Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc.

Kimberly-clark Corporation

Daniel James Oshefsky

Gregory John Rajala

Paul Martin Niemi

Robert Eugene Vogt

Andrew Michael Lake

Moshe Saraf

Thomas Raymond Holston

Edward G Wollangk

Paul A Gavronski

This invention pertains to processing continuous webs such as paper, film, composites, and the like, in dynamic continuous processing operations. More particularly, it relates to transferring discrete parts to a continuous web, whether paper, film, composite, or the like. Specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for taking discrete parts from a source in a taking zone, optionally taking the discrete parts as components of a continuous web, onto a transport head on a transfer assembly, severing the discrete parts from the continuous web if received as part of a continuous web, rotating the transfer assembly about a first axis and correspondingly rotating the transport head about a second axis radial to the first axis, to thereby present the discrete parts to a receiver in a transfer zone, and transferring the discrete parts to the receiver in the transfer zone. The invention includes using a roughened taking section on the transport head, interacting with textured surface on the discrete parts, to hold the discrete parts to the transport head, with optional use of suction through the transport head to assist in holding the discrete parts to the transport head. Novel apparatus is included for delivering suction to and through rotating slip rings.

Method and apparatus for placing discrete parts transversely onto a moving web

An apparatus and method is disclosed for winding a web about a central axis and a rotating mandrel to form a roll. A rolled web product with an alternating winding pattern may be manufactured. A feeding mechanism provides a running web to be wound into a roll. A retainer assembly may be configured for holding the web as it is wound upon the rotating mandrel. The retainer assembly may be configured to accommodate oscillating movement of the rotating mandrel between a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction. The web may be placed upon a roll by winding in one direction and then back again in a second direction repeatedly to form a roll. Retaining means, such as paddles, may be actuated from an active position in contact with the web to a resting position removed from the roll. Paddles may serve to hold the web upon the outer surface of the roll at the time in which the rotating mandrel is changing rotational direction.

Rolled web products having a web wound in an oscillating fashion

An apparatus and method is disclosed for winding a web about a central axis and a rotating mandrel to form a roll. A feeding mechanism provides a running web to be wound into a roll. A retainer assembly may be configured for holding the web as it is wound upon the rotating mandrel. The retainer assembly may be configured to accommodate oscillating movement of the rotating mandrel between a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction. The web may be wound in one direction and then back again repeatedly to form a roll. Retaining means, such as paddles, may be actuated from an active position in contact with the web to a resting position removed from the roll. Paddles may serve to hold the web upon the outer surface of the roll at the time in which the rotating mandrel is changing rotational direction.

Method and apparatus for winding a web

Method for placing discrete parts transversely onto a moving web

The present invention provides a machine for cutting at least two components of a multi-component workpiece from webs of material which are moving at different speeds relative to one another, and depositing the two cut components on a third web of material moving at yet a different speed. The machine cuts the first component from a moving first web, transfers the cut component to overlie a moving web of second material, and cuts the second component from the second web while the first component overlies and falls, either wholly or partially, within the cut boundaries of the second component. The mated first and second cut components are then transferred by the machine to a web of third material. An optional embossing roller imparts a pattern to the stacked cut first and second components as they pass between the embossing and anvil rollers. The machine is particularly adapted for the manufacture of articles of manufacture such as infant diapers, adult incontinence garments, and personal hygiene napkins in which elements of the napkin must be cut, registered with respect to one another, and affixed to other elements of the article during the manufacturing process.

Machine for cutting discrete components of a multi-component workpiece

The present invention provides a process for manufacturing a multi-component product comprising at least two components cut from moving webs of material, registering the components with respect to one another, and depositing the registered components on a web of moving material. The components have respective leading and trailing edges, a longitudinal center line, and a longitudinal center defined by a point midway on said longitudinal center line between said leading and trailing edges. The process comprises the steps of a) cutting the first workpiece components from a web of first material moving at first speed; b) transferring the cut first workpiece component to overlay a web of a second material moving at a second speed; c) cutting the second workpiece component from the second web while incorporating the overlying cut first workplace component wholly or partially within the cut boundaries of the second workpiece component; and d) transferring the cut and mated first and second workpiece components to a web of third material moving at a third speed. A process for making a multi-component sanitary napkin using the process of the invention is also disclosed.

Process for cutting of discrete components of a multi-component

Apparatus for placing discrete parts transversely onto a moving web

An apparatus (10) for applying an elastic material (14) to a backing material (18) includes an applicator assembly (12) for applying a length of elastic material (14) to a bonding template (16), and a bonding template (16) for supporting the length of elastic material (14) relative to the backing material (18) for a bonding operation. Ultrasonic horns (104,106) bond the length of elastic material (14) to the backing material (18). The applicator assembly (12) includes rolls (32,36) for tensioning the elastic material (14) and a vacuum mechanism for selectively retaining the length of tensioned material (14) and releasing the tensioned elastic material (14) to the bonding template (16). A mechanism is provided for transferring the tensioned elastic material (14) from the applicator assembly (12) to the bonding template (16) while maintaining the elastic material (14) in the tensioned condition.

Method and apparatus for applying discreet elastic strips to a

Continuous strips of a first material, e.g., elastic strips, are continuously supplied to flexible strip supports in a supply zone while the strip supports are in a linear configuration. The strip supports are carried on respective transfer members which are mounted on a rotatable support so that individual transfer members follow a closed (orbital) path upon rotation of the support. The continuous strips are cut into discrete strips adhered to respective flexible strip supports whose configuration, and that of the discrete strips adhered thereto, is then changed to a desired curvilinear configuration. The transfer members are then brought into transfer contact in a transfer zone with a moving web of second material, which may comprise the backing sheet of a disposable diaper construction, and the curvilinear strips are transferred to the web. Alternatively, or in addition, the individual transfer members are supported on radially translatable supports so that during rotation the orbital radius and thereby the linear velocity of individual transfer members may be selectively varied between a first radius and consequent linear velocity in the supply zone and a second radius and consequent linear velocity in the transfer zone. The individual transfer members may also be pivoted to selectively orient the strips relative to the moving web in the transfer zone. Apparatus to carry out the method provides a transfer means comprising a plurality of transfer members mounted for rotation on a rotatable member and preferably incorporating radially translatable supports for the individual transfer members, flexible strip supports of changeable configuration, and means to selectively pivot the individual transfer members.

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Neenah, WI, United States of America

Daniel James Oshefsky