Folding Patents (Class 53/429)
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Patent number: 6321512Abstract: A method is provided for forming a package of a plurality of side-by-side stacks of continuous strips of material in a rectangular container. Each strip is folded back and forth about first and second fold lines to form a stack of a plurality of folded overlying strip portions which are arranged side-by-side so that the side edges are aligned. The fold lines are transverse to the strip and arranged at opposite ends of the stack. A splice tail portion extending from a first strip end portion of each stack is spliced to a second strip end portion. The stacks are compressed such that their height is equal to that of the container and the splice tail portions remain loose and uncompressed.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: BKI Holding CorporationInventors: Lawrence J. O'Connor, Darrell Van Mol
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Publication number: 20010039785Abstract: Tissue clips are selectively turned 90 degrees on a bucket conveyor for endwise flat carton loading, or left alone for boutique carton loading. Extensible pushers engage the sides of tissue clips configured for flat cartons at longitudinally displaced positions for turning the clips and dropping them into transverse channels across the bucket floors. Boutique clips are later depressed into the channels they span for configuration and sideways transfer into boutique cartons. The channel floors lie below the bucket floors. Transfer guide buckets have floors at the same level as the bucket channel floors and are used to facilitate clip transfer into cartons of a selected configuration. Tamps descend from above the buckets to confine the clips and/or selectively form the boutique clips at least partially into the channels. Methods and apparatus are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2001Publication date: November 15, 2001Applicant: R.A. Jones & Co. Inc.Inventors: J. Daniel Greenwell, Peter D. Schwartz, Ted K. Lemmon
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Publication number: 20010036892Abstract: The invention relates to a method for folding together an inflatable airbag jacket of an airbag module for motor vehicles, in which the at least partly spread out airbag jacket is arranged in at least one folding pocket and a folding volume of the folding pocket which contains the airbag jacket is reduced in size. The invention also relates to a folding apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventors: Peter Kleeberger, Christian Strasser
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Patent number: 6305150Abstract: A way of folding an air bag used in an air bag module is disclosed, as well as a process and device for folding an air bag. The air bag is folded in the direction of an imaginary longitudinal axis, forming a ring with separate folds at its inner and outer sides, the imaginary longitudinal axis preferably extending through the filling mouth of the air bag. The folding process is characterized in that the empty air bag is stretched in the direction of an imaginary longitudinal axis and folded up in the direction of the longitudinal axis within a boundary, in particular a boundary having a ring-shaped cross-section. A device for folding the air bag has a molded part, at least one device for introducing the air bag into the molded part and at least one device for compressing the air bag inside the molded part. The advantage of the invention is that only a few process steps and a simple device are required for folding the air bag.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1998Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Petri AGInventor: Andrea Dietsch
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Patent number: 6293009Abstract: A method for producing a metallic carrier body includes introducing a sheet into a receptacle. The sheet undergoes at least partial deformation upon introduction into the receptacle. A catalyst carrier body for an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine may be produced by the method.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1998Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Emitec Gesellschaft fuer EmissionstechnologieInventor: Carsten Kruse
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Patent number: 6293075Abstract: A method is provided for forming a package of a plurality of side-by-side stacks of continuous strips of material without intervening rigid container walls. Each strip is folded back and forth about first and second fold lines to form a stack of a plurality of folded overlying strip portions. The fold lines are transverse to the strip and arranged at opposite ends of the stack. The strip portions of each stack are arranged side-by-side so that the side edges are aligned. The strips are fed simultaneously through a guide slot in a movable carriage that is parallel to the stacks end upon which the stacks are arranged.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: BKI Holding CorporationInventors: Lawrence J. O'Connor, Darrell Van Mol
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Patent number: 6266944Abstract: A machine and a process for the automatic enveloping of messages with a variable number of sheets provide; the supply of message sheets on a first accumulating plane (9, 48); the supply of envelope sheets on a second accumulating plane (17, 28, 29), which forms an angle with the first accumulating plane, such as to obtain the overlaying of the front ends of the envelope sheets and message sheets; the simultaneous feeding of the envelope and message sheets such that complete overlaying therebetween is obtained; and the simultaneous folding of the envelope sheets and message sheets, obtaining an envelope.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1999Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: R.C.P. di Riccardo ConsiglioInventor: Riccardo Consiglio
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Publication number: 20010009091Abstract: The present invention discloses folded corrugated material for producing segments or strips for use as Easter grass, packing material and the like or for use as flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2001Publication date: July 26, 2001Inventor: Donald E. Weder
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Patent number: 6263814Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material includes a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip of material includes a splice defined by the two ends of the strip. The two ends of the strip are held together by yarn stitches passing through and bridging the strip ends.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1998Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: BKI Holding CorporationInventor: Lawrence J. O'Connor
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Patent number: 6260330Abstract: A method for the folding of an airbag for motor vehicles which comprises the steps that an airbag to be folded is fixed in a housing with its closed end at an upper part of the housing and is fastened with its open end at a base element lying opposite to the upper part in such a manner that the base element seals off the interior of the airbag against the inner space of the housing; that the housing and the base element are moved relative to one another; and that the pressure within the airbag and/or the housing is varied during the relative movement. An apparatus for the folding of an airbag, in particular for carrying out the folding method in accordance with the invention.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joachim Borowski, Johannes-Alexander Varcus
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Patent number: 6209288Abstract: An apparatus for laying band-like or strip-like material is disclosed, having a carrying structure and a platform, having at least one laying arrangement, which is assigned to the carrying structure and is intended for laying the material, having at least one material-feed device, which is assigned to the laying arrangement, and having at least one receiving device, which is assigned to the platform and is intended for the material which is to be laid by the laying arrangement. The laying arrangement comprises a laying arm, which is assigned to the receiving device, and wherein the platform and the laying arm can be moved at least horizontally, in each case orthogonally with respect to one another and reversibly.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Kortec GmbHInventors: Roberto E. Rahn, Christian Lenk
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Patent number: 6182418Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging tissue in a pop-up tissue dispenser is disclosed. The pop-up dispenser being a carton having a top wall, a bottom wall and four sidewalls which join the top wall to the bottom wall. The carton also has an opening formed in the top wall through which the tissues can be withdrawn. The method includes the steps of providing several tissues that are substantially identical to one another. The tissues are described as a first tissue and a plurality of other tissues. The several tissues are transported to a folding station and are interfolded to form an interfolded assemblage. Only the first tissue is colored or has a visual indicator printed or applied to it to form a visually distinctive tissue. The interfolded assemblage is then cut to form a plurality of clips of interfolded tissues. Each of the clips includes one of the visually distinctive tissues and a plurality of the other tissues.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Timothy Maurice McFarland
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Patent number: 6176068Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material comprises a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip is continuous through each stack and is connected by a splice from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack. The package is compressed to reduce the height of the stacks and maintained in the compressed condition by an evacuated sealed bag. The preferred package arrangement uses the package for pay off of the strip in the orientation in which it is formed with the bottom of the stacks resting on a support and the package tilted to one side so that the stacks lean against a support surface for stability.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1998Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: BKI Holding CorporationInventor: Lawrence J. O'Connor
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Patent number: 6173555Abstract: Discrete lengths of a web (1) of sample bags are each arranged in a container in an ordered manner such that each web can be removed from its container (13) without additional aids by pulling on a head end (A) of the web length, and so that the tail end (E) of each such web length can also be gripped without changing the web arrangement in the container and independently of the fullness of the container. For feeding sample bags into a processing station, a first container is positioned in the region of the feeding location and the head end (A) of the web length is pulled out of its container and led to a feeding mechanism of the processing station. During the feeding of the first web length of bags into the processing, further containers are formed into a series of containers by connecting the tail end (E) of the web in one container to the head end (A) of a web length in the following container.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Ferag AGInventors: Erich Jaeger, Markus Scheuber
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Patent number: 6158198Abstract: A method of folding extended and substantially flat hosiery products with paper, with or without an insert, to produce a composite folded hosiery product suitable for packaging. Product and paper are successively folded upon themselves and thereafter positioned within an encompassing envelope, such as a poly bag or cardboard package. The insert may be introduced into the composite folded hosiery product at the first fold if it is desired in the final package.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1999Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: Sara Lee CorporationInventors: Michael Faircloth, Reid London
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Patent number: 6115998Abstract: A method for folding an airbag for an airbag module is characterized in that an empty airbag is spread out and gathered in towards a center to give a folded airbag. The airbag is gathered inside a fixed vertical profiled section having a top and a bottom separated by a distance corresponding to the predetermined height of the folded airbag. Only a few gathering tools and only a few operations are necessary to gather the airbag. A device for carrying out the method is characterized by a lower part on which the airbag is spread out flat and an upper part separated from the lower part by a distance that corresponds to the vertical profile required for the gathered airbag. Gathering tools are mounted between the upper part and the lower part so that they surround the airbag and so that their position relative to the airbag can be changed.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Petri AGInventors: Stefan Reh, Thomas Marotzke
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Patent number: 6079562Abstract: A bag of folded disposable diapers including folded diapers arranged in at least two superimposed stacks in a direction substantially parallel to their thickness. Each of the diapers has a pair of substantially planar surfaces which are oriented to be substantially parallel to the side panels of the bag and each diaper is folded along at least one folding line in the cross direction so as to define at least one folded area and two non-folded end areas. The diapers are arranged in the bag such that the non-folded end areas corresponding to the waist areas are positioned inwardly, away from the end panels of the flexible bag.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Rainer Richard Bernd Bauer, Bruce Kevin Bitowft, Andreas Flohr
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Patent number: 6067775Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material includes a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip is continuous through each stack and is connected by a splice from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack. The package is compressed to reduce the height of the stacks and maintained in the compressed condition by an evacuated sealed bag. The fold lines in the package are marked by a machine readable marking so that the strip portions from the package can be cut into strip elements with the cut lines being arranged at the fold lines.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1997Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Stac-Pac Technologies Inc.Inventor: Lawrence J. O'Connor
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Patent number: 6068125Abstract: An apparatus and method for packaging planar container carriers. A package of fan folded container carriers having a carton with vertical walls and a moveable platform positioned with respect to a bottom of the carton. Stacks of fan folded planar container carriers are then positioned in the cartons using a method for packaging wherein each stack of fan folded planar container carriers are secured with dividers positioned within the cartons. At least one carton is positioned on a base of the package to accommodate at least one additional stack of container carriers. The method is performed so that the package accommodates successive stacks of container carriers to form a generally continuous strip of container carriers.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1998Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Arthur R. Slaters, Jr., Victor I. Deonarine, F. Ronald Seager, Dennis J. Boyd
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Patent number: 6035608Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material includes a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip is continuous through each stack and is connected from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack by a traverse portion extending between the stacks. The package can be compressed to reduce the height of the stacks and maintained in the compressed condition by an evacuated sealed bag.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1997Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Stac-Pac Technologies Inc.Inventor: Lawrence J. O'Connor
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Patent number: 6029819Abstract: Discrete lengths of a web (1) of sample bags are each arranged in a container in an ordered manner such that each web can be removed from its container (13) without additional aids by pulling on a head end (A) of the web length, and so that the tail end (E) of each such web length can also be gripped without changing the web arrangement in the container and independently of the fullness of the container. For feeding sample bags into a processing station, a first container is positioned in the region of the feeding location and the head end (A) of the web length is pulled out of its container and led to a feeding mechanism of the processing station. During the feeding of the first web length of bags into the processing, further containers are formed into a series of containers by connecting the tail end (E) of the web in one container to the head end (A) of a web length in the following container.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Ferag AGInventors: Erich Jaeger, Marcus Scheuber
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Patent number: 6021626Abstract: Clothing apparel is vended by forming the clothing apparel into a compact shape, inserting the clothing apparel and a container, and vending the clothing material and container from a standard beverage vending machine.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1997Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: Goodvest CorporationInventor: David H. Goodman
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Patent number: 6009689Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material comprises a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip is continuous through each stack and is connected by a splice from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack. The package is compressed to reduce the height of the stacks and maintained in the compressed condition by an evacuated sealed bag. The preferred package arrangement uses the package for pay off of the strip in an orientation in which the stacks are horizontal The spliced connection portions are flat against opposed sides of the package.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1998Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Stac-Pac Technologies Inc.Inventor: Lawrence J. O'Connor
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Patent number: 5997457Abstract: A direct mail article that is produced from an integral web or sheet of card stock that can be transmitted through the mails without an outer wrapper or envelope comprises a large or oversized card approximately the size of a book or magazine cover, a preformed reply envelope that is separably joined to the card directly or through an intermediate reply device panel that is separably joined to the envelope flap. The preformed reply envelope and reply device panel are folded to a superposed position on the card and secured to the card for mailing by releasable adhesive means. Alternatively, the direct mail article comprises a large card and a reply device panel, the reply device panel comprising at least one business reply card and at least one advertising panel, all of which are separably joined along transverse parting lines to each other and to the card and folded to a superposed position on the card where they are secured for mailing by releasable adhesive means.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Kurt H. Volk, Inc.Inventor: John W. Stenner
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Patent number: 5987851Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material comprises a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip is continuous through each stack and is connected by a splice from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack. The package is compressed to reduce the height of the stacks and maintained in the compressed condition by an evacuated sealed bag. The preferred package arrangement uses the package for pay off of the strip in the orientation in which it is formed with the bottom of the stacks resting on a support and the package tilted to one side so that the stacks lean against a support surface for stability.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Stac-Pac Technologies Inc.Inventor: Lawrence J. O'Connor
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Patent number: 5984852Abstract: The invention relates to a method for accommodating an airbag of an airbag apparatus into a container. The folding method employed allows the airbag to folded into a small container, yet ensures that the airbag will inflate in a substantially uniform and jerk-free manner. The method is still fairly cost effective. A preferred embodiment encompasses inserting a first plunger into an opening in a lower half of the airbag such that it pushes the upper part away from the lower part. The upper part is then clamped between the first plunger and a second plunger. Next, the airbag is folded upward such that a plurality of radial folds is created, which are then folded inward. A hollow die is then placed over the folded airbag. The upper end of the airbag and a central portion of the airbag are twisted in different directions while a third plunger is placed over the end face of the folded airbag. The third plunger is then used to compress the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Takata (Europe) Vehicle Safety Technology GmbHInventors: Benedikt Heudorfer, Frank Mueller, Martin Ritter
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Patent number: 5966905Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material includes a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip, which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip is continuous through each stack and can be connected by a splice from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack. The package is compressed to reduce the height of the stacks and maintained in the compressed condition by an evacuated sealed bag. The package can have the stacks oriented vertically or horizontally. When the stacks are horizontal, the spliced portions are vertical and coplanar with the strips and at alternate ends. When the stacks are vertical, the spliced portions extend from the bottom of the stack along one end of the stack to the top of the next stack.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Stac-Pac Technologies Inc.Inventors: Lawrence J. O'Connor, Mark B. Davidson, Darrell Van Mol
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Patent number: 5960611Abstract: A method for packing an inflatable airbag of a passenger restraint system of a motor vehicle into a housing, wherein the airbag includes a fabric envelope stored in a housing when not in use and is automatically inflated by a gas generator into a form of use when activated, includes the steps of firstly bringing the airbag into the form of use and secondly contacting the airbag in the form of use by mechanical folding aids and pushing the mechanical folding aids into the airbag. At least one first fold is formed so as to be arranged in a single fabric layer on the gas generator so that gas, produced by the gas generator for inflating the airbag when activated, directly impacts on the single fabric layer of the at least one first fold without flowing along other fold surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Joachim Aigner, Peter Bramberger, Bernhard Hermann, Martin Thorbjornsson, Thomas Andersson
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Patent number: 5960610Abstract: An improved method for bending an oximeter sensor which simplifies the manufacturing. The sensor is manufactured without a bend, but when it is packaged for shipping, it is bent and restrained in the bent position. The sensor is made of a material which has memory so that when the packaging which restrains it is removed for use, the sensor will retain a partially bent shape.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett IncorporatedInventors: Mitchell Levinson, James R. Casciani, Bryan J. Weber, Daniel Gronvall, Phillip S. Palmer, Andres Jimenez Lopez, Richard L. Shaw
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Patent number: 5956926Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material includes a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip is continuous through each stack and is connected by a splice from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack. The package can be compressed to reduce the height of the stacks and maintained in the compressed condition by an evacuated sealed bag. The package can be formed by folding a wide web of material back and forth and by slicing the folded web in a direction parallel to the sides of the web to form one or more stacks of a strip of width less than that of the web. The stack can be used to form the above package or can be used in a further processing by unfolding slitting and winding.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignees: KT Holdings, Inc., Stac-Pac Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence J. O'Connor, Mark B. Davidson, Darrell Van Mol
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Patent number: 5927051Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material includes a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip is continuous through each stack and is connected by a splice from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack. The package can be compressed to reduce the height of the stacks and maintained in the compressed condition by an evacuated sealed bag. The package can have the stacks vertical or horizontal. The stacks are connected by a spliced portion so that the strip is continuous through the package. When the stacks are horizontal, the spliced portions are vertical and coplanar with the strips and at alternate ends. When the stacks are vertical, the spliced portions extend from the bottom to the top at one end of the stack.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignees: KT Holdings Inc., Stac-Pac Technologies Inc.Inventors: Lawrence J. O'Connor, Mark B. Davidson, Darrell Van Mol
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Patent number: 5921064Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material includes a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The stacks are formed in a stepped fashion, with a series of separate layers being laid down for each stack. The package can be compressed to reduce the height of the stacks and maintained in the compressed condition by an evacuated sealed bag.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignees: KT Holdings, Inc., Stac-Pac Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Lawrence J. O'Connor
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Patent number: 5918735Abstract: A package for stacked sheets to be freely taken out one by one. The stacked sheets are deformed to have their two longitudinal end portions close to each other and to have a recess, and the two end portions are arranged in common planes in the vertical direction. The stacked sheets is enabled to have a generally square top plan shape and to have a small height so that they can be packaged compactly. The sheet to be taken out is pinched upward while being held between the two sides of the recess, and the two sides of the recess are in parallel with the face of an outlet of the envelope. A sheet next to the sheet to be pulled out comes into abutment with the face of the outlet of the envelope at the two sides of the recess so that the sheets are not taken out in a gang.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1998Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Takeshi Bando, Hiroki Ishikawa
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Patent number: 5913797Abstract: In the canning of tow produced by a synthetic textile filament extrusion line, a pair of deflecting rolls having radially projecting spokes are positioned immediately above the tow-receiving can for travel of the tow between the rolls to impose a folding or plaiting of the tow as it is deposited into the can, thereby reducing the linear velocity of the tow to mitigate potential entanglement of the tow within the can. The production output and operational speed of the filament extrusion process may thus be optimized without being limited by the downstream canning operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Inventor: Lotfy L. Saleh
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Patent number: 5890344Abstract: An apparatus for clamping, folding and transferring a stack of flexible plastic bag products such as a stack of zippered plastic bags. The apparatus can be retrofitted in existing bag sealers used for producing and packaging a stack of plastic bags in order to produce novel shallower plastic bag products.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: DowBrands L.P.Inventors: David A. Smith, Robert J. Nestle
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Patent number: 5879500Abstract: A disposable undergarment forming apparatus and methods are provided for forming disposable undergarments. The apparatus preferably includes a core former positioned to form a stream of undergarment cores. The core former includes a mat securer positioned to secure each of a plurality of undergarment mats to a sheet of a polymeric material and a first separator positioned downstream from the mat securer for separating the stream of undergarment cores into a plurality of individual cores. An elastic waistband former preferably is positioned adjacent the core former for forming elastic waistbands. A waistband securer is positioned downstream from the core former and positioned to receive the elastic waistbands from the elastic waistband former for securing the waistbands to the plurality of individual undergarment cores to thereby form a chain of a plurality of undergarments. A folder is positioned downstream from the waistband securer for folding each of the plurality of undergarments of the chain.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1996Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Inventors: Robert M. Herrin, John M. Tharpe
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Patent number: 5867825Abstract: A novel garment package and a novel method of forming a sterile garment package to facilitate donning of a garment by a wearer is disclosed in the present invention. The method of forming the garment package may be used to fold a sleeve, a shoe cover, a hood, a coverall or other like garments. The method is performed by laying the garment on a surface in a flattened condition with the exterior surface of the garment exposed; cuffing a portion of the garment around the opening to expose a portion of the interior surface of the garment while leaving a portion of the exterior surface of said garment exposed; and, at least one time, folding the cuffed portion of the garment over onto the exposed portion of the exterior surface. Thereafter, the cuffed and folded may be placed in a bag and the bag is sealed. To don the garment, the wearer solely grasps and handles the garment by the exposed interior surface and prevents the garment from contacting the floor.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1997Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Inventor: Michael Robert Scheerer
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Patent number: 5819505Abstract: Continuous anti-adherent treatment process for a surface-tacking thermofusible adhesive, characterized in that a carrier belt (1) is continuously displaced in translation, the upper surface thereof being cooled by its lower face, said surface being covered by a layer (3) of an anti-adherent protection product, the thermofusible adhesive (4) to be treated being deposited on the protection product layer. The assembly (7) comprising of the adhesive (4) and the layer (3) of protection product is folded back on itself so as to release a composite material (8) consisting of a double thickness (4, 4') of thermofusible adhesive sandwiched between two layers (9, 9') of anti-adherent protection product (3) and the composite material is cut into fragments.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1996Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignees: Henkel France, Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf AktienInventors: Jean Fayolle, Daniel Grandin, Heinrich Niethen, Michel Pierron, Jean-Louis Prevot
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Patent number: 5820904Abstract: A meat product package for storing and displaying a plurality of tubular meat products preferably in an arcuate configuration, the package having a meat product forming section with plural arcuate recesses utilizing overformed recess edges to hold the tubular meat products in a curved position under tension within the recesses for storage and display. An alternative embodiment includes a method of arcuately shaping straight sticks of meat products cooked or smoked in a casing and placing them in a formed film pocket made on a form-fill-seal rollstock packaging machine.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1996Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Sara Lee CorporationInventors: Frank C. Mello, Roger S. Williams, Jeffrey A. Williams
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Patent number: 5816028Abstract: A compact disc packaging machine is disclosed for packaging trays, compact discs, booklets and inlay cards in a variety of different sized containers. The compact disc machine is compact in size and its primary functions are mechanically driven. Pneumatics are only used on approximately 10 percent of the machine functions. Because the components are within the easy reach of an operator, the compact disc packaging machine is operated without requiring the operator to circle the machine. Feeders and magazines provide supplies of trays, booklets, inlay cards and compact discs to the machine. The compact disc magazine uses multiple spindles to allow one spindle to be active while the other spindle is replaced. A pick-and-place mechanism lifts the inlay cards, booklets, trays and compact discs and positions them in an intermediate centering positions and then into compact disc boxes. Sensors are used to verify the existence and placement of those items in the boxes.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1996Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Gima S.p.A.Inventor: Carlo Zaniboni
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Patent number: 5802811Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing baby bibs is disclosed. The apparatus includes a container, such as a bag, envelope, pouch or box, defining an opening sized to allow withdrawal of a single bib at a time. The bib is folded in a novel manner, and is then carried by the container such that the opening in the container is in a location adjacent to a folded cuff at the base of the bib. The method of dispensing the baby bibs allows the user to withdraw a single bib by grasping it by the apron or cuff and withdrawing it.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Inventor: Jan Quinn Danzig
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Patent number: 5803483Abstract: An airbag cushion and method of folding thereof are provided which utilize a series of pleated folds which unfold in sequence one after another when an inflating fluid flows into the airbag cushion. In the so folded airbag cushion, a series of folds is made wherein a successive fold is made generally perpendicular to the preceding fold.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventor: Larry F. Lunt
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Patent number: 5775059Abstract: A method of compacting a bill from a flat state into a pleated and wound state for position the bill in a cavity of an associated closure includes providing a bill in a substantially flat state and pleating the bill in a first direction to provide a series of substantially similar pleats. The pleated bill is compacted to set the pleats therein and at least partially wound into a generally circular configuration. The wound bill is positioned within the cavity of the associated closure. An apparatus for compacting and winding the bill and positioning the bill in the closure cavity includes a pleating station for pleating the bill in a predetermined configuration and a compacting station for compacting the pleated bill into a compacted state. The apparatus further includes a winding station having a winding member adapted to engage the compacted bill and to wind the bill into a generally circular orientation.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1997Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.Inventors: Marshall B. Hampton, Larry J. Mattson, Ronald O. Simpson
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Patent number: 5770249Abstract: A meat product package for storing and displaying a plurality of tubular meat products, preferably in an arcuate configuration, having a meat product forming station with plural arcuate recesses utilizing overformed recess edges to hold the tubular meat products in a curved position within the recesses for storage and display.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Sara Lee CorporationInventors: Frank C. Mello, Jeffrey A. Williams, Roger S. Williams
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Patent number: 5755078Abstract: An apparatus is provided for folding an inflatable cushion having an end portion and a main body portion and inserting the folded cushion into a cover. The apparatus comprises folding structure for creating folds in the main body portion to form a folded cushion. The folding structure including first folding apparatus adapted to create a first fold in the main body portion to form a partially folded cushion, and accordion folding apparatus adapted to create a plurality of accordion folds in the partially folded cushion which are generally transverse to the first fold to form the folded cushion. Further included is apparatus for supporting a cover into which the folded cushion is inserted. The folding structure further serves to insert the folded cushion into the cover.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: Omega Automation, Inc.Inventors: Terrence William Hurtig, Jr., Scott Franklin Mason, Jeffrey Jack Geiger
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Patent number: 5746690Abstract: An automated inflatable cushion folding process is provided wherein cushion tension, and, as a consequence, cushion wear, is reduced during the folding process. An inflatable cushion portion of a cushion assembly is folded by installing a cushion assembly in a cushion fixture and a cushion receiving mechanism such that an inflatable cushion portion of the cushion assembly is positioned along a cushion path extending between the cushion fixture and the cushion receiving mechanism and creating at least one fold in the inflatable cushion portion at a fold location along the cushion path by actuating a fold developer and moving the cushion fixture incrementally towards the fold location.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1996Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Assignee: Omega Automation, Inc.Inventors: Robert Allen Humbarger, Paul V. Camposeo, Terry William Hurtig
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Patent number: 5709066Abstract: The apparatus can insert into containers, such as narrow mouth bottles, a sheet of material having a lineal dimension which can be from about 2 to 5 times or more than the largest dimension of the container opening. Sheets of material are picked from magazines by a plurality of picker arms as a plurality of containers are moved into alignment. The picker arms move into position over each container. A stabilizer contacts the neck of each container, the stabilizer having a sheet material shaping and aligning mechanism. As the picker arms move downwardly into each container the sheet material is further formed into a tubular shape and inserted into the bottle. The sheet materials are released in the containers and the picker arms retracted from the containers.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1996Date of Patent: January 20, 1998Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Rodney R. Prochaska, David N. Segner, Scott D. Docken
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Patent number: 5694739Abstract: Absorbent articles such as panty liners, thin full-sized sanitary napkins and the like having a garment facing side and a body facing side are provided which may be stored in a folded configuration prior to use. Means of attachment and means of release, most preferably silicone, are created on the garment facing side of the article. The patterns in which the attachment and release means are chosen such that when the article is folded, the adhesive means contact the release means, eliminating the need for release paper, but allowing the article to be unfolded and used. Other embodiments using barrier films affixed to the garment facing side of the article are also disclosed. Methods of making and packaging the articles disclosed are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1995Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.Inventor: William B. Mattingly, III
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Patent number: 5692606Abstract: A packaging arrangement for compacting a hosiery item (4) having an associated uncompressed loose density within a storage chamber (9) of a packaging container (2) to a compressed density corresponding to 2 to 12 times and preferably 3 times the associated uncompressed loose density is provided by applying a compressive force to the hosiery item (4) between 1.4 to 3.5 kg/cm.sup.2 (20-50 psi) within the package (2). Compressing the hosiery item (4) to this degree enables a compact hosiery package (2) to be formed while assuring that the hosiery item (4) will readily assume its uncompressed state as soon as the package (2) is opened. The invention is equally applicable to various types of hosiery items, including pantyhose, stockings and the like.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1996Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Inventor: Daphne Elmaleh
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Patent number: 5673538Abstract: A fibrous insulation batt having a length and a width and including a first and second section, where each section is approximately one half the length of the batt, is folded so that the first section is generally parallel to and contacting the second section. The batt has two folds across its width and located between the first and second sections. The two folds are spaced apart from each other a distance approximately equal to the thickness of the uncompressed insulation batt. The two sections of the batt remain generally parallel to and contact each other when the batt is laid horizontal and in an unrestrained condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1996Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Owens Corning Canada Inc.Inventors: Keith Wallace, Charles R. Weir