Abstract: An automatic tape splicer includes a block of metal that has a channel journalled into it to receive tape from first and second rolls. Adjacent to and protruding into the channel are first and second pinch rollers. Each roll of tape to be spliced includes a leading end and a trailing end. The leading end includes a portion having adhesive applied to one side which may be covered by release paper. The trailing end includes a reinforced portion which is thicker than the normal thickness of the tape. The channel is dimensioned such that the pinch rollers will press the trailing end of the tape against an adhesive-exposed leading end of the second roll of tape, splicing the two rolls together as the trailing end feeds through the channel engaging the sticky leading end of the second roll.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying an elongate continuous adhesive-coated reinforcing material such as a string or tape to the surface of a moving substrate is disclosed. A length of the adhesive-coated reinforcing material is heated in a heating unit to the flow point of the adhesive and is thereafter pressed onto the substrate by the rotatable peripheral surface of a wheel that is mounted for rotation on an axle. The heating unit includes an elongate hollow outlet portion having a generally constant radius of curvature that encourages the softened adhesive to concentrate on the bonding surface of the material. A heat-transferable tube is removably located in the heating unit. The heat transferable tube is easily replaced if it becomes worn or fouled with adhesive. Adhesive that separates from the material as it exits the heating unit is intercepted and applied to the substrate. An axle cover prevents the heated, reinforcing material from contacting and interfering with rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying liquid to the contacting surface of a roller used in pressing an elongate line to a moving workpiece. The apparatus includes a shoe, mounted on a frame, with a curved face contoured to conform to the curvature of the contacting surface of the roller and a well for holding liquid indented inwardly in and surrounded by the curved face of the shoe. The shoe face terminates in a sharpened edge for scraping debris from the surface of the roller. A spring yieldably biases the shoe toward the contacting surface of the roller. With the shoe so biased, a liquid seal is produced between the curved face of the shoe and the contacting surface of the roller. By filling the recess with a liquid permeable material, uncontrolled dripping of water onto the roller and workpiece is prevented when removing the shoe from its operational position.

Abstract: A device for applying hot-melt adhesive to a travelling length of string. The device includes an applicator plate assembly comprising a pair of abutting plates yieldably held against each other. A string-receiving passage defines between these plates receives string which travels through the applicator plate assembly.