Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc.

Kimberly-clark Corporation

Paul Martin Niemi

Gregory John Rajala

David Arthur Fell

Daniel James Oshefsky

Darold Dean Tippey

John A Rooyakkers

Kenneth Raymond Schueler, Jr

Gerald Leigh Rabe

Thomas Joel Halloran

Martin Karl Olsen

Lynn Kirkpatrick LeMahieu

Marianne Keevill Leick

Jeffrey Mark LaFortune

Donald J Holewski

Donald Joseph Holewinski

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

Method for placing discrete parts transversely onto a moving web

An apparatus for forming a substantially uniform distribution of particulate material within the cross direction of a fibrous web includes a conveying mechanism for providing a gas entrained supply of the particulate material. A transferring mechanism directs the particulate into a delivery gas stream to provide a flow volume of the particulate material a delivery conduit and a delivery nozzle into a web forming chamber. A fiberizing mechanism provides a flow of a selected fibrous material into the web forming chamber, and a directing mechanism controls the flow of particulate material from the delivery conduit and the delivery nozzle into the web forming chamber. A foraminous forming layer is disposed within the web forming chamber for receiving the fibrous material and the particulate material to produce a fibrous web which includes a substantially uniform distribution in the cross direction of the particulate material therein.

Apparatus for the uniform deposition of particulate material in a substrate

A method for forming a substantially uniform distribution of particulate material within a fibrous web includes a conveying step for providing a gas entrained supply of the particulate material. A transferring step directs the particulate material into a delivery gas stream through a delivery conduit and delivery nozzle into a web forming chamber. A fiberizing step provides a flow of a selected fibrous material into the web forming chamber. A foraminous forming layer is disposed within the forming chamber for receiving the fibrous material and the particulate material to produce a fibrous web.

Process for uniform cross-direction distribution of particulate material

An apparatus for handling a continuous web in a continuous processing operation wherein the web incorporates therein one or more stretched elastic-type elements having retractive forces active in the cross-machine direction, and limiting shrinkage of the web in the cross-machine direction to no more than about 5%. Shrinkage in the width dimension is controlled using methods including transporting the web on a sequence of rolls having on their outer working surfaces protuberances which interact with edges of openings in the web, inhibiting lateral movement of elements defining the edges of the openings, and thereby stabilizing the web in the width dimension.

Conveying continuous web having cross-direction tension

An absorbent article includes a fastening system having first and second buttons bonded to an elastic strap member in respective first and second end regions. The straps are adapted to attach to a garment and maintain the garment in place during use. Reinforcement members are provided within reinforcement zones surrounding the attachment locations of each of the buttons. The reinforcement members locally stabilize the strap member near the attachment locations to minimize or eliminate rolling and twisting of the sides of the strap members during use.

Elastic strap fastening system with button fasteners

Apparatus for placing discrete parts transversely onto a moving web

This invention pertains to handling a continuous web in a continuous processing operation wherein the web incorporates therein one or more stretched elastic-type elements having retractive forces active in the cross-machine direction, and limiting shrinkage of the web in the cross-machine direction to no more than about 5%. Shrinkage in the width dimension is controlled using methods including transporting the web on a sequence of rolls having on their outer working surfaces protuberances which interact with edges of openings in the web, inhibiting lateral movement of elements defining the edges of the openings, and thereby stabilizing the web in the width dimension.

Conveying continous web having cross-direction tension

An improved process and apparatus for splicing a new web to a running web including cutting the old web between two rollers, the first roller having a cutting means, a rotating means, an actuating means and the second roller being a backing cylinder. The first roller is brought in contact with the old web, and the backing roller then rotates through the cutting action to permit splicing to occur while maintaining a continuous supply of web material.

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Neenah, WI, United States of America

Paul Martin Niemi