Flash, Trim Or Excess Removal Patents (Class 156/267)
  • Patent number: 6086703
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing window frames from plastic sections, wherein the plastic sections for always two window frames to be welded at a distance one above the other are placed in the double welding heads of a horizontal four-head welding machine, and wherein the double welding heads are arranged in pairs on a displaceable carriage so as to be shiftable relative to each other. The plastic sections are then clamped in the welding machine and are welded. After at least partial cooling, the welded window frames are released and removed. At least two support elements arranged at a short distance from one carriage and directed toward the other carriage are moved from two opposite sides underneath two welded window frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Willi Sturtz Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Sturtz
  • Patent number: 6080263
    Abstract: In an apparatus and method of applying a protecting film to a semiconductor wafer, a semiconductor wafer is placed on top of a table, a protecting film is pressed onto the wafer by a press roller biased toward the table, the table is moved to apply the protecting film to the wafer, a tension roller arranged upstream from the press roller applies a tensile force to the protecting film in a direction opposite the feeding direction of the film, the tensile force of the tension roller is first set at a relatively high value at the beginning of the application of the protecting film to place the protecting film in a stretched state and then at a relatively small value during the application of the protecting film to prevent the portion of the protecting film which has not yet been applied from coming into contact with the wafer, and then, after the protecting film has been applied to the wafer, a cutting blade is used to cut the protecting film to match the shape of the semiconductor wafer by first moving the cutt
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Lintec Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Saito, Tsuyoshi Kurita, Koji Okamoto
  • Patent number: 6076002
    Abstract: A biomedical electrode for an electrocardiograph or similar device is provided. The biomedical electrode includes a disposable electrode having an electrically conductive gel layer and a smooth layer film. The disposable electrode interfaces with a reusable leadwire connector having the relatively expensive metallic conductive material. The reusable leadwire adapter includes a vinyl top layer which attaches to the smooth layer film of the disposable electrode through surface attraction. The reusable leadwire adapter may include a suction cup which attaches to the disposable electrode through a partial vacuum. The reusable leadwire also includes a stud member which snaps into a standard leadwire connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: NDM, Inc.
    Inventors: James Vernon Cartmell, Michael Lee Wolf, Wayne Robert Sturtevant
  • Patent number: 6068038
    Abstract: A deflashing apparatus is incorporated into a friction welding machine which includes a rotary chuck for chucking a first workpiece, and a carriage having a fixed chuck for chucking a second workpiece and being capable of advancing and retracting in an axial direction. The deflashing apparatus includes a pair of cutter arms, an assistant member, and a bumper fitting. The cutter arms are disposed on the carriage, can swivel, and include a press-cutter joined at the leading end. The press-cutter is dividable into two members, and can envelop the first workpiece. The assistant member is disposed on the carriage, and holds a stopper. The stopper contacts with an end of the second workpiece. The bumper fitting is brought into contact with the assistant member to inhibit the assistant member from retracting. After the first and second workpieces are joined, the rotary chuck releases the first workpiece, and the carriage retracts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Koichi Kawaura
  • Patent number: 6063227
    Abstract: A method of making a multi-row, multi-column laminated product including the steps of providing a printed rectangular paperboard sheet having a leading edge, two perpendicular side edges and a trailing edge parallel to the leading edge, feeding the leading edge of the sheet in a first direction and cutting out a narrow transverse segment in the middle of the sheet to produce a transverse gap, leaving connecting portions at each end of the transverse gap, the transverse gap being parallel to the leading edge, gripping the paperboard sheet and feeding its leading edge in the same first direction and continuously cutting the paperboard sheet into adjacent panels in a direction parallel to the side edges and perpendicular to the leading edge, thereby to remove strips of waste from between adjacent panels, and feeding the leading edge into a laminating roller nip with laminating sheets prior to cutting into the transverse gap and continuously gripping the sheet between its side edges at a distance from the laminat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Rand McNally & Company
    Inventors: David P. Raymond, Paul R. Stensvaag, Kenneth R. Bogner
  • Patent number: 6056843
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet lamination modeling method and a sheet lamination modeling apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object by stacking and gluing sheets together. In the invention, an upper sheet (2Y) is stacked on top of a lower sheet (2X) which is cut into an effective area (V1) constituting the three-dimensional object and a waste area (U1) not constituting the three-dimensional object, an adhesive (4) is supplied between the lower sheet (2X) and the upper sheet (2Y) and onto an area which extends outwardly of an overlapping area covering both of an effective area (V2) of the upper sheet (2Y) and the effective area (V1) of the lower sheet (2X) to thereby glue the lower sheet (2X) and the upper sheet (2Y) together, and the upper sheet (2Y) is cut into the effective area (V2) and a waste area (U2). As a result, according to the invention, it is possible to easily obtain a strong three-dimensional object without separation or deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Kira Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Morita, Kazuo Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 6050318
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for attaching a protective thin film layer to a surface of a compact disc stamper are disclosed. An apparatus for carrying out the process comprises a base for supporting the compact disc stamper, a supply roll for providing the thin film protective layer to the compact disc stamper, and at least one bladder for inflating. The bladder is operative to be inflated against the protective layer for pressing the protective layer against the compact disc stamper. The apparatus may also include a mechanism for directing a vacuum induced suction force against the underside of the compact disc stamper for securing the same to the base while attaching the thin film protective layer to the compact disc stamper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Record Products of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Roczynski, John Suchecki
  • Patent number: 6039830
    Abstract: A semiconductor wafer tape laminating system includes a loading device for conveying a wafer or cassette to a predetermined location where a laminating process is performed. A laminating device attaches UV tape to the front surface of the wafer conveyed by the loading device. A precutting device having a knife cuts the UV tape around the wafer as spaced therefrom to leave an edge of the tape protruding beyond the peripheral edge of the wafer. A wire cutting device having a wire removes the edge of the UV tape left around the wafer by the precutting device. An ultra-violet illuminator irradiates the edge of the UV tape with ultra-violet rays, and an unloading device carries the wafer to a downstream processing station. When the edge of the UV tape is irradiated with ultra-violet rays, it loses its adhesive strength. Accordingly, the edge will not attach itself to the wafer or to a piece of processing equipment after it is removed by the wire cutting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bae-seung Park, Jin-heung Kim, Jung-hyun Cho
  • Patent number: 6039829
    Abstract: Two types of gloves with thermobonded seams that define fingers and a thumb portion that extends over the palm of the glove thus allowing free thumb rotation are disclosed. Devices for manufacturing the two types of gloves are disclosed. Methods from manufacturing the gloves, including two ways to manufacture the thumb portion, are disclosed. An improved die plate for thermobonding that holds a heat element in a channel using wedge shaped channel walls is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Robert C. French
  • Patent number: 6036811
    Abstract: A prefabricated multi-layered flexible product which can be used as a liner for an outer shell or as a stand-alone product. A substrate fabric material is placed in parallel with a synthetic film membrane to form a two ply laminate with excess membrane at an edge thereof. A pair of the laminates are overlaid with the substrate fabrics opposing each other with the fabric edges aligned, and a thermoplastic film is strategically placed in between the layers to enhance bonding between the fabric layers and the excess membranes. The laminate(s) and/or separate sheets of above materials are assembled by using a radio frequency welding process and then out into two or three dimensional forms, which in their bonded state form either a prefabricated component liner or a prefabricated stand-alone product. The form may be a glove, sock, shirt, boot/shoe, hat, jacket, pant, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Liteliner International Holdings, Co., LLC
    Inventor: John J. McGraw
  • Patent number: 6036099
    Abstract: A plastic smart card, such as a card having a radio frequency identification (RFID) proximity function, including at least one electronic element embedded therein and a physical contact card function and the hot lamination process for the manufacture of this dual function smart card and other plastic cards including a micro-chip embedded therein. The process results in a card having a preferred overall thickness in the range of 0.028 inches to 0.032 inches with a surface suitable for receiving dye sublimation printing--the variation in card thickness across the surface should not exceed 0.0005 inches. A card manufactured in accordance with the present invention also complies with all industry standards and specifications. Also, the hot lamination process of the present invention results in an aesthetically pleasing card. The invention also relates to a plastic card formed in accordance with the hot lamination process of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Keith Leighton
  • Patent number: 6037029
    Abstract: A self-adhesive label comprising a multilaminar label portion, a self-adhesive laminar material extending over, and adhered by its self-adhesive surface to, the multilaminar label portion thereby to form two self-adhesive edge portions thereof on opposed sides of the multilaminar label portion, a backing of release material to which one of the edge portions is releasably adhered and an unadhesive portion which is located on the rear surface of the said one edge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: David John Instance
  • Patent number: 6033508
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ribbon roll by joining a splice tape to a ribbon, is capable of accomplishing automatization to deal with splice tapes different in length and kind. This method comprises a ribbon supply process, an edit process for joining first and second splice tapes to the ribbon and a take-up process for rolling up the ribbon joined to the first and second splice tapes. In the edit process, the first and second splice tapes are joined by an adhesive tape sticking section and its feeding quantity is adjusted by an accumulator. On the other hand, the ribbon is drawn out by a given length from a supply unit and cut. A rotating bed 42 supporting the cut ribbon is rotated so that the end of the cut ribbon comes into an opposed relation to the end of the first or second splice tape. In this state, the ribbon and the splice tape are joined to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Sony Chemicals Corp.
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Taniguchi, Akihiro Kaneko, Tetsuji Ishikawa, Seiji Gunji
  • Patent number: 6027596
    Abstract: An infinite heat sealing assembly preferably for heat sealing a thermoplastic heat-shrinkable plastic film, has a heat sealing assembly for cutting and sealing a seam in a film or layers of film without regard to the length of the seam. The heat sealing assembly includes a heated blade and a plurality of belt conveyors for conveying the film with a desired tracking through the assembly. An adjustable angle blade and slotted film support ramp result in improved sealing of heavier gauge films by increasing the dwell time of the film on the heated blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventors: John M. DeFriese, David Gassel
  • Patent number: 6027597
    Abstract: A method of producing a single unit phone card assembly including providing sheets of material including a primary sheet, a secondary sheet, and an overlaminating sheet; printing information on the primary sheet; applying a coating of release agent on a face side of the primary sheet; applying a coating of varnish on a rear side of the primary sheet; applying a layer of adhesive on a face side of the secondary sheet; laminating the rear side of the primary to the face side of the secondary sheet using the adhesive layer; cutting the primary sheet after lamination of the primary and secondary sheets; laminating the overlaminating sheet to the primary sheet such that the overlaminating sheet contacts the release agent; cutting the laminated primary, secondary, and overlaminating sheets to form the single unit phone card assembly and to form excess material; applying functional perforations to the assembly; and stripping the excess material from the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Bertex Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George W. Main
  • Patent number: 6024821
    Abstract: A method of positioning two strips of a wallpaper border in a non-aligned abutting relationship on a continuous surface is disclosed, in which an end of a first strip of the wallpaper border is positioned in an abutting relationship with an end of a second strip of the wallpaper border and in which the strips are at a pre-determined angle. The wallpaper is wallpaper having a dominant design feature. The method comprises placing a clear plastic sheet over the end of the first strip of wallpaper border and marking a line on the clear plastic sheet that contours around the dominant design feature on the wallpaper. The clear plastic sheet is positioned at the predetermined angle over the second strip of wallpaper border such that the line contours around the dominant design feature on the second strip of wallpaper border.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: International Wallcoverings Ltd.
    Inventor: Pierre Cousineau
  • Patent number: 6015470
    Abstract: A label for displaying information regarding a container and suspending the container from a support, and methods for forming the same. The label includes a base label having a base adhesive on the lower surface thereof. A connector strip is secured to the upper surface of the base label along a longitudinal edge by at least one adhesive patch. A hanger is secured by the legs thereof to the connector strip. The hanger is foldable between a stored position wherein the hanger lies adjacent the upper surface of the base web and a hanging position wherein the hanger is folded away from the base label for receiving the support through the opening. A remaining portion of the upper surface of the base label is not covered by either of the connector strip and the hanger when the hanger is in the stored position. The label may further include at least one removable self adhesive secondary label forming a part thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignees: Pharmagraphics (Midwest), L.L.C., Pharmagraphics (Southeast), L.L.C.
    Inventors: Carl W. Treleaven, Glenn A. Grosskopf
  • Patent number: 5997681
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a three-dimensional object. There is provided a lamination unit for holding and pressing a block of material; a slicing unit for cutting the block to form a horizontal layer having a first working surface and a cut block having a second working surface; a profiling means for profiling at least one of the working surfaces into at least one planar element; and an electronic means for receiving XYZ information corresponding to the shape of the object, for processing the XYZ information into a plurality of computerized cross-sectional representations of the shape, and for controlling the operation of the lamination means, the slicing means, and the profiling means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Norman F. Kinzie
  • Patent number: 5997676
    Abstract: An apparatus and related method for manufacturing a full-fashioned glove from similar or dissimilar polymeric material includes a controller that actuates various components in the apparatus, a thumb mold that forms a thumb portion from two layers of a first material and a hand mold which forms a plurality of fingers and a cuff from the first material and a second material. Both the thumb mold and hand mold have appropriate cavities with apertures therethrough wherein a vacuum source, actuated by the controller, draws the appropriate material toward the surface of the mold prior to closure thereof. Upon closure of the molds, a fusing element is energized by the controller and the materials are fused to one another to form the appropriate portion of the full-fashioned glove. After the glove is removed from the remaining materials, it can be employed in various types of manufacturing industries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Enclosure Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eran J. P. Jurrius, Robert L. Karam, Jr., James E. Jurrius
  • Patent number: 5989380
    Abstract: A method for dry heat transfer printing a wall covering material utilizing a system comprising at least one transfer cylinder having a heated working surface, comprising processing a non-woven fibrous web material in paper form in overlapping contact with a sublimation dye transfer paper having a decorative pattern to be printed, around a portion of the working surface of the transfer cylinder between a first location and a nip roller engaged against the working surface which exerts a rolling force against the web material, the transfer paper and the working surface as the transfer cylinder rotates about a central axis thereof, at a processing temperature to effect transfer of the decorative pattern from the transfer paper to the web material, the system including a tensioning mechanism disposed proximal the first location, which, in combination with the nip roller, maintains the web material at a sufficient tension to preclude lateral movement of the web material during processing of the web material and the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Paul Frischer
  • Patent number: 5985075
    Abstract: Film-forming means are coextruded to form all plastic multilayer liners and facestocks for pressure-sensitive labels, tapes, decals, signs, bumper stickers, and other products formed from sheet and roll stock Fill means in a charge for the liner coextrusion affects stiffness and dimensional stability of the liner and/or affects the roughness of a liner face or faces. The film materials of the layers of the constructions are selected according to the cost/benefit characteristics of candidate materials considering the functional or operational requirements of the layer in question.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Melvin S. Freedman
  • Patent number: 5976294
    Abstract: A method of producing rolls of ribbons including printing indica at a plurality of locations on at least one of two webs; applying peelable adhesive at a plurality of locations on at least one of the two webs; bonding the two webs together using the adhesive where the indicia and the adhesive are registered with each other; die cutting only one of the webs after bonding to form a plurality of peelable lid shapes, having lift tabs for each peelable lid shape, on the other web; die cutting the other non-cut web to form a plurality of parallel ribbons of interconnected lid shapes with each one of the interconnected lid shapes associated with one of the peelable lid shapes; bending the lift tabs onto their respective peelable lid shape; and winding each of the ribbons into a roll on a central core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Label Makers, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony G. Fagnant, Ralph D. Sagel
  • Patent number: 5961762
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for high speed and uniform manufacture and assembly of acoustical diaphragms having electrical conductor circuits applied thereto to frame components used with acoustic transducers wherein a web of diaphragm material having a plurality of spaced circuit carrying diaphragm sections applied thereto is moved relative to an applicator station wherein each section of the web of diaphragm material is placed under a predetermined tension and a frame component is bonded to the tensioned section, afterwhich the section of diaphragm material is severed from the web of diaphragm material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Sonigistix Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Zelinka, Jim Balcom, Scott Phillips, Gary Cook, Mohammad Kermani, Paul Taylor
  • Patent number: 5956816
    Abstract: An elastomer coating for buttons, snaps, caps, and other metal fasteners, is provided by applying a bonding agent or primer coat to the fasteners, and then applying the elastomer material in solid sheet form to the tops or heads of the primer coated fasteners. The assembly is cured using heat and pressure, to bond the elastomer material permanently across the entire upper surface of the fasteners. The elastomer is preferably a synthetic silicone rubber material, which provides a soft to the touch feel. The permanently bonded coating also protects the underlying metal fastener material from corrosion, thus providing good durability and longevity for the fastener. The elastomer material may be clear, thus enabling any underlying pattern or design formed in the top of the fastener to be seen, but may be tinted or dyed if desired. Multiple layers of the elastomer material may be bonded to the top of the fastener, if desired, with each layer having a different translucent tint as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: David J. McCrink
  • Patent number: 5951802
    Abstract: A method for making a vehicle trim panel includes bonding an interior lining material to a preformable foam sheet and preforming the bonded lining material and foam sheet to provide a preformed blank, and joining the preformed blank to a second lining material and bonding both the preformed blank and the second lining material to a substrate to make the vehicle trim panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Marley Automotive Components Limited
    Inventor: Alan Robert Deeks
  • Patent number: 5948187
    Abstract: A method (110) of manufacturing a bakery display (10) using the following steps: A)coating (112) a cover bottom (12B) of a cover (12) with hot melt adhesive; B) positioning (114) a cover bottom (12B) of a cover (12) over a doily top (14T) of the doily (14) until completely covered; C) utilizing (116) sufficient heat for a sufficient time period until the entire cover bottom (12B) surface affixes to the doily top (14T) forming a cover (12)/doily (14) laminate; D) cooling (118) the cover (12)/doily (14) laminate until room temperature; E)affixing (120) a doily (14) to a backing (16) by placing an adhesive between a doily bottom (14B) and a backing top (16T); and F) cutting (120) along a circumferential periphery the cover (12)/doily (14)/backing (16) laminate into a decorative cover edge (12C), a decorative doily edge (14C), and a decorative backing edge (16C) forming a bakery display (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventors: Louann Pepi Vallone, Peter Vallone, Richard Vallone
  • Patent number: 5944928
    Abstract: A method of fabrication with the formation of a receiving panel which defines a plurality of spaced-apart parallel plows extending longitudinally. The panel has an open surface along which the plows are exposed and an opposing surface from which the plows are not accessible. The plows may be formed by adhering substrates to a separate veneer layer to define the plows between the substrates. It is preferable that the veneer layer be formed of wood, but the substrates can be formed of a less expensive material, such as composite material. Once the receiving panel has been fabricated, it is bowed to form an arc about an axis parallel to the plows. This can be done by passing the panel, carried by a belt, between two rollers that are configured to define between them a profile corresponding to the arc of the panel. While the panel is in this bowed condition, strips, made of wood, are inserted in the plows. The strips can be formed by opposing laminations that are not adhered to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Marc A. Seidner
  • Patent number: 5938879
    Abstract: A method for employing graphics on a support member that can transfer by heat a design of colored metallic foil onto a flat or curved surface of the support member. The method can also transfer by heat a decal onto the flat or curved surface of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Russell S. Brown
  • Patent number: 5935368
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a glue laminated structural wood member for bearing a structural load includes bonding together multiple elongate wood segments and a synthetic fiber reinforcement with their lengths generally aligned with the length of the member. The synthetic fiber reinforcement includes multiple synthetic fiber strands held within a resin matrix and low cost fiber edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel A. Tingley
  • Patent number: 5935367
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming specially-configured handles in a plurality of interconnected plastic bags traveling in a longitudinal direction. The plastic bags are interconnected along transverse lines of weakness spaced at bag-length distances apart. The apparatus and method comprise using a rotary anvil and a rotary cutting die. The rotary anvil has a first axis of rotation. The rotary cutting die is disposed adjacent to the rotary anvil and has a second axis of rotation substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation. The rotary cutting die includes a rotatable cylindrical shaft, a blade shell mounted on the shaft, and a generally W-shaped blade formed on the blade shell. The blade has a base portion and a pair of substantially linear opposing legs, and the base portion has an inverted, V-shaped configuration. The opposing legs extend upwardly relative to the base portion and outwardly relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Tenneco Packaging Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Hollenbeck
  • Patent number: 5922157
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing tile or other rigid floor or wall coverings around obstacles in irregularly shaped areas includes a foldable sheet of durable paper. The lower face of the foldable sheet includes a non-absorbent sealing layer of wax, plastic, or the like for allowing the foldable sheet to be placed against wet mastic adhesive without damaging the foldable sheet. The upper face of the foldable sheet is marked with a reference grid. The foldable sheet is formed to be of the same dimensions as a whole piece of tile. The foldable sheet is placed in the position where a tile is to be installed and folded away from obstacles which the tile must ultimately pass around. The fold lines are then marked to indicate the portions of a tile that must be cut away before such tile can be installed in such irregular space. A residue of wet mastic adhesive helps secure the template over the face of the tile to be cut. The template then serves as a guide for cutting the underlying tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Tileze, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Snider
  • Patent number: 5906707
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a custom shim for a die component having one or more blind holes, where the apparatus includes a preformed laminate having an adhesive layer, a protective layer removably attached to one side of the adhesive layer, and a paper impression layer attached to the opposite side of the adhesive layer. The method includes the steps of removing the protective layer from the adhesive layer, attaching the exposed adhesive layer to a piece of shim stock, applying ink to the surface of the die component having the blind hole(s), placing that surface of the die component on the paper layer to form thereon an ink impression of the die component, removing the die component from the paper layer, cutting the piece of shim stock in accordance with the ink impression, and removing the laminate from the cut shim stock to uncover the custom shim which accurately maintains the relationship between the blind hole and the outer contour of the die component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Terry R. McCall
  • Patent number: 5902447
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a flash-free weld between the ends of thermoplastic members, wherein the members are held in position by holders, the ends of the members are softened by a heater, the members and holders are brought together until the ends of the members are joined to result in a flash-free weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventors: Orin S. Johnson, Gary A. Jones
  • Patent number: 5902439
    Abstract: Self-adhesive stamps comprising: a layer (2) of stamp paper bearing a printed stamp design on its front and having perfoated edges (6), a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive (5) on the back of the stamp paper, and a peelable backing sheet (7) covering the adhesive, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is patterned such that there is little or no adhesive adjacent to the perorated edges of the stamp paper. Preferably, the pressure-sensitive adhesive is a hot-melt adhesive, and preferably the adhesive is applied by printing. Also a method of making such stamps comprising the steps of: providing a sheet or web of stamp paper having lines of perforations defining stamps therein, followed by coating the back of the stamp paper with a patterned layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive and a peelable backing sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: De La Rue International Limited
    Inventors: John Alec Pike, William James Dorricott
  • Patent number: 5902440
    Abstract: A method for making paper labels having a protective covering where a paper sheet, adhesively supported on a first release backing sheet, is first die cut to form an array of labels. A second release backing sheet is provided having adhesively attached thereto, by an adhesive, an array of transparent cover strips. The second release backing sheet is divided into first and second portions. The second release backing sheet is then placed on the die cut paper sheet where the second release backing sheet is between the cover strips and the labels. The first portion of the second release backing sheet is then removed from the cover strips to expose a portion of the cover strips, and the exposed portion of the cover strips are then adhered to corresponding portions of the labels using the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Peter G. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 5888332
    Abstract: A new Tool System and Method of Applying Snow Board Surface Covers for offering a kit of tools and easy steps to follow to redecorate and resurface a snow board. The inventive device includes a snow board, a snow board surface cover, a spray bottle, a squeegee, and a razor blade. In use, the present invention includes 8 steps to follow; where: Step 1. is to "Remove bindings and clean and remove all stickers from the snow board."; Step 2. is to "Wipe down board thoroughly with alcohol."; Step 3. is to "Spray the snow board generously with soapy water and keep it wet."; Step 4. is to "Peel the adhesive backing paper off the surface cover and spray adhesive side with soapy water and re-spray the snow board."; Step 5. is to "Lay the surface cover onto the snow board and adjust it to fit."; Step 6. is to "Squeegee out all bubbles with squeegee provided and work from the middle towards the edges and ends of the snow board."; Step 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Gene Ciriello
  • Patent number: 5885396
    Abstract: A wallcovering border includes a decorative repeating pattern which is imprinted upon a strip of wallcovering of indeterminate length and which has a substantially straight upper edge. The upper edge is applied in engagement with the corner between the wall and the ceiling to thereby permit application of the border to the wall in a substantially straight strip. A score line is embossed on the wallpaper between the decorative pattern and the upper edge. The portion of the border between the edge and the pattern is removed along the score line after the border is initially positioned on the wall to thereby provide a decorative border having a nonlinear upper edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: D.W. WallCovering, Inc.
    Inventor: David Weinberg
  • Patent number: 5882461
    Abstract: A concentric radial flow hollow fiber module includes internal and external annular-shaped spaced apart bodies disposed in a concentric arrangement and hollow fibers extending across an annular interspace extending through the module between the bodies and connected with the bodies. The internal body surrounds an inner space while the external body is surrounded by an outer space. Each body includes an annular wall made of a non-permeable plastic material having adhesive properties and an elongated strengthening element contained within and extending circumferentially about the annular wall. Each hollow fiber includes an tubular wall having spaced opposite inner and outer end portions encapsulated respectively in the internal and external bodies and open respectively to at least one of the inner and outer spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Integrated Process Technologies
    Inventor: Jan Rogut
  • Patent number: 5876543
    Abstract: Thick molded strips of unsaturated polyester resin are bonded to butt edges of a panel member, upper and lower edge portions of the thick molded strips are cut so as to make upper and lower edge surfaces coplanar with upper and lower surfaces of the panel member, the coplanar surface is, thereafter, coated with the unsaturated polyester resin, and the polyester resin film and the thick molded strips are, finally, trimmed with a polisher; even though the molded strips are decreased in thickness through the polishing, the molded strips are thick enough to make the butt edges of the panel invisible, and the appearance of the board member is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Kinpara, Hisayoshi Ohsumi, Yoshinori Sagisaka
  • Patent number: 5876539
    Abstract: A method of fabricating ferrite toroids used in ferrite phase shifters. The method employs fabrication techniques found in low temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC) tape technology and involves fabricating long rectangular through-holes, as is required by the toroid design, in layers of green ceramic tape and maintaining the integrity of the through-holes during a firing process wherein ferromagnetic ceramic oxide in the tape is converted to ferrite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporaiton
    Inventors: Alex E. Bailey, John Chino, Dennis Grube, Andrea Curbean, Tapan Gupta, Ronnie L. Starling
  • Patent number: 5876550
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to manufacturing apparatus, method of manufacture, and products manufactured thereby and more particularly to an integral three-dimensional object (6, 15) formed from individually contoured laminations (4, 62) of the same or gradually varying shape, successive laminae of that object being produced out of thin sheet or powder based materials (1, 60) through the cutting, fusing or physicochemical property changing action generated by a computer directed beam (7) of concentrated energy or matter, successive substantially planar laminations (4, 62) of that object (6, 15) being automatically stacked together for step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object (6, 15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Helisys, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Feygin, Sung Sik Pak
  • Patent number: 5868455
    Abstract: A door panel includes a support having a formed area with opposing spaced apart structures and an elongated reinforcement spanning between the opposing spaced apart structures and spaced from the formed area. A flexible cover is positioned on the support including a main panel section covering the support and covering the formed area, and a second panel section wrapped around the reinforcement for covering the reinforcement to form a handle on the door panel. As molded, the flexible cover includes inner, middle, and outer panel sections that are spaced apart to facilitate molding. The outer panel section is convexly shaped and can be inverted so that it abuts the middle panel section. The door panel is constructed by positioning the flexible cover on the support, and flexing the outer panel section inwardly so that a handle-covering portion of the flexible cover completely surrounds the reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Rob E. Springer, Dennis J. Beard, David J. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5868892
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display and method of making. The display includes a layer of support material stabilizing a layer of liquid crystal material in dimensional thickness and uniformity. The invention is particularly well suit for making heat-sensitive display labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Sprayex L.L.C.
    Inventor: Walter F. Klima, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5865928
    Abstract: A novel method of manufacturing collage puzzle pieces comprising the steps of: (a) providing a template in sheet form having a plurality of channels in the form of line perforations so as to define a plurality of puzzle pieces patterns, the channels being interrupted at selected locations so that at least one portion of each puzzle piece pattern is connected to at least one adjacent puzzle piece pattern; (b) mounting at least one selected graphic art object on an adhesive-coated substrate so as to form a workpiece; (c) assembling the workpiece and the template so that the template overlies the at least one graphic art object; (d) drawing a cutting blade along the full length of each channel defining a selected puzzle piece pattern so as to cut the underlying workpiece along lines conforming to the shape and location of the selected puzzle piece pattern, whereby to form a connected puzzle piece in the workpiece; (e) separating the template from the workpiece; (f) severing the connected puzzle piece from the wo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventors: Richard L. Lariviere, Jr., D. Marie Lariviere
  • Patent number: 5857610
    Abstract: A process of forming ball bumps for electrical connection to an integrated circuit, the process comprising the steps of: applying a vibration at a small amplitude to a vessel containing small balls of an electroconductive material to cause the small balls to jump up above the vessel; holding and arranging the small balls on an arrangement baseplate by attracting the jumping up small balls to attraction openings provided in the arrangement baseplate in positions corresponding to positions of at least one set of the electrode pads of one semiconductor chip; removing excess small balls adhered either to the arrangement baseplate or to the small balls attracted to the openings; and simultaneously bonding the small balls held and arranged on the arrangement baseplate to bonding spots arranged in positions corresponding to said positions of said at least one set of the electrode pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hoshiba, Kohei Tatsumi, Masashi Konda, Yoji Kawakami
  • Patent number: 5855719
    Abstract: An absorbent article is provided for use in the perineal area of the body having an absorbent core having an upper body facing surface, a lower garment facing surface, first and second longitudinal sides, and first and second transverse ends. A body fluid impervious sealing wrapper, having upper and lower portions each having longitudinally and transversely extending edges along which said portions are joined, is formed around the absorbent core so as to enclose at least the entirety of the garment facing surface, the longitudinal sides and the transverse ends, thereby forming a seal. A centrally disposed opening is formed in the upper portion of the sealing wrapper thereby forming a window on the body facing surface of the absorbent core that exposes it to fluid flow. A fluid pervious layer covers at least the portion of the body facing surface on which the window is formed. The upper portion of the sealing wrapper and the pervious layer are joined so as to form a laminated layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Menard
  • Patent number: 5853843
    Abstract: A unique material is disclosed for use in trim panels, such as headliners. The unique material includes a central polyester honeycomb core, and outer polyester layers providing an I-beam construction. In a most preferred embodiment of this invention, the layers are all formed of polyester such that portions trimmed away from the panel are easily recycled. In addition, since the honeycomb core is formed of a thermoplastic, it is easily molded to desired shapes. The honeycomb core provide good strength to weight characteristics and also good acoustic characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Tushar M. Patel, Stuart G. Boyd, Mark J. Brow, Philip L. Guthrie
  • Patent number: 5851333
    Abstract: A method of converting, on an in-line printing press, two webs of material into a roll including a web and a plurality of peelable lids thereon. Alternatively, a plurality of underlying lids can be formed from the other web of the roll, in registration with the peelable lids, where these lids are created by die cutting the two webs while bonded. Also, one of the lids has dispensing holes and the other lid is printed with selected indicia and/or logos.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Label Makers, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony G. Fagnant, Joseph A. Sykes
  • Patent number: 5840144
    Abstract: A process for covering an object such as a steering wheel with a natural covering, preferably fine wood veneer, wherein the veneer is cut into strips, softened and molded. The thus molded veneer strip is first glued to one side of the object and then the ends are trimmed. Thereafter, a molded veneer strip is glued to the opposite side of the object, and the ends are trimmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Rolf Schumacher, Andreas Kellermann
  • Patent number: 5837080
    Abstract: A belt for use on a long nip press for dewatering a fibrous web includes a base assembled by spirally winding a prepared structure strip in a plurality of non-overlapping turns. Successive turns are abutted against and joined to those previously wound by sewing or otherwise bonding along the continuous spiral seam thus formed. The prepared structure strip may be a fabric strip woven from lengthwise and crosswise yarns, which may be monofilament yarns of a synthetic polymeric resin. The fabric strip may be of either a single- or multi-layer weave. At least one side of the base, namely, that side which will be on the inside of the belt in its endless loop form, and which slides over the arcuate pressure shoe component of the long nip press during its operation, is coated with a polymeric resin, such as polyurethane, to render it impervious to liquids, and especially to the oil used to lubricate the surface of the arcuate pressure shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Albany International Corp.
    Inventor: Erik Wilhelm Grondahl