The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 11, 2003
Filed:
Nov. 30, 2000
Jack Lee Couillard, Menasha, WI (US);
Kent William Abel, Black Creek, WI (US);
Joseph Daniel Coenen, Kaukauna, WI (US);
Michael Lee Lohoff, Oshkosh, WI (US);
Robin Kurt Nason, Oshkosh, WI (US);
Dan James Sorensen, Neenah, WI (US);
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc., Neenah, WI (US);
Abstract
This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for intermittently creating ultrasonic bonds in sequentially advancing work piece segments, in a nip. The work piece segments are up to about 0.25 inch thick. The apparatus comprises a frame, anvil support apparatus supporting an anvil, and horn support apparatus supporting an ultrasonic horn. The ultrasonic horn and anvil are collectively mounted and configured such that the ultrasonic horn and anvil can be brought together to define the nip. The frame, anvil support apparatus, and horn support apparatus collectively are sufficiently rigid that the horn and anvil can be brought together with interference levels of about 0.000 to about 0.008 inch at a raised bonding portion in combination with defining sufficient nip pressure to develop ultrasonic bonds in work piece segments passing through the nip. The method comprehends bringing a back-up roll, mounted above the ultrasonic horn, into engagement with the ultrasonic horn, to directly support the horn. First and second support rolls can be used to releasably support opposing sides of the outer surface of the ultrasonic horn, preferably below the axis of the horn, whereby the support rolls can be used to lift the horn into engagement with the back-up roll.