Work Traversing Type And/or Means Applying Work To Wall Or Static Structure Patents (Class 156/574)
  • Patent number: 11472133
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fibrous tubular structure including lobes, in which fibers are draped/deposited on a mandrel having a shape corresponding to that of the fibrous structure, includes draping/deposition carried out such that at least one group of fibers has a same orientation with respect to the axis (A) of said fibrous structure, then, the fibers having been draped over an angular sector less than the total periphery of the mandrel, one of the ends of the fibrous structure is separated from the mandrel in order to allow the continuation of the draping on the same mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Safran Nacelles
    Inventors: Bertrand Desjoyeaux, Davi Silva De Vasconcellos, Benjamin Provost
  • Patent number: 11318728
    Abstract: This disclosure relates a screen protector applicator that comprises a tray and two guide insert pins. The tray comprises a frame with an accommodating groove for accommodating a device, the frame includes two oppositely arranged long sides and two oppositely arranged short sides, surrounding the accommodating groove. Each guide insert pin comprises a connecting plate and a guide protrusion, wherein the connecting plate is slidably connected to the frame, the guide protrusion comprises a first protrusion, the first protrusion is fixedly connected to the connecting plate, the first protrusion is provided with a first inclined surface, the first inclined surface faces away from the accommodating groove, and the first inclined surface is inclined in a downward direction. With the above arrangement, two ends of a screen protector each can be gradually flatly attached to the device by pulling away the two guide insert pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: Ping Zhang
  • Patent number: 11148373
    Abstract: A manufacturing system for laying up a stringer laminate includes a lamination surface and a plurality of lamination heads including a frame filler outer ply lamination head for laying up (e.g., laminating) frame filler bottom ply at a plurality of frame filler locations. Also included is at least one frame filler inner ply lamination head for laying up one or more frame filler inner plies over a protruding portion of the frame filler bottom ply at each frame filler location. Further included is at least one stringer body lamination head laying up one or more stringer body plies defining a stringer body portion extending along the lamination surface. A frame filler outer ply lamination head is configured to lay up a frame filler top ply at each frame filler location such that the frame filler inner plies are captured between a frame filler bottom ply and a frame filler top ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Samuel J. Knutson, Raviendra S. Suriyaarachchi, Carla G. Smith, Luis F. Velasquez
  • Patent number: 10967462
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system and method for forming a part of dissimilar materials. The additive manufacturing system may include a build platform, a recoater for dispensing build powder onto the build platform, an energy source, a foil feed assembly, and a controller for controlling actuation of these components. The method of forming the part may include the steps of depositing a layer of build powder onto the build platform surface, melting selected portions of the layer of build powder, applying a sheet of foil over the layer of build powder, melting selected portions of the sheet of foil onto the layer of build powder, removing the sheet of foil from the layer of build powder, and then lowering the build platform surface to prepare for deposition of a next layer of the build powder. These steps are then repeated one or more times, thereby forming the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas Green
  • Patent number: 10919216
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system and method for forming a part of dissimilar materials. The additive manufacturing system may include a build platform, a recoater for dispensing build powder onto the build platform, an energy source, a foil feed assembly, and a controller for controlling actuation of these components. The method of forming the part may include the steps of depositing a layer of build powder onto the build platform surface, melting selected portions of the layer of build powder, applying a sheet of foil over the layer of build powder, melting selected portions of the sheet of foil onto the layer of build powder, removing the sheet of foil from the layer of build powder, and then lowering the build platform surface to prepare for deposition of a next layer of the build powder. These steps are then repeated one or more times, thereby forming the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas Green
  • Patent number: 10789440
    Abstract: A process of providing user information for a mechanical hand labeler to instruct the user on proper use of the device and how to reorder consumables is disclosed. The mechanical hand labeler would comprise a Quick Response (QR) code that is embedded with Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) for different functions. The embedded URLs in the QR code are read via a smart phone. The smart phone reads the QR code and launches the appropriate website. Specifically, the QR code is placed on an outside of the mechanical hand labeler for providing instructions on loading supplies into the mechanical hand labeler; and the QR code is placed on an inside of the mechanical hand labeler for providing instructions on reordering supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Retail Information Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jeanne Duckett, Tiffany Howe, David Liebrecht
  • Patent number: 10688712
    Abstract: An applicator is provided for applying protective films to electronic device displays. The applicator includes a base, a screen protector, and a squeegee. The base includes a pocket for receiving an electronic device. The screen protector is affixed to the base so as to overlie an electronic device. The screen protector preferably includes three layers including a protective film, cap sheet, and back liner. The squeegee is provided for removing the back liner and for simultaneously affixing the protective film to an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Alpha Comm Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Mason, Brandon Lambertson
  • Patent number: 10661502
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system and method for forming a part of dissimilar materials. The additive manufacturing system may include a build platform, a recoater for dispensing build powder onto the build platform, an energy source, a foil feed assembly, and a controller for controlling actuation of these components. The method of forming the part may include the steps of depositing a layer of build powder onto the build platform surface, melting selected portions of the layer of build powder, applying a sheet of foil over the layer of build powder, melting selected portions of the sheet of foil onto the layer of build powder, removing the sheet of foil from the layer of build powder, and then lowering the build platform surface to prepare for deposition of a next layer of the build powder. These steps are then repeated one or more times, thereby forming the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas Green
  • Patent number: 10628936
    Abstract: An individual identifier extraction device includes: an imaging part configured to obtain an image by imaging a label which is attached to an object and includes a random pattern and an alignment reference portion; and an extraction part configured to acquire, from the image obtained by imaging, an image of an area determined with reference to the alignment reference portion on the label, and extract a feature quantity of the random pattern as an individual identifier of the object from the image of the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rui Ishiyama, Toru Takahashi, Yuta Kudo
  • Patent number: 10449752
    Abstract: A screen film applicator includes a seat, a positioning member, and a first mechanism, the latter two of which are disposed on the seat. The seat has a track and a positioning portion arranged beside the track. The positioning member is movable with respect to the positioning portion for clamping a communication device. The first mechanism includes a top fixing member disposed on the seat, a moving carriage movable along the track, a bottom fixing member synchronously movable with the moving carriage, and a roller movable with the moving carriage. The top and the bottom fixing members are configured to respectively fix a top releasing film and a bottom releasing film respectively adhered on two opposite sides of a soft screen film. When the moving carriage is moved away from the top fixing member, the roller can gradually press the soft screen film onto the communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventor: Chia-Ching Lin
  • Patent number: 10279563
    Abstract: A sash garnish press for affixing a door garnish that includes an adhesive to a vertical sash of a vehicle door is disclosed. The sash garnish press includes a press head and a support head that are positioned on opposite sides of a vertical sash and door garnish of a vehicle door. The press head includes at least one compression actuator that applies compression to the door garnish, thereby compressing the adhesive between the door garnish and the vertical sash, resulting in the attachment of the door garnish to the vertical sash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jack D. Lay, Ian William Meathrel, Michael Phillip Schnee
  • Patent number: 9364872
    Abstract: An applicator, related applicator system, and a method for delivering a self-adhesive material are provided. The applicator includes an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface of the applicator defines a void that is operable to receive the self-adhesive material. At least a portion of the inner surface releasably adhere the applicator side of the self-adhesive material where the adhesive force between the portion of the inner surface and the applicator side being less than adhesive force between the substrate and the substrate side. The applicator is used by placing the applicator in contact with a substrate, pressing the applicator against the substrate such that the self-adhesive material adheres to the substrate, and releasing the applicator from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Soller, William J. Rice, Cory J. Nelson, Michael E. Klinkhammer
  • Patent number: 9309079
    Abstract: A bottom tape applicator that facilitates changing of large diameter tape rolls is provided that is composed of a stationary frame mounted in the machine and through which a full roll of tape may be passed and that mounts a detachable unit that is replaced to replace the tape roll and a base unit movable between an open position and an operative position. The base unit combines with the detachable unit mounted in operative position in the stationary frame to form an operative tape applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: LAMUS ENTERPRISES INC.
    Inventor: Joe Augustine S. T. Lam
  • Patent number: 9308692
    Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a material delivery structure, a roller, a first guide, and a second guide. The material delivery structure may be configured to receive a plurality of lengths of material. The roller may be configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to the material delivery structure. The first guide may be on a first side of the material delivery structure. The first guide may be configured to guide a first number of lengths of material in the plurality of lengths of material to the roller. The second guide may be on a second side of the material delivery structure. The second guide may be configured to guide a second number of lengths of material in the plurality of lengths of material to the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Samuel Francis Pedigo, Perry Thomas Horst, Brice Aaron Johnson
  • Patent number: 9149949
    Abstract: There is disclosed a cutting mechanism 22 for severing elongate fiber reinforcement material 14 in composite material lay-up equipment 10, the cutting mechanism 22 comprising a cutting element 60 and a counteracting element 76 which cooperate to sever fiber reinforcement material 14 extending through the nip between them, the cutting element 60 being mounted on an elongate arm 44 which is pivotable about a pivot axis A spaced from the nip, to displace the cutting element 60 relatively to the counteracting element 76 to perform a cutting stroke, the mechanism 22 further comprising guide means 52 arranged to guide the fiber reinforcement material 14 through the nip in a feed direction transverse to the pivot axis A, and an actuation device 84 for driving the elongate arm 44 in a cutting stroke, the actuation device 84 acting on the elongate arm 44 at a position away from the cutting element 60. There is also provided composite material lay-up equipment 10 comprising the cutting mechanism 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Composite Technology & Applications Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Dale Johnson, Ralph Douglas Cope, John Anthony Kukon, Michael James Case, James Tingle
  • Patent number: 9126368
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a foil applicator, such as a spatula (1), for applying foil, in particular self-adhesive foil, to a surface, for instance the bodywork of a car. It is the object according to the present invention to provide an improved foil applicator. For this purpose the handgrip (2) is elongate and the pressing edge (5) lies at an angle relative to the handgrip. The foil applicator further comprises at least one hook (7, 8). Using the hook adhered foil can be pulled back, for instance out of or from edges, seams and transitions, in the event air bubbles have been included in the foil, without having to pick up another tool, which would take some time and during which time the foil could adhere more fixedly to the surface and the foil could be damaged even more when—after another tool has been picked up—it must then be released at or from the edges, seams and transitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: MUHLENBRUCH BEHEER B.V.
    Inventor: Ferdinand Mülenbruch
  • Patent number: 9022088
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reinforcing an existing pipeline. In some embodiments, the methods include positioning a pipeline wrapping apparatus on the existing pipeline, wherein the pipeline wrapping apparatus comprises a winding head, feeding a strip of material through the winding head, attaching an end of the strip of material to the existing pipeline, and helically wrapping the strip around the existing pipeline by rotating the winding head and axially translating the winding head relative to the existing pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Pipestream B.V.
    Inventors: Nicholas John Venero, Andrew Thomas Merriman, Raymond Nicholas Burke, Timothy Bond, David Miles, Robert Conder
  • Patent number: 9010397
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hand tools, and more specifically, to a hand operated application tool for the application of vinyl film materials. The application tool includes a head portion having an elongated relatively thin blade member constructed from a substantially rigid material. A strengthening rib is formed along a top edge of the blade portion allowing the lower portion of the blade member to be formed thinner than would be possible without the rib while still maintaining a substantially rigid tool. A handle member may be attached to the rib portion of the blade member to allow for one handed operation of a blade having an elongated working surface. A layer of padding material is preferably attached along the working surface of the blade member to compensate for slightly uneven surfaces while applying even pressure across the entire working surface of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Timothy E. Kirkland
  • Patent number: 9004130
    Abstract: A portable, handheld, light-weight device for sealing seams between adjacent sheets of flooring in which a seam following guide is incorporated as an inseparable part of the body of the handheld device. The guide has a pair of laterally separated rollers carried by a roller mounting that has a narrow, seam following element located midway between the rollers. A support on the body may be extended to hold a sealant dispensing tip out of contact with the adjacent sheets of flooring, or collapsed to allow the tip to contact the adjacent sheets of flooring that are to be sealed together with sealant therebetween. An electrically powered propulsion system drives the rollers and is operable to automatically advance the device along a seam as sealant is discharged into it. Alternatively, the device can be manipulated manually with the propulsion system disabled for use in detail work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Leo Martinez
  • Patent number: 8997818
    Abstract: A device for fabricating a composite structure comprises a multi-axis positioner and an attached end effector comprising an integrated head and creel. The head has a clamp, cut and restart mechanism and a compaction roller with a rotary axis. The creel has a prismatic shape with a coupling device on the top of the creel for attachment to the multi axis positioner and a centerline which passes through the center of the creel and intersects the axis of rotation of the compaction roller. A composite placement head is attached to the bottom of the creel. A plurality of composite material supply spools are mounted on the sides of the creel and face outward from the creel. A plurality of rollers are mounted on the outside surface of the creel for directing the composite material from the supply spools to the fiber placement head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Milo M. Vaniglia, James S. Ritchie, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8978731
    Abstract: A stationery tool has a body, a pushbutton, a working element, and a push-proof device. The pushbutton is pushably and rotatably mounted on an end of the body. The working element is mounted in the body and is connected to and driven by the pushbutton. The push-proof device is mounted between the body and the pushbutton and has a blocking protrusion and a blocking segment. The blocking protrusion is disposed on the pushbutton. The blocking segment is disposed on the body, selectively abuts the blocking protrusion and has a passage defined in the blocking segment to allow the blocking protrusion to pass the blocking segment. Accordingly, a push-proof capability is provided to the pushbutton to prevent the working element from extending out of the body unintentionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: SDI Corporation
    Inventor: Chien-Lung Wu
  • Patent number: 8967219
    Abstract: A spacer applicator assembly includes tooling having a plurality of spacer retention devices. Each of the spacer retention devices is movable in a first direction. An actuator is coupled to the spacer applicator tooling. The actuator is adapted to rotate the spacer applicator tooling about an axis. The spacer applicator tooling is adapted to move in a direction that is generally parallel to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Guardian IG, LLC
    Inventors: Raimo T. Nieminen, Eric B. Rapp
  • Patent number: 8955573
    Abstract: The present invention resides in an apparatus for use with a plaster taping device, the apparatus comprising a base for removably attaching the apparatus to the plaster taping device and a frame having a first end coupled to the base and a second end for supporting a wheel member rotatably connected thereto, wherein the wheel member facilitates application of a tape material along an internal corner joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventors: Eamonn Oliver Owens, Daniel Luke Owens
  • Patent number: 8944129
    Abstract: A diaper manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention includes: an oscillating mechanism disposed on a top-sheet continuous body while oscillating leg gathers; an outer holding mechanism holding the leg gathers disposed in a predetermined waveform by the oscillating mechanism; and a cutting mechanism having a blade section cutting the leg gathers held by the outer holding mechanism. The outer holding mechanism holds, out of a region formed in a predetermined waveform, an outer end region OT which includes an outer end of the leg gathers and on which an adhesive is not applied. The blade section is disposed inside, relative to a crossing direction, the outer end region OT held by the outer holding mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Unicharm Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8925611
    Abstract: An adhesive tape dispenser is provided that includes a lower housing (200) that includes a pivot post (212) substantially perpendicular to a back wall of the lower housing, a back plate (230) assembly that includes a push button (244) assembly, a tape unwind spool (234), a lower pin (236), an upper pin (238), and a wedge (240) that is slideably engaged with the lower housing, and a blade assembly unit (260) that includes a cutter arm (262). The cutter arm includes a cutting blade (264) and a semi-tubular opening (270) that slideably engages the pivot post (212) of the lower housing. The cutter arm also includes an outer edge that guides along the wedge and lifts the forward end of the cutter arm (that includes the cutting blade) when the back plate assembly is urged forward by pressing the push button assembly forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joel K. Hagglund, Gerald E. Mueller, Joy A. Packard, Arthur V. Lang, Jia Hu
  • Patent number: 8919409
    Abstract: A fiber placement machine has a fiber placement head and a K-axis housing that is supplied with fiber tow from a creel. The fiber placement head is mounted on the front of the K-axis housing. The fiber placement head has a compaction roller and a cut, clamp, and restart mechanism positioned adjacent to the compaction roller that receives fiber tow from the K-axis housing. A separable coupling connects the fiber placement head to the K-axis housing, whereby the fiber placement head may be disconnected from the K-axis housing for docking purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Fives Machining Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Borgmann
  • Patent number: 8919410
    Abstract: A fiber placement system for producing small sized flat laminates having a length and width that extends in the X and Y axes, and a constant height measured in the Z-axis includes a fixed creel for delivering fiber used by the system, and a fixed bracket attached to the creel. A fiber placement head is supported by the fixed bracket and a movable table for supporting a tool is positioned under the fiber placement head. The fiber placement head is fixed in the X, Y, and Z-axis during the application of fiber to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Fives Machining Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall A. Kappesser, Michael A. Noel, Richard A. Curless, Daniel D. Janka
  • Patent number: 8915284
    Abstract: A method of applying a strip to a surface is disclosed. The strip is laid out spaced apart from a path guide. The path guide is referenced with least two longitudinally spaced apart reference guides to guide an applicator transversely spaced from the reference guides over the strip. The strip is lifted upstream of the applicator with a strip guide longitudinally spaced from the applicator to space the strip from the surface. Heat is applied to at least one of the strip or the surface in a location longitudinally between the applicator and the strip guide. The applicator is moved along the strip to apply pressure to the strip against the surface to bond the strip to the surface. A related apparatus for applying a strip to a surface is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Duro-Last, Inc
    Inventors: Gregory A. Korf, Keith Gere
  • Patent number: 8905107
    Abstract: Devices, methods and systems disclosed herein relate to the application of a protective film on a surface of an electronic device instantly reducing air bubbles and eliminating the waiting time usually required when using a wet fluid solution. In one embodiment, a roller device may include a carriage or housing and one or more rollers coupled or integrated with the housing, configured to apply a protective material to a surface of the electronic device in a first orientation, and configured to function as a device stand in a second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Superior Communications
    Inventors: Shraddha Patel, Charlie LaColla, Thai Dinh
  • Patent number: 8893758
    Abstract: The invention concerns a pressure application roller unit 2 for the laying down of fiber strips 80 on a surface 82, with a pressure application roller 7 mounted in a mounting unit 35 such that it can rotate about a shaft 10. In accordance with the invention the pressure application roller 7 is subdivided into a multiplicity of roller segments 4, 6 arranged next to one another, which in each case are mounted in the mounting unit 35 such that they can be displaced. As a consequence of this configuration an optimal adaptability of the pressure application roller unit 2 to a surface 82 of a molding tool 84 that is curved in one or two dimensions is provided. By this means the pressure application roller unit 2 can be guided by means of a robot arm 102, even over molding tool surfaces that are more highly spherically curved in some sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Marcel Genssen
  • Patent number: 8875769
    Abstract: An apparatus for an adhesive tape dispenser/applicator is disclosed. The adhesive tape dispenser/applicator includes an ergonomically shaped housing and tape applicator/cutter assembly that permits one-handed dispensing of pressure sensitive adhesive tape from a roll while simultaneously applying the tape to a substrate. The adhesive tape dispenser/applicator allows all operations to be performed single-handedly, and without the user ever having to directly touch the tape. In addition, there is no need to pre-measure or estimate the length of tape needed as the desired length of tape is dispensed as it is being applied to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Cory Lee Dean Walker
  • Patent number: 8839838
    Abstract: This Dispenser having a cutter plate, which is flexibly mounted on a Tape roll, helps in peeling the Tape and is able to cut it by serration provided at the other end. There is an open space, in between the rod and cutter plate, so that Tape can be drawn over from both sides of the dispenser, to cut it by serrations present at the other end. On the cutter plate of the Dispenser, there is a notch and a hole is provided, so that, the cut end of the tape which sticks on the plate, can be easily removed for the next operation. This cutter plate assembly being flexibly attached on a Tape roll, by means of two 0 rings, can swivel like a hinge, so that Tape can be cut at any desired and from a suitable angle. A double cutter is provided to hold a firm grip on the tape, to cut it easily, besides, to protects from injury also.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Dattatrya Purushottam Parkhe
  • Patent number: 8839837
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securing an optical cable unit to one or more surfaces. The optical cable unit includes a length of adhesive tape and a length of optical cable. The apparatus includes a housing having an outlet and an adjustable securing portion disposed adjacent the outlet. The adjustable securing portion has first and second surface portions configured to adjust between first and second positions. The surface portions form a first angle therebetween in the first position and a second angle therebetween in the second position. The adjustable securing portion may be selectively attachable to the housing. A system is provided and can include a housing and at least two adjustable securing portions. Also provided is a separate adjustable securing portion adapted for use with an apparatus, and a method of applying an optical cable unit to one or more surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Go!Foton Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Takeuchi, Haiguang Lu
  • Patent number: 8826961
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a finisher system for finishing joints, seams or gaps in wallboard. According to an example embodiment, the finisher system comprises a finisher for dispensing mastic onto wallboard and an adapter configured for pivotally connecting the finisher to a handle. The finisher and adapter are cooperatively configured to substantially prevent sliding motion of the finisher relative to the adapter, and to ensure appropriate registration and orientation of the finisher relative to the adapter. A fluid communication path is defined within the adapter, allowing mastic to flow through the adapter. A pivot pin enables a first portion of the adapter to pivot relative to a second portion of the adapter, and defines a bore therein that permits mastic to flow through the pivot pin and between the adapter's first and second portions. The adapter is configured for attachment to a handle having a substantially tear drop shaped cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignees: Axia Acquisition Corporation, Graco Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Castagnetta, Matthew W. Jungklaus, Charles C. Somers, III
  • Publication number: 20140230988
    Abstract: Devices, methods and systems disclosed herein relate to the application of a protective film on a surface of an electronic device that instantly reduces air bubbles and eliminates the waiting time usually required when using a wet fluid solution. In one embodiment, a roller apparatus may be used to apply the protective film on the surface of the electronic device. The roller apparatus may include an opening for receiving a display peg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Superior Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Vivian Chou
  • Patent number: 8794293
    Abstract: An applicator, related applicator system, and a method for delivering a self-adhesive material are provided. The applicator includes an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface of the applicator defines a void that is operable to receive the self-adhesive material. At least a portion of the inner surface releasably adhere the applicator side of the self-adhesive material where the adhesive force between the portion of the inner surface and the applicator side being less than adhesive force between the substrate and the substrate side. The applicator is used by placing the applicator in contact with a substrate, pressing the applicator against the substrate such that the self-adhesive material adheres to the substrate, and releasing the applicator from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Rice, Thomas W. Otis, Michael E. Klinkhammer
  • Patent number: 8794290
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating an encased cable seam includes a transportable support frame with a roll of encased cable material supported by a support bar, boom and spindle. Heating units supported by the frame heat the bottom surface of the membrane portion of the encased cable material. The encased cable material released from the roll toward the substrate to create an overlapping seam of the encased cable material on the membrane substrate of a roof deck. The apparatus includes a handle and a roller, whereby the roller presses the encased cable material causing a welded bond as the handle moves the apparatus forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Henry L. Hamlin, III
  • Patent number: 8784599
    Abstract: A laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) apparatus includes a stage configured to support an acceptor substrate and a supporting portion configured to support a donor film and to move the donor film up and down relative to the stage so as to adjust a distance between the acceptor substrate and the donor film. The donor film includes a thin film to be disposed on the acceptor substrate. The stage includes a discharging outlet through which gas between the acceptor substrate and the donor film is discharged to the outside. The LITI apparatus may be used to laminate a film on an acceptor substrate including an organic light emitting display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Won Sun, Sok-Won Noh
  • Patent number: 8771450
    Abstract: A method of forming a composite body using a mould and an automated fiber placement machine comprising a fiber placement head, the method including moving the fiber placement head past the mould and depositing on the mould a plurality of fiber tows, the fiber tows being deposited side by side in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the fiber placement head and perpendicular to the direction of a normal of a surface of the mould where the fiber tows are deposited, thus forming a ply with a plurality of fiber tows placed side by side on the mould, wherein the fiber tows in the ply comprise first and second fiber tows having respective first and second fiber materials that are different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Gary Holloway
  • Patent number: 8720521
    Abstract: A tape dispenser assembly facilitates dispensing and cutting tape. The assembly includes a housing having side panels and upper wall and lower walls extending between the side panels. The upper and lower walls are spaced defining an interior space therebetween. A forward edges of the upper and lower walls form a dispensing opening in the housing. A tape formed into a roll positioned in the interior space. The roll of tape has a free end extendable through the dispensing opening. A roller assembly coupled to the housing includes a roller positioned proximate the dispensing opening. A non-sticky side of the tape abuts the roller proximate the free end of the tape. A blade is positioned proximate the roller assembly to cut the tape by manipulating the housing such that the blade engages the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Leonora Peary
  • Publication number: 20140124146
    Abstract: Devices, methods and systems disclosed herein relate to the application of a protective film on a surface of an electronic device that instantly reduces air bubbles and eliminates the waiting time usually required when using a wet fluid solution. In one embodiment, a flange may be configured to couple to the protective film. The flange may aid in the accurate application of the protective film to the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Superior Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Shraddha Patel, Charlie LaColla, Vivian Chou
  • Patent number: 8709188
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a component (37) for aerospace, with the following method steps: supplying a lay-up arrangement (1) to be laid by means of a tape-laying machine (25), with a glass-fiber lay-up (8), which is preimpregnated with a resin matrix (10), and/or supplying a structural arrangement (12) to be laid by means of a tape-laying machine (25), with a structure (16) which is made of metal and is preimpregnated with a resin matrix (18), laying the lay-up and/or structural arrangement (1; 12) on a laminating apparatus (23) by means of a tape-laying machine (25), and curing the lay-up and/or structural arrangement (1; 12) and therefore forming the component (37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Rocker, Manuel Jung, Thorsten Bleck
  • Patent number: 8709189
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an integrated lightning strike protection system adapted for automated placement on a composite structure having a surfacing layer consisting of an organic polymer resin, a conductive layer of an expanded metal foil, an isolation/tack layer, and a carrier paper layer. In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided an integrated lightning strike protection system having an integrated lightning strike protection material consisting of an expanded metal foil encapsulated in organic polymer resin mounted on a carrier paper, and an automated placement machine suitable for placing the material on an aircraft composite part for protection of the composite part from lightning strikes. In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for fabricating a composite structure with lightning strike protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: America Olsen Schaaf, Anthony Huy Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8668796
    Abstract: A draping device for draping a two-dimensional textile semi-finished product includes a first rotationally symmetrical body having a first axis of rotation and a peripheral surface which varies along the axis of rotation. A first drive is configured to rotate the first body about the first axis of rotation so as to deform, via the first body, the semi-finished product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Premium Aerotec GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Niefnecker
  • Patent number: 8656976
    Abstract: An adhesive tape dispenser is provided that is operable by a single hand, and is applicable to a variety of adhesive tapes. The provided adhesive tape dispenser overcomes the problem of jamming due to tape accumulation behind the blade by providing a switchable double cam system that allows adhesive tape to be dispensed, the cutter blade to be urged suddenly downward to cut the tape, and then the cutter blade suddenly retracted during one rearward motion of the tape-cutting button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Jia Hu
  • Patent number: 8641847
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include various exemplary methods relating to composite lamination using one or more arrays of parallel material dispensing heads. In one example, a method of fabricating a high aspect ratio composite article is disclosed which may involve applying a first strip material to a work surface datum at a first angle with a first material dispenser, and applying a plurality of second strip materials to a work surface datum each at a second angle with a plurality of rotatable parallel material dispensers. The method may also involve advancing the first material dispenser and the rotatable parallel material dispensers as a unit the width of the second strip material and continuing application of the first strip material by the first material dispenser and a plurality of second strip materials by the rotatable parallel material dispensers until a desired length is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul E. Nelson, Robert A. Kramp, Jr., Matthew K. Lum
  • Patent number: 8640758
    Abstract: A tracer wire applicator preferably includes a base frame, a wire spindle, a tape spindle and a pipe roller. The base frame preferably includes a base frame member, a support frame member and an upper frame member. One end of the upper frame member is removably secured to one end of the base frame member. One end of the support frame member is removably attached to the base frame member and the other end is attached to the upper frame member. The pipe roller is rotatably retained on the other end of the base frame member. The tape spindle extends from the base frame member to rotatably receive a roll of tape. A wire spindle extends from the base frame member to rotatably receive a wire reel. A wire guide tube is preferably retained by the upper frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: John J. Grosskruetz
  • Patent number: 8631849
    Abstract: A transfer tool A in the present preferred embodiment is provided with a refill 3 including a reel section 31 for holding a transfer tape T therein, a transfer head 35 capable of transferring a transferring material attached to the transfer tape T onto a transfer target, and a support plate 34 having the reel section 31 fixed thereto and being integrated with a base end 351 of the transfer head 35, wherein a engaging section 5 capable of prohibiting a relative turn between the base end 351 and each of a first case member 1 and a second case member 2 is provided between the base end 351 and each of the first case member 1 and the second case member 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Kokuyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Kai, Takashi Mitsui, Hideto Shima
  • Patent number: 8622343
    Abstract: Liquid dispensing assemblies including adhesive anchoring assemblies configured to adhere to a support surface external to a device such as a vehicle. An air vehicle includes (a) a fluid adhesive container assembly detachably attached to the air vehicle, wherein the fluid adhesive container assembly comprises: (i) an adhesive container comprising fluid adhesive; and (ii) one or more fibers, wherein the one or more fibers are configured, or a brush of fibers, or a fabric of fibers, is configured to conduct the fluid adhesive and to structurally support an adhesive bond between the one or more fibers and a surface; and (b) means for dispensing the fluid adhesive from the fluid adhesive container, to the one or more fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher E. Fisher, John Peter Zwaan, David R. Thompson, Marc L. Schmalzel, Karl R. Klingebiel, Tyson R. Jensen, Pavel Belik, Eric James Aagaard
  • Patent number: 8617332
    Abstract: A method of applying a spacer to a glass sheet while forming an insulating glazing unit includes the step of integrating the application of the sealant to the spacer body with the automated manufacturing process. The sealant is applied to the spacer body on line so that the sealant-laden spacer body may be applied to the glass without manually handling the sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Quanex IG Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerhard Reichert