Patents by Inventor Earle Andrews

Earle Andrews 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: 20240252362
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing an elastic composite structure for an absorbent sanitary product includes a bonding unit configured to bond a first web layer to a second web layer via a bond pattern that includes at least one bond line having at least one pair of adjacent bonds. The bonding unit secures an elastic thread within a passage defined by the at least one pair of adjacent bonds. The passage has a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of the elastic thread in a non-tensioned state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventors: Robert Earl Andrews, David Edward Schuette, Jeffrey Wayne Fritz, Justin Marshall Lafferty
  • Patent number: 11925538
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing an elastic composite structure for an absorbent sanitary product includes a bonding unit configured to bond a first web layer to a second web layer via a bond pattern that includes at least one bond line having at least one pair of adjacent bonds. The bonding unit secures an elastic thread within a passage defined by the at least one pair of adjacent bonds. The passage has a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of the elastic thread in a non-tensioned state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Curt G. Joa, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Earl Andrews, David Edward Schuette, Jeffrey Wayne Fritz, Justin Marshall Lafferty
  • Patent number: 11903801
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an elastic composite structure for an absorbent sanitary product includes an anvil with weld pattern comprising at least one anchoring region and at least one deactivating region. The anchoring region includes anchoring welds that form anchoring bonds that fuse facing web layers and anchor elastic thread(s) in position relative to the facing web layers. The deactivating region includes a break bar constructed to sever the thread(s). A method of manufacturing the elastic composite structure includes positioning a tensioned elastic thread between web layers, fusing the web layers to form an anchored zone that includes anchoring bonds that fuse the web layers and anchor the tensioned elastic thread therebetween, and cutting the thread to form a deactivated zone between adjacent portions of the anchored zone that is free of tensioned threads. The method further includes fusing the web layers within the deactivated zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Curt G. Joa, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Earl Andrews, David Edward Schuette, Jeffrey Wayne Fritz, Justin Marshall Lafferty
  • Patent number: 11701268
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an elastic composite structure for an absorbent sanitary product includes an anvil with weld pattern comprising at least one anchoring region and at least one deactivating region. The anchoring region includes anchoring welds that form anchoring bonds that fuse facing web layers and anchor elastic thread(s) in position relative to the facing web layers. The deactivating region includes a break bar constructed to sever the thread(s). A method of manufacturing the elastic composite structure includes positioning a tensioned elastic thread between web layers, fusing the web layers to form an anchored zone that includes anchoring bonds that fuse the web layers and anchor the tensioned elastic thread therebetween, and cutting the thread to form a deactivated zone between adjacent portions of the anchored zone that is free of tensioned threads. The method further includes fusing the web layers within the deactivated zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: CURT G. JOA, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Earl Andrews, David Edward Schuette, Jeffrey Wayne Fritz, Justin Marshall Lafferty
  • Publication number: 20230181379
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an elastic composite structure for an absorbent sanitary product includes an anvil with weld pattern comprising at least one anchoring region and at least one deactivating region. The anchoring region includes anchoring welds that form anchoring bonds that fuse facing web layers and anchor elastic thread(s) in position relative to the facing web layers. The deactivating region includes a break bar constructed to sever the thread(s). A method of manufacturing the elastic composite structure includes positioning a tensioned elastic thread between web layers, fusing the web layers to form an anchored zone that includes anchoring bonds that fuse the web layers and anchor the tensioned elastic thread therebetween, and cutting the thread to form a deactivated zone between adjacent portions of the anchored zone that is free of tensioned threads. The method further includes fusing the web layers within the deactivated zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Earl Andrews, David Edward Schuette, Jeffrey Wayne Fritz, Justin Marshall Lafferty
  • Publication number: 20200214901
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing an elastic composite structure for an absorbent sanitary product includes a bonding unit configured to bond a first web layer to a second web layer via a bond pattern that includes at least one bond line having at least one pair of adjacent bonds. The bonding unit secures an elastic thread within a passage defined by the at least one pair of adjacent bonds. The passage has a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of the elastic thread in a non-tensioned state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Earl Andrews, David Edward Schuette, Jeffrey Wayne Fritz, Justin Marshall Lafferty
  • Publication number: 20200206040
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing an elastic composite structure for an absorbent sanitary product includes at least one structure that guides web layers in a machine direction, an elastic thread combiner that combines a plurality of elastic threads to form a combined elastic thread assembly, and a bonding unit. The bonding unit bonds the web layers together via a bond pattern that includes bond lines that each have at least one pair of adjacent bonds, which anchor the combined elastic thread assembly within a passage defined by a pair of adjacent bonds in each of the plurality of bond lines. The passage is narrower than the combined elastic thread assembly in a non-tensioned state and wider than one of the plurality of elastic threads in a non-tensioned state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Earl Andrews, David Edward Schuette, Jeffrey Wayne Fritz, Justin Marshall Lafferty
  • Publication number: 20190241391
    Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatus for transporting either an entire web or discrete components of disposable products. The invention is a means of conveying the web or diaper components down the machine using mechanical forces to grip the nonwoven web and transfer it from one belt or roll to another without or reducing added vacuum. There is a carrier nonwoven web that goes down the length of the machine and other substrates are added on top of this. Methods and apparatus are disclosed to provide sufficient gripping to allow transport of diaper components through the fabrication process. Securing and releasing forces are supplied so that the components can be retained at some points and released at others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Sudeep Ingole, Gottfried Jason Hohm, Debra Heus Bowe, Thomas Muhs, Jeffrey A. Middlesworth, Robert Earl Andrews
  • Publication number: 20190231606
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an elastic composite structure for an absorbent sanitary product includes an anvil with weld pattern comprising at least one anchoring region and at least one deactivating region. The anchoring region includes anchoring welds that form anchoring bonds that fuse facing web layers and anchor elastic thread(s) in position relative to the facing web layers. The deactivating region includes a break bar constructed to sever the thread(s). A method of manufacturing the elastic composite structure includes positioning a tensioned elastic thread between web layers, fusing the web layers to form an anchored zone that includes anchoring bonds that fuse the web layers and anchor the tensioned elastic thread therebetween, and cutting the thread to form a deactivated zone between adjacent portions of the anchored zone that is free of tensioned threads. The method further includes fusing the web layers within the deactivated zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: Robert Earl Andrews, David Edward Schuette, Jeffrey Wayne Fritz, Justin Marshall Lafferty
  • Publication number: 20070162858
    Abstract: An integrated information presentation system that includes environmental controls is described that at least enhances the experience of giving or viewing a presentation. During the giving of a presentation, multiple controls are available in the system which enable the presenter to have direct control of the presentation environment. The system, for example, makes it easier to give presentations, both public and private, using computer-aided text, images, and sounds, yet it is far from just a tool to be used during these events themselves. Using this system, it is possible, for example, for presenters to practice a presentation before actually giving it, to transmit a presentation, either pre-recorded or live, from a remote location(s), to record a presentation for later distribution, to view a pre-recorded or live presentation from a remote location(s), or to upload a video or audio message to a website.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Applicant: SPEAKEASY LLC
    Inventors: Gerald Hurley, Edward Lamb, Francis Lamb, Earle Andrews
  • Patent number: 4083619
    Abstract: An electrical connector for establishing a positive interconnection between a first set of electrical contacts and a second set of electrical contacts which employs the use of a receptacle section and a plug section. The receptacle section includes a collet receiving opening therein. The plug section includes a plurality of collet fingers which are to be locatable within the collet receiving opening and establishing a positive interlocking therewith. The collet fingers are integrally formed within a sleeve which has a drawbolt slideably mounted therein. The drawbolt is movable by a manual actuation means between an extended position and a retracted position. With the drawbolt in the extended position the collet fingers are capable of being deflected thereby permitting movement of the receptacle section with respect to the plug section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1978
    Assignee: Automation Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Michael McCormick, Earl Andrew Cooper