US4236062A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for electrical perforation of webs
Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc
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Filing: 1978-06-30
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Granted: 1980-11-25
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Expires: 1998-06-30
Abstract
Abstract A web is electrically perforated at high hole density by applying alternating-current voltage across an electrode pair facing the web while pressurized gas is supplied to the electrode gap. Voltage amplitude level and gas flow and direction thereof are selected to provide for the striking of multiple arcs per half-cycle, thereby enabling reduction in spacing between adjacent perforations in the web. Perforation practice involving preselection of cigarette filter tipping paper based on chemical composition of the paper is also disclosed as is apparatus for use in implementing the described practices, wherein electrode support members have gas flow conduits formed integrally therewith and wherein webs are taken up by a capstan drive unit resiliently biased into engagement with a web take-up roll.
Inventors
- 👤 A. Clifton Lilly, Jr.
- 👤 Warren E. Claflin
- 👤 William R. Hardesty
- 👤 George R. Scott
- 👤 Roger L. Hopkins
- 👤 Harry V. Lanzillotti
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 15:00
CPC Classifications
A; A24; A24C; A24C5/00; A24C5/005; A24C5/007; B; B26; B26F; B26F1/00; B26F1/26; B26F1/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
Apparatus for perforating a planar web comprising: (a) electrode means including first and second electrodes; (b) first and second plate members supporting said first and second electrodes in spaced opposing relation to define a gap therebetween for passage of said web; (c) means for issuing plural separate streams of pressurized gas onto the surface of each of said electrodes adjacent said gap, said gas issuing means comprising for each of said electrodes conduits, each of said conduits having a gas issue port adjacent its associated electrode and a conduit portion extending from said gas issue port at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said web passing within said gap; (d) means for generating voltage having amplitude excursions with the passage of time and for applying such generated voltage to said electrode means, said applied voltage causing sparks between said electrodes across said gap; and (e) means for conveying said web linewise through said gap for perforation by said sparks.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
Apparatus for perforating a planar web comprising: (a) electrode means including first and second electrodes; (b) first and second plate members supporting said first and second electrodes in spaced opposing relation to define a gap therebetween for passage of said web; (c) means for issuing plural separate streams of pressurized gas onto the surface of each of said electrodes adjacent said gap, said gas issuing means comprising for each of said electrodes conduits, each of said conduits having a gas issue port adjacent its associated electrode and a conduit portion extending from said gas issue port at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said web passing within said gap; (d) means for generating voltage having amplitude excursions with the passage of time and for applying such generated voltage to said electrode means, said applied voltage causing sparks between said electrodes across said gap; and (e) means for conveying said web linewise through said gap for perforation by said sparks.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 1 wherein the conduits associated with said electrodes extend interiorily of said first and second plate members, respectively.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 2 wherein the gas issue ports of the conduits associated with said electrodes are defined by and structurally intergral with said first and second plate members, respectively.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 3 wherein said gas issue ports of the conduits associated with each electrode are arranged as a diametrically opposed pair adjacent that electrode.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 3 wherein the conduit sections of the conduits associated with said first and second electrodes are defined by and structurally integral with said first and second plate members respectively and communicate with said issue ports.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
80 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 1 wherein said electrode means includes third and fourth electrodes, said apparatus having third and fourth plate members supporting said third and fourth electrodes in spaced relation to define a gap therebetween for passage of said web and successive to said first and second electrodes in the direction of such linewise conveyance of said web and web support means located successive to said first and second electrodes and precedent to said third and fourth electrodes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 6 wherein such gas-issuing means further comprises conduits extending interiorly of said third and fourth plate members.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
111 words
The apparatus claimed in claim 1 wherein such web conveying means includes a web take-up roll and drive means for said roll comprising a roller, motive means for driving said roller, control arm means for supporting said roller at a given location thereon for driving engagement of said roller with said take-up roll, means for pivotally supporting said control arm means about a further location thereof distal from said given location and means for biasing said control arm to maintaining said driving engagement of said roller with said take-up roll during pivotal movement of said control arm means in the course of the take-up of said web by said take-up roll.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-11-25 | 1984-05-26 | 1984-11-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-11-25 | 1988-05-26 | 1988-11-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-11-25 | 1992-05-26 | 1992-11-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |