Patents by Inventor Clifford Theodore Papsdorf
Clifford Theodore Papsdorf 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).
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Publication number: 20150344238Abstract: An elevation change mechanism is disclosed for adjusting the elevation of a rotatable element of a rotary device in a direction parallel to the axis about which the rotatable element rotates. The rotary device can be: a filler, capper, labeler, a star wheel conveyor, or other rotary device. In some cases, the same motor that rotates the rotary device about the axis is used to move the elevation change mechanism in a direction parallel to the axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2014Publication date: December 3, 2015Inventors: Eric Shawn Goudy, Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Roger Phillip Williams
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Publication number: 20150344237Abstract: A method for adjusting the rotational position of a rotatable element of a rotary device. The rotary device can be: a filler, capper, labeler, a star wheel conveyor, or other rotary device. The rotary device can be part of a system that includes an adjustment mechanism having at least a portion disposed radially outside the rotatable element. The adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment element positioned to engage the rotatable element. The method includes moving the adjustment element and/or rotating the rotatable element(s) so that the adjustment element engages a rotatable element to adjust the position of the rotatable element. In some cases, the same motor that rotates the rotary device about the axis to convey articles is used to assist in engaging the adjustment element and the rotatable element to adjust the position of the rotatable element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2014Publication date: December 3, 2015Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Eric Shawn Goudy, Roger Phillip Williams
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Publication number: 20150344236Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the configuration of the pockets of a star wheel conveyor is disclosed. The adjustment mechanism may be in the form of a support and an adjustment element movably connected to the support. The adjustment element is movable to contact one or more of the rotatable elements of a star wheel conveyor in order to adjust the rotational position of the individual rotatable element(s) to set the dimensions of pockets for the articles to be conveyed. The adjustment mechanism can form part of a star wheel conveyor system comprising a star wheel and such mechanism(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2014Publication date: December 3, 2015Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Eric Shawn Goudy, Roger Phillip Williams
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Patent number: 9181043Abstract: An elevation change mechanism is disclosed for adjusting the elevation of a rotatable element of a rotary device in a direction parallel to the axis about which the rotatable element rotates. The rotary device can be: a filler, capper, labeler, a star wheel conveyor, or other rotary device. In some cases, the same motor that rotates the rotary device about the axis is used to move the elevation change mechanism in a direction parallel to the axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2014Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Eric Shawn Goudy, Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Roger Phillip Williams
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Patent number: 9150321Abstract: The methods and apparatuses disclosed herein operate to change the orientation of an absorbent article. The apparatus includes a transfer apparatus having a frame that is rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a transfer member that is rotatable about a second axis of rotation. The method includes advancing an absorbent article in a machine direction. The absorbent article is defined by a longitudinal centerline intersected by a lateral centerline at a center. The method includes rotating the absorbent article from a first orientation where the longitudinal centerline extends in a cross direction to a second orientation where the longitudinal centerline extends in the machine direction. The method includes shifting the absorbent article such that the center of the absorbent article shifts from a first cross-directional position to a second cross-directional position. The steps of rotating the absorbent article and shifting the absorbent article may occur concurrently.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Uwe Schneider, Todd Douglas Lenser, Clifford Theodore Papsdorf
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Patent number: 8944235Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a rotation assembly for a transfer member of a transfer assembly. The rotation assembly comprises a torque transmitting assembly comprising input and output members, a link comprising a first end operably coupled to the input member and a second end comprising a follower member, a shaft comprising a first end operably coupled to the output member and a second end engaged with a portion of the transfer member, and a track. The follower is movably engaged with the track and circumnavigates about a path in correspondence with the track. The follower member is moved radially relative to a first rotation axis by the track as it circumnavigates about the path to transmit torque through the torque transmitting assembly and to the shaft. The torque causes a portion of the transfer member to rotate between a first position and a second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Uwe Schneider
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Publication number: 20140346010Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of transferring discrete articles from or to a moving carrier member using a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a rotation axis and a transfer member comprising a transfer surface configured to receive one of the discrete articles. The method comprises rotating the transfer member about the rotation axis and maintaining the transfer surface at a substantially constant minimum distance away from the moving carrier member at the point of discrete article transfer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Clifford Theodore PAPSDORF, Uwe SCHNEIDER
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Publication number: 20140343725Abstract: A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventor: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf
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Patent number: 8833542Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of applying a fluid pressure to a portion of a transfer member of a transfer assembly. The transfer member rotates about a first rotation axis and comprises leading and trailing portions. The portion of the transfer member is rotatable about a second rotation axis between a first position and a second position. The method comprises providing a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the leading or trailing portion of the portion of the transfer member when the portion of the transfer member is in the first position, rotating the portion of transfer member between the first position and the second position, and maintaining the fluid conduit in fluid communication with the same of the leading or trailing portion of the portion of the transfer member after the portion of the transfer member is moved into the second position.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Uwe Schneider
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Patent number: 8820513Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of transferring discrete articles from or to a moving carrier member using a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a rotation axis and a transfer member comprising a transfer surface configured to receive one of the discrete articles. The method comprises rotating the transfer member about the rotation axis and maintaining the transfer surface at a substantially constant minimum distance away from the moving carrier member at the point of discrete article transfer.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Uwe Schneider
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Patent number: 8820514Abstract: A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf
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Patent number: 8813950Abstract: A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2010Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf
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Publication number: 20140202830Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a transfer assembly for transferring discrete articles from or to a moving carrier member. The transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a rotation axis. The frame comprises a track having a circumferential shape surrounding the rotation axis. The transfer assembly comprises transfer members movably engaged with the track, each having a transfer surface. The transfer assembly comprises a wheel engaged with the frame and configured to rotate about the rotation axis. The wheel is engaged with the transfer members. As the wheel rotates about the rotation axis, the transfer members circumnavigate about a path about the rotation axis in correspondence with the track. The shape of the track causes the transfer surfaces to move radially relative to the rotation axis while the transfer surfaces are maintained a substantially constant distance away from the moving carrier member at the point of discrete article transfer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Uwe Schneider
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Publication number: 20140205741Abstract: A process for coating a personal care composition onto at least one discrete treatment area of a substrate having a first and second surface wherein the personal care composition has a yield point of from 10 Pa to 2000 Pa measured via a stress controlled amplitude sweep at a frequency of 1 Hz and a temperature of 25° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Clifford Theodore PAPSDORF, Brian Charles CRENSHAW
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Publication number: 20140174883Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of applying a fluid pressure to a portion of a transfer member of a transfer assembly. The transfer member rotates about a first rotation axis and comprises leading and trailing portions. The portion of the transfer member is rotatable about a second rotation axis between a first position and a second position. The method comprises providing a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the leading or trailing portion of the portion of the transfer member when the portion of the transfer member is in the first position, rotating the portion of transfer member between the first position and the second position, and maintaining the fluid conduit in fluid communication with the same of the leading or trailing portion of the portion of the transfer member after the portion of the transfer member is moved into the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2014Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Uwe SCHNEIDER
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Patent number: 8720666Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a transfer assembly for transferring discrete articles from or to a moving carrier member. The transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a rotation axis. The frame comprises a track having a circumferential shape surrounding the rotation axis. The transfer assembly comprises transfer members movably engaged with the track, each having a transfer surface. The transfer assembly comprises a wheel engaged with the frame and configured to rotate about the rotation axis. The wheel is engaged with the transfer members. As the wheel rotates about the rotation axis, the transfer members circumnavigate about a path about the rotation axis in correspondence with the track. The shape of the track causes the transfer surfaces to move radially relative to the rotation axis while the transfer surfaces are maintained a substantially constant distance away from the moving carrier member at the point of discrete article transfer.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Uwe Schneider
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Patent number: 8713901Abstract: A method for providing low count packages of absorbent articles in a high speed manufacturing process in which a plurality of absorbent articles are conveyed in series to the infeed of a continuously rotating stacker. The articles are sequentially inserted into cassettes disposed on the stacker such that a plurality of absorbent article containing cassettes is provided. The articles are extracted from the continuously rotating stacker by an angled extractor and packaged into low count packages.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Zulema Dorronsoro Martin, Thomas Luebcke, Andre Josephine Karel De Saert, Clifford Theodore Papsdorf
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Patent number: 8713900Abstract: An apparatus for providing low count packages of absorbent articles during a high speed manufacturing process. The apparatus including a conveyor configured to serially convey a plurality of absorbent articles; a continuously rotating stacker that includes an infeed, an outfeed and a plurality of cassettes; an extraction station that includes an extractor configured to remove at least one absorbent article from at least one absorbent article containing cassette. At least a portion of the extractor is positioned at an angle to compensate for the continuous rotation of the stacker.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Zulema Dorronsoro Martin, Thomas Luebcke, Andre Josephine Karel De Saert, Clifford Theodore Papsdorf
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Publication number: 20140112751Abstract: The methods and apparatuses disclosed herein operate to change the orientation of an absorbent article. The apparatus includes a transfer apparatus having a frame that is rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a transfer member that is rotatable about a second axis of rotation. The method includes advancing an absorbent article in a machine direction. The absorbent article is defined by a longitudinal centerline intersected by a lateral centerline at a center. The method includes rotating the absorbent article from a first orientation where the longitudinal centerline extends in a cross direction to a second orientation where the longitudinal centerline extends in the machine direction. The method includes shifting the absorbent article such that the center of the absorbent article shifts from a first cross-directional position to a second cross-directional position. The steps of rotating the absorbent article and shifting the absorbent article may occur concurrently.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Uwe SCHNEIDER, Todd Douglas LENSER, Clifford Theodore PAPSDORF
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Publication number: 20140110052Abstract: A method of attaching a discrete article to a web being conveyed over a carrier member is disclosed. The method comprises providing a transfer assembly comprising a transfer member comprising a transfer surface, engaging the discrete article with the transfer surface, providing a resilient member on the carrier member or on the transfer surface, applying, using the transfer surface, a portion of the discrete article to a portion of the web when the portion of the web moves over a portion of the resilient member, and applying a force to the portion of the discrete article, the portion of the web, and the portion of the resilient member during the first applying step to attach the portion of the discrete article to the portion of the web.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Daniel Patrick FINDLEY, Uwe SCHNEIDER, Kazuki FUKUSHIMA, Ronald Joseph ZINK, Clifford Theodore PAPSDORF, Jasmine Marie BROWNE, Todd Douglas LENSER, Kazuya OGAWA