Patents by Inventor Herbert B. Kohler

Herbert B. Kohler 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: 20240083134
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in producing a corrugated board product includes a flotation column for emitting pressurized air to support a traveling corrugated board product on a cushion of air void of contact with other surfaces at a point of warp detection. A warp detection apparatus is used in combination with the flotation column to analyze the supported traveling corrugated board product to permit adjustment of variables in a corrugated manufacturing system for corrected detected warp in the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Publication number: 20230052502
    Abstract: A network-based system and method for providing desired moisture set point values for individual papers lines based on the physical properties of each liner and the atmospheric conditions associated with a corrugator is disclosed. The desired moisture set point values are based on the hygroexpansivity of each individual paper liner. Once the moisture set point value has been determined, a conditioning apparatus adjusts a moisture value for each liner in order to tune the post-warp characteristics of the final corrugated product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Applicant: INTPRO, LLC
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Patent number: 11459704
    Abstract: A network-based system and method for providing desired moisture set point values for individual papers lines based on the physical properties of each liner and the atmospheric conditions associated with a corrugator is disclosed. The desired moisture set point values are based on the hygroexpansivity of each individual paper liner. Once the moisture set point value has been determined, a conditioning apparatus adjusts a moisture value for each liner in order to tune the post-warp characteristics of the final corrugated product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: INTPRO, LLC
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Patent number: 11318701
    Abstract: A forming device for gathering the width of a traveling web is disclosed. The forming device includes opposing arrays of flute-forming bars that can be interlaced to define therebetween a longitudinal flute-forming labyrinth effective to reduce the width of a web traveling therethrough by a preselected take-up ratio. The flute-forming bars are curved beginning at an entry end of the forming device such that they converge in a lateral direction as they proceed in the machine direction. In this manner, individual elements of the web traveling between the respective arrays in the machine direction follow contour lines along the curved bars or between adjacent ones of the curved bars so that no such element crosses any flute-forming bar in the cross-machine direction as the web travels and is fluted. A corrugating die for introducing a near-net shape to the intermediate-fluted web is also disclosed, as are a corrugating line incorporating these operations and methods for its operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Patent number: 11260616
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing longitudinally corrugated product. The apparatus includes a guide roll for guiding a web of medium material, wherein at least a portion of the guide roll is adapted to be arranged at an angle relative to another portion of the guide roll. The apparatus further includes a plurality of flute forming bars oriented generally along a longitudinal axis of the web to define a first corrugating labyrinth effective to longitudinally corrugate the web to an intermediate geometry. The apparatus further includes a pair of corrugating rollers that cooperate to define, at a nip therebetween, a second corrugating labyrinth effective to longitudinally corrugate the web to a substantially final geometry. The apparatus further includes a web travel pathway for the web that follows a path around a portion of the guide roll, through the first corrugating labyrinth, and through the second corrugating labyrinth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Publication number: 20220034042
    Abstract: A network-based system and method for providing desired moisture set point values for individual papers lines based on the physical properties of each liner and the atmospheric conditions associated with a corrugator is disclosed. The desired moisture set point values are based on the hygroexpansivity of each individual paper liner. Once the moisture set point value has been determined, a conditioning apparatus adjusts a moisture value for each liner in order to tune the post-warp characteristics of the final corrugated product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Patent number: 11162226
    Abstract: A network-based system and method for providing desired moisture set point values for individual papers lines based on the physical properties of each liner and the atmospheric conditions associated with a corrugator is disclosed. The desired moisture set point values are based on the hygroexpansivity of each individual paper liner. Once the moisture set point value has been determined, a conditioning apparatus adjusts a moisture value for each liner in order to tune the post-warp characteristics of the final corrugated product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: INTPRO, LLC
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Patent number: 11118314
    Abstract: A network-based system and method for providing desired moisture set point values for individual papers lines based on the physical properties of each liner and the atmospheric conditions associated with a corrugator is disclosed. The desired moisture set point values are based on the hygroexpansivity of each individual paper liner. Once the moisture set point value has been determined, a conditioning apparatus adjusts a moisture value for each liner in order to tune the post-warp characteristics of the final corrugated product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: INTPRO, LLC
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Publication number: 20210238807
    Abstract: A network-based system and method for providing desired moisture set point values for individual papers lines based on the physical properties of each liner and the atmospheric conditions associated with a corrugator is disclosed. The desired moisture set point values are based on the hygroexpansivity of each individual paper liner. Once the moisture set point value has been determined, a conditioning apparatus adjusts a moisture value for each liner in order to tune the post-warp characteristics of the final corrugated product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Patent number: 10981348
    Abstract: An apparatus for introducing transverse trapezoidal corrugations into a traveling web is provided, and includes a plurality of corrugating rollers for imparting corrugations to the web. In disclosed embodiments four such rollers are provided in a roller train defining respective first, second and third nips therebetween, wherein the teeth of the first and second rollers have rounded distal faces and those of the third and fourth rollers have flattened distal faces. Methods of yielding a trapezoidal corrugated web also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: INTPRO, LLC
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Publication number: 20210078282
    Abstract: A forming device for gathering the width of a traveling web is disclosed. The forming device includes opposing arrays of flute-forming bars that can be interlaced to define therebetween a longitudinal flute-forming labyrinth effective to reduce the width of a web traveling therethrough by a preselected take-up ratio. The flute-forming bars are curved beginning at an entry end of the forming device such that they converge in a lateral direction as they proceed in the machine direction. In this manner, individual elements of the web traveling between the respective arrays in the machine direction follow contour lines along the curved bars or between adjacent ones of the curved bars so that no such element crosses any flute-forming bar in the cross-machine direction as the web travels and is fluted. A corrugating die for introducing a near-net shape to the intermediate-fluted web is also disclosed, as are a corrugating line incorporating these operations and methods for its operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Publication number: 20210040696
    Abstract: A network-based system and method for providing desired moisture set point values for individual papers lines based on the physical properties of each liner and the atmospheric conditions associated with a corrugator is disclosed. The desired moisture set point values are based on the hygroexpansivity of each individual paper liner. Once the moisture set point value has been determined, a conditioning apparatus adjusts a moisture value for each liner in order to tune the post-warp characteristics of the final corrugated product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Patent number: 10882270
    Abstract: A forming device for gathering the width of a traveling web is disclosed. The forming device includes opposing arrays of flute-forming bars that can be interlaced to define therebetween a longitudinal flute-forming labyrinth effective to reduce the width of a web traveling therethrough by a preselected take-up ratio. The flute-forming bars are curved beginning at an entry end of the forming device such that they converge in a lateral direction as they proceed in the machine direction. In this manner, individual elements of the web traveling between the respective arrays in the machine direction follow contour lines along the curved bars or between adjacent ones of the curved bars so that no such element crosses any flute-forming bar in the cross-machine direction as the web travels and is fluted. A corrugating die for introducing a near-net shape to the intermediate-fluted web is also disclosed, as are a corrugating line incorporating these operations and methods for its operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: HBK FAMILY, LLC
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Publication number: 20200122426
    Abstract: An apparatus for introducing transverse trapezoidal corrugations into a traveling web is provided, and includes a plurality of corrugating rollers for imparting corrugations to the web. In disclosed embodiments four such rollers are provided in a roller train defining respective first, second and third nips therebetween, wherein the teeth of the first and second rollers have rounded distal faces and those of the third and fourth rollers have flattened distal faces. Methods of yielding a trapezoidal corrugated web also are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Publication number: 20200114613
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing longitudinally corrugated product. The apparatus includes a guide roll for guiding a web of medium material, wherein at least a portion of the guide roll is adapted to be arranged at an angle relative to another portion of the guide roll. The apparatus further includes a plurality of flute forming bars oriented generally along a longitudinal axis of the web to define a first corrugating labyrinth effective to longitudinally corrugate the web to an intermediate geometry. The apparatus further includes a pair of corrugating rollers that cooperate to define, at a nip therebetween, a second corrugating labyrinth effective to longitudinally corrugate the web to a substantially final geometry. The apparatus further includes a web travel pathway for the web that follows a path around a portion of the guide roll, through the first corrugating labyrinth, and through the second corrugating labyrinth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Patent number: 10603864
    Abstract: An apparatus for introducing transverse trapezoidal corrugations into a traveling web is provided, and includes a plurality of corrugating rollers for imparting corrugations to the web. In disclosed embodiments four such rollers are provided in a roller train defining respective first, second and third nips therebetween, wherein the teeth of the first and second rollers have rounded distal faces and those of the third and fourth rollers have flattened distal faces. Methods of yielding a trapezoidal corrugated web also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: INTPRO, LLC
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Publication number: 20200039172
    Abstract: A forming device for gathering the width of a traveling web is disclosed. The forming device includes opposing arrays of flute-forming bars that can be interlaced to define therebetween a longitudinal flute-forming labyrinth effective to reduce the width of a web traveling therethrough by a preselected take-up ratio. The flute-forming bars are curved beginning at an entry end of the forming device such that they converge in a lateral direction as they proceed in the machine direction. In this manner, individual elements of the web traveling between the respective arrays in the machine direction follow contour lines along the curved bars or between adjacent ones of the curved bars so that no such element crosses any flute-forming bar in the cross-machine direction as the web travels and is fluted. A corrugating die for introducing a near-net shape to the intermediate-fluted web is also disclosed, as are a corrugating line incorporating these operations and methods for its operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Patent number: 10543654
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing longitudinally corrugated product. The apparatus includes a guide roll for guiding a web of medium material, wherein at least a portion of the guide roll is adapted to be arranged at an angle relative to another portion of the guide roll. The apparatus further includes a plurality of flute forming bars oriented generally along a longitudinal axis of the web to define a first corrugating labyrinth effective to longitudinally corrugate the web to an intermediate geometry. The apparatus further includes a pair of corrugating rollers that cooperate to define, at a nip therebetween, a second corrugating labyrinth effective to longitudinally corrugate the web to a substantially final geometry. The apparatus further includes a web travel pathway for the web that follows a path around a portion of the guide roll, through the first corrugating labyrinth, and through the second corrugating labyrinth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: HBK FAMILY, LLC
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Patent number: 10479043
    Abstract: A forming device for gathering the width of a traveling web is disclosed. The forming device includes opposing arrays of flute-forming bars that can be interlaced to define therebetween a longitudinal flute-forming labyrinth effective to reduce the width of a web traveling therethrough by a preselected take-up ratio. The flute-forming bars are curved beginning at an entry end of the forming device such that they converge in a lateral direction as they proceed in the machine direction. In this manner, individual elements of the web traveling between the respective arrays in the machine direction follow contour lines along the curved bars or between adjacent ones of the curved bars so that no such element crosses any flute-forming bar in the cross-machine direction as the web travels and is fluted. A corrugating die for introducing a near-net shape to the intermediate-fluted web is also disclosed, as are a corrugating line incorporating these operations and methods for its operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: HBK FAMILY, LLC
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler
  • Publication number: 20190315085
    Abstract: An apparatus for introducing transverse trapezoidal corrugations into a traveling web is provided, and includes a plurality of corrugating rollers for imparting corrugations to the web. In disclosed embodiments four such rollers are provided in a roller train defining respective first, second and third nips therebetween, wherein the teeth of the first and second rollers have rounded distal faces and those of the third and fourth rollers have flattened distal faces. Methods of yielding a trapezoidal corrugated web also are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventor: Herbert B. Kohler