Severing Before Bonding Or Assembling Of Parts Patents (Class 156/517)
  • Publication number: 20040007329
    Abstract: A cutting device (10) for cutting a material (12) and providing a cut portion of the material (12). The device comprises a heating assembly comprising an electrical induction arrangement (32) for heating the cut portion of the material by induction heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: David Gill, Mark Gill
  • Patent number: 6676793
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing laminated material which can remove ear portions of a resin film extruded from an extruding machine and can directly laminate the resin film to a substrate and can make the processing of end portions of a laminated material after lamination unnecessary. The present invention also provides an apparatus used for such a manufacturing method. In the method for manufacturing laminated material which laminates a resin film formed by extruding molten thermoplastic resin from a T-die to a substrate, a laminating film is formed by cutting ear portions of the resin film before lamination and the laminating film is laminated to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kobayashi, Kouji Yamada, Hideo Kurashima
  • Publication number: 20030217814
    Abstract: A sheet piece (S′) that is needed to assemble wiring harnesses (W) on a harness assembling board (A) is recognized, and a recognition signal is generated. A sheet cutting apparatus (20) then cuts a sheet (S) from a sheet roll to a specified length in accordance with the recognition signal. The cut sheet piece (S′) then is dropped onto the respective harness assembling board (A). The sheet cutting apparatus (20) has a sheet feed roller (22), pressure rollers (23) that are movable toward and away from the feed roller (22) and cutters (26) for cutting the sheet (S). The feed roller (22) is rotated and the pressure rollers (23) press the sheet (S) against the feed rollers (22) in response to the recognition signal. Thus, a specified length of the sheet (S) is fed, and the cutters (26) cut the sheet (S) into a sheet piece (S′) of the specified length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Applicant: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayoshi Satou
  • Patent number: 6645327
    Abstract: Linerless label stock 102 is fed to a printer that prints on the front face 104 of the label stock 102 and then to a media cutter 224. The cutter 224 cuts the strip into discrete labels, which are fed to a tag application station 226. A strip of electronic tags is fed through an encoder that detects defective tags and then to a tag cutter 246 that cuts the strip into discrete tags. Defective tags exiting the cutter 246 are diverted away from the tag application station. Non-defective tags are conveyed to the tag application station 226 where they are secured to the back face of labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.
    Inventors: Pixie A. Austin, Duane M. Fox, David N. Bledsoe
  • Publication number: 20030196762
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming textile pads from a textile batt. The method includes the steps of splitting an incoming single textile batt and forming partial thickness textile batts, applying an adhesive to outer surfaces of the partial thickness textile batts, and adhering vapor barriers to the partial thickness textile batts. The apparatus comprises a pair of feed rollers for receiving a textile batt, a splitting knife downstream of the pair of feed rollers, adhesive appliers positioned downstream of the splitting knife and capable of applying an adhesive to outer surfaces of the partial thickness textile batts, vapor barrier supply positioned downstream of the adhesive appliers and capable of supplying vapor barriers that contact the outer surfaces of the partial thickness textile batts, pressure rollers positioned downstream of the pair of vapor barrier supply rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Alan B. Collison, Chad A. Collison
  • Publication number: 20030183333
    Abstract: Disclosed are a device and method for the simultaneous fusion of multiple plastic pipe sections. A plurality of pipe sections may be rigidly held, faced off, heated, and joined at the same time using a single piece of equipment. The inventive process allows increased throughput of the fusion process without significant additional costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: William James Temple
  • Publication number: 20030183330
    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: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Yutaka Iseki, Akifumi Fujita, Atsushi Yoshimura, Takehiko Miura
  • Patent number: 6627031
    Abstract: A tagging material comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive tape incorporating electromagnetic sensor material whose presence can be detected. Tags are cut from the tagging material as the tagging material and articles are conveyed along converging paths and are adhered to the articles by the adhesive of the tape by means of apparatus comprising a tagging material feeding means and an applicator head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: P. P. Payne Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Pinchen, Andrew Dean, Gary Brooks
  • Patent number: 6607019
    Abstract: A first adhesively coated tape material length is supplied to a first die associated with a cutting and application mechanism. A second length of adhesively coated tape material is also provided to a second die of the cutting and application mechanism. A plurality of LOC leadframes is supplied sequentially through the application structure to apply a first decal cut from the first tape material to a first die site at a first location and to apply a second decal cut from the second tape material to a second die site at a second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. Chapman
  • Patent number: 6604565
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing large quantities of seamed belts for printing systems with controlled imageable seams, which belts require a defined circumference and width, from suitable belt material in a large roll thereof, by feeding a continuous web of that belt material from the roll in (or cut to) a width that is at least as wide as the defined circumference of the finished seamed belt into a seam cutting station, where the opposing side edges of the continuous web of belt material are cut as they move through the seam cutting station into opposing seam-forming mating edge patterns, preferably mating puzzle-cut patterns cut by small movement laser beams on each side of the moving web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Constance J. Thornton, Joseph A. Swift, Edward L. Schlueter, Jr., Theodore Lovallo
  • Publication number: 20030131930
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for attaching microelectronic devices, circuit boards and the like to a surface, and is particularly suitable for attaching a plurality of a semiconductor chips to an ink jet pen body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Jeanne Marie Saldanha Singh, Thomas Lee Smart
  • Patent number: 6585846
    Abstract: An apparatus and method provides for rotatably cutting and/or laminating layered structures or sheet material supported by webs. A rotary converting apparatus and method of the present invention converts a web comprising a cathode layered structure and a web comprising an anode layered structure into a series of layered electrochemical cell structures supported by a release liner. Employment of a rotary converting process of the present invention provides, among other benefits, for the creation of a product having a finished size, without need for downstream or subsequent cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eric J. Hanson, John R. Wheeler, Alan P. Miller, David B. Pritchard, Donald G. Peterson, John R. Jacobson, Jeffrey J. Missling, James N. Dobbs, David C. Kramlich
  • Patent number: 6575218
    Abstract: A method and apparatus automatically fabricates a three dimensional object from individual layers of fabrication material having a predetermined configuration. Successive layers are stacked in a predetermined sequence and affixed together to form the object. The fabrication material is carried on a substrate to a stacker. At the stacker the layers are stacked together, with each layer being successively affixed to the stack of previously affixed layers, and with the substrate removed from each layer after it is affixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventors: Marshall Burns, Kenneth J. Hayworth, Kim F. McGinnis
  • Patent number: 6572726
    Abstract: A process for producing a friction plate having a flat friction surface includes a step of provisionally arranging a plurality of sector-shaped lining segments punched out of a friction lining tape material, in a generally annular form on an index table so as not to overlap with each other, a step of correcting the provisional arrangement of the lining segments into an annular form having no gaps between the lining segments by moving together the plurality of lining segments, provisionally arranged on the index table, towards the centre of the index table and a step of adhering the plurality of lining segments, correctly arranged in the annular form, to a surface of a core plate. A friction plate having a flat friction surface can thereby be obtained with low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Hiroji Shimoi, Kenichi Toba
  • Publication number: 20030089444
    Abstract: A method for producing data carriers equipped with integrated transponders is disclosed in which the transponders are supplied in a transponder web and are covered on one side with a label, wherein the transponders are separated and aligned before being assembled with an associated label. The disclosure further includes an apparatus for producing data carriers equipped with an integrated transponder that includes a device for supplying a first web of labels and a device for supplying a web of transponders adjoining one another and includes a joining station for cutting and separating the transponders from the transponder web which divides the transponders from the web, separates them and transfers them individually to the label web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Roland Melzer, Rainer Melzer
  • Patent number: 6550517
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for transferring a discrete portion of a first web traveling at a first speed onto a second web traveling a second speed. The apparatus includes a converting mechanism capable of forming at least one discrete portion out of the first web. An anvil roll is positioned in close proximity to the converting mechanism and can travel at a rotational speed equal to the first speed. The anvil roll is a vacuum roll that is capable of directing the discrete portion away from the converting mechanism. A transfer roll is arranged in close proximity to the anvil roll and initially travels at a rotational speed equal to the first speed. The transfer roll forms a gap with the anvil roll through which the discrete portion can pass. The transfer roll is also a vacuum roll that is capable of directing the discrete portion away from the anvil roll. The transfer roll is capable of changing rotational speed to match the second speed during a single revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Alex Hilt, Randy Keith Burr
  • Patent number: 6543199
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for covering a roof with seamable sheet material for roofing prepared from a polymeric composition of matter comprising the steps of: applying layers of sheet material prepared from a seamable polymeric composition of matter to the roof being covered, overlapping adjacent edges of said layers, and adhering the overlapped areas to provide an acceptable seam strength; wherein the composition of matter comprises an interpolymer of ethylene, propylene, and at least two nonconjugated dienes, each having one reactive double bond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Uniroyal Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Tomlinson, Thomas L. Jablonowski
  • Patent number: 6543506
    Abstract: A modeling apparatus for producing a model by lamination of sheet material including a support platform which can be raised and lowered, a sheet feed mechanism for feeding sheet material over the platform, a superstructure mounted over the platform, a cutting mechanism for cutting the sheet material to form shaped portions, an adhesive applicator for applying adhesive to the shaped portions, and a control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Marrill Engineering Co. Limited
    Inventor: John Clifford Phillips
  • Patent number: 6543510
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for synchronously removing coverlay film from an adhesive film and applying an adhesive strip cut from the adhesive film to cover one or more reject die sites and/or functional die sites on semiconductor package support elements are disclosed. Reject die sites on defective substrates are covered prior to encapsulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Casey Prindiville
  • Patent number: 6544374
    Abstract: A method for making laminated roofing shingles includes providing a substantially continuous sheet of shingle material, cutting the sheet material at a first cutting station to define a first pair of longitudinal strips having interdigitating tabs with a first pattern length, further cutting the sheet to define a second pair of longitudinal strips, further cutting the sheet at a second cutting station to define a third pair of strips having interdigitating tabs with a second pattern length, laminating together one of the first pair of strips, one of the second pair of strips and one of the third pair of strips in overlapping relation to form a substantially continuous three-layer laminated strip in which one of the second pair of strips is the lowermost layer and having the tabs of the remaining two strips oriented in a common lateral direction, and cutting the laminated strip into uniform longitudinal lengths whereby laminated roofing shingles are made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Tamko Roofing Products
    Inventors: Thomas M. King, Devender Swaroop
  • Publication number: 20030051803
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a refastenable absorbent garment comprises moving a continuous absorbent garment subassembly in a machine direction, wherein the continuous absorbent garment subassembly comprises a continuous front body panel web, a continuous rear body panel web and a plurality of discrete crotch portions spaced along the machine direction and connecting the continuous front and rear body panel webs. The crotch portions are folded in a cross direction with one of the continuous front and rear body panel webs folded over the other of the continuous front and rear body panel webs in the cross direction. The method further comprises successively cutting the continuous front and rear body panels of the continuous absorbent garment subassembly in the cross direction and thereby forming a plurality of discrete absorbent garment subassemblies, each of which comprises a front body panel and a rear body panel, wherein the front and rear body panels are connected with the crotch portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Donald J. Sanders
  • Publication number: 20030044617
    Abstract: A building unit for constructing a multi-layered, finite length structure, and a method of building such a structure is disclosed. Rolls of stock material are stored in cartridge stations adjacent to a build table. Mounted on the build table and capable of traveling the length of the build table is a build shuttle. The stock material is moved onto the build shuttle and as the shuttle travels the length of the table, the material is dispensed and laid onto the table. The shear assembly on the build shuttle cuts the material to a specified length. In this manner, a plurality of layers are laid onto the table until a structure containing a desired number of layers is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald Alan Wellman, Kent Alan Stubbendieck, Mario Antonio Rago
  • Patent number: 6521076
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing laminated roofing shingles comprises coating a continuously supplied shingle mat having a width W with roofing asphalt to make an asphalt coated sheet, and subjecting the asphalt coated sheet to one of two subsequent processes. The first process comprises covering the asphalt coated sheet with granules in a first pattern suitable for making laminated shingles with an overlay having tabs and cutouts, where the area of the tabs approximately equals the area of the cutouts, thereby forming a first granule covered sheet. The second process comprises covering the asphalt coated sheet with granules in a second pattern suitable for making laminated shingles with an overlay having tabs and cutouts, where the area of the tabs is substantially greater than the area of the cutouts, thereby forming a second granule covered sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Bert Whitmore Elliott
  • Patent number: 6517655
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically folding a sheet of a media, for example a photographic paper, about a fold line such that a album page is formed. The photosensitive media has images only on one side. A heat activated adhesive sheet is provided between the sides of the photographic paper during folding. The adhesive sheet when exposed to heated and pressure rollers will cause the sides of the photographic media to be secured to form a single album page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Timothy F. Spencer, Thomas W. Glanville, John A. Cogswell
  • Patent number: 6514372
    Abstract: This invention relates to a manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus of thin film article by cutting a thin film sheet conveyed as being mounted on a conveying medium of thin film shape into a special size to obtain a thin film sheet piece, and conveying and laminating said thin film sheet piece at a laminating position by a ball-screw mechanism, wherein the cutting position of said thin film sheet is determined on the basis of an image taken by imaging means moving in synchronism with conveyance of said thin film sheet piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: New Create Corporation
    Inventor: Akio Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20030019559
    Abstract: The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the foregoing prior art devices and meets the foregoing needs by providing an apparatus and method for accurately sealing a multi-purpose reclosable zipper strip to a web of flexible film in an airtight manner. Moreover, the inventive apparatus and method is capable of repeatedly performing the steps necessary to seal tape to web with high throughout and with low cycle times. Generally, the apparatus and method utilizes a zipper tape having airtight splotch seals fused in series along desired lengths of the zipper tape. The zipper tape is dispensed through a feeding mechanism and, when an optical sensor detects one of the splotch seal portions of the zipper tape, a desired length of zipper tape is advanced over an elevator platform. A knife is then signaled to descend and sever the advanced portion of zipper tape, which is thus deposited onto the elevator platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Donald K. Wright, Christopher L. Pemberton, James K. Hankins
  • Publication number: 20030006001
    Abstract: A rapid prototyping process and apparatus that provides an intermittent material feed type variable-lamination rapid prototyping using a linear thermal cutting system, wherein intermittently fed materials are cut to have variable lengths, widths, and lateral gradients with the 4-axis control-type linear thermal cutting system controlled by a computer, and based on cutting operation data generated in the computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Dong-Yol Yang, Dong-Gyu Ahn, Sang-Ho Lee, Hong-Seok Choi, Seung-Kyo Park
  • Publication number: 20020185217
    Abstract: A slip cutting system sheets an infeed web into discrete articles and merges the articles to a carrier web. The slip cutting system comprises a continuously rotating cutting die having knife blades and packings consecutively around a peripheral surface. The packings cooperate with the knife blades to define a circumferential space between each packing and an associated knife blade. When a packing is at a nip with an anvil roller, the infeed web is drawn in a downstream direction against a drag force. When a circumferential space is at the nip, the infeed web halts downstream motion. When a knife blade is at the nip, the knife blade sheets the infeed web. An insert station cooperates with the cutting die to longitudinally space the articles as they merge to and are propelled downstream by the carrier web. At a subsequent station, the composite web is cut to manufacture individual products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas F. Hilbert, Thomas F. Hilbert, Dale E. Lanser
  • Patent number: 6491080
    Abstract: A label printer/applicator with improved label cutting, control and application has a control valve for alternately fluidly interconnecting an applicator head with a supply of pressurized air, a suction source and a neutral position. An atomizer nozzle is positioned beneath an applicator head for activating moisture-activated adhesives often provided on labels. An air jet nozzle beneath the applicator head prevents cantilever bending of a label exiting a printer and travelling toward the applicator head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Grand Rapids Label Company
    Inventor: Gerald Wayne Tasma
  • Publication number: 20020168212
    Abstract: Improved label printing and applying apparatus (10) is provided which includes an improved digital printing assembly (12) having a rotatable impression drum (18) presenting an outer surface (20), as well as at least one digital print head (22) adjacent the drum outer surface (20). The overall apparatus (10) also includes a downstream label cutting and application assembly (14) having an adhesive applicator (32), laser cutter (40) and a label applying device (96). In use, a web (16) traverses the drum (18) with essentially no relative movement between the web (16) and drum surface (20), and the print head(s) (22) are actuated to form images on the web (16), which may be identical or varied. Thereafter, the printed web passes into and through the assembly (14) where adhesive is applied, the individual images are laser cut, and the labels are thereupon applied to products (54).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Greydon W. Nedblake, Lawrence E. Johnson, Jules P. Farkas
  • Patent number: 6471804
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for producing a material laminate (1) by fixing pieces of material (2) at a given distance from one another on a first continuously advanced material web (4). The invention is characterized in that the pieces of material (2) are cut from a second continuous web (7) in a first station (3) and are conveyed via a transport device (10) to the first web (4), to which the piece of material (2) is attached by means of ultrasonic welding over a limited attachment area (5) on the pieces of material (2), and the pieces of material (2) are subsequently fixed to the material web (4) by ultrasonic welding in a second station (6). The second station comprises an ultrasonic horn (18) at a fixed distance from a stay (19) designed as a rotating drum with a patterned outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Anders Tennby, Thomas Åberg, Bo Thornström, Kenneth Henriksson, Roy Hansson
  • Publication number: 20020139485
    Abstract: A lamination system comprises; a film transfer means for transferring along a film transfer path a laminate film in which small windows are provided, a film detection sensor for detecting the laminate film, a cutting means for cutting the laminate film into a predetermined length. The film transfer means further transfers the cut laminate film along the film transfer path, the lamination system further comprises a card transfer means for transferring a card on the surface of which a terminal of an IC tip is provided along a card transfer path, a positioning means for making the terminal and the small window into a predetermined positional relation, a thermocompression bonding means for laminating the cut laminate film with the card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Naotaka Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6428651
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying adhesive the edges of a slit tubular body as the tubular body is advanced along a path of travel is provided. The apparatus includes a tape feed for feeding a release tape having an adhesive applied to a surface thereof, a cutting blade for forming a slit having opposing edges in the tubular body such that the cutting blade is interposed between the opposing edges, and a housing member positioned along the path of travel. The housing member is positioned for directing the release tape along the exterior surface of the housing member in a line parallel to the path of travel of the tubular body such that the adhesive is applied to the at least one of the opposing edges of the slit. The housing member is further positioned for covering at least a portion of the cutting blade and separating at least one of the edges of the slit from the cutting blade to reduce frictional engagement of the cutting blade with the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Plastic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Princell, Bill Alvey, Steve A. Fox, Robert L. Campbell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6416608
    Abstract: Method for Producing a multiple-layer label and device for implementing said method. A device for manufacturing a multiple-layer tag has two laminating rollers (10, 11) arranged as a pair, between which portions (14) of a coating web (1) are joined to a supporting web (13). The coating web (1) is alternately stopped and driven between the laminating rollers (10, 11) at the speed of the supporting web (13) by an advancing means (9). By means of stopping the coating web (1) for a longer or shorter period of time, the distance apart of the portions (14) on the supporting web (13) can be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Avery Denison Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Arthur Mynott, Peter John Kuzma, Dieter Arabin
  • Patent number: 6409872
    Abstract: A laminator for laminating sheets of lamina onto substrates such as cards uses a web of lamina material that preferably has a bondable and printable layer on the reverse side and can then be printed with information and laminated onto a blank card. The web also preferably has a series of spaced transverse lines of reduced strength so the web can be separated into individual sheets of lamina by creating a tension in the web across the transverse line of reduced strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Fargo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Campion, I. Tony Haugen, Gary M. Klinefelter, Jeffrey D. Upin
  • Publication number: 20020050324
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a cutting edge tape or a reinforcing tape to a substrate by feeding and cutting lengths of tape and advancing the lengths to a vacuum wheel applicator, the feed section of the apparatus comprising a feed roll, an anvil vacuum roll, and a rotary knife adjacent to the anvil vacuum roll, and means for adjusting the speed of the feed roll and the speed of the anvil vacuum roll to vary the length of the tape advanced to the applicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Scott K. Middelstadt, James N. Hartman
  • Publication number: 20020038686
    Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for applying tape tabs to a traveling web, for example, for placement of fastening tabs on a running web of disposable diapers. The invention provides a cutting roll positioned to cut segments from a continuous infeeding web of tape material against a rotating anvil. The anvil, which is traveling at a speed equal to or very close to that of the infeeding tape web, carries the tape segments to a point on its tangency where a higher-speed traveling diaper web most nearly approaches, at which point the traveling diaper web is displaced slightly toward the anvil by means of a protuberance acting against the web. This movement causes it to come into contact with the next available tape segment, which becomes adhered to the higher-speed traveling web. This process provides for operation at higher speeds, higher efficiencies, greater flexibility and lower noise levels than previous processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: Curt G. Joa, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Parrish, Myron Free
  • Publication number: 20020029856
    Abstract: Roll-fed labelling apparatus includes a rotary cutting drum (7) which incorporates a plurality of cutting assemblies (9) to cut a label web (4) before delivering individual labels to respective containers or bottles (14). The apparatus provides for the label web (4) to be delivered to the cutting drum (7) at a negligible tension, mitigating label stretch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: RICK GONZALO
  • Patent number: 6325882
    Abstract: A method of producing individual personal-sized bars of soap with a water-resistant supporting medium being provided integral with each bar for enabling its suspension for air drying after each use. The preferred method incorporates an intermittent feeding technique whereby a portion of the medium protrudes beyond one end of a soap bar. An alternative method incorporates a feeding technique resulting in soap bars wherein the medium and the soap material of each bar are the same length. A hole is provided either through the medium alone in the preferred method, or through both the soap and the medium in the alternative method. The method may include the additional step of providing a soap-compatible adhesive to opposite sides of the supporting medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Karl S. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 6286577
    Abstract: An integrated system and method for fabricating a countertop from a slab is disclosed. The system includes a cutting station where an apron strip of a predetermined size is cut from a slab, a translating station where the apron strip is translated and positioned along the cut edge of the slab, and a press for adhesively bonding the apron to the cut edge of the slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Premark RWP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Lynn Douglas, Steven J. Moore
  • Publication number: 20010017181
    Abstract: An apparatus and method utilize a rotatable drum implementing both an attraction mechanism and a cutter mechanism to controllably sever segments of material from a web. The drum is rotated at a rate greater than the rate at which the web of material is advanced so that the attraction mechanism supplies the sole source of tension in the web. Moreover, the cutter mechanism severs segments of material while at least a portion of the web of material engages the outer surface of the drum. In addition, an apparatus and method dynamically control the relative rates of advancement of a web of material and an outer surface of a drum such that a predetermined length of material is advanced forward of a predetermined rotational position of the drum so that the predetermined length of material is severed from the web of material while at least a portion of the web of material engages the outer surface of the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Applicant: S-CON, INC.
    Inventors: Svatoboj Otruba, Ranbir Singh Claire
  • Patent number: 6273168
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically adhering tapes adheres a double-faced adhesive tape to a tip portion of a stock paper roll around which a stock paper is wound and adheres at least one fixing adhesive tape so as to bridge the tip portion and the stock paper roll. The apparatus includes a device for transporting the double-faced adhesive tape. The transporting device includes an endless belt transporting the double-faced adhesive tape while at the same time holding the double-faced adhesive tape on its transporting surface. The apparatus further includes a device for feeding the double-faced adhesive tape. The feeding device feeds the double-faced adhesive tape to the transporting surface of the endless belt while simultaneously stripping a strip paper adhered to one face of the double-faced adhesive tape. The apparatus further includes a device for feeding the fixing adhesive tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Isowahooperswift, Lintec Kabushiki Kaisha, Ogura Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Kawamura, Takashi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6267167
    Abstract: A first adhesively coated tape material length is supplied to a first die associated with a cutting and application mechanism. A second length of adhesively coated tape material is also provided to a second die of the cutting and application mechanism. A plurality of LOC leadframes is supplied sequentially through the application structure to apply a first decal cut from the first tape material to a first die site at a first location and to apply a second decal cut from the second tape material to a second die site at a second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. Chapman
  • Patent number: 6250357
    Abstract: The machine of the present invention fabricates an undergarment assembly having an elasticized pad support panel secured to inner surfaces of the rear panel and the openable front panel. The machine makes the garment assembly from two half width webs, one of which has a reinforced edge. The machine arrangement includes first and second transversely spaced web paths and components to bond tensioned elastic strands to spaced dots of adhesive located on a third pad supporting web that is secured to adhesive areas applied adjacent, but not in, the garment crotch area with spaced adhesive applied to the innermost surfaces of the rear and front panels. The machine includes devices to add side margin and front panel connecting tapes, and die cutting rolls to cut leg openings in side margins. The machine includes components to divert cull product and deliver flat unfolded product, or longitudinal and transverse folded products for packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: William P. Niedermeyer
  • Patent number: 6244319
    Abstract: A two-sided card laminating apparatus simultaneously applies and bonds laminate sheets to opposing faces of a two-sided card substrate. The apparatus includes two opposing laminating assemblies symmetrically mounted in mirror image relation on opposing sides of a substrate supply path. Individual sheets of laminate are cut from webs of lamina and transferred onto the card substrate at a convergence zone disposed on the substrate supply path. Each of the laminating assemblies includes a web of lamina, a cutter, and nip rollers disposed between the web and the cutter. The nip rollers advance the web in an upstream direction through the cutter into engagement with a transfer roller. As the laminate exits the cutter, the leading edge is captured between the outer surface of the transfer roller and a laminate guide where it is grabbed by the outer surface of the transfer roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Atlantek, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Maynard, Christian S. Rothwell
  • Patent number: 6230778
    Abstract: In a device for applying labels to a flat mail item that is conveyed standing on one edge, having a conveyor for conveying the individual items along a predetermined conveying path; a label conveyor for conveying the individual labels, the device being controlled by a sensor device for determining the position of the front edge of the item; a pressing device for pressing the labels onto the item surface; a label holder, which is disposed in a region in front of the pressing device, with respect to the conveying direction of the item, and into which the labels are conveyed by the label conveyor, the label holder is embodied such that the labels can be positioned perpendicularly to the conveying direction and oriented with their adhesive side counter to the conveying direction in the conveying path of the items; as soon as the front edge of an item falls short of a predetermined distance from the label holder, the sensor device controls the conveyor device such that it conveys a label to the label holder, so th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Frank Latwesen
  • Patent number: 6220327
    Abstract: An identification booklet including a backing and a printed cover film having identification indicia printed thereon is automatically printed and assembled by an apparatus including means for holding the booklet in an open position with the backing exposed, printing means for printing indicia onto an inner surface of the cover film, transport means including an insertion blade rotatably mounted thereon, the insertion blade including a damp for holding the cover film in place thereon, die-cut means for cutting the cover film to a predetermined size while the cover film is held in place on the insertion blade by the clamp, to form the identification card and fusing means for fusing the identification card and the backing together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Atlantek, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian S. Rothwell, Joseph V. Connors, Raymond E. Maynard
  • Patent number: 6220329
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making laminated roofing shingles includes providing a substantially continuous sheet of shingle material, cutting the sheet material at a first cutting station to define a first pair of longitudinal strips having interdigitating tabs with a first pattern length, further cutting the sheet to define a second pair of longitudinal strips, further cutting the sheet at a second cutting station to define a third pair of strips having interdigitating tabs with a second pattern length, laminating together one of the first pair of strips, one of the second pair of strips and one of the third pair of strips in overlapping relation to form a substantially continuous three-layer laminated strip in which one of the second pair of strips is the lowermost layer and having the tabs of the remaining two strips oriented in a common lateral direction, and cutting the laminated strip into uniform longitudinal lengths whereby laminated roofing shingles are made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Tamko Roofin Products
    Inventors: Thomas M. King, Devender Swaroop
  • Patent number: 6221192
    Abstract: Individual carton blanks formed from a lamination of a continuous strip of a relatively rigid material and a relatively flexible fluid impervious material and in some instances from spaced apart continuous strips of a relatively flexible material wherein all of the cut and fold lines are formed in the continuous strip of a relatively rigid material and then conveyed to the nip between two rotating laminating rolls where all of the continuous strips are secured together by an adhesive at desired locations. In some instances, the continuous strip of a relatively flexible fluid impervious material and the spaced apart continuous strips of a relatively flexible material are cut at a location spaced from the leading edge of the individual carton blanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Coors Brewing Company
    Inventor: Joseph C. Walsh
  • Patent number: 6182730
    Abstract: A label application apparatus comprising a main housing and a printer and an applicator mounted to the main housing for applying a label to an object. A supply reel is rotatably mounted to the main housing and has a continuous web of label material thereon. A feed mechanism is also provided for feeding the continuous web of label material from the supply reel to the printer and applicator. A cutting mechanism is associated with the applicator to cut labels from the continuous web of label material between the printer and the applicator whereby the applicator then places the severed label onto the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Grand Rapids Label Company
    Inventor: David F. Muir