Methods and apparatuses for moving and/or transferring multiple discrete articles
AssigneeThe Procter & Gamble Company
InventorsUwe Schneider, Clifford Theodore Papsdorf
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for moving and/or transferring discrete articles are described. In particular, the methods and apparatuses relate to flexible arrangements to move and/or transfer discrete articles that vary in size and/or shape with minimal to no change in equipment.
Claims20
A method for applying fluid pressure to a transfer member configured to transfer multiple discrete articles, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a transfer member comprising a transfer surface, the transfer surface comprising:
- i. a first zone comprising a first plurality of fluid ports and being configured to accept a first discrete article;
- and
- ii. a second zone at least partially surrounding the first zone, the second zone comprising a second plurality of fluid ports, wherein the first zone and the second zone collectively are configured to accept a second discrete article that is different in size and/or shape from the first discrete article;
- b. applying fluid pressure only to the first plurality of fluid ports while contacting the first discrete article with the transfer surface;
- and
- c. separately from step (b), applying fluid pressure to both the first plurality of fluid ports and the second plurality of fluid ports while contacting the second discrete article with the transfer surface;
- d. wherein each of the first discrete article and the second discrete article is a disposable absorbent article or component thereof.
A method for applying fluid pressure to a transfer member configured to transfer multiple discrete articles, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a transfer member comprising a transfer surface, the transfer surface comprising:
- i. a first zone comprising a first plurality of fluid ports and being configured to accept a first discrete article;
- and
- ii. a second zone on one side of the first zone, the second zone comprising a second plurality of fluid ports, wherein the first zone and the second zone collectively are configured to accept a second discrete article that is different in size and/or shape from the first discrete article;
- b. applying fluid pressure only to the first plurality of fluid ports while contacting the first discrete article with the transfer surface;
- and
- c. separately from step (b), applying fluid pressure to both the first plurality of fluid ports and the second plurality of fluid ports while contacting the second discrete article with the transfer surface;
- d. wherein each of the first discrete article and the second discrete article is a disposable absorbent article or component thereof.
A method for applying fluid pressure to a transfer member configured to transfer multiple discrete articles, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a transfer member comprising a transfer surface, the transfer surface comprising:
- i. a first zone comprising a first plurality of fluid ports and being configured to accept a first discrete article;
- and
- ii. a second zone comprising a second plurality of fluid ports, wherein the first zone and the second zone collectively are configured to accept a second discrete article that is different in size and/or shape from the first discrete article;
- b. applying fluid pressure only to the first plurality of fluid ports while contacting the first discrete article with the transfer surface;
- and
- c. separately from step (b), applying fluid pressure to both the first plurality of fluid ports and the second plurality of fluid ports while contacting the second discrete article with the transfer surface;
- d. wherein each of the first discrete article and the second discrete article is a disposable absorbent article or component thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.