Surface Deformation Only (e.g., Embossing) Patents (Class 156/209)
  • Patent number: 5679205
    Abstract: A tire liner applier and method wherein a die and anvil shape the ends of the liner at a predetermined section which is transferred to a position adjacent the tire building drum where the section is stretched and the trailing end stitched against the drum. The leading end is clamped and applied to the drum where the next tire is built. The leading end and trailing end are tapered so that they slope away from the drum and provide a smooth transition where the ends contact the drum and outer layer of liner material. A butt splice may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Patrick David Marks, Bryan John McCoy
  • Patent number: 5679190
    Abstract: Nonwoven sheet materials, and pressure sensitive adhesive tapes formed from nonwoven sheet materials are provided. The nonwoven sheet materials comprise a randomly interlaced fibrous web of tensilized nonfracturable staple fibers and binder fibers, wherein the fibrous web is pattern embossed, and is interbonded by a chemical bonding agent, physical entanglement, or a combination thereof, and further wherein the nonwoven sheet material is readily finger-tearable in the cross web direction. Methods of making nonwoven sheet materials and adhesive tapes are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John E. Riedel, Lauren K. Cran
  • Patent number: 5667619
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making a fibrous laminated material wherein a first fibrous layer comprising a plurality of staple fibers or continuous filaments of a thermoplastic material and a second fibrous layer comprising a plurality of staple fibers or continuous filaments of two or more thermoplastic or other materials are bonded together in a spaced apart bonding pattern having apertures formed therein to form a fibrous laminate having improved liquid distribution and management properties as well as enhanced comfort and softness when placed in contact with human skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Mir Inayeth Alikhan
  • Patent number: 5667625
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fibrous laminated material wherein a first fibrous layer comprising a plurality of staple fibers or continuous filaments of a thermoplastic material and a second fibrous layer comprising a plurality of staple fibers or continuous filaments of two or more thermoplastic or other materials are bonded together in a spaced apart bonding pattern having apertures formed therein to form a fibrous laminate having improved liquid distribution and management properties as well as enhanced comfort and softness when placed in contact with human skin. Also disclosed are a method and apparatus for making such a fibrous laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Mir Inayeth Alikhan
  • Patent number: 5665456
    Abstract: A heat-shrinkable flexible cushioning material and method of forming the same in which an air bubble protective packaging is formed of first and second layers of thermoplastic film laminated together to define a multiplicity of spaced apart air bubbles therein, and a layer of heat-shrinkable film is laminated to one of the outside surfaces of the air bubble protective packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: Charles P. Kannankeril, Lawrence J. Pillote
  • Patent number: 5665455
    Abstract: A low-iron-loss grain-oriented electromagnetic steel sheet is provided with the multiplicity of linear grooves formed in a surface thereof to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of rolling of the steel sheet at a predetermined pitch in the direction of rolling, and a multiplicity of linear high dislocation density regions introduced to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of rolling of the steel sheet at a predetermined pitch in the direction of rolling. The pitches l.sub.1 and l.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Kawasaki Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Sato, Masayoshi Ishida, Kunihiro Senda, Kazuhiro Suzuki, Michiro Komatubara
  • Patent number: 5656110
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a laminate containing a metal foil strip and a plastic film strip, in which the two strips have stamped structures repeated at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction of the strips and are disposed at contiguous points in the laminate, a pre-stamped strip and the second strip being continuously joined together from one end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: W.C. Heraeus GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Herklotz, Karl-Heinz Ullrich, Thomas Loose, Friedrich Lach, Alfred Bauer, Horst Hartmann
  • Patent number: 5637171
    Abstract: A method for preparing polyvinyl chloride sheets for membrane press forming which comprises contact bonding of a preheated first polyvinyl chloride sheet on the heating drum, contact bonding of at least one other layer of preheated polyvinyl chloride sheet thereon, contact bonding of a transfer film thereon and embossing by emboss-roll thereon, wherein said transfer film has a laminated structure comprising a polyester film, a release coat layer, a resin coat layer and a hot melt coat layer successively from the surface layer. The method of the present invention provides a sheet for membrane press forming which has excellent stain and scratch resistance. Furthermore, after this sheets is subjected to overlay-laminate forming on materials such as plywood and the like, splendid forms can be obtained without surface cracks caused by expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Riken Vinyl Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuo Kasahara
  • Patent number: 5632844
    Abstract: A moisture-permeable acoustic lamina which is usable as a wall covering has a foraminous woven fabric layer adhered to a fabric backing by a discontinuous thermoplastic polymer layer. The woven fabric preferably has an embossed undulate outer surface to enhance the acoustic properties of the lamina and to impart an aesthetic textural appearance. The individual yarns of the woven fabric are preferably substantially uniformly coated with a polyvinyl chloride plastisol to impart stain and wear-resistance, inhibit the growth of molds, fungi, bacteria and the like, and to enhance the appearance of the exposed face of the lamina. The moisture-permeable lamina structure allows wall covering paste, used to adhere the lamina to a wall, to dry at an acceptable rate, yet does not allow paste to bleed through the foraminous woven fabric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: GenCorp Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Pate, David L. Fishel
  • Patent number: 5629074
    Abstract: A polymeric infrared window (10) is described which comprises a sheet of polymeric material (14). Sheet 14 further may comprise a layer of molecular weave polymer material (34) fixed to a electromagnetic interference shield (32). In addition, a polymeric sheet (42) may be embossed with a binary defractive pattern (40) to create a polymeric defractive lens (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul Klocek, Patrick A. Trotta
  • Patent number: 5622584
    Abstract: A method of making sanitary products giving a high wearing comfort includes the step of forming three superposed interconnected layers (14, 15, 16). The outer layers (14, 16) are made of hydrophobic fibers and the intermediate layer (15) is made of hydrophilic fibers. The top sheet of the sanitary product is constructed of the layer (16), and has flow lines throughout the layer. The flow lines are made by an embossing roller (21) having a pattern of raised ridges. The ridges are provided with a wetting agent which, when applied to the front sheet (16), neutralizes the hydrophobicity of the fibers and provides a pattern of hydrophilic flow lines which allow a body liquid to flow through the top sheet (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Karl K. K. Kroyer
  • Patent number: 5614050
    Abstract: Process for producing a flexible, planar carrier coated with a porous adhesive layer, characterized in thata) a flowable adhesive composition is applied to an intermediate carrier having the following properties:it has a microscopically undulating, pleated, fissured or furrowed surfacethe adhesive composition can be easily detached from the surface thereofit is essentially air-impermeable,b) the microscopic air or solvent inclusions resulting, after coating the intermediate carrier, between the adhesive composition and the intermediate carrier are expanded by increasing the temperature until the surface of the adhesive composition bursts, andc) the adhesive composition is subsequently transferred from the intermediate carrier onto the final carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Beiersdorf Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rolf Carsten, Rolf Schulze, Axel von Wolff
  • Patent number: 5611879
    Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, a diaper, training pants, an incontinent garment or a bedpad is disclosed for absorption of human exudate. The absorbent article includes an absorbent having a homogeneous composition with an essentially constant density in the x-y plane. The absorbent has at least two distinct portions which are integrally joined together by a junction line and each portion has a thickness different from an adjacent portion. The absorbent is folded on the junction line to obtain a variable density along the z axis. The folded absorbent also has a uniform capillary size in the x-y plane and a variable capillary size in the z direction. The absorbent article further includes a liquid-permeable cover which is positioned adjacent to at least one surface of the absorbent. A method of forming the article is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Michael T. Morman
  • Patent number: 5587037
    Abstract: A process for producing a multi-layer sheet material having a refractive foil layer therein. The multi-layer sheet material providing an image having depth, dimension, contrasts, glow and brilliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Custom Graphics
    Inventor: Alan E. Fellner
  • Patent number: 5580418
    Abstract: This invention relates to a film laminated material wherein a first film layer comprising a thin film of a thermoplastic material and a second fibrous layer comprising a plurality of staple fibers or continuous filaments of two or more thermoplastic or other materials are bonded together in a spaced apart bonding pattern having apertures formed therein to form a film laminate having improved liquid distribution and management properties as well as enhanced comfort and softness when placed in contact with human skin. Also disclosed are a method and apparatus for making such a film laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Mir I. Alikhan
  • Patent number: 5558737
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing, extruding, milling and welding a high torque, thin monolithic walled guiding catheter having resilient reinforcement material (8, 23, 29, 70, 73) integrally spiralled or braided into monolithic walls (21) of flexible material. A solid lubricant, also referred to as dry lubricant, comprised of either special fluorine containing materials or polymeric organic silicon compounds is embedded into interior and exterior wall surfaces of the catheters. Smooth interior walls (11) are channeled (10) to decrease friction resistance, to trap resistance particles and to dissipate friction heat in the high ratio of surface area to cross-sectional area of small catheters. Number of spirals or braids of reinforcement strands per unit of length, number of layers of strands of the catheters, catheter diameter and progressiveness thereof are designedly different for separate portions of particular catheters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: American Interventional Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe E. Brown, Matt D. Pursley, D. Joe Clark
  • Patent number: 5549774
    Abstract: Methods for enhancing the visibility of and imparting a metallic luster to holographic and diffraction pattern surface embossments on transparent media such as plastic films (12) are disclosed. Enhancement is achieved by (1), metallic effect dyes or (2), metal flake inks containing minimal quantities of resinous binders (3), inks containing crystalline pigments that have metallic visual effects, or (4), inks containing pigments formed of optical stacks. The solvent used during application of the dye or ink must not be a solvent for the embossed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Richard G. Miekka, Richard A. Fotland, Frederick N. Miekka, John J. Fitch, Karl Josephy
  • Patent number: 5536558
    Abstract: A display is constructed from translucent fluorescent plastic sheet material providing an ambient light capturing and intensifying light conduit. Area dimensions are selected appropriate to a sign or other display and a thickness is selected for structural support of the display and for capturing, intensifying and conducting ambient light along the thickness of the light conduit to intensify captured light as in a wave guide. A substantially opaque reflective layer is formed on one side of the light conduit. A decorative layer is formed over the reflective layer and is selected to provide a desired sign decor. Grooves are formed in the light conduit through the reflective decorative coating in the pattern of the selected display. The grooves are formed to a depth to intercept light captured in the light conduit. The grooves provide angled surfaces which refract, capture and illuminate light out of the light conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: K. David Shelton
    Inventor: K. David Shelton
  • Patent number: 5534095
    Abstract: This invention relates to mineral fiberboard products which are embossed to provide a decorative surface. In the invention herein a layered structure is formed before the embossing process that consists of the currently used mineral fiberboard on the bottom with an additional layer of a granulated fines material on the board surface. When embossed using the current process, the resulting composite board provides higher fidelity images than the unlayered embossed board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Brown
  • Patent number: 5531849
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a carpet pad and the apparatus for the same are shown. A frame is provided to which is mounted a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt feeds a first liner sheet along a conveyor path from a forward end to a rearward end. A foam spray assembly is connected to an uncured polymeric foam supply having a spray nozzle mounted adjacent to the forward end of the conveyor path. The spray nozzle dispenses uncured, resilient polymeric foam as a generally uniform layer on a surface of the first liner sheet. A second conveyor belt mounted to the frame is located along the conveyor path and spaced apart from the second conveyor belt a selected distance. The second conveyor belt is parallel to the first conveyor belt and feeds the second liner sheet along the conveyor path so that the second liner sheet is positioned over the layer of foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventors: Burley B. Collins, Miller D. Collins
  • Patent number: 5522956
    Abstract: A card-carrying sheet having a removable card incorporated therein and having a substantially uniform thickness. The card-carrying sheet includes a carrier sheet having a window region and recessed region surrounding the window region, a removable card in the window region and adhesive tape holding the removable card in place. The card-carrying sheet is well suited for use in a laser printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Duncan McCannel
  • Patent number: 5507902
    Abstract: A multi-layer sheet is formed of a urethane film extruded onto a textured substrate. The film and substrate are pressed together causing the film to adopt the texture of the substrate. The substrate can be peeled away from the film leaving a textured, non-tacky surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: R.H. Wyner Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Wyner, Steven I. Wolkenbreit
  • Patent number: 5503705
    Abstract: A device and process useful for producing a plurality of individual film composites is disclosed. A temperature-controllable roll serves as a sealing tool, on the circumferential surface of which a number of plastic film webs are sealed together under the application of pressure and heat. The plastic film webs come into contact with the circumferential surface of the roll at equal or varying distances from each other and are guided over pressure rolls. These pressure rolls contact the circumferential surface of the temperature controllable roll under pressure. The plastic film webs pass through the contact areas between the pressure rolls and the temperature controllable roll. The plastic film webs are provided on one or both sides with sealing layers, which are fused by the action of heat, so that sealing of the superposed laminated plastic film webs on the circumferential surface of the temperature controllable roll occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Sabine Rohleder, Jochen Coutandin, Burkhard Hoppe
  • Patent number: 5501757
    Abstract: A process for production of a bag having linear ribs uses an apparatus for forming linear ribs which comprises a plate mold having linear protrusions on both faces thereof and upper and lower female molds placed at both sides of the mold, having penetrated linear cavities at positions corresponding to those of the linear protrusions and capable of opening and closing as desired. Multi-layer resin films are inserted between the plate mold and the female molds. The molds are heated and pressed to each other to prepare multi-layer resin films having linear ribs. A bag is produced using the multi-layer resin film having linear ribs thus prepared. Ribs convex to the outside can be formed on the multi-layer film comprising a layer of a resin having a low melting point at the inside and a layer of a resin having a high melting point at an outer side thereof. The self-supporting bag produced by the process has a higher stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadao Takagaki
  • Patent number: 5490902
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for embossing paper products, such as paper towels or toilet tissue, in which the tensile strength extending in the machine direction is modified such that after embossing, the tensile strength in the machine direction is more nearly equal to the tensile strength in the cross-machine direction. During embossing, selected portions of the embossed pattern are embossed more deeply to fracture fibers extending in the machine direction, thereby modifying the tensile strength in the machine direction. An improved paper product is thereby formed having a machine direction:cross-machine direction tensile strength ratio which is more closer to 1:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: James River Corporation of Virginia
    Inventor: Galyn A. Schulz
  • Patent number: 5484501
    Abstract: Improved wood fiber mat comprised of a mixture of thermo-mechanically processed wood fibers and synthetic fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Conwed Fibers, a division of Leucadia, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. W. Jacobsen, Jr., L. Carl Belt, Ernest De Pass
  • Patent number: 5482588
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of one-piece tape tabs to be used with disposable absorbent articles. The first step is to provide a backing substrate upon which the pressure-sensitive adhesive of the tape tab can be applied. Once the backing is provided, the pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied to regions of one side of the backing substrate. The backing substrate is then slit in a direction parallel to the machine direction forming tape tab stock that is preferably fed directly to the taper unit of the absorbent article manufacturing line. The taper unit cuts the tape tab stock comprising the pressure-sensitive adhesive into individual tape tabs, each having a fixed end and releasable end. The fixed end of each tape tab is joined to the chassis of an absorbent article by means of mechanically bonding the fixed end to the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David J. K. Goulait, David W. Cabell, Michael T. Huber, Karl P. Ronn
  • Patent number: 5476563
    Abstract: A method for making a door mat comprising an integral mass of loops of synthetic resin monofilaments which includes a surface layer having a decorative pattern on its upper side and a reverse surface layer having its upper side joined to the lower side of said surface layer. The underside of the reverse surface layer may be joined to an anti-slip layer, which may be in the form of a lattice layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Yugengaisya Towa
    Inventor: Akira Nakata
  • Patent number: 5470417
    Abstract: The present invention provides a female component for engaging a complementary hook component in a refastenable fastening device. The female component of the present invention is capable of engaging a hook component that has flexible, resilient individual hook elements. The female component comprises at least two, and preferably three zones or layers. Each zone has certain of the desired individual characteristics for entangling and holding the hooks of the mating hook component. These include a first zone for admitting and engaging at least some of the hooks of the complementary hook component (the "entanglement" zone), a second zone for providing space for the hooks to occupy after they have been admitted by the entanglement zone (referred to as the "spacing" zone), and a backing adjacent to the spacing zone for providing a foundation for the entanglement and spacing zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: David J. K. Goulait
  • Patent number: 5468323
    Abstract: An embossed paper laminate having two laminae. The laminae are embossed so that each embossed site of one lamina is adhesively joined to the nonembossed region of the other lamina. The laminate is made by two close tolerance pattern rolls juxtaposed to form a nip. Each pattern roll has radially extending protuberances which contact the periphery of the other pattern roll intermediate its protuberances. The laminae are fed through the nip in face-to-face relationship and are embossed and adhesively joined to the other lamina by the radially extending protuberances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Kevin B. McNeil
  • Patent number: 5455103
    Abstract: A thermoplastic interlayer, such as of polyvinyl butyral, has a regular pattern of deairing channels formed in each side which are angularly arranged with respect to each other wherein, to avoid moire, the angle of intersection is at least 25 degrees, preferably 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: John C. Hoagland, Harold H. Hopfe
  • Patent number: 5443889
    Abstract: A paper sheet having several distinct layers comprised of at least two plies of paper glued together in discrete areas and characterized by having patterns which correspond to areas of reduced thickness on both outer surfaces of the plies of paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Kaysersberg
    Inventors: Remy Ruppel, Pierre Laurent, Joel Hungler
  • Patent number: 5433803
    Abstract: Flowers or leaves are dried for 3-7 days under controlled atmospheric conditions, and under pressure, between absorbent sheets. The dried material is placed on a backing sheet and covered by a layer of laminating plastic. By the application of pressure, heat and vacuum, the air between the laminating and backing sheets is removed, the laminating sheet moulds around the dried material and is laminated to the backing sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Paul N. Van Draanen
    Inventors: Edward Kwan, John P. Le Sands
  • Patent number: 5433817
    Abstract: The ply-bonding device for paper converting machines comprises a support 1,5 to which a movable unit 15 is pivoted. The movable unit is provided with a pressure wheel 19 which cooperates with a counter-roller 2, and a pressure means 31 which forces said wheel 19 against the counter-roller 2. The wheel 19 is resiliently supported on movable unit 15 and, during operation the position of the unit is defined by an abutment 37 on the support 1,5. (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Fabio Perini S.p.A.
    Inventor: Guglielmo Biagiotti
  • Patent number: 5425981
    Abstract: There is described a tape comprising unidirectionally oriented reinforcing and thermoplastic fibers composed of yarns of reinforcing and/or thermoplastic fibers, the yarn density being about 5 to 20 yarns/cm of width and the yarns having a linear density of about 1000 to 3000 dtex, the matrix fibers having been locally incipiently or completely melted on at least one of the tape surfaces to form consolidation points. The tape is suitable as a starting material for producing composite materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Bruning, Ingolf Jacob
  • Patent number: 5424115
    Abstract: The present invention provides a point bonded polyolefin nonwoven fabric fabricated from conjugate fibers containing a polyolefin and a polyamide. Advantageously, the nonwoven fabric can be point bonded at a temperature significantly below conventional polyolefin nonwoven web bonding temperatures and in a wide range of different bonding temperatures without significantly sacrificing its tensile strength. Additionally provided is a process for producing the point bonded nonwoven fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Ty J. Stokes
  • Patent number: 5413655
    Abstract: A melt-extrudable thermoplastic composition is provided which includes a thermoplastic polyolefin and an additive system made up of a first component and a second component, in which (A) the first component is a defined polysiloxane polyether having a molecular weight of from about 350 to about 18,000 and which is present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 3 percent by weight, based on the amount of thermoplastic polyolefin; and (B) the second component is a hydrophobic fumed silica, in which the weight ratio of the first component to the second component is in the range of from about 20 to about 300. Such composition yields, upon melt-extrusion, either nonwoven webs having significantly increased tensile strengths when compared to nonwoven webs prepared from the thermoplastic polyolefin alone, or wettable webs requiring an amount of first component which is significantly less than that required in the absence of the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald S. Nohr, John G. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 5387303
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a rubber sheet having cords embedded therein includes a grooved roll formed in its circumference with a plurality of circumferential grooves for arranging cords with equal pitches, and a pressure-joining roll arranged spaced from the grooved roll for pressure-joining a first rubber sheet with the cords arranged with the equal pitches in a first pressure-joining position between the grooved roll and the pressure-joining roll. The apparatus further includes a groove forming roll for forming a plurality of longitudinal grooves in one surface of a second rubber sheet, and a forming roll arranged spaced from the pressure-joining roll to form a second pressure-joining position between the forming roll and the pressure-joining roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Toshio Azuma
  • Patent number: 5387307
    Abstract: A drip irrigation tape consists of a strip of flexible material having an elongated, indented channel formed along a first side edge, the channel being of serpentine configuration, the strip being folded lengthwise so that the side edges overlap to form a first conduit, and the opposite side edges being joined together at least along spaced seal lines along opposite edges of the channel to define a secondary conduit. Inlets and outlets are provided along the length of the channel. A method for manufacturing the tape includes the steps of forming the indented channel on a mandrel before sealing the overlapping edges of the strip together by heat sealing or ultrasonic welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Inventor: James C. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5384177
    Abstract: A 2-dimensional carrier for picture, pattern and/or other information, produced from material, which is wavy or corrugated on its surface and the waves or currugations of which are pressed down or flat within or without contours, which are specified by the picture, pattern and/or the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Rissmann
  • Patent number: 5382464
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an embossed ply suitable for use in a multi-ply, embossed paper. The embossed ply has bosses of two different depths wherein the bosses having a greater depth or the "big bosses" alternate with the more shallow bosses or "small bosses". When the embossed ply is used to form a multi-ply paper, the small bosses are arranged in a tip-to-tip relation with bosses in a second embossed ply, while the big bosses of the first ply are positioned to nest between the bosses of the second ply. Furthermore, a method and apparatus for manufacturing the embossed, multi-ply paper is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Kayserberg, S.A.
    Inventors: Remy Ruppel, Pierre Laurent, Joel Hungler
  • Patent number: 5379019
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing embossed foil for use in controlling the flow of the molten metal tin plating provided in forming laminated tape for use in superconducting magnets utilizing meshing knurling rollers with truncated paramydical elements arranged to provide and embossed pattern for uniform and controlled flow of the tin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Neil G. Fiddes, Christopher G. King, Gerhard S. Kobus, Anthony Mantone, Frank D. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 5376203
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding foamed materials for use as carpet underpadding is disclosed. In one aspect, the process and apparatus involves pulling a sheet of a foamed material through a first set of pull rolls at a first pull rate followed by heating the foamed material in order to decompose blowing agent present in the sheet thereby causing the sheet to expand or thicken. The heated sheet is then pulled through a second set of pull rolls which pull the heated sheet at a faster rate than the first pull rate in order to stretch the expanded sheet so that it returns to its original thickness. The surface of one of the rolls of the second set is provided with dimples or indentations uniformly spread on the surface thereof for producing protrusions on one side of the heated sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: Robert W. Syme
  • Patent number: 5370764
    Abstract: This invention relates to a film laminated material wherein a first film layer comprising a thin film of a thermoplastic material and a second fibrous layer comprising a plurality of staple fibers or continuous filaments of two or more thermoplastic or other materials are bonded together in a spaced apart bonding pattern having apertures formed therein to form a film laminate having improved liquid distribution and management properties as well as enhanced comfort and softness when placed in contact with human skin. Also disclosed are a method and apparatus for making such a film laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Mir I. Alikhan
  • Patent number: 5339730
    Abstract: A method for printing and embossing sheets of paper made of cellulose wadding and with two or more plies, characterized in that one of the plies is directly printed on the embossing roller using one or more printing systems mounted on the embossing systems, and in that this ply is associated with another embossed and glue-sized ply to form a sheet in such manner that the print inks are located on the sheet's inner side between the two or more plies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Kaysersberg
    Inventors: Remy Ruppel, Joel Hungler, Pierre Laurent
  • Patent number: 5328534
    Abstract: A method of forming a transferable pattern or image of an inorganic film by coating an embossed substrate with an inorganic layer, that may comprise one or more films, over both recessed and raised surface portions, adhesively laminating a transfer substrate to the inorganic layer coating the raised surface portions of the embossed substrate and separating the embossed substrate and the transfer substrate. The adhesive is selected such that the bond between the transfer substrate and the inorganic film on the raised surface portions is greater than the bond between the inorganic layer on the raised surface portions and the embossed substrate.The embossed substrate resulting after removal of the inorganic layer coating the raised surface portions may be modified to include additional inorganic layers over the recessed surface portions by tinning or electroplating methods such that this thickened inorganic layer may also be transferred from the embossed substrate to a transfer substrate as set forth above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Clyde D. Calhoun, David C. Koskenmaki
  • Patent number: 5322583
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for heat embossing synthetic woven materials that exhibit adhesion properties when subject to heated dies to impart desired lettering or designs into the surface of the material. The method uses an isolation film to diminish excessive heat transfer resulting in excess adhesion to the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventor: Elliott Wharton
  • Patent number: 5322577
    Abstract: Particle boards having at least one surface made of a resin impregnated paper web are provided during their production with a surface structure due to the fact that a glass sphere blasted surface structure is provided for in the pressing surface of a double band press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Bison-Werke Baehre & Greten GmbH
    Inventors: Berndt Greten, Gunter Seeger, Klaus Poppelreuter
  • Patent number: 5318657
    Abstract: A drip irrigation tape consists of a strip of flexible material having an elongated, indented channel formed along a first side edge, the channel being of serpentine configuration, the strip being folded lengthwise so that the side edges overlap to form a first conduit, and the opposite side edges being joined together at least along spaced seal lines along opposite edges of the channel to define a secondary conduit. Inlets and outlets are provided along the length of the channel. A method for manufacturing the tape includes the steps of forming the indented channel on a mandrel before sealing the overlapping edges of the strip together by heat sealing or ultrasonic welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Inventor: James C. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5310436
    Abstract: A retroreflective unitary laminate material having an acrylic layer on which a sign legend is printed and which is covered by an ultraviolet absorbent overlay that has poor affinity for paint and low surface tension thus protecting the printed sign from deterioration due to weathering and enabling the sign to be readily cleansed without damaging the printed signs, and minimizing water beading on the sign front face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Stimsonite Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Pricone, Richard Zanotti, Alex A. Szopinski