Abstract: Apparatus for handling and positioning thin flexible gummed articles which are stuck in spaced sequence to a webbing which extends along a predetermined path in the machine. A vacuum holding chuck holds the gummed articles by suction and moves horizontally causing simultaneous synchronized movement of the webbing. The webbing goes around the sharp edge of a stripping plate and the vacuum holding chuck continues its straight line motion so that the thin flexible gummed article is stripped from the webbing. The article is then positioned and pressed into contact where it is to be used. The vacuum holding chuck returns to its starting position for the handling of the next article.

Abstract: A canister for holding a stack of floppy disks, during manufacture of diskettes, or during storage and shipment of the disks. The canister is impervious to ultraviolet radiation, and comprises a base and a deep cup-shaped cover which latches to the base during storage and/or shipment, and which is removed after the canister's base is coupled to the proper input station of a diskette manufacturing machine. The canister is adapted to hold disks of a number of different types, but all of the same size. For example, disks which have been burnished, but not tested, and disks which have been both burnished and tested are different type disks. The canister base is different colored, in accordance with the type disk which is to be held by the base. Also, the base carries a unique bar code and a unique mechanical interlock wall which identify the type disk to be held by the base.