Progressive Continuous Bonding Press (e.g., Roll Couples) Patents (Class 156/555)
  • Patent number: 6699354
    Abstract: The gluing together of flat materials between belt faces (21, 22), facing one another, of belt conveyors (15, 16) arranged over one another is effected usually with the application of heat and pressure. However there are pressure sensitive materials that with the gluing may only be impinged with a slight pressure. Here already the weight of the sagging belt face (21) of the upper belt conveyor may lead to an excessive pressure loading and a permanent deformation of the materials caused by way of this. The invention solves the mentioned problem in that the upper belt face (21) located above the materials to be glued is held up without contact, e.g., by means of suction nozzles or magnets. The sagging of the belt face (21) is alleviated by way of this and an undesirable high pressure loading of the materials to be glued is avoided. By way of the contactless holding-up of the belt face (21) the suction nozzles or magnets do not interfere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Schaetti AG
    Inventors: Peter Schwenk, Wilfried Dreischmeier
  • Publication number: 20040026022
    Abstract: Press roll (10) for a laminating machine for producing a packaging material which comprises a carcass layer (42) consisting of paper or carton, and which carcass layer exhibits crease lines, through holes, openings or slits (43), which carcass layer exhibits, on one of its sides, a barrier layer (23), a plastic lining (31) which is arranged outside the barrier layer, and film (25) of laminant thermoplast which is arranged between the carcass layer and the barrier layer, with the said press roll (10) exhibiting a circular-cylindrical jacket surface having a facing (40) consisting of an elastic material. According to the invention, the said facing (40) comprises sections (44, 44′) in the jacket surface, which sections exhibit local deformation ability in relation to the surrounding facing (40, 44). The invention also relates to a method for producing packaging material and to packaging material which has been produced using this method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Nils Toft
  • Patent number: 6675855
    Abstract: The present application discloses a cartridgeless feed roll assembly package to be used in conjunction with a master processing apparatus for processing a master. The processing assembly is constructed and arranged to perform a master processing operation wherein cooperating structures apply pressure to substrates received therebetween and then subsequently discharge the substrates. The packaged cartridgeless feed roll assembly comprises a feed roll assembly comprising a first feed roll carrying a supply of a first stock material; and a second feed roll carrying a supply of a second stock material. The feed rolls are joined together without the use of a cartridge body structure as a result of the lead end portions of the stock materials being secured together with side edges of the stock materials substantially aligned with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Xyron, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Lemens
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6675854
    Abstract: A master processing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feed rolls each carrying a supply of stock material to be unwound includes a frame including first and second frame portions movably connected for movement relative to one another between open and closed positions. The first frame portion removably mounts the feed rolls. One of a pair of cooperating pressure applying structures is mounted on the first frame portion and the other is mounted on the second frame portion. A guide structure is provided on the first frame portion. When the frame portions are in the open position, mounting the feed rolls causes the guide structure to urge the end portions of the stock materials into a position whereat the cooperating structures automatically engage the end portions therebetween in the pressure applying engagement upon movement of the frame portions to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Xyron, Inc.
    Inventor: Cory W. Worth
  • Patent number: 6676779
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing an air and moisture barrier laminate for sealing the interface between a sill plate and a foundation wall. The resulting laminate includes a compressible spacer material for placement between the top of a foundation wall and the bottom of a sill plate upon construction of a framed structure. Interconnected to a surface of the spacer material is an adhesive layer that may be selectively adhered to the foundation wall's top surface. The adhesive layer is operative to both securely attach the spacer material to the foundation wall to facilitate placement of the sill plate and to seal voids between the spacer material and the foundation wall. In a further embodiment, the laminate contains a second adhesive layer to seal the interface between the side surfaces of the foundation wall and the sill plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Protecto Wrap Company
    Inventors: John R. Hopkins, Max Barajas
  • Publication number: 20040003899
    Abstract: A swing arm assembly includes a swing frame, a laminating roller, and a motor. The swing frame is rotatably mountable to a frame of a card laminator for pivotal movement relative to the frame between open and closed positions. The laminating roller is movably mounted to the swing frame. The motor is mounted to the swing frame and is configured to drive a roller actuator to move the laminating roller relative to the swing frame between a laminating position and a recessed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Fargo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent D. Lien, Ted M. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6672354
    Abstract: A master processing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feed rolls comprises a frame, a master processing assembly, and a gauge assembly. The removable feed rolls carry a supply of stock material to be unwound, at least one of the stock materials having a layer of adhesive provided thereon. The frame removably mounts the feed rolls. The master processing assembly performs a master processing operation wherein the master processing assembly causes adhesive bonding between a master and the stock materials. The gauge assembly has (a) a supply roll monitor operable to continuously monitor an amount of stock material remaining on the feed rolls and (b) a user readable supply level indicator operatively connected to the supply roll monitor. The supply level indicator is operable to continuously indicate to the user the amount of stock material remaining on the feed rolls as the stock materials are being unwound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Xyron, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Lemens, Joseph E. Velasquez, Daniel G. Reed
  • Patent number: 6668893
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for preparing a microporous laminated sheet, which allows a stable breath ability of microporous film to be maintained while making an adhesion of the microporous film excellent. Also, a method of preparing the microporous laminated sheet using the system and a microporous laminated sheet prepared thereby are disclosed. The preparing system includes an adhesive-applying section serving to apply an adhesive in the linear or lattice shape on the microporous film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: UPC Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwang Yeun Hwang
  • Patent number: 6669813
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for laminating a layered structure (1), consisting of at least two plastic strips in sections, comprising successive panels with designs, for producing plastic cards along a conveyor path. Said device comprises heating and cooling devices (8, 9, 10, 11) which are positioned one behind the other and consist of individual compression elements, located on a common support (14), whose temperature can be controlled and which accommodate a whole number of panels and a drive unit which displaces opposing compression belts (2, 3) which can be driven intermittently in a direction of transport and between which the plastic strips can be displaced in sections through the heating and cooling devices. The aim of the invention is to provide a device which permits the production of plastic cards with a higher laminate quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Melzer Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Melzer, Roland Melzer
  • Publication number: 20030234082
    Abstract: A master processing system includes a frame and a cartridge assembly having a cartridge body and first and second feed rolls rotatably mounted to the cartridge body. The first and second feed rolls carry first and second stock materials with at least one of the stock materials having a layer of adhesive disposed thereon. The cartridge body is removably mounted to the frame. A master processing assembly is constructed and arranged such that a master can be inserted into the processing assembly together with the stock materials unwound from their feed rolls and disposed on opposing sides of the master. The processing assembly performs a master processing operation, wherein the processing assembly causes adhesive bonding between the master and the stock materials being fed therein. An ejector mechanism is constructed and arranged to eject the cartridge assembly in an outward direction with respect to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: XYRON, INC.
    Inventors: Heath E. Casaldi, Ronald J. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6666250
    Abstract: A device for pressing the adhesive-glued areas of continuously conveyed, flat objects, preferably the bottoms of flat-laying bags. The device includes two dual belt conveyors running parallel to each other and mounted in a rack, and whose conveyor belts pressed against each other form pressing belts. To be able to quickly and easily adjust the pressing belts to a different position of glued areas to be pressed, at least one dual belt conveyor is mounted on a support or frame that is guided cross-sliding in the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Windmoeller & Holescher
    Inventor: Ulrich Eckelt
  • Patent number: 6659152
    Abstract: A laminator comprises a pair of pressure rolls 2 having a substrate 1 and a film 55 sandwiched therebetween and bearings 3 adapted to rotatably support opposite end portions of the pressure rolls. One end of a lever 7 is attached to a housing of each bearing. The other end of the lever 7 extends in an axial direction of the pressure roll 2 and is located inward of the bearing 3. A pressure-applying apparatus 14 applies force to the other end of the lever 7, and applies pressure through the bearing to the substrate 1 and the film 55 between the pair of pressure rolls 2. Further, the pressure-applying apparatus 14 generates bending moment which tends to cause the pressure rolls 2 to be projected toward each other. A shaft 16 is disposed in spaced parallel relation to the pressure roll 2. Extension arms 17 are formed in the housings of the bearings 3. The extension arms 17 are connected to the shaft 16, to thereby enable the shaft 16 to support the bearings 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Sanei Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiichi Miyake
  • Publication number: 20030211272
    Abstract: A tail for adhering the tailing edge of a first roll of tape that is being fed to an application device to the leading edge of a second roll of tape without stopping the tapes includes a bulge which is located in the tail and has an adhesive coating on each side. A first protective element located on the tail releasably covers the adhesive coating on one side of the bulge and a second protective element located on the other side of the bulge releasably covers the adhesive coating on the other side of the bulge when the tail is wrapped onto a roll base. The leading edge of the second roll of tape is wrapped around the tape from the first roll to form a loose knot and then is threaded through a pair of pincher rollers through which the first roll of tape is fed. Thus, when the bulge passes through the pincher rollers it becomes adhesively attached to the leading edge of the second roll and the knot is tightened around the second roll and a mechanical joint is formed between the tapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Gilles Cyr, John Getz, Mike Liles, Elvin Dalebout
  • Publication number: 20030209331
    Abstract: A master processing apparatus for use with a pair of removable feed rolls each carrying a supply of stock material to be unwound includes a frame including first and second frame portions movably connected for movement relative to one another between open and closed positions. The first frame portion removably mounts the feed rolls. One of a pair of cooperating pressure applying structures is mounted on the first frame portion and the other is mounted on the second frame portion. A guide structure is provided on the first frame portion. When the frame portions are in the open position, mounting the feed rolls causes the guide structure to urge the end portions of the stock materials into a position whereat the cooperating structures automatically engage the end portions therebetween in the pressure applying engagement upon movement of the frame portions to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: XYRON, INC.
    Inventor: Cory W. Worth
  • Publication number: 20030211271
    Abstract: A tail for adhering the tailing edge of a first roll of tape that is being fed to an application device to the leading edge of a second roll of tape without stopping the tapes includes a bulge which is located in the tail and has an adhesive coating on each side. A first protective element located on the tail releasably covers the adhesive coating on one side of the bulge and a second protective element located on the other side of the bulge releasably covers the adhesive coating on the other side of the bulge when the tail is wrapped onto a roll base. The leading edge of the second roll of tape is wrapped around the tape from the first roll to form a loose knot and then is threaded through a pair of pincher rollers through which the first roll of tape is fed. Thus, when the bulge passes through the pincher rollers it becomes adhesively attached to the leading edge of the second roll and the knot is tightened around the second roll and a mechanical joint is formed between the tapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Gilles Cyr, John Getz, Mike Liles, Elvin Dalebout
  • Patent number: 6640866
    Abstract: A laminating method of forming a pre-press proof (200) which comprises the steps of forming a lamination sandwich (210); placing lamination sandwich (210) at the entrance to a laminator (10) such that the lamination sandwich (210) passes through a nip portion (220) formed by a first lamination roller (120) and a second lamination roller (130) and, wherein at least one of the first lamination roller (120) or second lamination roller (130) comprises a substantially solid core (330), a first deformable layer (250) having a 60-80 durometer and surrounding the substantially solid core (330), and a second deformable layer (260) having a 20-60 durometer and surrounding the first deformable layer (250).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Roger S. Kerr, Martin L. Slade
  • Publication number: 20030201070
    Abstract: A folding and sealing apparatus supporting a feed platform for feeding a supply of pre-glued forms to the folding and sealing apparatus. The housing accommodating a first roller, a second roller, a third roller and a fourth roller, and the first and second rollers forming a first nip, the second and third roller forming a second nip and the third and fourth roller forming a third nip. A motor drives at least one of the rollers via a drive mechanism. At least one of the rollers having a resilient portion to accommodate an object mounted on a form, passing through the nips while maintaining appropriate folding and sealing pressure on the supporting form to provide a sufficient sealing pressure to the folded form, as the folded form passes through the nips to facilitate both folding and sealing of the folded form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Wayne R. Lindsay, Brett A. Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20030188832
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for lamination are provided, which are advantageously used in intermittent lamination and fixed-gap lamination, the apparatus comprising first and second laminating rollers defining a laminating gap therebetween and at least one gapping block positioned between the first and second rollers such that the gapping block determines and maintains a minimum gap width. The gapping block comprises a rigid gapping block body, which may be adjustable in width, and four or more load wheels rotatably attached to the gapping block body which ride on a portion of the first and second rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Scott Alan Ripley
  • Publication number: 20030188831
    Abstract: In a lamination system for laminating a film with a heat adhesive layer on at least a surface of a plastic card applying heat and pressure by heat rollers, each of two rectification devices for rectifying warp in the laminated card is provided independently of each other, at the downstream of the heat rollers, respectively along each of sides of the card along card transfer direction. Each of the rectification devices comprises a pair of rotatable rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Naotaka Sasaki, Kenji Sugaya, Shunichi Kawamata, Kensuke Shoji
  • Publication number: 20030183346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing device for using heat to form a weld between a first layer of plastic and a second layer of plastic, provided with heating means for heating the layers of plastic and conveyor means for conveying the layers of plastic past the heating means, and separation means for forming a separating layer between the heating means and the layers of plastic while the latter are being heated, the separation means being displaceable in the direction of movement of the layers of plastic past the heating means. The sealing device according to the invention is characterized in that preheating means are provided for the purpose of preheating the separation means before they are fed to the heating means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Anna Maria Aarts, Marcel Freriks, Johannus Henricus Renkens, Johan Henricus Van De Rijt
  • Patent number: 6626223
    Abstract: A pressure sealer machine is provided for the production of pressure sealed documents, and more specifically nested documents, that uses a number of roller cassettes disposed in side-by-side relation, in parallel to at least one drive roller, for handling forms with inserts. In the preferred embodiment, each cassette is a dual roller cassette to include infeed and outfeed rollers. The cassettes are sized relative to the wheels so that there is a lateral gap between adjacent seal wheels, so that the cassettes produce a seal pattern composed of a series of seal strips having a uniform gap therebetween. Each cassette is spring loaded at its top side and pressure is uniformly applied to the system using a pressure plate to compress all cassette springs simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Moore North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Rebecca L. Parker
  • Patent number: 6627262
    Abstract: A method and device for continuously coating at least a metal strip (1) with a crosslinkable polymer fluid film which is free of non-reactive solvent or diluent, and which has a softening temperature higher than 50° C. The method includes the steps of: continuously unwinding the metal strip (1) on at least a back-up roll (30); forming, by forced flow on an applicator roll (20) having a deformable surface, a layer of the crosslinkable polymer; and forming on the applicator roll (20) the crosslinkable polymer film and transferring the film from the applicator roll onto the metal strip. The device implements this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Sollac
    Inventors: Thierry Soas, Claude Bonnebat, Frédéric Jenny
  • Patent number: 6622767
    Abstract: An improved film sealing and cutting apparatus (10) for use with a shrink-wrap machine that individually wraps articles (219) sequentially with shrink-wrap film material (200) of different possible thickness and composition, especially thick, tough film which would be difficult to seal. The apparatus (10) includes two pairs of selectively heated rollers (97, 98). Overlapping layers (209) of film material wrapped around an article are passed between peripheral surfaces of each roller pair. The first roller pair forms a thermal conditioning pre-seal (208) between opposing surfaces of the overlapping layers by application of heat and pressure along the peripheral surfaces of the first roller pair. The second roller pair then completes the seal and cuts through the opposing surfaces, leaving a margin between a cutting path formed by the peripheral surfaces of the second roller pair and the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Stork Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian R. Stork
  • Patent number: 6620270
    Abstract: An ultrasonic processing method and apparatus (20) can include a rotatable, ultrasonic horn member (28) that is operatively joined to an isolation member (42) which has high rigidity. Additionally, a rotatable anvil member (86) can be cooperatively positioned to provide a selected horn-anvil gap (106) between the anvil member (86) and the horn member (28). A transfer device (110) can be configured to selectively adjust the horn-anvil gap (106), and an automated drive (130) can be operatively connected to the transfer device (110) to selectively modify the horn-anvil gap (106). A force sensor (126) can be configured to detect a gap force at the horn-anvil gap (106), and an electronic processor (128) can be configured to employ an output from the force sensor (126) to monitor the gap force, and provide a drive signal to the automated drive (130) to thereby adjust the horn-anvil gap (106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas David Ehlert, Patrick Sean McNichols, Barton Andrew Laughlin, Harold Norbert Heller, Timothy James Blenke, Tauhid Husain, Paul Gordon Klemp, John Ford Condron
  • Patent number: 6613171
    Abstract: A method and apparatus (20) for ultrasonic bonding or other processing can include a rotatable ultrasonic horn member (28) having a first axial side (30) and a second axial side (32). The first axial side (30) of the horn member (28) can be operatively joined to a first rotatable axle member (34), and the first axle member (34) can be operatively joined to a first isolation member (42). The second axial side (32) of the horn member (28) can be operatively joined to a second rotatable axle member (36), and the second axle member (36) can be operatively joined to a second isolation member (44). The isolation members (42, 44) are capable of bending under a horn-life range of sonic frequencies to provide an operative component of motion along a radial direction (102) of each isolation member (42, 44), and an operative component of motion along an axial direction (100) of each isolation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Sean McNichols, Timothy James Blenke, Thomas David Ehlert, Tauhid Husain, Daniel Edward Wallander, Norman Rudolf Stegelmann
  • Patent number: 6613181
    Abstract: A vacuum-assisted lamination apparatus and methods of using the same to laminate a film to a substrate or two or more continuous webs together are disclosed. The apparatus includes a series of rolls and a partial vacuum source to provide pressure on a film or films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ronald S. Steelman, John R. David
  • Patent number: 6604566
    Abstract: A laminator member for color proofing comprising a belt substrate; and a surface layer, said surface layer comprising: a polyamic-imide organic polymer binder; a fluorinated resin polymer; and a perfluoroalkylsubstituted fluororesin-reactive compound having the formula: where R5 is H or F; Q is OH, SiR6R7R8; R6, R7, and R8 being independently selected from the group consisting of Cl, OH, an alkyl group containing 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group containing 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, an acyloxy group containing 2 to about 4 carbon atoms, and an amino group containing 0 to about 4 carbon atoms; and n is an integer from 1 to about 15; with the proviso that, at least one of R6, R7, and R8 is Cl, OH, or an alkoxy, acyloxy, or amino group; and wherein said surface layer is adhered to said belt substrate by the polyamide-imide polymer binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: NexPress Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Jiann-Hsing Chen, Biao Tan, Joseph A. Pavlisko, Robert A. Lancaster, Craig M. Cody
  • Patent number: 6602376
    Abstract: A multi-purpose laminating and adhesive transfer apparatus having a frame supporting rotatably engaging nip rollers. A replaceable cartridge is insertable into the frame and has upper and lower feed rolls which may be a laminate, film or paper, or an adhesively coated film or a film having an affinity for adhesive. The upper and lower feed rolls containing the webs of laminating or adhesive transfer material have tensioning caps which can be adjusted to provide the proper tensioning to prevent the rollers from overrunning as they rotate. Tensioning caps and the cartridges are pre-set and provided to the user. A cutter blade is positioned at the discharge side of the nip rollers and may be actuated to sever the master at any desired location. The apparatus may be operated to apply lamination to either top or bottom surfaces of a substrate or an adhesive to the top or bottom surface of the substrate or to both surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Xyron Inc.
    Inventor: Franklin C. Bradshaw
  • Publication number: 20030121612
    Abstract: An overcoat application apparatus is used to transfer an overcoat material from a donor support to a printed media. The overcoat application apparatus in this case includes a laminate cartridge, a donor supply reel, a donor guide bar, a heated fuser roller, a pressure roller, a peel bar, and a take-up reel. The donor supply reel provides a continuous source of donor plus overcoat material. The donor guide bar guides printed media and the donor plus overcoat into a nip created by forcing the heated fuser roller and pressure roller together. The heated fuser roller is used to transport the printed media and donor through the nip and apply heat to the donor and printed media. The pressure roller is used to apply pressure to the fuser roller in order to produce the mechanical nip. The nip plus the heat causes the overcoat material on the donor to be transferred to the printed media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Kerry Neal McKay, Robert John Rosati, Scott Matthew Dennis
  • Publication number: 20030116265
    Abstract: Steered vacuum-assisted laminating apparatus and methods of using the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a vacuum-assisted laminator for applying large format films to substrates where lamination pressure is generated at least partially by a vacuum drawn in a vacuum cavity. The apparatus also includes a steering system to control the vertical position the laminator and a vehicle to move the laminator along the substrate in a desired direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Conrad V. Anderson, Brett A. Behnke, John R. David, Anne M. DePalma, Ronald S. Steelman
  • Patent number: 6581663
    Abstract: A weld wheel assembly for disposition on a membrane welding machine, and for positioning a weld wheel adjacent a nozzle hot air outlet for pressing an overlying roof membrane heated by the nozzle against an underlying roof membrane heated by the nozzle, for welding the membranes together. The assembly includes a weld wheel rotatably mounted on an axle which is moveable toward and away from the membranes, and pressure exerting structure mounted on the machine and operable to bias the axle toward the membranes during operation of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Sarnafil, Inc.
    Inventors: James Rubenacker, Brian Whelan, Paul Peterson, Claus Pfotenhauer
  • Patent number: 6578617
    Abstract: An embossing and laminating device which includes a pair of embossing cylinders having tips arranged symmetrically on the two cylinders; a pair of pressure rollers, each of which works in conjunction with one of the embossing cylinders; a glue applicator associated with one of the two embossing cylinders; and a laminating roller positioned downstream of the nip between the embossing cylinders and working in conjunction with the embossing cylinder which is associated with the glue applicator. The embossing cylinder associated with the laminating roller has a diameter greater than that of the other embossing cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Fabio Perini, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Guglielmo Biagiotti
  • Patent number: 6578618
    Abstract: A laminate apparatus having a laminate target supply unit that supplies a laminate target along a supply path, a sheet supply unit in which a pair of upper and lower sheets being wound in roll shape are detachably mounted, the sheet supply unit supplying a pair of sheets to laminate the laminate target, a laminate processor, a laminate processor that laminates the laminate target supplied with the pair of sheets when the laminate target is sandwiched between the pair of sheets and then feeds the laminated product outwardly. The laminate processor includes a pair of upper and lower pinch rollers disposed in the laminating processor, a pair of upper and lower sheet guide portions disposed between the pinch rollers and the sides of the sheets drawn from the pair of sheet rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Ito, Nobuo Kato, Masaru Moriguchi, Motohito Muraki
  • Publication number: 20030098123
    Abstract: The present application discloses a substrate processing apparatus having a pair of pressed together supply rolls for applying pressure to perform the processing operation. The present application also discloses a method for processing a substrate wherein a pair of supply rolls are pressed together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: XYRON, INC.
    Inventor: David D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20030098130
    Abstract: A device for laminating at least one substrate to an adhesive-coated substrate for forming a laminate, in which the adhesive-coated substrate is supplied to a laminating point formed between a driven roller and a laminating roller, the substrate being supplied by means of the laminating roller to the substrate provided with adhesive and bonded with this substrate in a laminating point; and to a device for coating a layer on a substrate for the production of a coated length of material; the laminate formed from the substrates, or the coated length of material, being guided directly after the laminating point at least over a few angular degrees along the laminating roller; and the laminating roller being constituted as a temperature-adjustable roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Waldemar Kiener, Johann Rein
  • Patent number: 6562165
    Abstract: Methods for forming a thermoplastic film with an attached closure strip are disclosed. The thermoplastic film can then be used to produce zippered reclosable plastic bags. The methods include providing a thermoplastic film web having a sealing surface and providing a closure strip having a binding surface, both being maintained in a non-melted condition at room temperature. A heated thermoplastic binder layer is then extruded and positioned between the sealing surface of the film web and the binding surface of the closure strip very quickly after extrusion. The hot freshly extruded binder layer transfers enough heat to the closure strip and to the film web to melt the binding surface of the closure strip and sealing surface of the film web. Pressure is then applied to the film web and the closure strip to seal the closure strip to the film web. An apparatus for practicing the method at high speed is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl W. Bauman, James C Pawloski
  • Patent number: 6561248
    Abstract: A lamination system of the present invention comprises; a film transfer means for transferring a continuous film, a cutting means for cutting the film, a card transfer means for transferring an ID card, a thermocompression bonding means for laminating the film to the ID card, a card straightening means straightening the ID card bent during the thermocompression bonding, in which a spring up suppression means for suppressing a spring up of a trailing edge of the ID card leaving the thermocompression bonding means is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Japan Servo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naotaka Sasaki, Kenji Sugaya, Misao Ichikawa, Kensuke Shoji
  • Patent number: 6557606
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and a method for inserting a security and/or identification element between two layers of a marking strip for items of baggage, the two layers being an overlayer and a substrate joined together at least in sub-sections by way of an adhesive layer which adheres to the overlayer when the substrate is delaminated. The marking strips are manufactured with integrated security/identification elements at low cost. The marking strips are available in web form and are guided in a running direction past a vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Meto International GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Duschek
  • Patent number: 6554044
    Abstract: A reverse image printer that has a backing web carrying a laminate layer upon which a reverse image is printed. The laminate layer is laminated onto a card. The backing web carrying the transfer layer is separated from the laminate layer after the laminate layer and card have been laminated together using a peel-off assembly that guides the backing web at a selected desired separation angle relative to the plane of movement of the card and the laminate layer after lamination. The peel-off assembly uses two guide members to maintain the desired separation angle regardless of changes in diameter of a take-up roller used for the backing web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Fargo Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley A. Paulson, Brent D. Lien, Ted M. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20030075262
    Abstract: A device for applying a spot embossing pattern to a web of multi-ply tissue paper being processed in a paper converting machine comprises a marrying roll and a spot embossing unit cooperating and being positioned against the marrying roll. the spot embossing unit comprises a spot embossing roll with a raised embossing pattern on its circumferential surface. The at least two plies of tissue web are combined with a marrying roll and pass between the marrying roll and the spot embossing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Ferdinand Hein, Harald Harlacher, Joachim Leonhardt
  • Patent number: 6550516
    Abstract: A laminating apparatus is provided in which the distance between a pair of paper feed rollers and a pair of pinch rollers is adjusted according to the size of the paper or item being laminated and the diameter of sheet rolls between which the paper or item is laminated. The adjustment is synchronized so that the paper sizes and sheet roll diameters are accounted for at once according to the insertion of a detachable housing providing a cassette accommodating different paper sizes. A depression portion on the housing permits the paper feed rollers to adjust to or from the pinch rollers when the selected housing is inserted to the laminating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaru Moriguchi, Motohito Muraki
  • Patent number: 6546987
    Abstract: A method for sealing sheets, the method comprising the steps of passing the sheets through a space between an opposing roller and a first seal roller that is opposingly provided to the opposing roller to seal the sheets and passing the sheets through a space between the opposing roller and a second seal roller that is opposingly provided to the opposing roller to seal the sheets. A heat sealing apparatus comprising a plurality of seal rollers having a plurality of seal blades and an opposing roller oppposingly provided to the plurality of sea rollers, wherein sheets are passed through spaces between the plurality of seal rollers and the opposing roller to be sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Zuiko Corporation
    Inventors: Ikuo Tachibana, Kiyofumi Inoue
  • Patent number: 6547903
    Abstract: An ultrasonic processing method and apparatus (20) can include a rotatable, ultrasonic horn member (28) that is operatively joined to an isolation member (42) which has high rigidity. A rotatable anvil member (86) can be cooperatively positioned to provide a selected horn-anvil gap (106), and an automated drive (130) can be connected to an actuator (110), or other transfer device, to automatically adjust the horn-anvil gap (106). An electronic processor (128) can be configured to monitor an intermittent gap force detected from an output provided by a force sensor (126), and can provide a drive signal to the automated drive (130) to thereby adjust the horn-anvil gap (106) to operatively maintain a target, gap force value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Sean McNichols, Thomas David Ehlert, Timothy James Blenke, Tauhid Husain, Barton Andrew Laughlin, Paul Gordon Klemp, John Ford Condron, Harold Norbert Heller
  • Patent number: 6546986
    Abstract: A panel forming method and apparatus used compressed fibrous material such as straw, hay and the like. The fibrous material from bales is debailled by debailler rollers and passed to straw walkers. The straw walkers move the material to crop shredders which deposit the shredded fiber on a conveyor. A leveller roller smooths the mat on the conveyor which mat moves to a picker roller. The picker roller moves the crop into a chute and a compression cavity where the material is severed and compressed by a reciprocating ram. The severed and compressed material has glued paper applied to its upper and lower surfaces and thereafter moves between heated platens for curing the glue. The severed and compressed material now forming a longitudinal panel is pulled by puller rollers and subsequently severed into panels of a desired length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Enviro Board Corporation
    Inventors: Monty Raymond Waggoner, Delano Halder Fehr
  • Patent number: 6539997
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive transfer device comprising a frame and first and second cooperating structures each having a substrate engaging surface, the first cooperating structure being a nip roller rotatably mounted to the frame. The selected substrate and the adhesive carrying substrate can be advanced between the cooperating structures with the substrate engaging surfaces thereof cooperating to apply pressure to the substrates. This causes the first portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to adhere to the selected substrate and the second portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to adhere to a pick-up portion of the substrate engaging surface of the nip roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Xyron, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Lemens
  • Patent number: 6540854
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for effecting ultrasonic bonds in sequentially advancing workpiece segments, in a nip defined by a rotary ultrasonic horn and rotary anvil roll. The ultrasonic bonding apparatus comprises support structure comprising anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus. A closed loop control apparatus is connected to one or both of the anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus. The closed loop control apparatus comprises a programmable logic controller, a load cell, and an adjustor. Information output from the load cell triggers the closed loop control apparatus through the programmable logic computer and the adjustor to move one or both of the anvil support apparatus and horn support apparatus toward or away from the other in dynamic response to the information output from the load cell, thereby regulating pressure in the nip with ongoing real-time adjustments to distance between the anvil support apparatus and the horn support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Lee Couillard, Michael Lee Lohoff, Scott Gerald Chapple
  • Patent number: 6537403
    Abstract: A ultrasonic processing method and apparatus (20), can include a rotatable, ultrasonic horn member (28) operatively joined to a first isolation member (42) and a second isolation member (44). In a particular aspect, the first and second isolation members (42, 44) can exhibit high rigidity. A rotatable anvil member (86) can be cooperatively positioned to provide a selected horn-anvil gap (106), and the anvil member (86) can be located in a horizontally offset and vertically overlapping arrangement relative to the horn member (28). An actuator (110) or other transfer device can selectively adjust the horn-anvil gap (106). Additionally, an ultrasonic exciter (82) can connect to the horn member (28), and can provide an operative amount of ultrasonic energy to the horn member (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy James Blenke, Patrick Sean McNichols, Thomas David Ehlert, Tauhid Husain
  • Patent number: 6537401
    Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for creating ultrasonic bonds in sequentially advancing absorbent article workpiece segments, in a bonding nip. The ultrasonic bonding apparatus comprises a frame, anvil support apparatus, horn support apparatus, closure apparatus, a load cell support member, and a load cell. The ultrasonic horn and the anvil roll collectively are mounted and configured such that the ultrasonic horn and the anvil roll can be brought together, via the closure apparatus, to define the nip therebetween. The load cell is mounted to the load cell support member such that force representative of force exerted on the anvil roll at the nip is detected by the load cell. In preferred embodiments, the invention includes outputting information from the load cell and adjusting force in the nip in response to the information received from the load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Lee Couillard, Kent William Abel, Joseph Daniel Coenen, Michael Lee Lohoff, Robin Kurt Nason, Dan James Sorensen
  • Publication number: 20030041953
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a thermally bonded nonwoven web and a process for producing such a web wherein there is provided a patterned embossing roll mounted for contacting the nonwoven web. The patterned embossing roll has an outer surface including a multiplicity of individual raised calender lands which are spaced apart from one another by intervening depressions, the raised calender lands being present at a concentration of 40 to 500 lands per square inch and forming from 4 to 40 percent of the surface area of the embossing roll, and the roll having a hard tie coating adhered to the surface of said roll core and overlying at least said depressions, and a fluoropolymer surface coating adhered to said tie coat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: BBA Nonwovens Simpsonville, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory W. Farell, Jay Darrell Gillespie