Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc.

James Melvin Gaestel

Daniel Hoo

Chinmay Suresh Betrabet

Jack Lee Couillard

Chris Lee Heikkinen

Robin Kurt Nason

Daniel James Sorensen

Jeffrey Joseph Samida

Barton Andrew Laughlin

Paul Gordon Klemp

Davis Hoang Nhan

Jeffery Joseph Samida

A method for reducing adhesive build-up on ultrasonic bonding surfaces of ultrasonic bonding systems is disclosed. The method includes providing an ultrasonic bonding surface. A pad is provided proximate to, and in fluid contact with, the ultrasonic bonding system. A fluid is conducted to the pad such that the fluid is applied is intermittently or continuously applied to at least a portion of the ultrasonic bonding surface.

Method and apparatus for reducing adhesive build-up on ultrasonic bonding surfaces

An apparatus and method for effecting an operation on at least one moving substrate web is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a rotatable bonding roll that is located adjacent the substrate web and configured to rotate about a bonding axis. A rotatable anvil roll has an anvil surface and is configured to rotate about an anvil axis to press the substrate web against an outer peripheral bonding surface of the bonding roll thereby bonding the substrate web. At least three support wheels are configured to contact the bonding surface of the bonding roll and to hold the bonding roll in a substantially fixed position.

Support system for rotary function rolls

This invention relates to apparatus and methods for intermittently bonding a substrate web in fabricating a blank subassembly for an absorbent article. The invention comprises ultrasonic bonding apparatus including an anvil roll, a substrate web thereon, and at least one rotary ultrasonic horn. The substrate web can comprise at least first and second layers of material. The rotary ultrasonic horn, in combination with the anvil roll, ultrasonically bonds intermittent segments of the first and second layers of the substrate web to each other. Such intermittent bonds can comprise end seals for the absorbent articles. The ultrasonic horn and anvil roll are periodically separated from each other to provide the intermittent bonding of the substrate web. An actuator apparatus periodically moves the anvil roll and ultrasonic horn from engaging contact with each other preventing bond formation. The actuator apparatus can include a cam mechanism moving one of the anvil roll and ultrasonic horn from engaging contact with the other during rotation of the rotary ultrasonic horn. The cam mechanism can create a physical gap between the ultrasonic horn and the anvil roll. The cam mechanism moves either the ultrasonic horn and the anvil roll toward the other of the ultrasonic horn and anvil roll at a velocity of no more than about 80 millimeters/second to prevent bounce or impact loading when the horn and anvil roll are in engaging contact. The anvil roll comprises a substrate-receiving surface generally moving the substrate web through the nip at a surface speed of at least 300 meters per minute. The ultrasonic system generally creates bonds between the first and second layers of the substrate web at least about 600 times per minute.

Methods and apparatus for intermittent rotary ultrasonic bonding system

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Seymour, WI, United States of America

James Melvin Gaestel