Patent ID: 6523595
Filing Date: 2003-02-25
Classification: A61F,B65H,Y10T

Abstract:
Apparatus for separating discrete elements, in sequence, from a first substrate web moving at a first speed and applying the discrete elements onto a second substrate moving at a second speed, said apparatus comprising:(a) a first station for making lines of perforations across a width, at least partially through a thickness, and at predetermined spaced apart intervals along a length of the first substrate web; (b) a second station, comprising a separation and transfer mechanism, for sequentially separating the discrete elements from the first substrate web at respective lines of perforations, by tearing respective lines of perforations, and placing the discrete elements onto the second substrate, said separation and transfer mechanism comprising a plurality of separation and transfer segments which tear the web at the respective lines of perforation, thereby to develop the respective discrete elements, by accelerating a speed of advance of the web adjacent the respective line of perforations, said plurality of separation and transfer segments being mounted about a common axis, and advancing respective ones of the discrete elements about the common axis in placing the discrete elements onto the second substrate; and (c) a third station, comprising an adhesive applicator, for applying adhesive to a first outer surface of the first substrate web which first outer surface is the surface of the substrate web which does not come into contact with the outer surface of said separation and transfer mechanism.