Work Traversing Type And/or Means Applying Work To Wall Or Static Structure Patents (Class 156/574)
  • Patent number: 7836931
    Abstract: An automated tape head assembly for a multiple axis tape laying machine includes a tape supply reel and a tape compaction roller. Tape from the supply reel passes through the space between the two independent structures of the supply reel and compaction roller defining a tape path that substantially maintains a zero Gaussian curvature of the tape. The tape path is a curved path referred to as a compliance loop that results from a substantially or partially unrestrained curved path between the supply reel and the compaction roller. This structure allows the compaction roller to shift laterally and vertically with respect to the supply reel while the supply reel is in a fixed position with respect to the tape head assembly generally. This structure also allows the compaction roller to roll, steer, and follow the fiber tape's natural path, all with significant independence from the supply reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: William J. Slyne
  • Patent number: 7819164
    Abstract: To provide a transfer tool which realizes both of a mode of transferring a transferring object of any dimension and a mode of continuously transferring the transferring object by a certain dimension, there is provided an operating part (7) which functions as a feeding mechanism (X) for feeding a paper (P) by a certain dimension in a counter-transfer direction by rotating an auxiliary roller (R1) in a use state (O) and a switching mechanism (Z) for selectively switching a feeding state (x) by the action by the feeding mechanism (X) and a normal use state (y) where the feeding state (x) is released still in the use state (O).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Kokuyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kinya Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7810539
    Abstract: Tools for compacting composite parts are disclosed. These tools are used while layers of composite material, such as tows or laminae, are being deposited onto a fabricating surface, such as a mold or other forming tool. The compacting tool is typically divided into a series of narrow segments, each segment able to advance or retreat individually so as to conform to the surface of a composite part being formed. Pressurized fluid, such as air or hydraulic fluid, or non-pressurized internal bladders with incompressible fluid, are used to evenly apply pressure to the segments in order to compact the material with which the tool and the segments are in contact. The compacting tool thus helps eliminate voids and helps the material conform to the desired shape on the forming tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Ingersoll Machine Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Mischler, Mark Curtis Tingley, Klaus Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20100252193
    Abstract: An assembly and method for placing a desired length of tape material, fed as a moving continuous strip of tape material, onto a moving continuous web of material, wherein the orientation of the placed tape material is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the moving continuous web of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Paul Cassoni, Terrence Curtis Hooker
  • Patent number: 7802603
    Abstract: In a transferring device (A) structured such that a paste (Tb) is transferred to a paper strip (P) by being slid in a predetermined transferring direction in a state in which the paper strip (P) is pinched between a transferring device main body (1) and a transferred object receiving cradle (2), the transferring device is provided with a guide surface (12a) guiding the paper strip (P) in the same direction as a transferring direction by being brought into contact with an edge portion (Pa), and a deflection upper roller (11) energizing the paper strip (P) toward the guide surface (12a) at a time of the sliding movement by being arranged so as to be deflected at a predetermined angle toward the guide surface (12a) from the transferring direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Kokuyo S&T Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Hikasa, Kinya Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7785433
    Abstract: An end effector, and methods for constructing composite members, in which a compaction roller and redirect rollers translate synchronously along the compaction axis. Additionally, the end effector includes an advantageous arrangement of spools and rollers that directs tow to the redirect rollers at substantially a right angle. Movement of the compaction roller along the compaction axis induces little, if any, changes in tow tension. The substantially constant tow tension advantageously reduces rewinding of the tow supply spools, which can degrade the quality of the lay up and contribute to despooling problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Kisch, Peter Vogeli, Kyle Jeffries, Russell DeVlieg
  • Patent number: 7784518
    Abstract: A tool has a body having a blunt end and an adhesive end. The adhesive end has a fastener and an adhesive element. The fastener protrudes from the adhesive end of the body. The adhesive element is made of resin and fastened by the fastener. The paillettes can be adhered more easily and rapidly by the adhesive element than by a user's hand. Thus, using the tool of the present invention to make the illustrated card is convenient for the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Teng-Kuei Chen
  • Patent number: 7763136
    Abstract: A tape applicator apparatus for applying tape to a surface. The apparatus is configured for application of parallel strips of tape, as lateral plates holding tape are adjusted laterally dependent on the width desired intermediate the tape strips. At least two oppositely disposed tape holders are attached to the lateral plates and are configured collinear to at least two spool members and at least two distal and proximal rollers. The collinear nature of the tape holders, spools, and rollers allow the tape to be applied to the surface in a parallel fashion with a specifically set intermediate distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Precision Floor Marking, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Richards, James W. Gochenour, Jr., Stephen C. Richards
  • Patent number: 7762303
    Abstract: A double-sided tape dispenser is provided, in which a rolling tape mechanism is axially formed at the inner wall of body. The rolling tape mechanism comprises a driving gear and a drawback gear joggling with the driving gear. A drawback roll wheel pivots onto the drawback gear. A double-sided tape pivots onto the driving gear to wind the tail of tape onto the roll wheel. Double-sided adhesive is formed over the outer circumference of double-sided tape. An adjustment part pivots onto the drawback roll wheel, so when the gear is driven to joggle with the drawback gear to run, a frictional resistance is caused between the drawback roll wheel and the drawback gear to keep the tightness of drawback of the drawback release paper, preventing the release paper from being blocked on the drawback roll wheel and then the double-sided tape from not drawing back completely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Hsiu-Man Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 7757741
    Abstract: In a peeling tape attaching apparatus for attaching a peeling tape (4) on a surface protective film (11) attached on the surface of a wafer (20), the wafer is supported on a movable table (31) with the surface protective film up and the peeling tape is supplied on the surface protective film of the wafer. The movable table is moved in such a manner that an end (28) of the wafer is located under a peeling tape attaching unit (46), and pressure is exerted by pressing the peeling tape attaching unit against the surface protective film of the wafer via the peeling tape. After that, the movable table is moved toward the other end (29) of the wafer, and upon movement of the movable table, by a predetermined distance, from the peeling tape attaching unit, the pressure is canceled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Ametani
  • Patent number: 7748425
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided, for handling the backing film in a fiber placement process, by winding-up the backing film, into a roll, as the backing film is separated from a fiber tow. The backing film is wound-up in such a manner that it can be fed back out to rejoin the tow, should it be necessary to rewind a portion of the tow during the fiber placement process. The backing film may be wound onto a paper or cardboard core for ease of removal and handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ingersoll Machine Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Curtis Tingley
  • Patent number: 7743810
    Abstract: A frictional clutch for a correction device includes a rotatable supply reel with a circular center opening and a rotatable take-up reel being laterally arranged spaced apart from the supply reel, the take-up reel having an outer circumferential surface onto which a correction tape is to be wound up and the supply reel having an outer circumferential surface from which the correction tape is to be wound off, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the supply reel is provided with a circumferential radial groove in which an elastic tensioning element is accommodated, the radial circumferential groove being at its bottom at least partially transected such that the elastic tensioning element projects into the center opening secantically, when it is in a stress-relieved condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Franck Rolion, Arnaud Bez
  • Patent number: 7717151
    Abstract: A material placement head for dispensing and compacting a plurality of strips of a material onto a surface with a plurality of independently movable roller assemblies. Each roller assembly of the placement head comprises a compacting roller and may be rotatably and linearly moved in six-degrees of freedom independent of the other roller assemblies of the placement head. The roller assemblies may be arranged in a staggered configuration and substantially simultaneously apply the plurality of strips of the material to the surface, such that the strips of the material are applied to adjacent paths on the surface. Each compacting roller may be malleable and substantially crowned around its outer circumferential surface to provide even compaction to the strips of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Spirit Aerosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Ray Wampler, Muhammad Zia Ullah
  • Patent number: 7712507
    Abstract: A tape dispenser includes a main member, on which a tape roll mount, a cutter and a movable shield are provided, wherein the shield is moved to cover or expose the cutter, and at least a flexible arm is projected from the shield directly. The flexible arm has a suspended end urging a bottom wall of the main member. The flexible arm is compressed when the shield is moved to expose the cutter, and the compressed flexible arm may return the shield to cover the cutter automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Harrison Huang
  • Patent number: 7712506
    Abstract: A tape dispenser includes a handle, a base plate fixed on the handle, a tape reel pivoted on a rear of the base plate, and a seat on a front of the base plate, on a top of which a cutter is provided. The handle has a chamber therein, which is open at a bottom thereof. A holder is fixed in the chamber of the handle. A tool (utility knife) is received in the chamber of the handle and held by the holder. Therefore, the tool may be stored in the chamber of the handle and may be drawn out of the handle for operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Harrison Huang
  • Patent number: 7703496
    Abstract: A safety cutting mechanism for tape dispenser includes a fixing seat located above a hold-down roller of the tape dispenser, a cutter mounted in the fixing seat, and a safety cover located above the cutter. Two curved spring arms are rearward and outward extended from a rear edge center of the safety cover to provide a predetermined elasticity, and a rib is provided across a lower front edge of the safety cover to normally locate in front of and thereby shield a toothed blade of the cutter when the tape dispenser is not in use. When the tape dispenser is forward tilted to tense and press a length of dispensed adhesive tape against a desired location, the rib of the safety cover is pushed upward and rearward by the tensed adhesive tape to slide away from the cutter and expose the toothed blade for cutting the adhesive tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Sheng Mei Fu
  • Patent number: 7690413
    Abstract: A tape dispensing system uses a handle section that has a plate member with a handle thereon and a receiver which removably receives a J-shaped guide bar such that its minor leg has a rounded cross-section and its major leg, used to guide, has a triangular cross-section. A drum section has a ring with upwardly facing scalloped indents and downwardly depending resilient tabs that receive the core of the roll and bias against the roll. A circumferential lip of the handle section is removably and rotatably received within an annular lip on an inner edge of the ring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: William B. Morgan, III
  • Patent number: 7686055
    Abstract: A welding machine for joining overlapping webs of sealing material, with a powered chassis supported by rolls, with a heating system for local heating of the webs of sealing material that is mounted laterally to the chassis (4) and can be placed between the webs of sealing material in edge regions, with at least a first pressure roll installed on the chassis for pressing together the webs of sealing material to be joined by means of heat, where a second pressure roll serving as a replacement pressure roll is placed in the chassis, whose weight rests on the drive shaft and which can be exchanged without tools for the first pressure roll that is coupled to the drive shaft of the welding machine and presses together the bitumen webs to be joined. In addition, the pressure roll (3) may have at least one contact surface made of hard metallic material; and a stripper element is provided whose free end contacts the contact surface or is in close proximity to the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Leister Process Technologies
    Inventors: Lukas Gisler, Adolf Niederberger
  • Patent number: 7686056
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying thermoplastic strips to thermoplastic membranes, each strip having an upstanding central portion and opposed flange portions extending widthwise therefrom. The apparatus includes a housing having drive wheels for movably supporting the housing. A guide assembly fixed to the housing includes a first pair of guide wheels for disposition around an applied first strip and movable along the first strip with one guide wheel on either side thereof, and a second pair of guide wheels for disposition around a second strip to be applied and movable along the second strip, so as to guide the second strip to a welding station on the apparatus. The welding station is adapted to heat weld the second strip to the membranes along the length of the second strip equidistantly from the first strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Sarnafil, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul E. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7677291
    Abstract: An engaging device is provided which is capable of advantageous switchover from an engaging position to an open position. Also provided is a transfer instrument employing the structure of such an engaging device. The transfer instrument (A) includes the engaging device (X) which is capable of gradually moving an engaging surface (23) widthwise of an engaging surface (13) to retract two engaging components relative to each other by pivotally moving a dangling wall (11) of a transfer instrument body (1) and a sidewall (21) of an arm (2) relative to each other to press a sliding contact edge (24) against a guide edge (14) gradually from a first end portion (14a) toward an opposite second end portion (14b) of the guide edge (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kokuyo S&T Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kinya Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7669631
    Abstract: A new and improved adhesive tape dispenser is adapted to dispense tape wound upon a tape core and includes a frame, an application roller, a cutter assembly, and handle mounted on the frame. The adhesive tape dispenser includes a core support assembly secured to the frame and having a first axis. The core support assembly comprises a shaft secured to the frame, and an axle assembly disposed about at least a portion of the shaft. A spindle adapted to support the tape core is rotatably mounted on the axle assembly. The axle assembly includes a hub having an outer surface with a second axis adjacent the first axis, at least one flange extending radially from the hub, and a cam rotatably mounted on the hub. The spindle freely rotates in a first direction. Wherein rotation of the spindle in a second direction rotates the cam about the second axis in the second direction whereby the cam engages the spindle preventing further rotation of the spindle in the second direction about the axle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: ShurTech Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Curt J. Bailey, Kristen W. Chupa, Dominic J. Daunter, Noah E. A. Dingler, James K. Hawley, Michael B. Lean, Scott A. Sommers
  • Publication number: 20100032076
    Abstract: The roofing tape may include a substrate and tabs. The tabs may be attached to the substrate with adhesive. The roofing tape may be made as a seam tape or as a field tape. The seam tape may be used at the seams of the roofing material and the adhesive adheres to the roofing material. The seam tape creates a seal between the edges of adjacent rows of roofing paper in order to prevent water and/or wind from entering the seam. The tape facilitates the proper spacing of the tabs because the tabs are pre-applied to the tape. The tabs can be quickly applied by unrolling the tape. An applicator device may be used for applying the tape to the roofing material. An assembly device for applying the tabs to the substrate may be used. An assembly and applicator device may be used which assembles the tabs to the substrate and then applies the assembled tape to the roofing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: TabSeal LLC
    Inventors: Tore Turney, Paul B. Specht
  • Patent number: 7645352
    Abstract: A drywall tape or corner material dispenser that allows dispensing of the material directly from the box it is supplied in. The invention can contain a pair of parallel arms that grip the box and a strap that runs between the ends of the straps to close around the box. The strap can be fabric or other material and can be attached using hook/loop material like VELCRO. A handle on the other end of the arms can be used to grip the device and feed the material. The handle can have spring members top and bottom to further grip the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventors: Douglass Wambaugh, Timothy Smythe, Michael Lorenzen
  • Publication number: 20090320406
    Abstract: A tool for applying an elongate adhesive attachment article to a window assembly including a window film and window frame includes a body having a contact surface for guiding the tool along the substrate, a positioner arranged to align the adhesive article on the window assembly, and a force applier configured to apply a force to the attachment article in the direction of the window assembly. A method of securing a window film to a window frame using such a tool is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: John J. Dyer, Christopher A. Haak, Ryan B. Prince
  • Publication number: 20090308540
    Abstract: An accessory tool for the application of adhesive films to substrates. The tool is elongate and thin, and made of a lightweight semi-rigid to rigid material. The tool functions as a linear support for the free edge of the film piece during the application process. The tool improves the ability of a worker to hold a film piece taut at a level above the substrate. Use of the tool prevents premature adherence and reduces the formation of bubbles, wrinkles, and other defects commonly encountered during film application. The tool relies on the adhesive nature of the film piece itself in order to make a non-permanent connection between the two. The tool is useful for printing businesses that apply adhesive film pieces, such as graphics, to substrates daily. The invention also relates to an improved manual method for applying adhesive films to substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Lowell E. Puckett, JR., Matthew S. Bobon
  • Patent number: 7631678
    Abstract: The invention concerns a hot air device for thermowelding membranes to surfaces. It includes an air inlet, a casing in fluid communication therewith, a combustion chamber mounted within the casing and spaced apart therefrom. The chamber has perforations allowing air to flow therein. The perforations allow some air to flow into the upstream section of the chamber producing an air-fuel mixture, and let the remaining air into the downstream section, thus shortening the flame within the chamber and producing hot air. The device includes an outlet portion for expelling hot air and not allowing a flame out therefrom, and a blower to force airflow from the air inlet through the chamber and out from the nozzle. The chamber may be pyramid or cone shaped and have a deflector to help direct air into the upstream section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Soprema Inc.
    Inventors: Denis Cartier, Pierre-Etienne Bindschedler
  • Patent number: 7628882
    Abstract: An apparatus and invention are provided for accelerating an added tow to match the lay-down speed of other tows exiting a compaction roller of a fiber placement head, by driving the added tow with an add roller operatively coupled to be driven at the same peripheral speed as a feed roller having a peripheral speed matching the peripheral speed of the compaction roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Ingersoll Machine Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Curtis Tingley
  • Patent number: 7624781
    Abstract: A tape disperser with a grip having a safety telescopic knife has its grip consisting of a right semi-shell and a left semi-shell. The right semi-shell includes a rectangular pushing recess having a pushing hole for assembling a telescopic knife set that is composed of a knife set, a cutting blade and a connecting board. The knife set and the cutting blade are installed inside the grip to connect with a pushing knob able to be pushed along the pushing recess. The connecting board has a restricting slot for locking with a projecting rib on the knife set to restrict the knife set. A ditch dug on the projecting rib is fitted with a torsion spring to force elastically the cutting blade drawn back into the handle automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Hsiu-Man Yu Chen
  • Publication number: 20090288755
    Abstract: A drywall patch is coated with a premeasured amount of joint compound in its wet state making it immediately available for application to a wall surface. The patch with compound is sealed in an airtight wrapper or between unsealed wrapper halves which are in turn sealed in a surrounding airtight package so that the joint compound stays moist and will not harden over time. The wrapper includes a peel-away adhesive dry patch. In use, the dry patch is first applied over a crack or hole to be repaired. The wrapper and compound are applied directly over the dry patch and, while the wrapper remains in place, pressure is applied to smooth the compound over the patch and removed after the compound has dried. The wrapper is preferably composed of microporous breathable plastic film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: James Lewis
  • Patent number: 7611601
    Abstract: To apply a resin impregnated fabric to a substrate, a device includes a surface having a layer of material and a first edge. The surface moves relative to the substrate and to conform to the substrate. The layer of material is compatible for use with the resin. The first edge is disposed at the front of the surface relative to the movement of the device to the fabric. The first edge is curved with a center portion of the first edge being relatively forward of a pair of side portions of the first edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: W. Robert Nelson, Michael C Dowling, Mark K Stephen, Raymond L Royal, C. Tim Harbaugh
  • Patent number: 7604033
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-purpose squeegee and cutting tool for use by the human hand. The tool meets the continuing need to be able to apply adhesive films to smooth surfaces without capturing air bubbles, creases in the film or adhesive lumps between the film and the surface. There have been a number of tools used and patented to accomplish this task. The disclosed invention is a new and novel multi-purpose tool that can be used to remove creases in the film, bubbles and lumps while having a built-in knife for piercing bubbles, cutting and trimming the adhesive film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Louis Gray
  • Patent number: 7604034
    Abstract: A tape dispenser includes a rotatable support for a tape roll, a rotatable applicator roll, and a swing gate for guiding tape to be dispensed from the tape roll to the applicator roll. The dispenser also includes a cutting element for severing predetermined lengths of tape from the tape roll. A locking element for releasably locking the applicator roll in a stationary position is selectively activated by a trigger to enable the dispensed tape to be firmly applied to a workpiece and to enable the cutting element to more evenly and firmly engage and sever tape from the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Keith F. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 7591294
    Abstract: A roller assembly for bidirectionally dispensing and compacting a strip of a material onto a surface without requiring the roller assembly to rotate 180° to dispense the material in the reverse direction. The roller assembly comprises a first guide element, a second guide element, a third guide element, and a compacting roller. When the first guide element is in a first position, the strip of the material is fed to the second guide element. When the first guide element is in a second position, the strip of the material is fed to the third guide element. The compacting roller is malleable and substantially crowned around an outer circumferential surface of the compacting roller to provide even compaction to the strip of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Spirit Aerosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Ray Wampler, Muhammad Zia Ullah
  • Patent number: 7588523
    Abstract: A hand tool for press-welding and sealing overlapping edges of roofing membrane sheets by a roller mounted on one end of a handle. A rigid rod extends outwardly from an opposite end of the handle and has a curved section and a rounded corner which terminates in an angled linear section ending in a distal end. The distal end is used as a pick to test the integrity of the formed seam and the curved section is used for applying pressure to specific areas on the seam. The tool can perform both functions of applying pressure to the sheets by the roller and then testing the integrity of the formed seam without requiring excessive reorientation or movement of the tool in the hand of an installer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Everhard Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Horner, Daryl J. Waite
  • Patent number: 7571753
    Abstract: A heat and sealant delivery nozzle is constructed for sealing seams between adjacent sheets of flooring. The nozzle of the invention is formed from separate, mating sealant feeding and hot air conducting members that fit to and are secured together. The two part construction of the nozzle produces first and second enclosed plenum chambers therebetween with a series of ducts and passages that preheat both the groove in the flooring that is to receive molten sealant, and the sealant itself. Furthermore, although the pattern of ducts, passages, and cavities within the finished nozzle is quite intricate, the ducts, passageways, and ports are formed without great difficulty due to the two part construction of the nozzle. Moreover, the nozzle is constructed so that the hot air does not mix with the sealant within an internal melting chamber, but rather makes contact with the molten sealant only when the sealant leaves the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Leo Martinez
  • Patent number: 7568513
    Abstract: A container is provided having a periphery and a base, which enclose a cavity. The periphery and the base are connected together, the periphery upwardly extending from the base. The periphery has a first slot and a substantially opposing second slot. Each of the first and second slots is sized to permit a first end of a tape located on a roll to be slid through it. A tape holder may be connected to the container so that the tape holder lies outside of the cavity of the container. The roll of tape can be placed on the tape holder so when the tape is pulled through the “mud box”, the tape is thereby unwound. As the tape is manually pulled through the “mud box”, joint compound is thinly applied to one side of the tape. As this is done, the joint compound begins to “adhere” to the tape, conditioning the tape for excellent wall adhesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Teel
  • Patent number: 7543426
    Abstract: A tool used for wrapping boxes or shipments with plastic or other wrap in an ergonomic manner, as in warehouses or shipping departments. The tool is elongated and allows the user to rotate about the object to be wrapped. A tensioner makes it possible for the user to ensure that the wrapping is taught. A stopper allows the tool to come into contact with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Nelson Phero
  • Patent number: 7540933
    Abstract: A method and device for applying sheet material, such as wallpaper, to a substrate. The applicator is bi-positionable, having a first position where the sheet material is spaced apart from the substrate and a second position where the sheet material contacts the substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the applicator may be provided with a control bar. In the first position, the control bar contacts a portion of the sheet material such as its free end. This minimizes the chance of the sheet material prematurely contacting the substrate. In the second position, the sheet material is disengaged from the control bar for application to the substrate. The applicator and sheet material may be provided together in a kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Michael Bernard Dugas, Keith Hobart Gausmann, Mark John Steinhardt, Timothy Charles Rothwell
  • Publication number: 20090134554
    Abstract: Pusher apparatus and a method of using the apparatus inserts a flexible liner into an in-situ pipe. At least a pair of contra-rotating resilient drive assemblies, having a nip therebetween, drive the liner into the pipe. A guide tube can extend between the drive assemblies and the pipe. A pull head can be affixed to a leading end of the liner and adapted for sealing within a bore of the pipe and pressured fluid can be applied to pull a leading end of the liner into the pipe while the pusher pushes. The contra-rotating resilient drive assemblies can be one or more pair of opposing wheels or opposing tracks. Track assemblies can be mounted to a frame which is movable on rails and restrained with a load cell for measuring reactive forces while pushing. The rails can be angled for aligning the nip with the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Chris GOSS
  • Patent number: 7523776
    Abstract: A device for the dimensionally accurate application of an elastoplastic spacer strip onto a glass pane is disclosed. The device includes a compensating or tailback section between a first adjustably driven pair of rollers and a second adjustably driven pair of rollers, as well as a sensor for recognizing the position of the strip in the compensating section. The device is designed such that the spacer strip is not withdrawn from the storage drum but, instead, is unwound in a manner free from any tensile stress. The spacer strip, furthermore, is kept free from tensile and shearing stresses on the route up to being pressed onto a glass pane, despite the fact that the application speed will inevitably fluctuate several times between zero and a maximum value while edges of the glass pane are covered mechanically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Technopat AG
    Inventor: Peter Lisec
  • Patent number: 7520952
    Abstract: An adhesive lifting mechanism for retrieving retractable material from an underlying surface includes a housing having a retrieval opening. A tape spool, as well as applicator and, retrieval rollers, are mounted within the housing. The rollers have circumferential engagement surfaces that protrude through and outwardly from the retrieval opening. The rollers are engaged by successive segments of tape extending from the supply spool and across the retrieval opening. Each roller is positioned in the housing for being driven rotatably across an underlying surface with the peripheries of the respective rollers simultaneously bearing against the underlying surface such that a first segment of tape lifts extractable matter from the underlying surface and is retrieved into the housing. A fresh, second segment of tape from the supply spool is then pulled across the opening and peripherally engaged with the applicator roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Innovatime Dreams Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph Green, Michael Siemer, Andrew Palmer
  • Patent number: 7506678
    Abstract: A main body to be moved and operated along a workpiece includes a joining roller which elastically presses the supplied adhesive tape against a tape joining face of the workpiece, guide members which determine the position of the main body and maintain the posture of the main body with respect to the workpiece being engaged with the outer face of the workpiece at the opposite side of the tape joining face, a separator guide which is arranged to be opposed to a tape supply roller, and a tape guide which is arranged in the vicinity of the side where the adhesive tape is reeled out toward the separator guide. On the separator guide, a separator guide face is formed, which guides a separator st separated from the adhesive tape into a direction different from an adhesive tape joining direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Degawa, Masakazu Morimoto, Shinsuke Ikishima
  • Patent number: 7472736
    Abstract: A composite item is fabricated with a device. The device includes and end effector and a positioning device. The end effector places a tow. The end effector includes a spindle, compaction device, and a path. The spindle detachably secures a spool of tow and the path is disposed from the spool to the compaction device. The positioning device positions the end effector. The end effector is detachably secured to the positioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Kisch, Robert A. Kramp, Matthew K. Lum, Robert R. Wampler
  • Publication number: 20080283195
    Abstract: A combination type tape dispenser includes a first member having a cutter and a first tape roll mount, and a second member having a second tape roll mount. The first member and the second member is manipulative to be combined and separated. When the first member and the second member are combined, the first member and the second member form a big tape dispenser to mount a big tape roll on the second tape roll mount and cut a tape of the big tape roll by the cutter. When the first member and the second member are separated, the first member forms a small tape dispenser to mount a small tape roll on the first tape roll mount and cut a tape of the small tape roll by the cutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Harrison Huang
  • Publication number: 20080264547
    Abstract: A method for repairing a wear-induced void associated with a surface of a component including applying a heat-cured ceramic material to the wear-induced void, wherein the heat-cured ceramic material is configured to substantially fill the wear-induced void and providing a volume of material to a bladder configured to retain the volume of material and expand in one or more directions, wherein at least a portion of the bladder is further configured to apply at least one of pressure and heat to the heat-cured ceramic material. The method further includes applying at least one of pressure and heat, via the bladder, to the heat-cured ceramic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Karen R. Raab, Beth A. Howe, Cody A. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 7441581
    Abstract: A tape application apparatus is adapted for both left-handed and right-handed use when applying tape from a roll to a first surface. An edge of the first surface is common to an edge of an adjacent second surface. The tape application apparatus includes a housing and a tape hub attached to the housing that is capable of slidably receiving the roll. The housing has first and second exterior surfaces and first and second interior surfaces and is capable of receiving the roll. When the tape application apparatus is guided in a first direction, the roll is moveable to a first dispensing position against the first interior side surface, and when the tape application apparatus is guided in a second direction opposite the first direction, the roll is moveable to a second dispensing position against the second interior side surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: James F. Pitzen
  • Patent number: 7442269
    Abstract: A device and method of using same is provides which includes the use of an apparatus configured to apply labels to parcels moving along a conveyor belt. The apparatus of the present invention includes a support frame, a pair of turntable assemblies, a corresponding pair of arm assemblies, similarly corresponding arm assembly drive motors, a label application head assembly, a label printer/supplier, and a controlling apparatus. The support frame supports the pair of two turntable assemblies. Each of the turntable assemblies supports one of the arm assemblies such that each of the arm assemblies is pivotable about a horizontal axis. Each of the arm assemblies is also movable along its longitudinal axis relative to its respective turntable. The lower ends of arm assemblies are attached together in a hinged connection. At one end of one of the arm assemblies is attached a label application head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven L. Smith
  • Patent number: 7441580
    Abstract: A magnetic adhesive tape holder includes an upper housing and a lower housing movably received in the upper housing. Two first resilient members are provided between the upper and lower housings to give the lower housing a tendency to move away from the upper housing. A clamping member is formed on the upper housing and extends into the second housing. The clamping member is in an open status when the upper housing is not pressed towards the lower housing, and in a closed status when the upper housing is pressed towards the lower housing. A first gear and a second gear are rotatably mounted on the second rear wall and engaged with each other. A cutting member is mounted on the second rear wall and beneath the first gear. A roll of magnetic adhesive tape provided in the holder can be automatically and easily cut off with a determined length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Jasdi Magnet Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yi-Ju Lee
  • Patent number: RE40631
    Abstract: In a correction tape dispenser, wherein a backing ribbon carrying a layer of correcting composition is fed from a supply spool (2) around the edge (6) of an applicator tip (10) used to press the tape against a paper surface (P) to transfer the layer of correcting composition onto the paper, and back to a take-up spool (3), a tape guide system (11,12; 22,23) is provided near the tip to redirect the tape, the tip edge (6) being at an angle to the feed direction so that the body of the tape dispenser may be held in a forwardly and downwardly inclined orientation similar to that in which a writing instrument is normally held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Berol Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher John Stevens
  • Patent number: RE40885
    Abstract: A method of fastening a first curved part to a second curved part comprises placing the second part into a specified orientation in relation to a robotically controlled tape applicator, applying two-sided adhesive tape along a non-linear path over the surface of the second part, and placing the first part into registry with the second part to adhere to the adhesive tape. A robotic tape applicator comprises a computer adapted to control a robotic arm, guide means, tensioning means and cutting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Henkel Corporation
    Inventor: Terrance M. Sharp