Means Bringing Articles Into Association With Web Patents (Class 156/552)
  • Patent number: 5198067
    Abstract: A conveying mechanism, particularly useful with a printed-circuit board laminator, in which the board is conveyed by several conveyor rollers having a small gap against several guide members, such as rollers, to accommodate the board and prevent its warping. A sliding device aligns the board as it is transported by the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Somar Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeo Sumi, Fumio Hamamura
  • Patent number: 5176784
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding thin film supplied from a continuous roll to at least one bonding surface along the entire length of a discrete printed surface base plate and efficiently cutting the film to a proper length which covers an entire planar surface of the board. Each board is conveyed to a film bonding position and the leading end of the continuous film is transported to the film bonding position that is held by suction. A compression bonding roller moves across the surface of the board and automatically feeds film and bonds the film to the board while leaving a portion of the film loose over the trailing end of the board. A cutter comprising a rotary blade and a fixed blade disposed across the direction of movement of the film and the board is mounted on a slide bed which is moveable towards and away from the film. The rotary blade is obliquely oriented in order to permit the cutting of the film when the blade is rotated in opposition to the fixed blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Somar Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nagafuchi, Mitsuhiro Seki, Shigeo Sumi, Fumio Hamamura
  • Patent number: 5173138
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the automated production of a cross-plied material, preferably for structural or anti-ballistics end use. The apparatus comprises means for advancing a first, continuous ply of material into a cross-plying zone; means for sequentially laying a plurality of discontinuous second plies of material coplanarly on the first ply in the cross-plying zone with the longitudinal axis of each of the second plies rotated relative to the longitudinal axis of the first ply; means for preconsolidating the first and the second plies; and means for withdrawing the cross-piled material from the cross-plying zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventors: Denise A. Blauch, Steven A. Young, Rex B. Gosnell, Virgil W. Jainicke, Lawrence E. Swarts
  • Patent number: 5171388
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for securing elastic to a flexible backing for use in catamenial pads. The apparatus includes means for feeding the backing sheet onto a first drum having a plurality of surface grooves formed therein. The backing sheet is pulled into each of the grooves such as by a vacuum. A strip of elastic is then placed across each of the grooves and anchored at its respective ends. The backing sheet is then drawn off of the drum and extended so that the elastic is stretched to overlay the backing sheet. The apparatus further includes means for adhering portions of the elastic intermediate the anchored ends to the backing sheet while the elastic is in its extended position. The method for applying the elastic material to the backing sheet uses the apparatus discussed above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corp.
    Inventors: John W. Hoffman, Karl R. Dehn
  • Patent number: 5171398
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an equipment for sticking a vinyl tape on the backside surface of a wafer prior to the dicing of the wafer. Suction ports for sucking and supporting the peripheral part of the wafer surface is provided in the outer block of a stage for supporting the wafer, a recessed part is formed at the central part of the support stage so as to avoid the contact of the central part of the wafer to the support stage, and concentric ring-shaped projection parts are formed on the bottom surface of the recessed part. The height of the top face of the ring-shaped projection parts is set to be slightly lower than the outer block of the support stage which is the wafer contact part, with minute gaps being kept from the fixed wafer. It is possible to prevent the generation of flexure due to a turning roller at the time of sticking of the tape by introducing high pressure air to the recessed part of the wafer support part and the minute gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 5167754
    Abstract: A cohesive layered sheet of thermoplastic fiber material formed by two outer layers of material, each outer layer having a standard full width, and an inner layer made from strips of scrap material. The strips of scrap material each have a width substantially less than the standard full width and are arranged side-by-side so as to have a combined width approximately equal to a standard full width. The layers are ultrasonically bonded together so as to form a cohesive layered sheet. A method and apparatus are provided for manufacturing such a sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Matarah Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Lutzow, Lance Appleby
  • Patent number: 5162071
    Abstract: A thin film laminating apparatus which is operative to bond a continuous thin film to the surface of a base plate, using heat and pressure applied by a pressure laminating roller, and to cut the film to a length corresponding to that of the base plate. The apparatus has an adjustable film cut-off unit having a fixed cutter and a rotary cutter, both of which extend across the width of the thin film, transverse to the direction of continuous film feed. The fixed cutter and the rotary cutter are independently supported by members which are movable and convey the respective cutters into and out of a film cutting position. The support members are movable manually, to permit initial insertion of the thin film into a cutoff position, and automatically during continuous operation of the thin film laminating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Somar Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nagafuchi, Mitsuhiro Seki, Shigeo Sumi, Fumio Hamamura
  • Patent number: 5131972
    Abstract: A film guide device for film bonding in which a movable guide roller support and guides the film and swing roller arms prevent the slackening of the film while the film is being fed. Also, a driving action of a rotation-drive source, which controls the movement of the movable guide roller support arms, is synchronized with the braking of the film supply role and the movement of the leading edge of the film towards the bonding surface. This device prevents longitudinal wrinkles in the film, misplacement on the bonding surface, and excessive tension on the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Somar Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Seki, Shigeo Sumi, Fumio Hamamura
  • Patent number: 5127981
    Abstract: A device for applying spaced layers generally transversely across an elongate web which defines a through path for the web including parallel inlet and outlet path portions spaced sideways from each other and a transverse path portion between adjacent terminal and beginning ends of the inlet and outlet path portions. The web is moved lengthwise at a predetermined speed in a first direction along the inlet and outlet path portions, the device periodically moves the portion of the web along the transverse path portion generally edgewise in a direction parallel to the first direction and at about the predetermined speed to essentially stop longitudinal movement of the portion of the web along the transverse path portion; and the device applies a layer of material such as tape generally transversely across the portion of the web along the transverse path portion as it moves tangentially by the periphery of a rotating applicator drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Melvin J. Straub, Edwin Kalash, Douglas A. Swenson
  • Patent number: 5122216
    Abstract: In a preferred method for affixing a discrete paper label to the mailer, a discrete paper label is suctioned onto the rotatable platen at a first predetermined position relative to the circumferential perimeter of the platen. As the rotatable platen rotates, adhesive is applied to a predetermined exposed portion of the paper label at a second predetermined position relative to the circumferential perimeter. Finally, at a third predetermined position relative to the circumferential perimeter, the paper label is blown off the rotatable platen and onto an adjacent continuously advancing web comprising multi-ply mailer forms each having a plurality of sheets in superimposed relationship. The paper label is thus affixed to a multi-ply mailed form at a predetermined location. Preferably, the rotatable platen receives a new paper label at the first predetermined position as the adhesive is applied to the label previously received on the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Goodwin Graphics, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Goodwin, III
  • Patent number: 5120391
    Abstract: A tape bonding apparatus including a bonding guide for guiding a tab tape, which has leads, to a bonding position, a clamper located under the bonding guide for pressing the tab tape against the bonding guide, a pellet stage provided beneath the clamper, and a vertically movable bonding tool located above the bonding guide, in which a hole formed in the clamper is larger than opening of the tab tape, and the holes formed in the bonding guide and clamper are about the same in shape as the opening of the tape so as to prevent the leads set on the tab tape from coming into contact with the clamper, thus avoiding any damage to the leads. Also, the bonding guide is flat near the bonding position, and the pellet stage is smaller than the window of the clamper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Shinkawa
    Inventor: Hisao Ishida
  • Patent number: 5118381
    Abstract: A tape dispenser apparatus for tape having an adhesive surface includes a first supply compartment for holding a continuous length of the tape and a second compartment for holding a plurality of individual tabs or cover members which can be successively removed from the second compartment and applied to portions of the adhesive tape surface to provide multiple, covered adhesive surface portions of the tape. The dispenser has guide structure for guiding displacement of the tape to the second compartment for the removal and adherence of the tabs or cover members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Ryder International Corporation
    Inventors: Francis E. Ryder, Joseph V. Ranalletta
  • Patent number: 5114526
    Abstract: A film bonding apparatus in which a film cut to a length corresponding to that of a base plate is bonded to the surface of the plate by the application of heat and pressure with a bonding roller. The film is provided from a continuous roll and is cut to appropriate size, the trailing edge of the film being held tightly to avoid film wrinkling or air bubbles by the suction action of an edge holding member whose effective length is not less than the maximum width of the films to be bonded by the apparatus. The holding member is moveable, at a speed equal to or slightly less than the rotative circumferential velocity of the pressure roller, the speed being automatically adjusted to maintain appropriate tension on the film. Coordinated movement between the film holding member and the pressure roller is provided by a gear mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Somar Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Taguchi, Youji Washizaki, Akira Igarashi, Hiroyoshi Nakano
  • Patent number: 5110400
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding thin film supplied from a continuous roll to at least one bonding surface along the entire length of a discrete printed surface base plate and efficiently cutting the film to a proper length which covers an entire planar surface of the board. Each board is conveyed to a film bonding position and the leading end of the continuous film is transported to the film bonding position that is held by suction. A compression bonding roller moves across the surface of the board and automatically feeds film and bonds the film to the board while leaving a portion of the film loose over the trailing end of the board. A cutter comprising a rotary blade and a fixed blade disposed across the direction of movement of the film and the board is mounted on a slide bed which is moveable towards and away from the film. The rotary blade is obliquely oriented in order to permit the cutting of the film when the blade is rotated in opposition to the fixed blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Somar Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nagafuchi, Mitsuhiro Seki, Shigeo Sumi, Fumio Hamamura
  • Patent number: 5110391
    Abstract: An apparatus for bonding a thin film to the surface of a substrate wherein the film is supplied from a continuous roll to a bonding position where a roller applies heat and pressure to cause the film to be bonded to the substrate. A rotary cutter rapidly cuts the continuous film to a length which fits precisely over the substrate. The cutter comprises a stationary knife and a rotary knife which are disposed on opposite sides of the continuous film. The knives are moveable between a cutting position and a non cutting position and are adjustable to provide in the cutting position a rapid cut of the film transversed to the direction of film travel. The apparatus is operative to hold the leading edge of the film, direct the leading edge to a bonding position at the leading edge of the substrate, hold the film in tension as the film is pressure bonded to the substrate and further hold the film in tension for cutting to its appropriate length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Somar Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Taguchi, Youji Washizaki
  • Patent number: 5098498
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for encapsulating a porous article in plastic film without employing supporting molds. The article is deposited onto a lower web and an upper web is moved into overlying position. The edges of the webs are gripped by moving teeth to move the webs and the article in unison. The webs are then pinched together adjacent the article to form an enclosed volume. The film is heated to its fusing temperature and the enclosed volume is evacuated through a tube inserted through the lower web and into the article. The tube is removed and the fused webs are trimmed adjacent the edges of the article, resulting in an encapsulated article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Manville Corporation
    Inventors: Steven E. Hale, James W. Sherman, Daniel J. Batdorf
  • Patent number: 5091039
    Abstract: The present invention generally resides in method and apparatus for intermittently applying pieces of elastic band severed into a predetermined length onto a moving continuous web at predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ujimoto, Hironori Nomura, Taiji Shimakawa, Junji Shinohara, Shigetoyo Kobayashi, Hiroki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5085724
    Abstract: Film packs (51) for receiving folded paper handkerchiefs are equipped with a recloseable opening aid consisting of a tear-open tab (34) or a folding tab and of an adhesive label (40) or adhesive strip (47). For the efficient production and special design of packs (51) of this type, they are fed in double rows (52, 53) and are equipped in pairs with adhesive labels (40) or adhesive strips (47). The production and feed of double labels (55) or double strips (79), which are subsequently severed and folded into an end position during the transport of the packs (51), are especially advantageous. By an appropriate design, particularly dimensioning of the adhesive labels (40) with a connecting piece (42) extending in the region of an end wall (27), the stability and handiness of the packs are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Focke & Co., (Gmbh & Co.)
    Inventor: Heinz Focke
  • Patent number: 5082521
    Abstract: A sequencing machine and method for retaining the order in which wires are placed. The sequencing machine will preserve the order of inserted wires by capturing each individual wire in a belt of tape. At a later stage the wires can then be taken out in the same exact reverse or forward order. The adhesive bond between the tapes is such that separation can be performed by hand without damage to the tape material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Babak Sayyadi
  • Patent number: 5080748
    Abstract: A current assembly apparatus and associated method for producing laminated cards such as credit cards including providing means for feeding printed card sheets to a laminating station and at the same time feeding top and bottom overlay webs also to the laminating station. The top overlay web is provided with a series of parallel-disposed magnetic stripes. Means are provided for controlling the feeding of the top overlay web and the card sheets so as to feed them concurrently to form a lamination. Means are also provided for controlling the inter-positional relationship or registration between the card sheet and the overlay web to maintain a predetermined positional arrangement between the magnetic stripe and a predetermined position on the card sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Bostec Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jaime Bonomi
  • Patent number: 5080741
    Abstract: Inner members formed by attaching absorbent cores to inner webs longitudinally thereof with predetermined spaces between the cores are folded on themselves along their center lines so that the cores partially lie on a first outer surface and partially lie on a second outer surface opposed to the first outer surface. A pair of continuous outer webs having widths to cover the first and second outer surfaces are provided with elastic members for leg-openings and waist-openings, and attached respectively to the first and second surfaces to form a continuous laminate. Successively the laminate is sealed and cut at predetermined areas, and individual disposable garments are produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hironori Nomura, Taiji Shimakawa, Yoshinori Matsura, Hiroki Yamamoto, Hirofumi Ohnishi
  • Patent number: 5078820
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for pressure and heat sticking a thin film to a base plate. The thin film and a base plate on a film like carrier are introduced into a vacuum chamber having upper and lower contact members for compressing the thin film, base member and carrier into a stratified body. The thin film and base plate are held separate from one another in the chamber. The lower contact member moves upward to contact the carrier and base plate and to compress the stratified body between it and the upper contact member. The upper contact member is convex in shape and made of an elastic material so that the contact pressure on the thin film and base plate starts near the center and spreads toward the periphery resulting in improved sticking of thin film to the base plate with no air bubbles and no wrinkling. The pressure is applied in a vacuum or reduced atmospheric pressure and heat is simultaneously applied. A further compression in the air at atmospheric pressure is carried out by a heat and pressure roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignees: Somar Corporation, Hitachi Techno
    Inventors: Fumio Hamamura, Yukio Oka
  • Patent number: 5073223
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for mounting a decorative article on a receptor sheet. Each article has an adhesive layer on one surface for bonding it to a sheet to which the article is to be applied. Initially, the article is to be mounted on a tape which is supplied to an article transfer station. Then, the tape is moved to the article transfer station, at which the articles are sequentially transferred to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Jakob Schlaepfer & Co. AG
    Inventor: Akira Kurihara
  • Patent number: 5066352
    Abstract: A gripper on a powered gantry, which moves longitudinally relative to a porous conveyor belt, pulls a selected length of a composite sheet material and its backing from a supply roll on a carrousel and past a cutter. After a segment has been cut, the gantry returns the gripper to pull the composite sheet and its backing from the supply roll while the belt moves the segment thereon to a desired position thereon. This continues until the belt supports a plurality of segments. The gripper gantry includes a marker to mark each segment on the belt. After marking is completed, a powered gantry moves to dispose a top film over the segments. A powered gantry, which has a cutter thereon, is then moved so that the cutter, which can move orthogonal to the motion of the gantry and also has its reciprocating cutting blades rotatable about a vertical axis, can cut one or more pieces of desired shapes from each segment. After cutting is completed, the segments are advanced from the belt through a separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Albers, Michael N. Grimshaw, David A. Peterson, John H. Pugh, Jerry D. Wisbey
  • Patent number: 5059275
    Abstract: A paper feed preparatory is provided for connecting the end of a web of paper drawn out from a paper roll mounted in a paper supply unit to a plate-shaped leader adapted to be moved from the paper supply unit along one side of a paper feed path. It includes a suction conveyor for attracting and feeding the web of paper in one direction, and a paper cutter adapted to move transversely of the web of paper while the paper is being fed longitudinally to cut it obliquely. A tape applicator is provided over the belt conveyor so as to be movable toward and away from the top of the suction conveyor. It has a tape reel carrying a roll of adhesive tape and a presser member for sticking the end of the adhesive tape to the end of the paper along one side thereof with the leader sandwiched therebetween to connect them together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Hamada Printing Press Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Fukuda
  • Patent number: 5055155
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for laminating flexible magnetic segments onto the plastic substrates, such as during the in-line production of shower curtains and/or curtain liners. The apparatus, which is configured for use with typical shower curtain and/or shower curtain liner producing machines, includes a substantially planar upper work surface for receiving the plastic substrate and at least one applicator unit located adjacent the work surface which automatically laminates a flexible magnetic strip and a plastic cover patch onto the curtain. Three applicator units are preferably utilized, with one such unit substantially aligned with the center of the curtain and the remaining two units being located along the longitudinal edges thereof. In operation, a thin, flexible plastic film is unwound onto an assembly table whereupon it is stopped at a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Texstyle, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne E. Crotty, Harold J. Phelps
  • Patent number: 5052606
    Abstract: A hitch feeder for a TAB tape is described which comprises: a stationary jas assembly having opposing jaws for gripping edges of the tape when closed, and not gripping the edges when open; a movable gripping assembly which includes a lower movable gripper positioned below the tape and an upper movable gripper positioned above the tape. The lower and upper movable grippers may be moved both towards and away from the tape, each said movable gripper gripping the tape when moved towards it and releasing the tape when moved away from it. Both grippers are physically clear of any features on the tape when moved away from it. A tape feeder is provided for reciprocally moving the movable gripper assembly along the tape length, both towards and away from the stationary jaw assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Cipolla, Raymond R. Horton, Alphonso P. Lanzetta, Michael J. Palmer, Mark B. Ritter
  • Patent number: 5053099
    Abstract: The apparatus for bonding a film, having a length corresponding to the length of a board, to a film bonding surface of the board by compression bonding rollers which comprises a conveying device for conveying the board, a board clamp and guide device for clamping and guiding said board at a predetermined position, a film feed member for holding the leading end of the film by suction and feeding the leading end of the film to a film bonding position, a film leading end-holding member provided in the vicinity of the film bonding position, and having a holding surface for face-to-face contact with the leading end of the film fed by the film feed member to the film bonding position, the film leading end-holding member having film suction apertures connected to a vacuum system so as to cause the leading end of the film to be held on the holding surface by suction, compression bonding rollers for bonding the film, held at the film bonding position by the film feed member, from its leading toward trailing end to the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Somar Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Seki, Shigeo Sumi, Takashi Goto
  • Patent number: 5049219
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for the manufacture of surgical sponges defined by a sponge body with at least a segment of a string, preferably containing a material opaque to x-rays, joined to the sponge body. The apparatus provides for the manufacture of the surgical sponges in an automatic manner and continuous manner by feeding a length of the string from a string supply and an end portion of sponge from a supply of sponge in directions substantially ninety-degrees to one another to an area of intersection area where a segment of the string overlies the sponge at a selected distance from the end thereof remote to the supply of sponge. The string segment is joined to the sponge, preferably by an ultrasonic welding mechanism. The sponge end containing the joined string is then severed at a preselected location depending upon the width of sponge body desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: DeRoyal Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Herman S. Johns, Charles A. Lee
  • Patent number: 5045146
    Abstract: An applicator tool for use in applying an insulating strip on the surface of a window pane used in the assembly of multi-pane windows. The applicator tool includes a directing roller which directs the insulating strip onto the glass while maintaining only rolling contact with the surface of the glass. The directing roller is removable, is capable of adjustment in the vertical direction, and is capable of adjustment to vary the distance from the edge of the glass the insulating strip is placed. The applicator further includes two guiding rollers which maintain rolling contact with the edge of the glass. Transport rollers may be used on the applicator tool when insulating strip is applied to glass located on a flat surface. The tool also includes a rectangular block for use in molding the insulating strip around a corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Tremco, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Rundo
  • Patent number: 5030314
    Abstract: The invention is generally accomplished by providing a roll having cavities suitable for retaining small quantities of particulate material. The roll further is adapted to be rotated such that the particulate material is deposited onto a web in discrete areas. These areas correspond to the depressions on the roll. The appartus and method of the invention further provides in its preferred form a roll applicator device for adhesive having a series of lands and valleys wherein the lands correspond to the areas between the discrete particulate material. The applicator roll provides adhesive on the land areas that is transferred to a web of material which is brought into contact with the substrate bearing the discrete deposits of particulate material and sealed thereto. There is thereby provided areas of discrete particulate material securely separated by the adhesive connected webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Theodore B. Lang
  • Patent number: 5024645
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a port within an aperture of a web of film, including a chain loop having a plurality of forks for releasably retaining ports. The chain loop is fed around a first, a second, and a third rotatable sprocket. The first and second rotatable sprockets are coupled to a frame and located in a substantially aligned relationship to each other, perpendicular to a portion of the film, the third sprocket is located at a position offset from a plane defined by the first and second sprockets. The first and second sprockets can be moved from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position. During operation, the rotation of the third sprocket is releasably prevented, to accurately regulate the rotation of the first sprocket an indexer is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Soubrier, Xavier Denis
  • Patent number: 5017262
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for marking flat objects (4) by means of bar code (4). The object of the invention is to form a code, preferably a bar code, in that with the aid of an adhesive, for example, a thermoplastic adhesive, a two-component adhesive, an adhesive solution or the like, glass beads are applied to the objects in the form of a code, such glass beads having a diameter of 0.01 mm to 1 mm, preferably 0.05 mm to 0.8 mm, particularly 0.08 mm to 0.5 mm, and having a refractive index greater than 1.5, preferably 1.85 to 2.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Oesterrechisches Forschungszentrum Seibersdorf Ges. m.b.H.
    Inventor: Johann Riesing
  • Patent number: 5000806
    Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for applying an elastic strand to disposable diapers. It uses canted, spindle-equipped wheels for engaging an elastic strand, moving the elastic strand into a sinuous configuration and stretching the strand. Stripping belts apply the strand to a diaper component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Paper Converting Machine Company
    Inventors: John R. Merkatoris, James E. Hertel, Dale E. Zeman
  • Patent number: 4991378
    Abstract: The machine includes, arranged in a line, a roller advancement device for intermittently advancing a band of supporting material having an adhesive face, a perforation station bearing a punch for providing a series of evenly spaced perforations on the band of supporting material, an auxiliary band being attached to the band of supporting material to increase the band of supporting material's resistance to deformation, a station with rollers and a linearly actuated blade for feeding and cutting a band of bandage material into segments, a roller advancement device for spacing and coupling the bandage segments onto the adhesive face of the supporting material, a roller advancement device for superimposing band-like protective films onto the adhesive face of the supporting material having the bandage segments attached thereon, thereby forming a composite band, a die-cutting station bearing a cutting element for transversely cutting the composite band in an intermediate position between the bandage segments so as
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Inventor: Giorgio Dotta
  • Patent number: 4987940
    Abstract: A device for applying spaced layers generally transversely across an elongate web which defines a through path for the web including parallel inlet and outlet path portions spaced sideways from each other and a transverse path portion between adjacent terminal and beginning ends of the inlet and outlet path portions. The web is moved lengthwise at a predetermined speed in a first direction along the inlet and outlet path portions, the device periodically moves the portion of the web along the transverse path portion generally edgewise in a direction parallel to the first direction and at about the predetermined speed to essentially stop longitudinal movement of the portion of the web along the transverse path portion; and the device applies a layer of material such as tape generally transversely across the portion of the web along the transverse path portion as it moves tangentially by the periphery of a rotating applicator drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Melvin J. Straub, Edwin Kalash, Douglas A. Swenson
  • Patent number: 4986873
    Abstract: A thin-film coating apparatus for coating a surface of a substrate with a thin film wherein the creation of void spaces can be prevented on the contacting surfaces between the laminated film and the electrically conductive layer formed on a substrate. The apparatus includes wet rollers which are arranged along the substrate conveyace path prior to a tacking position where the thin-films are temporarily tacked to the substrate. The wet rollers deposit a void preventing agent on the substrate so as to provide a secure lamination. So as to insure that the agent will be supplied to the wet rollers, the apparatus includes supply pipes, flexible dams, means for supplying the agent to the supply pipes and a plurality of holes formed in the supply pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Somar Corporation
    Inventor: Fumio Hamamura
  • Patent number: 4986864
    Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing, on an automatic continuous basis, successive album pages of predetermined length and width each of which consists of a base sheet having a reinforcing tape bound thereto in overlapping relation with each edge thereof comprises a series of five stations: a tape preparing station, a sheet loading station, a glue station, a page assembly station and a cut-off station. In operation, one of two tapes has staple-like hinges applied thereto, both tapes are coated on one surface with glue, and both tapes advance to the assembling station to which successive sheets are fed lengthwise from the sheet loading station. In passing through the page assembling station, the tapes are folded and pressed into overlapping adhered relation with the side edges of the sheet to form a web consisting of a series of pages held together by intermediate pieces of the two tapes. The tapes, the successive sheets and the resulting web are drawn through the apparatus by a reciprocating carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Webway Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederick L. Heim, Mark Becker, Craig A. Dullinger, Edward J. Gnifkowski, Roger M. Gohl, John D. Weber
  • Patent number: 4976817
    Abstract: Apparatus for wet laminating a photopolymerizable film onto circuit board panels or other substrates. The apparatus is easily and quickly convertible from dry laminating to wet laminating with the rollers therefor mounted in bearing blocks which are insertable in slots in brackets at each end and removable therefrom. The lower roller thereof has a gear the teeth of which are meshable with the teeth of an idler gear for transmission of rotation power thereto. Elongate tubes for applying a fluid, which comprises between about 0.1 and about 10 wt. % of a heterocyclic metal-chelating agent, to the wet insertion rollers for application thereof to the panels are contained in a yoke which is adjustable next to wet insertion rollers for wet laminating or away from dry insertion rollers for dry laminating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Morton International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose L. Correa, Robert C. Stumpf, Charles L. Farnum, Leo Roos
  • Patent number: 4968378
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying self-adhesive perforated tape to the edge of a sheet has a plate formed with a groove into which a self-adhesive perforated tape is fed from a receptacle at one end of the groove. Stops are provided for aligning the paper which can be pressed against the self-adhesive half of the perforated tape and a cutter can sever the tape along the lateral edge of the sheet so that the length of applied tape is equal to the length of the paper edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme Jowa
    Inventor: Pierre Borel
  • Patent number: 4964937
    Abstract: A thin film adhering apparatus and method in which a thin film whose length corresponds to that of a substrate is adhered to the substrate by applying pressure using a pressure adhering roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Somar Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Seki
  • Patent number: 4961803
    Abstract: An apparatus for laminating a thin film to a base plate is disclosed in which the leading edge of the film is tentatively stuck to the surface of the plate at the leading edge of the plate in a base plate conveyance passage. A pair of pressure sticking rollers are put into contact with the leading edge of the film in a tentative sticking position and then rotated so that the plate is conveyed and the film is completely stuck to the plate. A wet roller unit provided on the passage, upstream of the position, to cause an air bubble preventive agent to cling to the plate. The agent is nearly uniformly fed from the interior of the wet roller unit to the outside surface thereof. The agent remaining on the film stuck to the plate is removed from the film, downstream of the pressure sticking roller unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Assignee: Somar Corporation
    Inventors: Fumio Hamamura, Shigeo Sumi
  • Patent number: 4954207
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling electronic components. The method includes: (a) advancing an elongated support member in a first direction; (b) automatically extracting electronic components from the elongated support member in a second direction while the elongated support member is advancing in the first direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and (c) placing the electronic components on an elongated first tape and applying a second tape to the first tape to fix the electronic components between the tapes. The spacing between the electronic components within the support assembly and the spacing between the electronic components fixed between the tapes may be different. A sensor may be provided to sense the presence or absence of an electronic component within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Higuchi, Mitsuro Hamuro
  • Patent number: 4952264
    Abstract: A process for producing plastic parts, in particular molded plastic articles that are deep-drawn in a shaping contrivance into molded articles from at least one heated plastic foil, with the molded articles then being separated from the molded article assemblage in the separating contrivance and conveyed with the aid of a transport contrivance to successive processing stations such as a printing unit, or a stacking contrivance or the like. The shaping and detaching of the individual molded articles made of the still warm foil are executed directly after one another at one station, with forming taking place first and detaching then following by means of strip steel cutting, while the form still remains in the closed condition. It is also possible, with the aid of this process, to produce molded articles consisting of two superimposed foils with layers of an absorbent material disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: VTM-Verfahrenstechnik AG
    Inventor: Michael Knape
  • Patent number: 4946539
    Abstract: This invention is generally accomplished by providing continuous self-adhesive strands of elastic to a substrate having retractable supports extending therefrom. The retractable supports in a convex pattern are contracted with the self-adhering elastic and the substrate bearing the elastic and supports is brought into contact with the web to which the elastic is to be transferred. The series of supports around which the elastic contacts are forced to retract as the self-adhering elastic is pressed against the web causing the elastic to transfer to the substrate thereby creating an elastic band on the substrate. In a preferred form the substrate is fed two strips of self-adhering elastic that are applied on each side of a series of a convex pattern of pins and then pressed together around opposing sides of the convex pattern of pins to seal the elastic to itself and sever the elastic, creating a contoured closed loop around the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Ales, Jeffrey J. Samida, Donald F. Arthur, Ronald H. Wideman
  • Patent number: 4938821
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for making a diaper having one or more elastic margins. The diaper uses for the entire moisture permeable backing sheet an elastomeric material of the type that is heat unstable and relatively inelastic in its unshrunk form and stable and relatively elastic in its heat shrunk form. Diapers made using one of these materials as a backing sheet can be conventionally assembled. After assembly, the marginal areas, which may be either or both of the transverse and longitudinal margins, may be heated to a sufficient temperature for shrinkage to occur in the backing sheet. This shrinkage will only occur when the backing sheet is unrestrained. The method provides for the maintenance of longitudinal tension in the central portion of an end-to-end assembly of diaper units while relaxing the edge tension on the units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: J. Donald Soderlund, Richard H. Young, E. Peter Lancaster
  • Patent number: 4931127
    Abstract: A labelling system for automatically applying an adhesive label, in sequence, onto a post card carrier strip, which comprises a paper conveying device for sequentially feeding the continuous label carrier strip to a predetermined position of applying the labels, and a label pasting device for applying the labels onto the post cards at that position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Kanzaki Seishi Company
    Inventor: Mitsuo Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 4925515
    Abstract: A method for applying a protective tape on a wafer and cutting it out to the shape of the wafer in the process of manufacture of integrated circuits and the like, and an apparatus for use in carrying out the method. The method enables the protective tape to be applied on the wafer without allowing intersurface inclusion of air bubbles and to be accurately cut along the perimeter of the wafer. Any dimensional change with respect to the wafer can be properly coped with.The protective tape, as drawn out from a winder shaft, is applied by means of an application roller on the wafer which is supported and fixed in position on a transfer table.The tape is cut along an orientation flat of the wafer by a subcutter which is in movement integrally with the application roller. A main cutter positioned above the wafer is then lowered and caused to swivel, whereby the protective tape is cut along a circumferential edge of the wafer so that the tape on the wafer is cut out to the contour of the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignees: Takatori Corporation, Takatori Hitech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Yoshimura, Yasuhiro Oura
  • Patent number: RE33396
    Abstract: A system for the dispensing of literature to objects, such as containers carried by a conveyor, includes a tape for the application of adhesive to literature, and a device for the separation of the literature from the tape to permit the securing of the literature, adhesively, to the containers. A drive mechanism is provided for advancing the tape through successive increments of distance, each incremental distance being equal to the size of one piece of literature. A hopper dipsenses the literature to the tape, one piece at a time. Application of the pieces of literature to the objects is accomplished by a roller or brush. The literature separation device includes a bar having an edge about which the tape is bent to free the literature from the tape as the tape advances around the edge. The adhesive is retained by the literature during the separation from the tape so as to permit the adhesive attachment of the pieces of literature to the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: New Jersey Machine Inc.
    Inventors: Helmut Voltmer, Alfred F. Schwenzer, Edward J. Mazur
  • Patent number: RE33579
    Abstract: A system for the dispensing of literature to objects, such as containers carried by a conveyor, includes a tape for the application of adhesive to literature, and a device for the separation of the literature from the tape to permit the securing of the literature, adhesively, to the containers. A device mechanism is provided for advancing the tape through successive increments of distance, each incremental distance being equal to the size of one piece of literature. A hopper dispenses the literature to the tape, one piece at a time. Application of the pieces of literature to the objects is accomplished by a roller or brush. The literature separation device includes a bar having an edge about which the tape is bent to free the literature from the tape as the tape advances around the edge. The adhesive is retained by the literature during the separation from the tape so as to permit the adhesive attachment of the pieces of literature to the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: New Jersey Machine Inc.
    Inventors: Helmut Voltmer, Alfred F. Schwenzer, Edward J. Mazur