With Joiner Member Or Reinforcement Patents (Class 156/304.3)
  • Publication number: 20030010439
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for sealing of protective barrier fabric seams in otherwise impermeable articles such as garments, footwear, surgical gowns and the like, are provided, the sealed seams maintaining the imperviousness of the article, including seamed joints, to water, body fluids, pathogens and chemicals. In one pass through the apparatus, a sealed seam in a protective barrier fabric joint, using a curable adhesive sealant, is provided along a predetermined and specified length of the joint. The preferred adhesive is a silicone, most preferably a two-part, thermosetting silicone elastomeric adhesive. Also provided are mixing dies for use, inter alia, in the process which are especially suited for applying the two-part adhesive sealant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Jay Thomas Fenton
  • Patent number: 6503358
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fixing a part and a part support for mounting the part by use of adhesive via an intermediate member are disclosed. The adhesive is implemented by photocuring adhesive while the intermediate member is formed of a material transparent for light. The intermediate member is free from coloring and deformation when illuminated by light for curing the adhesive. The adhesive is prevented from dropping or turning round to other portions during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takemoto, Shinobu Kanatani, Yoshihiro Morii, Shigeru Fujita
  • Patent number: 6494978
    Abstract: A method for protecting and for restoring structural strength and substance to a concrete, fluid containing or conducting structure deteriorated to the condition of removal of substance of the concrete by sulfuric acids and like corrosive material in contact therewith is described by positioning a relatively thin thermoplastic layer of polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene, injecting a substratum of epoxy foam, polyurethane foam, or a combination thereof between the thermoplastic layer and the deteriorated concrete, and welding the foam to the thermoplastic layer. The product of the process is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Richard L. Bertram
  • Publication number: 20020185220
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for splicing photographic films is disclosed, where the films are conveyed along a path and supported by a track element. Upon being positioned to receive a splice, the films are clamped between a movable splice pad and the track element. The clamping action produced by the movable splice pad substantially eliminates the problem of film foldovers caused by curling at the trailing end of a film. A splice head is lowered to apply a splice tape to the films, thereby forming the splice. The films are spliced together in a flattened state, producing a continuous web of film which can be wound onto a roll or core for further processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Gunnar Gudmundson, Douglas A. Kenyon, Leslie G. Weidman
  • Publication number: 20020179238
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for edge joining of strip shaped plate or sheet elements of veneer (42, 48) by application of a hotmelt glue to at least one of the veneer edges to be joined and then forcing the elements (42, 48) together edge to edge before the glue solidifies, characterized in applying the glue in fully melted condition through heated nozzle means (40, 44) arranged so as to direct the applied glue as a jet or flow directly against a middle area of the relevant edge or edges is described. Preferably, the supporting area (2) for the opposite veneer strip (48) edge is located at a higher level (50) and preferably partly overhead the nozzle (40,44). By means of the described method and apparatus it is achieved that the total edge area of the veneer elements being heated, while gluing, is small, thereby not inducing any drying effect of importance on the veneer elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Hardy Vesterby Hansen, Per Vesterby Hansen
  • Publication number: 20020172790
    Abstract: An adhesive tape (1) for flying reel change, having
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: tesa Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christoph Nagel, Thomas Gassner
  • Publication number: 20020157785
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for joining thermoplastic composite sandwich panels with thermoplastic welds (fusion bonds) made without autoclave processing of the joint. The preferred joint is a double interleaf staggered joint with supporting titanium doublers providing a tensile strength of at least 12,000 lb/in. The joint is particularly suited for joining sections of a cryogenic tank for spacecraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David M. Anderson, Steven E. Hahn, Douglas A. McCarville
  • Patent number: 6471801
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fixing a part and a part support for mounting the part by use of adhesive via an intermediate member are disclosed. The adhesive is implemented by photocuring adhesive while the intermediate member is formed of a material transparent for light. The intermediate member is free from coloring and deformation when illuminated by light for curing the adhesive. The adhesive is prevented from dropping or turning round to other portions during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takemoto, Shinobu Kanatani, Yoshihiro Morii, Shigeru Fujita
  • Patent number: 6471803
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hot air welding apparatus that provides accurate and repeatable control of the drive wheel speed. To afford very precise control of the speed and the relative rotation of the drive wheels at all times during the welding process, the present invention is provided with a computer control system and two high torque stepper motors, one for each drive wheel. The computer control system allows the speed and position of the drive wheels to be regulated with a very high accuracy. The computer control system allows the drive wheel settings to be adjusted while the seam is being welded and further includes an automatic ramp capability, a repeat mode, and a test strip mode. Further, the computer control system is capable of controlling the temperature of the air used in the welding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventors: Ray Pelland, Christopher K. Chambers, David R. Gahr
  • Publication number: 20020100540
    Abstract: A method for production of simultaneous lap and butt joints directs electromagnetic radiation (12) through a radiation transmitting material coupling (40) having an absorbing material (44) formed as a portion of coupling (40) that absorbs radiation (12) with the generation of heat. The heat provides sufficient molten material in interfaces (50a, 50b, and 50c) to fuse and bond: 1) pipe ends (14, 24) to each other in a butt joint (22), 2) pipe end portion (16) to sleeve (40) in a lap joint (28a), and 3) pipe end portion (26) to sleeve (40) in a lap joint (28b). A coupling (40) is preformed with integral or surface applied radiation absorbing material (44) to provide rapid joint assembly and consistent weld production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Alexander Savitski, Robert A. Grimm
  • Publication number: 20020079042
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing continuous supply of transfer tape to an applicator machine. The method includes unwinding the tape from the rolls to erase the roll memory in the tape, advancing the tape along a web path through knife elements to staging areas and past pinch rollers to the applicator. A second tape is placed on the staging plate for splicing to the first tape at the pinch roller. The first tape is cut and the second tape is advanced to the applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: James Hartman, Peter M. Downie
  • Patent number: 6398902
    Abstract: A tool and related method uses an insert for lap splicing two end to end connected tubes to one another. The insert is formed from plurality of members which together are receivable into the internal size and shape of the internal tubular member. The insert can be pulled out of the tubular members once the lap joint is formed. The invention also resides in a tool which locates a flange onto the outside surface at the end of the tubular member to effect registration of it in a flush and perpendicular manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Robins, John Kesapradist
  • Patent number: 6391136
    Abstract: Method of removing units (2) from laminate webs (1) which have a multiplicity of units (2,2a,2b) which are arranged adjacent to one another in the web direction and can be separated from one another at predetermined separating locations (3,3a,3b) arranged transversely to the web-running direction, and of reproducing continuous laminate webs (1), it being the case that the laminate webs (1) have a substrate layer (4) and, on the top side of the latter, a multiplicity of labels, tags or admission passes (5) which can be detached therefrom and, together with the substrate layer (4), form a unit (2), and the substrate layer (4) has at least one additional, prepared separating line (6) which is offset in the web-running direction in relation to the predetermined separating locations (3,3a,3b) of the laminate webs (1) and is arranged transversely to the web-running direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: X-ident GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Stickelbrocks
  • Patent number: 6387204
    Abstract: A web material, which is able to avoid air entrainment, comprises a surface for applying at least one layer of coating material. The web material has at least one splicing tape for connecting a preceding web and a succeeding web with respect to a transport direction of the web material. The splicing tape defines a trailing edge on the surface of the succeeding web. After the trailing edge of the splicing tape a thin layer with limited width and a rough surface is formed. Additionally, there is a method for continuous coating a web material having at least one spliced joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Deprez, James M. Breitfeller
  • Publication number: 20020040761
    Abstract: A connecting member, used for serially connecting two carrier tapes, comprises a base film, a belt-like reference band substantially fixed on the base film, a bonding tape adhering on the base film, and a cover film covering the bonding tape. A straight reference face is provided on a longitudinal side of the reference band closely to the bonding tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroto Sumida, Kunio Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6368449
    Abstract: A heated wheel for applying heat activated tape to wood. The wheel includes a rim with a longitudinal axis and a cylindrical outer surface for engaging heat activated tape. An electrical heater is supported within, and in fixed relation to, the rim. The wheel also includes a solid body of polymer and a bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Linear Products Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Bradshaw, Donald W. Scott
  • Patent number: 6348120
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rubber weir main body, which manufactures a rubber weir main body intended to rise by the flow-in of a fluid and to fall by the discharge of the fluid by integrally bonding at least two main body segments divided in the circumferential direction to each other, including the steps of: forming a material removed portion with stepped portions at edges of the rubber weir main body segments previously manufactured; abutting the rubber weir main body segments on each other at the edges; laminating unvulcanized rubber sheets containing reinforcing canvasses and an unvulcanized rubber sheet on the material removed portion formed between both the rubber weir main body segments contacted with each other; and integrally vulcanizing and bonding them. With this method, a large sized rubber weir main body excellent in quality can be easily manufactured at a job site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Mamoru Takasaki, Yoshihiro Sato
  • Patent number: 6340042
    Abstract: An elongate light-shield film is withdrawn for a length corresponding to the width of a photosensitive film by a light-shield film supply mechanism, cut off into a light-shield film by a first cutting mechanism, and fed to an overlapping position by a feeding and positioning mechanism. In the overlapping position, a transverse end of the light-shield film is caused to overlap a longitudinal end of the photosensitive film, and the overlapping ends are cut off by a second cutting mechanism. Abutting ends of the light-shield film and the photosensitive film are then joined to each other by a tape, and the light-shield film and the photosensitive film which are thus joined are around on a spool. Debris produced when the overlapping ends are cut off is automatically discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bungo Shigeta, Akihisa Inoue, Akinori Takase
  • Patent number: 6331337
    Abstract: The method of this invention concerns bonding side-to-side glass or plastic building blocks to obtain decorative and/or functional modular sub-assemblies, walls, panels, floors, windows, skylights, etc., using flexible, light-weight, elongated, adhesive tape strips to adhesively bond together at least portions of complementary block side surfaces to construct multi-tier building block units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventors: Bryan Woodrow Osborn, Jay Dwain Etheredge
  • Patent number: 6331222
    Abstract: A splicer for joining with tape the abutted ends of two sheets, such as the headers and footers of stacks of fanfold paper to be printed upon, is comprised of a clamp assembly and a tape dispenser. The clamp assembly captures the ends of the sheets between the resilient surfaces of a base and a movable top comprised of two spaced apart bars. Pins in the base help align perforated paper for joining. The dispenser runs along the slot between the two bars. It dispenses, presses down, and cuts the tape as it is laid along the butt-line between the ends of the sheets. An optional reversing bar causes the two sheets to travel along different shape paths to the splicer, thus enabling application of tape to the opposing sides of the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Asterisk, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D. Hotkowski, Frank A. Todaro, Daniel J. Williams, Peter C. Burton, Brian C. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6322653
    Abstract: A method for joining thermoplastic pipes made by spiral winding a hollow profile with mainly rectangular cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Oy Kwh Pipe Ab
    Inventors: Gunnar Blomqvist, Stefan Slotte, Anders Andtbacka
  • Patent number: 6322657
    Abstract: A minimum visibility seam tape and method of joining at least two substrates with the tape. The substrates joined typically are sign faces or awnings comprising a composite of thermoplastics and a woven scrim. The seam tape is a woven or nonwoven scrim embedded in or coated with a thermoplastic polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James A. Pontuti, Robert W. Warner, Richard F. Theissen, John A. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6315299
    Abstract: A method of forming a tension resistant O-ring is formed by extruding a length of precured elastomer with a coextensive central aperture; longitudinally dividing the elastomer; winding a strand of nonelastic synthetic material to form an endless ring having a predetermined toric axis diameter and a toric diameter less than the diameter of the elastomer aperture; assembling the endless ring and elastomer halves in a rubber mold; and, heating the mold to cure the elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Julian S. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6296729
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pipe liner bag is provided for reliably sealing a seam of a resin absorbent material with simple operations without forming pin holes through the resin absorbent material. The pipe liner bag comprises a tubular resin absorbent material having an outer surface covered with a highly air-tight plastic film and a hardenable resin impregnated in the tubular resin absorbent material. A plastic film is welded on a surface of a strip-like resin absorbent material. The plastic film has a width smaller than the resin absorbent material which has sewing margins in both end portions in a width direction. The resin absorbent material is folded such that the plastic film is exposed. Both edges of the resin absorbent material in the width direction are laid one on top of the other. The overlapping portions of the resin absorbent material is lock sewed to form a tubular resin absorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignees: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K., Yokoshima & Company, GET Inc., OAR Company
    Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Yasuhiro Yokoshima, Shigeru Endoh, Hiroyuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 6284089
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for joining thermoplastic composite sandwich panels with thermoplastic welds (fusion bonds) made without autoclave processing of the joint. The preferred joint is a double interleaf staggered joint with supporting titanium doublers providing a tensile strength of at least 12,000 lb/in. The joint is particularly suited for joining sections of a cryogenic tank for spacecraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David M. Anderson, Steven E. Hahn, Douglas A. McCarville
  • Patent number: 6270599
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for heat-welding two members by applying radiation, such as infra-red radiation, through one of the members to enter layer(s) interposed between the two members. Method relies on inclusions through thickness of the layer(s) to be responsive to said radiation to raise temperature through thickness and promote bonds at inter-faces with surfaces of said members. The bonds are assessed using thermal imaging camera detecting a near visible radiation arising from the layer(s), which radiation is different from infra-red used for heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: John Wood Enterprises Limited
    Inventor: John Wood
  • Patent number: 6247515
    Abstract: A unit for supplying a strip to a user machine, the unit being located along a supply path of the strip, having an input for a first strip of a running-out reel and for a second strip of a new reel, and having two splicing rollers located downstream from the input and on opposite sides of the supply path to butt splice the first and second strip; a first roller of the two rollers defines an end portion of a casting path along which to cast the second strip and extending between the input and the first roller, and provides for casting a leading end portion of the second strip towards the output of the unit in time with a trailing end portion of the first strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: G. D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Patent number: 6233896
    Abstract: A method of flooring using butting panels fixed to a frame primarily of joists, joints transverse of the longitudinal axes of the joists being largely unnogged. To support such joints unsupported by a framing element reliance is placed on panel edge to panel edge adhesion. In a preferred form particle board panels each provided with an edge groove have the effect of ensuring both a sufficient availability of adhesive for an effective butt joint whilst, in addition, providing a keying or splining between the adjacent panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Carter Holt Harvey Limited
    Inventor: Michael John Coup
  • Patent number: 6228205
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a splice between the trailing end of an expiring web of paper or other material, and the leading end of a new web of material. The apparatus includes a clamp for engaging and stopping the advancing web, and a web severing mechanism to transversely move across and sever the stopped web. A new web holding assembly supports the leading end portion of the new web, and the holding assembly may be lowered to align the trailing and leading ends so that they may be joined by a tape or the like. The web severing mechanism includes a clamping wheel positioned to smooth the trailing end portion of the stopped web before it is severed by a following cutting wheel. Also, a hand-held tool is provided for accurately and safely positioning the leading end portion of the new web on the new web holding assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: David Earl Rhodes, Willis Augustus Usher, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6207053
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermoplastic, unibody transfer device. This transfer device includes a membrane, and a housing surrounding the membrane. The housing includes a thermoplastic end cap and a thermoplastic shell. The end cap and shell are butt welded together. Additionally, there is a method of manufacturing with the aforementioned device. The method includes forming a bundle of a membrane, inserting the bundle into a shell, butt welding an end cap to the bundle and the shell so that the cap, bundle, and shell are fused together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Celgard Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Carroll, Linus I. Holstein, Charles J. Runkle, Richard A. Sodaro, Tony R. Vido, Martin J. Weinstein
  • Patent number: 6197148
    Abstract: A web material, which is able to avoid air entrainment, comprises a surface for applying at least one layer of coating material. The web material has at least one splicing tape for connecting a preceding web and a succeeding web with respect to a transport direction of the web material. The splicing tape defines a trailing edge on the surface of the succeeding web. After the trailing edge of the splicing tape a thin layer with limited width and a rough surface is formed. Additionally, there is a method for continuous coating a web material having at least one spliced joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Deprez, James M. Breitfeller
  • Patent number: 6187131
    Abstract: The invention concerns a seaming tape for seaming carpeting and other flexible materials, and method of seaming carpet thereby. The seaming tape is reinforced by rigid strips so that the seam does not visibly peak, profile, or otherwise bulge visibly when the flexible material is placed in tension in a direction perpendicular to the seam. The seaming tape comprises an adhesive, a reinforcing scrim, a flexible backing, and rigid strips that are aligned parallel to the scrim, on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline of the scrim, and spaced apart a distance from the centerline of the scrim. The rigid strips are sized and placed so that after a seam is made using the tape, the rigid strips are on opposite sides of the seam and aligned parallel to the seam. When the seamed material is stretched, the rigid strips resist flexure, resulting in a seam that stays virtually flat and invisible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Orcon Corporation
    Inventor: Michael David Wenzel
  • Patent number: 6183584
    Abstract: A splicing coupling and a method using a splicing coupling is provided for splicing a pair of drip irrigation hoses. The splicing coupling has an inner and outer member. Each member has a heat activatable bondable surface opposite a non-bondable surface. Each member is circuitous. The inner member is formed with the bondable surface on the outside and the non-bondable surface on the inside, while the outer member is formed with the bondable surface on the inside and the non-bondable surface on the outside. Typically, the inner member is preferably bonded to the outer member along a bond line midway between the members and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the members. To form a splice, an end of a first hose is slid over the inner member but under the outer member until it abuts against the bond line. An end of a second hose to be spliced is slid over the other end of the inner member and underneath the outer member until it abuts the bond line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: T-Systems International, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott K. Avenell
  • Patent number: 6177189
    Abstract: Increasingly stringent environmental restrictions make it challenging to apply coatings (i.e., paint) by conventional processes like spray painting because of the volatile solvents and hazardous pigments. The environmental scrutiny is particularly focused upon conventional corrosion protection surface treatments, especially chromated primers and conversion coatings. We apply appliqu{acute over (e)}s to provide a vapor barrier over the substrate to provide corrosion protection. We can make curved appliqu{acute over (e)}s on a family of molds of different Gaussian curvature and thereby avoid making a “splash” mold of the surface of interest to create the appliqu{acute over (e)}s. Using curved appliqu{acute over (e)}s reduces ridges, creases, or gaps that sometimes otherwise occur with attempts to a cover a surface with complex curvature with flat (planar) appliqu{acute over (e)}s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Diane C. Rawlings, Dennis L. Dull
  • Patent number: RE37097
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method for splicing together a pair of drop irrigation hoses using splicing means internal to the pair of hoses. The pair of hoses are joined in axial alignment to form a junction with the splicing means interposed internal to each hose. A splicing means is bonded to an inside surface of each hose to fashion the pair of hoses and splicing means into a unitary structure using means for fixing the splicing means to another surface. A seal is formed using means for sealing circumferentially at the junction to create a water-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: T-Systems, International
    Inventors: Harold Daigle, Scott Avenell