Of Application Of Fluent Material To Work Patents (Class 156/356)
  • Patent number: 11951563
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to additive manufacturing systems. In some embodiments, an additive manufacturing system includes a fixed build plate, and a build volume extends above the fixed build plate. A boundary of the build volume may be defined by a powder containing shroud that is vertically displaceable relative to the fixed build plate. A powder deposition system is configured to deposit a powder layer along an upper surface of the build volume and the powder deposition is vertically displaceable relative to the fixed build plate. An optics assembly configured to direct laser energy from one or more laser energy sources towards the build volume, and exposure of the powder layer to the laser energy melts at least a portion of the powder layer. In some embodiments, the build plate may be supported by support columns configured to maintain the build plate in a level orientation throughout a build process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: VulcanForms Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Sweetland
  • Patent number: 11793258
    Abstract: Systems and methods facilitate automated manufacture of fabric articles. In an example operation, a first fabric portion is mounted in a first frame, and a second fabric portion is mounted in a second frame. The first and second frames with the corresponding fabric portions are transported to a sequence of stations at which one or more operations are performed on the first and/or second fabric portion. The operations include applying an adhesive to one of the fabric portions, and then joining the first and second fabric portions by bringing the first and second frames together. The operations include cutting the joined first and second fabric portions to create corresponding joined first and second components of a fabric article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: CreateMe Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Chope, Vance A. Prather
  • Patent number: 11731415
    Abstract: The invention refers to a process to manufacture multilayer laminated packaging material. More particularly, the invention relates to processes to manufacture multilayer laminated packaging material used to produce carton packages, in especially aseptic carton packages containing liquid or pasty products. A plurality of layers is continuously laminated onto a non-printable face of a paperboard layer to form a semi-finished web of multilayer laminated packaging material. Next, the inner face of a translucent thermoplastic protective material having a commercial artwork printed onto its printable inner face is laminated onto the not printed printable face of said semi-finished web of multilayer laminated packaging material, wherein the artwork with numbers, letters and drawings is printed in a reverse position regarding to what was supposed to be when seeing the artwork from the opposite not printed outer face of said translucent thermoplastic protective material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventor: Sergio Ribeiro Romeiro
  • Patent number: 11591846
    Abstract: A dosage device for extruding a bicomponent or a monocomponent sealant, particularly for an automatic machine for sealing a perimetric edge of an insulating glazing unit constituted by at least two glass sheets and by at least one spacer frame, having a finite width, is arranged proximate to the perimeter at a finite distance from the margin of the glass sheets, includes a first dosage assembly and a separate second dosage assembly for the dosage and feeding of the sealant, which can be activated alternately, in a first feeding step and in a third feeding step, so that one of them provides flow continuity to an extrusion nozzle while the other one is in the reloading step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: FOREL SPA
    Inventors: Fortunato Vianello, Riccardo Vianello
  • Patent number: 11524469
    Abstract: This composite material automatic laminating equipment is provided with a lamination stage a composite material winding unit which supplies a composite material sheet, supply rollers which feed the composite material sheet onto the top surface of the lamination stage or onto another composite material sheet arranged on said top surface, a compaction roller which is arranged downstream of the supply rollers and which makes surface contact with the composite material sheet and presses the composite material sheet, and a cutting section which forms composite material sheet pieces by cutting, in the width direction, the portion of the composite material sheet in surface contact with the compaction roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Akihito Suzuki, Kazuki Ishida, Kohei Muto, Tsuyoshi Okawara, Kenji Murakami, Makoto Inomoto
  • Patent number: 11253923
    Abstract: System for the additive production of three-dimensional objects, comprising: —a device which is designed for the additive production of a three-dimensional object, wherein the device comprises a process chamber, within which additive construction processes for the additive production of three-dimensional objects can be carried out, —a powder module which can be docked to the process chamber of the at least one device, and which comprises a receiving chamber for receiving construction material that is to be solidified as part of an additive construction process or that is not solidified and/or a three-dimensional object that is to be additively produced or is additively produced as part of an additive construction process, —a cleaning module which can be docked to the process chamber of the at least one device and which comprises a cleaning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: CONCEPT LASER GMBH
    Inventor: Frank Herzog
  • Patent number: 11203503
    Abstract: A sheet discharging device includes: a medium supporting portion configured to support a transported medium, the medium supporting portion being configured to swing; a stacking portion which is provided vertically below the medium supporting portion and on which the medium dropped from the medium supporting portion is stacked, the stacking portion being configured to move up and down; and a detecting portion that detects swinging of the medium supporting portion, in which the detecting portion detects the swinging of the medium supporting portion when the medium on the rising stacking portion comes into contact with a lower surface of the medium supporting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Chiaki Shimada
  • Patent number: 11078719
    Abstract: An insulated glass assembly line generally includes a first and second automated lite picker, a washer, a vertical gas filling and wetting station, a robot, and an applicator station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Erdman Automation Corporation
    Inventor: Morgan Donohue
  • Patent number: 11076490
    Abstract: A method of applying viscous media on a substrate is disclosed. In the method, the substrate is provided, which is arranged for mounting of electronic components thereon. Further, flux is provided on a deposit of solder paste, which deposit is arranged at a predetermined position on the substrate. The flux is provided by a non-contact dispensing process, such as jetting. By providing flux on the deposit prior to reflow, the risk of quality related issues, such as e.g. graping, advantageously is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: MYCRONIC AB
    Inventor: Johan Bergström
  • Patent number: 10753842
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for measurement of surface properties using a mobile device are described, the surface properties including interfacial (surface) tension, contact angle (static, advancing, or receding), solid surface energy, and rolling or sliding angle on an inclined surface. The system has a support adapted to receive a mobile device with a camera and a processor. A structure is coupled to the support that is adapted to removably receive measurement components. The measurement components are configurable to place a droplet or a bubble within a field of view of the camera. Software on the mobile device is configured to operate the camera to take an image of the droplet or the bubble within the field of view of the camera, and to determine one or more physical properties of the droplet or the bubble based on an analysis of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventor: Alidad Amirfazli
  • Patent number: 10221017
    Abstract: A vacuum holder for articles, a combination of a vacuum holder and an article, a system for holding and conveying articles, and a method for holding and conveying articles are disclosed. The vacuum holder includes a main body having a surface and an air passageway leading to the surface, and a valve joined to the main body and in fluid communication with the air passageway. The vacuum holder includes an extensible skirt gasket with an opening therein. An article can be placed adjacent to the surface of the main body, and a vacuum can be drawn through the air passageway to hold the article to the vacuum holder. The valve maintains the vacuum between the article and the vacuum holder without being connected to a vacuum source, until it is desired to release the article from the vacuum holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Christopher Robert Lyman, Jason Matthew Orndorff, Marcus Shen
  • Patent number: 10071875
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus comprises an axis of rotation; a standby section configured to buffer a sheet; a processing section configured to execute a post processing on sheets moved from the standby section; a first paddle configured to be mounted in the axis of rotation and be rotated around the axis of rotation to contact with the sheet supplied from the standby section to draw the sheet into a stopper; and a second paddle configured to be mounted in the axis of rotation at a predetermined angle with respect to the first paddle and draw the sheet into the stopper after the first paddle is separated from the sheet after a drawing-in operation of the sheet by the first paddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Taki
  • Patent number: 10071874
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus comprises a standby section configured to buffer a sheet; a processing section configured to receive sheets supplied from the standby section and execute a post processing on the sheets; a rotational shaft configured to rotate around an axis of rotation; a paddle arranged in the rotational shaft and configured to contact the sheet and move the sheets by rotating with the rotational shaft, the paddle being configured to slide the sheets on the processing section to a stopper for aligning the sheets; and a controller configured to control a rotational speed of the rotational shaft to rotate the paddle at a first speed, and control the rotational speed of the rotational shaft to rotate the paddle at a second speed slower than the first speed while the paddle contacts the sheets on the processing section for aligning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Taki
  • Patent number: 9962728
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing machine includes a frame and a fixture held by the frame. The fixture is configured to support a substrate. A positioning system is supported by the frame. A guidance system is supported by the positioning system. The guidance system has a camera viewing the fixture that is movable relative to the fixture. A fluid dispenser is supported by the positioning system and is moved by the positioning system relative to the fixture. The fluid dispenser is configured to dispense fluid onto the substrate. A controller communicates with the positioning system and the guidance system. The controller operates the positing system to control a position of the fluid dispenser relative to the fixture based on an image obtained by the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignees: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION, SHENZHEN AMI TECHNOLOGY CO.
    Inventors: Roberto Francisco-Yi Lu, Qinglong Zeng, Charles David Fry, Bicheng Chen
  • Patent number: 9492836
    Abstract: A coating module is suitable to coat a liquid onto a substrate and includes two plates and a diversion structure, in which there is a slot between the plates, and the slot has a slot inlet and a slot outlet, and one of the plates has an injecting port. The diversion structure makes the injecting port communicated with the slot inlet, in which the liquid is configured to enter the diversion structure via the injecting port, and flow to the slot inlet through the diversion structure, then flow into the slot via the slot inlet and then outflows from the slot via the slot outlet to be coated onto the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: An-Bang Wang, Yu-Wen Hsieh, Yu-Ju Liu
  • Publication number: 20150144267
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal sealant forming device and a display panel assembly apparatus using the same. The display panel assembly apparatus comprises the liquid crystal sealant forming device, an alignment assembly device, a transporting device and a curing device. The liquid crystal sealant forming device comprises a forming substrate; a plurality of liquid crystal dispensing openings formed on one side of the forming substrate for dispensing a liquid crystal on a substrate; and at least one sealant coating opening disposed around the liquid crystal dispensing openings for coating a sealant on the substrate. The present invention can form the liquid crystal and the sealant in the same apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Yun WANG
  • Patent number: 9010394
    Abstract: The technology provides for alignment of forming positions of glazing gaskets formed on both front and rear sides of a glass panel. After the glazing gasket has been formed on the multilayer glass panel, a first distance L1 is measured from the reference member to the glazing gasket. After the multilayer glass panel has been reversed and positioned at the reference position for the glass panel, a second distance L1? is measured from the reference member to the glazing gasket. An offset amount of the forming position of the glazing gasket on the rear side of the multilayer glass panel is determined from the difference of the first distance L1 and the second distance L1?. An application starting position of the application nozzle when forming the glazing gasket on the rear side of the multilayer glass panel is corrected based on the offset amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yohei Okamoto, Yugo Nagase
  • Patent number: 8985172
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal sealant forming device and a display panel assembly apparatus using the same. The display panel assembly apparatus comprises the liquid crystal sealant forming device, an alignment assembly device, a transporting device and a curing device. The liquid crystal sealant forming device comprises a forming substrate; a plurality of liquid crystal dispensing openings formed on one side of the forming substrate for dispensing a liquid crystal on a substrate; and at least one sealant coating opening disposed around the liquid crystal dispensing openings for coating a sealant on the substrate. The present invention can form the liquid crystal and the sealant in the same apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yun Wang
  • Patent number: 8966748
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an arrangement with a component on a carrier substrate, wherein the method encompasses the following steps: Manufacturing spacer elements on the rear side of a cover substrate, arranging a component on a cover surface of a carrier substrate, and arranging the spacer elements formed on the carrier substrate so as to situate the component in the at least one hollow space and close the latter. In addition, the invention relates to an arrangement, a method for manufacturing a semi-finished product for a component arrangement, as well as a semi-finished product for a component arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: MSG Lithoglas AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Leib, Simon Maus, Ulli Hansen
  • Patent number: 8967215
    Abstract: A labelling device includes a linearly displaceable piston operably connectable to a moving mechanism for moving the piston from a resting position to a labelling position. A label carrying mechanism is arranged at the distal end of the piston for carrying an adhesive label and affixing the adhesive label to an object via physical contact at the labelling position of the piston. A force-switching-state system is provided to maintain the piston in relation to the moving mechanism in an attracting force state and the piston moves with the moving mechanism. The physical contact creates an opposite repelling force from the object onto the label carrying mechanism causing separation of the displaceable piston from the moving mechanism. This separation causes a change of the force state of the displaceable piston from an attracting to a repelling force state, causing the linearly displaceable piston to move back to the resting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Marel Limited
    Inventor: Steven Bates
  • Publication number: 20150053330
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing a web of corrugated cardboard comprising a first corrugating roller for producing a corrugated web. The device further has a glue application roller for applying glue to the corrugated web. The glue application roller is associated to the first corrugating roller so as to form a gap and is displaceable relative to the first corrugating roller in order to influence the glue application quantity. The device further comprises a displacement device for displacing the glue application roller relative to the first corrugating roller and a pressing device for pressing a laminating web against the corrugated web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Markus FISCHER, Florian MÜLLER
  • Publication number: 20150041064
    Abstract: Feedstock is delivered perpendicular to the line of applied glue in an automated gluing machine, thereby simplifying operation and better accommodating other in-line factory or assembly processes. The machine comprises an input nip for receiving the head end and the tail end of a sheet stock in overlapping registration, with the tail end being longer than the head end. A clamp mechanism holds the overlapping sheet stock in position while a glue applicator applies glue to one side of the tail end. An output nip holds the glued side of the tail end against the head end, and apparatus is provided for ejecting the sheet stock once the tail end has been glued to the head end. The glued stock may be ejected back toward the operator or away from the operator and through the machine, enabling the machine to be placed in-line with other machines for a continuous directional or linear flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Greg Magnell, Jeffrey Willers, David G. Flessert
  • Patent number: 8925193
    Abstract: A method, and apparatus resulting from the method, for fabricating a circuit board suitable for mounting electronic components. The method includes drilling a plurality of through-holes in a plurality of dielectric sheets, forming a conductive film on at least one side of each of the plurality of dielectric sheets, and substantially filling each of the plurality of through holes with a conductive material. The conductive material is both electrically and thermally uninterrupted from a first face to a second face of each of the plurality of dielectric sheets. The plurality of dielectric sheets are then sequentially mounted, one atop another, to form the circuit board. The sequential mounting step is performed after the steps of drilling the plurality of through-holes, forming the conductive layer, and substantially filling the plurality of through-holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Advantest (Singapore) Pte Ltd
    Inventor: Romi O. Mayder
  • Publication number: 20150005161
    Abstract: A method for producing a thermoreversible recording medium, containing: arranging inlets on a first base sheet to be spaced apart from each other by predetermined intervals to produce a first sheet having a product portion including the inlets and end portions at both ends of the product portion; applying an adhesive onto a second base sheet using an adhesive application unit, to produce a second sheet; passing the first sheet and the second sheet through a gap between a pair of gap rollers in the manner that the inlets and the adhesive face to each other to laminate the first sheet with the second sheet, while forming an adhesive liquid pool in an upstream of the gap; and feedback controlling an amount of the adhesive to be applied in the applying so that the adhesive liquid pool does not flow into the end portions on the first sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Noboru Koga, Takeshi Owashi
  • Patent number: 8905103
    Abstract: A tool defines a piston/cylinder with first and second chambers on either side of the piston. A sealable port couples the first chamber to ambient environment. One end of the tool (i) defines a volume that is open to ambient environment, and (ii) has a cartridge coupled thereto such that the volume remains open to ambient environment. The cartridge defines (i) a chamber filled with a meltable material, and (ii) a channel coupling the material-filled chamber to ambient environment. A melting device in thermal communication with the meltable material simultaneously heats an air/water mixture in the second chamber and melts the meltable material. An element releasably coupled to the tool spans a region within the cartridge that lies within the channel. The element incorporates a check valve separating the volume defined by the tool and ambient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Robert D. Conner
  • Patent number: 8863803
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent article includes: first and second reference-signal outputting sections for outputting first and second reference signals indicating a conveyance amount of a workpiece, a processing device for processing the workpiece based on a drive signal, an adhesive discharging device for discharging adhesive toward the workpiece based on a discharge signal, and a controller. While manufacturing the absorbent article, the controller generates both the drive signal and the discharge signal based on the first reference signal. While inspecting a discharge amount of the adhesive, the controller generates the discharge signal based on the second reference signal, without outputting the drive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Takumi Nakano
  • Patent number: 8820378
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a coated analytic substrate using a compact and portable automated instrument located in the laboratory setting at the point of use which can consistently produce one or a plurality of coated analytic substrates “on demand” for using the analytic substrate immediately after coating, preferably without a step of rinsing the coated analytic substrate before use. The apparatus preferably uses applicator cartridges having a reservoir containing the coating compositions used to form the coatings. Preferably the cartridges are removable and interchangeable to facilitate the production of individual analytic substrates having different coatings or different coating patterns. These coated analytic substrates have superior specimen adhesion characteristics due to the improved quality of the coatings applied by the coating apparatus and due to the quickness with which the coated analytic substrates can be used in the lab after production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Lee H. Angros
  • Publication number: 20140216628
    Abstract: A wood material board hot-pressing system with a primary circuit includes a supply pipe for discharging of hot heat transfer fluid from a heat generator and a return pipe for supplying cooled heat transfer fluid to the heat generator. A secondary circuit features a pressing device for pressing wood material boards. A supply channel supplies heat transfer fluid to the pressing device and a return channel returns cooled heat transfer fluid to the primary circuit. A controlling device contains a control valve and is configured to control a flow of heat transfer fluid from the primary circuit to the secondary circuit. A secondary circulation pump with variable output is set up to circulate the heat transfer fluid in the secondary circuit. The controlling device features a heat output recording device and is configured to automatically control a level of heat output (P) supplied to the pressing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Kronotec AG
    Inventor: Matthias IREDI
  • Patent number: 8746310
    Abstract: A microassembly method and system utilizing multiple probes. Multiple manipulation actuators can be utilized for maintaining/holding one or more probes and an assembly substrate. Multiple microscope cameras can be configured to provide three distinct workspace configurations. At the center of each manipulation actuator is a die stage, which supports the assembly substrate upon which parts are assembled. A glue dispenser can also provide glue to a part prior to placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Commerce, The National Instutute of Standards and Technology
    Inventors: John Wason, John T. Wen, Jason Gorman, Nicholas Dagalakis
  • Publication number: 20140144569
    Abstract: The technology provides for alignment of forming positions of glazing gaskets formed on both front and rear sides of a glass panel. After the glazing gasket has been formed on the multilayer glass panel, a first distance L1 is measured from the reference member to the glazing gasket. After the multilayer glass panel has been reversed and positioned at the reference position for the glass panel, a second distance L1? is measured from the reference member to the glazing gasket. An offset amount of the forming position of the glazing gasket on the rear side of the multilayer glass panel is determined from the difference of the first distance L1 and the second distance L1?. An application starting position of the application nozzle when forming the glazing gasket on the rear side of the multilayer glass panel is corrected based on the offset amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yohei Okamoto, Yugo Nagase
  • Patent number: 8714223
    Abstract: The machine for producing a corrugated board includes a first corrugating roller (3) and a second corrugating roller (5) defining a corrugating nip (7) through which a first web material (N1) passes. A gluing unit (9) applies a glue on crests of the first web material (N1) formed in the corrugating nip (7). A pressing member (11) cooperates with the second corrugating roller (5) to press a second web material (N2) against the crests of the first web material (N1). A pressure regulating system adjusts the pressure of the pressing member (11) against the second corrugating roller (5). At least a first pressure chamber (27C), which contains a pressure liquid and a pressure transducer, is associated with a first abutment (33) for said pressing member (11). A control unit (69) opens a stop valve (39) when the pressure detected by the pressure transducer (37) is outside a tolerance range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Fosber S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mauro Adami, Lorenzo Vannucchi
  • Patent number: 8701730
    Abstract: Problems of a conventional cover glass sticking device, in which a slide glass having one end side, where a describing portion is formed, is stored in a storage container and the one end side is always projected from level of a protection liquid therein, are solved by the device of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignees: Sakura Seiki Co., Ltd., Sakura Finetek Japan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohji Naritake, Kiyokazu Iijima, Seiichi Takizawa, Tetsu Nagabayashi
  • Patent number: 8679284
    Abstract: A skin adhesion apparatus includes an upper mold half and a lower mold half. The upper mold half and the lower mold half clamps a core material and a skin laid on the core material so that the skin is adhered to a surface of the core material. Disposed along a mold surface of the upper mold half is a tubular member made of elastic material. The skin adhesion apparatus also includes a pump for supplying fluid into the tubular member. When adhering the skin to the core material, the upper mold half is pulled down and then stopped at a predetermined distance above the core material. After then, fluid is supplied into the tubular member so that the fluid pressure inflates the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masao Tada, Shinichi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8657991
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for manufacture of a solar panel string assembly for a solar canopy including: horizontally aligning two solar panel support channels substantially parallel to one another; applying an adhesive with a robotic tool to an upper portion of the solar panel support channels, the robotic tool comprising a fixed track aligned parallel with the two solar panel support channels, a robotic arm assembly movably supported by the track, a positioning member for adjusting the position of the robotic arm assembly along the track, and wherein the robotic arm comprises an adhesive applicator and a vacuum lift component; and lifting with the vacuum lift component of the robot arm assembly of the robotic tool and aligning a solar panel on top of the two solar panel support channels near opposing edges of the solar panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Potter, Nathan Dion Fleischer, Jeffrey Paul Munoz
  • Patent number: 8475875
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing a treated web. The subject methods and apparatus involve the control of numerous variables, including, without limitation, web tension (both overall web tension as well as the web tension immediately before and after each individual blade), angle of entry of web into each blade, blade angle in relation to horizontal reference point, blade pressure against moving web, angle of exit of web from each blade, web speed, number of blades, the pressure of the leading nip rolls, the pressure of the trailing nip rolls, static control, thickness of each blade, bevel on each blade, oven cure temperature, oven cure dwell time, blade temperature and blade surfaces and edge conditions and blade finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Nextec Applications, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Meirowitz, Jamie Henderson, Michael Wang
  • Patent number: 8435367
    Abstract: An insulated glass secondary edge sealing device that dispenses sealant to insulated glass units including at least two panes of glass separated by a spacer, including a fixed sealant dispensing head, a table that supports the insulated glass units, a fence, a depth sensor, a linear motion encoder, a metering device. The sealant dispensing head has a dispensing nozzle and a corner dam. The dispensing nozzle includes a floating insulated glass unit contact surface and the corner dam is shiftable between a retracted position and an extended position. A control unit receives signals from the depth sensor and the linear motion encoder and controls the metering device to dispense a measured flow of sealant based on the depth of the inset of the spacer and the movement of the insulated glass unit parallel to the fence and relative to the encoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Erdman Automation Corporation
    Inventor: Morgan Donohue
  • Patent number: 8397779
    Abstract: This invention relates to a material application system for applying material to a wrapper. The material application system comprises a material applicator means and an electronic application control means. Also provided is a rod making machine comprising a rod making section and the material application system. The invention also provides a method of applying material to a wrapper used in the tobacco industry comprising supplying a wrapper and applying a material to the wrapper using a material applicator and an electronic applicator control means therefore, which electronic applicator control means ensures accurate location of material application in an electronically adjustable variable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Jonathan Bray, William David Lewis, Steven Holford
  • Publication number: 20130056132
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a composite product, wherein a plurality of elements are assembled by gluing them together under pressure, the method comprising applying glue to at least one surface of each element on which glue is to be applied, assembling the elements to a desired structure and subjecting the assembled elements to pressure in a press, which method further comprising controlling the amount of at least one component of the glue applied. However, if unexpected delays occur in the production line, there is a risk that the waiting time for the elements of a batch on which glue already have been applied will be too long and gluing thus defective. As defective gluing means both loss of production and waste of material it has been found advisable to keep a reasonable safety margin and apply more glue than in the ideal case will be necessary. On the other hand, in cases there are no unexpected delays, this practice leads to use of more glue than necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: AKZO NOBEL COATINGS INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventors: Lars Johan Philip Olsson, Henrik Arne Jonas Riccius, Sara Kristina Faldt
  • Patent number: 8388868
    Abstract: Semi-conductive or insulating compositions including an ethylene/octane or butene copolymer and at least one additional polymer, such LDPE, are described. The compositions may also include carbon black and other additives. The composition may be used as a semi-conductive layer in such applications as electrical cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: General Cable Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Mark R. Easter
  • Publication number: 20130048189
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a composite product, wherein a plurality of elements are assembled by gluing them together under pressure with a glue comprising at least one first component and at least one second component, which method further comprises controlling the relation between the second and the first components of the glue applied. The press time is often a limiting factor for the production capacity of a plant and renders the production planning difficult. The press time is affected not by the temperature of the elements, but also a great extent by the relation between the components in the glue and can be significantly decreased by increasing the amount of hardener compared to the amount of resin. According to the invention, it has been found that this can be utilised for controlling the gluing in a way so the production can be planned more efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: AKZO NOBEL COATINGS INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventors: Lars Johan Philip Olsson, Henrik Arne Jonas Riccius, Sara Kristina Faldt
  • Publication number: 20130020028
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent article includes: first and second reference-signal outputting sections for outputting first and second reference signals indicating a conveyance amount of a workpiece, a processing device for processing the workpiece based on a drive signal, an adhesive discharging device for discharging adhesive toward the workpiece based on a discharge signal, and a controller. While manufacturing the absorbent article, the controller generates both the drive signal and the discharge signal based on the first reference signal. While inspecting a discharge amount of the adhesive, the controller generates the discharge signal based on the second reference signal, without outputting the drive signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takumi Nakano
  • Patent number: 8356571
    Abstract: An applicator is disclosed for applying a coating agent, such as a sealant, to a component, such as a flanged seam of a motor vehicle body component. The applicator includes a nozzle for delivering the coating agent on to the component and a carrier. The carrier may be guided by a multiple-axis robot in operation, with a joint located kinematically between the carrier and the nozzle, thereby permitting the nozzle to move to avoid contact with a component being coated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Dürr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Rademacher, Almir Smajilovic
  • Publication number: 20130011941
    Abstract: A semiconductor die is attached onto a substrate on a process platform during manufacturing of a semiconductor package. A dispenser dispenses an adhesive onto the substrate, and the semiconductor die is bonded onto the adhesive which has been dispensed onto the substrate with a bonding tool. Thereafter, a bond line thickness between a bottom surface of the semiconductor die and a top surface of the substrate on the process platform is measured using a measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Man Wai CHAN, Shiu Kei LAM, Wan Yin YAU, Kwok Yuen CHEUNG
  • Publication number: 20120312449
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for controlling the absolute viscosity of band seal-preparation liquid in a process to apply the band seal-preparation liquid to seal two part capsules comprising a) a first source comprising a band seal-preparation liquid, a second source comprising purified water, a loop connected from said first source, wherein said loop is connected to the first source, and wherein said band seal-preparation liquid is circulated in one direction through said loop from said first source back to said first source; and an apparatus for measuring the absolute viscosity of said band seal-preparation liquid in said loop to produce a absolute viscosity measurement, and applying the band seal-preparation liquid to a two part capsule in order to create a seal band to seal the two parts together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Isaac Michael Strickland
  • Publication number: 20120261059
    Abstract: A structural filler is installed in a gap between at least first and second composite members by extruding a flowable filler material, placing the extruded filler on one of the composite structural members, and assembling the composite members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Travis J. Sherwood, Brian G. Robins, Darrell D. Jones, Joseph D. Brennan, Michael R. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20120247651
    Abstract: An automated in-line feed-through system integrating the delivery, application and infusion of a resin to one or more fiber tows and layup of the one or more infused fiber tows to form a composite structure. The system includes an automated resin delivery, deposition and infusion system configured to deposit the resin on one or more fiber tows and form the infused fiber tows. The system integrates an automated layup system including a compaction roller, a guide roller coupled to an extending cylinder, and an auxiliary roller configured to adhere the one or more infused fiber tows to a substrate. The system further includes a controller configured to control system parameters, including the control of tension of the one or more infused fiber tows within the automated layup system. Other aspects of the automated in-line manufacturing system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Stefaan Guido Van Nieuwenhove, Mile Ostojic
  • Publication number: 20120241075
    Abstract: A method of pasting a plurality of objects is provided, comprising: at least providing a first object having first alignment marks and a second object having second alignment marks, placing the first object and the second object in parallel, and aligning the first alignment marks and the second alignment marks. Thereafter, applying a first adhesive on the first object and the second object to form a frame pattern temporarily fixing the first object and the second object while the first object and the second object are aligned. A first filling space is defined by the first object, the second object, and the frame pattern. The frame pattern has an injection hole and an exhausting hole at two opposite sides. A second adhesive fills the filling space to paste the first object on the second object. A viscosity of the first adhesive is larger than a viscosity of the second adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: CHUNGHWA PICTURE TUBES, LTD.
    Inventor: Ching-Hsiu Hsu
  • Patent number: 8240352
    Abstract: A gluing group of a final edge of a log including in succession an introducing group into the gluing group of the logs one after the other, an unwinding group of the log associated with means for identifying the final edge, an opening group of the final edge from the log and a glue transfer group on the log, in which the opening group of the final edge and the glue transfer group are housed in a slide structure that is mobile with respect to the unwinding group by a predetermined amount dependent upon the diameter of the log, with rolling transfer means of the log from the unwinding group to the slide structure being foreseen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Gambini International S.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Gambini
  • Publication number: 20120180935
    Abstract: A robotic placement machine including a base operably connected to the Y axis actuator and the X axis actuator, a first Z axis actuator coupled to the first end of the base, the first Z axis actuator capable of moving up and down a first Z axis, a second Z axis actuator coupled to the second end of the base, the second Z axis actuator capable of moving up and down a second Z axis, and a pick and place plate operably connected to the first Z axis actuator and the second Z axis actuator, wherein the first Z axis actuator and the second Z axis actuator are each capable of moving independently of each other to tilt the pick and place plate is provided. Furthermore, a system comprising a first machine, second machine, and third machine to eliminate air bubbles when bonding two substrates is also provided. A method of optical bonding is further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey James VanNorden, Andrew John Nally, Jonathan Neal Urquhart
  • Publication number: 20120111472
    Abstract: A liner-less seal application system is programmed to generate a real time seal, the serial number of which is data-matched with product label data on an approaching article. The image is printed onto the adhesive surface of the sealing tape. A vacuum drive belt has both low and high vacuum sections to assist in moving the sealing tape along a vacuum drive belt toward the print head. The real-time seal is printed while the belt drive indexes the tape, and the cutting action is done while the system collects data and the belt drive is stationary. There is only one stepper motor employed to drive the vacuum belt. The vacuum belt drive pulls the tape from the unwind assembly and feeds the tape through the print head and onto the vacuum drum applicator. A perforator device bursts perforation across the round element of the seal image, as an anti-tampering measure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: LABEL AIRE, INC.
    Inventors: Israel Vega, Jack L. Clinkenbeard, George Allen