Means Responsive To Weight Or Dimension Patents (Class 156/360)
  • Publication number: 20100032099
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting and cutting tubular cores (1) for supporting rolls of wound material comprising a loading station (80), comprising a rolling cradle consisting of two parallel and horizontal rollers (10 and 11), a star-shaped driven supplier (4), having, for example, four continuous protrusions (2) that allow to load tubular cores of different lengths. The rollers (10 and 11) of the rolling cradle are arranged along a longitudinal direction (16). The apparatus comprises a pusher (5) that acts against a rear end of the core (1), once it has been loaded on the rolling cradle (10, 11), in order to bring a front end of a loaded core in a connecting station (60) where it is present the rear end of a core portion to connect, loaded previously. The pusher (5) comprises an approaching element (9) with vertical idle rollers (7 and 8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: GA. VO. MECCANICA S.N.C.
    Inventors: Antonio Tancredi, Stefano Benvenuti, Alessandro Niccolai
  • Patent number: 7641752
    Abstract: A mechanism for laying a strip on a receiving surface rotating about a first axis. The mechanism includes a laying head moving along a second axis oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the surface and along a third axis oriented parallel to a radial direction passing through the point of contact between the receiving surface and a strip applicator of the laying head. The laying head is rotatable about a front axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the second and third axes and passing through the contact point. the laying includes a device for estimating the value of the of the angle ? formed by a tangent to the transverse profile of the surface and the second axis. The movements of the laying head are determined by the value of the angle ? in such a way as to displace the laying head in a direction parallel to the tangent following the transverse profile of the receiving surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Michelin-Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Serge Nicolas, Nicolas Chevaux, Patrice Monnereau
  • Patent number: 7641749
    Abstract: A method and machine for labelling a succession of containers, whereby each container is identified to assign to the container one of a number of possible types, and the container is then fed along a labelling path through a number of labelling stations, each of which applies respective labels to containers falling within a respective category, and is activated to apply the label to the container if the container falls within the respective category.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianluca Giacomazzi, Stefano Cavallari
  • Patent number: 7621310
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a bonded substrate that suppresses a defect in the bonded substrate. When the pressure in a vacuum chamber is at the atmospheric level, upper and lower chuck units respectively attract substrates through vacuum. When the vacuum chamber is depressurized, each chuck unit electrostatically attracts the associated substrate. During the depressurization of the vacuum chamber, the pressure for attracting each substrate to the associated chuck unit is controlled to be equal to the pressure in the vacuum chamber. This prevents each substrate from falling from or moving relative to the associated chuck unit. The first and second substrates are thus bonded together and accurately aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Koji Hashizume, Yoshimasa Miyajima, Norihiko Hatano, Tetsuji Kadowaki
  • Patent number: 7568511
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying tax stamps to individual cigarette packages of different cigarette cartons having different height dimensions comprises a cigarette carton height determination station at which the height dimension of a particular cigaratte carton is determined. Such height dimension data is transmitted to a programmable logic controller (PLC), and the programmable logic controller (PLC) controls a single servo motor and linear actuator assembly, operatively connected to a support surface along which the cartons are movably disposed, so as to control the elevational level of the support surface whereby the cigarette cartons are always disposed at the proper elevational level with respect to various implements located at different operational stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Andrzej Chojnacki, Krzysztof P. Biernat
  • Patent number: 7513966
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a bonded substrate that suppresses a defect in the bonded substrate. When the pressure in a vacuum chamber is at the atmospheric level, upper and lower chuck units respectively attract substrates through vacuum. When the vacuum chamber is depressurized, each chuck unit electrostatically attracts the associated substrate. During the depressurization of the vacuum chamber, the pressure for attracting each substrate to the associated chuck unit is controlled to be equal to the pressure in the vacuum chamber. This prevents each substrate from falling from or moving relative to the associated chuck unit. The first and second substrates are thus bonded together and accurately aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Koji Hashizume, Yoshimasa Miyajima, Norihiko Hatano, Tetsuji Kadowaki
  • Patent number: 7503365
    Abstract: A dicing tape attaching apparatus (10) comprises a fixed table (38) for supporting a mount frame (36), a movable table (31) for supporting a wafer (20) with the reverse surface thereof ground, and a height adjusting unit (70) such as a screw jack for adjusting the height of the movable table. When the dicing tape (3) is attached on the mount frame and the wafer, the height adjusting unit such as the screw jack so operates that the height of the dicing tape attaching surface of the wafer supported on the movable table coincides with the height of the upper surface of the mount frame supported on the fixed table. As a result, the wafer is prevented from forming cuts, cracks and internal distortions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Ametani
  • Patent number: 7476283
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a bonded substrate that suppresses a defect in the bonded substrate. When the pressure in a vacuum chamber is at the atmospheric level, upper and lower chuck units respectively attract substrates through vacuum. When the vacuum chamber is depressurized, each chuck unit electrostatically attracts the associated substrate. During the depressurization of the vacuum chamber, the pressure for attracting each substrate to the associated chuck unit is controlled to be equal to the pressure in the vacuum chamber. This prevents each substrate from falling from or moving relative to the associated chuck unit. The first and second substrates are thus bonded together and accurately aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Koji Hashizume, Yoshimasa Miyajima, Norihiko Hatano, Tetsuji Kadowaki
  • Patent number: 7441578
    Abstract: A release liner staging unit for depositing a release liner onto an adhesive layer. The unit includes an accumulator that creates a buffer between an amount of release liner supplied and an amount needed for covering a layer of adhesive. The tendency of release liner placed within the accumulator to settle allows additional release liner to be introduced, thereby producing a slightly saturated level of release liner in the accumulator. Time delays can be accounted for to reduce the number of times a drive mechanism needs to operate, thereby reducing wear on such componentry. The unit may also form part of a larger release liner application device and adhesive application system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Valco Cincinnati, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lee Mainous, David Allen Popham, John Paul G. Chambers, Chris Mark Jamison
  • Patent number: 7438776
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for adhering a tape (3) on a wafer (20) are disclosed. The wafer is supported on a table (31), and the tape is supplied, between a tape adhering surface (20?) and a tape adhering unit (46), from a tape supply unit (42). The table is moved toward the tape adhering unit, whereby the tape adhering surface of the wafer on the table is pressed against the tape adhering unit through the tape with a force (F). Further, the tape adhering unit is moved from one end (28) to the other end (29) of the wafer in parallel to the tape adhering surface. The pressure (P) under which the tape adhering surface is in contact with the tape adhering unit through the tape is kept substantially uniform while the tape adhering unit moves from one end to the other end of the wafer. As a result, the pressure on the wafer is accurately equalized in spite of the movement of the tape adhering unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Kobayashi, Minoru Ametani
  • Patent number: 7424901
    Abstract: A system for fabricating a corrugated board sheet fabricated includes warp status information obtaining means (6, 6A-6H, 7, 7A, 7B, 8, 8A-8H, 240a, 240b, 241a, 241b) for obtaining warp status information concerning status of the warp of the corrugated board sheet fabricated by a corrugated-board fabrication machine (1); running-state information obtaining means (5, 5A-5H) for obtaining running state information concerning a running state of the corrugated-board fabrication machine (1); control variable calculating means (4, 4A-4H) for calculating a control variable of a particular control factor that affects the warp of the corrugated board sheet and that is one among control factors used to control the corrugated-board fabrication machine (1) based on the warp status information of the corrugated board sheet and the running state information of the corrugated-board fabrication machine (1); and control means (5, 5A-5H) for controlling the particular control factor using the control variable calculated by the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishibuchi, Junichi Kawase, Yukuhara Seki
  • Patent number: 7407556
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for forming a composite part on a tool surface, during an automated fiber placement process, by depositing the composite material onto the tool surface with two or more fiber placement heads which are capable of simultaneous movement independently from each other and the tool surface, but dynamically synchronized for operation with respect to a common time base. Fiber placement heads, and creels for holding composite materials supplied to the fiber placement heads are replaceable during fabrication of the composite part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Ingersoll Machine Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Tino Oldani, Daniel Jarvi
  • Patent number: 7401631
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and system for applying decorative tape to a glass sheet. The disclosed system and method allow tape segments that are shorter than a distance between a cutter and a glass engagement position to be applied by an application head to the glass sheet. The system includes the application head, a tape supply, a drive roller, a cutter, and a controller. The application head applies tape segments cut from the tape supply to the glass pane. The drive roller advances the tape dispensed by the application head. The cutter cuts end portions of each tape segment. The controller is programmed to sort moves of the application head, tape supply, drive roller, and cutter to allow tape segments that are shorter than a distance between the cutter and the glass engagement position to be applied to the glass sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: GED Integrated Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brady Jacot, William A. Briese
  • Patent number: 7402216
    Abstract: A method for the production of reinforced tube-shaped structures (1) of rubber layers and reinforcement layers (2, 3) has the steps of: a) applying a first rubber layer (2a) with a first extrusion unit (4a) onto a series of sequential rigid cylindrical mandrels (5) which are coupled to each other and which are driven at an advancement speed (v) in the direction of an advancement axis (x); b) applying a first filament layer at defined desired filament angles (?1) referred to the advancement axis (x) with a bobbin creel unit (10a) having means which rotate about the advancing mandrels (5); c) applying atleast one further rubber layer (2b) to the first filament layer utilizing at least one additional extrusion unit (4b); d) continuously measuring the advancement speed (v) of the mandrels (5); controlling the quantity, which is applied via the first extrusion unit (4a), in dependence upon the measured advancement speed (v) in order to obtain a defined desired thickness of the first rubber layer (2a); f) controlli
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Contitech Luftfedersyteme GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Berger, Rainer Oehl, Klaus Binder
  • Patent number: 7343949
    Abstract: The invention concerns an installation comprising a feeding device (100, 101, 103, 104, 1, 11, 12) unwinding the support (G) and a treating device (105, 4) for operating on the parts (P). A reading unit (102) positioned on the passage (Z) of the bar codes (CB) of the parts (P), supplies signals (SL). A data source (107) contains data concerning the bar codes (CB). A control circuit (106, 5) receives the sense signals (SL) and the data signals (SD) so as to compare them and transmit control signals (SC) for the treating device (105, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Vandevoorde
  • Patent number: 7337818
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying aligned decorative tape patterns to opposite sides of a glass sheet. The glass sheet is positioned such that the first side of the glass sheet is accessible to a tape application head. A first tape pattern is automatically applied to the first side of the glass sheet with the tape application head by referencing a location and orientation of a first corner of the sheet. The sheet of glass is then turned over such that the second side is accessible to the tape application head. A second tape pattern is automatically applied to the second side of the glass sheet with the tape application head by referencing the location and orientation of the first corner. The first and second tape patterns are precisely aligned as a result of referencing the same corner of the glass sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: GED Integrated Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: William Briese, John Grismer
  • Patent number: 7335272
    Abstract: After photographing a surface on which an ABS is formed, and the outer shape of a slider, the ABS and an engraved region formed within the ABS are identified from a photographed image. A reference that becomes a guide for attaching to a suspension is then computed, and a positional relationship between the reference and the outer shape of the slider is stored as association information. Next, the outer shape of the slider is measured, and measured values are compared to the association information and a reference is read out when attaching the slider to the suspension. An adhesive is discharged, from below, onto a suspension attachment surface of the slider based on the reference. The slider may then be attached to the suspension while holding the slider in a state where the ABS is positioned on an upper side of the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignees: SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd., TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Takanuki, Osamu Shindo, Akimasa Nakao, Satoshi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7332045
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically blocking and providing measurement of a lens blank during the blocking process includes an alignment station and a blocking station. The alignment station aligns a lens blank to a block for bonding that is also known as the blocking process. The blocking station includes a lens blank measurement system having sensors that automatically identify and determine measurement and alignment information about the lens, such as sag and tilt of the lens blank, during the blocking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Gerber Scientific International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Shanbaum
  • Patent number: 7306685
    Abstract: A mounting device and a method thereof for preventing a pellet from cracking or chipping when the pellet is mounted. A mounting device comprises a first head for mounting a second pellet on a first pellet already mounted and temporarily pressure-bonding the second pellet thereto by applying a first load and a second head for pressure-bonding the second pellet, which has been temporarily pressure-bonded by the first head, to the first pellet by applying a second load higher than the first load. The second head includes a protective sheet which is moved so that the unused portion is set with respect to each pellet, a ball which is supported rollably in arbitrary directions and in contact with the second pellet through the protective sheet, a spring for applying an elastic force in the direction of the protective sheet and applying the second load to the second pellet through the protective sheet, and a drive for rolling the ball on the protective sheet in contact with the second pellet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20070235143
    Abstract: Presented herein is a unique portable electronic hand-held label dispenser that is adjustable to accommodate labels of various widths by lengthening the pins and replacing a lower guide plate, and which additionally incorporates a sensor mechanism that precisely determines the length of each label, in order to accurately advance the roll of labels according to the captured data and dispense a single label at a time, and which includes the added advantage of a unique slotted uptake wheel that efficiently collects the paper backing for easy disposal. Depressing an electronic switch causes a label to be dispensed and also activates the sensor mechanism, which allows a roll of labels to advance until the end of the next label is identified, indicating that the roll has been advanced the full length of a single label, and additionally the uptake wheel rotates to capture the discarded paper backing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Eli Wermuth
  • Publication number: 20070215286
    Abstract: A corrugated sheet manufacturing apparatus includes: a forming roll pair configured to roll a band material into a first-shape corrugated sheet; a pitch-shortening roll pair configured to shorten pitches of the first-shape corrugated sheet into a second-shape corrugated sheet; a shaping roll pair configured to widen pitches of the second-shape corrugated sheet into an objective corrugated sheet; a distance changer configured to change an axis-to-axis distance of the forming roll pair; a detector configured to detect a quantity of the first-shape corrugated sheet delivered from the forming roll pair; and a controller configured to control, when the detected quantity of the first-shape corrugated sheet is equal to a predetermined value, the distance changer so that the axis-to-axis distance of the forming roll pair is changed from a first distance to a second distance that is larger than the first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventor: Teruhisa Kaneda
  • Publication number: 20070209753
    Abstract: A label applicator system provides for high speed, accurate label transfer from a web to items moving on an item transport along a path relative to the system. The items, such as bottles, have a contoured surface. The applicator includes a supply reel for supplying labels on a web and a take-up for taking up the web after transfer of the label. A drive roller moves the web through the applicator system. The system includes a web positioning assembly and a movable label applicator head. A contour sensor senses the bottle contour and develops a profile for the head to follow to apply the labels to the bottles. The supply, take-up and the drive are operably engaged with one another to maintain a relatively constant tension in the web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.
    Inventors: James P. Gonzalez, David E. Zurawski, David B. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 7240711
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for aligning a bonding tool. A force sensor having a plurality of force sensing sections is configured to measure a force generated by the bonding tool on the force sensor. Each sensing section is adapted to individually detect an amount of force from a part of the bonding tool acting on that sensing section, so that an alignment of the bonding tool may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: ASM Assembly Automation Ltd.
    Inventors: Lai Wa Helen Chan, Siu Hong Choy, Chou Kee Peter Liu, Ming Wai Kelvin Ng, Yuk Cheung Au
  • Patent number: 7214283
    Abstract: A working range setting method of a bonding device includes identifying a model of a first substrate, extracting a set value corresponding to a working range of working elements according to the identified model, and setting the working range of the corresponding working elements with the extracted set value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Seok Lee, Sang Ho Park
  • Patent number: 7156139
    Abstract: A system and method to control the head suspension assembly static attitude during the manufacturing process are disclosed. A loading fixture loads and supports a head suspension while a slider is attached. A pitch static attitude and roll static attitude (PSA/RSA) monitor takes a first measurement of the pitch static attitude and roll static attitude of the head suspension. A rotatable positioning tool holds the slider in a position relative to the head suspension for attachment and to adjust the position of the slider in response to the first measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming Gao Yao
  • Patent number: 7152648
    Abstract: A re-treading method and an apparatus therefor can detect a deviation amount of the position distant by a required tread length from the leading edge of the tread material from a predetermined pattern position near that position planned to be cut, cut the tread material at the at the predetermined position, wind the cut-out tread material on the outer circumference of the base tire while adjusting the length of the tread material by applying thereto a substantially uniform tensile or compressive force, and unite the leading and trailing edges of the tread material wound on the base tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeoki Usami, Kiyoharu Kurihara, Shigeo Makino, Tsutomu Tanaka, Keizou Okita
  • Patent number: 7117912
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the operation of a heating element moving periodically along a predefined path includes first and second sensors positioned adjacent the path of the heating element. The first sensor is configured to sense the presence of the heating element proximate to the second sensor, and the second sensor is configured to sense a temperature associated with the heating element as is passes by the second sensor. A controller receives signals from the first and second sensors and performs a control function such as indicating when the temperature sensed by the second sensor fall outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Edgar J. Mister, Douglas R. VanTassel
  • Patent number: 7117913
    Abstract: A mounting device and a method thereof for preventing a pellet from cracking or chipping when the pellet is mounted. A mounting device comprises a first head for mounting a second pellet on a first pellet already mounted and temporarily pressure-bonding the second pellet thereto by applying a first load and a second head for pressure-bonding the second pellet, which has been temporarily pressure-bonded by the first head, to the first pellet by applying a second load higher than the first load. The second head includes a protective sheet which is moved so that the unused portion is set with respect to each pellet, a ball which is supported rollably in arbitrary directions and in contact with the second pellet through the protective sheet, a spring for applying an elastic force in the direction of the protective sheet and applying the second load to the second pellet through the protective sheet, and a drive for rolling the ball on the protective sheet in contact with the second pellet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Elpida Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7096911
    Abstract: The present invention provide an apparatus for manufacturing a bonded substrate that suppresses a defect in the bonded substrate. When the pressure in a vacuum chamber is at the atmospheric level, upper and lower chuck units respectively attract substrates through vacuum. When the vacuum chamber is depressurized, each chuck unit electrostatically attracts the associated substrate. During the depressurization of the vacuum chamber, the pressure for attracting each substrate to the associated chuck unit is controlled to be equal to the pressure in the vacuum chamber. This prevents each substrate from falling from or moving relative to the associated chuck unit. The first and second substrates are thus bonded together as accurately aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Koji Hashizume, Yoshimasa Miyajima, Norihiko Hatano, Tetsuji Kadowaki
  • Patent number: 7096912
    Abstract: A bonding apparatus including, on a supporting stand 12, two linear motors 130 and 140 and a bonding head supporting stage 114 which supports the bonding head 120 by means of fluid pressure so that the bonding head 120 is movable in the horizontal plane. The linear motors 130 and 140 respectively include driving sections 132 and 142 and movable coil assemblies 134 and 144. An arm 136 extending from the movable coil assembly 134 of the first linear motor 130 is fastened to the bonding head 120, and an arm 146 extending from the movable coil assembly 144 of the second linear motor 140 is engaged with the bonding head 120. A driving force aimed at the center of gravity of the bonding head 120 is applied to the bonding head 120 via the arms 136 and 146, so that the bonding head 120 is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Shinkawa
    Inventor: Osamu Kakutani
  • Patent number: 7087126
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes: a heater head for bonding a liquid crystal display and a flexible printed circuit board by thermocompression; a cylinder as a heater head driving means for driving heater head to compress the liquid crystal display and flexible printed circuit board by a prescribed load; and a control mechanism as a stretch amount controlling means for adjusting a load change per unit of time after the heater head starts compressing the flexible printed circuit board by the cylinder as well as a time at which a required load is attained to control the stretch amount of the flexible printed circuit board by thermocompression. Preferably, the mounting apparatus is provided with a mechanism which performs measurement after preliminary bonding and which performs regular bonding while controlling based on the obtained information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichi Sugimoto, Katsunori Nagata, Masaaki Ooga, Toshihiko Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6994140
    Abstract: Device for conveying and preparing belt construction strip having parallel reinforcing members embedded in belt construction material includes first and second conveying devices, successively positioned in the feed direction without lateral stops for belt construction strip, to laterally align belt construction strip. Drive device laterally moves first conveying device relative to feed direction, sensor device has at least two sensors to detect position of side edges of belt construction strip, and holding device holds a front tip of belt construction strip in controlled manner in region of second conveying device. First conveying device positioned upstream of second conveying device relative to feed direction, and sensor device positioned to determine alignment of edge of belt construction strip and/or alignment of center of belt construction strip. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Kölker, Horst Sergel
  • Patent number: 6981537
    Abstract: A tape splicing mechanism joins the tail of one tape to the leading edge of another tape. A frame defines a passageway along which the tape passes. A pair of arms rotatably attached to the frame have projecting posts and rotate between a first position where the posts are closer to the pathway and a second position where they are further from the pathway. The arms are urged toward the first position and a catch mechanism holds them in the second position until released by a release mechanism when a release indicia in the first tape passes. The leading edge of the second tape is looped around the first tape to form a loose knot and is tied to the post on each side of the first tape. When the arms are released they move to the second position and tighten the knot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Industrial Adhesives, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilles Cyr, Elvin Dalebout, Ronald L. Willadson
  • Patent number: 6948540
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an envelope sealing apparatus, preferably for use in an inserter (210), for sealing a stuffed envelope having a moisture activated adhesive on its flap. Includes a moistener (30) for wetting the moisture-activated adhesive, a sealer (252) for applying the envelope flap to the stuffed envelope body to seal the same and a control system for arresting the moistened envelope for an adjustable dwell time before the sealing operation. The dwell time is adjusted according to the number of inserts/documents in the envelope or according to the thickness of the contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Graham J. Brignell, Christopher J. Brown, Geoffrey A. Farmer
  • Patent number: 6936123
    Abstract: To produce a capacitor with a target static capacitance, an apparatus for producing a laminated ceramic capacitor is adapted to measure the thickness of a green sheet and the area of an internal electrode by an in-line system and with high accuracy, and to laminate a calculated number of the green sheets based on the measured values. The apparatus includes a sheet-supplying unit, a sheet-thickness measuring unit, a laminating unit, and a discharging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Iseki, Akifumi Fujita, Atsushi Yoshimura, Takehiko Miura
  • Patent number: 6889738
    Abstract: An apparatus and method determine a size of a bonding film for bonding a bonding target having a size which varies due to temperature variation, at an environmental temperature which is different from a temperature during use. The method includes measuring an actual size of the bonding portion of the circuit electrode at the first temperature, comparing the actual size of the bonding portion with a designed size of the bonding portion at the first temperature, and determining a cutting size of the bonding material based on a comparison result and mounting the bonding material over the bonding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Yamamoto, Sakae Kobayashi, Shinzou Eguchi, Kazuhiro Murata, Kouichi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6868884
    Abstract: A tape dispenser for precisely applying decorative tape for creating the appearance of a bevel onto a glass surface. The tape dispenser includes a frame, a tape spool rotatably mounted to the frame, a drive roller rotatably mounted to said frame for controlling a length of such tape unwound from said tape spool, a platen having an angular front end portion that causes a liner to separate from the tape, and a rewind spool rotatably mounted to the frame. The tape spool, drive roller, platen and rewind spool define a path of travel from the tape spool, around the drive roller, around the front end portion of said platen, to said rewind spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: GED Integrated Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Briese
  • Patent number: 6863753
    Abstract: In a manufacturing apparatus for flat cable adapted for allowing plural conductive wires arranged on the same plane to be put between a first insulating tape on which first peeling sheets are stuck at predetermined intervals and a second insulating tape on which second peeling sheets are stuck at predetermined intervals to stick the first insulating tape, the conductive wires and the second insulating tape in order recited, such an approach is employed to respectively adjust tensions applied to the first and second insulating tapes to thereby respectively independently change expansions/contractions of the first and second insulating tapes. Thus, it is possible to correct sticking errors of the first peeling sheets and the second peeling sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Sony Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Murooka, Hakuji Kobayashi, Masakazu Endo, Toshihiro Tsutsumi, Hiroaki Shirai, Hidehiro Numao
  • Patent number: 6860955
    Abstract: A process for performing a plurality of operations on an elongate element, in particular an envelope (60) in a folder-inserter machine, which operations, such as flapping (44, 47), inserting, moistening and sealing, are carried out at spaced-apart locations. The process enables various different lengths of envelope to be employed, without the need to adjust any of the mechanisms. This is achieved by feeding an envelope into the inserter unflapped and with its crease line trailing. A datum position for the crease line is determined following sensing (96), and all the distances the envelope needs to be moved for the various operations, which may in practice be closely associated with that crease line, measured from that datum position. Irrespective of the lengths of the envelopes processed, the drive means (43) moving them from one particular operation location to the next then needs to be operated for the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Ltd.
    Inventor: Carl R Chapman
  • Patent number: 6814121
    Abstract: In measuring the position of a bonding tool accurately in offset correction in a bonding apparatus, the tool is moved to approach a reference member, the tool is illuminated with a reference pattern by a laser diode, and the deviation between the reference member and tool in one horizontal direction is measured based upon the image of the reference pattern projected on the tool. A position detection camera images the tool in another horizontal direction, thus measuring the deviation of the tool and reference member. The position detection camera is moved to approach the reference member, and the deviation between the position detection camera and the reference member is measured by the position detection camera. The accurate offset amounts between the position detection camera and the tool are determined based upon these measured values and amounts of movement of the position detection camera and the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Shinkawa
    Inventors: Shigeru Hayata, Ryuichi Kyomasu, Satoshi Enokido, Toshiaki Sasano
  • Patent number: 6782932
    Abstract: A system and method for winding fibers onto an article is disclosed. The system includes a winding station having a controllable speed of rotation. The winding station has at least one fiber bobbin mounted on it. A rotation sensor is rotationally coupled to the winding station. The system includes a conveyor having a controllable speed and which is adapted to move the article axially through the winding station. A speed sensor, adapted to measure an axial speed of motion of the article through the winding station is positioned near the winding station. The system includes a controller adapted to operate the winding station at a rotational speed corresponding to the axial speed of motion, so as to apply the fibers to the article in a predetermined helical pattern. In one example, the helical pattern is held to a lay angle having a tolerance within one-half degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Hydril Company L.P.
    Inventors: Harris A. Reynolds, Jr., Chris A. Lundberg, Joel D. Shaw, Thomas J. Walsh
  • Patent number: 6780262
    Abstract: There are provided a multilayer disc manufacturing apparatus and method, capable of computing a rotational eccentricity of a disc with no contact with the disc and a high accuracy, and producing the disc with lower costs without having to rotate the disc or perform any complicated operations. The multilayer disc manufacturing apparatus (100) is for manufacturing a multilayer disc by bonding one disc (220) to another disc (210).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Yamasaki, Tomomi Yukumoto, Motohisa Haga
  • Patent number: 6776859
    Abstract: An improved anisotropic bonding system and method connects two conductive surfaces together using an anisotropic material having elastic conductive particles dispersed in an insulating, heat-curable carrier. The system monitors bond resistance in real-time during the bonding process and controls the application of pressure to the bond based on a feedback signal corresponding to the bond resistance. When the bond resistance reaches a predetermined value, the applied pressure is reduced to a holding/clamping level to prevent over-compression as the curing schedule completes curing of the insulating carrier. By monitoring and responding to the bond resistance in real time during the bond compression process, the system prevents bond resistance increases caused by over-compression and conductor damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: John Burke
  • Publication number: 20040134603
    Abstract: An apparatus for bonding disc substrates is provided with a spinner which spreads adhesive placed between a first substrate and second substrate, and a curing device which radiates ultraviolet light onto the adhesive through the substrate to cure it. The curing device includes; a support mechanism which supports the first substrate and second substrate after the adhesive is spread by the spinner, a semiconductor light emitting apparatus having a plurality of light emitting semiconductor elements arranged facing a region where the adhesive is cured, and a positioning mechanism which positions the semiconductor light emitting apparatus such that the light emitting semiconductor elements are a predetermined distance away from the adhesive. The adhesive is cured or semi-cured by ultraviolet light emitted from the plurality of light emitting semiconductor elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Hideo Kobayashi, Shinichi Shinohara, Hironobu Nishimura, Yukio Utsunomiya
  • Patent number: 6752887
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for the transverse gluing of veneer strips to obtain a butt-glued veneer carpet. A first sensor unit and a second sensor unit are provided for aligning a front edge and a rear edge, respectively, of a veneer strip and the veneer carpet, respectively, by use of a plurality of transportation belts, respectively, in such a manner that the edge is exactly positioned within a center line of a heating zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Heinrich Kuper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Carsten Runge, Michael von Mutius
  • Patent number: 6743315
    Abstract: An optical-disk bonding apparatus for bonding two or more disk substrates with an adhesive, has a turning table for clamping the disk substrates; a thickness gauge for measuring a thickness of bonding layers; and a rotation control unit for controlling the turning of a turning table; wherein the thickness of the bonding layers is measured with the thickness gauge on the turning table; and a rotation of the turning table or the pressure acting on the disk substrates is controlled based on the measured thickness data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Morio Tomiyama
  • Patent number: 6732777
    Abstract: Systems and methods of dispensing adhesive in a bookbinding system are described. Sheets may be bound into bound text bodies having respective spines exposed for adhesive application and characterized by multiple length dimensions and multiple thickness dimensions. In one aspect, a sheet binding system comprises an adhesive dispenser that is configured to dispense across the thickness dimension of a text body spine solid sheet adhesive having one of multiple effective widths that is sized to correspond substantially to the length dimension of the text body spine. In accordance with this approach, books of different lengths (or heights) may be readily bound with solid sheet adhesive that may be contained within a single, replaceable cartridge housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: John P. Ertel, Akinobu Kuramoto, Robert L. Cobene
  • Patent number: 6722411
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes: a heater head for bonding a liquid crystal display and a flexible printed circuit board by thermocompression; a cylinder as a heater head driving means for driving heater head to compress the liquid crystal display and flexible printed circuit board by a prescribed load; and a control mechanism as a stretch amount controlling means for adjusting a load change per unit of time after the heater head starts compressing the flexible printed circuit board by the cylinder as well as a time at which a required load is attained to control the stretch amount of the flexible printed circuit board by thermocompression. Preferably, the mounting apparatus is provided with a mechanism which performs measurement after preliminary bonding and which performs regular bonding while controlling based on the obtained information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichi Sugimoto, Katsunori Nagata, Masaaki Ooga, Toshihiko Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20040045676
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying tax stamps to individual cigarette packages of different cigarette cartons having different height dimensions comprises a cigarette carton height determination station, cigarette carton unsealing and opening stations, a cigarette package tax stamp application station, and cigarette carton closing and resealing stations. Each particular cigarette carton has its height dimension determined at the cigarette carton height determination station, and such height dimension data is transmitted to a programmable logic controller (PLC). The cigarette cartons are conveyed along a support surface, and the programmable logic controller (PLC) controls a single servo motor and linear actuator assembly for controlling the elevational level of the support surface so as to always position the cigarette cartons at the proper elevational level with respect to the various operational implements located at the operational stations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Andrzej Chojnacki, Krzysztof P. Biernat
  • Patent number: 6702920
    Abstract: This invention relates to how to obtain an optical recording disc with a good quality, capable of achieving a beautiful outline shape of the inner peripheral part side rim part of the cured ultraviolet ray curing type resin substantially concentrically even in the case there is irregularity of the wettability of both round substrates with respect to the ultraviolet ray curing type resin, and capable of providing an even film thickness of the resin with the film thickness controlled to a predetermined value or less even in the case there are irregularity of the wettability of both round substrates, difficulty in controlling the centrifugal force applied on the resin, irregularity of the plate thickness of both round substrates, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kokichi Kohinata, Shoji Akiyama, Yoshinori Itaba, Tokuhiro Morioka