Abstract: A system for automatically applying multiple coats of paint to pencils from a pencil production line comprises a plurality of paint stations arranged for sequentially applying respective coats of paint to the pencils. Each paint station includes a painting device, supply conveyor means for discharging pencils to that device and drying conveyor means for receiving pencils from the device. The first station in sequence receives pencils directly from the production line, and the conveyor means of consecutive stations are arranged so that the pencils are transported from one station to the next, all without manual intervention.

Abstract: For striping pencils, paint is extruded through die orifices in the walls of a passage through which the pencil is advanced longitudinally. The orifices are formed in lands which engage corresponding side regions of the pencil and guide the pencil through the passage. The passage is formed in a block having parts that are supported for relative movement along guide rods and are urged together resiliently. Each block part may have at least one paint reservoir with a duct extending from the reservoir and terminating in a die orifice. The paint, which is supplied to the reservoirs under pressure from a separate source moves longitudinally of the pencil in shallow channels as it issues from the orifices and spreads laterally to an extent depending upon viscosity of the paint, forming stripes of width greater than that of the orifices.

Abstract: For striping pencils, paint is extruded through die orifices in the walls of a passage through which the pencil is advanced longitudinally. The orifices are formed in lands which engage corresponding side regions of the pencil and guide the pencil through the passage. The passage is formed in a block having parts that are supported for relative movement along guide rods and are urged together resiliently. Each block part may have at least one paint reservoir with a duct extending from the reservoir and terminating in a die orifice. The paint, which is supplied to the reservoirs under pressure from a separate source moves longitudinally of the pencil in shallow channels as it issues from the orifices and spreads laterally to an extent depending upon viscosity of the paint, forming stripes of width greater than that of the orifices.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a continuous .[.elements.]. .Iadd.element .Iaddend.of indeterminate length into predetermined lengths employs a pair of transversely spaced endless chains having a plurality of crossplates connected to and extending between the chains. Clamping means and cutting means are respectively mounted on the crossplates. A clamping cam is provided for actuating the clamping means and a cutting cam is provided for actuating the cutting means. The clamping means has a cam follower associated therewith which is cooperable with the clamping cam, and the cutting means has a cam follower associated therewith which is cooperable with the cutting cam.