Apparatus and methods for transporting webs of material

US10167159B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Curt G. Joa, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Sudeep Ingole · Sheboygan, US
• Gottfried Jason Hohm · Sheboygan Falls, US
• Debra Heus Bowe · Kiel, US
• Thomas Muhs · Kiel, US
• Jeffrey A. Middlesworth · Wauconda, US
• Robert E. Andrews · Sheboygan, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 27, 2017
• Grant date: Jan 1, 2019
• Expiry date: Jul 27, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2801/57
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for transporting either an entire web or discrete components of disposable products such as diaper components down the machine using mechanical forces to grip the nonwoven web and transfer it from one belt or roll to another without or reducing added vacuum. There is a carrier nonwoven web that goes down the length of the machine and other substrates are added on top of this layer, and the machine provides sufficient gripping to allow transport of diaper components through the fabrication process. Securing and releasing forces are supplied so that the components can be retained at some points and released at others.