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:
Jan. 10, 2017
Filed:
Feb. 28, 2012
Jeffrey S. L'heureux, North Kingstown, RI (US);
Joshua R. Cloutier, Exeter, RI (US);
Will E. Nunn, Carolina, RI (US);
Jeffrey S. L'Heureux, North Kingstown, RI (US);
Joshua R. Cloutier, Exeter, RI (US);
Will E. Nunn, Carolina, RI (US);
TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC., N. Kingstown, RI (US);
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for masking the edges of a substrate when performing direct or reverse gravure coating using a kiss-coat configuration, particularly useful for in-line coating of biaxially oriented polymeric films. The methods and apparatuses include a masking plate configured to prevent the edge of a portion of a substrate from contacting a gravure roll, the masking plate includes a top portion having a Rockwell B hardness equal to or greater than 80, and a thickness of between 0.03125 inches and 0.375 inches. This masking plate prevents build-up of coating on the edges of the substrate which otherwise can cause film orientation production instabilities such as film breaks, sticking to tenter clips, and/or edge trim recycling incompatibilities. The masking plate provides a masking method that is effective and durable, minimizing production downtime and maintenance.