Patents by Inventor Charles Robert Tomsovic
Charles Robert Tomsovic has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Publication number: 20140090219Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a material includes a central longitudinal axis, a plurality of levers each having a tool carrier and defining a lever longitudinal axis, and a plurality of jaws each attached to a lever at a tool carrier to form a lever/jaw combination, wherein each jaw has a compression surface having an area. The apparatus also includes a compressing mechanism configured to move each lever in a non-linear motion such that the area of a compression surface exposed to the material decreases with the inward movement of that compression surface, wherein each lever/jaw combination includes a biasing mechanism configured such that adjacent jaws contact each other. The plane of each compression surface can be predominantly tangential to the apparatus central longitudinal axis. Each biasing mechanism can be configured to bias its jaw along the lever longitudinal axis toward an adjacent jaw.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Steven Craig Gehling, Charles Robert Tomsovic
-
Publication number: 20140093604Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a material includes a central longitudinal axis, a plurality of levers, and a plurality of jaws, wherein each jaw is attached to a lever, and wherein each jaw has a compression surface having an area. The apparatus also includes a compressing mechanism configured to move each lever in a non-linear motion such that the area of a compression surface exposed to the material decreases with the inward movement of that compression surface; and a shaping element associated with at least one compression surface. The apparatus can include a plurality of shaping elements projecting from at least one compression surface, wherein the plurality of shaping elements is configured to impart a pattern in the material. The apparatus can include a plurality of shaping elements each projecting from a compression surface, wherein the plurality of shaping elements is configured to impart a plurality of grooves in the material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Steven Craig Gehling, Charles Robert Tomsovic
-
Publication number: 20140031780Abstract: A method for positioning side panels during manufacture of a pant includes positioning the side panels on side panel transfer devices. The side panels move perpendicular to a pant transport plane as the pant is transported in the machine direction and the side panels reside on the side panel transfer devices. The side panels can include refastenable fastening components. The method and apparatus can move the fastening components closer together in the cross-machine direction or maintain the fastening components at a constant cross-machine position while the side panels reside on the side panel transfer devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Brian Robert Vogt, Jack Lee Couillard, Jason Gene Csida, Patricia Katherine Eng, Richard Mark Konetzke, Michael Lee Lohoff, Charles Robert Tomsovic
-
Publication number: 20120283685Abstract: A method of integrating a tampon includes providing an absorbent blank having a longitudinal centerline and compressing the absorbent blank in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline to form a pledget having a compressed diameter. The method also includes penetrating the pledget in the perpendicular direction to a compressed depth of at least 20% of the compressed diameter to form a discrete indentation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2011Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: John David Amundson, Mary Lou McDaniel, Lars Nilsen Nordang, Charles Robert Tomsovic, Melissa Kay Burns
-
Patent number: 7452320Abstract: A panel of a material is transported in operative proximity to an air knife having a nozzle and a curved Coanda surface, such that the panel is folded over the curved Coanda surface as the material is transported in a machine direction. The panel can be folded to a variety of angles and can comprise a refastenable fastening component. Air knives are employed in various methods for folding garment side panels and forming prefastened garments, such as refastenable pants.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jason Gene Csida, Lloyd Carl Hietpas, Michael Lee Lohoff, Charles Robert Tomsovic, Brian Robert Vogt
-
Patent number: 7387148Abstract: A method for positioning side panels during manufacture of a pant includes positioning the side panels on side panel transfer devices. The side panels move perpendicular to a pant transport plane as the pant is transported in the machine direction and the side panels reside on the side panel transfer devices. The side panels can include refastenable fastening components. The method and apparatus can move the fastening components closer together in the cross-machine direction or maintain the fastening components at a constant cross-machine position while the side panels reside on the side panel transfer devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2002Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Brian Robert Vogt, Jack Lee Couillard, Jason Gene Csida, Patricia Katherine Eng, Richard Mark Konetzke, Michael Lee Lohoff, Charles Robert Tomsovic
-
Patent number: 7335150Abstract: In a method and apparatus for mechanically fastening an absorbent undergarment during the initial manufacturing thereof, the undergarment is transported in a transport direction and folded longitudinally by a folding device such that first and second end regions of the undergarment are in generally opposed relationship with each other while transporting the partially assembled garment in the transport direction to fastenably engaged first and second fastening portions of the undergarment. A central region of the absorbent undergarment is held by a holding device, separate from the folding device, against bunching between the end regions of the undergarment during longitudinal folding of the undergarment. In another embodiment, the transverse position of the second fastening portion is adjusted relative to the first fastening portion to facilitate fastening engagement therebetween upon folding the absorbent garment longitudinally.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Daniel Coenen, Charles Robert Tomsovic, Thomas E. Williamson, Brian Thomas Anderson, Scott Beck, Robin Nason
-
Patent number: 7069970Abstract: New processes and apparatus for forming lap seams and making prefastened disposable absorbent articles are disclosed. The apparatus can include an interior folding mechanism adapted to position a first panel in an interior position and an exterior folding mechanism adapted to position a second panel in an exterior position relative to the interior position. The interior folding mechanism can include a mandrel defining a curved peripheral surface and an interior forming shoulder in proximity to the mandrel. A fluid pressure device can establish an air flow between the mandrel and the interior forming shoulder. The forming shoulder can modify the direction of the air flow as the first panel travels in a machine direction to increasingly fold the panel over the curved peripheral surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2003Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Charles Robert Tomsovic, Joseph Daniel Coenen, David Albert Maxton
-
Patent number: 7039997Abstract: In a method and apparatus for securing engagement between fastening components of a pre-fastened garment the fastening components are aligned in at least partially overlapping relationship with each other and engaged with each other to define an engagement seam. The fastening components are then flexed at the engagement seam to generate a shear stress at the seam to thereby promote increased engagement between the fastening components. In another embodiment, the fastening components are delivered in a predetermined direction to a nip and then drawn into the nip at a speed greater than the speed at which the fastening components are delivered to the nip. The fastening components are passed through the nip generally to squeeze the fastening components together at the engagement seam for promoting enhanced engagement between the fastening components.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Brian Robert Vogt, Jason Gene Csida, Michael Lee Lohoff, Charles Robert Tomsovic, Wade L. Behnke
-
Patent number: 6821370Abstract: A method for positioning side panels during manufacture of a pant includes positioning the side panels within fluid flow devices. The side panels can move parallel or perpendicular to a pant transport plane as the pant is transported in the machine direction and the side panels reside within the fluid flow devices. The side panels can include refastenable fastening components. The method and apparatus can move the fastening components closer together in the cross-machine direction while the side panels reside within the fluid flow devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Charles Robert Tomsovic, Kurt Garrett Krupka, David Albert Maxton, Robert Lee Popp, Michael William Protheroe, Timothy Alan Thorson, Brian Robert Vogt, Michael John Wanner, Thomas Earl Williamson
-
Patent number: 6723034Abstract: A process for making prefastened and refastenable garments includes providing a plurality of discrete articles with mating fastening components disposed in the waist regions. First fastening components are separated from one another by an initial transverse distance. The waist region containing the first fastening components is modified to transversely displace these fastening components to a post displacement distance that is not equal to the initial distance. The process allows for convenient alignment of the fastening components to form refastenable seams.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Debra Hartley Durrance, Scott Gerald Chapple, David Michael Clemens, Jason Gene Csida, Kurt Garrett Krupka, Heather Schenck Mortell, Robert Lee Popp, Marcille Faye Ruman, Scott John Andrew Swanson, Charles Robert Tomsovic
-
Publication number: 20030225390Abstract: In a method and apparatus for securing engagement between fastening components of a pre-fastened garment the fastening components are aligned in at least partially overlapping relationship with each other and engaged with each other to define an engagement seam. The fastening components are then flexed at the engagement seam to generate a shear stress at the seam to thereby promote increased engagement between the fastening components. In another embodiment, the fastening components are delivered in a predetermined direction to a nip and then drawn into the nip at a speed greater than the speed at which the fastening components are delivered to the nip. The fastening components are passed through the nip generally to squeeze the fastening components together at the engagement seam for promoting enhanced engagement between the fastening components.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Brian Robert Vogt, Jason Gene Csida, Michael Lee Lohoff, Charles Robert Tomsovic, Wade L. Behnke
-
Publication number: 20030205312Abstract: New processes and apparatus for forming lap seams and making prefastened disposable absorbent articles are disclosed. The apparatus can include an interior folding mechanism adapted to position a first panel in an interior position and an exterior folding mechanism adapted to position a second panel in an exterior position relative to the interior position. The interior folding mechanism can include a mandrel defining a curved peripheral surface and an interior forming shoulder in proximity to the mandrel. A fluid pressure device can establish an air flow between the mandrel and the interior forming shoulder. The forming shoulder can modify the direction of the air flow as the first panel travels in a machine direction to increasingly fold the panel over the curved peripheral surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2003Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: Charles Robert Tomsovic, Joseph Daniel Coenen, David Albert Maxton
-
Publication number: 20030201061Abstract: A panel of a material is transported in operative proximity to an air knife having a nozzle and a curved Coanda surface, such that the panel is folded over the curved Coanda surface as the material is transported in a machine direction. The panel can be folded to a variety of angles and can comprise a refastenable fastening component. Air knives are employed in various methods for folding garment side panels and forming prefastened garments, such as refastenable pants.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventors: Jason Gene Csida, Lloyd Carl Hietpas, Michael Lee Lohoff, Charles Robert Tomsovic, Brian Robert Vogt
-
Patent number: 6596113Abstract: A panel of a material is transported in operative proximity to an air knife having a nozzle and a curved Coanda surface, such that the panel is folded over the curved Coanda surface as the material is transported in a machine direction. The panel can be folded to a variety of angles and can comprise a refastenable fastening component. Air knives are employed in various methods for folding garment side panels and forming prefastened garments, such as refastenable pants.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jason Gene Csida, Lloyd Carl Hietpas, Michael Lee Lohoff, Charles Robert Tomsovic, Brian Robert Vogt
-
Patent number: 6565691Abstract: New processes and apparatus for forming lap seams and making prefastened disposable absorbent articles are disclosed. The apparatus can include an interior folding mechanism adapted to position a first panel in an interior position and an exterior folding mechanism adapted to position a second panel in an exterior position relative to the interior position. The interior folding mechanism can include a mandrel defining a curved peripheral surface and an interior forming shoulder in proximity to the mandrel. A fluid pressure device can establish an air flow between the mandrel and the interior forming shoulder. The forming shoulder can modify the direction of the air flow as the first panel travels in a machine direction to increasingly fold the panel over the curved peripheral surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Charles Robert Tomsovic, Joseph Daniel Coenen, David Albert Maxton
-
Publication number: 20030089453Abstract: A method for positioning side panels during manufacture of a pant includes positioning the side panels within fluid flow devices. The side panels can move parallel or perpendicular to a pant transport plane as the pant is transported in the machine direction and the side panels reside within the fluid flow devices. The side panels can include refastenable fastening components. The method and apparatus can move the fastening components closer together in the cross-machine direction while the side panels reside within the fluid flow devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2001Publication date: May 15, 2003Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Charles Robert Tomsovic, Kurt Garrett Krupka, David Albert Maxton, Robert Lee Popp, Michael William Protheroe, Timothy Alan Thorson, Brian Robert Vogt, Michael John Wanner, Thomas Earl Williamson
-
Publication number: 20030075277Abstract: A method for positioning side panels during manufacture of a pant includes positioning the side panels on side panel transfer devices. The side panels move perpendicular to a pant transport plane as the pant is transported in the machine direction and the side panels reside on the side panel transfer devices. The side panels can include refastenable fastening components. The method and apparatus can move the fastening components closer together in the cross-machine direction or maintain the fastening components at a constant cross-machine position while the side panels reside on the side panel transfer devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: Brian Robert Vogt, Jack Lee Couillard, Jason Gene Csida, Patricia Katherine Eng, Richard Mark Konetzke, Michael Lee Lohoff, Charles Robert Tomsovic
-
Patent number: 6513221Abstract: A method for positioning side panels during manufacture of a pant includes positioning the side panels on side panel transfer devices. The side panels move perpendicular to a pant transport plane as the pant is transported in the machine direction and the side panels reside on the side panel transfer devices. The side panels can include refastenable fastening components. The method and apparatus can move the fastening components closer together in the cross-machine direction or maintain the fastening components at a constant cross-machine position while the side panels reside on the side panel transfer devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Brian Robert Vogt, Jack Lee Couillard, Jason Gene Csida, Patricia Katherine Eng, Richard Mark Konetzke, Michael Lee Lohoff, Charles Robert Tomsovic
-
Patent number: 6481362Abstract: A panel positioning system can be used to position side panels during manufacture of a pant. As a pant is transported in a machine direction, the panel positioning system moves a pant side panel in a direction generally perpendicular to the machine direction. The panel positioning system can comprise a drive mechanism, a positioning mechanism operatively connected to the drive mechanism, and a head connected to the positioning mechanism. The drive mechanism and the positioning mechanism can cause the head to move in an orbital profile and contact the side panel. The orbital profile can lie in a plane generally perpendicular to a pant transport plane or in a plane oblique to a pant transport plane.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Lloyd Carl Hietpas, Joseph Daniel Coenen, David Arthur Kuen, David Albert Maxton, Robert Lee Popp, Charles Robert Tomsovic