Abstract: An adhesive segment applicator apparatus is provided for use with an adhesive segment laden carrier release tape. The adhesive segment applicator has an adhesive dispensing wheel upon which a roll of adhesive segment carrier release tape is mounted and a take-up core system that prevents the adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape from becoming loose or pulling away from the adhesive segment applicator apparatus when an adhesive segment is dispensed, in order easily to dispense an adhesive segment to a surface.

Abstract: An automated system and method for applying thermoplastic adhesives to work pieces from a roll of adhesive segments applied to an adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape. The present invention may be implemented in a system that automatically advances the adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape to position an adhesive segment thereon in the apparatus for application thereof to a work piece. Accurate indexing and advancement of the adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape preferably is provided by optical indexing of the carrier release tape, e.g., by the optical detection of a transverse line or other index marking printed or otherwise provided on the adhesive segment carrier release along with the adhesive segments deposited thereon.

Abstract: An automated system and method for applying thermoplastic adhesives to work pieces from a roll of adhesive segments applied to an adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape. The present invention may be implemented in a system that automatically advances the adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape to position an adhesive segment thereon in the apparatus for application thereof to a work piece. Accurate indexing and advancement of the adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape preferably is provided by optical indexing of the carrier release tape, e.g., by the optical detection of a transverse line or other index marking printed or otherwise provided on the adhesive segment carrier release along with the adhesive segments deposited thereon.

Abstract: An electronic calendar provides a large area switch array with multiple dedicated date entry buttons and multiple date entry modes to substantially reduce operator access time. Lightweight low profile circuitry allows the calendar to be easily attached by a consumer to the front of a refrigerator or the like and audio messaging eliminates time-consuming handwritten entries.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for dispensing pressure-sensitive adhesive segments from a flexible carrier tape, through use of a dispensing apparatus including a dispenser having a substantially rigid wire frame. The dispenser includes a braking apparatus, operatively connected for resisting rotation of a coil of pressure-sensitive adhesive dispensing tape, which includes an array of the adhesive segments attached to the carrier tape. The dispenser also includes an anvil and a guide, for facilitating proper positioning of the coil of tape and reliable transfer of the adhesive segments to a credit card, or the like. The invention is amendable to use in low-volume operations.

Abstract: A stand and powered actuator for supporting and operating an adhesive segment applicator apparatus for use with carrier release tape having pressure-sensitive adhesive segments attached thereto is disclosed which has a mechanism which interacts with an indexing instrumentality on the carrier release tape to facilitate the dispensing of individual adhesive segments. The indexing mechanism consists of a plurality of patterned scores, cuts, or indentations located in the surface of the carrier release tape, thereby allowing for a power actuated advancement mechanism in the adhesive segment applicator apparatus to engage and advance the carrier release tape.