When a cable is suddenly released and allowed to freely return on the rotating spool, the restraining assembly restrains the high rotational speed at which the cable can accelerate when returning or retracting to the spool, such that the restraining assembly prevents the cable from self-destruction and/or damage to the linear transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Celesco Transducer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Bishop, Jack H. Malek, Glen M. Ennis
  • Patent number: 6164587
    Abstract: A drive device for rotating a hollow element (31) comprises at least three pads (32) movable between a first position where the hollow element (31) can be threaded onto the device (30) and a second position where each pad (32) is moved radially in relation to an axis of rotation of the device (30). The device (30) further comprises a mechanism (33) for actuating the pads (32) in such a way that when a hollow element (31) is on the device (30), each pad (32) is at an approximately equal distance from the axis of rotation of the device (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Andre R. Martin, Louis G. Duthy
  • Patent number: 6161829
    Abstract: A paper feed apparatus which is capable of avoiding an erroneous transfer of recording sheets includes a plurality of selectable paper handling mechanisms and a controller. The paper handling mechanisms include a base plate storing recording sheets, an elevator moving the base plate, a first detector detecting whether an uppermost-positioned paper sheet of the recording sheets is positioned at a predetermined paper feed position, a feed roller rotating in a paper feed direction, a separation roller in contact with the feed roller with a reverse driving force, a pick-up roller transferring an uppermost-positioned sheet to a nip portion between the feed and separation rollers, a pushing member pushing the separation roller to contact the feed roller, and a release member releasing the separation roller from contact with the feed roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Kusumi
  • Patent number: 6161787
    Abstract: A method and a device for placing wire windings onto a conveyor belt, particularly onto a Stelmor conveyor belt, wherein the wire windings are placed on the conveyor belt in an actual position relative to the belt middle. The wire windings are placed on the conveyor belt in a position-controlled manner relative to the belt middle. The device for carrying out the method includes a sensor for determining the actual position of the wire windings on the conveyor belt and a control unit, - wherein an actual position and a nominal position are supplied to the control unit and the control unit determines from the difference between the actual position and the nominal position a control signal for the control element and supplies this signal to the control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: SMS Schloemann Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Uwe Plociennik, Otmar Palzer
  • Patent number: 6158685
    Abstract: A blocking mechanism for a seat belt retractor has a belt reel (10) rotatably mounted in a frame (12), a ratchet toothing (16) arranged on the frame, a ratchet pawl (24) arranged on the belt reel (10) for cooperation with the ratchet toothing (16) and an inertial disc (20) used as a belt webbing-sensitive sensor element. The inertial disc (20) is rotatable relative to the belt reel (10). The ratchet pawl (24) is pivotally mounted on the inertial disc (20). The belt reel (10) has an actuating element (26a) engaging the ratchet pawl (24). In operation, the actuating element (26a) causes the ratchet pawl (24) to engage with the ratchet toothing (16) when the belt reel (10) is rotated relative to the inertial disc (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Kielwein, Jurgen Rink, Johannes Schmid
  • Patent number: 6158687
    Abstract: The winding apparatus (1) for a paper, textile, plastic or other material web (2) comprises a reel drive apparatus (5) for driving a reel (3), in order to convey the web (2) in a feed direction (Z) and to wind it onto the reel (3), and a web tension roll (12), which is arranged upstream of the reel (3) in the feed direction (Z), in order to produce a tension which acts on the web (2) counter to the feed direction (Z), the web tension roll (12) being coupled to a drive apparatus (15), the drive apparatus (15) comprising a clutch (20) and a drive (17), the clutch (20) being operatively arranged between the drive (17) and the web tension roll (12), and the clutch (20) permitting slip between the drive (17) and the web tension roll (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Hunkeler AG
    Inventor: Josef Widmer
  • Patent number: 6152391
    Abstract: A plurality of protrusions are formed on an inner peripheral portion of a bearing main body that supports a large diameter shaft portion of a take-up shaft. These protrusions are in line contact with an outer peripheral portion of the large diameter shaft portion, which allows the bearing main body to support the large diameter shaft portion indirectly via the protrusions. As the protrusions are in line contact with the large diameter shaft portion, the contact area is very small and the frictional resistance between the protrusions and the large diameter shaft portion causes the protrusions to undergo plastic deformation easily. Thus, the resistance that hinders the rotation of the large diameter shaft portion is decreased and a share that is served for the rotation of the take-up shaft by the pressure of gas is increased, thereby providing a webbing retractor that can serve efficiently for taking up a webbing belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Tomonori Nagata, Seiji Hori
  • Patent number: 6152395
    Abstract: The spool assembly for storing and handling a wire or cable, especially a pintle, has a spool that is annular in shape and devised to define a radially outwardly opened rim of U-shaped cross-section in which the wire can be wound. At least one of the side walls of this rim has an outer edge with teeth formed in it. The spool is freely mounted and retained in a spool-receiving member having a surrounding wall with an outlet through which the wire may exit. A brake is provided to prevent the spool from rotating when such is not required. The brake comprises a tiltable arm extending tangentially close to the spool. One or more teeth project from the arm towards the periphery of the spool so as to engage the teeth of the spool and thus prevent the spool from being rotated unless the arm is lifted up. One or more stoppers may also be provided to lock the wire. The assembly is preferably made of plastic material. It is very simple in structure and very handy to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Lippert Pintlepin Mfg. Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Corriveau, James Corriveau, Jacques Laval