Moving Web (flying Splice Or With Web Accumulating Means) Patents (Class 156/504)
  • Patent number: 6451145
    Abstract: A web threading and splicing system that provides easy access to the threading rolls by an operator. The new web supply roll for replacement of the expired web can be threaded at a standstill position adjacent the operator. This affords ease of access, which furnishes a great ergonomic and safety advantage, wherein the operator does not have to reach into moving web components in order to accomplish the splice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Frontier Industrial Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Forbes
  • Patent number: 6416604
    Abstract: Adhesive tape for the flying splice in paper finishing machines or the like having a paper backing and a water-soluble self-adhesive composition, the paper backing (2) being coated on both sides with a water-soluble self-adhesive composition (3, 3a), and an edge region of the reverse face of the adhesive tape (1) being equipped with a single-sided adhesive tape (6) which in turn has a readily splicing paper backing (7) which is equipped in turn with water-soluble self-adhesive composition (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: tesa AG
    Inventors: Jens Nootbaar, Günter Aster, Uwe Wienberg
  • Publication number: 20020074087
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for splicing a web of paper, which is being paid out from a one web roll and fed into a printing press, to another web roll being rotated in a splicing position in which this new web roll of any diameter is spaced a prescribed unvarying distance from the old web traveling along a predefined path into the press. Since the peripheral speed of the new web roll must be equal to the running speed of the old web before splicing, a sensor positioning mechanism is provided for adjustably moving a photoelectric web roll speed sensor along two orthogonal axes to an optimum sensing position with respect to the new web roll, no matter how large it may be in diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Nobuaki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6402868
    Abstract: A method for forming a continuous material by connecting sheet materials which are used in various fields including the processing of metal foils, the processing of metal-plastic composite film material, and the processing of thermoplastic resin films such as polyimides, and an apparatus used for carrying out this method comprising a hot press, a material locking device and an accumulator. A continuous material can be formed by interposing a resin bonding layer between the trailing edge of a sheet material and the leading edge of another sheet material, and subjecting this part to thermocompression bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimiteru Tagawa, Shigemoto Kijima, Yoshitake Kobayashi, Eiji Ohtsubo
  • Patent number: 6397915
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying sealing film for a blister band to a splicing station (10) includes a stepwise rotating drum (8) on which reel carriers (7) are mounted for receiving reels (6,6s,6a) of films (1,1s,1a). A pair of holding-driving rollers (16,17) are located close to each of carriers (7) to hold the film (1a) and to feed the film to the splicing device (10). The rollers (16,17) are operated by a retractable shaft (32), which engages the pair of rollers (16,17) situated in the region of the splicing device (10). A plate (5) keeps apart the film (1a) unrolled from a replacement reel (6a) from the film (1s) coming from a running out reel (6s). The plate (5) can be shifted crosswise with respect to the film unrolling direction, so as to allow the in-wait-state film (6a) to move to the unrolling position (S) after the splicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Amaranti, Alessandro Alessandri
  • Patent number: 6345660
    Abstract: A laminating apparatus and methods are provided for laminating fabric such as for a disposable garment. The apparatus preferably includes a frame having upper and lower frame regions, a first roll of fabric mounted to the upper frame region so as to provide a first web of fabric when unwound from the first fabric roll, and a second roll of fabric mounted to the lower frame region and positioned adjacent the first fabric roll so as to provide a second web of fabric when unwound from the second fabric roll. A fabric dance controller is preferably positioned downstream from the first and second fabric rolls and positioned to receive the first and second webs of fabric therefrom for dancingly controlling the tension of the first and second webs of fabric being received from the first and second fabric rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventors: John M. Tharpe, Jr., Robert M. Herrin
  • Patent number: 6328088
    Abstract: A device for splicing strips of thermoplastic material to splice a first strip extending along a first path and a second strip extending along a second path; the device having first guides for guiding the first strip, and second guides for guiding the second strip, the first and second guides being movable with respect to each other to bring together a portion of the first strip and a portion of the second strip; a heat-seal block movable between a rest position and a work position to grip and heat seal the portions of the first and second strips between the heat-seal block and the second guides; and a heatable element which is movable to intercept a portion of at least one of the first and second strips and cut the strip by melting the portion of the strip contacting the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: G. D Societa per Azioni
    Inventor: Fiorenzo Draghetti
  • Patent number: 6293192
    Abstract: Combined newsprint core brake system and newsprint supply reel in a continuous running roll press, for full and fractional running web supply, web tension sensor control braking coupled to core chucking spindles in the running newsprint roll core position, characterized by selectively activated Zero stroke multi caliper disc brakes carried by multi-armed spiders with core chucking spindles axially positioned and circumferentially spaced for indexing a chucking spindle axis from pre-drive to running newsprint roll core position; eliminating the prior art “transition period” replaced herein by “Constant Tension”, eliminating the prior art drag-belt deterioration of the newsprint surface texture; and with assurance of effective roll to roll splicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Norman C. Bartlett
  • Publication number: 20010020664
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roll changer for splicing starting pieces and end pieces of material webs to each other in an apparatus for producing hygienic products, carriers for web rolls, and also holding and guiding elements, severing elements and embossing rolls being provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Wolfgang Stein, Reiner Seger
  • Publication number: 20010018953
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for splicing webs, in particular, paper webs for manufacturing corrugated cardboard, with a splicing unit (9) for preparing and splicing the rear end of a nearly empty active roll (5act) to the front end of a web (5spl) to be spliced, and with the splicing unit (9) containing one respective intake (11) for the active web (5act) and for the web (5spl) to be spliced. The device also contains a web unrolling device (13) that serves for accommodating several web rolls (21), with the web unrolling device (13) being constructed in such a way that it is able to accommodate at least three web rolls (21) such that a first web of the three webs delivered from the web rolls (21) can serve as the active web (5act), a second web of the three webs (21) can serve as the web (5spl) to be spliced to the active web and the third web roll (21) can be simultaneously exchanged and/or the web in question can be prepared for the next splicing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Alfons Gnan, Edmund Bradatsch
  • Patent number: 6247515
    Abstract: A unit for supplying a strip to a user machine, the unit being located along a supply path of the strip, having an input for a first strip of a running-out reel and for a second strip of a new reel, and having two splicing rollers located downstream from the input and on opposite sides of the supply path to butt splice the first and second strip; a first roller of the two rollers defines an end portion of a casting path along which to cast the second strip and extending between the input and the first roller, and provides for casting a leading end portion of the second strip towards the output of the unit in time with a trailing end portion of the first strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: G. D Societa' per Azioni
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Patent number: 6244321
    Abstract: An automatic paper web connecting apparatus includes a pair of blocks arranged so as to be able to move relatively and be pressed against each other in the direction to cross a feed path for one paper web and a feed path for the other paper web, retaining mechanism for retaining the two paper webs on the respective opposite faces of their corresponding blocks by suction, a cutting mechanism for cutting a desired one of the paper webs, and a drive mechanism for relatively moving the blocks. The cutting mechanism includes a rotating body rockable between the two paper web feed paths on the upper-course side of the blocks, first and second knives fixed individually to the blocks, and a third knife fixed to the rotating body. The rotating body is rotated between a first rotational position in which the third knife faces the first knife and a second rotational position in which the third knife faces the second knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 6228205
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a splice between the trailing end of an expiring web of paper or other material, and the leading end of a new web of material. The apparatus includes a clamp for engaging and stopping the advancing web, and a web severing mechanism to transversely move across and sever the stopped web. A new web holding assembly supports the leading end portion of the new web, and the holding assembly may be lowered to align the trailing and leading ends so that they may be joined by a tape or the like. The web severing mechanism includes a clamping wheel positioned to smooth the trailing end portion of the stopped web before it is severed by a following cutting wheel. Also, a hand-held tool is provided for accurately and safely positioning the leading end portion of the new web on the new web holding assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: David Earl Rhodes, Willis Augustus Usher, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6192955
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for aligning webs, such as photographic film or paper, where the trailing edge of an expiring web is spliced to the lead edge of a fresh web. A supporting means having the fresh web thereon in a fixed position is caused to move by sensor means transmitting a signal corresponding to precise positioning of the expiring relative to the fixed position of the fresh web. According to the invention, a programmable controller is used to analyze the signals received from the sensors and directs the movements of the supporting means where the webs are ultimately moved into abutting or overlapping contact and then spliced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Brian Scott Rice
  • Patent number: 6161604
    Abstract: A web-up system is provided for a web-fed printing press, the web fed printing press having a plurality of components including a slitter mechanism. The web-up system includes either or both a web-up device and a ribbon winder. The web-up device is located adjacent to an output of a first component of the web-fed printing press, the first component located upstream from the slitter mechanism. The web-up device includes a splicing mechanism and a secondary web roll rotatably mounted on a shaft. The splicing mechanism receives a first web of material from the first component, receives a second web of material from the secondary web roll, splices the first web of material to the second web of material, and outputs a spliced web of material to the next downstream component of the press, e.g., the slitter mechanism. The ribbon winder is coupled to an output of the slitter mechanism. The slitter mechanism slits the web of material into at least a first and second ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignees: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, Heidelberg Harris, Inc.
    Inventors: John Sheridan Richards, David Clarke Pollock
  • Patent number: 6142206
    Abstract: A lap splicing apparatus for lap splicing first and second webs together, with each of the first and second webs alternately constituting a running web and a new web to be spliced to the running web, includes a frame; a first spindle mounted at a first fixed position on the frame for holding a roll containing the first web at a first orientation; a second spindle mounted at a second fixed position on the frame for holding a roll containing the second web at the first orientation; a single lap splicing device immovably mounted at a fixed position on the frame for lap splicing the first and second webs together with the trailing tail end of the lap splice always being on the same side; a first transfer assembly of rollers for bringing the first web to the lap splicing device, and for turning the first web by at least one angle from the first orientation; and second transfer assembly of rollers for bringing the second web to the lap splicing device, and for turning the second web by at least one angle from the f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: CTC International Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph L. Ryan
  • 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: 6085820
    Abstract: A heat seal splice assembly for heat splicing first and second webs together, with each web alternately constituting a running web moving in first direction and a new web to be spliced to the running web upon depletion of the running web from a roll, includes a central guide having first and second sides, with the first web being located to the first side of the central guide and the second web being located to the second side of the central guide, the central guide having a hold down assembly for holding the new web to the central guide, a rotation assembly for rotating the central guide such that the new web held to one side of the central guide can be positioned to an opposite side of the central guide at which the running web is positioned, a clamping assembly for clamping the first and second webs together, a first heat seal assembly movable toward and away from the first side of the central guide to heat seal the first and second webs together against the first side of the central guide when the first a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: CTC International Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph L. Ryan
  • Patent number: 6027591
    Abstract: A single face splicer for creating a splice between a running web from a first source of single face material and a ready web from a second source of single face material to provide an uninterrupted supply of single face material to a double backer system in the manufacture of corrugated cardboard. The splicer includes an upper and lower bridge positioned above the first and second sources of single face material, and a splice head adjacent the upper bridge for creating the splice between the running web and the ready web. A drive system draws the running web through the splice head at an output speed which is greater than the speed at which the double backer system draws the running web from the splicer. The running web is deposited on an upper bridge supply belt which rotates at a speed which is slower than the output speed thereby causing the running web to accumulate on the upper bridge supply belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: United Container Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: John O'Dwyer
  • Patent number: 6013148
    Abstract: The ends of material webs or tapes are joined to each other in an apparatus in which two holding and press-on heads are tiltable about fixed journal xes away from two fixed guide rollers for the webs so that a slide carriage for the heads and for the fixed guide rollers is avoided. The holding and press-on heads are mounted outside of the spacing between the guide rollers, but close to these guide rollers, but with a defined spacing from these guide rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Winkler & Duennebier Maschinenfabrik und Eisengiesserei KG
    Inventor: Martin Bluemle
  • Patent number: 5996927
    Abstract: A splicing tape (200) comprises a splicing portion (1,2) and an attachment portion (42,48), said attachment portion (42,48) being provided for releasably and self-supportively attaching said splicing tape (200) substantially across the width of a roll of sheet material. A first adhesive layer (2) is provided on a backing (1) extending from one longitudinal edge of the backing (1) across the tape to a first position towards the center of the backing (1), said first adhesive layer (2) being provided for attaching the leading edge of the roll to the splicing tape (200). A second adhesive layer (2) is provided on the backing (1) beginning at or beyond, but not overlapping the first position and extending towards the second longitudinal edge of the backing (1). The second adhesive layer is for attachment to a further sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Hans Julius Weirauch, Max Holderbusch
  • Patent number: 5942080
    Abstract: An apparatus for lamination of a non-woven fibrous sheet and an extruded polymer sheet including a web slitter to divide the fibrous sheet into a plurality of webs, a plurality of folding means to fold each web, a plurality of separated turning bars to turn each folded web such that the webs are separated, and an extrusion laminator for laminating the polymer sheet to the separated webs to provide a laminate having a portion of the polymer sheet between the separated webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Mortellite, Kevin W. Preston, Thomas G. Mushaben
  • Patent number: 5902448
    Abstract: A leading edge of a paper web on a paper web feed roll is prepared for use in a flying web splice. The paper web feed roll is supported adjacent a carriage which is movable generally parallel to an axis of rotation of the paper web feed roll. The carriage carries a paper web leading edge cutter, and adhesive tab dispensing device, an adhesive tape application device and a web corner cutting device. The free end of the paper web is end cut, has adhesive tabs applied to it, is provided with a double sided adhesive splice tape and has lateral edge cuts formed in one pass of the carriage across the face of the paper web feed roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer-Albert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerd Erich Stettner
  • Patent number: 5855714
    Abstract: A roll splicing system and method is used to splice a new roll to an expiring roll of material. Each roll includes an adhesive region disposed proximate a trailing end of the strip of material rolled around a core region of the roll. As an expiring roll expires or unrolls, the adhesive region is exposed and adheres to an adhesive adherable region on the leading end of a new roll that is rotating against the expiring roll in an opposing direction. The leading end of the new roll is thereby effectively spliced to the trailing end of the expiring roll. A trailing non-adherable region is disposed opposite the adhesive region so that the trailing non-adherable region contacts the adhesive region when rolled and prevents the strip of material from sticking to the adhesive region. The roll splicing system and method can be used to splice strips of material having adherable surfaces on both sides or having a non-adherable surface, such as a silicone coating, on one side of the strip of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Mat G. Bockh
  • Patent number: 5853141
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically exchanging foil rolls, particularly in the manufacture of folding boxes with foil windows, wherein the end of one foil web is automatically connected to the beginning of the next following foil web. The method includes the steps of temporarily holding the end portion of the foil web which is about to run out, simultaneously connecting the end portion to the beginning of the next foil web, releasing the end portion after the connection has been effected, subsequently severing the end of the first foil web and, during these steps, further conveying without interruptions the foil web from a loop. The apparatus includes a connecting station arranged upstream of a folding box production plant in the sequence of operation, the connecting station including a turnstile on which the foil rolls with foil webs are arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventors: Wolfgang Heiber, Julius Schroder-Frerkes
  • Patent number: 5849123
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for aligning webs, such as photographic film or paper, where the trailing edge of an expiring web is spliced to the lead edge of a fresh web. A supporting means having the fresh web thereon in a fixed position is caused to move by sensor means transmitting a signal corresponding to precise positioning of the expiring relative to the fixed position of the fresh web. According to the invention, a programmable controller is used to analyze the signals received from the sensors and directs the movements of the supporting means where the webs are ultimately moved into abutting or overlapping contact and then spliced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Brian Scott Rice
  • Patent number: 5827166
    Abstract: A device is provided to join the lower end of a strip of paper coming from a nearly-empty reel to the upper end of another strip of paper coming from a full reel. The joining device comprises a rotating striking arm equipped with a hammer on one of its ends and with a cam on the other end. When the join between two strips is to be made, a jack actuates a castor which butts against the cam, thus bringing a striking surface of the hammer closer to the strips to compress and join the strips. The device further comprises a front and a rear cutting fixture permitting the remaining ends of the strips of paper to be cut on either side of the join. Air bearings are provided to guide one or both strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: Jean Cestonaro, Jean-Luc Mathon
  • Patent number: 5783029
    Abstract: A leading edge of a paper web supply roll is prepared for utilization in a flying web splice. The paper web supply roll is supported adjacent a work carriage that is movable transversely across the face of the supply roll. As the work carriage moves across the web, a leading edge of the web is cut, spaced adhesive labels and a double sided adhesive splice tape are applied, and the lateral edges of the web adjacent the web leading edge are provided with angled lateral edge cuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer-Albert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerd Erich Stettner, Hartwig Horst Trutschel
  • Patent number: 5783028
    Abstract: In the sheet splicing apparatus 1, a sheet holding bar 28b (28a) is arranged along the width of the end potion of the sheet 26 from the secondary roll 24. The end portion of the sheet 26 is removably attached to the sheet holding bar 28b (28a), which moves between a position P for attaching the end portion of the sheet and a position Q for splicing it to the sheet 12 from the primary roll 10. On the sheet holding bar 28b (28a), a plurality of holding pins 58 are removably mounted spaced along the width of the sheet 26. These holding pins 58 hold the sheet by piercing through the sheet 26 in the thickness direction thereof and have a sheet stopping portion 70b for preventing the sheet 26 dropping off the holding pins 58.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: ISOWA Hooperswift, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Kunimoto
  • Patent number: 5772150
    Abstract: A reel change device whereby a first strip, unwound off a runout reel, and a second strip, unwound off a new reel, are fed along an S-shaped path defined by two adjacent suction conveyor rollers with selectively-activated suction devices; the speed and timing of the strips are synchronized; the strips are then cut simultaneously along a first portion of the path, defined by the first roller, and are connected end-to-end as they travel at constant speed along a second portion of the path; and the cut-off portion of the second strip is fed by the first roller to a disposal container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Patent number: 5698060
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for web butt-splicing at high speeds has a series of vacuum drums which sequentially supports an expiring web and a fresh web. Cutting members are provided on each drum which cooperate with the movement of the drums into proximity for cutting the webs forming just-cut ends of both the fresh and expiring webs. The just-cut ends of the web, once in abutting relations, are then transferred to a splicing means and splice tape is applied across a side of the abutting ends thereby forming a spliced web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Michael Long
  • Patent number: 5679195
    Abstract: An input festoon is provided in a web supply apparatus for automatically splicing a relatively stiff web of material such a liner board for making corrugated board. The input festoon includes a dancer roll which is movable along a track to allow storage of a ready web as the ready web is pre-accelerated by an accelerator roll to a running speed prior to creation of a splice at a splice head. Tail grab sensors are mounted on the apparatus above the web between the input roll and the splice head adjacent the input roll. The tail grab sensor detects tears or breaks in the web and provides an electrical signal to initiate a splice. A vacuum box including a pivotable vacuum bar is provided for creating a high speed butt splice. A method of creating a high speed butt splice using the vacuum box is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: John O'Dwyer
    Inventors: John O'Dwyer, Richard Sangster, Gary O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5676792
    Abstract: A splicing device includes a bracket for mounting on a sealing machine frame, a shaft rotatably mounted on the bracket, the bracket carrying a spindle on each end thereof for a roll of tape, a first handle and brake on one end of the shaft for releasably locking the arm in one position, and a second handle on the other end of the shaft for rotating the shaft and arm, a wiper roller and a separation roller mounted on the frame. A first roll of tape is dispensed from one spindle to a taping head, and a second, fresh roll of tape is on the other spindle. When the first roll of tape is almost completely dispensed, the brake is released and the arm rotated to contact the second roll of tape with the adhesive surface of the first roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Intertape Polymer Group, Interpack Machinery Division
    Inventor: John Cairns
  • Patent number: 5669998
    Abstract: A method and web splicing assembly for heat-seal splicing together a trailing end of running first, two-sided plastic material web and a leading end of a second, two-sided plastic material web, and then for heat-seal splicing together a leading end of third, two-side plastic material web and the trailing of the then running, second web so that after the webs have been spliced and are running, like surfaces of the webs face the same direction. The web splicing assembly includes first and second splicing sub-assemblies. The first sub-assembly has a first, relatively movable slide bar and a first, relatively fixed nip bar. The second sub-assembly has a second, relatively movable slide bar and a second, relatively fixed nip bar. The sub-assemblies are each movable between a first position and a second position. In their first positions, the sub-assemblies are disposed so that portions of the webs to be heat-seal spliced are clamped between the first slide bar and the second nip bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Martin Automatic Inc.
    Inventors: James K. Ward, Daniel S. Kelly, Timothy J. Searles
  • Patent number: 5658420
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a length of adhesive tape from a supply of adhesive tape along the length of the leading edge of a roll of web material includes a cutting mechanism for cutting the length of web material to form a leading edge on the roll of web material. An application mechanism of the apparatus is configured to remove adhesive tape from the supply of adhesive tape and apply adhesive tape along the leading edge of the web material. A take-up mechanism removes a liner from the adhesive tape prior to the application of the adhesive tape to the leading edge. A tape cut off mechanism cuts the adhesive tape to form the length of adhesive tape along the leading edge of the web material. A buffing mechanism contacts the adhesive tape uniformly and simultaneously along the length of the leading edge to ensure contact between the adhesive tape and an outer layer portion of the roll of web material that is directly adjacent the leading edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Steven J. Rossini
  • Patent number: 5653848
    Abstract: A tape joining device has a fixed bearing member 24 and a movable pressing member 46 arranged respectively at opposite sides of the portions of two tapes T to be joined, and a heater 88 for heating the pressing member 46. The pressing member 46 is attached to a movable body 44 for pressing the pressing member 46 against the bearing member 24 with the opposed tape portions positioned therebetween. The pressing member 46 is pivotally movable relative to the movable body 44 about an axis extending in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tapes T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Shikoku Kakoki Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidekimi Yamamoto, Seiji Sato, Micho Ueda
  • Patent number: 5650036
    Abstract: A tape joining device has a fixed bearing member 24 and a movable pressing member 46 arranged respectively at opposite sides of the portions of two tapes T to be joined, and a heater 88 for heating the pressing member 46. The bearing member 24 has a bearing surface 31 opposed to the tape portions. The pressing member 46 has a pressing face 67 and a thermal blade 71 both opposed to the bearing surface 31. The pressing member 46 is attached to a movable body 44. The bearing surface 41 is formed with a tape receiving groove 32 extending widthwise of the tapes and positioned away from a blade bearing portion of the surface longitudinally of the tape. A tape pushing member 48 is so attached to the movable body 44 that one end thereof is movable into or out of the groove 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Shikoku Kakoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Sato, Takayuki Furukawa, Fumiyuki Iwano, Michio Ueda
  • Patent number: 5647547
    Abstract: A paper supply roll leading edge securement, which is usable particularly during a flying roll change, utilizes an adhesive having sensor detectable constituents. This adhesive can be applied to or across the leading edge of the first layer of the paper web on the supply roll. The use of the sensor detectable constituents facilitates proper positioning of the paper supply roll and helps separate faulty products from the production stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Walter Roder, Wolfgang Gunter Ruckmann
  • Patent number: 5643395
    Abstract: An apparatus for splicing the leading label in a roll of labels to one of the last labels in a second roll. The second roll, depleted because the labels are applied to articles in an assembly line, has photosensitive device that registers this depletion as the second roll is consumed. The device initiates splicing the leading label to a label in the depleted roll. A controller also responds to the device by moving the dancer arm to a predetermined position in order to control the registration of the leading label with the last labels in the second roll. The controller also responds to a count of the labels that are in the web between the production line and the splice in order to identify the article to which the splice has been applied to eject that article from the production line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: CMS Gilbreth Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gaylen R. Hinton
  • Patent number: 5639338
    Abstract: An apparatus for splicing webs with little or no reduction in the operating speed. The apparatus includes a first pivoting member and a fixed opposing element, a second pivoting member which pivots about the same axis as the first pivoting member, a pair of nipping rollers mounted on the pivoting circle of an outer surface of the second pivoting member, a splicing device for the webs, a device for guiding the second web between the second pivoting member and the opposing element, and a cutting device for excess web material. The apparatus first guides the second web between the second pivoting member and the opposing element. Thereafter the second pivoting member and the opposing element converge to clamp the second web therebetween and an adhesive is applied to the second web. Next the first pivoting member pivots such that the second pivoting member, the opposing element, and the second web work in cooperation to contact the first web to the second web for splicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Alfred Schmermund GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Harald Beckamnn
  • Patent number: 5632849
    Abstract: The winding system includes several rollers and a rotating drum, around which the web winds before being wound on a core. A cutting and tabbing assembly cuts the web against the rotating drum and cuts and applies the tab on the web in registration with the cut end of the web. The cutting and tabbing assembly includes a wheel, a knife mounted on the wheel, and a tab bar mounted on the wheel adjacent the knife. During the winding of the web on the core the proper amount of tab paper is unwound and moved toward the knife to cut and grab the tab. Then, the knife and tab bar rotate to cut the web while the tab bar applies the tab onto the cut end of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing and Company
    Inventors: Harvey D. Ogren, James L. Albrecht, Leonard M. Volin
  • Patent number: 5624526
    Abstract: A continuous tape supply apparatus is provided which includes plural tape sources from which tape can be supplied to the tape applicator machine, a tension control means for providing the tape from the continuous tape supply apparatus at a substantially even tension under an indexing demand, and a splicing mechanism which is simpler in design and operation and which reliably causes a changeover of tape from one source to another. Once one source is depleted, the apparatus automatically switches to the second source, after which, a new supply can be substituted for the depleted supply and the apparatus made ready for the next subsequent changeover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing
    Inventors: Jack L. Perecman, Lloyd S. Vasilakes, Daniel D. Baker, Van E. Jensen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5618377
    Abstract: A film splicer is provided in which in connecting a first film (12) and a second film (15) to each other, a residual portion cannot be formed rearwardly of a connection point of the first film (12). The film splicer includes a pair of clamping means for clamping the first and second films (12 and 15), at least one heater (67) for heating both the films (12 and 15) for heat-sealing thereof in a state in which both the films (12 and 15) have been clamped by the clamping means, and at least one cutter (71, 72) for cutting at least one of the first and second films (12 and 15) in a state in which both the films (12 and 15) have been clamped by the clamping means. The film splicer further includes a pair of arms disposed advanceably and retreatably, and the clamping means, the heater (67) and the cutter (71, 72) are mounted to each of the arms. Thus, a residual portion left rearwardly of the connection point of the first film (12) is cut away by the cutter (71, 72).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.A.
    Inventors: Yutaka Kaneko, Junichi Satoyoshi
  • Patent number: 5573626
    Abstract: A continuous tape supply apparatus is provided in accordance with the present invention for supplying tape at a substantially consistent tension to a tape applicator machine having an indexing demand, such as a box sealing and taping machine. In general, the continuous tape supply apparatus includes plural tape sources, such as in roll form, from which tape can be supplied to the tape applicator machine, a splicing station for splicing the tape from at least one of the tape sources to another of the tape sources, a means for causing the splice and thus the changeover of tape from one source to another, and a tension control means for providing the tape from the continuous tape supply apparatus at a substantially consistent tension under an indexing demand. Preferably, the splicing mechanism also splices tape in the reverse order from the other tape source station back to the first tape source stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Steven J. Rossini, Keith T. Pinckney, Karl M. Kropp, Robert A. Luhman
  • Patent number: 5538587
    Abstract: A device for connecting a trailing end of a previously drawn-out web from a first web roll to a leading end portion of a newly drawn-out web from a second web roll has a vertical guide unit, a drawing-out unit, a feeding unit, an adhesive tape supplying unit and cutting members. The previously drawn-out web which is running vertically downward is guided by the vertical guide unit. The leading end portion of a web is drawn out from a new web roll by the drawing-out unit and moved vertically downward by the feeding unit in the vicinity of and along the previously drawn-out web. An adhesive tape is attached to the leading end portion of the newly drawn-out web by the adhesive tape supplying unit. The leading end of the newly drawn-out web is connected to the trailing end of the previously drawn-out web by the adhesive tape. After the previously and newly drawn-out webs have been connected together, the excess portions of both webs are removed by the cutting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Makoto Sakano, Shuitiro Oku, Shozo Horikawa, Mituhalu Ikeda, Yoshihiko Mashiko
  • Patent number: 5534105
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for impermeably sealing microencapsulated or other scent slurry during the printing process. The method comprises the application of an impermeable overlay sheet over the scent slurry on a continuous web of material, using double-sided tape or other adhesive means along the periphery of the overlay sheet. Preferably an impermeable metallic foil is used for the overlay, but other impermeable sheet material (e.g., plastic sheet) may be used. The apparatus continually feeds and applies the impermeable overlay sheet also disclosed. A second, similar apparatus may be provided to mirror the first apparatus, in order to apply a second impermeable overlay sheet to the opposite surface of the scent slurry coated web, thereby preventing bleed through of the scent and/or other chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Craig A. Boyd
  • Patent number: 5514237
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously supplying thermoplastic webbing to an application apparatus is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, first and second webs of thermoplastic material are held stationary and heat spliced together upstream in a line operation while a downstream segment of the thermoplastic webbing is continuously supplied to an application apparatus downstream in the operation. The heat splicing step is carried out by bringing together first and second opposable splicer clamps to form an overlapping area between the first and second webs and applying a heat impulse to the overlapping area to bond the webs together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Ralph R. Emenaker, Richard Perez, Louis P. Burkart
  • Patent number: 5501763
    Abstract: A tape joining apparatus comprises a transport device for transporting a preceding tape via a joining station, a fixed holder disposed on one side of a path of transport of the tape at the joining station for releasably holding the leading end of a subsequent tape with an adhesive applied to the leading end so as to oppose the leading end to the preceding tape, a movable body disposed on the other side of the path and positionable at the joining station as a lower limit of stroke thereof, a movable holder supported by the movable body and movable in a direction orthogonal to the path for holding the rear end of the preceding tape at an upper limit of stroke of the body and releasing the preceding tape at the lower limit, and an assembly for pressing the movable holder against the fixed holder at the joining station. The transport device has a movable guide roller attached to the movable body for the preceding tape to be passed therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Shikoku Kakoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Ueda, Akio Suzuki, Yoshiro Suenaga, Takayuki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5487805
    Abstract: Continuous strip materials supplied in rolls are spliced automatically at the moment of use by a series of steps in which the leading end of the strip decoiled from a new roll is arranged first on the locating and striking face of a suction bar capable of movement between an at-rest position and a splicing position, whereupon the trailing end of the depleted strip decoiling from the roll still in use is restrained against a fixed reference surface coinciding with the splicing position, a transverse cut made through the trailing end of the depleted strip, and the leading end of the new strip brought into contact with the area of the trailing end of the depleted strip terminating in the cut, and the joined ends are then secured by heat-sealing or by applying an adhesive or a double-sided sticker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: G.D S.p.A.
    Inventors: Silvano Boriani, Antonio Gamberini
  • Patent number: 5482592
    Abstract: A method and device for splicing narrow strips, whereby a first portion of a first strip is superimposed on a second portion of a second strip; and an adhesive connecting element is folded in a U about the strip portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: G.D Societa' Per Azioni
    Inventors: Silvano Boriani, Alessandro Minarelli