And Edge-joining Of One Piece Blank To Form Tube Patents (Class 156/203)
  • Patent number: 6997402
    Abstract: A unitized mat to facilitate growing woody plants includes at least two polymeric material layers, an inlet for delivery of fluid, and at least one outlet for dispensing fluid into an area covered by at least one layer. There is an opening in the layers through which the plant extends along with an installation seam with overlapping ends. The mat includes perforations, aligned or off-set, for fluid outlets and may be used in a container, such that a polymeric material layer covers the surface thereof. Flexible extension flaps adjust for container size and shape. The mat is removably affixed to a container and/or can be fed by a water-filled container with a polymeric material layer integral with the container. The mat may be used for woody plants in a row, such as orchard applications. Extension flaps provide continuous cover around and between plants, and perforations provide anchors for fixable positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas R. Kruer, Hugh A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6982020
    Abstract: A dual-laminate honeycomb panel permits the use of two or more different materials to form a single panel. In this manner, a retractable covering for an architectural opening may be formed that has a different appearance depending upon which side of the panel is being viewed. The resultant panel is formed by attaching a plurality of elongated precursor tubular cells, wherein each precursor tubular cell itself comprises two strips of material attached to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Swiszcz, Jason T. Throne
  • Patent number: 6949155
    Abstract: A tubular filter element and a device for producing the same for filtering fluids includes a filter mate. The facing ends of the filter mat are fixed in position by a connecting device which at least partially overlaps the filter mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hydac Filtertechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Lang, Harald Mees, Michael Sakraschinsky
  • Patent number: 6936126
    Abstract: A drip irrigation hose of the continuous emitter type in which the outlets from the regulating passage each comprise a single longitudinal slit. By controlling the length of the slits and the flexibility of the film, water drips from the outlets when the hose is pressurized without clogging when the hose is depressurized. The slits are sufficiently long and the film is sufficiently flexible so the water drips from the outlets when the hose is pressurized. The slits are sufficiently short and the film is sufficiently rigid so the outlets close completely when the hose is depressurized. An outlet forming wheel has a knife blade on its periphery. A backing wheel engages the outlet forming wheel to establish a first nip therebetween. The backing wheel has on its periphery a circumferential slot into which the knife blade fits at the first nip. A rib forming wheel has around its periphery impressions that define a desired track pattern for the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: T-Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael DeFrank, David Marchetti, David L. Teegardin
  • Patent number: 6921449
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing on a continuous basis quantities of seamed belts with imageable seams for printing systems from a continuous supply web of belt material, which seamed belts need to be manufactured to a desired circumference and width. In the disclosed embodiment the sides of the incoming supply web are cut in seam-forming mating edges and the web is fed in at an angle to a pair of rollers, at least one of which is tapered, to spirally wrap the web into a cylinder of the desired circumference of the seamed belts and providing mating engagement and gluing of the seam-forming edges. Then by sequentially transversely cutting off cylindrical segments of that spirally formed cylinder into the desired width, multiple seamed belts are formed with both the desired circumference and width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Paul F. Mastro
  • Patent number: 6905566
    Abstract: An isolated tracer includes an elongated tube, a layer of insulation covering the tube, and a layer of tape compressing the insulation to provide a desired conductance rate for the isolated tracer. The isolated tracer is made by passing a pipe concurrently through a funnel-shaped die with a layer of insulation and wrapping tape around the insulation after it leaves the die. The insulation is compressed to a desired amount to provide a desired conductance rate by adjusting tension on the tape as it is wound about the insulation covering the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Thermon Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: R. Knox Pitzer, Roy E. Barth, Donald W. Hirsch
  • Patent number: 6902639
    Abstract: A solvent-based adhesive is used to form a continuous, adhesively bonded and welded seam at the longitudinal edge portions of plastic film which have been overlapped. First, a bead of the adhesive is disposed on the edge portion of a web of film passing over an applicator roll. Next, as the film moves between the applicator roll and nip rolls, the adhesive dissolves a portion of the film to form a longitudinal channel having a generally semicircular cross-section. Then the edge portion is overlapped onto the other edge portion with the bead of adhesive between them. Finally the overlapped edge portions are squeezed between the nip rolls, so that the adhesive exudes laterally outward from the groove and is distributed smoothly between the overlapped edge portions, until the adhesive and dissolved film form a uniform band having a rounded hat-shaped cross-sectional profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Alexander Perelman, David Jonathan DeFoggi
  • Patent number: 6886761
    Abstract: A drip irrigation hose formed with a plurality of outlets for discharging the water at longitudinally-spaced locations along the length of the hose includes a plurality of emitter elements secured to the hose at longitudinally-spaced locations along its length to define a plurality of turbulent flow passageways each in communication with the interior of the hose for discharging water from a hose outlet at a slow rate. Each of the turbulent flow passageways is defined by a relatively elastic first material co-extruded with a relatively inelastic second material both bonded to the hose with the relatively elastic material being pressure-deformable, as compared to the relatively inelastic material, to change the turbulent flow passageway of each emitter element in response to the pressure of the water in the hose at the respective emitter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Amir Cohen
  • Patent number: 6855223
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an elasticized composite material including a multiplicity of elastic strips for use in garments, particularly in disposable absorbent articles is disclosed. The method includes the steps of folding the first substrate around the mandrel to form a tube while moving the tube longitudinally at a first velocity, and simultaneously winding at least one elastic strip around an outer surface of the tube at a second velocity to form a helical path. The elastic strip can be joined to the outer surface of the tube along the helical path to form a first composite tube. The method further includes the step of folding a second substrate around the first composite tube to cover the elastic strip and to form a second composite tube, which then can be slit longitudinally to form a planar composite material. Finally, the planar composite material can be activated to form the elasticized composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Larry Kenneth Johnson
  • Patent number: 6827805
    Abstract: A method for producing an electrically conductive filler by placing a web of core material onto an interior surface of a web of conductive layer material. The webs of core material and conductive layer material are directed through a forming station for folding the conductive layer around the core. The filler having a substantially non-conductive core and a conductive layer. The conductive layer is wrapped around the core to form a closed loop thereby establishing conductivity from a bottom of the filler to a top of the filler by paths on each of two sides of the filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignees: Electrolock, Inc., Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventors: Rick L. Angell, Franklin T. Emery, Mike E. Lester, Mark A. Williams
  • Patent number: 6822205
    Abstract: A process for the production of multi-layer metal composite tubes (10), wherein a metal strip is shaped to form a tube (16) and butt-welded along its two longitudinal edges. A plastic inner layer (12) is applied by extrusion in firmly adhering manner to the inside (12) of the metal tube (16) and a plastic outer layer (14) is applied by extrusion in firmly adhering manner to the outside (26) of the metal tube (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Uponor Innovation AB
    Inventor: Horst Rahn
  • Patent number: 6797100
    Abstract: The invention relates to a film tube (10) based on cellulose which is produced by extruding an aqueous cellulose-N-methyl-morpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) solution through a ring nozzle (21) onto a lining (3). The film tube (10) is manufactured by means of a vertically descending spinning in a spinning vat (12) in which a spinning bath (11) is located. The film tube (10) which is submerged in the spinning bath (11) passes through an air gap (9) between the underside of a nozzle block (7) and the upper surface of the spinning bath (11) and, internally, is pressurized, supported and slightly stretched in a transversal manner by compressed air. The film tube (10) is filled with an inner bath solution (31) via a supply tube (18). An idle roller (13) is situated near the bottom of the spinning vat (12) in order to guide the film tube (10) around and, afterwards, out of the spinning vat (12) in an upward sloping manner. The film tube is laid flat along a contact section (27) of the idle roller (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Kalle GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Herbert Gord, Klaus-Dieter Hammer, Helmut Sattler, Rainer Neeff
  • Publication number: 20040182501
    Abstract: Method of fitting products with stretchable sleeves, characterised in that
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Protection Decoration Conditionnement Europe
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Rene Vandevoorde, Philippe Jacques Thebault
  • Patent number: 6783617
    Abstract: A filter rod making machine wherein successive increments of a stream constituting a converted tow of filamentary filter material for tobacco smoke are contacted by a compressing tool which is vibrated at a frequency and/or amplitude sufficient to prevent over-heating of the tool and/or of filaments of filter material, such as acetate fibers. Conversion of the tow into the stream and the wrapping of the compressed stream into a running web of filter paper are carried out in a conventional manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Hauni Maschinenbau AG
    Inventor: Heinz-Christen Lorenzen
  • Patent number: 6761782
    Abstract: A fabric for use in an architectural covering device includes a plurality of elongated vanes preferably of tubular configuration having a pair of flaps extending longitudinally along the entire length of the vane. A continuous face sheet material has elongated folds at spaced intervals that are secured along the flaps of the vanes so as to pivotally connect the vanes to the face sheet material at predetermined spaced intervals. The fabric is adapted to be supported with an operational system in an architectural opening so that if the vanes are suspended vertically they are slidably movable laterally of the window opening and pivotally movable about vertical longitudinal axes to extend and retract as well as open and close the covering. An apparatus and method for forming the fabric is also disclosed as well as systems for finishing the endmost vanes in the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Swiszcz, Wendell B. Colson
  • Publication number: 20040094255
    Abstract: An ultrasonic container sealing method of sealing a closure 12 to a container main body 11 with use of an ultrasonic horn 54 having a sealing action face 53 comprises applying pressure to a lap of an outer peripheral portion of the closure 12 and a flange 24 of the container main body 11 as lapped over each other by the sealing action face 53, and causing ultrasonic rotational vibration in a rotating direction about an axis parallel to the direction of application of the pressure to act on the sealing action face 53.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Mitsuhiko Shinohara, Michio Ueda
  • Publication number: 20040052987
    Abstract: An improved retortable can is provided in which a primary structural element is a layer of paper or paperboard, which is laminated with a shielding layer on each side of the paper or paperboard core, and at least one barrier layer. The shielding layer is resistant to heat and moisture, and the barrier layer substantially reduces the transmission rate of oxygen, moisture, and flavor. A method for manufacturing the paper-based retortable can is also provided, which converts a web of the laminate material into tubes, either in a spiral-wrap (or a convolute) shape or a cylindrical shape that uses a side seal. An additional method for manufacturing paper-based retortable cans is provided in which two separate “half-structures” of laminate are joined in a spiral-wrap manufacturing step to form a single laminated structure with two paper/paperboard interior layers having an adhesive therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Shankara R. Shetty, Thomas Z. Fu, Vivek Rohatgi, Ashok Adur
  • Patent number: 6699345
    Abstract: The method of the invention for disposal of waste paper grids in printing machines consists substantially in that the produced strip-shaped grids are spirally wound to form a tube-shaped body that can easily be further treated or disposed of. To this end, a spiral winding apparatus is used and arranged directly above the printing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Gallus Ferd Ruesch AG
    Inventor: Josef Zingg
  • Publication number: 20040026015
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for consolidation joining a thermoplastic preform to form a duct. The apparatus includes first and second longitudinally extending support structures. The first support structure at least partially defines a cavity for supporting the preform in a desired configuration of the duct. The second support structure extends in the cavity such that the preform can be supported between the first and second support structures. The second support structures can include an elastomeric device that is configured to adjust radially and urge the interface of the preform against the first support structure. A heater is configured to heat an interface of the preform to above a glass transition temperature. The resulting duct is has a longitudinal consolidation joint and defines a passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Walter Forrest Frantz, Matthew K. Lum, Mark L. Younie
  • Patent number: 6685788
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making applicators for inserting materials into body cavities. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member having an insertion end and a gripper end opposite thereof. The gripper end has an indentation with a shoulder on each end of the indentation. The shoulder most proximal the insertion end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of inserting the applicator into a body cavity. Whereas the shoulder most proximal the gripper end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of expelling material substantially contained by the applicator. The shoulder most proximal the gripper end also provides secure handling of the applicator while removing the applicator from the body after the expulsion step has been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos G. Linares, Linda M. Pierson
  • Patent number: 6685787
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making applicators for inserting materials into body cavities. The applicators comprise a tubular insertion member having an insertion end and a gripper end opposite thereof. The gripper end has an indentation with a shoulder on each end of the indentation. The shoulder most proximal the insertion end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of inserting the applicator into a body cavity. Whereas the shoulder most proximal the gripper end provides resistance to finger slip during the step of expelling material substantially contained by the applicator. The shoulder most proximal the gripper end also provides secure handling of the applicator while removing the applicator from the body after the expulsion step has been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos G. Linares, Linda M. Pierson
  • Patent number: 6673301
    Abstract: A squeezable tube-shaped plastic container (10, 100) having a one-piece construction formed by extrusion blow-molding techniques. The container (10, 100) has a retractable end wall (26, 126) which is positionable into an outwardly projecting position and an inverted position. The end wall (26, 126), as blown, is in the outwardly projecting position and is thereafter inverted so that a tamper indicating covering (28, 128) can be attached to the end (14, 114) of the container (10, 100) thereby sealing the end wall (26, 126). The inverted end wall (26, 126) permits the container (10, 100) to be free standing on the standing ring (20, 120). In use, the flexible sidewall (12, 112) of the container (10, 100) is squeezed to snap the end wall (26, 126) from the inverted position to an outwardly projecting position to enable ready access to a dispensing opening (32, 132) on the end wall (26, 126).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David W. Cargile, Earle L. Ellis, Roy N. Krohn, David A. Kesselman, Edward Roubal, Rafael F. Berrittella, Norberto O. Gomez
  • Publication number: 20030224146
    Abstract: Absorbent article comprising a liquid-impermeable cover sheet, a liquid-permeable cover sheet, and an absorbent body between the liquid-impermeable cover sheet and the liquid-permeable cover sheet. Any one or all of the liquid-impermeable cover sheet, the liquid-permeable cover sheet, or the absorbent body can be made of a corrugated web which is corrugated from a sheet material which, in the process of being corrugated, is drawn in, and optionally elongated in a direction transverse to the corrugations, alternatively drawn-in along a direction transverse to a length of the web. The corrugated web can comprise corrugations of differing heights (H1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: HAKLE-KIMBERLY DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Maria Raidel, Jan Ullman, Franz Aschenbrenner
  • Patent number: 6620278
    Abstract: A method of forming tubular irrigation drip tape includes the steps of a) extruding a web of material having a pair of longitudinally extending, substantially parallel marginal edges; b) heating a center area of the web between and substantially parallel to the marginal edges utilizing a first focused infrared heating device; c) applying one or more secondary flow path components to the center area; d) heating the marginal edges, utilizing a second and third focused infrared heating device; e) folding the web such that the marginal edges overlap to form a seam; and f) applying pressure to the seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventors: Charles R. Harrold, Theodore J. Bren
  • Patent number: 6612356
    Abstract: A back-up pad is provided over an anvil surface of a back-up plate, and between the anvil surface and a sealing surface of a sealing die, in an apparatus for forming seals between layers of film material. The back-up pad has a slip layer on one side thereof and a firm polymeric support layer on an opposite side thereof, the slip layer opposing the sealing face of the die so that the layers of film material pass between the sealing die and the back-up pad during seal formation. The polymeric support layer may have a Shore-A hardness of at least 10 at 20° C. and a dynamic loss tangent of less than 0.1 from 20° C. to 80° C. An example of a support layer is a polycarbonate pad, and an example of slip layer is a glass cloth coated with Teflon™. The back-up pad is particularly useful for forming lap seals in relatively thick film materials, such as laminated films having multi-layered films laminated together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Dan-Cheng Kong, Richard A. Rehkugler, Donald F. Sexton
  • Publication number: 20030113489
    Abstract: A longitudinally reinforced liner for cured in place pipe rehabilitation of an existing pipeline having a plurality of high-strength low-elongation fiber bundles disposed between resin impregnable layers of the liner is provided. The bundles of reinforcing fibers are continuous lengths of reinforcing fibers laid out adjacent to each other and parallel onto about one-half of the middle region of the upper surface of the outer resin impregnable layer. An inner resin impregnable layer formed into a tube is laid up against the outer layer and the reinforcing fiber bundles and a plurality of bundles of reinforcing fibers are laid out along the exposed surface of the flattened inner layer. The edges of the outer layer are wrapped around the inner layer and bundles of reinforcing fibers and the secured to form an outer tubular layer with the reinforcing strands remaining in position between the two layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: E. Peter Smith
  • Publication number: 20030108706
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an improved doorbeam having increased impact strength and reduced weight. The doorbeam is formed from a continuous metal web having opposing lateral edges and a varying thickness therebetween. The stock is rolled into a tubular configuration, and the lateral edges are welded together. The resultant beam provides extra reinforcing material where needed to provide a balance between weight and strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Rainer B. Nees, Melvin J. Guiles
  • Publication number: 20030106633
    Abstract: A process for forming irrigation drip tape includes, broadly, the steps of a) supplying a longitudinally continuous strip of flexible plastic material in a first direction; b) heating a narrow band of the strip along a longitudinal axis thereof; c) depositing a continuous bead of material on an upper surface of the strip, along the narrow band, while the strip moves in the one direction; d) cooling the strip and the bead; e) folding the strip longitudinally so that the longitudinal edges overlap; and f) sealing said longitudinal edges to form a tubular drip tape with a longitudinal, overlapped seam, with the bead extending parallel to the seam and in opposed, facing relationship thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: Micro Irrigation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Harrold, Theodore J. Bren
  • Patent number: 6548147
    Abstract: Apparatus for continuously producing a web (1) which is corrugated from a thin sheet material which is elastic at least in a transverse direction of the web. The apparatus includes a guide bed (2) which has grooves extending parallel or inclined to each other in the direction of movement of the material. The apparatus also has holding-down devices (5) arranged opposite the grooves of the guide bed (2) so as to urge the web passing between the surface of the guide bed (2) and the holding-down devices (5) into the grooves of the guide bed (2) to obtain corrugations in the web. Finally, at the outlet end (4) of the guide bed (2) is an apparatus or substance which substantially prevents the formed corrugations from springing back to the original condition. A process for producing a strip and an absorbent article containing corrugated strips are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Maria Raidel, Jan Ullmann, Franz Aschenbrenner
  • Patent number: 6531010
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composite comprising a thermoplastic resin and a glass fabric that can be used in the form of a linear extrudate as a structural member or as a repair unit. The resin glass fiber composite structural member can be manufactured in an extrusion process. The linear extrudate can have a cross-section of any arbitrary shape or can be a regular geometric shape. The profile is made by first preforming the glass fabric into a useful shape, combining the preform fabric with melt resin and extruding the resin and glass fiber in a useful shape. When contacted with melt resin, the glass fiber becomes intimately contacted with and substantially coated with the melt resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventor: Giuseppe Puppin
  • Patent number: 6505285
    Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention provide for a SEG (segment) subsystem of a parallel database extension (PDE) that provides services for creating, manipulating, and destroying access to data segments in address space. The SEG subsystem works with transient segments (also referred to as scratch segments) that are created as offsets in a “well-known” file created during initialization of the PDE. The offsets are stored in objects/elements in a queue in the virtual address space of the SEG subsystem. Upon partitioning addressable memory into one or more scratch segments, obtaining the offsets for the scratch segments, and mapping the offsets into the SEG system's virtual address space, the physical memory is locked. When the scratch segments are needed, an element/object from the queue containing the appropriate size scratch segment is mapped into the requestor's address space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Sorana Rabinovici, Daniel H. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020170655
    Abstract: The lamination apparatus of this invention is furnished with a supporting member for a core roll around which films and so forth are wound. The supporting member is durable and can hold firmly the core roll without slip of the core roll for the shaft. The lamination apparatus is to form lamination layers of laminate film pasted on the surface of the printed matters like computer output media, posters, advertising fliers and so forth. The supporting member for a core roll is comprised of a flexible tube 74 like a soft vinyl tube with both ends fixed with fitting 75 in the grooves made on the cylindrical surface of the shaft 71 cut in the axial direction which supports a core roll of laminate film, carrier film and so forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Hirotomo Kitahara, Yasuaki Matsui, Masaki Koroyasu, Akira Okuno, Katsushige Tsukuya, Daimon Ueda
  • Publication number: 20020148204
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a tubular package is disclosed. A longitudinally advancing strip of film material is guided about a mandrel so as to form a tubular body. As the film advances, margins of the film at the longitudinal edges are guided together into a fin and the fin is guided against the tubular body portion. The edge margins are then welded to each other and to the tubular body portion to form a tube closed cylinder. Individual packages may be formed and filled using conventional form, fill and sealing equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Keith Geldhauser
  • Patent number: 6464816
    Abstract: A drip irrigation hose of the continuous emitter type in which the outlets from the regulating passage each comprise a single longitudinal slit. By controlling the length of the slits and the flexibility of the film, water drips from the outlets when the hose is pressurized without clogging when the hose is depressurized. The slits are sufficiently long and the film is sufficiently flexible so the water drips from the outlets when the hose is pressurized. The slits are sufficiently short and the film is sufficiently rigid so the outlets close completely when the hose is depressurized. An outlet forming wheel has a knife blade on its periphery. A backing wheel engages the outlet forming wheel to establish a first nip therebetween. The backing wheel has on its periphery a circumferential slot into which the knife blade fits at the first nip. A rib forming wheel has around its periphery impressions that define a desired track pattern for the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: T-Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael DeFrank, David Marchetti, David L. Teegardin
  • Publication number: 20020066520
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing large quantities of seamed belts for printing systems with controlled imageable seams, which belts require a defined circumference and width, from suitable belt material in a large roll thereof, by feeding a continuous web of that belt material from the roll in (or cut to) a width that is at least as wide as the defined circumference of the finished seamed belt into a seam cutting station, where the opposing side edges of the continuous web of belt material are cut as they move through the seam cutting station into opposing seam-forming mating edge patterns, preferably mating puzzle-cut patterns cut by small movement laser beams on each side of the moving web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Constance J. Thornton, Joseph A. Swift, Edward L. Schlueter, Theodore Lovallo
  • Patent number: 6368440
    Abstract: A flexible electrostatographic imaging member belt comprises two ends with matching puzzle-cut patterns of fingers arranged to be joined. The belt is fabricated by a method comprising the steps of: first, joining the two belt ends to form a juncture; second, applying an adhesive strip to the juncture; third, applying a compressing force to the adhesive strip; fourth, heating the adhesive strip for a heating period; fifth, cooling the adhesive strip for a cooling period; thus forming a puzzle-cut seam; and, sixth, determining when the puzzle-cut seam is satisfactory. When it is determined the puzzle-cut seam is not satisfactory, the heating and cooling steps are repeated. When it is determined the puzzle-cut seam is satisfactory, the compressing force is removed. In one embodiment, the method determines when the puzzle-cut seam is satisfactory based on the total time heat is applied to the adhesive strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. U. Yu, Edward L. Schlueter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6358347
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing large quantities of seamed belts for printing systems with controlled imageable seams, which belts require a defined circumference and width, from suitable belt material in a large roll thereof, by feeding a continuous web of that belt material from the roll in (or cut to) a width that is at least as wide as the defined circumference of the finished seamed belt into a seam cutting station, where the opposing side edges of the continuous web of belt material are cut as they move through the seam cutting station into opposing seam-forming mating edge patterns, preferably mating puzzle-cut patterns cut by small movement laser beams on each side of the moving web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Constance J. Thornton, Joseph A. Swift, Edward L. Schlueter, Jr., Theodore Lovallo
  • Patent number: 6346160
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composite comprising a thermoplastic resin and a glass fabric that can be used in the form of a linear extrudate as a structural member or as a repair unit. The resin glass fiber composite structural member can be manufactured in an extrusion process. The linear extrudate can have a cross-section of any arbitrary shape or can be a regular geometric shape. The profile is made by first performing the glass fabric into a useful shape, combining the preform fabric with melt resin and extruding the resin and glass fiber in a useful shape. When contacted with melt resin, the glass fiber becomes intimately contacted with and substantially coated with the melt resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventor: Giuseppe Puppin
  • Publication number: 20010039997
    Abstract: A process and device are described for producing a continuous tubular film from a flat film web which is shaped by a shaping arrangement into a tubular film that is open on the longitudinal side with overlapping edges, the tubular film being continuously supplied to a sealing arrangement which welds the overlapping edges of the film on the longitudinal side to one another. The invention is distinguished by the fact that welding of the edges of the film in the sealing arrangement is effected by the application of hot air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: ROLAND ZEUSCHNER
  • Patent number: 6251154
    Abstract: A dust bag comprises a filter bag consisting of a filter material. In a first wall portion of the filter bag, an inlet opening is provided through which the air flow to be cleaned gets into the filter bag. On the inner surface of the wall portion opposite the inlet opening, there lies a protective layer of a resistant material of great tensile strength. This protective layer extends as a strip through the filter bag and prevents damage to the inner surface of the filter bag caused by particles striking the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Leonard M. van Rossen
  • Patent number: 6228195
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an ultrasonic bias seam includes a rotary anvil disposed within a housing for rotation with the fabric being sealed. A selvage puller separates the selvage from the fabric. After sealing the fabric with the ultrasonic sealing head, the fabric is then cut in a spiral pattern at a predetermined angle. The resulting single-ply bias seam eliminates bulk, has a clean finished look and provides a completely sealed seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Star Binding & Trimming Corp.
    Inventors: Martin W. Spatz, Harvey Friedman
  • Patent number: 6217689
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing packing material from a web material includes a folding member that folds the web material into a folded web, a longitudinal sealing assembly for sealing the longitudinal ends of the folded web material forming a continuous tube, and a lateral sealing assembly including a pair of lateral sealing rollers that effect staged lateral sealing of the continuous tube of the web material. Pressurized air is outlet after the longitudinal seal is formed and prior to forming the lateral seal. With this arrangement, air-filled pockets suitable for packing material can be readily formed for immediate use. The arrangement is compact in size and capable of producing packing material on demand and at a sufficient rate to satisfy immediate packing material needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Norcen Industries
    Inventor: Joseph B. Gehret
  • Patent number: 6196988
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible applicator for inserting an article into a mammalian body cavity. The applicator has an elongate, hollow, structural member suitable for containing the insertable article, and an elongate expulsion member which is slidable within the structural member. The structural member has opposed inside and outside surfaces, and its length dimension is substantially greater than its width and height dimension. In addition, the structural member has a plurality of flex-enhancing elements which are arranged and configured to increase the lateral flexibility of the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Cole, Andrew J. Hagerty
  • Patent number: 6171426
    Abstract: A tampon applicator member can be made from a roll of sheet-like material. A flowable material is applied to one surface of the sheet-like material and is transformed into a solid polymeric layer. The coated material is separated into a plurality of applicator blanks. A first surface of each blank, corresponding to the first surface of the individual sheet-like web, has an uncoated portion adjacent a first side edge, parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a coated portion. An adhesive is applied to the uncoated portion of the first surface of a blank, and the blank is rolled to form a tubular member having a longitudinal seam. The seam has a first edge of the inner surface of the structural member superposed over and adhered to an uncoated opposite edge of the outer surface of the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: McNeill-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 6120634
    Abstract: A process for forming irrigation drip tape includes, broadly, the steps of a) supplying a longitudinally continuous strip of flexible plastic material in a first direction; b) heating a narrow band of the strip along a longitudinal axis thereof; c) depositing a continuous bead of material on an upper surface of the strip, along the narrow band, while the strip moves in the one direction; d) cooling the strip and the bead; e) folding the strip longitudinally so that the longitudinal edges overlap; and f) sealing said longitudinal edges to form a tubular drip tape with a longitudinal, overlapped seam, with the bead extending parallel to the seam and in opposed, facing relationship thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Micro Irrigation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Harrold, Theodore J. Bren, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6063221
    Abstract: A method includes the steps of providing a tubing having an inner annular layer comprising a crosslinked polymeric material, and an outer annular layer comprising a non-crosslinked polymeric material, or a material that is crosslinked to a lesser extent than the material of the inner layer; longitudinally slitting the tubing to form a folded film; and reverse centerfolding the folded film to provide a folded film having a lateral slit edge, and a lateral folded edge opposite said lateral slit edge, such that the inner annular layer becomes an outer layer, and the outer annular layer becomes an inner layer. A bag can be made from the reverse centerfolded film, and an article such as food can be packaged in the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan S. Weinberg, Blaine C. Childress
  • Patent number: 6007656
    Abstract: In the manufacture of a structural member comprising a thermoplastic composite core with an exterior reinforcing layer, the core member is initially extruded in the shape of a profile. The profile is then contacted with reinforcing fiber and resin to form the exterior reinforcing layer. The exterior thermosetting layer is cured to form a reinforcing layer. The structural member is preferably manufactured using a pultrusion method in which a tractor device is used to provide linear movement of the profile from the extrusion head to the exterior coating operation. The fiber-reinforced thermoset is coated on the entirety of the exterior of the profile or is applied only on a portion of the profile requiring reinforcement in a defined load-bearing direction. The preferred thermoplastic core comprises a polymer-fiber composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Andersen Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt E. Heikkila, Anthony L. Garofalo
  • Patent number: 5976649
    Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for the fusing, joining or seaming of cellulosic materials. The method utilizes a hydroxide solution of selected organometallic compounds or metal oxides to rapidly crosslink opposing, overlapping cellulosic surfaces to provide secure seams. In particular, the invention is directed to the production, either on-line or off-line, of tubular cellulosic casings for the manufacture of sausages and sausage-like products. The seams according to this invention have such high shear strength that extremely narrow bond widths are possible. The narrowness of the bond site eliminates or minimizes striping or discoloration of the finished product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Kuethe, Vernon D. Karman, Norman C. Abler
  • Patent number: 5976285
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a downhole electrical cable is described. The method comprises arranging an elongate member adjacent to a flat elongate sheet of material, where the length of the elongate member is greater than the length of the flat elongate sheet. The elongate sheet is then formed into a cylindrical shape around the elongate member, and the adjacent longitudinal edges of the cylindrical shape are joined, preferably by seam welding, to form the elongate sheet into a tube with an end of the elongate member adjacent each end of the -tube. Thereafter, an elongate conductor is connected to one end of the elongate member, and the other end of the elongate member is pulled to draw the elongate conductor through the tube until the elongate member is removed from the tube and the elongate conductor is located within the tube. At this final point in the method, an end of the elongate conductor is adjacent each end of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Wood Group Production Technology Limited
    Inventor: Peter Martin McKee
  • Patent number: 5972443
    Abstract: A multilayer film and a pouch containing a flowable material are disclosed. The multilayer film is made from two layers of a sealant film with an interposed layer of a polyethylene. The sealant film is made from a material comprising 10 to 100 parts by weight of a copolymer of ethylene and at least one C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 alpha-olefin manufactured in a polymerization process using a single-site polymerization catalyst and from 0 to 90 parts by weight of at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a linear copolymer of ethylene and at least one C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 alpha-olephin having a density of from 0.900 to 0.930 g/cm.sup.3 and a melt index of from 0.3 to 2.0 dg/min, a high-pressure polyethylene having a density of from 0.916 to 0.930 g/cm.sup.3 and a melt index of from about 1 to 10 dg/min, and blends thereof. The polyethylene of the interposed layer is a high density polyethylene with a density of at least 0.930 g/cm.sup.3 and a melt index of less than dg/min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Du Pont Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Keith Breck, Alana Verdone