Patents by Inventor Tad T. Butterworth

Tad T. Butterworth 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: 20230330882
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming zig-zag folded logs of web material is provided. The apparatus and method allows for forming logs having different sheet lengths on a same machine. Logs of web material having weakened regions at different locations between folds in the zig-zag folded web are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Bretting, Tad T. Butterworth, Andrew Kell Balduc, Kraig John Trogan, James Andrew Walsh, Greg M. Kauppila
  • Patent number: 10464774
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide new and improved folding apparatuses and methods for interfolding a continuous stream of sheets into a single-fold interfolded pattern of sheets while passing all of the sheets substantially along a single sheet path. More particularly, all sheets in the continuous stream of sheets pass through the nips between adjacent components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James Andrew Walsh, Tad T. Butterworth
  • Patent number: 9862562
    Abstract: Folding machines and methods are provided. A folding machine that utilizes a direct transfer of sheets from a knife roll to a folding roll is provided. Sheet handling rolls are provided that incorporate movable vacuum ports to assist in transfer of a sheet from one roll to another roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Tad T. Butterworth
  • Publication number: 20170152123
    Abstract: Folding machines and methods are provided. A folding machine that utilizes a direct transfer of sheets from a knife roll to a folding roll is provided. Sheet handling rolls are provided that incorporate movable vacuum ports to assist in transfer of a sheet from one roll to another roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Applicant: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Tad T. Butterworth
  • Publication number: 20160236898
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide new and improved folding apparatuses and methods for interfolding a continuous stream of sheets into a single-fold interfolded pattern of sheets while passing all of the sheets substantially along a single sheet path. More particularly, all sheets in the continuous stream of sheets pass through the nips between adjacent components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James Andrew Walsh, Tad T. Butterworth
  • Patent number: 9371209
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide new and improved folding apparatuses and methods for interfolding a continuous stream of sheets into a single-fold interfolded pattern of sheets while passing all of the sheets substantially along a single sheet path. More particularly, all sheets in the continuous stream of sheets pass through the nips between adjacent components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James Andrew Walsh, Tad T. Butterworth
  • Publication number: 20150360901
    Abstract: Folding machines and methods are provided. A folding machine that utilizes a direct transfer of sheets from a knife roll to a folding roll is provided. Sheet handling rolls are provided that incorporate movable vacuum ports to assist in transfer of a sheet from one roll to another roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Applicant: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Tad T. Butterworth
  • Publication number: 20130296153
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide new and improved folding apparatuses and methods for interfolding a continuous stream of sheets into a single-fold interfolded pattern of sheets while passing all of the sheets substantially along a single sheet path. More particularly, all sheets in the continuous stream of sheets pass through the nips between adjacent components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James Andrew Walsh, Tad T. Butterworth
  • Publication number: 20120190524
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of forming discrete stacks of a plurality of zig-zag folded panels are provided. The apparatus and methods include defining a sheet to form all of the panels of the discrete stack of panels. The sheet may be defined by cutting the sheet from the web prior to folding the web into the interconnected panels for each sheet. The sheet may be defined by forming a separation line prior to folding the web into the interconnected panels for each sheet and then separating the sheet from the web of material at the separation line after the web of material is folded into the interconnected panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Tad T. Butterworth, Greg M. Kauppila
  • Publication number: 20120165174
    Abstract: A folding apparatus and method are provided for producing a single-folded pattern of interfolded sheets from a single web of material, through the use of a sheet cutting and directing arrangement having a sheet crossover arrangement. Some embodiments are operable in a variety of modes, with one or two webs of material, to produce either single-fold or multi-fold patterns of interfolded sheets. Some embodiments include a sheet cutting arrangement inside of the sheet cutting and directing arrangement for selectively producing sheets of various lengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: C.G. BRETTING MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventor: Tad T. Butterworth
  • Patent number: 8057375
    Abstract: An interfolding apparatus and method, utilize, first and second sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangements and an interfolding arrangement simultaneously mounted and operatively interconnected in a common frame, for alternatively selectively forming a first or a second interfolded pattern having a given folded width, without replacement of components of the interfolding apparatus. The first interfolded pattern is formed from a first stream of overlapped sheets of a first length cut from a web of sheet material fed along a first path extending through the first sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangement to the interfolding arrangement. The second interfolded pattern is formed from a stream of overlapped sheets of a second length cut from the web of sheet material fed along a second path extending through the second sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangement to the interfolding arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Tad T. Butterworth
  • Patent number: 7980504
    Abstract: A splice is made, between a tail end of first web and a lead end of a second web coiled about an unwind axis, by winding a portion of the first web adjacent the tail end of the first web about a splicing roll mounted for rotation about a splice roll axis oriented substantially parallel to the unwind axis, and then joining the tail end to the lead end by compressing an adhesive between an inside surface of the tail end and an outer surface of the second web. Compression of the adhesive is accomplished by urging the splice roll against the coiled second web while the coiled second web is rotating about the unwind axis in an unwind direction and the splicing roll is rolling about the splice roll axis in a direction opposite to the unwind direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Tad T. Butterworth
  • Publication number: 20100279841
    Abstract: An interfolding apparatus and method, utilize, first and second sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangements and an interfolding arrangement simultaneously mounted and operatively interconnected in a common frame, for alternatively selectively forming a first or a second interfolded pattern having a given folded width, without replacement of components of the interfolding apparatus. The first interfolded pattern is formed from a first stream of overlapped sheets of a first length cut from a web of sheet material fed along a first path extending through the first sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangement to the interfolding arrangement. The second interfolded pattern is formed from a stream of overlapped sheets of a second length cut from the web of sheet material fed along a second path extending through the second sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangement to the interfolding arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Tad T. Butterworth
  • Publication number: 20100264248
    Abstract: A splice is made, between a tail end of first web and a lead end of a second web coiled about an unwind axis, by winding a portion of the first web adjacent the tail end of the first web about a splicing roll mounted for rotation about a splice roll axis oriented substantially parallel to the unwind axis, and then joining the tail end to the lead end by compressing an adhesive between an inside surface of the tail end and an outer surface of the second web. Compression of the adhesive is accomplished by urging the splice roll against the coiled second web while the coiled second web is rotating about the unwind axis in an unwind direction and the splicing roll is rolling about the splice roll axis in a direction opposite to the unwind direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Tad T. Butterworth
  • Patent number: 7717839
    Abstract: An interfolding apparatus and method, utilize, first and second sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangements and an interfolding arrangement simultaneously mounted and operatively interconnected in a common frame, for alternatively selectively forming a first or a second interfolded pattern having a given folded width, without replacement of components of the interfolding apparatus. The first interfolded pattern is formed from a first stream of overlapped sheets of a first length cut from a web of sheet material fed along a first path extending through the first sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangement to the interfolding arrangement. The second interfolded pattern is formed from a stream of overlapped sheets of a second length cut from the web of sheet material fed along a second path extending through the second sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangement to the interfolding arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Tad T. Butterworth
  • Publication number: 20090253564
    Abstract: An interfolding apparatus and method, utilize, first and second sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangements and an interfolding arrangement simultaneously mounted and operatively interconnected in a common frame, for alternatively selectively forming a first or a second interfolded pattern having a given folded width, without replacement of components of the interfolding apparatus. The first interfolded pattern is formed from a first stream of overlapped sheets of a first length cut from a web of sheet material fed along a first path extending through the first sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangement to the interfolding arrangement. The second interfolded pattern is formed from a stream of overlapped sheets of a second length cut from the web of sheet material fed along a second path extending through the second sheet-cutting-and-overlapping arrangement to the interfolding arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: C.G. BRETTING MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventor: Tad T. Butterworth
  • Patent number: 7175127
    Abstract: A rewinder having a first winding roll that transports and supports the web, and a second winding roll located a distance from the first winding roll to define a nip therebetween. The rewinder also include at least one core support plate that is curved for receiving and guiding cores adjacent the first winding roll, a contact finger located adjacent the first winding roll, and a web separation bar adjacent the first winding roll and movable into pressing relationship with the web to press the web against the contact finger to separate the web. In some embodiments, the contact finger is recessed within the first winding roll such that the web separation bar presses the web only against the contact finger to separate the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Tad T. Butterworth, Gerald L. Fellows
  • Patent number: 6877689
    Abstract: A rewinder having a first winding roll that transports and supports the web, at least one core support plate that is curved for receiving and guiding cores adjacent the first winding roll, and a web separator adjacent the first winding roll and movable into pressing relationship with the web at a velocity at least equal to that of the web. The rewinder of exemplary embodiments winds a web of material a nip defined by the first winding roll, a second winding roll and a rider roll. The web separator of exemplary embodiments comprises a rotatable plurality of fingers that rotates about a common shaft. Because the web separator contacts the web moving at a velocity at least equal to that of the web, the web is effectively separated upstream of the web separator, between the core and the web separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Tad T. Butterworth
  • Publication number: 20040206445
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying adhesive in a web converting machine is disclosed. In some embodiments, an adhesive application assembly is used to seal the tail of a rolled product against the rolled product. After being positioned in a location upon a roller, the rolled product is rotated and a sensor detects the location of the tail end, thereby establishing a reference for determining tail length in later operations. When the tail reaches a desired position, the adhesive application assembly applies adhesive to the tail and/or rolled product. In some embodiments, the adhesive assembly includes one or more adhesive sprayers with aperture members, and is self-cleaning. After the adhesive has been applied, the tail is wound upon the rolled product. In some embodiments, an adhesive application assembly is employed to apply adhesive to a core about which sheet material is to be wound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Tad T. Butterworth, John W. LaChapelle
  • Patent number: 6758923
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying adhesive in a web converting machine is disclosed. In some embodiments, an adhesive application assembly is used to seal the tail of a rolled product against the rolled product. After being positioned in a location upon a roller, the rolled product is rotated and a sensor detects the location of the tail end, thereby establishing a reference for determining tail length in later operations. When the tail reaches a desired position, the adhesive application assembly applies adhesive to the tail and/or rolled product. In some embodiments, the adhesive assembly includes one or more adhesive sprayers with aperture members, and is self-cleaning. After the adhesive has been applied, the tail is wound upon the rolled product. In some embodiments, an adhesive application assembly is employed to apply adhesive to a core about which sheet material is to be wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Tad T. Butterworth, John W. LaChapelle, Jr.