Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc.

Thomas Raymond Holston

Gregory John Rajala

Daniel James Oshefsky

Steven Allen Hellmann

Richard J Ogle

Ronald E Kelbert

A method and apparatus for selectively orienting an article () can include a selective indexing of a movable carriage () between a first carriage position and at least a second carriage position, thereby providing a selected face-alignment of a datum surface () of the article. In particular aspects, the first carriage position can be configured to provide for a first, twist displacement of the article, and the second carriage position can be configured to provide for a second, twist displacement of the article with the second twist displacement directionally opposite to the first twist displacement. In another aspect, the movable carriage can include an indexing wheel (). In a further aspect, at least one set of twist-belts () can be connected to the carriage ().

Orientation detection and control system

A distinctive method and apparatus for accumulating selected articles can include an inputting of a plurality of individual articles () from an article supply source (). Each article can have at least a first major facing surface (), a first article dimension () extending along a first article direction, a second article dimension () extending along a second article direction which differs from the first article direction, and an article edge region (). Each article can be directed to a first conveyor (), and in a particular aspect, the first article dimension of each article can be aligned along a selected machine-direction (). Another aspect can include an identifying of an article-set () which contains a selected, predetermined number of the articles. Further aspects can include a forming of at least one article-set which contains the selected number articles arranged in a stack or other arrangement suitable for packaging; and a moving of the article-set into a package. In additional aspects, the inputting of the articles can include a metering of the articles, and the inputting of the articles can include a dispensing of the articles () with a rotating, metering drum (). In still further aspects, the inputting of the articles can include a delivering of the articles onto a guide surface, and the delivering of the articles can include a laying of the articles onto a directing slide (), which may be inclined.

Automatic repacking and accumulation system

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

This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for receiving a stream of units of product, such as from a manufacturing operation, separating the stream into discrete groups of product, in a product carrier bucket, and typically presenting each group for further processing at a subsequent processing station as a group. A novel product bucket is disclosed, including articulated buckets which are typically engaged by a driver, about a first path, while receiving units of product, and are subsequently disengaged from the driver for traversing along a second path to a subsequent processing station. The buckets preferably have cam followers which cooperate for urging the rear wall of a leading bucket and the front wall of a trailing bucket into proximity with each other while traversing an arcuate portion of the first path. Product-receiving compartments may be enlarged for receiving product, and contracted for holding product contained therein. Thickness of respective compartment walls is selected for uniform timing and registration of the compartments at the product filling station.

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Appleton, WI, United States of America

Thomas Raymond Holston