And Separate Means Feeding Cut Pieces In Sequence And Applying To Serially Conveyed Articles Patents (Class 156/354)
  • Publication number: 20010018945
    Abstract: A method of producing a succession of self-adhesive labels carried on a length of release backing material, the method comprising the steps of:
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: David John Instance
  • Patent number: 6279636
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically merging and attaching documents, such as photocopies of remittance checks or the like, to envelopes from which the documents originated is disclosed. The system uses a series of bins and conveyors to automatically retrieve, synchronize, merge and reassociate each document to its respective envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel E. Miller
  • Patent number: 6244319
    Abstract: A two-sided card laminating apparatus simultaneously applies and bonds laminate sheets to opposing faces of a two-sided card substrate. The apparatus includes two opposing laminating assemblies symmetrically mounted in mirror image relation on opposing sides of a substrate supply path. Individual sheets of laminate are cut from webs of lamina and transferred onto the card substrate at a convergence zone disposed on the substrate supply path. Each of the laminating assemblies includes a web of lamina, a cutter, and nip rollers disposed between the web and the cutter. The nip rollers advance the web in an upstream direction through the cutter into engagement with a transfer roller. As the laminate exits the cutter, the leading edge is captured between the outer surface of the transfer roller and a laminate guide where it is grabbed by the outer surface of the transfer roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Atlantek, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Maynard, Christian S. Rothwell
  • Patent number: 6159327
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for making a plurality of substrates laminated on two sides by applying a plurality of laminate sheets to corresponding plurality of substrates. The apparatus includes a lamina supply member capable of holding a supply of lamina from which successive sheets of lamina can be cut. One or more cutters are disposed in the apparatus such that the cutters are capable of cutting through the lamina to provide successive sheets of laminate. One or more heaters are provided for bonding sheets of laminate to corresponding sides of a substrate whereby the corresponding top and bottom laminated substrate is formed. The supply of lamina is characterized by a current leading edge. The supply of lamina is cut through along a cutting line at a predetermined distance from the current leading edge of the lamina. This provides a first sheet of laminate having a trailing edge at the cutting line. Cutting also provides the lamina supply with a successive leading edge at the cutting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Maurice J. Forkert
  • Patent number: 6095218
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to transport systems for cutting articles from a blank of material, and is well suited for use in, though not limited to, transporting and cutting labels from a web material and applying them to items. Specifically, an article transfer system is disclosed for transporting articles cut from a blank of material traveling in a first direction. The system comprises a support member including first and second surfaces and a plurality of openings extending between the first and second surfaces. The support member is movable along the first direction adjacent to the blank of material. The system also includes in one embodiment, a vacuum for generating a lower pressure adjacent to the second surface of the support member than the pressure adjacent to the first surface thereof such that the blank is urged to maintain contact with the first surface of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: New Jersey Machine, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Delmolino, Dale C. Merrill, Raymond J. Merchand
  • Patent number: 6053231
    Abstract: An apparatus for bonding a label of a label continuum to an object where the continuum includes an adhesive layer, a base layer on the adhesive layer, a heat sensitive layer on the base layer, a plurality of spaced label layers on the heat-sensitive layer, and a separation layer on the label layers. The apparatus includes a first feeding means for feeding the continuum, a cutting means for cutting the labels from the continuum within the spaces between the label layers, a printing means for printing on each of the cut labels where the printing means includes a heat-sensitive means for heat sensitizing the heat-sensitive layer labels, a second feeding means for feeding the printed labels, an object feeding means for the objects, a processing means for collecting data on the object and feeding the data to the printing means, and a label bonding means for applying the labels to the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Osaka Sealing Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Matsuguchi
  • Patent number: 6044886
    Abstract: Each individual cone is conveyed, while it is laying on its side, to a predetermined point. Prior to reaching the predetermined point, an edible adhesive is at or adjacent to the base of each cone. At the predetermined point, a paper wrap is applied to the cone and adhered thereto. The first cone is then stacked with a second cone in a repeated fashion to form a sleeve of cones, followed by packing of the sleeve of cones for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Martin Mueller
  • Patent number: 5985441
    Abstract: A linerless label product, method of making, apparatus and method for dispensing the product wherein a convolutely wound web roll has one face coated with pressure sensitive adhesive while the other face is coated with a release material, the adhesive is interrupted in longitudinally spaced areas to provide transversely extending bands free of pressure sensitive adhesive with the web areas between bands being labels embodying alpha shapes, numeric shapes, graphics, thermally activated material and/or self-contained material; the preparation method including providing signal-stimulating means for each band and the apparatus and method of dispensing employs sensing of the signal-stimulating means to transversely sever the web in the bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Wallace Computer Services Inc.
    Inventors: Janusz Szczepaniec, Ronald W. Rumple
  • Patent number: 5895552
    Abstract: The bonding apparatus includes a belt for feeding a label continuum (10) in which labels have been continuously formed. The label continuum fed by the belt is cut to a predetermined length to obtain a label strip by a cutter. A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is formed on a rear surface of the label strip. The label strip obtained by the cutting operation of the cutter is fed by a belt having a label-contact surface not easily bonded to the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The label strip is fed to a bonding position with the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer thereof lightly bonded to the label-contact surface of the belt. The label strip fed by the belt is pressed against an object by a bonding roller serving and bonded thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Osaka Sealing Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Matsuguchi
  • Patent number: 5783024
    Abstract: Apparatus and method suitable for making a plurality of laminated substrates by applying a plurality of laminate sheets to corresponding plurality of substrates. The apparatus includes a lamina supply member capable of holding a supply of lamina from which successive sheets of lamina can be cut. A cutter is disposed in the apparatus such that the cutter is capable of cutting through the lamina to provide said successive sheets of laminate. A heater is provided for bonding each successive sheet of laminate to a corresponding substrate whereby the corresponding laminated substrate is formed. The supply of lamina is characterized by a current leading edge. The supply of lamina is cut through along a cutting line at a predetermined distance from the current leading edge of the lamina. This provides a first sheet of laminate having a trailing edge at the cutting line. Cutting also provides the lamina supply with a successive leading edge at the cutting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: NBS Imaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Maurice J. Forkert
  • Patent number: 5741381
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a labelling system and process. A continuous single-ply film is provided with a reverse printed image on an inside surface thereof with opaque coating substantially covering the inside surface. The film preferably is very thin, less than about 1.7 mils. The film is applied with a system using registration control based on two sources of input data, registration indicia and cutter position. The system self corrects for variations in true label length. An adhesive applicator is provided, such as a laser jet spray adhesive or alternatively a rotating cylinder having a cam surface which contacts the label with adhesive utilizing a perfectly cylindrical vacuum drum to avoid container/label slippage. A controlled motor drive on the supply roll to reduce web tension is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: R. W. Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Dolence, Roger Williams, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5674334
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a succession of self-adhesive labels carried on a length of release backing material, the apparatus comprising a web feed device for feeding a first web, a cutting device for cutting the first web into a succession of individual sheets, a folding device for folding the sheets to form folded labels, a label feeder for feeding the folded labels in succession onto a second web including a release backing material and a web conveyor for moving the second web past the label feeder. There is also provided a method of producing a succession of self-adhesive labels carried on a length of release backing material, the method comprising the steps of:--(a) feeding a first web to a cutting and folding unit in which the web is formed into a succession of folded labels; (b) feeding, with a label feeder, the folded labels in succession from the cutting and folding unit onto a second web including a length of release backing material; and (c) moving the second web past the label feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventor: David John Instance
  • Patent number: 5614057
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for fusing tabs of a hook or loop fastener material to opposing ends of an elongated band of cooperating hook or loop fastener material. The tabs are fed from two sources of a first material on opposing sides of a bonding station. The band is formed from a supply of a second material which is first fed to a transfer device having first and second grippers. The grippers transfer the band of material to the bonding station in a direction transverse to the transfer of the tabs to the bonding station, and the ends of the band are placed in overlapping relationship with the tabs. Subsequently, a pair of ultrasonic welding horns are moved into contact with the overlapping material to fuse the band of material to the tabs. The apparatus operates under the control of a programmable controller and the length of the band may be varied by altering a length of the second material fed between the grippers of the transfer mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: MIM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph F. Conley, Jr., James R. Young
  • Patent number: 5569351
    Abstract: A banding machine applies labels to the top of containers and has a frame with a turret plate rotatably mounted thereon and driven by a drive mechanism. Band holders are positioned on the turret plate and receive cut film sleeves having spaced indicia thereon in an unopened, flattened condition. The band holders open the band into a circular sleeve, and then hold and move the band onto the top of a vertically oriented container advancing into a banding position as the turret plate rotates. A registration sensor senses film indicia before label cutting and generates a signal indicative of the sensed registration. A controller stops film advancement upon the sensor's detection of film indicia so as to initiate film cutting and initiate film feeding again to advance film a predetermined amount for a newly cut label. The feed roller is initiated for feeding film upon rotation of the turret plate and movement of a band holder into an indexed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: CMS Gilbreth Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Menta, Michael Yager
  • Patent number: 5458726
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for applying an adhesive handle to a load, both if it is a pack of items kept together by a unitizing means such as heat-shrunk wrapping or if it is a single article such as a box. More specifically, the apparatus for applies adhesive handles to loads that as they are driven along a path, the apparatus in its preferred embodiment being characterized by a rotatable lever having two opposing arms, either of the arms being in turn positioned within the path. A holding means is provided on the lever for carrying a handle to lay on a surface of the two arms of the lever with its non-adhesive side against the surface of the lever and its adhesive side exposed. Additionally a lever driving means is provided to controllably rotate the lever by about 180.degree. after a load that is driven along the path hits an arm of the lever that is positioned within the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Roberto Castoldi
  • Patent number: 5456789
    Abstract: The invention is an improved apparatus for and method of wrapping boards in which a series of second sheets from a continuous supply roll of elongated sheet material precoated on one surface with an adhesive, are provided after partial lamination to the hitherto unwrapped surfaces of a succession of prewrapped boards and are subsequently completely laminated to such boards. A series of drive rolls move a succession of the prewrapped boards along a feed path to the nip of an anvil and a drive roll where a leading transverse edge of the sheet material adheres in registration to the unwrapped surface of a prewrapped board. A cutting knife severs the sheet material against the anvil to provide a cut portion of the sheet with a trailing transverse edge that will register with the back end of the board. Additional rolls are included for moving the board and adhered cut portion of the sheet away from the anvil and for pressing the board and the cut portion together to insure a positive wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Crathern Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald H. Boucher
  • Patent number: 5413651
    Abstract: A universal label cutter apparatus and method for feeding labels from a roll of label material and cutting labels of various lengths and materials. The label cutter apparatus including a microprocessor controlled drive system employing separate and independent servomotors for driving a feed roller, a cutter drum, and a vacuum drum at different speeds. The microprocessor being programmable to vary the rotational speed of the cutter drum during each label cutting cycle in order to optimize control of the label during cut off and transfer to the vacuum drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: B&H Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Svatoboj Otruba
  • Patent number: 5387298
    Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for bonding a sheet material to an elongated base material, in which the sheet material is transferred by a transferring device towards the base material, and the sheet material is bonded by a bonding device to the base material. A static electricity generating device is attached to the bonding device for generating static electricity on the sheet material to cause the sheet material to adhere to the bonding device, so that the sheet material is prevented from falling from the bonding device prior to the bonding step. Furthermore, an apparatus and method for manufacturing a flexible flat cable, applying the above bonding apparatus and method is also disclosed. In this apparatus and method, a pair of insulating tape sheets are transferred towards electric conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Masazumi Takagi, Toshio Onuma, Tatsuya Watanabe, Toshiaki Enami, Kazuo Tanihira, Hirotaka Sawada, Kuni Yoshinuma, Hiroaki Komatsuda
  • Patent number: 5380381
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the label feed roller, the cutter drum, and the vacuum drum are each provided with a drive motor and an encoder which encodes the speed and position of each element. The outputs of the encoders are supplied to a computer. The computer provides appropriate control signals for modulating the speeds of the drive motors. In particular, the drive motor for the cutter drum is accelerated prior to transferring a label onto the vacuum drum. Transfer of a label onto the vacuum drum is completed at a constant cutter drum speed corresponding to the speed of the vacuum drum. Thereafter, the drive motor for the cutter drum is decelerated and set to a constant speed corresponding to the speed of the incoming web of labels. A label from the feed roller is preferably cut at the constant speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: B & H Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Svatoboj Otruba
  • Patent number: 5294283
    Abstract: An automatic labeling machine, for containers in the form of mesh bags or the like, includes a carriage 18 displaceable back and forth in a support plate 19, which incorporates a central, lengthwise channel 20, two lateral connecting rods 23 and 24 being articulated in the carriage, one with an external stud and the other with a lever 25, joined together at their free ends by means of a brace 26, in which is fixed a finger 27 carrying small catches 28, which can be introduced into the channel 20 with intercalation of the corresponding part of the label to be dragged toward the discharge from the machine; A push rod 32 temporarily retains the stud, provided with a plane 32a inclined to the inside in its free end and which can be freed by a bumper 36 joined to the corresponding connecting rod 24, and the lever 25 actuates a cutting device 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Talleres Daumar S.A.
    Inventor: Agustin D. Guardiola
  • Patent number: 5279696
    Abstract: Uniting bands in the form of heat-sealable labels which bear encoded information are applied to exposed photographic films to join the films end-to-end. The encoded information is decoded by a reader before the labels are applied to the films to thus ensure that the hot sealing member which is used to apply labels cannot destroy or distort encoded information prior to decoding. Decoded information is used for the application of corresponding information to envelopes for exposed and developed films and for the prints of images of the respective film frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helmut Zangenfeind, Gunther Scholch, Reinhart Wurfel, Rainer Turcke
  • Patent number: 5235515
    Abstract: A distinctive apparatus and method for selectively providing predetermined segments of web material comprises a supplying mechanism for providing the web material. A first sensing mechanism detects a reference marker on the web material to generate at least one reference marker datum which is associated with a selected web segment. A separating mechanism includes a sensor mechanism for providing at least one separation datum, and divides the web material along a separation region during a production of the web segment. A phase regulating mechanism controls a relative phasing between the reference marker detected by the first sensing mechanism and the dividing by the separating mechanism. The phasing is conducted with respect to a set reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Tanakon Ungpiyakul, Christopher J. Sheleski, Arch D. Morgan, Terry G. Hayes, Gene M. Gregory, Daniel J. Vander Heiden
  • Patent number: 5225029
    Abstract: An apparatus for feeding end securing tapes sequentially feeds a plurality of end securing tapes into an end securing apparatus which simultaneously carries out end securing operations on a plurality of products. The apparatus for feeding end securing tapes comprises a wind-up device for winding up an adhesive tape, which has a non-adhesive surface at a side end. A cutting device cuts the adhesive tape, which has been wound up around the wind-up device, into a predetermined size, and thereby forms a plurality of end securing tapes. A transfer device receives the end securing tapes, which have been formed by the cutting device, from the wind-up device, and transfers the received end securing tapes. A conveyance device receives the plurality of the end securing tapes at predetermined intervals from the transfer device, and conveys the plurality of the end securing tapes, which have been arrayed at the predetermined intervals, into the end securing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Arita, Kunihiro Sumida, Shigenhisa Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5203953
    Abstract: Labels (10), especially revenue stamps, are usually affixed to cuboidal cigarette packs (11). The labels have to be supplied and held ready for being received by the packs (11) in sufficient numbers. The labels (10) are successively severed length- or breadthways from a continuous web of material (17) and are then directly fed into a magazine (14), from which the labels are extracted at the lower end as required. Without any conversion, the type of labels to be processed can be changed by way of (temporarily) manually inserting labels into the magazine which is appropriately designed for this option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Focke & Co.
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Hans-Jurgen Bretthauer
  • Patent number: 5180461
    Abstract: To apply a reinforcing element (9) only at the position of an index tab (7) on stock material, in which the position of the index tab, for example alphabetically, shifts from stock material to stock material, the stock material (2) is passed through a groove (27, 27a . . . 27f) extending axially along a cylinder or drum (22), the reinforcements being derived upon cutting a ribbon (15) which is folded longitudinally, and inserted into a groove (27e) of the cylinder while the reinforcement at the opposite side of the cylinder is being applied on the stock material, slid into the groove by a transport system. For application, heated tines press, from the top and bottom, against the reinforcement, by passing through circumferential grooves (69) of the drum or cylinder (22). A movable stop system (17) longitudinally positions the stock material (2) for staggered application of the reinforcements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Karl Widmann Schweissmaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Widmann
  • Patent number: 5162069
    Abstract: An improved label applicator system as provided for reducing the time required to convert from one label type to another. The device comprises one or more cassette assemblies each having a supply spool, a rewind spool, routing rollers and a peeler arm. Such cassettes are removably attachable to an applicator head assembly which comprises a drive means and a control means. This invention enables the operator to pre-thread a cassette prior to attachment to the applicator head assembly. The changeover from one label type to another can now be accomplished by removing one cassette assembly from the applicator machine and replacing it with a pre-threaded cassette assembly containing an alternative label type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Accraply Incorporated
    Inventor: David A. Morris
  • Patent number: 5030311
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for taping the lead (10) and tail (20) ends of a web (12) during winding of the web onto a core (14), in which a vacuum drum (72) advances tape (66) past a cutter (126) to provide tape strips (16,22) to be applied when the drum initially is lowered into contact with the empty core and subsequently is raised and lowered again by a cylinder (36) into contact with the fully wound core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Vratislav M. Michal, William A. Meredith
  • Patent number: 5024717
    Abstract: The invention describes a labelling apparatus for containers to which the labels are supplied as a strip material. The apparatus comprises a controllable label strip feeding mechanism, followed by a cutting mechanism for separating individual labels from the label strip and a pallet rotor having adhesion surfaces for picking up the separated individual labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Krones AG Hermann Kronseder Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Horst Winter
  • Patent number: 4985096
    Abstract: A series of labels for the labelling of goods are separated from a strip which consists only of the labels. The labels are rendered actively adhesive on their rear sides before they reach the goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: R. Ancker Jorgensen A/S
    Inventor: Per Bekker-Madsen
  • Patent number: 4966644
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively attaching strips of an encodable material bearing a heat activatable adhesive to a document or for removing the strips therefrom generally comprises a strip attachment assembly and a strip removal assembly. The attachment assembly includes a set of document feed rollers and strip feed rollers which deliver the documents and the strips to an alignment subassembly where the document and the strip are properly aligned. A cutter cuts the strip to match the length of the document and the aligned document and strip pass by a heater which heats the heat activatable adhesive. The strip secured to the document by the heat activatable adhesive is sealed thereto by a pair of sealing rollers. The strip removal assembly comprises a passageway having a heater extending along one side and an obstruction extending across a portion of the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Zip Strip, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack G. Clark, Jr., Joseph W. Schouster
  • Patent number: 4921566
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a feed carriage which can traverse back and forth in the running direction A of a base. Two cutting units are arranged on the feed carriage, which units consist of lifting cylinders to which vacuum bars and holding beams with cutting bands are fixed respectively. Photoresist webs to be laminated onto the base are advanced by a pair of transport rollers by way of deflection rollers and drawn to the vacuum bars which are lowered and raised, respectively, in the direction of the base in order to press the photoresist webs onto the two sides of the base. An optical sensor detects the front and rear edges of each base and controls the moving together and apart of the vacuum bars, the application of negative pressure to the vacuum bars, as well as the neutralizing of the negative pressure, and the cutting movement of the cutting bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Stork
  • Patent number: 4872939
    Abstract: In an apparatus for preparing absorbent pad lined packaging trays, means sense the tail end of a liner supply that is to be discarded, determines and cuts off the length thereof, withdraws the cut off length from the line of machine operation and feeds into such line the lead position of a fresh liner supply. Other means denest a supply of flanged trays to be pad lined by at least two denesters that comprise synchronized, vertically oriented rotary bodies that during parts of a single rotation each have a bottom laterally extending plate that supports the bottom-most tray of a stack, an upper laterally extending plate that supports at tray flanges the next in line tray to be denested an a laterally extending, vertically inclined cam plate that is adapted to ride on the upper flange surface of a tray that is in the process of being denested to thereby forcibly eject same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: David R. McVay, Lawrence D. Carter, John D. Jonasky, Chris A. Jefferson
  • Patent number: 4790895
    Abstract: A laminater for laminating a film cut to a predetermined length onto a substrate with positioning holes has a punching device for forming alignment holes in the film which correspond to the positioning holes in the substrate. The punching device is disposed adjacent to the path along which the film in continuous form is supplied to the substrate. The punching device is equipped with an apparatus for directing a gaseous fluid against the film to remove chips of the film resulting from the punching operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Somar Corporation
    Inventor: Takao Matsuo
  • Patent number: 4784714
    Abstract: A thermal printer and label applicator includes a transport system for moving linerless thermosensitive paper from a stack or roll thereof to a printing station and a cutting station. Thermal print head at the printing station is provided to imprint a preselected heating pattern in the linerless thermosensitive paper in order to form desired visible images thereon. A cutter is provided to separate the linerless thermosensitive paper into individual labels, and a vacuum system transports the separated individual labels from the cutting station to an adhesive activation station and thereafter to a label ejection station. At the adhesive activation station, the adhesive is activated and thereafter a vacuum/blower system at the label ejection station causes airborne transport of the individual separated labels onto goods which have been placed in receiving position by a conveyor system. Operation of the thermal printer and label applicator is coordinated by a control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Ricoh Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Tomoo Shibata
  • Patent number: 4707211
    Abstract: A thermal printer and label applicator includes a transport system for moving linerless thermosensitive paper from a stack or roll thereof to a printing station and a cutting station. Thermal print head at the printing station is provided to imprint a preselected heating pattern in the linerless thermosensitive paper in order to form desired visible images thereon. A cutter is provided to separate the linerless thermosensitive paper into individual labels, and a vacuum system transports the separated individual labels from the cutting station to an adhesive activation station and thereafter to a label ejection station. At the adhesive activation station, a heater is provided to activate a delayed action adhesive on the label and thereafter a vacuum/blower system at the label ejection station causes airborne transport of the individual separated labels onto goods which have been placed in receiving position by a conveyor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Ricoh Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Tomoo Shibata
  • Patent number: 4698114
    Abstract: Means are provided for feeding a succession of sheets of a sheet material along a path in a transport direction, with means along the path for applying a reinforcing strip to a sheet advancing in the transport direction beginning substantially in alignment with a leading edge of the sheet, and a cutting device along the path for severing the strip while the strip is advancing in the transport direction so that a trailing edge of the strip will not project beyond the trailing edge of the sheet, the cutting device having a lower cutting blade fitting between the strip and the sheet over a portion of the strip before the strip meets the sheet, an upper cutting blade juxtaposed with the lower blade above the strip and arranged so that the blade cuts the strip progressively inwardly from at least one edge, with solenoid means responsive to the trailing edge of the sheet for impulsively driving the upper blade toward the lower blade, and an electric circuit including a capacitor for discharging through the solenoid
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: E-Z Machine Corp.
    Inventor: William F. Lowe
  • Patent number: 4629528
    Abstract: A roll labeler for labeling containers one by one automatically is provided. A label sheet is supplied as uncoiled from a roll over a predetermined length and the label sheet is cut by a cutter thereby producing a cut sheet of label which is then glued while being transported and attached to the corresponding container. The labeler includes a feed roller for feeding the label sheet to the cutter intermittently and a mechanism for transporting containers to be labeled along a container transportation path. The labeler also includes a pair of driving sources: one driving source for driving the feed roller and the other driving source for driving the container transporting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Tanaka, Toshiaki Naka, Shiaru Muranaka, Yoshikazu Miyashita
  • Patent number: 4589943
    Abstract: A machine for applying tax stamps or like adhesive labels to articles such as cigarette packages arranged in two or more rows in a carton, including mechanism for advancing the carton lengthwise with exposed ends of the packages facing upwardly, and a head disposed above the path of carton advance for transporting a corresponding number of rows of spaced-apart labels into contact with the advancing package ends while the labels and packages are moving in the same direction and at the same velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignees: American Bank Note Company, Kirk-Rudy, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Kimball, Harry V. Kirk, Richard L. Roule, Richard C. Sennett, Peter J. Sorbo
  • Patent number: 4588490
    Abstract: A plasma sputter etching/deposition system comprising an electron-emitting hollow cathode arc-source combined with a conventional plasma sputter etching/deposition system such as a magnetron. The electrons emitted are coupled into the intrinsic high energy, e.g., magnetic field and are accelerated by the plasma potential and cause a significant increase plasma density. The resultant combination allows much greater sputtering/deposition efficiency than was possible with previous devices. According to a further aspect of the invention, switched operation is possible, whereby etching may vary from isotropic to anisotropic. A side discharge hollow cathode structure is also described for enhancing certain sputtering/deposition processes, wherein electrons may be emitted from one or more openings at the side of a hollow cathode chamber to achieve more uniform electron emission in a large process chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome J. Cuomo, Harold R. Kaufman, Stephen M. Rossnagel
  • Patent number: 4448626
    Abstract: A welt applicating apparatus (10) is disclosed which positions welts (12) on individual garment panels (14) for adhesive attachment. The apparatus (10) includes a holding clamp assembly (136) which moves the tape sideways against fixed guide surfaces (176) to align the welt. A transfer clamp assembly (138) clamps the welt with a transfer clamp (202) and moves the welt into a preselected position between side plates (240-242) of the apparatus (10). A trimming assembly (248) is activated to move inwardly to trim the edges of the welt with cutting blade assemblies including movable blades (266-268) and stationary blades (262-264). A vacuum nozzle (278) collects the material trimmed and the backing layer cut by the cutting assemblies. A setting clamp assembly (282) clamps the welt in the preselected position with an extendable setting clamp mounted on a setting clamp arm (284). The arm pivots adjacent the garment panel. The setting clamp is extended to position the welt against the garment panel (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: Haggar Company
    Inventors: Joseph W. A. Off, Judson H. Early, Daniel K. Roady, Theodore B. Thayer
  • Patent number: 4448631
    Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for heat sealing strips of encodable material to documents, a continuous supply of the encodable material being fed, by way of a discrete loop feed assembly, to an alignment station where defined lengths thereof are aligned along the edge of documents transported thereto. A heater-drum assembly effects the heat-sealing of the aligned combination which is then transported, by way of a stacker-deflector assembly, to an output station. The transport of the documents and encodable material are assisted by a continuously running friction belt drive assembly with the severing of the encodable material into strips equal to the length of each document effected in response to photosensor actuated controls responding to the transport location of the documents and material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: BancTec, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles K. Eaton, Eugene C. Nolting, Thomas J. Norman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4357197
    Abstract: The method of bonding a pocket blank to a garment portion of the present invention comprises the steps of providing a pocket blank at a first station. The pocket blank is conveyed to a second station. The bottom and side margin tabs of the pocket blank are folded over the pocket body. Heat and pressure are utilized to apply a strip of heat fusing adhesive to a top margin tab of the pocket blank. Heat and pressure are also applied to the folded over side and bottom margin tabs to crease the same. Next, the top margin tab bearing the adhesive is folded over and heat and pressure are applied to bond the same to the pocket body. Heat and pressure are applied to fuse strips of the heat fusing adhesive to the side and bottom margin tabs of the pocket blank. The prepared pocket blank is then conveyed along the path of travel to a third station where an overlaid garment portion is heat and pressure bonded to the prepared pocket blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Assignee: General Fabric Fusing, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4331498
    Abstract: A band of foil is continuously pulled off a roll of the band and fed at a constant rate downwardly toward a station. The band is periodically deflected laterally from its path between the roll and the station so that the free end of the band in the station periodically stops completely. At the same time a succession of bottles is displaced transversely through the station, with one bottle being in the station each time the free end of the band stops. The free end of the band is pressed against the bottle in the station and is severed from the rest of the band each time the band stops in the station. Spots of adhesive are printed on the band on one face thereof upstream of the station and the deflector and advance rollers that engage this face downstream of the printing location only engage this face between the adhesive spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1982
    Assignee: Societe Nouvelle Baele-Gangloff Societe Anonyme
    Inventors: Roger Pagay, Georges Tavernier
  • Patent number: 4278488
    Abstract: A tape delivery system useful for applying a plastic tape to a sheet of scrim reinforced tube stock is disclosed. Tape forming techniques are employed to shape a length of plastic tape and to apply that tape to a bottom margin region of the tube stock material to form a scrim reinforced open-mouth container bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kopacz, Charles J. Jacoby
  • Patent number: 4004049
    Abstract: Laminates are formed by providing a pressure sensitive adhesive latex characterized by a Hamilton Beach grit value of 0.03 to 3.0 and an average particle size of less than 0.5 microns and spraying the adhesive onto the substrate to be laminated with pressure sufficient to atomize and destabilize the latex. This method is particularly suitable in applications wherein at least one substrate is a relatively porous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1977
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Horwat, Albert T. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 3960641
    Abstract: A method of consecutively applying pieces of sheet material to a moving sheet material length preferably for securing reinforcing sheet pieces to the handle hole areas of a sheet length for the production of carrier bags, comprising advancing the sheet material length past an application station in which a strip of sheet material is successively fed to a number of movable carrier plates, cutting the sheet strip between consecutive carrier plates so as to leave a sheet piece on the leading plate or plates, moving the carrier plates successively into a working position adjacent the surface of said sheet length and pressing the carrier plate in this position with said sheet piece temporarily held thereon against said surface so as to transfer the sheet piece to the sheet length, retracting the carrier plate and moving the next carrier plate into said working position while advancing the sheet length further, characterised by feeding the sheet strip to carrier plate facets on a rotary carrier body and effecting t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1972
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1976
    Assignee: Gert Oestergaard, Vejle Plastic
    Inventor: Henning Kristen Pedersen
  • Patent number: RE28732
    Abstract: A labeling machine including means for feeding a continuous web having thereon a series of labels of a given length but with certain of the adjacent labels thereon spaced differently than other adjacent labels, and having thereon control elements related to such differences in the label spacing, the machine further including label severing means operable to cut off the terminal labels in the web at their given lengths regardless of the different spacings therebetween, and means controlled by the control elements on the web and operating the severing means to cut from the web the labels in uniform length and without having attached thereto any web portions providing spacings between adjacent labels. .Iadd.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1976
    Assignee: NJM, Inc.
    Inventor: George W. von Hofe