Abstract: A window processing system and method for use in fabricating window frames or sashes. The system includes an articulating arm having a plurality of members and arms to allow movement about multiple axes defined by the articulating arm. The system further includes a tool support fixture assembly coupled to an outermost member of the plurality of members, the tool support fixture assembly includes a plurality of tools for performing cleaning operations on a window frame or sash during use.

Abstract: A film application system having multiple film application stations. Each film application station has a support for an elongated plastic component (typically vinyl) having an input and an output side. A properly positioned and oriented transfer head includes a heated roller which applies heat and pressure to the elongated film as the component moves through the application station. The roller is most preferably heated with multiple IR heaters controllably energized to achieve a desired roller temperature without too large a gradient of temperature difference across the film application contact surface of the roller.

Abstract: A film application system having multiple foil application stations. Each foil application station has a support for an elongated plastic component (typically vinyl) having an input and an output side. A drive moves successive elongated components along a path through the application station from the input side to the output side as decorative foil is applied to a surface of the component. A properly positioned and oriented transfer head applies heat and pressure to the elongated film as the component moves through the application station. The disclosed system must accommodate different style and shape components corresponding to different style windows, doors, or sashes. A backing fixture that is configured to support a given configuration component is positioned to support the component as the component moves through the application station in a region of the transfer head.

Abstract: A window processing system and method for use in fabricating window frames or sashes. The system includes an articulating arm having a plurality of members and arms to allow movement about multiple axes defined by the articulating arm. The system further includes a tool support fixture assembly coupled to an outermost member of the plurality of members, the tool support fixture assembly includes a plurality of tools for performing cleaning operations on a window frame or sash during use.

Abstract: An apparatus (400) and method for applying a decorative material to a component. The apparatus comprises a supply roll (70) and a take-up roll (72) fixedly attached to respective first and second fixtures (402, 404). The fixtures are coupled to first and second positioners, (74a, 74b) and are in communication with a controller (300) for adjusting the dispensing roll and take-up roll relative locations to a prescribed position. The apparatus (400) further comprises a support fixture (40) for guiding successive components along a path of travel and guiding decorative material to be applied to a component during operation, the support fixture (405) comprising at least one guide member (408) adjustably attached to a surface of the support fixture, the guide member (408) having at least one limb comprising multiple degrees of selectable freedom for directing the passage of decorative material onto a component during operation.

Abstract: A film application system having multiple foil application stations. Each foil application station has a support for an elongated plastic component (typically vinyl) having an input and an output side. A drive moves successive elongated components along a path through the application station from the input side to the output side as decorative foil is applied to a surface of the component. A properly positioned and oriented transfer head applies heat and pressure to the elongated film as the component moves through the application station. The disclosed system must accommodate different style and shape components corresponding to different style windows, doors, or sashes. A backing fixture that is configured to support a given configuration component is positioned to support the component as the component moves through the application station in a region of the transfer head.

Abstract: A film application system having multiple foil application stations. Each foil application station has a support for an elongated plastic component (typically vinyl) having an input and an output side. A drive moves successive elongated components along a path through the application station from the input side to the output side as decorative foil is applied to a surface of the component. A properly positioned and oriented transfer head applies heat and pressure to the elongated film as the component moves through the application station. The disclosed system must accommodate different style and shape components corresponding to different style windows, doors, or sashes. A backing fixture that is configured to support a given configuration component is positioned to support the component as the component moves through the application station in a region of the transfer head.

Abstract: A film application system having multiple film application stations. Each film application station has a support for an elongated plastic component (typically vinyl) having an input and an output side. A properly positioned and oriented transfer head includes a heated roller which applies heat and pressure to the elongated film as the component moves through the application station. The roller is most preferably heated with multiple IR heaters controllably energized to achieve a desired roller temperature without too large a gradient of temperature difference across the film application contact surface of the roller.

Abstract: A film application system having multiple foil application stations. Each foil application station has a support for an elongated plastic component (typically vinyl) having an input and an output side. A drive moves successive elongated components along a path through the application station from the input side to the output side as decorative foil is applied to a surface of the component. A properly positioned and oriented transfer head applies heat and pressure to the elongated film as the component moves through the application station. The disclosed system must accommodate different style and shape components corresponding to different style windows, doors, or sashes. A backing fixture that is configured to support a given configuration component is positioned to support the component as the component moves through the application station in a region of the transfer head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (50, 300) are provided for applying decorative material (52) to a component (C) comprising a first roller (70) having a heating element (72) substantially located centrally within the first roller (70). The apparatus (50, 300) further comprises a second roller (80) having a central hub (90) surrounded by an outer surface (92). The outer surface (92) is in contact with the first roller (70). The first roller (70) heats the outer surface (92) of the second roller (80) to a prescribed temperature. At least one idler roller (86) is located opposite the second roller (80) at an application region with at least a section of the component (C) passing therebetween. The second roller (80) applies heat and pressure to a decorative material (52) at the application region, forming a bonding connection between a decorative material (52) and component (C).