B29C66/83413

Method and apparatus for assembling absorbent articles

The present disclosure relates to assembling elastic laminates that may be used to make absorbent article components. Methods herein may include an anvil adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation, wherein first and second spreader mechanisms adjacent the anvil roll are axially and angularly displaced from each other with respect to the axis of rotation. During the assembly process, a substrate may be advanced in a machine direction onto the rotating anvil. The first spreader mechanism stretches a first elastic material in the cross direction, and the second spreader mechanism stretches a second elastic material in the cross direction. The stretched first and second elastic materials advance from the spreader mechanisms and onto the substrate on the anvil roll. The combined and elastic materials may then be ultrasonically bonded together on the anvil to form at least one elastic laminate.

Stretchable structure for absorbent article, and method for producing same
11083637 · 2021-08-10 · ·

A first sheet layer made of a nonwoven fabric; a second sheet layer made of a nonwoven fabric opposed to one side of the first sheet layer; and a plurality of elongated elastically stretchable members provided along the stretchable direction at intervals from each other between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are provided. At least a part of each end of the elastically stretchable member is fixed to at least one of the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer only via a first hot melt adhesive. The first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are bonded via a second hot melt adhesive in a range in the stretchable direction corresponding to a space between the both ends of the elastically stretchable member. The holding power of the first hot melt adhesive is higher than the second hot meld adhesive.

Elastic laminates and methods for assembling elastic laminates for absorbent articles

The present disclosure relates to elastic laminates and methods for assembling elastic laminates that may be used to make absorbent article components. Elastic laminates may include one or more reinforcement layers positioned between unstretched portions of elastic materials and substrates to which the elastic materials are bonded.

ROLLER ELECTRODE ARRANGEMENT, APPARATUS COMPRISING A ROLLER ELECTRODE ARRANGEMENT, AND METHOD FOR APPLYING A HIGH-FREQUENCY ALTERNATING ELECTRIC FIELD TO TWO PLASTIC MATERIAL PORTIONS

A roller electrode assembly (1) for applying a high-frequency alternating electric field to a workpiece (5a, 5b) has a core (2) which is at least partially made of electrically conductive material and surrounded by a tire (3) which can be filled with a protective gas and is made of a dielectric material.

Balanced process for extrusion of plastic corrugated sheet and subsequent converting into plastic boxes
11072140 · 2021-07-27 · ·

The invention is directed to a balanced process for extrusion of a plastic corrugated sheet or blanks, and subsequent converting of the blanks into plastic boxes. The process includes conveying the blanks to a plurality of forming stations for incrementally forming features on the blank needed for forming a box. The present process is performed at a slower speed than typical paper corrugated forming.

Structural member consisting of dissimilar polymer materials

A structural member including a lightweight core, one or more skins, and a crosslinking nanolayer interposed therebetween that results in significant mechanical strength in the structure. The core is a polymer of reduced density by way of included voids, such as an open or closed cell foam, honeycomb, or corrugated structure. The core polymer has a lower density and may have a higher softening or melting temperature than the polymer skin materials. The core may be discontinuous at the interface with the skin such that only a small percentage of the core surface is actually in contact with the skin compared to the overall area of the interface. The skin may be a thermoplastic layer that attaches to the core material. The skin may be a composite material including non-thermoplastic reinforcements. The crosslinking nanolayer is covalently bonded to the surface of the core material and provides molecular compatibility with the skin material.

Systems and methods using multiple synchronized ultrasonic transducers to finish a part

An ultrasonic systems and methods for sealing complex interfaces or for metal forming. Complex interfaces, such as a Gable top, have multiple and a variety of layers across the interface, or an oval or round spout having a complex geometry. An example system includes two ultrasonic horns arranged opposite a gap between which the interface is provided. The frequency and phase of the ultrasonic energy are synchronized as the energy is applied simultaneously while the interface is pressed between a jaw and the energy is applied to both sides of the interface. Another example system includes two ultrasonic transducers synchronized in frequency and phase and used to vibrate a horn mechanically to facilitate a sealing or welding interface or to assist in a metal-forming process.

METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR ASSEMBLING ELASTIC LAMINATES WITH DIFFERENT BOND DENSITIES FOR ABSORBENT ARTICLES

The methods herein relate to assembling an elastic laminate with a first elastic material and a second elastic material bonded between first and second substrates. During assembly, an elastic laminate may be formed by positioning the first and second substrates in contact with stretched central regions of the first and second elastic materials. The elastic laminates may include two or more bonding regions that may be defined by the various layers or components of the elastic laminate that are laminated or stacked relative to each other. In some configurations, a first plurality of ultrasonic bonds are applied to the elastic laminate to define a first bond density in the first bonding region, and a second plurality of ultrasonic bonds are applied to the elastic laminate to define a second bond density in the second bonding region, wherein the second bond density is not equal to the first bond density.

METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR ASSEMBLING ELASTIC LAMINATES WITH DIFFERENT BOND DENSITIES FOR ABSORBENT ARTICLES

The methods herein relate to assembling an elastic laminate with a first elastic material and a second elastic material bonded between first and second substrates. During assembly, an elastic laminate may be formed by positioning the first and second substrates in contact with stretched central regions of the first and second elastic materials. The elastic laminates may include two or more bonding regions that may be defined by the various layers or components of the elastic laminate that are laminated or stacked relative to each other. In some configurations, a first plurality of ultrasonic bonds are applied to the elastic laminate to define a first bond density in the first bonding region, and a second plurality of ultrasonic bonds are applied to the elastic laminate to define a second bond density in the second bonding region, wherein the second bond density is not equal to the first bond density.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HOLDING A WORKPIECE IN POSITION FOR LASER MACHINING AND/OR WELDING THEREOF

A system for holding a workpiece in position and exposing it to laser radiation, such that: the workpiece includes a bottom surface and a top surface that are electrically insulated from each other. The system includes an electrostatic charge generating device for generating electrostatic charges on the top surface; an electrically conductive support for forming, on the bottom surface, electrostatic charges of opposite sign to those generated on the top surface; and a laser device for machining or welding. The electrostatic charge generating device is arranged to be activated before or during the laser machining or welding, such that the workpiece is held in position relative to the electrically conductive support during the machining or welding thereof.