Moving The Base Patents (Class 427/424)
  • Patent number: 6235345
    Abstract: An improved adhesive application assembly (70) for a labeling machine (2) includes an adhesive sprayer (76) which directs heated adhesive (88) towards labels (60) passing the adhesive application station (70). A moving heated adhesive shield (80) includes one or more windows (84), through which the adhesive is sprayed, surrounded by a heated overspray-intercepting surface (90). The intercepted adhesive is collected for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Gerro Plast GmbH
    Inventors: Jimmy D. Williamson, Jimmy D. Williamson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6217940
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for coating a moving paperboard web with at least two coating layers. A first coating layer is applied onto the surface of the web and a second coating layer is applied onto the surface of this first undried coating layer. The first coating layer is applied by means of a film transfer coater and the second coating layer is applied by means of a nozzle applicator, whereby the first layer is neither mixed nor doctored off the web during the application of the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Stefan Kuni
  • Patent number: 6214415
    Abstract: A method applied in a coating process is to increase the recycling rate for coating materials. For this method, a jig with a special design is employed. The jig is a base-and-cover combination type and is separable. Using such a jig would enable powdered material sprayed on an object to mostly adhere thereon. There will be a small amount of coating material adhering on the jig in this improved process, however, most of which, in fact, would adhere to the cover of the jig. At the end of the process, the cover of the jig is separated from the base of the jig, and is transported to a coating material recycling process, in which the material adhering to the cover of the jig is recycled, and the base of the jig as well as the object is conveyed to proceed with a baking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Enlight Corporation
    Inventors: Janson Yu, C. M. Liao
  • Patent number: 6207228
    Abstract: Impregnating agents are concurrently processed with bulky materials such as recycled wastes within a turbulent fragmenting zone in order to fragment and uniformity impregnate the fragmented materials with impregnating agents. Uniform distribution of the impregnating agents throughout the processed materials may be accomplished by using multiple injection lines which port into the fragmenting zone at a position so as impregnate fluidized particles. Application of the impregnating agent is maintained at a substantially uniform pressure (e.g. porting from a manifold) so as to uniformity disperse and impregnate the impregnating agents throughout the processing material. The dispersal of the impregnating agent is effectuated by concurrently suspending fragmenting and impregnating the materials within the fragmenting zone 7. Recycled waste materials may be effectively impregnated with a host of impregnating agents such as application of pesticides, colorants, binding agents, insecticides, herbicides, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventors: Vincent G. Hundt, Frederick G. Peltz
  • Patent number: 6197365
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a catalytic converter includes spraying a suspension comprising a solvent and a catalyst material comprising carrier particles coated with a catalytically active material onto a substrate having a temperature above the boiling point of the solvent via a sprayer; and forming a layer on the substrate. The layer is thermally activated and is wetted three-dimensionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Xcellsis GmbH
    Inventors: Patrick Bachinger, Christian Duelk, Berthold Keppler, Thomas Stengel, Dagmar Waidelich
  • Patent number: 6194035
    Abstract: A method and a machine for surface sizing of soft pieces (3) with porous surface such as fabrics and foams, with liquid glue, includes preheating the surface of each piece (3) at a temperature higher than 50° C., then spraying the liquid glue by low pressure atomization on the pre-heated surface, thus preventing the glue from penetrating the thickness of the piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventors: Christian Guilhem, Jacques Guilhem
  • Patent number: 6194027
    Abstract: A method for powder spray-coating objects utilizes pneumatic conveyance of powder from an injector to a spraying system having a spray coating zone through which objects are consecutively conveyed in an automated system. Power conveyance is interrupted between the consecutive objects as object gaps enter the spray coating zone while the conveying air flow is maintained by injection of controlling air into a vacuum zone of the injector which reduces the injector vacuum to a degree causing interruption of powder conveyance. Flushing compressed air may be injected between the injector and the spray device of the spraying system to automatically flush powder to maintain system integrity. Equipment for powder spray coating of objects utilizing the above method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: ITW Gema AG
    Inventor: Felix Mauchle
  • Patent number: 6190739
    Abstract: A lacquering line and a method of lacquering industrially manufactured products in standard and/or special colours, having one or more guide devices (1) for the industrially manufactured products, having one or more lacquering cabins and having spraying elements (2) disposed along the guide devices (1) inside the lacquering cabins, wherein at least one lacquering cabin comprises one or more lacquering units, having one or more exchangeable small containers (6, 6a), in which the lacquer quantity required for lacquering a predetermined number of individual products is packed ready to apply, as well as having a rinsing device (9), wherein the small containers (6, 6a) and the rinsing device (9) are connectable in each case by a lacquer conveying device (7) and one or more stub lines (8) directly or via a colour changer (11) to the spraying elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Herberts GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Höffer, Reiner Kasulke
  • Patent number: 6190727
    Abstract: A spray application apparatus and method, well suited for use in a plywood production resin spray line, provides automatic control of the spread rate of resin applied to the veneer layers built-up to form plywood panels. In lieu of the conventional trial and error method of manually adjusting the height of a spray nozzle to adjust the spread rate, a controller, actuator, and various sensors are utilized in conjunction with a novel control algorithm to achieve continuous automatic spread rate control. The control effectively compensates for variations in process parameters (e.g., resin flow rate, conveyor line speed and veneer temperature) during a production run, whereby product quality is increased with reduced resin consumption. The controller is easily and effectively calibrated without the need to obtain accurate initial values of the variable process parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Corporation
    Inventor: Charles E. Thaggard
  • Patent number: 6190726
    Abstract: A method and assembly for coating a moving web of paper or paperboard by means of a coating mix jet which is directed to the surface of the web without mechanical support. The present invention is based on applying a desired amount of the coating mix to the web via a narrow-gap slit orifice, and by measuring the coat weight on the web, adjusting the position of at least one lip of the slit orifice to achieve the desired weight and cross-machine profile of the applied coat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Jukka Koskinen, Jukka Linnonmaa
  • Patent number: 6171649
    Abstract: An improved, pre-coated aluminum-alloy aircraft component prepared by providing an aluminum-alloy component precursor to a coating apparatus having a fluidized-bed or mist apparatus, suspending the components in the fluidized-bed apparatus vertically at a distance from the bottom of the apparatus and introducing a coating to the apparatus to coat the components while being suspended in the airstream flowing through the apparatus. The non-contact, fluidized-bed or mist coating method allows for the coating of increased batch sizes in shorter coating times with decreased variations in coating thickness and uniformity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Steven G. Keener, Norman R. Byrd
  • Patent number: 6162496
    Abstract: A mixing system with a vessel for supplying a liquid and a device for supplying solid pieces to mix with the liquid. The system has an elongate enclosure with a first end opposing a second end. The enclosure defines a chamber in fluid communication with the vessel to receive the liquid. The chamber also has a inlet and an outlet with the inlet being closer to the first end than the outlet. The chamber receives the pieces from the device through the inlet and issues the pieces through the outlet. A motor driven mixing auger positioned in the chamber between the first and second ends rotates a selected direction about a rotational axis to intermix the liquid and pieces. The auger includes a first helical flight between the inlet and the outlet to convey the pieces from the inlet to the outlet when the shaft is rotated the selected direction. The auger also includes a second helical flight between the first flight and the second end to urge the solid pieces in a direction opposite the first flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: David Blue
  • Patent number: 6146699
    Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for depositing a lubricant coating on a cable, the cable including a sheath made by means of an extruder followed by a cooling vessel. Downstream from the cooling vessel, the apparatus includes a heater member followed by a deposition chamber for depositing a lubricant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Bonicel, Olivier Tatat
  • Patent number: 6136147
    Abstract: Debonders, particularly including polysiloxanes, are applied to tissue webs by atomizing the debonder and applying the debonder to the tissue with a steam jet as a debonder/steam mixture. The debonder is applied after the creping blade and prior to the reel. Other suitable debonders include quaternary ammonium surfactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Lawrence Edwards, Michael John Smith
  • Patent number: 6132890
    Abstract: In order to advantageously solve problems such as lowering of the productivity, contamination of alloy coating due to the adoption of different metal, increase of the cost due to the adoption of different coating process, a coating of MCrAlX alloy is directly formed on a substrate surface of a member exposed to a high temperature at a thickness of 10.about.300 .mu.m through atmospheric plasma spraying process in air or flame spraying process (including low-velocity flame spraying process, high-velocity flame spraying process) and thereafter the same MCrAlX alloy is applied thereonto at a thickness of 100.about.800 .mu.m through low pressure plasma spraying process in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Tocalo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Harada, Tatsuo Suizu, Takema Teratani
  • Patent number: 6106902
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a moving web of paper of paper-board. In the method, the web to be coated is passed to a coater station, wherein a coat layer is applied to at least one surface of the web, and the web is dried at least to some degree and passed to the next treatment step. The coat is applied by spraying the coating mix on the web surface by a high-pressure spraying nozzles, the pattern width covered by a single nozzle is essentially narrower than the cross-machine width of the web being coated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Jukka Koskinen, Erkki Kirveskari, Vilho Nissinen, Jorma Kinnunen, Seppo Luomi
  • Patent number: 6099898
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for allowing a powder paint system to utilize reclaimed oversprayed powder paint of various colors by collecting it in a common reclaim collector system. The reclaimed powder paint is then applied to a work piece as a base coat to attain a portion of the total film build required. The remainder of the film thickness is then applied in subsequent application of virgin powder paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Haden, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Joyce, Jeffrey C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6086958
    Abstract: A positioning method and fixture apparatus for use in such method for painting or coating a vehicle body panel, such as a plastic composite deck lid, when mounted on a pair of existing spring-counterbalanced arms of deck lid hinges. In the method, the apparatus is used to releasably retain and position the deck lid by forces applied directly at the hinges rather than to the deck lid. A rigid transverse main strut of the fixture laterally spans the body panel between the hinges and carries a pair of hook members rigidly affixed to its ends that are releasably attached one to each associated hinge arm. A secondary strut extends rearwardly from the main strut and has a slide bolt latch that is releasably engaged to the rear underside edge of the deck lid to secure the fixture unitarily to the deck lid at three points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventors: Charles T. Russell, Gerald G Kilgore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6083571
    Abstract: A method of applying a pattern to a surface of a substrate includes forming mutually parallel pattern rows applied by at least two output channels. In order to produce a pattern without strip-like visible faults, provision is made for the output channels in each case to be displaced transversely in relation to the pattern rows such that pattern rows can optionally be applied by at least some of the output channels in order to obtain a complete pattern. The individual pattern rows are applied by different output channels and are mixed with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Schablonentechnik Kufstein Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Harald Kapfinger
  • Patent number: 6077375
    Abstract: A method for applying fluids to a strand and useable for bonding adhesive coated strands to substrates in the production of bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, by drawing the strand along an isolated path, moving a fluid or adhesive fiber back and forth across a path of the strand as the fluid fiber is dispensed toward the strand, and capturing substantially all of the fluid fiber on the isolated strand, and in some applications contacting an adhesive coated strand with the substrate to bond the strand thereto. The adhesive fiber is vacillated back and forth across a path of the strand beyond opposing sides thereof to at least partially coat all sides thereof with adhesive. In bodily fluid absorbing hygienic articles, the methods substantially eliminate fabric stiffening and loss of moisture absorbing capacity thereof, provide substantially uniformly bonding along the axial dimension of the strand to ensure uniform bunching of fabrics, optimum fluid absorption, and comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Kui-Chiu Kwok
  • Patent number: 6063449
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a moving web of paper or paperboard. The web to be coated is passed to a coater station, wherein a coat layer is applied to at least one surface of the web by means of high-pressure spraying nozzles, whereby the pattern width covered by a single nozzle is essentially narrower than the cross-machine width of the web being coated. The nozzles are located in an enclosure and the excess coat mist formed in the process is removed by means of suction tubes, and advantageously, with the help of a falling film of coating mix flowing down the internal wall(s) of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Jukka Koskinen, Erkki Kirveskari, Vilho Nissinen, Jorma Kinnunen, Seppo Luomi
  • Patent number: 6063450
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for directly or indirectly applying a liquid or pasty application medium (2) onto one or both sides of a continuous surface (4), wherein the application medium (2) is applied to the surface (4) in a plurality of single application regions by means of a plurality of single application nozzles (12) spaced apart from one another side by side and/or in succession in the direction of width (B) and/or longitudinal direction of the surface (4) and clearly distanced (D) from the surface (4), the application medium (2) emerging from each of these nozzles, wherein adjacent single application regions each intersect (U) at least in part in their respective edge regions, causing a layer of application medium to be produced across substantially the entire width (B) of the surface (4) to be coated. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Bernert, Rudiger Kurtz, Martin Kustermann, Bernhard Kohl, Hans-Dieter Dorflinger, Benjamin Mendez-Gallon
  • Patent number: 6060113
    Abstract: A method of producing an electron-emitting device includes the steps of forming a pair of electrodes and an electrically-conductive thin film on a substrate in such a manner that the pair of electrodes are in contact with the electrically-conductive thin film and forming an electron emission region using the electrically-conductive thin film, wherein a solution containing a metal element is supplied in a droplet form, such as by an inkjet system, onto the substrate thereby forming the electrically-conductive thin film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Banno, Etsuro Kishi, Mitsutoshi Hasegawa, Kazuhiro Sando, Kazuya Shigeoka, Masahiko Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 6045874
    Abstract: A fluid delivery method is provided wherein either liquid or gaseous fluid is provided from fluid dispenser manifolds, via nozzle plates associated therewith, on each side of a path of travel of articles being treated by the fluid, and wherein nozzle openings in a nozzle plates cooperate with transverse groove(s) to provide a screen flow of fluid extending transversely of the path of travel of articles, and directed toward the articles. In the case of the fluid being a liquid, the nozzle openings provide cylindrical filament-like columns of liquid which are rendered by the associated grooves into generally flat, transversely disposed screen spray of liquid. In the case of the fluid being a gas, the nozzle openings and transverse grooves cooperate to deliver the gas in transversely spaced apart, transverse, planar zones of gas directed toward the path of article travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Atotech USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricky A. Himes
  • Patent number: 6037009
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for spraying an adhesive in a selected pattern on a continuously moving web. The method includes the steps of: (a) supplying a predetermined volumetric flow of adhesive to a nozzle; (b) selectively operating the nozzle between an off position and an on position to spray the volumetric flow of the adhesive; (c) diverting the volumetric flow of the adhesive from the nozzle when the nozzle is operated in the off position; and (d) maintaining a back pressure at the nozzle when the nozzle is operated in the off position to provide a substantially instantaneous spray of the adhesive when the nozzle is operated from the off position to the on position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Patrick Clare, William Richard Kollitz, Matthew John Mikula
  • Patent number: 6034006
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process for manufacturing a glass strand mat, in which a binder is deposited continuously on a wad of glass strands. The strands are distributed on a moving conveyor, and then the wad is subjected to an oven treatment and possibly to calendering. The process consists of depositing on the wad of strands a liquid binder whose viscosity during deposition is less than approximately 40 millipascal seconds, the binder being formed by an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Vetrotex France S.A.
    Inventors: Michel Arpin, Fabrice Duchamp, Michel Mottet
  • Patent number: 6027768
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing plugging of a narrow, slot-orifice-type jet nozzle 6 used in a paper and board coater in which the jet nozzle extends over the entire cross-machine width of the web being coated. The coater has an application chamber 11, a coating mix infeed channel 5 connected thereto and a clot orifice 6 as well as at least one inlet port 13 for feeding the coating mix into the application chamber 11. An easily cleanable strainer element 12 is placed close to the applicator apparatus to separate aggregates of the coating mix that otherwise could plug the slot orifice 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Jukka Koskinen, Vilho Nissinen
  • Patent number: 6027766
    Abstract: A method and article are disclosed wherein a substrate is provided with a photocatalytically-activated self-cleaning surface by forming a photocatalytically-activated self-cleaning coating on the substrate by spray pyrolysis chemical vapor deposition or magnetron sputter vacuum deposition. The coating has a thickness of at least about 500 Angstroms to limit sodium-ion poisoning to a portion of the coating facing the substrate. Alternatively, a sodium ion diffusion barrier layer is deposited over the substrate prior to the deposition of the photocatalytically-activated self-cleaning coating to prevent sodium ion poisoning of the photocatalytically-activated self-cleaning coating. The substrate includes glass substrates, including glass sheet and continuous float glass ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles B. Greenberg, Caroline S. Harris, Vincent Korthuis, Luke A. Kutilek, David E. Singleton, Janos Szanyi, James P. Thiel
  • Patent number: 6013375
    Abstract: Forming apparatus (22) and a method for forming a glass sheet ribbon G delivered from a float tank (44) to a topside support device (74) having a downwardly facing surface to which a vacuum and pressurized gas are supplied to support the glass sheet ribbon (G) at its upper surface (52) while a coater (78) applies a coating (80) to its lower surface (54). Another coater (86) applies a coating (88) to the upper surface (52) of the glass sheet ribbon G. A coated glass sheet (32) cut from the glass sheet ribbon G has at least one surface, and as disclosed both of its surfaces (52,54), coated so as to be protected from deterioration caused by exposure to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Glasstech, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Maltby, Jr., Michael J. Vild, Kenneth H. Wetmore
  • Patent number: 5989644
    Abstract: A spray painting apparatus and methodology. A plurality of parts are loaded onto a carrier at circumferentially spaced locations about a central spin axis of the carrier whereafter the carrier is moved in indexing fashion to a spray station where drive means engage the carrier to spin the carrier about its spin axis while a spray gun assembly is moved up and down in reciprocal fashion parallel to the spin axis. The parts are mounted on the carrier in a fashion to simulate impellers which have the effect of sucking air into the center region of the carrier to augment painting of the interior surfaces of the parts. The carriers are preferably moved to the paint spray station by a power and free conveyor system wherein the carrier is disengaged from the power conveyor at the paint spray station and is reengaged with the power conveyor following spinning movement of the carrier and reciprocal movement of the spray gun assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Adac Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry L. Williams
  • Patent number: 5989643
    Abstract: The present invention provides a positioning method and layout that can be used to dispose robots efficiently in an automobile painting and sealing line. This invention relates to the positioning of robots in an automobile painting line in which a downflow circulatory system is established. The main body of a sealing robot is positioned in a location at which it does not cause a large disruption in the downflow circulation along the side of an automobile body, and a robot for painting the under-surface of the floor of the automobile body is provided therebelow. Sealing and painting of the under-surface are performed in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Nakagawa, Masaki Fusama, Masao Naemura, Yasuhiro Yamaoka
  • Patent number: 5985360
    Abstract: Adhesive material is directed by two gumming applicators onto selected portions of a wrapping material as it advances in a given feed direction at a predetermined velocity, with no interruption in the movement of the wrapping material. The two applicators make a forward pass and a return pass, each composed of two constituent passes, during the course of which the adhesive material is deposited simultaneously along respective first and second segments of a first trail in the forward direction and in like manner along respective first and second segments of a second trail in the reverse direction; each complete trail extends transversely and substantially across the full width of the wrapping material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: G.D. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Silvano Boriani, Alessandro Minarelli
  • Patent number: 5980814
    Abstract: A method for making an apertured film for use as a topsheet in absorbent products wherein the film is corona treated on one side, and has received a surfactant application that is distributed to both the corona treated and non-corona treated sides of the film. A method for application of surfactant includes applying the surfactant to one side of the film and rolling the film into a roll while the surfactant is still wet in order to apply surfactant to both sides of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Judith E. Roller, Thomas Patrick Luchino, David A. Burwell, Sunita Pargass
  • Patent number: 5976635
    Abstract: A method for coating a paper or board web or the like (7) using a coating mix aerosol generated by means of an ultrasonic atomizer. The output power of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers (15) disposed proximate to a surface of the moving web (7) is passed via a vibrated beam (14) to a coating mix flow (2) flowing proximate to the web (5). Ultrasonic vibrations applied to the coating mix atomize the upper layer of the coating mix flow into an aerosol (11) which is emitted toward the web (7) and adheres thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Jorma Kinnunen
  • Patent number: 5958517
    Abstract: A system (12) for delivering spin-on-glass (SOG) to a substrate (14) has a spin chuck (16) for spinning a substrate (14), a delivery nozzle (18, 118, 218, 318, 418) having an interior conduit (419), a delivery nozzle-positioning subsystem (62) coupled to the delivery nozzle (18, 118, 218, 318, 418) for selectively positioning the delivery nozzle (18, 118, 218, 318, 418) over the spin chuck (16) for delivery of SOG, a SOG supply line (60, 160, 360) for supplying SOG, a cleaning fluid supply line (22, 122, 322) for supplying a cleaning fluid used to remove dried SOG, and a valve subsystem (20, 120, 320) fluidly coupled to the SOG supply line (60, 160, 360), cleaning-fluid supply line (22, 122, 322), and delivery nozzle (18, 118, 218, 318, 418) for selectively delivering SOG or a cleaning fluid through the interior conduit (419) of the delivery nozzle (18, 118, 218, 318, 418). A cleaning station 466 may be used to clean an exterior (421) of the nozzle (18, 118 218, 318, 418).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Frank D. Poag, Richard L. Guldi, Douglas E. Paradis, Paul C. Hashim
  • Patent number: 5952056
    Abstract: Atomized metal is deposited metal onto a substrate so as to cause at least partial solidification of the deposited metal; further atomized metal is deposited onto the partially solidified deposited metal on the substrate; and the metal deposited onto the partially solidified deposited metal is allowed to fully solidify on the substrate; the cooling of the further deposited metal, and the composition of the metal and/or of a gas used in the atomization of the further atomized metal being tailored such that volumetric contraction on solidification and cooling of the further deposited metal is compensated for, when the deposited metal has been cooled to ambient temperature, by volumetric expansion in a reaction or phase change in the further deposited metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Sprayform Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Richard Michael Jordan, Allen Dennis Roche
  • Patent number: 5932284
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods of applying adhesive to a lateral edge of a first web. The method includes transporting the first web along a first path and transporting a second web along a second path generally in surface-to-surface relationship with the first web at the lateral edge, with the second web extending outwardly from the first web. When adhesive is applied such as by spraying to the first web at the lateral edge, at least some adhesive passes outwardly of the lateral edge as overspray and is received by the second web. Thus, adhesive applied to the edge of the first web is received in combination by both of the first and second webs. Both of the first and second webs can be utilized in manufacturing articles. In some embodiments, adhesive is applied at both first and second lateral edges of the first web. In some embodiments, spaced leg cutouts are formed in lateral edges of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Mack Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5928711
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a barrier coating on a portion of discrete objects such as fasteners utilizing a liquid coating material is provided. The present invention introduces either a plurality of loose or interconnected parts onto a magnetized conveyor system and optically senses when parts are present. When parts are sensed, the sensor triggers a discrete shot of liquid coating material such as a fluorocarbon to be deposited onto a predetermined portion of each part. These parts can then be transferred to a second magnetized conveyor system that supports an opposite surface of the parts than the first conveyor. The invention can also remove excess coating material and also be provided with dryers or heaters to fix the coating material to the parts if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: ND Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Wallace, Charles M. Stempien, Joseph A. Lopetrone
  • Patent number: 5922407
    Abstract: A method of application of a liquid or pasty medium onto a moving material web consisting, in particular, of paper or cardboard, in which a direct application (2) of a liquid or pasty medium (4) onto one side of a moving material web (1) and a contactless deflection (3) of the moving material web along a curved path of motion ensues, the side of the moving material web to be provided with the liquid or pasty medium passing through a concave curvature and the direct application (2) of the liquid or pasty medium ensuing directly ahead of the deflection (3) or during the deflection as a free jet along a contactlessly guided section of the moving material web. Additionally, an apparatus for implementing the method is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Hess, Joachim Henssler, Michael Trefz, Bernhard Kohl, Zygmunt Madrzak, Rudolf Munch
  • Patent number: 5914155
    Abstract: An applicator for direct or indirect application of a liquid or pasty coating medium onto a traveling material web, notably of paper or cardboard, includes at least one open-jet nozzle from which the coating medium issues in an open jet extending through the ambient atmosphere. The applicator also includes at least one traveling countersurface disposed opposite the open-jet nozzle and to be acted upon by the open jet. At least one jet-splitting system is arranged in the open jet in an area contained between the exit of the open-jet nozzle and the countersurface. The jet-splitting system divides the open jet into at least one diversion jet and at least one coating jet which flows on the countersurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Rudiger Kurtz
  • Patent number: 5895691
    Abstract: A magnetic conveyor system for transporting ferro-magnetic cans through an immersion or electro-immersion coating bath includes a magnetic infeed conveyor for transporting the cans toward an inlet end of the coating bath, a magnetic coating conveyor for removing the cans from the infeed conveyor and transporting them through the coating bath, and a magnetic outfeed conveyor for removing the cans from the coating conveyor at an outlet end of the coating bath. The magnetic coating conveyor includes an endless conveyor belt which defines inclined inlet and outlet runs relative to a surface of the coating bath. The cans are transported on the conveyor belt with a closed bottom of each can magnetically held to the conveyor belt and an open top of each can facing outwardly from the belt. The cans are transported into the coating bath at the inlet run with the closed bottom of each can entering the bath before the open top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan R. Boger, Joseph G. Vanden-Eynden
  • Patent number: 5895622
    Abstract: A composite manufacturing system moves a multi-fiber tow through a processing space. A resin particle source provides particles to the space. This source may include an airstream entrained with particles which is discharged into the space through an orifice; the airstream diverging as it enters the space. An electrode is disposed in the space to electrostatically charge the particles and facilitate deposition of the charged particles on the tow. In one embodiment, the electrode includes a corona wire disposed proximate to the tow to provide a generally cylindrical charging region. An electric field useful to direct deposition of the particles may be generated by appropriately shaping a wire electrode and orienting it in a predetermined manner relative to the tow. After the particles are deposited, a fixation unit may be used to at least partially melt the deposited particles. A processing stage may be included which has a pair of surfaces configured to heat and compress the tow therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Karthik Ramani, Daniel Edward Woolard, Mark Stephen Duvall
  • Patent number: 5891526
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for mixing a plurality of materials in-situ to form an admixture and heating a localized portion of admixture upon dispense. The heat thereby primarily effects the speed of chemical reaction and curing of only the exiting reactants with little effect upon the admixture not dispensed. The apparatus and process are especially useful for encapsulating a plurality of workpieces at a high throughput. Advantageous configurations are described such as wherein the workpieces and/or the dispensing mechanism may be mounted on a carrier and fed by an assembly line. Alternative admixture chemistries are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Brady, Stephen Leslie Buchwalter, David Andrew Lewis
  • Patent number: 5882735
    Abstract: The present invention provides:a method for the feeding of a coating, which comprises:(1) a step of fitting a cartridge filled with a predetermined coating, to an automatic coating device or an apparatus capable of feeding a coating to an automatic coating device, and(2) applying an external pressure to the fitted cartridge to feed the coating in the cartridge, to a coating gun; anda method for the application of a top coating onto an automobile body, which comprises applying, onto an automobile body which is a material to be coated, a top coating fed to a coating gun by the above-mentioned method for feeding of coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tohru Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 5876803
    Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a process for controlling a multiplicity of spray tools for the surface coating of vehicles or parts thereof. With stored program control, the settings for the multiplicity of spray tool which determine the paint flow through each tool are issued centrally to the control elements associated with the spray tools. The trajectory points for the tools, which are stored with coarse spacing or obtained by coarse interpolation from already stored trajectory points, are applied as reference values to the attitude controllers serving each spray tool; from the said position controllers, additional trajectory points are determined by fine interpolation between the transmitted trajectory points and processed in the position controller by means of actual position values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Cegelec AEG Anlagen--und Automatisierungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Hissen, Hans Schumacher
  • Patent number: 5871822
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a conformal coat to an electronic assembly which significantly reduces the emissions which are a by-product of the process. A spray gun atomizes a conformal coat/solvent mixture at a high pressure within the gun and then emits the mixture at a low volume and low pressure such that the transfer rate of the material is very high and the amount of wasted material is very low. The coats are applied in such a manner that the electronic assembly can be sprayed multiple times before sending the entire assembly into the curing oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Lepsche, James M. Henz
  • Patent number: 5868844
    Abstract: A self-adhesive part of a hook and loop fastener has a multiplicity of layers of pressure-sensitive adhesive on a back surface of the base material, for adhering the part to a mating substrate. The adhesive is water based and a plurality times of coating and drying processes are repeated so as to have successive coatings. This reduces the overall drying time and efficiency is secured and minimization of requred space can be realized without impairing adhesive function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Hisanori Kato, Klaus Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 5853812
    Abstract: A method for processing substrates, comprising the steps of (a) disposing a substrate on a supporting table, followed by preparing a nozzle and a contact adjusting member in a waiting position apart from the substrate disposed on the supporting table and further preparing removing means in a position intermediate between the waiting position and an operating position, (b) allowing a solvent to be attached to the contact adjusting member in the waiting position and moving the contact adjusting member relative to the nozzle so as to bring the process solution present in the solution discharge port of the nozzle into contact with the solvent attached to the contact adjusting member and, thus, to adjust the condition of the process solution present in the solution discharge port of the nozzle, (c) moving the nozzle from the waiting position to an operating position through the removing means so as to allow the process solution spurted from the nozzle to be moved into the removing means, and (d) moving the substra
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Tetsu Kawasaki, Kimio Motoda
  • Patent number: 5849321
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for spray coating a paper or board web in which a coating paste or mix is applied as an aerosol to the web in an enclosed space or chamber. A flow of the coating paste flows down at least one of the interior walls of the enclosed space, thereby collecting excess coating paste aerosol and providing a seal between the web and the walls of the enclosed space. By providing this seal, the amount of excess coating paste aerosol escaping from the enclosed space and the amount of air travelling along the surface of the web are both reduced, thereby increasing the quality of the applied coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Pekka Linnonmaa
  • Patent number: RE36534
    Abstract: In the method described, a compound substantially in the form of a paste is fed by means of a pump from a storage container (1) to a metering device (3) which determines the amount of paste to be applied to a workpiece (B). From the metering device, the paste is fed to a spray head (S) where it is .[.mixed with.]. .Iadd.swirled by .Iaddend.compressed air from a cylinder (4) or other suitable supply and sprayed on to the workpiece (B). The amount of compressed air supplied to the paste for spraying purposes is controlled by means of a control unit (6) in such a way that a strip of substantially constant width is applied to the workpiece (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: SCA Schucker GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Schucker