Cutting By Direct Application Of Fluent Pressure To Work Patents (Class 83/53)
  • Patent number: 6841043
    Abstract: A trim hold down box apparatus is disclosed for assisting in the separation of trim cut from an edge of a sheet by a cutter prior to the sheet being transferred from a forming wire of a forming section to a press section of a paper making machine. The apparatus includes a frame which is adjustably secured to the former and is disposed downstream relative to the cutter. A box cradle is secured to the frame and a trim box is movably connected to the box cradle such that floating of the trim box with the forming wire is permitted. The arrangement is such that the forming wire is disposed between the trim and the trim box. A biasing arrangement extends between the trim box and the box cradle so that biasing of the trim box relative to the forming wire is permitted. The trim box has a first and a second end and the first end of the trim box is connected to a source of partial vacuum. The second end of the trim box cooperates with the forming wire and is disposed in a vicinity of the trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventors: Shawn S. Devoe, Marvin D. Hoekman, Leonard A. Scharlau
  • Publication number: 20040187664
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus by a high pressure fluid jet including a super high pressure pump for increasing the pressure of a fluid so as to form a super high pressure fluid, a super high pressure fluid nozzle having an orifice, for injecting the super high pressure fluid so as to form a high rate injection flow, a super high pressure fluid pipeline for connecting the super high pressure pump and the super high pressure fluid nozzle to each other, and a switch valve interposed between the super high pressure fluid nozzle and the super high pressure fluid pipeline so as to connect or disconnect the supply of the super high pressure fluid; wherein said super high pressure fluid nozzle is provided plurality, in which the diameter of orifice provided with each nozzles is different from each other, and the supply of the super high pressure fluid from said super high pressure fluid pipeline to the super high pressure fluid nozzle is changed from one nozzle to the other nozzle in the said plural number of super high pressu
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Shimaki Hori, Tatsuya Oba, Yoshiaki Urasaki
  • Publication number: 20040137302
    Abstract: A high temperature seal including an aerogel gasket disposed between two or more components of a high temperature fuel cell system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: John Gilman, Daniel A. Kearl
  • Publication number: 20040112192
    Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, transferring a web, in particular a paper web or cardboard web or an insertion tail severed from the web, from a web-discharging web-guiding surface, via a web conveying apparatus, to the next structural unit of a machine for producing and/or handling the continuous paper web or cardboard web, the insertion tail is detached from the web-guiding surface by way of at least one brief high-energy air jet. The present invention provides that in the case of a web of high grammage, immediately once the tail has been detached from the web-guiding surface, the tail, which has been severed at least on a preliminary basis, is completely severed by an additional mechanical severing arrangement and, by way of its newly formed start, gripped, and passed on, by way of the web conveying apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Allan Broom
  • Patent number: 6742233
    Abstract: The invention is a brake disk and a method of producing the same. The brake disk has at least one friction ring which can be engaged by a brake shoe on at least one side. The friction ring is divided into at least two ring segments having mutually facing end areas configured to be coupled with one another adjacent a junction and separation area. A separation gap is formed between the mutually facing end areas, which mesh with one another. At least one connection device is positioned in the junction and separation area for coupling the ring segments together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme Für Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Xaver Wirth
  • Patent number: 6736181
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a perforated panel for reticulation to a film adhesive. The method includes supporting the perforated panel. The method also includes adhering the film adhesive to the perforated panel without initiating a cure of the film adhesive. The method applies a vacuum to the film adhesive. Next the method will move the perforated panel at a predetermined speed through a reticulation unit. Next the method will soften the film adhesive and finally remove the film adhesive from the perforations by an airflow. The method is generally used for creating acoustic sheet panels for use in many industries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Westland Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. McNeely, Ray Funderburke, Shannon Hogg
  • Patent number: 6705189
    Abstract: A flexible composite sheet that includes a fibrous assembly and a plurality of narrow film strips bonded to upper surface of the fibrous assembly. The narrow strips are intermittently arranged so that the fibrous assembly may be exposed between each pair of the adjacent narrow strips. Sides defining each of the narrow strips are formed with tooth-like portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Takai, Miou Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6687968
    Abstract: A friction lining for use in the clutch plate of a friction clutch or a multiple wrap brake band for use in an automatic transmission is obtained by adhesively securing one side of a friction generating second layer to one side of a metallic first layer. The necessary incisions in the form of cuts, slots or slits are made from the exposed side of the second layer in a direction toward the exposed side of the first layer by resorting to one or more high-energy streams, such as laser beams, electron beams or liquid jets. Each incision can be made in one or more stages by a single stream or by a series of successively applied streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Heiner Willerscheid, Karl Wurm
  • Publication number: 20040020339
    Abstract: A machine for the multiple cutting-off of rolls of kitchen and/or toilet paper from logs which comprises a bed (18) onto which at least two logs (15) are fed through a respective conveyor with thrusters (12) towards a cutting head (20), wherein the conveyor with thrusters (12) passes below the cutting head (20) which comprises a cutting device using high-pressure water (21, 22, 23) which acts transversally on at least two logs (15) separating an equal number of finished rolls (10) of a predetermined length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Giovanni Gambini
  • Patent number: 6672120
    Abstract: Hydroforming apparatus includes in-die hydropiercing apparatus with easy and precise adjustment of the positioning of a backup plunger that is received in a die button and is positioned in a hydroforming position, a prepiercing position, a piercing position, and a slug ejecting position that may be outside the plunger or may be the hydroforming position. Wherein the plunger is required to be precisely positioned and held in the prepiercing position in the die button in order to obtain a desired prepiercing action without prematurely piercing the hydroformed part. The in-die hydropiercing apparatus has a plunger actuating hydraulic cylinder that moves the plunger to the different positions and a cam actuating hydraulic cylinder that positions a cam in determining the prepiercing position of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Mircea M. Ghiran, Bruce S. Shimanovski, Glenn M. Krcek
  • Patent number: 6658908
    Abstract: A punch for piercing and sealing hydroforming parts has a roll forming surface that produces an internal rolled edge portion in a formed part immediately following the punch piercing the part wherein the rolled edge portion acts to effect a tight high pressure seal between the part and the punch as the punch continues to form a required hole in the part. The roll-forming surface extends either partially or completely about the punch in determining the extent of the rolled edge portion in the part that it produces and is located between an end portion that effects the piercing operation and a larger finishing portion that completes the formation of the required hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Mircea M Ghiran, Terry Andrew Kent, Benjamin D Kaufman
  • Publication number: 20030177879
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vegetable cutting machine and cutting method obtained with said machine, such as those used in trimming and/or chopping of vegetables, the vegetables being moved forward longitudinally aligned on tracks of conveyor belts (3 and 5) of said machine. A group of cutting heads (1) using a high pressure water jet is disposed on the conveyor (3). Each track has its won cutting head (1). A linear TV camera (6) is paced in front of said group of cutting heads (1), said camera scanning the width and length of the vegetables and the separation between them. By means of the corresponding electronic devices, it commands the motors (1.8) of the cutting heads and a motor (3.1) pertaining to the conveyor (3) so that the high pressure water jet of each cutting head (1) trims the vegetable, if required, and cuts the vegetable into a whole number of equal pieces, the size of said pieces being the closest possible to a target size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Jose Maria Urtasun Abarzuza
  • Patent number: 6615695
    Abstract: Spiral electrodes and similar structures are manufactured using a high-pressure fluid stream. Specifically, spiral electrodes are made from tubular structures by using a high-pressure water stream to precisely cut, or etch spirals of predetermined geometries to conform to a particular current distribution and conduction requirements. In an embodiment, the high-pressure water stream is tangentially and rotatably oriented against a rotating and translating tubular element. The tangential orientation enables limited cutting or etching of the tubular surface that is only in direct contact with the high pressure stream. Various geometries and spiral structures could be formed by managing the pressure and rotation of the high-pressure water stream source and the rotation and translation of the tubular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Hjelle, Jon M. Ocel, James T. Gates, Randolph Ahnen
  • Publication number: 20030150577
    Abstract: A method for threading a running paper web from a preceding section to a following section of a paper-making or paper-finishing machine, includes the steps of: providing a threading tail of the running paper web by cutting it from the running paper web at at least one of its edges; providing at least one sensing element for gaining data from at least one property of the threading tail and/or threading process; transferring the gained data into a data collecting system and/or into an analysis system; and using the data for influencing the at least one property of the threading tail and/or the threading process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Allan Broom, Sylvain Demers, Wolfgang Drefs
  • Publication number: 20030148709
    Abstract: A nozzle apparatus for use with an abrasive fluid jet cutting system, and its method of construction and operation, are disclosed that reduce the wear and erosion problems typically experienced in the cutting jet's nozzle. This improved nozzle apparatus comprises (a) a nozzle having an entry port for receiving a slurry consisting of a carrier fluid and abrasive particles, an inner wall for directing the flow of the slurry, and an outlet port through which the slurry exits the nozzle, (b) wherein at least a portion of the nozzle wall is porous, and (c) a lubricating fluid chamber that surrounds the porous portion of the outer wall of the nozzle, the chamber having a port where a lubricating fluid enters the chamber, with the chamber port connecting to an input pipe which connects to a filter for filtering contaminants that might clog the pores of the porous portion of the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Umang Anand, Joseph Katz
  • Publication number: 20030037650
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating and manipulating a high-pressure fluid jet includes an end effector assembly coupled to a manipulator that imparts motion to the end effector along one or more axes. The end effector assembly includes a cutting head coupled to a source of high-pressure fluid and to a source of abrasive, to generate a high-pressure abrasive fluid jet. A motion assembly is coupled to the cutting head via a clamp positioned around the cutting head. A nozzle body assembly is removably coupled to the cutting head assembly upstream of the orifice. The nozzle body assembly may be separated from the cutting head assembly to allow access to the orifice, without removing the cutting head assembly from the clamp. The clamp has a quick release mechanism, allowing an operator to open the clamp by hand to allow access to the cutting head, and an alignment member is provided on an inner surface of the clamp to accurately locate the cutting head in the clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Knaupp, Charles D. Burnham, Mohamed A. Hashish, Robert J. Mann, Mira K. Sahney, C. David Bader, Andreas Meyer, Sean A. Vaughan, Thomas A. Pesek, Jonathan M. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20030037649
    Abstract: A method of cutting seed potatoes prior to their planting is provided in which a high pressure water jet is employed to slice the potatoes into the desired sized pieces. The present invention employs a single water jet, a plurality of water jets, or a cutting tube configuration containing either single or multiple water jet streams which are projected through the center of the cutting tubes or the cutting area and an equal amount of stream collector tube or tubes which contain the jet or jets and collects and directs the spent water to a proper location for its final collection or final discharge. Additionally, the use of this water jet system ensures that the seed potatoes that are cut will not contaminate one another through the cutting instrument as the water used in the cutting process only comes into contact with one potato and is then discharged from the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: William John Zelinski, Thomas Keith Tallackson
  • Publication number: 20030024672
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for processing a wide paper or board web in connection with such a manufacturing method, in which a wide base web (14) is manufactured and the base web is processed in at least one processing stage before the separation of the finished product by cutting it transversely from the web on the production line. According to the invention, the base web (14) is divided at least once to form two part-webs (17, 18) before the separation of the finished product by cutting it transversely from the web and before the final processing stage preceding separation. At least one part-web (17, 18) formed in this manner is guided to a finishing stage before the separation of the finished product by cutting it transversely from the web on the production line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Mika Viljanmaa, Reijo Pietikainen
  • Publication number: 20030019340
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting a material using a water jet. A central shaft is mounted so as to extend outward from a material to be cut. A support member is mounted on the central shaft so as to extend transversely therefrom. At least one water jet cutting head is mounted on the support member so as to be translatable therealong. In addition, the at least one water jet cutting head is mounted so as to be rotatable about the central shaft. By controlling the translatory and rotational motion of the at least one water jet cutting head (for example, using computer numerical control or other computer control), a desired cut pattern can be followed with respect to the material being cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Jack B. Shaw
  • Patent number: 6467488
    Abstract: A method is provided for cutting tying elements of successive tobacco leaf bundles, wherein the butt ends of the leaves of each bundle are grouped and secured together by a transversely extending tying element disposed in surrounding relation to the grouped together butt ends. The method comprises moving successive bundles along a predetermined path past a cutting station with the grouped butt ends of successive bundles disposed transverse to the path within a predetermined transverse position within the path. A liquid jet configuration is established at the cutting station and moved through a repetitious path having a transverse extent greater than the transverse extent of the tying elements within the transverse position of the butt ends of the bundles. The moving jet configuration is directed onto the butt ends of successive bundles during the movement thereof along the predetermined path through the cutting station to transversely cut the tying elements thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Inc.
    Inventor: G. A. John Coleman
  • Publication number: 20020124700
    Abstract: A mobile articulable cutter apparatus for the cutting and dismemberment of a building structure to permit the environmentally safe removal of such structure from a building site. The apparatus comprises a mobile base support having an articulable lift arm extending therefrom. The arm has a distal end thereon. A guidable cutter head is arranged on the distal end of the lift arm. A fluid jet is nozzle arranged in the cutter head. A pressurizable fluid source is arranged in fluid controlled communication with the nozzle. The nozzle is arranged to be in closely positioned guided travel adjacent the surface of the structure to be cut by a jet of fluid under pressure from the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Alan P. Aulson
  • Patent number: 6434989
    Abstract: A method and a device for producing leadthroughs on hollow profiles acted upon by a high fluidic pressure in an internal high-pressure forming tool. Dome-like secondary shaped elements are formed outwards in a radial direction from this hollow profile by the fluid pressurizing. The secondary shaped elements are then reverse drawn into the interior of the hollow profile by a punch while held at the prevailing internal high pressure, whereupon, to open the leadthrough, a punched slug is cut out of the base of the reverse-drawn secondary shaped element by the punch. To ensure the process reliability when producing the leadthrough even in the case of a hollow-profile material having low formability and to retain the strength of the hollow profile in the transition region to the leadthrough, in each case a secondary shaped element is formed out of the hollow profile at two opposite locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Uwe Hardtke
  • Patent number: 6401507
    Abstract: A die button flush mounted in the cavity surface of a lower one of two hydroforming dies has a backup plunger received therein that forms a part of this surface when the plunger is in a hydroforming position. A slug ejector received in the lower die also forms a part of this surface and with a tubular part enclosed in the cavity formed by the dies, hydroforming fluid under pressure is supplied to the interior of the part and also to separately act on the plunger. The fluid pressure moves and holds the plunger in its hydroforming position while forming the part to the die cavity surface. The fluid pressure on the plunger is then exhausted allowing the fluid pressure in the part to stretch a portion of the part into the die button while also forcing the plunger to a position that limits this stretching to prevent piercing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn Mark Krcek, Romuald Gmurowski, Bruce Steven Shimanovski, Mircea M Ghiran
  • Publication number: 20020066345
    Abstract: A waterjet head is tilted relative to vertical in order that the edge of a cut made by the head when severing a part from a workpiece is perpendicular to the workpiece surface, or is oriented at another desired inclination. As the waterjet head is moved along a cutting path over the workpiece, the plane in which the waterjet head is tilted is maintained at a constant bevel control angle relative to the direction of movement of the waterjet head. The waterjet head together with a tilt control assembly is carried by a support that is moved by a CNC controlled three axis drive system. The tilt control assembly includes provision for adjustably tilting the waterjet head and for rotating the waterjet head to maintain the bevel control angle as the direction of waterjet head movement changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: John D. Shepherd, John K. Shepherd
  • Publication number: 20020056347
    Abstract: A method for cutting integrated circuit packages includes providing an integrated circuit package, and cutting the integrated circuit package with a water jet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: Ferdinand S. Signey, Shirley L. Signey, Reynaldo C. Javier, Mary J. Javier
  • Patent number: 6379502
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for transferring a traveling material web into a target region. The process includes positioning at least two cutting mechanisms at one of a same and different width positions between web edges of a traveling material web. The at least two cutting mechanisms are movable relative to the traveling material web in a plane approximately parallel to the material web. The process also includes cutting the traveling material web at the one of the same and different width positions, thereby forming at least one resulting cut that extends approximately parallel to a web travel direction, and forming a substantially pointed beginning of a transfer strip by moving at least one of the at least two cutting mechanisms in a direction toward one of the web edges from its respective width position. In this manner, the resulting cuts of the at least two cutting mechanisms occur at one of a same and a substantially close proximity to a same width position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Oswald Satzger, Zygmunt Madrzak, Karlheinz Straub
  • Patent number: 6358367
    Abstract: A paper machine includes a traveling belt for carrying a fiber web, and a cutting device disposed below the belt for cutting the fiber web into smaller pieces. The cutting device has an inlet and an outlet. A guiding device guides the fiber web from the belt to the inlet of the cutting device. A pulper is connected with the outlet of the cutting device for receiving the smaller pieces of fiber web from the cutting device. The traveling belt may be in the form of, e.g., a wire, felt or water impervious belt. The cutting device may be in the form of, e.g., a shredder, fluffer, water jet cutter, laser cutter and/or roll cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Doelle, Werner Witek, Robert J. Matz
  • Patent number: 6327948
    Abstract: A method for cutting off a longitudinal edge of a moving paper web utilizes a waterjet through the web to effect cutting. Air flow between the web and the web cutting top pull the web forward and towards the edge. Air flow from a pipe positioned upstream of the water jet presses the web against the cutting top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Esko Tuori
  • Patent number: 6305201
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming unobstructed holes in a hydroformed metal part employs a punch having a peripheral side conforming to the desired hole shape and an end face having a central cutting edge with a high point that contacts on closure of a hydroforming die with an unsupported wall section of the part initiating a stress riser therein. During forming of the part, the hydraulic pressure forces the above wall section outward against this high point increasing the magnitude of the stress riser. The punch is advanced while maintaining the hydraulic pressure causing the above high point to fracture this wall section at the stress riser and the above cutting edge to then split and cut this wall section to form oppositely facing cut edges in this section. Simultaneously, oppositely angled cutting edges at opposite ends of the central cutting edge and at the punch end face periphery then cut this wall section in directions away from the oppositely facing cut edges to form oppositely extending slugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Mircea Ghiran, Paul C Oberski
  • Patent number: 6305261
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting using a pressurized jet of fluid from a high pressure fluid source includes a hand-held tool, a hose for delivering pressurized fluid to the hand-held tool from the high pressure fluid source, and a nozzle at a distal end of the hand-held tool. The nozzle has a channel capped by a jewel. The jewel has a second channel therethrough restricting the flow of fluid through the channel, thereby creating the pressurized jet of fluid. A trigger switch is located on the hand-held tool. The trigger switch activates the high pressure fluid source when depressed and deactivates the high pressure fluid source when released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Alan J. Romanini
  • Publication number: 20010027708
    Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for z-axis control and collision detection and recovery for waterjet and abrasive-jet cutting systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a linear rail, a slide member coupleable to a cutting head and slideably coupled to the linear rail, at least one actuator having a first end coupled to the slide member and a second end fixed with respect to the linear rail, a position sensor, and a controller. The actuator provides an adjustable support force that supports the weight of the cutting head, allowing the cutting head to be controllably positioned at a desired height above the workpiece. The actuator may include a pneumatic cylinder, or alternately, a linear motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Stewart, Thomas Pesek, Volker Kern, Chien Chou Wu, Daniel Chin, Felice M. Sciulli
  • Patent number: 6291015
    Abstract: A process for cutting a fiberglass panel comprises cutting the fiberglass panel with a liquid jet containing a sealant which coats and adheres to the cut edge of the panel, and thereafter curing the sealant to harden and encapsulate the edge of the panel to reduce the emanation of fiberglass dust particles therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6244145
    Abstract: An apparatus for penetrating a sheet material web being carried on a fabric. The apparatus including a penetrating device and an air flow that separates a portion of the sheet material web from the fabric adjacent the penetrating device so as to bring the web into contact with the penetrating device. In one embodiment, a vacuum lifts a portion of the sheet material web into contact with a slitting member such that it continuously slits the sheet material web longitudinally along its length as the fabric carries the sheet material web beneath it. In an alternative embodiment, a pressurized air stream is directed to a bottom portion of the sheet material web so as to separate the web from the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank S. Hada, Lowell E. Thoms
  • Patent number: 6240817
    Abstract: An apertured film for use as a topsheet in absorbent products wherein the film is apertured and includes a plurality of micro-holes and a plurality of large-sized holes. A method of forming the film is disclosed, as well as an absorbent product incorporating the apertured film as a topsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. James, William G. F. Kelly, Charles James Shimalla
  • Patent number: 6236030
    Abstract: A method and device for hot-air cutting, wherein compressed air is forced into a hot-air unit in which the compressed air is heated, the hot air is then conducted through a cutting nozzle for hot-air cutting. A compressed-air unit is connected to a hot-air unit via a coupling device arranged at one end of the hot-air unit to provide the hot-air unit with compressed air. The hot-air unit is being provided at its other end with a cutting nozzle. A heating device is arranged to heat air flowing into the hot-air unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Neos Robotics AB
    Inventor: Karl-Erik Neumann
  • Patent number: 6165307
    Abstract: A multi-component three dimensional energetic device and the method of maacturing it. The method includes the steps of forming a quantity of an energetic material into a plurality of sheets having relatively no appreciable thickness, and then cutting at least one required shape from the surface of a portion of each of the plurality of sheets to define an opening for at least one inlay of a different material. An inlay of the different material is placed in the openings to form a plurality of stackable shapes that are then bonded together to form the multi-component three dimensional energetic device. The preferred embodiment includes forming the inlay from an energetic material that is different from the sheet energetic material. Optionally a bonding agent may be admixed with at least one of the materials to facilitate bonding to form the device. The bonding agent may or may not be an energetic material, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: David Fair, Eileen Heider, Mark J. Mezger
  • Patent number: 6155245
    Abstract: A fluid jet cutting system structured to make desired quality cuts in a solid material such as stone, granite, steel and/or marble, the system having a positioning assembly which positions the solid material in a cuttable orientation over a fluid reservoir and at least one fluid jet generator which directs a concentrated, high pressure stream of fluid through a nozzle at the solid material such that the solid material is cut by the high pressure stream of fluid. The fluid jet generator further includes a guidance system which passes the nozzle over the solid material in a predetermined cutting path and at a predetermined movement rate such that the high pressure stream of fluid engages and cuts through the solid material in accordance with the cutting path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Clement Zanzuri
  • Patent number: 6119964
    Abstract: An abrasive suspension jet cutting nozzle is provided including an abrasive suspension inlet having a protrusion with an inlet conduit formed therein for receiving an abrasive suspension fluid. Also included is a substantially annular high pressure propellant inlet adapted to receive the abrasive suspension inlet in fixed relationship therewith. The high pressure propellant inlet has an inlet conduit for receiving abrasive suspension fluid. Further provided is an insert positioned within the high pressure propellant inlet with a recess adapted to receive the protrusion of the abrasive suspension inlet. The insert has at least one channel for directing the abrasive suspension fluid between the protrusion of the abrasive suspension inlet and the recess of the insert for combining with the abrasive suspension fluid such that both exit the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Renato Lombari
  • Patent number: 6103049
    Abstract: A fibrous work piece, e.g. a glass fiber mat or blanket, is simultaneously cut, sealed and encapsulated using a focused, high energy liquid jet containing a sealant. The sealant in the focused, high energy liquid jet is deposited on and seals the edges of the kerf formed by the cutting operation to encapsulate dust and short length fibers formed by the cutting of the fibrous work piece. The focused, high energy liquid jet is emitted from a nozzle and the sealant is introduced into and mixed with the liquid before the liquid exits the nozzle. Portions of the fibrous work piece can be compressed by hold down shoes or by one or more high pressure air streams directed onto the work piece adjacent where the work piece is being cut to facilitate the formation of a cleaner edge on the kerf being cut in the fibrous work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Johns Manville International, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Joseph Batdorf
  • Patent number: 6101912
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a moving substrate includes a cutter nozzle connected to a movable support. A supplying mechanism provides a cutting fluid to the cutter nozzle at a pressure which provides for a fluid flow rate from the cutter nozzle which is sufficient to cut the substrate in a selected cut pattern. A designating mechanism identifies a plurality of selected article lengths along the substrate, and a transporting mechanism moves the substrate at a predetermined speed along the machine direction during the cutting of the substrate. An actuating servo moves the cutter nozzle along a selected cutting path, and a regulating mechanism controls the actuating servo by employing a selected, electronically stored data set. The data set is configured to move the actuating servo in a selected sequence, and the sequence has a predetermined correspondence with the movement of the substrate to thereby direct the cutter nozzle along the selected cutting path and provide the selected cut pattern on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Joseph Sanders, Mary Elizabeth Barker, Bruce Arthur Owen, Michael James Collom, John Harland Hise, Brian Lee Griebenow, Robert Duane Herberg
  • Patent number: 6098512
    Abstract: A fluid jet cutting system for simultaneously making multiple cuts in a continuously moving layered web of paper or nonwoven material. The fluid jet cutting system includes a controller which monitors the web speed through an encoder feedback signal, and controls the travel speed and angle based on parameters stored in the controller memory and feedback signals. The user can select a cut length and other cutting parameters through an input device to the controller. Nozzles are mounted to a drive system including an adjustment device which allows fast easy and accurate adjustment of cut length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Rockline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Life, Steven P. Brown
  • Patent number: 6067830
    Abstract: A method of cutting opposing holes in a side wall of a tubular workpiece and removing the cut out slugs, in which first and second axially aligned punches are applied to opposite side walls of a pressurized workpiece. The second punch has a larger width than the first punch, and reciprocates in a passageway extending laterally from the workpiece. The punches are reciprocated so that the first punch passes through both side walls, and first and second slugs are cut out. The end of the first punch is advanced toward the end of the second punch to capture the cut out slugs between the ends of the first and second punches, and the punches are moved so that the ends of the punches and the slugs captured between them progress along the passageway away from the workpiece. The ends of the punches are separated at a region of the passageway spaced from the workpiece, and the released slugs are removed from the ends of the punches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: TI Corporate Services Limited
    Inventors: Gerrald A. Klages, Blair J. Longhouse
  • Patent number: 6058817
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a web with a rotary cutter 31 includes a cutter drum 42, which has an air suction chamber 58 and air discharge chambers 59A and 59B, these chambers being formed in its inside, as well as having first air jet holes 71, second air jet holes 72, and third air jet holes 73, these air jet holes 71 to 73 being open in its outer periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Kobayashi, Manish Sharma
  • Patent number: 6022452
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a tail in a web sheet traveling through a nip between the queen roll and king roll of a calender includes a waterjet positioned adjacent the edge of the web upstream from the nip for directing a jet of water towards the web and the queen roll. The waterjet cuts a tip or leader and creates a tail that continues to travel with the remainder of the web sheet towards and through the nip. The waterjet penetrates the web and splashes against the queen roll such that the wetted portion of the queen roll compresses against the leader of the tail to carry or pull the tail around the queen roll. A doctor blade is mounted in engagement with the queen roll in line with the tail to direct the tail away from the queen roll and towards the next section of the papermaking machine. Guide trays positioned downstream of the doctor blade guide the tail to the next section of the papermaking machine. The doctor blade can be mounted stationary against the queen roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Roman C. Caspar
  • Patent number: 6006637
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a moving substrate includes a cutter nozzle connected to a movable support. A supplying mechanism provides a cutting fluid to the cutter nozzle at a pressure which provides for a fluid flow rate from the cutter nozzle which is sufficient to cut the substrate in a selected cut pattern. A designating mechanism identifies a plurality of selected article lengths along the substrate, and a transporting mechanism moves the substrate at a predetermined speed along the machine direction during the cutting of the substrate. An actuating servo moves the cutter nozzle along a selected cutting path, and a regulating mechanism controls the actuating servo by employing a selected, electronically stored data set. The data set is configured to move the actuating servo in a selected sequence, and the sequence has a predetermined correspondence with the movement of the substrate to thereby direct the cutter nozzle along the selected cutting path and provide the selected cut pattern on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Joseph Sanders, Mary Elizabeth Barker, Bruce Arthur Owen, Michael James Collom, John Harland Hise, Brian Lee Griebenow, Robert Duane Herberg
  • Patent number: 6000308
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a screw drive apparatus. The apparatus may include a threaded rod having a helical thread, a nut disposed about the threaded rod and having a load-bearing channel aligned with and radially outward from the helical thread, and a plurality of balls between the helical thread and the load-bearing channel. The apparatus may further include a housing with at least one support bearing having an inner race coupled to the nut and an outer race coupled to the housing and rotatable relative to the inner race. A retaining member is removably and adjustably coupled to the nut to apply an adjustable force against the support bearing in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the threaded rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Flow International Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. LaFountain, Robert A. Carman
  • Patent number: 5983763
    Abstract: A deflector device is provided for a liquid-jet cutter wherein the cutting element is mounted upon an assembly which moves the cutting element between cutting and idle positions. A deflector disk is located on the lower end of this support assembly as maintained in a stationary position immediately below the idle position. During operation, the cutting element is moved to a cutting position immediately adjacent the product support surface which provides products to be cut to the cutter. When it is desirable to halt cutting, the cutting element is moved to a position remote from the product support surface and above the deflector disk. The assembly utilized to control movement of the cutting element positions the cutter at a remote distance from the deflector disk when in an idle state to minimize wear upon the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Koch Supplies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hervy A. Morris
  • Patent number: 5951242
    Abstract: A paper machine has a high pressure liquid pump for use with a liquid slitter for slitting a fiber material web. The high pressure liquid pump includes a pump shell having an axis of rotation and an annular smooth inwardly facing surface. The inwardly facing surface is configured for carrying a film of liquid thereon. A hydraulic shoe having an outer convexly curved working face is in close running engagement with the inwardly facing surface. A pivotal arm is connected with the shoe and positions the shoe relative to the inwardly facing surface. The arm is movable toward and away from the inwardly facing surface. A hydraulic pressure member is engaged with the arm for urging the shoe toward the inwardly facing surface dependent upon a hydraulic pressure therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North Amercia, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin X. Graf
  • Patent number: 5941466
    Abstract: A method for chopping a body consisting of explosives is described, by which a high-pressure water jet emerging from a nozzle is directed against the body of solid explosive and in which the nozzle and the body carry out a movement relative to each other during the chopping. Preferred fields of use are composite rocket fuels. There is also described a device for carrying out the process, in which the body of composite rocket fuel to be decomposed or divided into portions is secured on a chopping bench, and a nozzle fastened to a nozzle holder for the high-pressure water jet as well as at least one means for producing a relative movement serving as chopping advance movement between the nozzle and the body of composite rocket fuel are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventors: Helmut Alba, Juergen Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 5941112
    Abstract: A tubular member is manufactured in a hydroforming and hydroshearing apparatus. A substantially right circular cylindrical workpiece is placed in a die and pressurized to hydroform a substantially rectangular tubular product. The workpiece is presheared during the pressurization period and is fully sheared during the withdrawal of a plurality of plunger members while the internal pressure is maintained. The plunger members are positioned in the die by respective power cylinders which control the withdrawal thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Mike Mircea Ghiran, Sanjay Mahasukhlal Shah, Reginald Clark Joyner