Patent ID: 6074333
Filing Date: 2000-06-13
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
A machine for manufacturing a multi-component product comprising at least two components cut from moving webs of material, each of said components having a shape and associated dimensions including a length, a leading and a trailing edge, a longitudinal center line, and a longitudinal center defined by a point midway on said longitudinal center line between said leading and said trailing edge; registering the components with respect to one another; and depositing the registered components on a web of moving material, said machine comprising:a) a first cutting and transfer apparatus for cutting first components from a first web of material moving at a first speed and transferring the first component to overly a second web of material moving at a second speed;b) a second cutting and transfer apparatus for receiving the first components from said first apparatus on said second web of material and for cutting a second component from the second web while said first cut component overlies said second component, and for transferring the first and second cut components to a web of material moving at a third speed;wherein said first cutting and transfer apparatus and said second cutting and transfer apparatus each comprise a combination die cut and transfer roller and an anvil roller, the combination die cut and transfer roller and anvil roller of each apparatus having cooperating working surfaces for cutting components from webs of material passing therebetween, the working surfaces of the combination die cut and transfer rollers of said first and second cutting and transfer apparatuses being in cooperative working relationship with one another to directly transfer a first component cut by said first cutting and transfer apparatus to overly said second web of material on said second die cut transfer roller prior to a component being cut from said second web by said second cutting and transfer apparatus.