Patents by Inventor Robert L. Popp

Robert L. Popp 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).

  • Patent number: 7130709
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing alarming indications and troubleshooting indications and actions in connection with a web converting manufacturing process such as that used for manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. Some of the disclosed embodiments include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Popp, Kyle S. Allen, Jamie L. Bell, Henry L. Carbone, II., Scott G. Chapple, Clinton David Clark, Tim G. Dollevoet, John G. Hein, Archie Dodds Morgan, Nicholas A. Popp, Shawn A. Quereshi, Erica C. Tremble
  • Patent number: 7130710
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying, tracking and exploiting per station information from a multiple repeat manufacturing device used in connection with a web converting manufacturing process such as that used for manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. Some of the disclosed embodiments include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Popp, Kyle S. Allen, Henry L. Carbone, II, Scott G. Chapple, Clinton David Clark, Tim G. Dollevoet, John G. Hein, Erica C. Tremble
  • Patent number: 7123981
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing registration control in connection with a web converting manufacturing process such as that used for manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. Some of the disclosed embodiments include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc
    Inventors: Tim G. Dollevoet, Robert L. Popp, Kyle S. Allen, Henry L. Carbone, Scott G. Chapple, John G. Hein, Archie Dodds Morgan, Shawn A. Quereshi, Erica C. Tremble, Colleen S. Colford, Joseph J. Gimenez
  • Patent number: 7082347
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing registration control in connection with a web converting manufacturing process such as that used for manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. Some of the disclosed embodiments include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Popp, Kyle S. Allen, Henry L. Carbone, II, Scott G. Chapple, Tim G. Dollevoet, John G. Hein, Archie Dodds Morgan, Shawn A. Quereshi, Erica C. Tremble
  • Patent number: 6969377
    Abstract: An absorbent article such as infant training pants is provided with a mechanical hook-and-loop type fastening system in which at least the loop material is made of a laminate with a facing having a bond density of greater than 225 points per square inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mathew L. Koele, Robert L. Popp, William M. Lynch
  • Patent number: 6953452
    Abstract: An absorbent article such as infant training pants is provided with a mechanical hook-and-loop type fastening system utilizing multi-directional stretchable nonwoven materials that function well with low shear strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Popp, Paul VanGompel, Paul M. Linker
  • Patent number: 6915829
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for cutting and placing limp pieces of material on an article component. The apparatus, which is particularly constructed for positioning the relative placement of two cut piece, includes a vacuum conveyor which holds the article component in a regular and secure position prior to and during placement of a cut piece onto the component. A cut piece is formed and transferred to a conveyor on a single, constant speed anvil roll without the need for intervening rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Popp, Joseph D. Coenen
  • Patent number: 6904330
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically troubleshooting a machine, suitable for use in connection with a high speed web converting manufacturing process having at least one machine operating at a set point and producing a composite article from a sequential addition of component parts during a production run of composite articles. A first inspection system is adapted to automatically inspect a first aspect of a composite article being produced during the production run. A second inspection system is adapted to automatically inspect a second aspect of the composite article. A logic system is adapted to obtain via the communication network a plurality of the first inspection parameters, each corresponding to one of a plurality of composite articles produced during the production run and is further adapted to determine a corrective action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Popp, Kyle S. Allen, Jamie L. Bell, Henry L. Carbone, II, Scott G. Chapple, Clinton David Clark, Tim G. Dollevoet, John G. Hein, Archie Dodds Morgan, Nicholas A. Popp, Shawn A. Quereshi, Erica C. Tremble
  • Patent number: 6888143
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for making and inspecting pre-fastened articles, such as disposable training pants, having at least two generally flexible elements capable of connection with each other during initial assembly of the article, the elements are arranged in overlapping relationship with each other and connected together to define an engagement seam of the article. The article is arranged to define an interior space thereof whereby the interior space is bounded in part by the engagement seam. The elements are irradiated at the engagement seam by a radiation source within the interior space of the article and an image of the irradiated engagement seam is captured by an image capturing device. In one embodiment, the image capturing device is positioned within the interior space of the article and the radiation source is either within the interior space or exterior of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Vogt, Henry L. Carbone, II, Clinton D. Clark, Jack Couillard, Tim G. Dollevoet, Joseph J. Gimenez, Matthew L. Koele, Kurt G. Krupka, Bradley M. Marohl, David A. Maxton, Archie D. Morgan, Robert L. Popp, Michael W. Protheroe, Steven L. Schnasse
  • Patent number: 6845278
    Abstract: System and method for analyzing information suitable for use in connection with a manufacturing production line constructing a composite product from a sequential addition of component parts during a production run. An inspection system is adapted to inspect a first product attribute of a product being manufactured during the production run. The first product attribute is associated with the first component part. A product attribute database is adapted to store the first product attribute parameter. A processor is adapted to populate the product attribute database with a plurality of first product attribute parameters associated with a sample set of products being manufactured during the production run. A manufacturing information database is adapted to store one or more manufacturing parameters. A logic filter is adapted to correlate the populated plurality of first product attribute parameters with the populated plurality of manufacturing parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Popp, Henry L. Carbone, II
  • Patent number: 6829516
    Abstract: Combined information exchanges systems and methods suitable for use in connection with a manufacturing production line constructing a composite product. Some of the disclosed combined systems and methods include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are combined systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are combined systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worlwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Popp, Kyle S. Allen, Jamie L. Bell, Henry L. Carbone, II, Scott G. Chapple, Clinton David Clark, Tim G. Dollevoet, John G. Hein, Archie Dodds Morgan, Nicholas A. Popp, Shawn A. Quereshi, Erica C. Tremble
  • Patent number: 6820022
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying, tracking and exploiting quality information in connection with a web converting manufacturing process such as that used for manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. Some of the disclosed embodiments include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Popp, Kyle S. Allen, Henry L. Carbone, II, Scott G. Chapple, Tim G. Dollevoet, John G. Hein, Shawn A. Quereshi, Erica C. Tremble
  • Patent number: 6801828
    Abstract: Systems and methods for guiding one or more web components in connection with a web converting manufacturing process such as that used for manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. Some of the disclosed embodiments include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Popp, Kyle S. Allen, Jamie L. Bell, Henry L. Carbone, II, Scott G. Chapple, Tim G. Dollevoet, John G. Hein, Archie Dodds Morgan, Brian Robert Vogt
  • Publication number: 20040116889
    Abstract: A mechanical fastening system for an article wherein a first fastening component is secured to the article within an attachment region. A portion of the first fastening component within the attachment region is mechanically bonded to the article, with a ratio of an area of the bonded portion to an area of the attachment region defining a percent bonded area of the first fastening component. A second fastening component is secured to the article within an attachment region thereof. A portion of the second fastening component within the attachment region is mechanically bonded to the article, with a ratio of an area of the bonded portion to an area of the attachment region thereof defining a percent bonded area of the second fastening component. The percent bonded area of the first fastening component is substantially less than the percent bonded area of the second fastening component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry L. Carbone, Robert L. Popp, Debra H. Durrance, Matthew Lee Koele, Marcille F. Ruman, Kathleen I. Ratliff
  • Publication number: 20040083018
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing registration control in connection with a web converting manufacturing process such as that used for manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. Some of the disclosed embodiments include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim G. Dollevoet, Robert L. Popp, Kyle S. Allen, Henry L. Carbone, Scott G. Chapple, John G. Hein, Archie Dodds Morgan, Shawn A. Quereshi, Erica C. Tremble, Colleen S. Colford, Joseph J. Gimenez
  • Publication number: 20040030438
    Abstract: Systems and methods for guiding one or more web components in connection with a web converting manufacturing process such as that used for manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. Some of the disclosed embodiments include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Robert L. Popp, Kyle S. Allen, Jamie L. Bell, Henry L. Carbone, Scott G. Chapple, Tim G. Dollevoet, John G. Hein, Archie Dodds Morgan, Brian Robert Vogt
  • Publication number: 20040030426
    Abstract: Systems and methods for relating product (or process) attribute data associated with a composite product manufactured using a web converting manufacturing process such as that used for manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. Some of the disclosed embodiments include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Robert L. Popp, Henry L. Carbone,
  • Publication number: 20040030431
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying, tracking and exploiting per station information from a multiple repeat manufacturing device used in connection with a web converting manufacturing process such as that used for manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. Some of the disclosed embodiments include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Robert L. Popp, Kyle S. Allen, Henry L. Carbone, Scott G. Chapple, Clinton David Clark, Tim G. Dollevoet, John G. Hein, Erica C. Tremble
  • Publication number: 20040030432
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing registration control in connection with a web converting manufacturing process such as that used for manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. Some of the disclosed embodiments include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Robert L. Popp, Kyle S. Allen, Henry L. Carbone, Scott G. Chapple, Tim G. Dollevoet, John G. Hein, Archie Dodds Morgan, Shawn A. Quereshi, Erica C. Tremble
  • Publication number: 20040030436
    Abstract: Combined information exchanges systems and methods suitable for use in connection with a manufacturing production line constructing a composite product. Some of the disclosed combined systems and methods include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are combined systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are combined systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Robert L. Popp, Kyle S. Allen, Jamie L. Bell, Henry L. Carbone, Scott G. Chapple, Clinton David Clark, Tim G. Dollevoet, John G. Hein, Archie Dodds Morgan, Nicholas A. Popp, Shawn A. Quereshi, Erica C. Tremble