Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090211070 | Apparatus And Method For Centering And Spreading A Web - A web centering and spreading processing system and related method are used to center a moving web and then spread the web in order to remove wrinkles from the web. The centering mechanism, in one example, has a centering roller that receives the wrinkles web. The outer edges of the web, which tend to be uneven and not centered, are detected and a signal is sent to the centering roller to move the web laterally and thereby center the web. The centered web, which is substantially centered but not necessarily precisely centered, moves to a spreader station that receives the web and spreads it thereby removing any wrinkles in the web. The spreader station may include a roller with a recessed center area and that has at least one set of contoured plates that move across the roller from an inner position to an outer position. The plates have gripping surfaces that grip the edges of the web and spread the web to remove the wrinkles. The plates also have an inner smooth area that, in conjunction with the recessed area, allow the inner area of the web to essentially float and thereby be spread to remove the wrinkles without binding. | 08-27-2009 |
20100172723 | Method and Apparatus for Making Absorbent Articles Having Side Seams - The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for manufacturing absorbent articles, and more particularly, apparatuses and methods utilizing multiple processing stations for processing absorbent articles and being configurable to move along various predetermined travel paths defined by radii that may be constant or variable. Particular embodiments of apparatuses and methods of manufacture include a processing wheel having a plurality of processing stations which orbit around a rotation axis. The processing stations may be configured to perform various types of operations associated with the manufacture of absorbent articles while the processing stations orbit around the rotation axis. The processing wheel can be configured to adjust the path along which the processing stations orbit as the processing wheel rotates around the rotation axis. As such, the orbit path can be adjusted to accommodate the manufacture of different sized blanks without the need to physically move or relocate and realign other process apparatuses, such as for example, sealing stations. | 07-08-2010 |
20100228218 | Absorbent Article Providing A Better Fit And More Comfort To A Wearer - A disposable pull-on garment has a front waist region and a back waist region opposite the front waist region. The disposable pull-on garment also has a chassis and front and back waist members attached to the chassis in the front and back waist regions, respectively. The front waist member has a first retraction force and the back waist member has a second retraction force. The disposable pull-on garment also has a pair of side members attaching the front waist region to the back waist region, thereby forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each of the pair of side members includes a waist zone and a hip zone. The waist zones have retraction forces which are about equal to the first retraction force, and the hip zones have retraction forces which are greater than the first or second retraction forces. | 09-09-2010 |
20100236703 | Method and Apparatus for Making Article Having Side Seams - A method for forming an undergarment comprises providing a web, cutting the web to form a pre-form, the pre-form comprising the first and the second transverse edges and two longitudinal edges, each longitudinal edge having two waist sections and a crotch section located intermediate the waist sections, a sealing area being located adjacent and inboard of each waist section, and transferring the pre-form to a processing wheel. The method further comprises gripping the pre-form adjacent each waist section with the grippers in four gripping areas, each gripping area being located near a respective sealing area, jointly rotating at least the grippers that hold the gripping areas in the region of one of the transverse edges around at least one hinging axis extending substantially parallel to the transverse edges of the pre-form to place the transverse edge generally parallel and opposite to the second transverse edge, superimposing the sealing areas in a contacting relationship, joining the superimposed sealing areas, thus forming the undergarment, and releasing the undergarment from the grippers. | 09-23-2010 |
20100300309 | PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING ABSORBENT PRODUCTS HAVING CUSTOMIZED GRAPHICS - The present disclosure involves absorbent articles having customized graphics disposed inside packages labeled as containing customized articles. During the manufacturing process, customized absorbent articles are constructed with article identity graphics, and the packages to contain the customized articles are labeled with package identity graphics. A controller uses article and package identity graphics to track the manufacture of the customized articles and synchronize placement of the customized articles in the appropriately labeled packages. The methods disclosed herein provides for the manufacture of customized absorbent articles in series with the manufacture of absorbent articles having non-custom graphics. The substrates and/or components having the custom graphics in the manufacturing process are detected by a sensor that provides a feedback signal to a controller. The controller, in turn, commands a packing system to place the customized absorbent articles in packages; label the packages with a package identity graphic; and thereby create customized absorbent products. | 12-02-2010 |
20100331799 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VARYING THE REPEAT PITCH DISTANCE OF A SUBSTRATE FOR USE WITH ABSORBENT ARTICLES - Apparatuses and methods for producing an absorbent article are provided. Graphics are printed on a substrate, where consecutive graphics are separated in the machine direction by a first repeat pitch length. The substrate is activated, or incrementally stretched, in a first direction to define a second repeat pitch distance. The second repeat pitch distance is substantially equal to the pitch length of the absorbent article pitch length. The substrate is activated, or incrementally stretched, in the machine direction subsequent to printing to increase the repeat pitch distance. The substrate may be activated in the cross direction to increase the width of the substrate. Only portions of the substrate may undergo activation. The activation may be performed with rollers and/or stamping. | 12-30-2010 |
20110125125 | ABSORBENT ARTICLES AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - An absorbent product comprises a backsheet having a first lateral end edge, a second lateral end edge, a first longitudinal side edge, and a second longitudinal side edge. The absorbent product further comprises a first longitudinal line of weakness laterally inboard of the first longitudinal side edge, a second longitudinal line of weakness laterally inboard of the second longitudinal side edge, a first lateral line of weakness longitudinally inboard of the first lateral end edge, and a second lateral line of weakness longitudinally inboard of the second lateral end edge. The absorbent product also comprises a topsheet connected with the backsheet, an absorbent article, the absorbent article having an outer perimeter defined by the first and second longitudinal lines of weakness and the first and second lateral lines of weakness, and a removable trim region. | 05-26-2011 |
20110232822 | Apparatus for Producing Elastomeric Nonwoven Laminates - An apparatus for producing an elastomeric nonwoven laminate including a plurality of elastomeric strands joined to a nonwoven web in a controlled distribution is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder for extruding a plurality of elastomeric strands onto a cooled surface of a rotating drum, which transports the strands in parallel alignment to a nip formed between two rollers rotating about parallel axis. The drum transfers the plurality of strands to the nip in a controlled distribution where it is bonded with the nonwoven. The apparatus also includes elements which automate the apparatus for creating the elastomeric nonwoven laminate. | 09-29-2011 |
20110247747 | Methods and Apparatuses for Tucking Side Panels of Absorbent Articles - Aspects of the present disclosure relate to tucking opposing side panels into a chassis of a pant diaper. The apparatuses and methods may utilize one or more conveyors that advance the chassis along a machine direction. Each conveyor may have a vacuum zone that applies a vacuum force to hold the chassis. The chassis may be positioned between a first conveyor having a first vacuum zone and a second conveyor having a second vacuum zone. The conveyors may apply opposing vacuum forces to hold the first waist region apart from the second waist region while the chassis advances in the machine direction toward a tucking device. The tucking device may discharge air to push the side panels into the chassis and create longitudinal fold lines along edges of the absorbent core of the diaper. | 10-13-2011 |
20110251038 | Methods and Apparatuses for Tucking Side Panels of Absorbent Articles - Aspects of the present disclosure relate to tucking opposing side panels into a chassis of a diaper pant. The apparatuses and methods may utilize one or more conveyors that advance the chassis along a machine direction. Each conveyor may have a vacuum zone that applies a vacuum force to hold the chassis. The chassis may be positioned between a first conveyor having a first vacuum zone and a second conveyor having a second vacuum zone. The conveyors may apply opposing vacuum forces to hold the first waist region apart from the second waist region while the chassis advances in the machine direction toward a tucking device. The vacuum forces are then removed from the waist regions as the tucking device pushes the side panels toward each other. Pushing the side panels toward each other causes the inner surfaces of the waist regions to simultaneously move toward each other. | 10-13-2011 |
20120021186 | SEAM STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR MAKING A SEAM - A seam comprising two or more porous, at least partially meltable materials, having substantially the same melting temperature. A process for making the seam using heated fluid may be used to join all of the materials at the seam, or to join only selected layers of a laminate in a seam. | 01-26-2012 |
20120152436 | Methods for Assembling Disposable Diaper Pants - A method for assembling diaper pants is disclosed. Each diaper pant may include a chassis and two side panels extending from the chassis. The side panels join a first waist region and a second waist region of the chassis. The method may include the steps of connecting first end regions of the side panels with a first waist region of the chassis, advancing the chassis in a machine direction, folding the chassis about its lateral axis, transferring the folded chassis to a drum comprising a first folding member and a second folding member, moving the first and second folding members toward each other and radially outward relative an outer surface of the drum to position second end regions of the side panels in contact with a second waist region of the chassis, and connecting second end regions of the side panels with the second waist region. | 06-21-2012 |
20120152447 | Belt Attachment Process for an Absorbent Article - A method and device for assembling diapers of intentionally varied size. The method may comprise providing a series of waist belts having a fixed longitudinal length, and a series of chassis having a fixed longitudinal length. The waist belts may be aligned with the chassis with varying degrees of overlap, such that diapers having different lengths are manufactured by varying only the relative placement of the waist belts and chassis. The method may be used to vary diapers within a production run (e.g., to produce packs of diapers in a range of sizes) or between production runs (e.g., to produce different size diapers on the same line with reduced equipment changes or adjustments). A diaper produced according to the method is also described. | 06-21-2012 |
20120157279 | Process and Apparatus for Joining Flexible Components - A process and apparatus for handling flexible components during manufacturing of an assembled article. The process and apparatus involve at least one transfer of the flexible components from one support surface to another. Control of the position and orientation of the flexible components during transfer from one support surface to another may be managed through the spacing between the support surfaces and/or coordinated air pressure changes. | 06-21-2012 |
20120157280 | Method and Apparatus for Assembling and Folding Absorbent Articles - Aspects of the methods herein relate to the fabrication of diaper pants wherein side panels connected with the first waist region of a discrete chassis are conveyed in a first direction until a second waist region advances past a nip. The crotch region of the chassis is then redirected into the nip, folding the chassis to position the second waist region into a facing relationship with the first waist region. The folded chassis is then conveyed in a second direction with the side panels positioned on panel conveyors extending laterally outward from the first waist region. As the folded chassis travels in the second direction, the panel conveyors twist to position end regions of the side panels to connect with the second waist region of the folded chassis. The side panels and the waist regions of the folded chassis may also be compressed between the panel conveyors and a roller. | 06-21-2012 |
20120157281 | Method and Apparatus for Assembling Disposable Absorbent Articles - A method of manufacturing an absorbent article in a diaper manufacturing machine, the method includes providing a chassis, folding the chassis along one or more axes, providing two side panels, aligning the side panels with the chassis, and attaching the side panels to the chassis along four seams. The method may include forming the four seams substantially simultaneously. | 06-21-2012 |
20120157282 | Methods for Assembling Disposable Diaper Pants - Methods for assembling diaper pants are disclosed herein. Each diaper pant may include a chassis and two side panels extending from the chassis. The side panels join a first waist region and a second waist region of the chassis. The methods may include the step of transferring the chassis to a rotating drum including a chassis folding member, a first panel folding member and a second panel folding member. The chassis may be folded about a lateral axis by the chassis folding member. The first and second folding members may also move toward each other and radially outward relative an outer surface of the rotating drum to position second end regions of the side panels in contact with a second waist region of the chassis. The second end regions of the side panels may be connected with the second waist region. | 06-21-2012 |
20120248671 | Method and Apparatus for Making Article Having Side Seams - A method for forming an undergarment comprises cutting a web to form a pre-form comprising transverse edges and two longitudinal edges, each longitudinal edge having two waist sections and a crotch section located intermediate the waist sections, a sealing area located adjacent and inboard of each waist section, and transferring the pre-form to a processing wheel. The method further comprises gripping the pre-form adjacent each waist section with grippers in four gripping areas, each gripping area located near a respective sealing area, jointly rotating the grippers that hold the gripping areas in the region of one of the transverse edges around at least one hinging axis to place the transverse edge generally parallel and opposite to the second transverse edge, superimposing the sealing areas in a contacting relationship, joining the superimposed sealing areas, thus forming the undergarment, and releasing the undergarment from the grippers. | 10-04-2012 |
20120322640 | Method and Apparatus for Making Absorbent Articles Having Side Seams - The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods utilizing multiple processing stations for processing absorbent articles and being configurable to move along various predetermined travel paths defined by radii that may be constant or variable. Particular embodiments of apparatuses and methods of manufacture include a processing wheel having a plurality of processing stations which orbit around a rotation axis. The processing stations may be configured to perform various types of operations associated with the manufacture of absorbent articles while the processing stations orbit around the rotation axis. The processing wheel can be configured to adjust the path along which the processing stations orbit as the processing wheel rotates around the rotation axis. As such, the orbit path can be adjusted to accommodate the manufacture of different sized blanks without the need to physically move or relocate and realign other process apparatuses, such as for example, sealing stations. | 12-20-2012 |
20130019731 | Methods and Apparatuses for Anvil Reconditioning - A rotary cutting apparatus comprises a frame and a die roll defining a first longitudinal axis and comprising a cutting member. The die roll is rotatably connected with the frame and configured to rotate about the first longitudinal axis. The rotary cutting apparatus further comprises a bearer ring connected with the die roll and an anvil roll defining a second longitudinal axis and comprising an outer radial surface. The anvil roll is rotatably connected with the frame and is configured to rotate about the second longitudinal axis. The bearer ring of the die roll is in contact with the outer radial surface. The rotary cutting apparatus further comprises a reconditioning member comprising an abrasive surface engaged with the outer radial surface of the anvil roll. The outer radial surface of the anvil roll moves relative to the abrasive surface. | 01-24-2013 |
20130096527 | Absorbent Article Providing a Better Fit and More Comfort to a Wearer - A disposable pull-on garment has a front waist region and a back waist region opposite the front waist region. The disposable pull-on garment also has a chassis and front and back waist members attached to the chassis in the front and back waist regions, respectively. The front waist member has a first retraction force and the back waist member has a second retraction force. The disposable pull-on garment also has a pair of side members attaching the front waist region to the back waist region, thereby forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each of the pair of side members includes a waist zone and a hip zone. The waist zones have retraction forces which are about equal to the first retraction force, and the hip zones have retraction forces which are greater than the first or second retraction forces. | 04-18-2013 |
20130199696 | Apparatuses and Methods for Fabricating Elastomeric Laminates - The present disclosure relates to methods for manufacturing absorbent articles, and in particular, to methods for making elastomeric laminates that may be used as components of absorbent articles. The methods and apparatuses according to the present disclosure may be configured to automatically rethread elastic materials that may break during the assembly process. The apparatuses and methods herein may also utilize various types of inspection systems and methods that detect breaks in the elastic material during the manufacturing process. Such systems and methods may report on the broken elastic material, and in some instances, may stop the manufacturing process if the broken elastic material is not automatically rethreaded after a predetermined period of time. In addition, the inspection system may also track a length of the laminate containing the broken elastic material (referred to herein as a defect length) as the defect length advances through additional converting processes. | 08-08-2013 |
20130199707 | Apparatuses and Methods for Fabricating Elastomeric Laminates - The present disclosure relates to methods for manufacturing absorbent articles, and in particular, to methods for making elastomeric laminates that may be used as components of absorbent articles. And the methods and apparatuses according to the present disclosure may be configured to automatically rethread elastic materials that may break during the assembly process. | 08-08-2013 |
20130213547 | Apparatuses and Methods for Bonding Substrates - A method of joining web portions includes advancing web portions onto a rotating drum such that the web portions overlap at an overlap area as the web portions wrap around the drum. The web portions each have a melting temperature. A fluid is heated to a temperature sufficient to at least partially melt the web portions. A fluid nozzle retracts from an aperture in the drum and a jet of the heated fluid is directed from a fluid nozzle onto the web portions at the overlap area. The heated fluid penetrates and at least partially melts the web portions. The web portions are at least partially melted using the heated fluid. A press member shifts through the aperture in the drum to compress the web portions between the pressure member and an anvil roll to join the web portions together at the overlap area. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218116 | Apparatuses and Methods for Seaming Substrates - A method of joining substrate portions includes positioning the substrate portions such that the substrate portions overlap at an overlap area. The substrate portions each have a melting temperature and an outer surface. A fluid is heated to a temperature sufficient to at least partially melt the substrate portions. A jet of the heated fluid is directed from a fluid orifice onto the substrate portions at the overlap area. The heated fluid penetrates at least one of the outer surfaces of the substrate portions. The substrate portions are at least partially melted using the heated fluid. The substrate portions are compressed using a pressure applying surface adjacent the fluid orifice to join the substrate portions together at the overlap area. | 08-22-2013 |
20130255460 | Absorbent Article Process and Apparatus for Intermittently Deactivating Elastics in Elastic Laminates - The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for assembling absorbent articles, and more particularly, methods and apparatuses for severing elastic in an advancing elastic laminate. A continuous elastic laminate may be formed by bonding elastic strands between a first continuous substrate layer and a second continuous substrate layer. As discussed in more detail below, the continuous elastic laminate may advance through a cutting apparatus that intermittently deactivates or severs the elastic strands of the elastic laminate along the machine direction. | 10-03-2013 |
20130255861 | Apparatuses and Methods for Making Absorbent Articles - The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for assembling absorbent articles, and more particularly, diapers, each including a chassis connected with front and back elastic belts. Opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with regions of the elastic belts where the elasticity of the elastic belts has been removed or deactivated. As discussed in more detail below, an elastic laminate is formed by intermittently bonding elastic strands between a first continuous substrate layer and a second continuous substrate layer. The elastic strands are then intermittently deactivated by severing the strands in the non-bonded regions to form deactivated regions of the elastic laminate. A plurality of chassis may then be bonded with the elastic laminate, wherein the first or second end regions of each chassis may be bonded with deactivated regions of the continuous elastic laminate. | 10-03-2013 |
20130255862 | Apparatuses and Methods for Making Absorbent Articles - The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for assembling diapers, each including a chassis connected with front and back elastic belts. As discussed in more detail below, opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with regions of the elastic belts where the elasticity of the elastic belts has been removed or deactivated. An elastic laminate may be formed by continuously bonding elastic strands between a first continuous substrate layer and a second continuous substrate layer such that the elastic strands are bonded to both the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer in heavy-bond regions. And the elastic strands are bonded to the first substrate layer and/or the second substrate layer with in light-bond regions. The elastic strands are then intermittently deactivated by cutting the strands into one or more discrete pieces in the light-bond regions. The discrete pieces retract and remain in the light-bond regions. | 10-03-2013 |
20130255863 | Apparatuses and Methods for Making Absorbent Articles - The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for assembling diaper pants, each including a chassis connected with front and back elastic belts. Opposing end regions of the chassis may be connected with regions of the elastic belts where the elasticity of the elastic belts has been removed or deactivated. An elastic laminate may be formed by intermittently bonding elastic strands with a first continuous substrate, defining bonded regions and non-bonded regions intermittently spaced along the machine direction. A second continuous substrate may be cut into discrete lengths or patches intermittently spaced along the machine direction. The discrete lengths of the second substrate may then be bonded with the first continuous substrate and elastic strands in the bonded regions. The elastic strands are then intermittently deactivated by severing the strands in the non-bonded regions. And plurality of chassis may then be bonded with non-bonded regions of the elastic laminate. | 10-03-2013 |
20130255864 | Apparatuses and Methods for Making Absorbent Articles - The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for assembling absorbent articles, and more particularly, diaper pants, each including a chassis connected with front and back elastic belts. As discussed in more detail below, opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with regions of the elastic belts where the elasticity of the elastic belts has been removed or deactivated. As discussed in more detail below, an elastic laminate may be formed by continuously bonding elastic strands between a first continuous substrate layer and a second continuous substrate layer. The elastic strands are then intermittently severed in light-bond regions of the elastic laminate. Adhesive on the laminate causes the severed elastic ends to retract or snap back from the light-bond regions at a relatively slower and/or controlled rate. | 10-03-2013 |
20130255865 | Methods and Apparatuses for Making Leg Cuffs for Absorbent Articles - The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for assembling absorbent articles that include leg cuff gasketing assemblies. As discussed in more detail below, each leg gasketing assembly may be formed from elastic laminates having stretched elastic strands intermittently bonded thereto. As such, the elastic laminate includes bonded regions and non-bonded regions intermittently spaced along the machine direction. The elastic strands are then intermittently deactivated by severing the strands in the non-bonded regions of the continuous elastic laminate to form continuous lengths of leg gasketing assemblies having elastic regions and deactivated regions. The continuous lengths of leg gasketing assemblies may then bonded to a continuous topsheet substrate. In some embodiments, the elastic laminate may be combined with the topsheet substrate before severing the strands in the non-bonded regions. | 10-03-2013 |
20130270065 | METHODS FOR TRANSFERRING DISCRETE ARTICLES - The present disclosure is directed to a method of transferring discrete articles from or to a moving carrier member using a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a rotation axis and a transfer member comprising a transfer surface configured to receive one of the discrete articles. The method comprises rotating the transfer member about the rotation axis and maintaining the transfer surface at a substantially constant minimum distance away from the moving carrier member at the point of discrete article transfer. | 10-17-2013 |
20130270066 | FLUID SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSFERRING DISCRETE ARTICLES - The present disclosure is directed to a method of applying a fluid pressure to a portion of a transfer member of a transfer assembly. The transfer member rotates about a first rotation axis and comprises leading and trailing portions. The portion of the transfer member is rotatable about a second rotation axis between a first position and a second position. The method comprises providing a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the leading or trailing portion of the portion of the transfer member when the portion of the transfer member is in the first position, rotating the portion of transfer member between the first position and the second position, and maintaining the fluid conduit in fluid communication with the same of the leading or trailing portion of the portion of the transfer member after the portion of the transfer member is moved into the second position. | 10-17-2013 |
20130270067 | APPARATUSES FOR TRANSFERRING DISCRETE ARTICLES - The present disclosure is directed to a transfer assembly for transferring discrete articles from or to a moving carrier member. The transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a rotation axis. The frame comprises a track having a circumferential shape surrounding the rotation axis. The transfer assembly comprises transfer members movably engaged with the track, each having a transfer surface. The transfer assembly comprises a wheel engaged with the frame and configured to rotate about the rotation axis. The wheel is engaged with the transfer members. As the wheel rotates about the rotation axis, the transfer members circumnavigate about a path about the rotation axis in correspondence with the track. The shape of the track causes the transfer surfaces to move radially relative to the rotation axis while the transfer surfaces are maintained a substantially constant distance away from the moving carrier member at the point of discrete article transfer. | 10-17-2013 |
20130270069 | ROTATIONAL ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR TRANSFERRING DISCRETE ARTICLES - The present disclosure is directed to a rotation assembly for a transfer member of a transfer assembly. The rotation assembly comprises a torque transmitting assembly comprising input and output members, a link comprising a first end operably coupled to the input member and a second end comprising a follower member, a shaft comprising a first end operably coupled to the output member and a second end engaged with a portion of the transfer member, and a track. The follower is movably engaged with the track and circumnavigates about a path in correspondence with the track. The follower member is moved radially relative to a first rotation axis by the track as it circumnavigates about the path to transmit torque through the torque transmitting assembly and to the shaft. The torque causes a portion of the transfer member to rotate between a first position and a second position. | 10-17-2013 |
20130296148 | Methods and Apparatuses for Rejecting Defective Absorbent Articles from a Converting Line - The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for rejecting defective absorbent articles from a converting line. At a downstream portion of a converting process, a continuous length of absorbent articles may be subjected to a final knife and cut to create discrete absorbent articles advancing on a first carrier. From the first carrier, the discrete absorbent articles may be transferred to a transfer apparatus, which in turn, transfers the discrete absorbent articles to a second carrier. The transfer apparatus may include carrier members that orbit around an axis of rotation and may be adapted to receive the absorbent articles from the first carrier and transfer the absorbent articles to the second carrier. Defective absorbent articles may be detected by an inspection system, which may be operably connected with the transfer apparatus and/or the first carrier to remove the defective absorbent articles from the converting process. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296149 | Methods and Apparatuses for Transferring Absorbent Articles and Rejecting Defective Absorbent Articles - The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for rejecting defective absorbent articles from a converting line. At a downstream portion of a converting process, a continuous length of absorbent articles may be subjected to a final knife and cut to create discrete absorbent articles advancing on a first carrier. From the first carrier, the discrete absorbent articles may be transferred to a transfer apparatus, which in turn, transfers the discrete absorbent articles to a second carrier. The transfer apparatus may include carrier members that orbit around an axis of rotation and may be adapted to receive the absorbent articles from the first carrier and transfer the absorbent articles to the second carrier. Defective absorbent articles may be detected by an inspection system, which may be operably connected with the transfer apparatus and/or the first carrier to remove the defective absorbent articles from the converting process. | 11-07-2013 |
20140005020 | METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT REFASTENABLE ARTICLES | 01-02-2014 |
20140041797 | Apparatuses and Methods for Fabricating Elastomeric Laminates - The present disclosure relates to methods for manufacturing absorbent articles, and in particular, to methods for making elastomeric laminates that may be used as components of absorbent articles. And the methods and apparatuses according to the present disclosure may be configured to automatically rethread elastic materials that may break during the assembly process. | 02-13-2014 |
20140080692 | Methods and Apparatuses for Conveying Absorbent Articles in a Converting Line - The apparatuses and methods herein may be configured to transport articles in the form of continuous lengths of substrates having thicknesses that varies along a machine direction and/or cross direction. The conveyance apparatuses may be configured to include a first carrier and second carrier, wherein each carrier includes an endless belt positioned adjacent to the other so as to define a nip region between the endless belts, the nip region extending in a machine direction and a cross direction. The carriers may also include compliant rollers in rolling contact with the endless belts. Each compliant roller may be elastomeric and adapted to provide a reaction force normal to the endless belt along the machine and/or cross direction of the nip region. As such, the compliant rollers help maintain and hold the endless belts in contact with both relatively thin and thick areas of the substrate advancing through the nip region. | 03-20-2014 |
20140102851 | ROTATIONAL ASSEMBLIES FOR TRANSFERRING DISCRETE ARTICLES - The present disclosure is directed to a rotation assembly for a transfer member of a transfer assembly. The rotation assembly comprises a torque transmitting assembly comprising input and output members, a link comprising a first end operably coupled to the input member and a second end comprising a follower member, a shaft comprising a first end operably coupled to the output member and a second end engaged with a portion of the transfer member, and a track. The follower is movably engaged with the track and circumnavigates about a path in correspondence with the track. The follower member is moved radially relative to a first rotation axis by the track as it circumnavigates about the path to transmit torque through the torque transmitting assembly and to the shaft. The torque causes a portion of the transfer member to rotate between a first position and a second position. | 04-17-2014 |
20140109736 | Method and Apparatus for Cutting a Substrate - A rotary cutting apparatus is configured to rotate about a first longitudinal axis. The cutting roll includes a cutting member. The apparatus includes an anvil roll that is configured to rotate about a second longitudinal axis. The anvil roll is positioned relative to the cutting roll such that the first longitudinal axis is substantially parallel with the second longitudinal axis. The anvil roll includes an outer circumferential surface. The second longitudinal axis is selectively movable between a first position and a second position relative to the first longitudinal axis. In the first position, a first minimum distance is defined between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis. In the second position, a second minimum distance is defined between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis, and wherein the second minimum distance is greater than the first minimum distance. | 04-24-2014 |
20140109739 | Method and Apparatus for Positioning a Cutting Apparatus - A rotary cutting apparatus includes a frame movable in a first direction and a second direction that is opposite the first direction. The apparatus includes a cutting roll. The cutting roll is rotatably connected with the frame and configured to rotate about a first longitudinal axis. The apparatus includes an anvil roll. The anvil roll is rotatably connected with the frame and is configured to rotate about a second longitudinal axis. The first longitudinal axis is substantially parallel with the second longitudinal axis. The apparatus includes a first stationary member adapted to prevent movement of the frame in the first direction. The apparatus also includes a second stationary member connected with the frame. The second stationary member has a first configuration that prevents movement of the frame in the second direction. The second stationary member has a second configuration that allows movement of the frame in the second direction. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110052 | METHODS FOR TRANSFERRING DISCRETE ARTICLES ONTO A WEB - A method of attaching a discrete article to a web being conveyed over a carrier member is disclosed. The method comprises providing a transfer assembly comprising a transfer member comprising a transfer surface, engaging the discrete article with the transfer surface, providing a resilient member on the carrier member or on the transfer surface, applying, using the transfer surface, a portion of the discrete article to a portion of the web when the portion of the web moves over a portion of the resilient member, and applying a force to the portion of the discrete article, the portion of the web, and the portion of the resilient member during the first applying step to attach the portion of the discrete article to the portion of the web. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110053 | Apparatuses and Methods for Bonding Substrates - A method includes rotating a drum about an axis and rotating an anvil roll about an axis adjacent to the drum so as to form a nip there between. The drum includes a fluid nozzle and a press member, the press member having an outer surface. The anvil roll includes a compliant outer circumferential surface. First and second substrates are advanced in a machine direction onto the drum. The fluid nozzle moves radially outward and a jet of heated fluid is directed onto the substrates. The fluid nozzle retracts radially inward and the press member is shifted radially outward. The substrates are advanced through the nip and compressed between the press member and the anvil roll such that the press member deforms the compliant outer circumferential surface of the anvil roll. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110226 | CARRIER MEMBERS OR TRANSFER SURFACES HAVING A RESILIENT MEMBER - A carrier member configured to convey one or more webs and to receive a discrete absorbent article from a transfer assembly is disclosed. The transfer assembly comprises a transfer member having a transfer surface. The transfer surface is configured to engage the discrete article. The carrier member comprises a body and a resilient member positioned on the body. The resilient member has a Shore A hardness of between about 20 and about 50. | 04-24-2014 |
20140112751 | Method and Apparatus for Changing the Orientation of an Absorbent Article - The methods and apparatuses disclosed herein operate to change the orientation of an absorbent article. The apparatus includes a transfer apparatus having a frame that is rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a transfer member that is rotatable about a second axis of rotation. The method includes advancing an absorbent article in a machine direction. The absorbent article is defined by a longitudinal centerline intersected by a lateral centerline at a center. The method includes rotating the absorbent article from a first orientation where the longitudinal centerline extends in a cross direction to a second orientation where the longitudinal centerline extends in the machine direction. The method includes shifting the absorbent article such that the center of the absorbent article shifts from a first cross-directional position to a second cross-directional position. The steps of rotating the absorbent article and shifting the absorbent article may occur concurrently. | 04-24-2014 |
20140113793 | Method and Apparatus for Advancing an Absorbent Article - A converting apparatus operates to transfer a folded absorbent article from a first carrier apparatus to a second carrier apparatus. The converting apparatus includes a transfer apparatus and a guide member located adjacent to the transfer apparatus, forming a gap there between. The transfer apparatus includes a frame that is rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a transfer member that is rotatable about a second axis of rotation. The transfer member defines a receiving surface and the guide member defines a guide surface. The guide surface converges toward the receiving surface. The frame advances the absorbent article in a machine direction through the gap. While advancing absorbent article advances through the gap, the transfer member rotates the absorbent article about the second axis of rotation. The guide member includes side seam tuckers that are adapted to tuck the side seams of the absorbent article. | 04-24-2014 |
20140174883 | FLUID SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSFERRING DISCRETE ARTICLES - The present disclosure is directed to a method of applying a fluid pressure to a portion of a transfer member of a transfer assembly. The transfer member rotates about a first rotation axis and comprises leading and trailing portions. The portion of the transfer member is rotatable about a second rotation axis between a first position and a second position. The method comprises providing a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the leading or trailing portion of the portion of the transfer member when the portion of the transfer member is in the first position, rotating the portion of transfer member between the first position and the second position, and maintaining the fluid conduit in fluid communication with the same of the leading or trailing portion of the portion of the transfer member after the portion of the transfer member is moved into the second position. | 06-26-2014 |
20140202830 | APPARATUSES FOR TRANSFERRING DISCRETE ARTICLES - The present disclosure is directed to a transfer assembly for transferring discrete articles from or to a moving carrier member. The transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a rotation axis. The frame comprises a track having a circumferential shape surrounding the rotation axis. The transfer assembly comprises transfer members movably engaged with the track, each having a transfer surface. The transfer assembly comprises a wheel engaged with the frame and configured to rotate about the rotation axis. The wheel is engaged with the transfer members. As the wheel rotates about the rotation axis, the transfer members circumnavigate about a path about the rotation axis in correspondence with the track. The shape of the track causes the transfer surfaces to move radially relative to the rotation axis while the transfer surfaces are maintained a substantially constant distance away from the moving carrier member at the point of discrete article transfer. | 07-24-2014 |
20140274646 | Methods and Apparatus for Assembling Refastenable Absorbent Articles - A method for assembling pre-fastened refastenable absorbent articles includes advancing discrete chassis in a machine direction such that the lateral axis is parallel with the machine direction. The chassis defines a first waist region and a longitudinally opposed second waist region separated by a central region. A first web advances in the machine direction and is combined with a discrete fastener component having a refastenable element. The discrete chassis are combined with the first web in the first waist region of the chassis. The second waist region of the discrete chassis is combined with a second web advancing in the machine direction. The chassis are folded and the first and second webs are joined together. The discrete fastener component is permanently connected with the second web. The absorbent article is cut along the discrete fastener component to create discrete, pre-fastened refastenable absorbent articles. | 09-18-2014 |
20140290838 | Absorbent Articles and Method for Manufacturing the Same - An absorbent product comprises a backsheet having a first lateral end edge, a second lateral end edge, a first longitudinal side edge, and a second longitudinal side edge. The absorbent product further comprises a first longitudinal line of weakness laterally inboard of the first longitudinal side edge, a second longitudinal line of weakness laterally inboard of the second longitudinal side edge, a first lateral line of weakness longitudinally inboard of the first lateral end edge, and a second lateral line of weakness longitudinally inboard of the second lateral end edge. The absorbent product also comprises a topsheet connected with the backsheet, an absorbent article, the absorbent article having an outer perimeter defined by the first and second longitudinal lines of weakness and the first and second lateral lines of weakness, and a removable trim region. | 10-02-2014 |
20140305593 | Apparatuses and Methods for Bonding Substrates - An apparatus for joining substrates including a rotating drum. The drum may include an outer circumferential surface and a drum aperture in the drum outer circumferential surface. The drum may be configured to continuously advance substrates. A fluid nozzle may be moveably connected to the drum and located radially inward from the drum aperture. The fluid nozzle may be adapted to direct a fluid radially outward through the drum aperture toward the substrates. The fluid may have a temperature sufficient to at least partially melt the substrates. An anvil roll may be located adjacent the drum. The anvil roll may be adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation. A press member may be moveably connected to the drum and located radially inward from the drum aperture. The press member adapted to extend through the drum aperture to compress the substrates between the anvil roll to form a bond. | 10-16-2014 |
20140318996 | Process for Manufacturing Absorbent Products Having Customized Graphics - The present disclosure involves absorbent articles having customized graphics disposed inside packages labeled as containing customized articles. During the manufacturing process, customized absorbent articles are constructed with article identity graphics, and the packages to contain the customized articles are labeled with package identity graphics. A controller uses article and package identity graphics to track the manufacture of the customized articles and synchronize placement of the customized articles in the appropriately labeled packages. The methods disclosed herein provides for the manufacture of customized absorbent articles in series with the manufacture of absorbent articles having non-custom graphics. The substrates and/or components having the custom graphics in the manufacturing process are detected by a sensor that provides a feedback signal to a controller. The controller, in turn, commands a packing system to place the customized absorbent articles in packages; label the packages with a package identity graphic; and thereby create customized absorbent products. | 10-30-2014 |
20140346010 | METHODS FOR TRANSFERRING DISCRETE ARTICLES - The present disclosure is directed to a method of transferring discrete articles from or to a moving carrier member using a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a rotation axis and a transfer member comprising a transfer surface configured to receive one of the discrete articles. The method comprises rotating the transfer member about the rotation axis and maintaining the transfer surface at a substantially constant minimum distance away from the moving carrier member at the point of discrete article transfer. | 11-27-2014 |
20140377506 | Bonding Apparatus and Method - The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for mechanically bonding substrates together. The apparatuses may include a pattern roll including a pattern element protruding radially outward. The pattern element includes a pattern surface and includes one or more channels adjacent the pattern surface. The pattern roll may be positioned adjacent an anvil roll to define a nip between the pattern surface and the anvil roll, wherein the pattern roll is biased toward the anvil roll to define a nip pressure between pattern surface and the anvil roll. As substrates advance between the pattern roll and anvil roll, the substrates are compressed between the anvil roll and the pattern surface to form a discrete bond region between the first and second substrates. As such, during the bonding process, some yielded substrate material flows from under the pattern surface and into the channel to form a channel grommet region. | 12-25-2014 |
20140378287 | Methods and Apparatuses for Tucking Side Panels of Absorbent Articles - Aspects of the present disclosure relate to tucking opposing side panels into a chassis of a pant diaper. The apparatuses and methods may utilize one or more conveyors that advance the chassis along a machine direction. Each conveyor may have a vacuum zone that applies a vacuum force to hold the chassis. The chassis may be positioned between a first conveyor having a first vacuum zone and a second conveyor having a second vacuum zone. The conveyors may apply opposing vacuum forces to hold the first waist region apart from the second waist region while the chassis advances in the machine direction toward a tucking device. The tucking device may discharge air to push the side panels into the chassis and create longitudinal fold lines along edges of the absorbent core of the diaper. | 12-25-2014 |
20150020950 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING A LOCALIZED DWELL IN AN ADVANCING WEB - A method for dwelling a portion of a web is disclosed. A web can be conveyed at a first velocity by an apparatus comprising a first traversing guide and a second traversing guide operatively connected in a fixed spatial relationship. The first traversing guide and the second traversing guide can be moveable from a start position in a substantially linear path. The first traversing guide and the second traversing guide can be moved in a first direction at a second velocity equal to about one half the first velocity for a dwell time. One or more processing stations can bond the at least two layers of the web. The first traversing guide and the second traversing guide can be accelerated and decelerated in a second direction opposite the first direction until the first traversing guide and the second traversing guide are returned to the start position in a return time. | 01-22-2015 |
20150027853 | Carrier Member Having a Resilient Member - A carrier member is configured to receive a discrete article from a transfer assembly. The carrier member includes a cylindrical roll having a receiving surface and a resilient member connected with the receiving surface. The resilient member has a plurality of intermittently spaced first voids extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation at a first radial distance from the axis of rotation and a plurality of intermittently spaced second voids extending circumferentially about the axis of rotation at a second radial distance from the axis of rotation. The first radial distance is greater than the second radial distance. Each first void is separated from each second void. | 01-29-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110147520 | MULTI FUNCTIONAL SUPPLY PROFILE - A supply system is provided that includes, but is not limited to a profile element. The profile element includes, but is not limited to a front wall, a rear wall, and webs between the front wall and the rear wall so that there are ducts within the profile element. The supply system also includes, but is not limited to at least one functional component integrated in at least one of the plurality of ducts. | 06-23-2011 |
20110186681 | LOAD PATH-OPTIMIZED PIVOTABLE HATRACK - The invention relates to a device for receiving baggage in a passenger cabin for aircraft, which device comprises a stowage compartment, also referred to as a “hatrack”, which stowage compartment is arranged above a seat row so as to be swivellable in longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The hatrack includes a single-part housing that forms a baggage receptacle. Starting from an open loading position, the housing is swivellable to a transport position or stowage position on a pivot axis that is arranged near the centre of gravity and that is associated with a bottom of the housing. For affixation of the hatrack the housing is connected to a structure of the aircraft fuselage, which structure is fixed to the aircraft, by means of an exterior frame. | 08-04-2011 |
20110240796 | SUPPLY UNIT FOR FLEXIBLE SUPPLY CHANNELS - According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a service unit for being installed on a service channel of an aircraft is disclosed, wherein said service unit features a mounting device and a connecting device. These two devices cooperate in such a way that the mounting and the automatic connecting are realized in one step when the service unit is moved into the installation position. | 10-06-2011 |
20110284689 | AIRCRAFT CABIN PANEL FOR SOUND REDUCTION - The present invention relates to an aircraft cabin panel for sound reduction in an interior space. The invention in particular also relates to an aircraft comprising an interior lining with sound-absorbing and sound-reducing panels. In order to provide a panel that is optimized in terms of the design space required by it and in terms of its weight, for use in aircraft, which panel provides improved sound reduction and sound absorption characteristics, an aircraft cabin panel for sound reduction in an interior space is provided, which aircraft cabin panel in at least one region comprises a sandwich construction with a core layer, a first covering layer and a second covering layer. The core layer comprises sound absorbing open-pore core material. The first and the second covering layer are connected to the core layer in a planar fashion. The first covering layer is arranged towards the sound waves to be absorbed and the second covering layer is arranged opposite the first covering layer. The first covering layer is designed so as to be acoustically transparent. | 11-24-2011 |
20120012707 | INTEGRATION OF SUPPLY FUNCTIONS IN A STORAGE COMPARTMENT - Integration of supply functions is provided in a storage compartment. In particular, an integrated module is provided, which can be mounted in the overhead area of a passenger cabin, and exhibits different system components, which are automatically hooked up to the supply system of the transport (e.g., an aircraft) during the mechanical installation of the module on the load-bearing structure of the cabin. | 01-19-2012 |
20120228425 | STORAGE COMPARTMENT MODULE WITH AN INTEGRATED SUPPLY CHANNEL FOR OPTIMIZED INSTALLATION - A hatrack module with integral service channel for optimized mounting comprises a housing with a hatrack accommodation space and a passenger service channel, a hatrack with laterally arranged guide elements, and at least one passenger service unit, wherein in each case a guide rail is arranged on the sidewalls of the hatrack accommodation space, and wherein a wall of the housing comprises at least one reach-through access opening, and wherein the guide elements of the hatrack can be made to engage the guide rails on the housing. | 09-13-2012 |
20120228426 | STORAGE COMPARTMENT MODULE WITH MOBILE STORAGE COMPARTMENT - A hatrack module with a moveable hatrack comprises a housing with a hatrack accommodation space, a hatrack with laterally arranged guide elements and optionally at least one passenger service unit, wherein each guide rail is arranged on one sidewall of the hatrack accommodation space, and wherein the guide elements of the hatrack can be made to engage the guide rails on the housing. | 09-13-2012 |
20120292953 | Aircraft seat assembly for aircraft passengers having restricted mobility - An aircraft seat assembly for aircraft passengers having restricted mobility comprises a seat base assembly that comprises a first carrier device and a first fastening means. The aircraft seat assembly further comprises a wheelchair sub-frame, a second carrier device and a second fastening means. The dimensions of the wheelchair sub-frame are adapted to the dimensions of aisles provided in the aircraft cabin. Finally, the aircraft seat assembly comprises a seat which comprises a fastening means that is complementary to the first fastening means of the seat base assembly and to the second fastening means of the wheelchair sub-frame. | 11-22-2012 |
20120318917 | MOVABLE BIN - A movable storage compartment for a passenger cabin comprises a housing and fixing structures on the side walls of the housing, the housing being open on one side and being able to be moved back and forth between an open and a closed position, that is to say being able to be opened and closed. The fixing structures are formed in such a way that during a movement from the open position to the closed position the housing can be moved first predominantly rotationally and then predominantly translationally upwards. | 12-20-2012 |
20130005231 | INCOMING AIR SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR PASSENGERS IN AIRCRAFT - Incoming air system for passengers in a passenger compartment, in which the supply duct does not have to be reconstructed if the seat configuration is altered. This is provided by means of an air distribution element, which is continuous in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft and which comprises openings at defined positions which are adapted to possible seat layouts. Openings which are not required are sealed, for example by means of a selection element which encloses the air distribution element and is slitted on one side. | 01-03-2013 |
20130026293 | HOUSING-FREE HATRACK - A housing-free hatrack for a passenger cabin of an aircraft includes a hatrack body, at least one fixing brace and a bearing which is arranged between the hatrack body and one end of the fixing brace in such a way that the hatrack body is pivotable about a pivot axis. The other end of the fixing brace may be connected to a former of an aircraft structure of the aircraft. This hatrack dispenses with the double-walled construction of conventional hatracks and the hatrack is therefore directly fixed to the structure of the aircraft. | 01-31-2013 |
20140152159 | SUPPORTING STRUCTURE FOR MOVEABLE BIN - A storage compartment for a passenger cabin of an aircraft is provided. The storage compartment comprises a storage compartment body, a mounting, a fixing brace and a pull rod. The fixing brace is connected to a frame of the primary structure of an aircraft and to the mounting and takes up forces transversely to the direction of flight. The pull rod is connected to a stringer of the aircraft primary structure and also to the mounting and takes up forces in the direction of flight in such a way that even in the event of an impact event, only low torques are to be taken up by the supporting primary structure of the aircraft. | 06-05-2014 |
20140265476 | PASSENGER SERVICES PROVISIONING FOR A MEANS OF TRANSPORT - A passenger seat and a passenger service supply system is provided, comprising a seat with a seating and a backrest, and a passenger service module providing a passenger service such as conditioned air, a personal light, data network access or a similar service. A passenger service module supply line is connected to the passenger service module with a first end, and comprises an interface, which is adapted to connect a second end of the passenger service module supply line to a central supply line of a means of transport. The passenger service module supply line is thereby at least partly integrated into the seating. | 09-18-2014 |
20140332628 | LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT AND MEANS OF TRANSPORT - A luggage compartment for a means of transport and a means of transport with a luggage compartment are provided. The luggage compartment comprises a housing with a pivotably attached connecting element and with a sliding element. The connecting element is adapted for being pivotably attached to a first structural element and the sliding element is adapted for moving along a rail connected to a second structural element. The luggage compartment is easy to manufacture and to maintain. | 11-13-2014 |
20140367227 | POWER DRIVE UNIT AND AIRCRAFT CARGO COMPARTMENT FLOOR WITH POWER DRIVE UNITS - A power drive unit, including a plurality of diagonal rollers arranged at a circumference around a central roller axis and each of the plurality of diagonal rollers having a respective diagonal roller axis, a first drive motor coupled to a roller carrier and configured to rotate the plurality of diagonal rollers around the central roller axis, and a second drive motor coupled to a gear carrier and configured to rotate each of the diagonal rollers around the respective diagonal roller axis. The diagonal roller axes are tilted by a common skew angle with respect to the central roller axis. | 12-18-2014 |