Overedge Bending Of Lamina About Edges Of Sheetlike Base Patents (Class 156/216)
  • Patent number: 6656304
    Abstract: A PTC element with reduced thickness is manufactured are lower cost by forming an electrode layer on a surface of a flat-plate-shaped PTC material, such that it extends over the upper and lower surfaces and at least one of the side surfaces thereof, and forming an upper surface electrode and a lower surface electrode so that the terminals thereof are positioned on one of the surfaces of the PTC material, by partially removing the electrode layer 11 to segment it into a region where the electrode layer 11 is present on either of the upper or lower surfaces of the PTC material 1 and a region where it extends over the upper and lower surfaces as well as a side surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Sony Chemicals Corp.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Furuta, Norikazu Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 6641692
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods of fabricating an absorbent article. In one method of the invention, combination containment flaps and leg cuffs are formed on a common substrate. A plurality of elastomeric elements are included in the combination article to assist in forming containment flaps. Discrete leg cuff pieces are applied to the substrate at longitudinally spaced locations. In some embodiments, a cutting device slits the substrate substantially along a center line extending the length of the substrate, forming two continuous substrate portions. A glue gun applies adhesive to the substrate portion. The substrate portions are folded lengthwise, using the adhesive to form integral containment flaps and leg cuffs in a composite substrate. The composite substrate is secured to an absorbent article web sausage in forming absorbent articles. In another embodiment, the substrate is a first substrate which supports elastomeric elements used in forming leg cuffs and containment flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Mack Reynolds, Robert Eugene Vogt
  • Publication number: 20030121597
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new business method that employs an indicia bearing protective member for use in combination with an at least partially sanitized beverage can, which member comprises primarily a substantially hourglass shaped piece of thin material of suitable dimension which is adhered to the cans. Alternatively, a substantially circular member may be used, in which event the member is applied within the rim of the top of the can. The hourglass shape permits adherence to the top and convex side of a can without deformation of the protective member's material, without wrinkling, and without the application of heat. Adherence is preferably achieved with antibacterial, transparent adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Cali St. John
  • Patent number: 6582543
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a belted garment includes: placing a first belt half and a second belt half in a partially overlapping relationship such that first end regions of the first and second belt halves contact each other in a region of overlap, and second end regions of the first and second belt halves remain uncovered; releasably joining together the first end regions to create a temporary laminate; bringing a first surface of a carrier web and the temporary laminate into mutual contact such that the first surface of the carrier web contacts the laminate in the region of overlap of the first end regions of the belt halves, and causing at least a portion of the second end region of the first belt and second belt halves to contact a second surface of the carrier web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Lennart Nilsson, Michael Rieck, Richard Schollin, Stefan Westergard
  • Publication number: 20030084981
    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: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Paul G. Swiszcz, Wendell B. Colson
  • Publication number: 20030075916
    Abstract: The devices of the present invention comprise sturdy foldable, performed protective corners of sturdy construction, preferably acid-free, non-yellowing polymeric film, and preferably having a preformed corner pocket for a convenient, snug fit on a corner, and include a self-sticking adhesive for permanent adhesion to a corner, and methods for making the same. The methods and devices of the present invention comprise sturdy foldable, performed protective corners of sturdy construction, preferably acid-free, non-yellowing polymeric film, and preferably having a preformed corner pocket for a convenient, snug fit on a corner, and include a self-sticking adhesive for permanent adhesion to a corner, and methods for making the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Torry L. Gorski
  • Patent number: 6537412
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus are provided for producing multilayers having on each of their two outer sides an outer metal foil and between them at least one additional layer. These foils and/or layer(s) are connected to each other by intermediate layers impregnated with adhesive, and the foils of several multilayers are stacked on top of each other, while a separation layer is inserted between them, and are then simultaneously pressed together. It is essential that the metal foil be placed around the separation layer on its underside, end side and upper side in a U-shape before the separation layer is supplied to the multilayer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Burke GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Bohn
  • Patent number: 6531015
    Abstract: In a method of forming a composite web structure that is finishable to form a disposable absorbent garment, a topsheet assembly is formed having a pair of longitudinally-extending, elasticized leg cuffs. The topsheet assembly is then applied on a core assembly to create a first web structure assembly. A backsheet assembly is also formed which includes a backsheet material, and this backsheet assembly is applied on the first web structure assembly to form a second web structure assembly. Then, the second web structure assembly is cut at one or more locations to form the finishable composite web structure. The step of forming a topsheet assembly generally includes providing two webs of topsheet material and two webs of elastic material; applying each web of elastic material onto one of the webs of topsheet material to form two subsequent webs; and folding each of the subsequent webs about the elastic material to create an assembly having elasticized leg cuffs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Associated Hygienic Products
    Inventor: Daniel D. Gardner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6511568
    Abstract: Copolymers of ethylene and alpha olefins that have been formed by the polymerization reaction in the presence of a single site catalyst, such as a metallocene, are used to form collapsible dispensing containers and/or components thereof. Blends of the copolymers with propylene polymers are disclosed and used to form a body wall layer or a collapsible dispensing container head having good bond strength with a body wall layer formed of an ethylene polymer. Methods for improving the adhesion between collapsible dispensing container components, such as between body wall layer formed of an ethylene polymer and another body wall layer formed of a propylene polymer, or between a body wall layer formed of an ethylene polymer and a collapsible dispensing container head formed of a propylene polymer, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Eckstein, Johnny Q. Zheng, Mark E. Nordness, Keith D. Lind, George H. Walbrun, Gregory K. Jones, Gregory J. Seeke, Ronald J. Dembowski, Douglas J. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6508899
    Abstract: A thermoplastic trim strip is mounted to an edge face of a wood-core furniture panel by applying a face of the trim strip directly to the edge face and bonding the trim-strip face directly to the panel-edge face. The panel has outer faces terminating at the edge face and the trim strip is provided with edge lips that project past the broad faces when the strip is bonded to the edge face. The edge lips are melted over onto the panel faces and trimmed off where they project past the panel faces. A thin layer of glue can be applied between a face of the trim strip and the edge face and the trim-strip face is bonded to the panel-edge face by means of the glue layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: W. Dollken & Co. GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Meyer Zu Drewer, Herbert Müller
  • Patent number: 6482283
    Abstract: The methods and devices of the present invention comprise and result generally in sturdy foldable, performed protective comers of sturdy construction, preferably acid-free, non-yellowing polymeric film, and preferably having a preformed comer pocket for a convenient, snug fit on a comer, and include a self-sticking adhesive for permanent adhesion to a comer. The methods provide convenient steps to creating such products economically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Torry L. Gorski
  • Patent number: 6478915
    Abstract: A method of sealing body parts such as an edge fold of a motor vehicle component, for example a door, a rear or front flap or a sliding roof panel, includes a two-step pre-cross-linking of the sealing composition in the rough body part. In a first step the surface of a UV-active sealing composition is pre-cross-linked by UV irradiation, and in a second step immediately following, the edge fold adhesive and the sealing composition are hardened by thermal action. The edge-sealed body parts produced by the method are transportable and are of visually and functionally satisfactory quality after passing through cleaning baths and after thermal hardening in a KTL kiln. Since the sealing is carried out in the rough body part rather than during the coating process, the method provides a substantial potential cost saving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignees: Volkswagen AG, Sika AG vorm. Kaspar Winkler & CO
    Inventors: Jörg Schmalbruch, Peter W. Merz, Patricia Bucher, Karl-Heinz Sonnenberg, Volker Beckord
  • Patent number: 6478905
    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: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Swiszcz, Wendell B. Colson
  • Publication number: 20020157769
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention concerns a process for forming two tone muntin bars. Method and apparatus of the invention uses an elongated preformed muntin bar member that has a treated portion of an exposed surface of the muntin bar member. An elongated strip of covering material is provided for controlled application onto a specified portion of the treated portion of the muntin bar material. The elongated strip of covering material includes an adhesive that causes the covering material to adhere to the muntin bar member. The muntin bar member and the covering material are brought into contact with each other to cause the covering material to overlie and adhere to the muntin bar member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: Glass Equipment Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Bryan McGlinchy
  • Publication number: 20020148553
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing composite parts includes positioning a plurality of composite layers on an application surface formed by a plurality of tooling members and filler members on a mandrel. A part formation aid is disposed on the composite layers above each tooling member. The filler members are then removed, and the composite layers slit over the recesses. The mandrel, the tooling members, the composite layers, and the part formation aids are placed in a vacuum bag. As the bag is evacuated, each part formation aid forces the side edge of the composite layers formed by the slit around the respective tooling member, thereby forming a composite part with a desired shape, thickness, and density. In an alternate embodiment, a flanged composite panel is formed around a rectangular mandrel after positioning composite layers on an outer surface of the mandrel and an outer surface of a filler member disposed on one end of the mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: James H. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6447638
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tape squeezing device for folding back side edge portions in a width direction of a strip of adhesive tape applied on a work to run the side edge portions over respective side end portions of the work. The tape squeezing device includes a main body formed with a V-shaped first groove portion having an open angle, a V-shaped second groove portion have a smaller open angle than the open angle of the first groove portion, and a V-shaped third groove portion having substantially the same open angles as the open angle of the second groove portion, each of the groove portions being spaced apart from one another at a predetermined interval. The tape squeezing device also includes an expandable elastic sheet fixed to the main body and arranged to contact the side end portions of the work and cover a portion of one of the three grooved portions, the elastic sheet having a cushion layer and a lubricating surface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Lintec Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Maeda
  • Publication number: 20020112817
    Abstract: An edge wrap machine for applying decorative laminate to an aircraft interior panel, particularly a stowbin door, lifts the edge to be wrapped with an actuator, wraps the edge automatically by drawing a vacuum between two silicone blankets sandwiching the panel, and lowers the actuator to achieve bonding pressure on the wrapped edge. The machine automates a hand operation that is relatively slow and potentially dangerous to the workers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: John D. Nemchick, Don C. Jones
  • Publication number: 20020096243
    Abstract: A method for encasing a ceiling tile. The back surface of the ceiling tile is positioned adjacent to a vacuum table and a facing is placed over the front surface of the ceiling tile so that the facing overlaps each edge about the perimeter of the ceiling tile. In one embodiment, the facing is covered with an air-impermeable cover and a support frame can be placed surrounding the perimeter of the ceiling tile. The facing is drawn onto the ceiling tile by a vacuum applied through the vacuum table. The ceiling tile is then reversed so that the front surface of the ceiling tile is positioned adjacent to the vacuum table. An air-impermeable backing is placed over the ceiling tile so that the backing overlaps each edge about the perimeter of the ceiling tile. The backing is drawn onto the ceiling tile by the vacuum applied through the vacuum table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Donald W. Harrison
  • Publication number: 20020074079
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods of fabricating an absorbent article. In one method of the invention, combination containment flaps and leg cuffs are formed on a common substrate. A plurality of elastomeric elements are included in the combination article to assist in forming containment flaps. Discrete leg cuff pieces are applied to the substrate at longitudinally spaced locations. In some embodiments, a cutting device slits the substrate substantially along a center line extending the length of the substrate, forming two continuous substrate portions. A glue gun applies adhesive to the substrate portion. The substrate portions are folded lengthwise, using the adhesive to form integral containment flaps and leg cuffs in a composite substrate. The composite substrate is secured to an absorbent article web sausage in forming absorbent articles. In another embodiment, the substrate is a first substrate which supports elastomeric elements used in forming leg cuffs and containment flaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Gary Mack Reynolds, Robert Eugene Vogt
  • Publication number: 20020069954
    Abstract: A method and system for producing a self-mailer using a folding apparatus for folding sheets into folded materials and a tabbing apparatus for sealing the folded materials with tabs in a continuous flow. Typically a folded material exits the folded apparatus with the open end of the folded material leading and this traveling direction of the folded material is not suitable for tabbing. A path directing apparatus is placed between the folding apparatus and the tabbing apparatus so as to cause the folded material to enter the tabbing apparatus with the open end of the folded material leading. As such, the entire process can be carried out without manually reversing the traveling direction of the folded material. In addition, a printer and a labeling device can be added to the self-mailer producing system to put on an address label, a postage indicia and a return address while keeping the process steps in a continuous flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: PAUL R. SETTE, RICHARD A. SLOAN
  • Publication number: 20020062922
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new business method that employs an indicia bearing protective member for use in combination with an at least partially sanitized food or beverage container, which member comprises primarily a substantially hourglass shaped piece of thin material of suitable dimension which is adhered to the containers. Alternatively, a substantially circular member may be used, in which event the member is applied within the rim of the top of the container. The hourglass shape permits adherence to the top and convex side of a container without deformation of the protective member's material, without wrinkling, and without the application of heat. Adherence is preferably achieved with antibacterial, transparent adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Cali St. John
  • Patent number: 6365087
    Abstract: A seat cushion mold with an elastic member and method provide the manufacture of an improved seat cushion for use in upholstered chairs or the like having a smooth, uniform shape without unsightly underlines. A thick, resilient foam block is positioned on a rigid planer base and is urged into the mold whereby a thin foam cover layer is adhered to the outer edges of the planar base to produce a precisely contoured cushion which can be upholstered and fitted to a chair frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Matrex Furniture Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Tornero
  • Patent number: 6358351
    Abstract: A thermally conductive substrate having a structure in which inorganic filler for improving the thermal conductivity and thermosetting resin composition are included. The thermosetting resin composition has a flexibility in the not-hardened state, and becomes rigid after hardening. The thermally conductive substrate has excellent thermal radiation characteristics. The method of manufacturing the thermally conductive substrate includes: piling up (a) the thermally conductive sheets comprising 70 to 95 weight parts of an inorganic filler, and 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Nakatani, Hiroyuki Handa
  • Publication number: 20020018872
    Abstract: The invention relates, on the one hand, to a prismatic, especially panel-formed thermal insulation element which is enveloped in a gas-tight foil and evacuated, whereby a stable core pre-formed from a porous material is completely enveloped in a single cut sheet of the gas-tight foil; as well as a manufacturing process for same comprising the following steps:
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Michael E. Ehrmanntraut
  • Patent number: 6346162
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods of fabricating an absorbent article. In one method of the invention, combination containment flaps and leg cuffs are formed on a common substrate. A plurality of elastomeric elements are included in the combination article to assist in forming containment flaps. Discrete leg cuff pieces are applied to the substrate at longitudinally spaced locations. In some embodiments, a cutting device slits the substrate substantially along a center line extending the length of the substrate, forming two continuous substrate portions. A glue gun applies adhesive to the substrate portion. The substrate portions are folded lengthwise, using the adhesive to form integral containment flaps and leg cuffs in a composite substrate. The composite substrate is secured to an absorbent article web sausage in forming absorbent articles. In another embodiment, the substrate is a first substrate which supports elastomeric elements used in forming leg cuffs and containment flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Mack Reynolds, Robert Eugene Vogt
  • Publication number: 20020003023
    Abstract: The pressure element (7) is designed for gluing a bandlike covering (4) by means of an adhesive onto a narrow face (3) (edge) of straight or curved (profiled) cross section of a board element (2) or for gluing a film onto a profile bar having a surface of straight or profiled cross section. The pressure element (7) has an elastically deformable pressure face (30). High adhesive bonding strength and high surface quality are achieved in a simple, uncomplicated and cost-effective way by means of only a few pressure elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: Konrad Scholz
  • Patent number: 6267713
    Abstract: A tabber apparatus includes a frame, a friction drive roller rotatably and operatively connected to the frame, and a take-up spool rotatably and operatively connected to the frame and operatively connected to the friction drive roller to allow backing paper which is wrapped about a portion of the friction drive roller to be taken up into the take-up spool. The tabber further includes a slick tab drive roller to provide proper placement of the tab on the media, a tab brake including a roller positionable between a first and second position to rotate a tab reel spindle, and a tab and media sensor operatively connected to a microcontroller to activate and deactivate a tab dispensing motor. Moreover, the tabber apparatus further includes removable upper shafts which are retained by spring-loaded retaining members which fit into grooves on the shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Martin Yale Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: John H. Jaksch
  • Publication number: 20010001515
    Abstract: A seat cushion mold with an elastic member and method provide the manufacture of an improved seat cushion for use in upholstered chairs or the like having a smooth, uniform shape without unsightly underlines. A thick, resilient foam block is positioned on a rigid planer base and is urged into the mold whereby a thin foam cover layer is adhered to the outer edges of the planar base to produce a precisely contoured cushion which can be upholstered and fitted to a chair frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Publication date: May 24, 2001
    Inventor: ROGER TORNERO
  • Patent number: 6224706
    Abstract: Structurally strong articles are formed from inherently weak materials, such as expanded polystyrene, coated with one or more layers of a thermoplastic sheet material, such as amorphous polyethylene terephthalate. The inherently weak interior members are either fluid permeable or perforated. These members are sandwiched or encapsulated by heat deformable outer layers. The articles are made by applying a fluid pressure between the stack of interior members and the thermoplastic sheet, with the thermoplastic sheet heated to conform to the interior members. The fluid pressure is maintained until the thermoplastic sheet is cooled so that tension extending in all directions is produced in the sheet. The resulting articles are useful as building elements, signs, motor vehicle panels, pallets, surf boards, and sail boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Armacel Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Frank Anthony Matich
  • Patent number: 6203654
    Abstract: A method of making a slitted or particulate absorbent material for an absorbent article such as sanitary napkins, diapers, incontinence devices, and the like. The method can be carried out in situ on another component of the absorbent article in a manufacturing process without cutting the other component. In one embodiment, the absorbent material is placed between two canier webs, and a force is applied to the composite of the absorbent material and the carrier webs. The force breaks the absorbent material, but only deforms the carrier webs to provide a self-contained web of particulate material between two carrier webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ronald Ray McFall, Gary Dean Lavon, Wilfried Maria Kollner, John Richard Noel, John Lee Hammons
  • Patent number: 6183586
    Abstract: A process is for the production of a padding material (7) made from paper or similar flat structures that are folded together and are formed by tools. At least one intermediate layer (3, 4) is perhaps incorporated within a top layer (2) that is to be folded together. The top layer and the intermediate layer that may or may not be provided are formed along their narrow sides by at least one forming tool (10, 11) after the top layer has been folded together. An intermittent transport unit acts on the structure (1) that is still flat but has been folded together. This causes the structure to be formed longitudinally, in addition to the forming that is carried out by the forming tool (10, 11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Heidelberger
  • Patent number: 6183587
    Abstract: The method of making a shaped tube of absorbent material for the sanitary napkin, in one embodiment, involves the steps of: (a) providing a web of absorbent material, the web of absorbent material having a length, a width, a longitudinal centerline oriented in the direction of the length of the web of absorbent material, a first surface and an opposed second surface; (b) providing a cover for the first and second surfaces of the web of absorbent material; (c) at least partially covering the first and second surfaces of the web of absorbent material with the cover to form a composite web having longitudinal side margins; (d) folding the composite web at least once with folds defining fold lines that are arranged about the longitudinal centerline of the web of absorbent material; and (e) autogenously bonding a portion of the cover that covers the first surface of the web of absorbent material to a portion of the cover that covers an opposing portion of the second surface of the web of absorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ronald Ray McFall, John Lee Hammons, Diana Lynn Gann, John Richard Noel
  • Patent number: 6176965
    Abstract: A bonded structure of an Al alloy pressed plate, in which another member is bonded onto the surface of the Al alloy pressed plate that has a lubricant layer by use of an epoxy resin based adhesive. The adhesive contains an epoxy resin, a dehydrated phosphate and a latent curing agent. The epoxy resin comprises a polyester type epoxy resin and at least one resin selected from the group consisting of a bisphenol epoxy resin, a rubber-modified bisphenol epoxy resin, and a urethane-modified epoxy resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Okui, Makoto Shiokawa
  • Patent number: 6152203
    Abstract: The tape squeezing device has a grooved portion including a bottom wall portion and a pair of side wall portions, a pair of tilted surface portions arranged both end portions in longitudinal direction of a recessed portion and tilted in respect to the longitudinal direction of the recessed portion, a main body formed with the tilted surface portions and the recessed portion, an expandable elastic sheet arranged along the recessed portion and the tilted surface portion, a pair of squeezing levers held for reciprocal motion in opposing direction of a pair of the side wall portions, a bracket having a base end portion pivoted at a center portion of the main body via a pin for pivotal motion to project a tip end portion from any one side of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the recessed portion, and an adhesive tape guide roller rotatably mounted on the tip end of the bracket to contact to one side end portion of the work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Lintec Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Maeda
  • Patent number: 6092858
    Abstract: A molded interior door panel (10) for a vehicle including: a thermoformable sheet (12) and an insert (14) wherein a portion of said thermoformable sheet at least partially envelopes and retentatively grips said insert. The insert (14) and sheet (12) may cooperatively form the interior door pull (26) of a vehicle door where the door pull (26) forms an integral part of and is contiguous with the door panel (10) avoiding evident junction lines between the door panel and handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Nylex Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Graeme Bolwell
  • Patent number: 6071365
    Abstract: Apparatus for and process of folding and securing edges of a relatively large wrap over corresponding edges of a smaller board positioned on and in contact with an adhesively coated surface of the wrap to form a laminated work-piece, the work-piece being moved in a first direction to a first wrapping head having a pair of movable jaws defining a slot. An edge if the sheet extending from the work-piece, is engaged and folded over a corresponding edge of the board and adhesively adheres to the opposite surface of the board. The folded-over edge is then clamped between the jaws of the first wrapping head and carried in that manner in an opposite direction in a parallel but displaced second plane to a similar slot in a second, like, wrapping head. At the latter, the opposite edge of the sheet extending from the work-piece is similarly engaged, folded over and adhered to the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Crathern Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Porat
  • Patent number: 6068808
    Abstract: A seat cushion mold with an elastic member and method provide the manufacture of an improved seat cushion for use in upholstered chairs or the like having a smooth, uniform shape without unsightly underlines. A thick, resilient foam block is positioned on a rigid planer base and is urged into the mold whereby a thin foam cover layer is adhered to the outer edges of the planar base to produce a precisely contoured cushion which can be upholstered and fitted to a chair frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Matrex Furniture Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Tornero
  • Patent number: 6054004
    Abstract: Disclosed is a heat insulating structure in which the surrounding of a heat insulating material such as glass wool is covered with and glued to a casing material such as a poly-film, wherein hotmelts (4,5,6) are applied to the center part or all and an inner portion d and an outer portion e of both ends of a poly-film (3b), and a glass wool (2) is placed on the center to apply a hotmelt (7) to the surface, which is then covered with an aluminum deposition poly-film. In the lower reaches of the conveyer, both ends of the lower poly-film (3b) are folded at the divided line between the inner portion d and the outer portion e to form a three-ply structure, which is pressed to fix, is cooled to normal temperature, and is cured. This heat insulating structure is featured in that improvement in productivity and high adhesive strength can be attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: MAG Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruki Imamura, Tadashi Yoshikawa, Gen Itafuji, Hiroyuki Iwadera
  • Patent number: 6036803
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of producing packaging material comprising a core layer (9) which is provided with punched holes, apertures or slits (14), and which displays, along its one side, an unbroken layer (7) of a laminate consisting of aluminium foil and polyethylene. On production of the packaging material, a "primary laminate" (7) of polyethylene and aluminium foil is first created in that the polyethylene is extruded as a film between the aluminium foil and the surface of a cooling roller while, in a second operation, which is carried out on the same cooling roller, a web (9) of paper or board provided with holes, apertures or slits (14) is united with the above-mentioned primary laminate (7) by the intermediary of an extruded polyethylene layer (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Rolf Lasson, Peter Ohman
  • Patent number: 6019869
    Abstract: A laminated bench top forming machine including first and second folder bars where the second folder bar includes a resilient portion. The first folder bar folds a laminate, which is on a surface, around a curved edge of the surface. The second folder bar then acts against the folded portion of the laminate and against an area of the curved edge such that as this occurs the resilient portion of the second folder bar contracts and causes the second folder bar to move around the curved edge such that the second folder bar applies a force against at third part of the surface to form a laminated bench top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventors: Steven Fifield, Bruce Sarratt
  • Patent number: 6010587
    Abstract: A full color transplanting process for providing a full color picture, drawing or printing permanently and evenly on an undulate surface of an object, including any irregular, uneven and undulate surface thereon. The process includes the following steps. Print a clear and flexible transplanting membrane with a predetermined picture, drawing or printing thereon, wherein the transplanting membrane has a surface area at least equal to a total surface area of a predetermined printing surface of an object. Clean the printing surface of the object thoroughly to clear all removable dirt and particles thereon. Pre-heat the object to a predetermined temperature between 150.degree. F. and 300.degree. F. Rub the printing surface of the object until the entire printing surface is provided with static electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Ben Ming Hsia
  • Patent number: 6000118
    Abstract: A sealed edge joint can be formed between two metal panels such as an outer vehicle door panel and an inner door panel, by using a flowable sealant bead between the facing surfaces of the two panels, and a thin film of uncured paint-like resin between a flange on the outer panel and the exposed surface of the inner panel. The paint film is cured to a solid impervious condition by a baking operation performed on the completed door panel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Biernat, George Wagner, Andy Kalson, Jr., Dennis D. Davidson, Robert Shaffer
  • Patent number: 6001198
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting through protective film in the region of covered-over joints and beads of vehicle bodies includes a freely programmable industrial robot having at least five degrees of motional freedom. An operating arm of the robot has a cutting and pressing tool which includes a knife having a blade for cutting through the protective film in the region of covered-over joints and beads, and the pressing tool comprises a rotary brush or air nozzle for pressing down the cut edges. In another embodiment, an air nozzle which emits a diffuse hot-air current is provided for cutting through the protective film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Uwe Habisreitinger, Bernhard Nordmann
  • Patent number: 5980676
    Abstract: A simple and low cost system for temporarily but securely holding together stacked document sheets in discrete "packaged" sets, for reproduction job collection and distribution without permanent binding or sheet damage. It is particularly suited for automatic application to collated copy sheet output of a copier, shared printer or facsimile machine. Each job or selected output stack of printed sheets may be temporarily bound by small adhesive tape segments, much smaller than the sheets, so as to maintain the sheet set integrity under distribution and other handling, yet allow removal of the tape whenever desired to unbind the stacked sheets without any damage to the sheets, unlike stapling or other such permanent binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Murray O. Meetze
  • Patent number: 5935364
    Abstract: A method for forming upholstered articles involves providing an upholstery fabric having a tensionable drawstring, positioning the upholstery fabric over a front side of an article which is to be upholstered, folding the periphery of the fabric upholstery over edges of the article, applying tension to opposing ends of the drawstring, and securing the ends of the drawstring to the back side of the article to form a preassembled upholstered article. The fabric on the preassembled upholstered article can be adjusted, such as to remove wrinkles. Thereafter, heat can be applied to the preassembled upholstered article to activate thermally activable adhesive disposed between the article and the upholstery fabric to cause the upholstery fabric to be permanently adhered to the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Dale M. Groendal, James J. Keyzer
  • Patent number: 5928452
    Abstract: A method of making an absorbent device that is worn interlabially by female wearers for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, is disclosed. The method involves at least partially enclosing a continuous length of absorbent material in a cover material. The cover material is positioned so that it lies on opposite sides of the length of absorbent material. The absorbent material is then optionally shaped so that along its length there are regions of greater and lesser thickness on alternating sides of the longitudinal axis of the absorbent material. In one embodiment, the shaping is accomplished by bonding a first portion of the cover material to a second portion of the cover material on the opposite side of the absorbent material so that the bonding penetrates through the absorbent material. A generally transverse direction cut is made across the length of absorbent material which alternates longitudinally across the length of absorbent material to provide the device with shaped ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ronald Ray McFall, Michael Nyle Hershberger
  • Patent number: 5925207
    Abstract: An automotive interior component consisting of a resin core member having a required shape and a surface skin member for imparting a favorable surface property thereto in which a peripheral portion of the surface skin member is folded back and secured onto a reverse surface of a resin core member in a quick and reliable manner without using any bonding agent, and a device and method for manufacturing the same. By blowing hot air produced from an annular hot air supply pipe arranged along a reverse surface of the peripheral portion of the resin core member and a reverse surface of the folded back portion of the surface skin member which is combined with the resin core member as a half-finished assembly, the folded back portion of the surface skin member is thermally welded and secured to the reverse surface of the resin core member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Kasai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoichi Itoh, Shozo Yabushita
  • Patent number: 5919543
    Abstract: A method of forming composite sine wave spars from composite material. In accordance with the method, the sine wave spar is formed of web plies, filler plies, separator plies and cap plies. The edges of the web plies are cut to form a plurality of teeth having different geometric configurations. The web plies are first formed to the sine wave contours of a tool having the desired final part geometry. The teeth of the web plies are then folded over the edges of the tool to form a portion of the flanges of upper and lower U-shaped channels. The portions of the flanges of the U-shaped channels not covered by the teeth are formed using filler plies that intermesh with the teeth to form a layer of the flanges of the respective upper or lower U-shaped channel. The flanges are reinforced through the use of separator plies that are placed between the filler plies. The formed upper and lower U-shaped channels are joined together so that their respective flanges are located in line with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Douglas A. McCarville, Rodney E. Bahr
  • Patent number: 5885405
    Abstract: Apparatus for and process of folding and securing edges of a relatively large wrap over corresponding edges of a smaller board positioned on and in contact with an adhesively coated surface of the wrap to form a laminated work-piece, the work-piece being moved in a first direction to a first wrapping head having a pair of movable jaws defining a slot. An edge if the sheet extending from the work-piece, is engaged and folded over a corresponding edge of the board and adhesively adheres to the opposite surface of the board. The folded-over edge is then clamped between the jaws of the first wrapping head and carried in that manner in an opposite direction in a parallel but displaced second plane to a similar slot in a second, like, wrapping head. At the latter, the opposite edge of the sheet extending from the work-piece is similarly engaged, folded over and adhered to the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Crathern Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Porat
  • Patent number: 5871830
    Abstract: A fibrous product is produced by providing a collection of fibrous material, and encapsulating the fibrous material by covering the fibrous material with a film to form an encapsulated blanket of the fibrous material. The encapsulated blanket is then needled to cause entanglement of the fibrous material, thereby producing a needled, encapsulated fibrous product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: William S. Miller