Of Application Of Bonding Pressure Patents (Class 156/358)
  • Patent number: 6540854
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for effecting ultrasonic bonds in sequentially advancing workpiece segments, in a nip defined by a rotary ultrasonic horn and rotary anvil roll. The ultrasonic bonding apparatus comprises support structure comprising anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus. A closed loop control apparatus is connected to one or both of the anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus. The closed loop control apparatus comprises a programmable logic controller, a load cell, and an adjustor. Information output from the load cell triggers the closed loop control apparatus through the programmable logic computer and the adjustor to move one or both of the anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus toward or away from the other in dynamic response to the information output from the load cell, thereby regulating pressure in the nip with ongoing real-time adjustments to distance between the anvil support apparatus and the horn support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Lee Couillard, Michael Lee Lohoff, Scott Gerald Chapple
  • Patent number: 6537401
    Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for creating ultrasonic bonds in sequentially advancing absorbent article workpiece segments, in a bonding nip. The ultrasonic bonding apparatus comprises a frame, anvil support apparatus, horn support apparatus, closure apparatus, a load cell support member, and a load cell. The ultrasonic horn and the anvil roll collectively are mounted and configured such that the ultrasonic horn and the anvil roll can be brought together, via the closure apparatus, to define the nip therebetween. The load cell is mounted to the load cell support member such that force representative of force exerted on the anvil roll at the nip is detected by the load cell. In preferred embodiments, the invention includes outputting information from the load cell and adjusting force in the nip in response to the information received from the load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Lee Couillard, Kent William Abel, Joseph Daniel Coenen, Michael Lee Lohoff, Robin Kurt Nason, Dan James Sorensen
  • Publication number: 20030051790
    Abstract: An improved method of and apparatus that is continuously automatically operative in an in-line system is described for applying under heat, vacuum and mechanical pressure a dry film photoresist-forming layer to printed circuit boards (136) that already have been prelaminated by the loose application thereto of the dry film resist as discrete cut sheets within the confines of the surface of the boards whereby a laminate without entrapped air bubbles and closely conforming to the raised circuit traces and irregular surface contours of the printed circuit board is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Charles R. Keil, Osvaldo Novello
  • Patent number: 6533889
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing plates, such as chipboards, fibre boards and the like boards, where the raw material in form of biomass particles, such as wood chips, wood fibres and the like applied with a thermosetting binder is spread onto a preforming band into an endless mat, and where this mat (B) is pre-compressed in a continuously operating prepress (C ) and then completely pressed in a continuously operating hot press, whereby the mat (B) is compressed into the desired thickness of the finished plate and the thermosetting binder is hardened. According to the invention, the mat (B) is pretreated by means of steam immediately before the introduction into the hot press (E) by means of a device (F) so as to obtain predetermined gradients of moisture content and temperature across the thickness of the mat. As a result the capacity of the apparatus can be increased at the same time as the energy consumption can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Wesser & Dueholm
    Inventor: Sten Dueholm
  • Patent number: 6520236
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a machine and process for cutting discrete workpiece components from webs of material precisely registering them with respect to one another, and depositing them with precise registration onto a constantly moving web of material, the webs of material optionally all moving at different speeds. In a particular embodiment of the invention, a process for manufacturing a multi-component absorbent personal hygiene article is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory John Rajala
  • Patent number: 6517649
    Abstract: A vacuum wrapping process and apparatus for adhering a flexible material to a rigid substrate. The temperature of the flexible material is monitored, processed, and controlled by a control unit. The material is supported over the substrate in a mold. Spring-loaded rotatable bars are supported within the mold and compress the marginal portion of the material against the mold. A vacuum draws the material toward the substrate, and the bars control the release of the material at a desired rate. The vacuum drawn on the material is monitored, processed and controlled by the control unit. The amount of vacuum applied to the material is inversely related to the temperature of the material. The control unit alters parameters of the vacuum molding process, such as the material temperature and the vacuum to reduce tearing, stretching, and/or wrinkling of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Cascade Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Rugg, Chad R. Haskin, Laurie A. Weeks, Marlin D. Broersma
  • Patent number: 6491785
    Abstract: An ultrasonic vibration bonding machine which enables appropriate bonding by selecting a pressure curve according to the sizes of portions to be bonded together and the physical properties of their materials and the like. Pressure inside the pressure chamber of an air cylinder which is a pressure control unit for bonding work and the normal rotation and reverse rotation of a motor which constitutes part of a vertical drive unit for bonding work are controlled to bond together a first member and a second member with ultrasonic vibration under pressure which rises from a first pressure set value to a second pressure value from a vibration start time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Ultex Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Sato, Mitsugu Katsumi, Seiya Nakai
  • Patent number: 6484775
    Abstract: An IC-card manufacturing apparatus includes paired press platens and a laminated-substrate sandwiching unit. Each of the press platens has a pressure-application surface. The laminated-substrate sandwiching unit includes upper and lower sandwiching members for sandwiching a laminated substrate in a sealed state. Each of the upper and lower sandwiching members has a plate portion equal in size and shape with the corresponding pressure-application surface or projecting outward from the pressure-application surface by a predetermined amount, a frame portion bigger than the plate portion, and a connection portion which connects the plate portion and the frame portion and absorbs thermal deformation of the plate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Suinobu Kubota
  • Patent number: 6470941
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for welding straps of thermoplastic plastics, wherein the supply of heat which is necessary for welding is controlled depending on the thickness at the weld of the straps which are to be welded to each other and is not switched off until said thickness falls below a predetermined set value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Cyklop GmbH
    Inventor: Hubert Wehr
  • Patent number: 6458236
    Abstract: An electrical part mounting apparatus includes a pressure measuring member for measuring the pressure of a pressure head, and a moving speed control member for controlling the moving speed of the pressure head. Accordingly, the electrical part mounting apparatus can freely change the pressure and the moving speed of the pressure head to desired values, and is suitable for connection between electrical parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Alps Elctric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Takeshita, Manabu Kusano, Fumihiko Sagawa, Taizo Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20020096262
    Abstract: A labeling machine includes a container conveying unit adapted to convey a container from a feed-in end to a take-out end. A container sensor is disposed adjacent to the conveying unit, and generates first and second signals upon detection of leading and trailing edges of the container, respectively. An encoder unit is associated with the conveying unit, and is operable so as to generate distance information to indicate distance advanced by the container. A label applying unit includes a label applicator plate disposed adjacent to the conveying unit. A controller activates the encoder unit upon receipt of the first signal from the container sensor, and determines the diameter of the container by inspecting the distance information from the encoder unit upon receipt of the second signal from the container sensor. The controller activates the label applying unit so as to be adapted to attach a label to the container when the label applicator plate is aligned with a central plane of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Sheng-Hui Yang
  • Patent number: 6409857
    Abstract: A device for manufacturing a composite sheet (5) comprising at least one corrugated sheet (1) and at least one flat sheet (3), which is glued to the wave peaks of the corrugated sheet (1), said device comprising at least one fluted roller (13) for shaping and/or maintaining the shape of the corrugated sheet (1), said roller being covered with the corrugated sheet (1) around a portion of its circumference during operation, and a gluing unit (27) for applying a liquid glue used to attach the corrugated sheet (1) to the flat sheet (3), with said gluing unit (27) having a gluing roller (45) whose outer surface (47) is continuously coated with a glue film and whose axis is essentially parallel to that of the fluted roller (13), said gluing roller being driven at approximately the same peripheral speed as that of the fluted roller (13), and with it being possible, using means for moving the rollers closer together (53, 65, 67, 69), to move said gluing roller, with its outer surface (47) against the portion of the c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Peters Machinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Pallas, Jorg Vonderheiden, Jens Schulz
  • Patent number: 6401782
    Abstract: A device for laminating labels disposed upon a continuous strip of liner. The device includes a plurality of spindle structures for supplying a continuous strip of protective film and the continuous strip of liner to a laminating structure which adheres the continuous strip of protective film to the continuous strip of liner over the labels disposed thereon to form a single continuous strip of laminated liner. The laminating structure has a drive wheel with a plurality of teeth arranged upon the surface of the drive wheel so as to engage a plurality of tractor feed holes formed into the continuous strip of the laminated liner. The drive wheel rotates to bring the continuous strip of laminated liner into contact with a plurality of laminate cutting blades that rotate in registration with the drive wheel so as to cut the protective film in registration with the labels disposed upon the strip of liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Wallace J. Beaudry
  • Patent number: 6391132
    Abstract: A device and method for labeling flat mail items applies labels to the items by compressed air. The thickness and length of each items is determined in the time for initiating blowing of a respective label is determined as a function of the lengthened thickness of the items and the desired position of the label on the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Georg Kinnemann, Christel Gehl
  • Patent number: 6378586
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying an adhesive spacer material to a substrate such as a glass lite for the manufacture of insulated windows includes an infeed and an outfeed conveyor for advancing a glass lite, and a transverse beam on which is mounted a first travelling applicator head and a second stationary applicator head. A first and second feed reel are provided to supply spacer material to their respective applicator heads. The stationary applicator head is adapted to apply a length of spacer material in a straight pattern simultaneously with the travelling head as the substrate is advanced by the conveyor. The travelling applicator head applies spacer material to three sides of the substrate cutting notches or slits and rotating 90° at the corners. The stationary applicator head applies spacer to the fourth side. Cooperating pairs of grippers form accurate folds in the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Luc Lafond
  • Patent number: 6367529
    Abstract: The method and the device of the present invention are capable of uniformly using whole surface of a carrying plate, improving the polishing accuracy of wafers and extending span of life of the carrying plate. The method of adhering a plurality of wafers onto a surface of a carrying plate with predetermined spaces is characterized by regularly shifting wafer adhering positions, at which the wafers are respectively adhered, with respect to a standard position of the carrying plate, in the surface of the carrying plate. The wafer adhering position is regularly shifted when the carrying plate is exchanged or predetermined time elapses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Fujikoshi Kikai Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshihisa Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 6329468
    Abstract: A flexible polyolefin-based hot melt adhesive composition having a variety of end uses, particularly in bonding polyethylene and polypropylene films, nonwoven fabrics and elastic attachment applications in nonwoven disposable articles. The composition includes a flexible polyolefin polymer or a blend of flexible polyolefin polymers, a tackifier resin, a plasticizer, and optionally a wax and a stabilizer. The preferred flexible polyolefin polymer has a melt flow rate greater than 5 g/10 min. and a density between 0.86 to 0.90 g/cm3. The hot melt adhesive composition provides a novel combination of desirable properties including good adhesion to a variety of substrates, low viscosity, good heat stability and oil resistance. The adhesive can be applied using common application techniques such as extruding or spraying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Bostik Findley, Inc.
    Inventor: Baoyu Wang
  • Patent number: 6325877
    Abstract: A label printer and applicator system which determines the height and position of moving objects on a conveyor while printing labels and positioning the labels for application on the moving objects. The printer/applicator includes a controllable label buffer, applicator actuator and label ejector to receive and apply the printed label, or eject the label when it has been determined that the application to the object cannot be made. Further embodiments include multiple applicators deployed along the conveyor to permit higher conveyor velocities and avoidance of unlabeled objects due to height/proximity relationships with adjacent packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Imtec, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6325128
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a serrated cutting strip to a carton blank which includes a first member for conveying carton blanks past a cutting and applicator mechanism, the cutting and applicator mechanism being arranged to cut a cutting strip from a supply of cutting strip material and deposit said cutting strip upon a carton blank. The first member includes a conveyor belt preferably fitted with suction means, and the cutting and applicator mechanism includes upper and lower dies movable relative to one another and a mechanism to feed a supply of cutting strip material, said cutting strip being retained upon the upper die by suction. Further downward movement of the upper die brings the cutting strip into contact with a carton blank. The apparatus includes an alignment member to ensure the carton blanks are correctly positioned relative to the cutting and applicator mechanism when the cutting strips are attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Carton Edge Systems Limited
    Inventors: Edwin Wyn Owen, Ian Jamie
  • Patent number: 6315860
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for the manufacturing of a glued block made of triangular cross-sectioned elongated staves of wood. The staves of wood are laid beside each other with alternate staves with their base sides downwards and alternate ones with their base sides upwards, and adhesive applied between adjoining surfaces between the staves. A press (13, 14, 21-33) applies main pressure force to glue the staves firmly together is transverse to the base sides of the staves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Primwood AB
    Inventors: Hans Holmberg, Ake Lundqvist, Dick Sandberg, Kjell Wiklund, Martin Wiklund, Rudolf Wiklund
  • Patent number: 6315850
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for bonding together two layers of dissimilar material, yielding a composite structure which is substantially stress-free at a selectable reference temperature and reference isostatic pressure, which includes providing a first layer and a second layer; determining a critical line for the first layer and second layer in a pressure-temperature plane wherein a location of the critical line depends on the selectable reference temperature and reference isostatic pressure and depends on coefficients of thermal expansion and bulk moduli material constants of the first layer and the second layer, wherein the critical line sets forth a plurality of temperature-pressure pairs at which the composite structure will be substantially stress-free; controlling a temperature and an isostatic pressure during bonding such that the temperature and the isostatic pressure represent a point on the critical line; bonding the first layer and the second layer at the temperature and the isostatic pressure; and r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Fred B. Hagedorn, William F. Cashion
  • Patent number: 6309490
    Abstract: An ultrasonic tool has an air actuated acoustic horn assembly. An electronic and pneumatic controller generates a predetermined air pressure within the tool. The horn assembly is coupled to the controller for applying a desired actuation force to a part based on the predetermined air pressure. The predetermined air pressure therefore corresponds to the desired actuation force. The horn assembly also transmits mechanical vibrations to the part at a predetermined frequency. The tool further includes an acoustic control system coupled to the horn assembly for transferring a high frequency electrical voltage to the horn assembly. Selectively applying the desired actuation force to the part based on air pressure allows a wider range of forces to be applied, and eliminates problems associated with part damage and marking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn K. Davis, John Ablamsky
  • Patent number: 6284074
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bonded friction product, such as an automobile brake shoe, and apparatus therefor, includes forming a plastic inner lining element of uncured or green thermosetting resin binder containing friction modifiers and reinforcements and bonding the element to a shoe platform by way of an adhesive resin in a heat and pressure regime which cures the resin binder and adhesive. The need for a closed mold and/or venting stops is avoided by a stabilizing press (50) which includes a heated bed (53) between guide plates (56, 57) that has a recess (52) of less thickness than the lining element (16) to receive such lining element in its green state. The guide plates are spaced slightly further apart than the width of a shoe platform which is, having been preheated, brought down onto the lining element and pressed by a pneumatic ram (70), the loosely sliding shoe body (11) comprising a non-sealing closure member of the press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: G B Tools & Components Exports Limited
    Inventors: Robert W Braund, Angus WJ Tennant, William C Morrison
  • Patent number: 6279636
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically merging and attaching documents, such as photocopies of remittance checks or the like, to envelopes from which the documents originated is disclosed. The system uses a series of bins and conveyors to automatically retrieve, synchronize, merge and reassociate each document to its respective envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel E. Miller
  • Patent number: 6276419
    Abstract: A sealing apparatus includes a base having a fixed jaw, a press lever having a movable jaw and pivotally supported on the base, a posture changing mechanism for pressing the press lever toward the base, and a heater for heating material to be sealed clamped between the pair of jaws. A monitor mechanism is provided for measuring the load applied between the pair of jaws at any selected point in the course of a pivotal stroke of the press lever. The monitor mechanism includes a monitor portion deformable in accordance with a press applied to the press lever from the posture changing mechanism and a sensor for detecting the load based on the amount of deformation of the monitor portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Impulse Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigenori Maruyama
  • Patent number: 6257293
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing prestressed piezoelectric actuators which maximizes output, and increases the precision and efficiency with which the multi-layer actuators are made. Individual layers of the piezoelectric actuators are automatically stacked and registered with respect to each other within press members prior to bonding the layers to each other with a thermoplastic adhesive. Compressive force is applied while heat is conductively transferred from a heating element to the actuator in order to raise the temperature of each of the layers above the melting point of the thermoplastic. The temperature of the heating element is then decreased until the temperature of the actuator layers drops to below the melting point of the thermoplastic adhesive, thereby bonding the layers. Compressive force is then released, and the actuators are removed, further cooled and polarized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Face International Corp.
    Inventors: Samuel A. Face, Jr., Stephen E. Clark
  • Patent number: 6245167
    Abstract: The invention involves a platen press for manufacturing laminated plastic cards, in particular contactless cards with integrated electronic components. In the press, above the uppermost platen, a heating plate is arranged which is mounted to be vertically displacable, and functions as a movable stop for the lifting movement of the press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bürkle GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Stein
  • Patent number: 6234230
    Abstract: A device that continuously applies self-adhesive handles to moving articles using a pivotable paddle that can rotate approximately 180 degrees from a vertical stopped position. The rotation of the paddle is synchronized with the movement of the articles so that an adhesive tape can be applied to a moving article by placing a first end of the tape on a downstream face of the article, and a second end of the tape is applied to an upstream face of the article, thereby forming a handle on the article. Clamps are used to temporarily connect the paddle to the tape as well as pull the tape while a knife is used for cutting the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Cefma Company
    Inventor: Cyriaque Petitjean
  • Patent number: 6223798
    Abstract: A magnetic head chip bonding device for bonding plural magnetic head chip to a base member to produce a composite type magnetic head is disclosed. The device includes a magnetic head chip retention unit for applying the pressure to the magnetic head chip for applying the magnetic head chip against the base member, and a magnetic head chip holding unit for holding the magnetic head chip. The device also includes a magnetic head chip detection unit for detecting the position of the magnetic head chip and a magnetic head chip shifting unit for shifting the magnetic head chip and the magnetic head chip holding unit responsive to an output of the magnetic head chip position detection unit. The pressure exerted by the magnetic head chip retention unit on the magnetic head chip is preferably variable, and the magnetic head chip holding unit preferably is made up of a pair of supporting members clamping the magnetic head chip in- between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Shibata, Michihiro Mori
  • Patent number: 6213183
    Abstract: A laminator assembly and method utilizes an endless belt (17a, 17b, 300) and roller arrangement to apply pressure to media (100) to be laminated and to convey the media in a controlled manner to heated pressure rollers (11a, 11b, 301, 307). In one feature of the invention, control nips can be provided on one or both sides of the heated pressure rollers so as to minimize or eliminate flutes or ripples in the media to be laminated. The control nips can be applied by plate assemblies (29, 30, 315) which create the control nip and also serve to gain control of the media to be laminated prior to the media reaching the heated pressure roller arrangement. In the case where the plate assembly is downstream of the heated pressure roller arrangement, the plates can serve to hold the media flat while it cools down. The endless belts apply a tapering and controlled pressure to the media prior to the media reaching the heated pressure rollers where lamination occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Roger S. Kerr, John D. Gentzke
  • Patent number: 6182729
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a plurality of wafers by slicing a cylindrical ingot with a wire saw. The apparatus includes a measuring device for measuring the crystal orientation of the ingot; an adhering device for adhering a support to the surface of the ingot based on the orientation where the support includes an intermediate plate and a support plate, where the support plate is adapted to fit the wire saw, and where the adhering device includes an auxiliary adhering element for adhering the intermediate plate to the surface of the ingot and an adhering element for adhering the support plate to the intermediate plate; a dryer for drying and solidifying an adhesive applied between the ingot and the intermediate plate and an adhesive applied between the intermediate plate and the support plate; and the wire saw for slicing the ingot into the plurality of wafers while the ingot is supported on the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Nippei Toyama Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Banzawa, Nobuaki Hayashi, Kiyoakira Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6167933
    Abstract: A book marker insertion apparatus includes a cartridge assembly, a separator assembly, a gripper assembly, an elevator assembly and a page spreader assembly. The cartridge assembly holds a roll of marker material including a plurality of markers on a backing sheet and advances the material to the separator assembly. The separator assembly includes jaws and a peel bar for removing the endmost marker from the backing sheet. The gripper assembly includes rotatable arms which grip the separated end marker and position the separated end marker for insertion into the book. The elevator raises and lowers the gripper assembly from the position for gripping the separated end marker to the position for inserting into the book. The page spreader assembly includes a V-arm with a slot formed therein-for receiving the gripper arms and the separated end marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Donald P. De Vale, Peter J. Zarembo, James L. Allen, Philip M. Anthony, III, Randall P. Bell, Aaron B. Eiger, Gerald Fleischfresser, Gregory W. Lantz, Emily Matz, Glenn A. Newby, Kurt T. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6164355
    Abstract: Provided is a brush finishing machine including, arranged along an endless chain, finishing stations comprising at least one stamping press for marking the brush handles with decals transferred for application thereto from a foil advanced by an indexing mechanism provided upstream of the brush handles, the endless chain carrying at each chain link two brush bodies held spaced away from each other at the chain link, and the stamping press comprising two stamping dies located opposite the brush handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: G. B. Boucherie N.V.
    Inventor: Bart Gerard Boucherie
  • Patent number: 6156139
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for fusing a sidewall pipe onto a host pipe using pneumatic equipment. The functions of the fusing apparatus are controlled by a programmable computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Global Utility Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Owen Parish, II, Joseph G. Gho, Randall Jeff Kozak, Garry Joseph Anderson
  • Patent number: 6148890
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying adhesive spacer to a glass pane to produce an insulated glass window including a first applicator head for applying the spacer; a supporter for supporting the head a distance from the pane, an advancer for advancing the pane relative to the head; a feeder for feeding the spacer at a controllable speed to the head; and an applicator channel for guiding and positioning the spacer on the pane. The channel includes a cooperative pair of driven belts for positioning the spacer at a rate corresponding to the controllable speed where the belts are arranged in upstanding relation to the pane for compressing the spacer therebetween to from an application channel to position the spacer on the pane while the spacer is between the belts. The is also provided a driver for driving the belts and a pressure belt for pressing on the spacer to provide sealing contact between the spacer and the pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Luc Lafond
  • Patent number: 6129809
    Abstract: The most important heat-sealing parameters must be able to be adapted to different conditions of use in a simple and accurate manner. This is accomplished by the hot air temperature, on the one hand, and the amount of hot air, the speed of rotation of the pressing rollers (8, 9) and/or the pressing pressure of the pressing rollers (8, 9), on the other hand, being able to be controlled via controllers (41, 37, 24, 29), wherein a basic setting of the set points of these controlled variables is performed as a function of material- and/or application-specific characteristics, and by the position of the hot air nozzle (16) in terms of height (H), distance (A) and/or of the oncoming flow angle (.alpha.) with respect to the roller gap being able to be set by motor operators (18, 19, 21) as a function of the intended use and/or the thickness of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: G.M. Pfaff Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernd Ellenberger, Klaus Kutscher, Karl Herzer, Manfred Neurohr
  • Patent number: 6117265
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat-welding corners lengths of profiles together, for sealing gaskets, where the profiles include at least one extendible or compressible air chamber and are cut at their ends at an angle. The method includes positioning two profiles, with one of the cut ends of each profile opposite each other inside a suitable device including clamps which make the positioning possible, heating the positioned ends until the positioned ends reach a softened state, choking the profiles so as to completely occlude the air chambers along choking sections, closing the clamps in order to cause the profiles to come into mutual mating contact at the heated ends, injecting air into the air chambers by perforating the air chambers in a region between the choking sections and the heated ends so as to apply pressure to walls of the profiles in that region, pressing the walls against walls of the clamps to join the heated ends by heat-welding under pressure, and opening the occluded sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Industrie Ilpea S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Cittadini, Umberto Lovison
  • Patent number: 6096150
    Abstract: An automatic paper-web splicing system rotates a new paper roll being spliced, causes the peripheral speed thereof to agree with the traveling speed of a traveling web, and splices the start end of the new paper roll to the traveling web. The automatic paper-web splicing system directly detects via a detection mark provided on the outer peripheral surface of a new paper roll being spliced to a traveling web that the outer peripheral surface of the new paper roll is moved by a predetermined length by the rotation of the new paper roll, causes the time required for the new paper roll to move to agree with the time required for the traveling web to travel over the predetermined length, thereby causing the peripheral speed of the new paper roll to agree with the traveling speed of the traveling web, and carries out automatic splicing in this state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kinichiro Ohno
  • Patent number: 6092578
    Abstract: A thin film forming apparatus includes a specimen holder on which a substrate for thin film formation is placed, a transfer plate opposing the specimen holder, on which a sheet film having a thin film formed on a surface is placed, a thin film forming chamber comprising the specimen holder and the transfer plate, a pressure unit for moving at least one of the specimen holder and the transfer plate and pressing the specimen holder against the transfer plate for a predetermined time while the substrate and the thin film formed on the sheet film are in contact with each other, a heating unit for heating the substrate at a predetermined temperature, and an exhausting unit for vacuum-exhausting the thin film forming chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Machida, Hakaru Kyuragi, Hideo Akiya, Kazuo Imai
  • Patent number: 6062285
    Abstract: A machine for manufacturing adhesive dressings having an adhesive support, absorbing material compresses laying on the support and a protective layer, includes a cutting element for cutting compresses to a desired size and placing them at the desired intervals onto the adhesive layer. The cutting element includes a first cylindrical counter roll that has a smooth surface and a second roll acting on the first roll. The second roll has projecting sectors, alternated with recessed sectors, provided with at least a transversal cutting knife for cutting the absorbing tape by compressing the same against the counter roll. The tape is drawn during the synchronous rotation of the rolls by the projecting sectors cooperating with the surface of the counter roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Plastod SpA
    Inventors: Angelo Dotta, Giorgio Dotta
  • Patent number: 6045651
    Abstract: A hand assisted lamination apparatus (1) for use in making a laminated composite article, the apparatus (1) including:(a) a lay-up tool (31) for receiving plies of a composite laminating material;(b) a support table (34) for supporting the lay-up tool (31);(c) a vacuum/compressed air system for drawing a vacuum through the support table (34) and for feeding compressed air through the support table (34);(d) a laser projection system (72) for outlining the location of a ply of the composite laminating material to guide the human operator of the hand assisted lamination apparatus, the laser projection system being capable of projecting a laser beam (30) onto the lay-up tool (31) whereby the laser beam (30) traces the ply outline defined by a data set;(e) a forming/compaction bag system (35) for forming and compacting a ply of composite laminating material laid on the lay-up tool (31); and(f) an electronic control system (47) for controlling the vacuum/compressed air system, for controlling the laser projection s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William T. Kline, George V. Neilson, Robert F. Mittelstadt
  • Patent number: 6036795
    Abstract: It concerns butt-welding of parts made of plastics material(s). For this purpose, the invention proposes correcting, according to an ambient temperature which is measured in the environment of the parts at the moment of welding, at least one of the following parameters: pressure(s) for contact and/or welding of the parts, electrical energy to be supplied to means for displacement of the said parts, stroke(s) of relative displacement of the parts, time for obtaining beads at the end of the parts during the phase of heating the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignees: Gaz de France (G.D.F.) Service National, Societe Joseph Sauron Material Industriel
    Inventors: Jean Sauron, Gil Gaunt, Jean-Claude Hugueny
  • Patent number: 6032712
    Abstract: An embossing and laminating machine is provided comprising a first embossing cylinder with a surface provided with a first set of protuberances and a second embossing cylinder with a surface provided with a second set of protuberances. The two embossing cylinders forming a nip. First and second pressure rollers interact with the first and the second embossing cylinders respectively. The protuberances are constructed in such a way that in the nip some of the protuberances of the first set coincide with some protuberances of the second set while other protuberances of the first set are out of phase with corresponding protuberances of the second set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Fabio Perini, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Guglielmo Biagiotti
  • Patent number: 6030474
    Abstract: In a method for coating the recording surface of an information card by selectively using one of protective films of various types, the selected protective film loaded in a coating device is thermally transferred to the card at the optimal thermal-transfer temperature and optimal feeding speed determined according to the film type of the loaded protective film which is automatically identified. The film type of the protective film is recognized by detecting at least one discrimination mark on a film ribbon for the protective film by use of one or more mark sensors. The discrimination mark also serves as positioning means for the protective film in coating. By thermally transferring the protective film to the card at the optimal thermal-transfer temperature and optimal feeding speed, a high-quality information card coated with flat layers including printing ink layers and protective films and having excellent peel strength can be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Isono, Kenji Ueno, Takehito Kobayashi, Ken'Ichi Yui, Teruo Tsunoda
  • Patent number: 6024814
    Abstract: A method for connecting a cylindrical ingot to a support plate includes measuring a crystal orientation of the ingot based on a diffraction of x-rays, rotating the ingot about a center axis based on the crystal orientation so that a center axis of the ingot is held parallel to a first plane and an orientation axis based on the crystal orientation is placed in a plane parallel to the first plane, adhering an intermediate plate to the ingot, adjusting a position of one of the support plate and the ingot in a plane parallel to the first plane based on the crystal orientation so that a mounting axis of the support plate is in a specific relationship with the orientation axis, and attaching the support plate to the intermediate plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Nippei Toyama Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Banzawa, Nobuaki Hayashi, Kiyoakira Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6021782
    Abstract: A method of and system for detecting glue skips on tipping paper used to secure filters to cigarette tobacco rods and the rejection of defective cigarettes based thereon in which a particle radiation sensor is used to monitor the amount of glue applied to the tipping paper and a laser edge detector is used to monitor for proper alignment of the tipping paper during cigarette tipping operations in a typical cigarette manufacturing machine. The signals output from the particle radiation sensor are fed to a skip detection system which produces an output signal upon detecting a glue skip or a loss of glue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Sydney Keith Seymour, Balager Ademe, Gary Lee Wood, Ford Mitchell Shore
  • Patent number: 6009925
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for joining two or more thin sheets of thermoplastic materials along a welded seam includes a welding assembly and a means for feeding the thermoplastic sheets to the working area of the welding assembly. The welding assembly includes a heated platen welding press coupled with a welding tool, an energy generator electrically connected to the welding tool and control means electrically connected to the welding press, the welding tool and the energy generator. The welding press includes a pair of opposed platens, means for heating each of the platens and pressing means for displacing at least one of the opposed platens in the thickness direction of the thermoplastic sheets. Pressure is applied to the thermoplastic sheets by using the pressing means to displace at least one of the heated platens in the thickness direction of the thermoplastic sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Hall Dielectric Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Hall, Arnold Tobler
  • Patent number: 5992488
    Abstract: A flanging-trimming machine for differently shaped panels having peripheral edges. The machine covers the edges with an irremovable covering strip applied using an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Bortolini Engineering
    Inventor: Francesco Bortolini
  • Patent number: 5989384
    Abstract: A head is positionable close to a supported composite material. A compactor on the head is movable relative to the head by a fluid actuator. A programmable valve means ports air into the actuator at several different pressures to provide variable compaction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Unova IP Corp.
    Inventors: Michael N. Grimshaw, James R. Hecht
  • Patent number: 5980663
    Abstract: This invention discloses a method of bonding a lower substrate with an upper substrate comprising applying an adhesive (56) on at least one of the lower (12) and the upper (14) substrates, and rotating the lower and the upper substrates thereby to create a centrifugal force which causes the adhesive to spread between the lower and the upper substrates with a substantially uniform thickness, while applying a pressure upon the upper substrate thereby to bond the lower and upper substrates. The invention also discloses an apparatus for bonding the lower substrate with the upper substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Shellcase Ltd.
    Inventor: Pierre Badehi