Sheet Feeding Patents (Class 156/364)
  • Patent number: 12157350
    Abstract: Provided is an automotive glass setting apparatus. The apparatus includes a setting base supporting a glass having a plurality of edges, and a plurality of alignment units allowing the glass to be aligned with the setting base. The apparatus further includes a scanning unit scanning the edges of the glass, and a plurality of moving mechanisms moving the plurality of alignment units. Additionally, the apparatus includes a controller controlling the moving mechanisms based on data scanned by the scanning unit to align a center of the glass with a center of the setting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yong Soo Cho, Jung Whan Yeum, Je Uk Shin
  • Patent number: 12066819
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for manufacturing a composite part. A set of reference locations is identified for a set of fiducial markers on a composite ply from a ply shape model for the composite part. The set of fiducial markers is created at the set of reference locations on the composite ply. The composite ply is cut to have a shape defined by the ply shape model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David Michael Bain, Martin Alexander Szarski
  • Patent number: 11815518
    Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Reinhardt, Charles D. Lemme, Glen Ward, William L. Richards, Wayne Showalter, Brandon Ambler, Austin Micheil Ashby, Chris Borchert, Devon C. Campbell, Kimberly Christensen, Matthew Freeman, Andrew Ghusson, Rick Griebel, Kendall B. Hendrick, Miroslav Holubec, Parula Mehta, Vince Rizzo
  • Patent number: 11691837
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plant having at least one material roll preparation arrangement for bringing a material roll carrying a material web to be drawn in into a defined initial situation, and having at least one material web working/processing arrangement, in particular material web dispensing arrangement, in particular material web unrolling arrangement, in particular material web splicing arrangement, which material web working/processing arrangement is capable, owing to the defined initial situation of the material roll, of receiving the material roll in automated fashion and preferably receiving the material web in automated fashion and/or preparing the material web in automated fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: BHS Corrugated Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Ruhland, Alfons Gnan, Norbert Städele
  • Patent number: 11685624
    Abstract: The invention relates to a material web drawing-in apparatus for drawing in a material web. The material web drawing-in apparatus comprises at least one material web holding device for holding the material web to be drawn in, and at least one guide for guiding the at least one material web holding device from a material web drawing-in point to a material web transfer point, and also at least one drawing-in drive which is in connection with the at least one material web holding device and which serves for displacing the at least one material web holding device along the at least one guide upon drawing in the material web to be drawn in in the direction of the material web transfer point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: BHS Corrugated Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Ruhland, Alfons Gnan, Norbert Städele
  • Patent number: 11685128
    Abstract: A system for fabricating a composite structure includes a ply carrier including a ply support surface configured to support at least one composite ply. The system includes a carrier transfer device configured to convey the ply carrier. The system includes a lamination system configured to selectively apply the at least one composite ply to the ply support surface of the ply carrier. The system includes a transfer system configured to remove the ply carrier from the carrier transfer device and to apply the at least one composite ply to at least a portion of a forming surface of a forming tool. The system includes a forming system configured to form the at least one composite ply over the at least a portion of the forming surface of the forming tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Scott Krajca, Long Ly, Chace Wilcoxson, Darrell Jones, Kurtis Willden, Gregory Klempel, Jeremy Justice, Daniel Smith, Marko Oviir, Mark Bunker, Erik Lund, Wade Morris
  • Patent number: 11535413
    Abstract: A vacuum drum for container labeling includes vacuum holders for holding a label. Each holder has a bistable rotational switch that switches between operating positions as a result of its switch actuator interacting with stationary switches during the drum's rotation. In one operating position, a label receives glue from a glue station. In the other, the holders avoid engagement with the glue station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Patrick Niehoff, Gerhard Klöpper, Lutz Deckert, Daniel Schleweis
  • Patent number: 11414232
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for labeling individual products (2), comprising an advancing device (3) for transporting each product (2) in a transport direction (X), a label dispensing device (4) for dispensing a label, which can be removed from a material strip (5), from a discharge point (6) in a dispensing direction (S), and a label transporting device (7) with a movable label transporting means (8) for transporting the dispensed label (5) from a transfer region (9), where the dispensed label (5) is transferred to the label transporting mean (8), to a delivery point (10), where the label (5) is applied onto the respective product (2). The label transport means (8) has a surface (11) which is brought into contact with the label (5). The aim of the invention is to simplify the labeling of individual products (2) and apply the labels (5) as precisely as possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Espera-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Winfried Vicktorius, Peter Wolff, Ralf Thomas Treder, Andreas Matheus Adrianus Van Roozendaal
  • Patent number: 11393700
    Abstract: This bonding apparatus is provided with: a bonding mechanism which has a bonding surface that holds a semiconductor die in a detachable manner, with a film being interposed therebetween, and a heater that applies heat to the bonding surface; a film conveyance mechanism which supplies the film to the bonding surface; a remover bar which is able to enter between the film and the bonding surface; and a drive unit which drives the remover bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Yamaha Motor Robotics Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohei Seyama, Yuichiro Noguchi
  • Patent number: 11318644
    Abstract: A method of producing a composite article is disclosed that includes generating composite plies from a low tack composite prepreg material, connecting, by an ultrasonic welding device, two or more of the composite plies by increasing their tackiness to form a composite stack, and forming, by a compression molding device, a composite article from the composite stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Dahl, Michael Cacovic
  • Patent number: 11117332
    Abstract: Composite structure fabrication systems and methods. The systems include a plurality of ply carriers, each of which is configured to support at least one ply segment, and an elongate forming mandrel, which defines an elongate ply forming surface that is shaped to define a surface contour of the composite structure. The systems further include a carrier transfer device, which is configured to selectively convey a selected ply carrier from a ply kitting area to an intermediate location, and a forming machine, which is configured to deform the selected ply carrier and a respective ply segment over a selected portion of the elongate ply forming surface. The forming machine further is configured to separate the selected ply carrier from the respective ply segment and return the selected ply carrier to the carrier transfer device. The methods include methods of operating the systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jose L. Encinosa, Samuel F. Zambrana, Daniel M. Rotter, Michael Robert Chapman, Stephen K. Halladin, Benjamin Bowen Lee, Joshua Dee Little, Douglas Alan McCarville, Jason A. Medenciy, Russell D. Chiupka, Marcin Artur Rabiega, Andrey F. Yurchik, Martin W. Hansen, Thomas P. Harper
  • Patent number: 11104537
    Abstract: A first unit includes a receiving portion that receives a medium to be processed, a drying unit that processes the medium received from the receiving portion, and an end stitching unit that processes the medium received from the receiving portion or the medium processed by the drying unit. The processing performed by the drying unit is processing of drying the medium, the drying unit is located vertically below the end stitching unit, and the drying unit and the end stitching unit have a portion overlapping when viewed in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaro Harada, Kohei Ueno, Nobuyuki Mizushima, Shunpei Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10964663
    Abstract: A method includes bringing into contact respective first sides of a plurality of dies and a die attach film on a major surface of a carrier wafer, and simultaneously heating portions of the die attach film contacting the plurality of dies in order to simultaneously bond the plurality of dies to the die attach film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Hua Yu, Shing-Chao Chen, Chung-Shi Liu, Ming-Da Cheng
  • Patent number: 10202252
    Abstract: A sheet binding device includes a sheet shifting unit, a tape cutter, and a tape attachment unit. The sheet shifting unit has a guide and is configured to stack multiple sheets on the guide with edge portions that are shifted from each other to form a sheet bundle. The tape cutter cuts tape with a target length that is varied in accordance with a thickness of the sheet bundle. The tape attachment unit is configured to attach the cut tape having the target length to an edge portion of the sheet bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kikuo Mizutani
  • Patent number: 9764582
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet holding unit, a sheet conveying unit configured to convey a plurality of sheets one by one onto the sheet holding unit during sheet processing, wherein the plurality of sheets includes a first sheet and a second sheet that is conveyed immediately after the first sheet, an adhesive applying unit configured to apply an adhesive material on the first sheet held on the sheet holding unit before the second sheet is conveyed onto the first sheet, and a pressing unit configured to press the second sheet against the first sheet after the second sheet is conveyed onto the first sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba TEC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 9688061
    Abstract: A device for punching labels from a substrate web having a carrier layer and a label layer includes a punching installation for punching labels. The punching installation has a delaminating installation for separating the label layer from the carrier layer, a metallic non-suction revolving counterpunching belt for conveying the label layer during a punching operation, and a relaminating installation for reconnecting the label layer, provided with punchings, to the carrier layer. A method for punching self-adhesive labels is also provided. In this way, a thin carrier layer can be used, and it is ensured that the carrier layer is not damaged during punching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Gallus Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Andreas Boedeker, Dieter Bangel
  • Patent number: 9545752
    Abstract: A film-applying machine includes a bracket, a mechanical arm, an application apparatus, and a storage apparatus. The storage apparatus includes a storage mechanism, a driving mechanism, and a first rolling mechanism. The storage mechanism includes a supporting frame mounted to the bracket, and a storage assembly adjustably coupled to the supporting frame. The driving mechanism includes a supporting member and a driving assembly. The supporting member couples with the supporting frame. The driving assembly includes a driving member coupled to the supporting member and a first transmission belt coupled to the driving member. The first rolling mechanism includes a pressing plate and a plurality of rollers. An end of the pressing plate couples with the first transmission belt, and another end is coupled to the supporting frame. The rollers are rotatably mounted on the pressing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignees: FU DING ELECTRONICAL TECHNOLOGY (JIASHAN) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Lu Yang, Jie Ni
  • Patent number: 9199442
    Abstract: Damping material is installed on a structure by moving a material placement head over the structure, and using the head to place the material on the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Donald A. Anderson, Tuan Quang Cao, Michael L. Leggett, Anne E. Kyriakides
  • Patent number: 9150324
    Abstract: An outsert application system is disclosed that includes a vacuum assembly and a pivot arm. The vacuum assembly is for accommodating passage of a vacuum to an engagement surface at a first end thereof for engaging an outsert. The pivot arm is rotatably coupled at a first end thereof to a second end of the vacuum assembly, and the vacuum assembly is adapted to rotate with respect to the pivot arm about a first axis. A second end of the pivot arm is adapted for rotation about a second axis that is substantially parallel with the first axis. The system further includes a translation device that causes the first axis to move with respect to the second axis as the vacuum assembly rotates about the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: New Jersey Machine, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale C. Merrill, Francois Gagnon
  • Patent number: 9011617
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for manufacturing a multi-layer composite (13) by laminating a sheet-like element (6) onto a backing (2) in a laminating unit (1), having steps, in this order, of conveying the element (6) in a longitudinal direction, detecting a position of the element (6), correcting the position of the element (6) on the basis of the detected position and on the basis of a reference position (15), and bonding said element (6) onto the backing (2). The detection step comprises the phases of measuring the lateral position, an angle of pivoting, and a longitudinal position of the element (6), and the correction step includes phases of lateral movement (T), pivoting (P), and longitudinal movement (L) of the element (6), apparatus elements perform the steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Asitrade AG
    Inventors: Thomas Mayer, Alex Mann, Michel Siegenthaler, Philippe Guglielmetti
  • Patent number: 8997816
    Abstract: A tape dispenser includes a torque controller and a take-up cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: First Solar, Inc
    Inventors: Richard S. Malik, Jr., Thomas Truman
  • Patent number: 8980025
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for laminating a first and a second sheet (1, 2) comprising—a chamber (10) having a first, a second and a third compartment (11, 12, 13 resp.) subsequently arranged along a first axis (Z), each compartment having a port (21, 22, 23 resp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek Tno
    Inventors: Jeroen Van Den Brand, Sander Christiaan Broers, Milan Saalmink, Andreas Heinrich Dietzel, Andreas Tanda
  • Patent number: 8863803
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent article includes: first and second reference-signal outputting sections for outputting first and second reference signals indicating a conveyance amount of a workpiece, a processing device for processing the workpiece based on a drive signal, an adhesive discharging device for discharging adhesive toward the workpiece based on a discharge signal, and a controller. While manufacturing the absorbent article, the controller generates both the drive signal and the discharge signal based on the first reference signal. While inspecting a discharge amount of the adhesive, the controller generates the discharge signal based on the second reference signal, without outputting the drive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventor: Takumi Nakano
  • Patent number: 8852725
    Abstract: A vessel closing laminate comprising: a seal laminate comprising a bottom subassembly of layers including a foil layer; and a seal substrate attached to the uppermost layer of the bottom subassembly of layers wherein the seal substrate has a bottom foam layer and a top plastic material layer and further includes a free tab lying wholly within the circumference of the seal; a wax layer on top of the plastic material layer of the seal substrate; and an absorbent liner adhered to the plastic material layer of the seal substrate by means of the wax layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Selig Sealing Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Sachs, David John O'Brien, Andrew Fenwick McLean
  • Patent number: 8696840
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing strips of labels includes a strip of labels having a plurality of individual labels following one after the other. The apparatus includes a conveying device that conveys the strip of labels along a conveying path, and a position detection device provided along the conveying path that detects a position of the strip of labels. The apparatus includes a processing device that is provided along the conveying path. The processing device includes a cutting unit that is constructed and arranged to cut the strip of labels. The apparatus includes a labelling device that is arranged downstream with respect to the processing device along the conveying path. The labelling device is constructed and arranged to attach processed labels to containers. The position detection device includes an image detection device that is configured to capture two-dimensional images of regions of the strip of labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Stefan Piana, Anton Niedermeier
  • Patent number: 8636046
    Abstract: A labeling machine, comprising a conveyor of containers, each to be labeled with a label taken by cutting from a continuous ribbon wound in a reel, and further comprising feeder elements which are adapted to convey with the appropriate timing the ribbon to a device for the intermittent cutting of each individual label, and elements for locking the label during cutting which are inserted between the cutting device and a drum for transferring the cut label to a container provided on the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: P.E. Labellers S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Ballarotti
  • Patent number: 8602077
    Abstract: A tamp pad includes a housing that defines an air flow chamber having an inflow opening and an outflow opening. The tamp pad further includes an impact plate having one or more openings therethrough that are in fluid communication with the air flow chamber and an air flow generator fluidly coupled to the air flow chamber for generating an air flow in a first direction. The tamp pad has a valve system for directing the air flow generated by the air flow generator to draw air into the one or more openings to hold a label thereon and to blow air out of the one or more openings to eject the label from the impact plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Bixen, Steven M. Dods
  • Patent number: 8568549
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for manufacturing a perform (42) for a load path aligned fiber composite structure. The process includes cutting off relatively short fiber band pieces (40, 40?, 40?) from a spread fiber band (14), placing the fiber band pieces (40, 40?, 40?) at a predetermined position and fixing them at this position by means of a binder material (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Meyer, Andreas Geβler
  • Patent number: 8529715
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching substrates includes a first chamber for supporting a first substrate and a second chamber for supporting a second substrate. A main seal member is placed between the first chamber and the second chamber so as to maintain a seal and a gap between the chambers. An alignment control part is placed between the first chamber and the second chamber so as to maintain the seal, and also to allow the second chamber to move with respect to the first chamber in order to align the substrates. The alignment control part may also control a gap between the chambers, to thereby maintain a uniform gap between the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: ADP Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bong Hwan Choi, Seok Hee Shim
  • Patent number: 8397779
    Abstract: This invention relates to a material application system for applying material to a wrapper. The material application system comprises a material applicator means and an electronic application control means. Also provided is a rod making machine comprising a rod making section and the material application system. The invention also provides a method of applying material to a wrapper used in the tobacco industry comprising supplying a wrapper and applying a material to the wrapper using a material applicator and an electronic applicator control means therefore, which electronic applicator control means ensures accurate location of material application in an electronically adjustable variable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Jonathan Bray, William David Lewis, Steven Holford
  • Patent number: 8398793
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to minimize waste and improve quality and production in web processing operations. The apparatus and methods provide defect detection both before and after application of component patches to a traveling web to create a product. Web defect detection may be provided by way of at least one visual inspection station located upstream from the patch applicator. Patch defect detection may be accomplished by way of a visual inspection station located proximate the patch applicator. If defects are detected in either the traveling web or the component patch prior to patch application, patch application may be prevented until both a satisfactory web and patch are provided. If defects are detected after patch application, the resulting product may be culled. Furthermore, the apparatus may be provided with diagnostic software to warn against extant or imminent machine complications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Curt G. Joa, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E Andrews, Adam D DeNoble, Jeffrey W Fritz, Brian R Krueger, Alan J Rabe, Chris J Nelson
  • Patent number: 8388781
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching substrates includes a first chamber for supporting a first substrate and a second chamber for supporting a second substrate. A main seal member is placed between the first chamber and the second chamber so as to maintain a seal and a gap between the chambers. An alignment control part is placed between the first chamber and the second chamber so as to maintain the seal, and also to allow the second chamber to move with respect to the first chamber in order to align the substrates. The alignment control part may also control a gap between the chambers, to thereby maintain a uniform gap between the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: ADP Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bong Hwan Choi, Seok Hee Shim
  • Patent number: 8365789
    Abstract: The invention relates to a laminating foil having an initial roughness on at least one side, which makes the laminating foil matte, wherein the laminating foil has a marking configured as a surface pattern with surface portions on the matte side or at least on one of the matte sides, wherein the roughness of the surface portions is different from the initial roughness. The invention furthermore relates to a laminating foil set comprising the laminating foils, a method for hot laminating sheet material using such laminating foils, a laminating unit for using the laminating foil, and eventually a laminating system including the laminating unit and the laminating foils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Monolith GmbH Buerosysteme
    Inventor: Bernd Loibl
  • Patent number: 8360124
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for use in an in-mold labeling application utilizes a rolled label sheet having a multiplicity of pre-printed non-adhesive labels and a pre-printed registration mark associated with each of the labels, a sensor for detecting each of the registration marks to enable alignment of the label sheet in a predetermined longitudinal position before labels are cut therefrom; a set of driven pinch rolls for moving it forward or backward; a circumferential die cutter for cutting one or more labels from the label sheet; a passive float roll following the die cutter for creating a controlled loop in the label sheet that permits the die cutter to operate independently of a vacuum conveyor that follows the float roll, the vacuum conveyor including a sensor to detect each of the registration marks for enabling alignment of the label sheet in a position of registration thereon; and a plurality of vacuum plenums along the vacuum conveyor for selectively receiving hold down vacuum from an external sourc
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: CBW Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Carson, Matthew C. Davis, Thomas A. Sahrle, Geoffrey S. White, Robert J. Wooden
  • Publication number: 20120305163
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for laminating a first and a second sheet with a plane carrier (10) and a drum shaped carrier (20) for carrying a respective sheet. The apparatus has a first main operational mode wherein the drum shaped carrier (20) is at distance from a first carrier surface (12) of the plane carrier (10) in said third direction (Z), and a second main operational mode wherein the drum shaped carrier (20) is close to first carrier surface to bring the first and the second sheet (1, 2) in contact with each other. In the first main operational mode the drum shaped carrier (20) is virtually rolled over the first carrier surface (12) and the sheets are mutually aligned. In the second operational mode the sheets are laminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast- natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Jeroen Van Den Brand, Andreas Heinrich Dietzel, Sander Christiaan Broers, Milan Saalmink
  • Publication number: 20120241077
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus designed to, during continuous manufacture of liquid crystal display panels, feed only a normal sheet to a lamination position for lamination to a rectangular panel and continuously laminate them together while positionally aligning them with each other. In the present invention, plural devices making up the entire apparatus are cooperatively associated with each other to make it possible that, among plural polarizing film sheets comprising a defect-free normal sheet and a defect-containing defective sheet each formed on a carrier film comprised in a strip-shaped film laminate. The normal sheet is reliably peeled from the carrier film by cooperatively associating feeding of the strip-shaped film laminate with a normal-sheet peeling device, and the defective sheet is reliably taken up while being attached to the carrier film, by cooperatively associating the feeding of the strip-shaped film laminate with a defective-sheet path changing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuya Hada, Satoshi Hirata, Seiji Kondo
  • Publication number: 20120222801
    Abstract: A device for producing a sleeve-like label, comprising at least one feeder, designed to feed to at least one forming spindle a portion of heat-shrink film, and elements for wrapping the portion of heat-shrink film around the lateral surface of the forming spindle; elements for detecting the angular position of the free edge of the second longitudinal end of the portion of film wrapped around the forming spindle with respect to an absolute reference system that is jointly connected to the forming spindle; relative movement elements adapted to move the free edge detected by the detection elements to a preset position in order to provide a connecting portion at a preset distance with respect to the free edge, elements being further provided for transferring the sleeve-like label from the forming spindle to a container to be labelled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Maurizio Pedercini, Daniele Marastoni
  • Patent number: 8211253
    Abstract: Provided are a method of manufacturing an optical display unit and a manufacturing system of the optical display unit wherein in the case of sticking an optical film to an optical display substrate, a defective optical film is eliminated optimally and precision of the elimination can be confirmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Tomokazu Yura, Kazuo Kitada, Satoru Koshio, Takuya Nakazono
  • Publication number: 20120145314
    Abstract: Absorbent pads for personal sanitary items are made by a device that comprises a set of pick-up heads (2) moving along a feed path (P), a first application unit (5) and a second application unit (6) by which a respective first portion (4a) and second portion (4b) of an absorbent pad are placed on the pick-up head (2), and a motion-inducing mechanism, coupled to the pick-up head (2), which is designed to bring about a relative displacement between the first portion (4a) and the second portion (4b), so that when the second portion (4b) is placed over the first portion (4a), the one will be covered by the other only in part. A method of making absorbent pads using the device in question includes the steps of preparing a first portion (4a) and a second portion (4b) of an absorbent pad, then placing the second portion (4b) over the first portion (4a) in such a way that the first portion (4a) is covered only in part by the second portion (4b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GDM S.P.A.
    Inventors: Matteo Piantoni, Luca Pedretti
  • Patent number: 8096336
    Abstract: The apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display apparatus is equipped with the XYZ?-movement mechanism can move at least one of the first and second attraction stages in a vertical direction so as to adhere the first and second substrates to each other via the sealing agent, and then move the first and second attraction stages relatively to each other in a horizontal direction on the basis of an ordered movement amount, so as to align the first and second substrates with each other, and a control device that can move the first and second substrates relatively to each other by a predetermined amount more than the ordered movement amount while aligning the first and second substrates with each other by the XYZ?-movement mechanism, so as to set the first and second substrates at target positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hironori Takabayashi
  • Patent number: 8074691
    Abstract: A thickness measuring device of a laminating machine includes a mount, a stepper motor, a screw rod, a first contact-activated element, a second contact-activated element, and a microcontroller unit. The stepper motor is coupled to the mount. The screw rod is interlocked with the stepper motor. The first contact-activated element is provided at a position corresponding to and some distance below the screw rod. The second contact-activated element is provided at a position corresponding to and some distance above the screw rod. The microcontroller unit is electrically connected to the stepper motor, the first contact-activated element, and the second contact-activated element so as to provide initialization setting and exercise judgment and control after receiving a thickness measurement. Thus, the thickness of an object to be detected can be conveniently measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Tex Year Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Mei-Lien Chao, Yang-Chih Su
  • Publication number: 20110274889
    Abstract: A dry adhesive backed flooring for being installed in a flat orientation on a subfloor, the flooring including a sheet flooring material and a double-sided sheet adhesive married to the flooring material. The installed flooring is substantially free of bubbles and wrinkles and the flooring remains substantially flat as initially applied and does not significantly rise from the subfloor, bubble or otherwise detach from the subfloor under normal use conditions for the flooring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: BASE KING, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis G. Schlisner
  • Patent number: 8037914
    Abstract: A laminating apparatus having a thickness-detecting function is provided. Before the laminating operation is done, the thickness of the article to be laminated is detected by a thickness detecting mechanism of the laminating apparatus. According to the detected thickness, the temperature or the rotating speed of the heating roller of the laminating apparatus is dynamically adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung-Tai Pan
  • Patent number: 7951250
    Abstract: A method is provided for configuring a mailpiece creation system to minimize system set-up, mitigate errors and reduce the skill level required to perform tabbing operations. The method includes the steps of (i) determining a fold configuration of the sheet material employed in the creation of a mailpiece, (ii) determining the dimension of an adhesive tab for securing a free edge of the sheet material, (iii) determining a target location for the placement of each adhesive tab relative to the free edge of the folded sheet material, (iv) configuring at least one system parameter of the mailpiece creation system in accordance with at the fold configuration, adhesive tab dimension, and/or target location, and (v) executing a mail run job by the mailpiece creation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Ltd.
    Inventor: Geoffrey A. Farmer
  • Patent number: 7934529
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of high speed manufacture of swatch bearing sheets wherein each sheet is directed through various operating stations via sequentially releasing a suction force from an endless vacuum belt conveyor while sequentially pulling the sheet onto another endless vacuum belt conveyor with a suction force to allow for substantially continuous engagement of the sheet with the endless vacuum conveyors during the manufacture and inspection of the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Color Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley I. Lerner, Steven B. Winter, Gregory O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7935199
    Abstract: When a label on a conveyor belt is detected, there is performed a label sticking process of making a sticking mechanism take out the label and stick it to an article at a predetermined position, while when a defect of the label on the conveyor belt is detected before detecting the label, the label is sent out to a label recovery position without performing the label sticking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignees: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha, Takara Pac Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadayoshi Mochida, Shinichi Kashiwagi, Takashi Sekimoto
  • Publication number: 20110073234
    Abstract: An automatic sheet laminating apparatus includes a first sheet input tray, a second sheet input tray, a plurality of transfer roller assemblies, a separating roller assembly, a braking sensor, a braking element, a laminating module, and a control unit. The first sheet input tray is used for placing a pouch including a first film and a second film. The second sheet input tray is used for placing a sheet article. The separating roller assembly includes a separating driving roller and a separating follower roller. When the pouch is detected by the braking sensor, the braking element stops rotation of the separating follower roller. After a first predetermined time period, the separating follower roller is rotated again. As such, the rear ends of the first film and the second film are separated from each other, so that the sheet article could be inserted between the first film and the second film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Bin-Tao Lee, Jiang-Wei Wu, Xiao-Xiong Wei
  • Patent number: 7905969
    Abstract: The feeding apparatus is provided with a first feeding section for feeding a long-formed sheet in the longitudinal direction of the sheet, a second feeding section for feeding the long-formed sheet delivered from the first feeding section in a direction intersecting obliquely with the feeding direction of the first feeding section and a control section for controlling the first feeding section and the second feeding section so that the second feeding section starts to operate before the leading end of the long-formed sheet delivered from the first feeding section is in contact with the second feeding section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Miyahara, Jiro Agawa, Makoto Tachibana, Yoshinori Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 7849898
    Abstract: An apparatus for reorienting liner-borne inlays is provided. Such apparatus utilize electronic control devices to precisely move inlays from a first orientation and spacing to a second orientation and spacing. Embodiments of the present invention include a vacuum manifold having an elongated ridge member so that the apparatus are useful in handling thin and flexible inlays and minimize errors in inlay reorientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: George Schmitt & Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Gunther, Roman Golicz, Stefan G. Golicz
  • Patent number: 7832440
    Abstract: A machine for applying pressure sensitive sample chips to a card includes a linear conveyor for receiving and transporting cards, and at least one sample application station disposed along the conveyor. The sample application station includes a feed roller overlying and spaced from the conveyor for holding a spool containing at least one row of individual pressure sensitive sample chips on a substrate. A plate has an edge immediately overlying and spaced from the conveyor to permit passage of cards beneath the edge. A drive roller is spaced from the feed roller and from the plate for drawing the substrate from the spool on the feed roller over the plate edge to separate the sample chips from the substrate and apply the chips to the cards. A resilient roller preferably is disposed adjacent to the plate edge for pressing the sample chips removed from the substrate onto the cards transported on the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Masco Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph T. Richardson, Brian Andrew Bruning, James J. Schutte