3m Innovative Properties Company

Brandon T Berg

David B Olson

Steven P Floeder

James A Masterman

Carl J Skeps

Leon Levitt

Scott J Tuman

David L Seidel

Eugene G Joseph

Robert J Maki

John E Riedel

Jason L Edgar

Robert H Menzies

Alan J Sipinen

Michael D Delmore

Mark E Napierala

Stephen E Krampe

Bruce A Nerad

Robert D Kampfer

Randy A Larson

David D Nguyen

Bruce H Koehler

Tony B Hollobaugh

Victor P Thalacker

Wayne R Roller

A conversion control system is described for spatially synchronizing data gathered from a plurality of operations performed on a web. The conversion control system applies a set of fiducial marks to a web, performs a plurality of operations on the web, generates a first and a second set of digital information for first and second operations, respectively, in accordance with respective first and second coordinate systems using the set of fiducial marks such that the each of the sets of digital information includes position data for respective first and second sets of regions on the web. The conversion control system may then register the position data of the first set of regions and the position data for the second set of regions to produce aggregate data and outputting a conversion control plan.

Multi-unit process spatial synchronization

Techniques are described for inspecting a web and controlling subsequent conversion of the web into one or more products. A system, for example, comprises an imaging device, an analysis computer and a conversion control system. The imaging device images the web to provide digital information. The analysis computer processes the digital information to identify regions on the web containing anomalies. The conversion control system subsequently analyzes the digital information to determine which anomalies represent actual defects for a plurality of different products. The conversion control system determines a value for at least one product selection parameter for each of the products, and selects one of the products for conversion of the web based on the respective determined value. Exemplary product selection parameters include web utilization, unit product produced, estimated revenue or profit, process time, machine capacity and demand for the different products.

Maximization of yield for web-based articles

Techniques are described for inspecting a web and controlling subsequent conversion of the web into one or more products. A system, for example, includes an imaging device, an analysis computer and a conversion control system. The imaging device images a sequential portion of a web to provide digital information. The analysis computer processes the digital information with an initial algorithm to identify regions on the web containing anomalies. The conversion control system selects one of a plurality of converting sites to convert the web into a product, and analyzes at least a portion of the digital information with at least one subsequent algorithm to determine which anomalies represent actual defects in the web for the products.

Inventory control for web-based articles

A method of inspecting a moving web. The method includes imaging a sequential portion of the continuously moving web to provide digital information. The digital information is then processed with an initial algorithm to identify any regions on the web containing anomalies. Image information corresponding to any identified region within the digital information is then selected. The selected image information is then analyzed with at least one subsequent algorithm to distinguish actual defects from among the anomalies.

Apparatus and method for automated web inspection

Method for making a stem web material having a plurality of stems extending from discrete regions (patches or stripes) of the web, comprising: The stems can be formed by pressing the web on which the patches or stripes of polymer are deposited against a tool having a surface with a plurality of stem-forming holes. The stems can be given enlarged ends by bringing the surface of the stem web close to a heated surface.

Method for making a stem web

A laminated composite suitable for use in medical products such as tapes and wraps. The composite includes, for example, a first nonwoven fiber layer, an elastic layer, a melt blown adhesive fiber layer, and a second nonwoven fiber layer. A scrim layer serves as a deadstop, or stretch limit, to prevent over stretching. The non-woven fiber layer(s) and/or the scrim layer form suitable loops for a hook and loop fastening system. The scrim layer in some embodiments is employed to make the composite finger tearable. The melt blown adhesive layer, nonwoven web layer and elastic layer form a breathable, porous elastic composite. Methods of manufacturing the composite are also disclosed.

Laminated composites

Described is a method of indirect printing on a thermoplastic film having texture, wherein said method comprises: a) providing a heated thermoplastic melt; b) providing a tool having a molding portion that comprises a texture having a surface and a plurality of cavities in said surface, and that comprises a material having a surface energy sufficient to release ink; c) applying ink to said texture; d) substantially drying or curing said ink; e) contacting said thermoplastic melt with said molding portion having ink applied to it; f) forming a texture in said thermoplastic melt, wherein said texture comprises a plurality of protrusions and an area between said protrusions, that is the inverse of the texture of said molding surface; g) transferring said ink from said molding portion to said thermoplastic melt; h) quenching said thermoplastic melt to form a thermoplastic film; and i) removing said thermoplastic film from said molding portion.

Continuous process for indirect printing of polymeric films having texture

An elastic web of material has a multiplicity of stems extending from at least one side of the web. The web includes a first continuous layer of elastic material having a first side and a second side and a second layer of material. The second layer of material has a first side which faces the first side of the first layer and a second side from which the stems extend. The first and second layers of material are joined together. The second layer of material can be formed of thermoplastic material or melt processable polymeric material. The first and second layers of material are melt formed. They are joined by coextrusion or lamination to form a multiple layer sheet on which a multiplicity of stems are formed on at least the second layer by a process such as embossing the stems into the heated web using a patterned roll or mold.

Elastic fastener

Growing community of inventors

West Lakeland, MN, United States of America

Brandon T Berg