| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20090151305 | Method and apparatus for orienting articles - A method for sorting and/or orienting caps using an automated capping line can comprise providing a single cap to a cap-receiving cavity defined in a body of a puck. In various embodiments, the body can be vibrated to settle and/or orient the cap to a properly oriented position within the cap-receiving cavity. In at least one embodiment, the vibrating can include applying horizontal vibration and/or vertical vibration to the body. As a result, the properly oriented caps can be conveyed to a capping machine configured to apply each cap to a cap-receiving portion of a container. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20110272245 | Universally Adjustable Star Wheel - A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed. An automated adjustment mechanism for adjusting a star wheel to accommodate different articles is also disclosed. The automated adjustment mechanism may be used with any suitable star wheel. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110272246 | Automated Adjustment System for Star Wheel - A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed. An automated adjustment mechanism for adjusting a star wheel to accommodate different articles is also disclosed. The automated adjustment mechanism may be used with any suitable star wheel. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110277427 | Apparatus for Packaging Low Count Packages of Absorbent Articles - An apparatus for providing low count packages of absorbent articles during a high speed manufacturing process. The apparatus including a conveyor configured to serially convey a plurality of absorbent articles; a continuously rotating stacker that includes an infeed, an outfeed and a plurality of cassettes; an extraction station that includes an extractor configured to remove at least one absorbent article from at least one absorbent article containing cassette. At least a portion of the extractor is positioned at an angle to compensate for the continuous rotation of the stacker. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110289886 | Method for Packaging Low Count Packages of Absorbent Articles - A method for providing low count packages of absorbent articles in a high speed manufacturing process in which a plurality of absorbent articles are conveyed in series to the infeed of a continuously rotating stacker. The articles are sequentially inserted into cassettes disposed on the stacker such that a plurality of absorbent article containing cassettes is provided. The articles are extracted from the continuously rotating stacker by an angled extractor and packaged into low count packages. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20120138425 | Method and Apparatus for Orienting Articles - A method for sorting and/or orienting caps using an automated capping line can comprise providing a single cap to a cap-receiving cavity defined in a body of a puck. In various embodiments, the body can be vibrated to settle and/or orient the cap to a properly oriented position within the cap-receiving cavity. In at least one embodiment, the vibrating can include applying horizontal vibration and/or vertical vibration to the body. As a result, the properly oriented caps can be conveyed to a capping machine configured to apply each cap to a cap-receiving portion of a container. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20130199894 | Universally Adjustable Star Wheel - A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed. An automated adjustment mechanism for adjusting a star wheel to accommodate different articles is also disclosed. The automated adjustment mechanism may be used with any suitable star wheel. | 08-08-2013 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 20140205741 | PROCESS FOR MAKING PERSONAL CARE ARTICLES - A process for coating a personal care composition onto at least one discrete treatment area of a substrate having a first and second surface wherein the personal care composition has a yield point of from 10 Pa to 2000 Pa measured via a stress controlled amplitude sweep at a frequency of 1 Hz and a temperature of 25° C. comprising applying the personal care composition to a portion of the first surface of the substrate; providing a support member with a support surface wherein the second surface of the substrate contacts the support surface of the support member, the support surface having at least one cavity corresponding to the treatment area; providing a wiping member in contact with the first surface of the substrate; deforming the substrate with the applied personal care composition on its first surface into the cavity such that the resulting stress created due to the deformation of the substrate into cavity is less than the elastic limit of the substrate; providing relative motion between the support member and the wiping member such that excess personal care composition is removed and the substrate is coated with a discrete area of personal care composition substantially corresponding to the cavity; wherein the substrate is not permanently deformed; and removing the substrate from the support member. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140343725 | Automated Adjustment System for Star Wheel - A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed. An automated adjustment mechanism for adjusting a star wheel to accommodate different articles is also disclosed. The automated adjustment mechanism may be used with any suitable star wheel. | 11-20-2014 |
| 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 |
