To Manipulate Work By Gas Blast Patents (Class 118/62)
  • Patent number: 6382524
    Abstract: The invention pertains to an applicator for applying a fluid to a surface, comprising a frame, an applicator roller, such as a cylindrical brush, rotatably mounted in the frame, a fluid pick-up roller rotatably mounted in the frame, the pick-up roller being positioned beneath and parallel or substantially parallel to the applicator roller and in contact or near contact with the applicator roller, and a reservoir positioned beneath the pick-up roller. The applicator further comprises a skimmer, which is located parallel or substantially parallel to at least part of the pick-up roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Diversey Lever, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M James
  • Patent number: 6368459
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a moving web of paper or board from on sides with at least one coat layer. The coat is applied to the web by means of a film transfer coater (12) and next the web is passed to a dryer cylinder group (4) via an air-cushion cylinder (18) supported by a wire (14), whereby the web can run fully supported all the way from its entry to the coater up to the winder. The apparatus further comprises a belt calender (8) and a belt-supported winder (9), whereby the web is thus supported over its entire passage in the machinery from the unwinder or paper machine up to winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Jorma Kinnunen
  • Patent number: 6364948
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating and/or cooling a plurality of particles including a generally circular bed for holding the particles, the bed having a substantially centered annular inner bed wall, an outer bed wall and an irregular bottom. The apparatus also includes a drive mechanism rotatably affixed to said bed, where rotation of the drive mechanism at a predetermined rate produces a displacement of the bed horizontally and vertically resulting in a particle flow in the x, y and z directions. The particle flow in the x and y planes for a majority of said particles is in a dominant direction. The apparatus also includes an airplant which provides a heated and/or cooled airflow tangentially into the bed in a direction opposite to the dominant direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Mars, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm Albert Austin, Robert Otto Brandt, Jr., Ray Louis Peterson, David Mendel Nathan, Gregg Alan Martell, Peter Thomas Kashulines, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6358288
    Abstract: A method for securing a device, such as a spherical shaped semiconductor integrated circuit, for fabrication. An apparatus includes a plenum having an input and several outputs. The input of the plenum is connected to a pressurized fluid source. The outputs are separated into two groups: a centralized output and several peripheral outputs. The outputs connects to apertures located on a top surface of the apparatus. The centralized apertures expel the pressurized fluid from the fluid source to suspend the spherical shaped semiconductor integrated circuit device above the top surface. The peripheral apertures expel the pressurized fluid from the fluid source to secure the device above the centralized apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Ball Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramesh K. Kasim, Ram Ramamurthi
  • Patent number: 6312521
    Abstract: A process used to coat particles in an upward flowing fluidized bed dryer includes an insert disposal within the dryer. The insert includes a vertically adjustable cylindrical partition and a vertically adjustable spray nozzle wherein the cylindrical partition has a diameter-to-length ratio greater than 1. The particles are fluidized using a gas and are processed through a coating zone containing the cylindrical partition and become coated with the liquid spray. The particles exit the coating zone and enter the reconditioning zone wherein the liquid is allowed to dry onto the particles. The particles fall into the fluidized bed and are reprocessed through the coating zone by a draft effect created by the atomizing gas in the spray nozzle. The insert provides liquid coating flexibility allowing for the coating of liquid fat onto the particles. Additionally, since less fluidizing gas is required and not all of the particle bed needs to be fluidized, the coating process is more efficient and gentle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Primera Foods Corporation
    Inventors: Laurence Lee, Frank Wyatt, Heather Ganske, Eugene H. Sander
  • Patent number: 6251477
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for coating a moving paper web, in which the web (2) to be coated is first guided to a coating station (7) correctly aligned and a first side of the web (2) is coated with a coat layer. Next, the web (2) is guided upwards from the coating station (7) and the first coat layer is dried using non-contact dryers (8, 9). From the dryers the web (2) is guided to the next coating station (14) correctly aligned, and the second side of the web (2) is coated with a coat layer, the web (2) is guided upwards from the coating station (14) and the coat layer on the second side of the web (2) is dried using non-contact dryers (8, 9). When the web is directed from the coating station (7) through the dryers (8, 9), it (2) is guided non-contactingly by means of air jets such that the web (2) is first non-contactingly turned in the machine direction during drying and next, similarly during drying, towards the level of the coating stations (7, 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Jorma Kinnunen, Vilho Nissinen
  • Patent number: 6209479
    Abstract: A non-fluidized bed apparatus for coating tablets has a base plate of which a portion of the upper surface is inclined towards an upward directed two-fluid or three-fluid nozzle. Ducts through the base plate around the nozzle produce jets of process gas in a direction intersecting an imaginary centre line of the spray produced by the nozzle. Atomizing gas from the nozzle is muffled shortly after it has left the nozzle to decrease the upward scattering effect of said gas on the tablets being coated. No partition is used for separating upward and downward flow of tablets during the coating process. In the coating process the amount of atomizing gas supplied to the nozzle is limited to reduce the tablet scattering effect of said gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Aeromatic-Fielder AG
    Inventors: Kim Torben Walter, Mark Arthur Neidlinger
  • Patent number: 6174368
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a stationary sliding bar for guiding a paper or cardboard web extends across the entire web width B. Viewed in cross section, the sliding bar has a convex, rounded surface. Due to a relatively high speed of travel of the web, an aerodynamic flotation web forms between the sliding bar and the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Kurt Eichinger, Walter Humplstötter
  • Patent number: 6168638
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a device, such as a spherical shaped semiconductor integrated circuit, for fabrication. The apparatus includes a plenum having an input and several outputs. The input of the plenum is connected to a pressurized fluid source. The outputs are separated into two groups: a centralized output and several peripheral outputs. The outputs connects to apertures located on a top surface of the apparatus. The centralized apertures expel the pressurized fluid from the fluid source to suspend the spherical shaped semiconductor integrated circuit device above the top surface. The peripheral apertures expel the pressurized fluid from the fluid source to secure the device above the centralized apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Ball Semicondutor, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramesh K. Kasim, Ram Ramamurthi
  • Patent number: 6117240
    Abstract: An image forming substance removing apparatus for preventing an unstabilizing liquid from being excessively applied to a sheet material unnecessarily, preventing a bad state of transporting the sheet material, and not requiring a long time for drying the sheet material is provided. In the above-mentioned apparatus, an unstabilizing liquid supplying unit applies the unstabilizing liquid to the transfer material and is constructed with an applying roller for pumping up the unstabilizing liquid by an action of its rotation, a restriction roller for bringing the applying roller into contact with the transfer paper, and others. And further, in order to move the restriction roller between a position of coming into contact with the applying roller and a position of departing therefrom, a tip end sensor for sensing the tip end of the transfer paper, a spring, and a solenoid, etc. are provided in the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidenori Tomono, Eriko Chiba, Hiromichi Komai, Toshio Kawakubo, Tohru Maruyama, Masatoshi Saitou
  • Patent number: 6051068
    Abstract: A system for selective treatment of a traveling web, preferably of paper or cardboard, by surface treatment or impregnation in which at least one coater is in the case of web treatment arranged after a dryer group for treatment of the one side of web. At least one further coater for treatment of the other side of the web is arranged before a further dryer group. Noncontact web deflectors are arranged after the coaters and noncontact dryers can be installed retroactively in existing dryer sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Kohl, Stefan Reich, Wilfried Kraft
  • Patent number: 5916414
    Abstract: A presser shoe is disposed over the entire width of a single-faced corrugated board opposedly to a glue applicator roll with a traveling path of the single-faced corrugated board therebetween, and a flexible tube is provided which presses the presser shoe toward the single-faced corrugated board by air pressure. The air pressure to be fed to the flexible tube is regulated to a predetermined pressure by an air pressure regulator so as to afford a constant pressing force continually even in the use of single-faced corrugated boards of different flutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihide Kato, Takayuki Miyake, Jun Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5855672
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a stationary sliding bar for guiding a paper or cardboard web extends across the entire web width B. Viewed in cross section, the sliding bar has a convex, rounded surface. Due to a relatively high speed of travel of the web, an aerodynamic flotation web forms between the sliding bar and the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Kurt Eichinger, Walter Humplstotter
  • Patent number: 5830275
    Abstract: A coating apparatus comprises a device for applying a liquid coating medium to a moving paper web, and a drying device with at least one web deflecting roll which guides the web with the aid of an air cushion and without the web coming into physical contact with the roll. The roll rotates in the direction of movement of the web. The air cushion flows between the web and the deflection roll in the direction of movement of the web. In the vicinity of the deflection roll at least one non-contact drying device is arranged in the path of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Reich
  • Patent number: 5800613
    Abstract: A hollow needle catches each seed in a seed vessel by suction, and a nozzle section receives the seed to form a gel film. An air blow-out nozzle opens toward the tip of the hollow needle. The mechanism includes an air cylinder for elevating the seed vessel, a lowering pipe line and a lifting pipe line each connected to the cylinder, a cylinder operating solenoid valve by way of which the pipe lines communicates with an air pressure source, and a branch pipe line communicating the lowering pipe line with the air blow-out nozzle. Further, air blows out from the air blow-out nozzle as synchronizing with the descent of the seed vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichi Ido
  • Patent number: 5792259
    Abstract: A velocity adjusting plate is provided above a substrate processing part in the interior of a substrate processing apparatus which is isolated from the external air. Thus, a downflow which is formed by conditioned air in the interior of the apparatus is separated into downflows having high and low velocities to be supplied to the substrate processing part and the periphery of the substrate processing part respectively. Consequently, the former downflow has a velocity which is suitable for controlling the temperature-humidity on the substrate surface and preventing the substrate from adhesion of particles and fine grains of a processing solution scattered from the substrate, while the latter downflow is suppressed to the minimum velocity which is necessary for preventing dusts and particles from creeping up by dispersion. Thus, it is possible to reduce consumption of air which is adjusted in temperature-humidity while isolating the interior of the apparatus from the external air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsushi Yoshioka, Yoshiteru Fukutomi, Kenji Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 5718764
    Abstract: An apparatus for coating discrete solid particles has one or more coating units, each comprising an upward directed nozzle (5), an annular opening (6) around the nozzle, wall means (7), such as a vertical pipe, above the opening but spaced therefrom, and gas guiding walls (9) below the annular opening for accelerating a gas stream flowing towards said opening. Between said guiding walls, means (10) are arranged for imparting a swirling flow to said gas stream. Thereby the particles are coated while being conveyed in a swirling gas flow. The coating quality is improved and operation facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Aeromatic-Fielder AG
    Inventor: Kim Walter
  • Patent number: 5688324
    Abstract: A substrate coating apparatus includes a stage, a coating liquid tank, and a moving mechanism. The stage holds the substrate to be vertical or inclined. The tank has a hollow body extending along the widthwise direction of the substrate, with opposing ends closed. The tank has a protruding front end surface which can be positioned facing the substrate surface to be coated. The tank has an outlet path having an opening over the width of the area to be coated, and an inlet opened in the tank below the outlet. The moving mechanism holds the tank such that the front end surface thereof faces the surface of the substrate, with a prescribed space, for example, 0.1 to 0.3 mm, therebetween. The moving mechanism moves the tank vertically relative to the substrate, from a start position to an end position, while the predetermined space between the tank and the surface is maintained. The front end surface of the tank has a lower edge positioned between the outlet and the inlet of the coating liquid outlet path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Umaba
  • Patent number: 5674552
    Abstract: In a method of coating outer surfaces of plural cylinders by a coater having a circular hole on which a coating surface is provided, gas is blown onto the outer surface of the cylinder by a cylindrical blowing device so that the cylinder is positioned coaxially with the circular hole. The gas amount is changed when the cylindrical blowing device blows gas onto a joint portion at which a bottom edge of an upper cylinder contacts with a top edge of a lower cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Ohira, Junji Ujihara, Eiichi Kijima
  • Patent number: 5665160
    Abstract: An air knife device for regulating the thickness of a layer deposited on a strip at the output of a bath, comprising at least one nozzle defined by two lips spaced a small distance apart, the nozzle being supplied with pressurized fluid in order to blow at least one flat jet of fluid onto the strip. The device is associated with at least one fluid cushion stabilizer arranged on at least one side of the nozzle along one of its lips and comprising a substantially flat wall extending from this lip in a direction substantially parallel to the strip so as to define a thin, flat space between the wall and the strip. A fluid is introduced into this space for the formation of a fluid cushion which is able to stabilize the vibrations of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Kvaerner Clecim
    Inventors: Jean Davene, Laurent Dondin
  • Patent number: 5654031
    Abstract: A web coating apparatus includes a supply roll of web and a wind-up spindle for receiving a discrete length of the web. Fluid is discharged from a coating die in a direction toward the wind-up spindle to coat the web as the web is wound about the wind-up spindle. A variable speed pump directs fluid through the coating die at flow rate that is proportional to the speed of advancement of the web. The apparatus is particularly useful for coating discrete lengths of orthopedic splinting and casting tape that is packaged for single patient use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Delmore, Gary W. Maier, Paul G. Kowski, Rodney W. Hauschulz
  • Patent number: 5641356
    Abstract: A web coating apparatus includes a supply roll of web and a wind-up spindle for receiving a discrete length of the web. Fluid is discharged from a coating die in a direction toward the wind-up spindle to coat the web as the web is wound about the wind-up spindle. A variable speed pump directs fluid through the coating die at flow rate that is proportional to the speed of advancement of the web. The apparatus is particularly useful for coating discrete lengths of orthopedic splinting and casting tape that is packaged for single patient use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Delmore, Gary W. Maier, Paul G. Kowski, Rodney W. Hauschulz
  • Patent number: 5567481
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for coating lower surfaces of paper sheets with lacquer and drying the sheets include fans for simultaneously drying the sheets and for forcing the sheets upwardly against the lower surface of spaced-apart moving conveyer belts. The streams of air produced by the fans are directed upwardly against the paper sheets and against and through the conveyer belts, and the paper sheets are moved from a first location to a second location within the apparatus. Features provide for washing and cleaning the apparatus and for circulating the lacquer to keep the lacquer in a uniform mixed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventors: Tom Y. Yu, Randy L. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 5525373
    Abstract: A slide-bead coating technique utilizes an inclined slide surface terminating at a coating lip. A continuous liquid layer is supplied to the slide surface from a supply source so as to form a liquid bridge between the coating lip and a substrate disposed adjacent the coating lip. The substrate is conveyed past the lip and continuously depletes liquid from the liquid bridge onto the substrate. The technique includes supplying an air flow that impinges upon an upper surface of the liquid layer opposite the slide surface between the liquid supply source and the coating lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: John T. Chandler
  • Patent number: 5506005
    Abstract: Investigations have shown that curtailing the entry of air between the coater backing roll (3) and the web (5) being coated can offer a significant reduction in the number of uncoated blotches. By virtue of preventing the occurrence of such coat defects, the rotational speed of the kiss roll (2) in kiss roll coaters can be reduced. The invention is based on pressing the web (5) being coated against the backing roll (3) from the opposite side of the web (5) relative to the backing roll (3) at a point preceding the nip between the kiss roll (2) and the backing roll (3), whereby air is prevented from entering between the web (5) and the backing roll (3). The means employed for pressing the web (5) against the backing roll (3) is an air jet to avoid imposing additional stress on the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Petri Paloviita
  • Patent number: 5496406
    Abstract: A device for coating a paper web includes two applicator rolls disposed parallel to one another, forming a roll gap for the passage of a paper web therethrough. At least one applicator for applying a coating onto a surface of at least one of the rolls is also provided. The coating roll thereafter transfers the coating onto one side of a paper web disposed in the roll gap. Guide elements disposed downstream of the roll gap with respect to a direction of travel of the paper web through the device include at least one beam-like air guide element adapted to create an air cushion-between the paper web and a surface of the air guide element facing the paper web. The air guide element is disposed in such a manner as to deflect a paper web at least once downstream the roll gap. At least one air guide element is disposed directly downstream of the roll gap at a distance from the roll gap of about 0.3 times to about 1 time the diameter of at least one of the rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: J. M. Voith GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Beisswanger, Martin Kustermann
  • Patent number: 5457283
    Abstract: A space-saving apparatus and method for coating paper sheets with lacquer and drying the sheets with streams of air are provided. The sheets are coated with lacquer and are moved by parallel and spaced apart conveyer belts in a first direction as the sheets are dried and supported by streams of air that are directed against the paper sheets and against and through the undersides of the conveyer belts. The movement of the paper sheets is then reversed to a second direction and the dried sheets are collected above the conveyer belts as they move in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Tom Y. Yu
    Inventors: Tom Y. Yu, Randy L. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 5413810
    Abstract: A seamless belt is fabricated by application of a coating to an endless substrate. The substrate is elastically stretched over a hollow cylindrical elongated support mandrel. The mandrel is formed of a porous material. Fluid is applied under pressure through the mandrel to form a layer of fluid between the outer surface of the mandrel and the inner surface of the substrate. The flow of fluid is manipulated to axially displace and to rotate the substrate on the outer surface of the mandrel. The flow of fluid is manipulated to orient a selected portion of the surface of the substrate to an angle to a direction of application of a coating. The temperature of fluid is manipulated to assist in substrate temperature control at steps of the coating and drying process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Henry T. Mastalski
  • Patent number: 5393566
    Abstract: Recyclable containers such as corrugated or folding boxes are made from a coated paper or kraft grade sheet including a plastic coating thereon. Aqueous acrylic resin containing compositions can be applied in excess on the paper or kraft grade sheet and the unwanted coating metered and removed by directing a jet of air at the coating. After solidification of the coating, the coated paper or kraft sheets can be incorporated as components of corrugated or folding boxes. Recovery of the unwanted coating permits recycling of the coating component. Corrugated and folding boxes including the components can be recycled by conventional repulping processes. A process of manufacture of the coated sheets is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Tim-Bar Coproration
    Inventor: Charles Propst
  • Patent number: 5254168
    Abstract: A fluid-bed particle coater having a dual-jet and spray arrangement and including an upstanding column which has an upper cylindrical section, a tapered intermediate section and lower cylindrical section. Depending from the lower cylindrical section is a cylindrical chamber which is inner-connected to tubular sections adapted for introducing multiple air streams via separately controlled inlet openings. The dual-jet and spray construction includes an upwardly-facing spray nozzle positioned in coaxial relationship to the tubular sections and a draft tube, and a downwardly-facing spray nozzle contained with a fountain tube which is disposed above the draft tube. The fountain and draft tubes concentrically intersect about the intermediate section of the column in an opened telescopic arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventors: Howard Littman, Morris H. Morgan, Stevan D. Jovanovic
  • Patent number: 5230735
    Abstract: A method of coating powder particles includes the steps of circulating an air flow containing the powder particles in a dispersed state therein in a cylinder whose inner wall is wetted with a coating liquid to bring the powder particles into contact with the coating liquid on the inner wall, and drying the powder particles thus coated with the coating liquid. An apparatus for coating powder particles comprises a drying chamber including an inner space for drying powder particles on the surfaces of which a coating liquid is deposited while floating the powder particles by an air flow, a powder-particle feeding device connected to the top of the drying chamber for feeding an air flow containing dispersed powder particles into the inner space through a cylindrical path, and a coating-liquid supplying mechanism for wetting the inner wall of the cylindrical path of the powder-particle feeding means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignees: Nisshin Flour Milling Co., Ltd., Nisshin Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Murata, Kimio Miyagawa, Mutsuo Kokubu
  • Patent number: 5198028
    Abstract: A position setting apparatus for positioning a drum so that it may be uniformly coated with a photosensitive coating liquid to produce a photoreceptor, wherein the position of the drum is set by centripetally blowing a pressurized fluid from a fluid outlet means directly against the drum. The drum is positioned by the balance of the pressure of the blown fluid, and the surface of the drum is thereby protected from scratching as no mechanical device is required to touch the drum during positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Nakaya Nakano, Hitoshi Mitake, Takeshi Tanaka, Kazuyuki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5136966
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for coating a web which has a first surface having been coated and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A support roll has a supporting surface around which the web is adapted to be conveyed and an air-jetting device for jetting air through the supporting surface onto the first surface of the web so that the web is supported by air without coming into contact with the supporting surface. A coater is disposed to face the supporting surface so as to coat the second surface of the web. The apparatus is provided with a heater for heating air to be jetted by the air-jetting device so that the temperature of the air becomes higher than that of the first surface of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Ichiro Miyagawa, Takeshi Kishido, Kazuo Kato, Keiichi Aoki
  • Patent number: 5092696
    Abstract: A graphics printer including a secondary guiding system comprising a fan arrangement for generating an air flux and directing the flux to a part of a print medium that hangs freely from the graphics printer, so as to maintain the hanging part away from the graphics printer or any object supported by it, preferably, in the case of a pen plotter equipped with devices for creating a partial vacuum beneath the print medium in an active zone of the writing instrument, the air flux being at least partially produced by suction devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Oce Graphics France S.A.
    Inventors: Jean Armiroli, Jean-Pierre Cointre
  • Patent number: 4983109
    Abstract: A spray head attachment adapted for use with a flow metering device such as a metering gear head is effective to discharge a plurality of spiral spray patterns of hot melt adhesive, in elongated strands or fibers, onto the backing sheet of a hygienic article. The spray head attachment includes a manifold having adhesive passageways connected to outlets of the metering gear head, air passageways connected to a source of pressurized air and recirculation passageways connected to a source of hot melt adhesive. Outlets of the adhesive and air passageways, and inlets of the recirculation passageways, are formed on a discharge surface of the manifold in groups or arrays, so that nozzles mounted to the manifold are each connected to one array of adhesive, air and recirculation passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Scott R. Miller, John M. Raterman, Roger A. Ziecker
  • Patent number: 4954059
    Abstract: An arrangement for improved dispensed material bead profile control, in which a viscous material is dispensed in a stream upon a surface. The stream is transported along that surface and forms a bead of the viscous material. The bead is then confined with air streams which also reshape the profile of the bead. The material is dispensed by a nozzle which has at least two orifices in its proximity. One orifice is located at a distance from the nozzle which is greater than for the other orifice. The orifices form air streams under pressure and direct the air streams toward the material stream, as well as toward the bead formed on the surface when the material stream is transported along that surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Robotic Vision Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Lee, Alex Mauro
  • Patent number: 4946654
    Abstract: A new process for continuously preparing granules having narrow grain size distribution, comprisinga. spraying the product to be granulated in liquid form into a fluidized bed,b. separating the proportions of fine material escaping from the fluidized bed from the off-gas and returning said fine material to the fluidized bed as nuclei for granule formation,c. setting the fluidizing gas flow such that granules are formed which are of a predetermined size, andd. removing the completed granules solely by way of at least one countercurrent gravity classifier inserted into the outflow bottom of the fluidized-bed vessel.A new apparatus for carrying out the process according to the invention and new granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Uhlemann, Burkhard Braun, Heinz Heusmann, Gerhard Stopp, Horst Karkossa
  • Patent number: 4940013
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for use in coating and possibly impregnating fabric webs with a coating compound. The apparatus utilizes a magnetic element or cylinder, located on a first side of a fabric web, to attract a magnetically attractable squeegee device, located on a second side of the fabric web, into contact with the fabric web. A second squeegee device or a cylinder is mounted against the magnetic eleemtn and is also located on the first side of the fabric web. This second squeegee device is also located such that when the first squeegee device is attracted toward and contacts the fabric web, the fabric web comes into contact with the second squeegee device, thus providing that the fabric web will be contacted on both sides with equal pressure by the respective squeegee devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Inventor: Johannes Zimmer
  • Patent number: 4875435
    Abstract: A fluidized bed dryer/granulator (10) for coating pellets (P) used in the preparation of pharmaceutical materials, comprises a chamber (11) having a top wall (12) and a bowl (16) at the bottom thereof and an axial air inlet (19) for directing a flow of air axially therethrough, and at least one removable air inlet (20, 21) positioned in the chamber for directing a circumferential flow of air into the chamber to interact with the axial flow to produce an orbital or swirling motion, enhancing the rate of treatment of the material in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventors: Chaur-Ming Jan, Mark E. Oehling
  • Patent number: 4858552
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for making pellets from a fluidizable material having a fluid bed chamber with a perforated base and an open upper end in which a rotatable means for shaping the pellets is located. Gas for the formation of a fluidized current is introduced through the perforated base. A fluid spray for the agglomeration and coating of the fluidizable material is introduced into the fluid bed chamber, preferably near the perforated base in the central area of the fluid bed chamber. Additionally, a device for channeling agglomerated material is preferably located at a distance above the perforated base and concentrically with the longitudinal axis of the sprayer. A fluidized current carries particles, while still plastic, upwardly through the channeling device causing them to impinge on the underside of the rotatable means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Glatt GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Glatt, Reinhard Nowak
  • Patent number: 4842900
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a liquid coating composition to a moving web in which air entrained on the web is replaced by a gas having a higher solubility than air in the liquid coating composition. The moving web is exposed to the gas immediately before it arrives at a die through which the liquid coating composition is applied to the web. A vacuum system may be used to remove the air from the web prior to its exposure to the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kimiaki Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 4796557
    Abstract: A vibration damper for use with an apparatus for applying liquid to both sides of a running web and then drying the web with an air drier. Vibrations induced by the air drier are damped by uniformly blowing air on both sides of the running web between the drier and the liquid application heads. Preferably, the gas ejection surfaces are stepped or tapered so allow larger vibration near the drier but to reduce the allowed vibration nearer the liquid application heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Shibata, Tsunehiko Sato, Hideo Takeda, Naoyoshi Chino
  • Patent number: 4793281
    Abstract: A liquid toner applicator for elongated photoconductive film medium on which a latent electrostatic image has been formed includes an upper bearing surface for supporting moving film medium, which is spaced from a conductive block having an upper surface. The conductive block has slots cut into a toning region of its upper surface. During operation, pressurized toner wells through the slots into the region between the lower surface of the film and the upper surface of the block. The toner tones the latent image. The upwelling toner spills into fluid channels, which carry the toner which is not used to a catch basin. From the catch basin, a toner pump recirculates the toner. Downstream form the toning region, a further slot cut into the block communicates with a vacuum source to squeegee away excess toner which is not associated with the toned image. An air knife downstream from the vacuum squeegee includes a slot cut an an angle through the block and a pressurized air source therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Dobbins, Siu K. Luk
  • Patent number: 4778642
    Abstract: An arrangement for improved dispensed material bead profile control, in which a viscous material is dispensed in a stream upon a surface. The stream is transported along that surface and forms a bead of the viscous material. The bead is then confined with air streams which also reshape the profile of the bead. The material is dispensed by a nozzle which has at least two orifices in its proximity. One orifice is located at a distance from the nozzle which is greater than for the other orifice. The orifices form air streams under pressure and direct the air streams toward the material stream, as well as toward the bead formed on the surface when the material stream is transported along that surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Robotic Vision Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Lee, Alex Mauro
  • Patent number: 4761309
    Abstract: A coating apparatus is disclosed for applying a coating onto a surface of a moving web. The apparatus includes a backing member which defines a perforate surface such that when the member is connected to a source of partial vacuum, the web is drawn towards the perforate surface of the member. A coating blade is disposed adjacent to the backing member such that the blade urges the web towards the perforate surface. A permeable belt extends around the backing member with the belt being disposed between the web and the backing member such that when the source of partial vacuum is connected to the backing member, air flows through the belt and the perforate surface for drawing the web into close conformity with the belt. The belt and the web then move together in the same direction for inhibiting the buildup of deleterious material adjacent to the blade that would otherwise remain adjacent to the blade causing marking of the coating applied to the surface of the web by the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Beloit Corporation
    Inventor: Lamar Embry
  • Patent number: 4708812
    Abstract: Solid phase change materials, such as CARBOWAX.RTM. polyethylene glycol 8000, are encapsulated in a condensation polymeric shell to provide heat storage material for use in such things as solar heating devices. The phase change material is put into particulate form and then is coated with a reactive monomer, such as ethylene diamine. Then the monomer coated particulates of phase change material are reacted with prepolymers, such as isocyanate-terminated polybutadiene diol, to form elastomeric, condensation polymeric shells. The polymers have elastomeric (flexible) segments which are the prepolymeric portions. The encapsulated phase change material has little or no significant loss of its latent heat of fusion due to its encapsulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Union Carbide Corporation
    Inventor: James C. Hatfield
  • Patent number: 4663197
    Abstract: This invention relates to method and apparatus of transporting and coating substrates within a confined longitudinal passageway. The method is characterized by the transport and coating of substrates without human or mechanical contact. The method includes supplying a fluid medium into the confined passageway and discharging the fluid medium from the passageway, such that the moving fluid cushions while longitudinally transporting the substrate within the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Integrated Automation Limited
    Inventor: Edward Bok
  • Patent number: 4655163
    Abstract: An apparatus for ensuring that the flute tips of a corrugated web receive a certain amount of glue before having the second liner thereto. The apparatus includes a hollow air bar, formed by an outside wall and two end caps, which replaces the conventional rider roll in the corrugating machine. A source of air, such as a pump, is connected to the air bar for supplying air to it. Air outlets on the side of the air bar facing the web allows the air to impact against the web and hold the web against the conventional applicator roll so that glue is applied properly to the flute tips of the web. Means are provided for directing the air escaping from the outlets more directly against the web, and for adjusting the effective length of the air bar to approximately match the width of the web being processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Inventor: Earl G. Hokenson
  • Patent number: 4576109
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying a coating, particularly for coating and advancing a substrate within a longitudinal passage having a plurality of transversely arrayed gaseous medium supply channels and a plurality of vacuum discharge channels intersecting the passage. A plurality of transversely arrayed coating medium supply channels intersect a processing side of the passage adjacent the vacuum discharge channels. Also, a restriction gap is defined in the passage intermediate the coating material supply channels and the vacuum discharge channels so as to insure filling of a first coating passage with coating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Inventor: Edward Bok
  • Patent number: 4561378
    Abstract: A coating apparatus wherein the coating is made by a coater while a support is carried in a non-contacting manner by a gas jetted from a gas jetting device towards the support. The gas jetting device has a hollow housing into which the gas is introduced from a gas source, the wall of the housing adjacent to the support being provided with a plurality of gas jetting nozzle ports through which the gas is jetted towards the support, each gas jetting nozzle port having a throat portion presenting a minimum cross-sectional area inwardly spaced from the outer surface of the wall of the housing and an enlarged outlet portion presenting a comparatively large diameter and opening in surface of the wall. The ratio of port area is adjusted in such a manner that the rate of jetting of the gas from unit area of the outer surface of the gas jetting device becomes smaller as the width of the support is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Kishido, Tetsuya Yoshino, Takashi Kageyama, Kazuo Kato