Abstract: This disclosure relates to a machine which receives a strip or strips of material, rotates the strip or strips, and transfers the strip or strips to sheet material. The machine comprises a plurality of tables including first and second adjacent tables, and a conveyor connected to the tables for moving the tables sequentially through first and second zones and through at least one turning zone which is between the first and second zones, the adjacent tables when in the first zone having an initial orientation and having adjacent edges which are closely spaced. The turning zone includes a mechanism for moving the tables along an arcuate path and thereby separating the adjacent edges, and another mechanism for rotating the tables to a second orientation while the adjacent edges are separated, and the adjacent tables when in the second zone have the second orientation and have adjacent edges which are closely spaced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for laying a composite tape on an elongated molding is provided. The apparatus includes a reciprocatable carrier for carrying the molding, a composite tape applicator adapted to apply a pair of parallel strips of composite tape to the back of the molding, and a release-paper-adhering tape applicator adapted to apply release-paper-adhering tape to the release paper on the composite tape. The composite tape applicator includes a composite tape advancing mechanism, a cutter for cutting an expended strip of composite tape from a supply of the composite tape, and a pressing roller for pressing the composite tape securely onto the molding. The release-paper-adhering tape applicator includes a second tape advancing mechanism, a cutter for cutting a section of the release-paper-adhering tape from a supply of the release-paper-adhering tape, and a pressing member and a heater for securely bonding the section of release-paper-adhering tape to the release paper of the composite tape.

Abstract: This invention pertains to processing continuous webs such as paper, film, composites, and the like, in dynamic continuous processing operations. More particularly, it relates to transferring discrete parts to a continuous web, whether paper, film, composite, or the like. Specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for taking discrete parts from a source in a taking zone, optionally taking the discrete parts as components of a continuous web, onto a transport head on a transfer assembly, severing the discrete parts from the continuous web if received as part of a continuous web, rotating the transfer assembly about a first axis and correspondingly rotating the transport head about a second axis radial to the first axis, to thereby present the discrete parts to a receiver in a transfer zone, and transferring the discrete parts to the receiver in the transfer zone.

Abstract: A fastening component for releasable engagement with a complementary fastener includes a substrate and a first fastener formed of a flexible fabric. An adhesive substance is disposed between and bonded to the first fastener and the substrate. The adhesive substance has a first zone with a first basis weight greater than zero, and a second zone with a second basis weight at least about 1.5 times greater than the first basis weight.

Abstract: A device for connecting a trailing end of a previously drawn-out web from a first web roll to a leading end portion of a newly drawn-out web from a second web roll has a vertical guide unit, a drawing-out unit, a feeding unit, an adhesive tape supplying unit and cutting members. The previously drawn-out web which is running vertically downward is guided by the vertical guide unit. The leading end portion of a web is drawn out from a new web roll by the drawing-out unit and moved vertically downward by the feeding unit in the vicinity of and along the previously drawn-out web. An adhesive tape is attached to the leading end portion of the newly drawn-out web by the adhesive tape supplying unit. The leading end of the newly drawn-out web is connected to the trailing end of the previously drawn-out web by the adhesive tape. After the previously and newly drawn-out webs have been connected together, the excess portions of both webs are removed by the cutting members.

Abstract: An automated continuous heat sealing apparatus and method are disclosed having dedicated operating stations for fabricating continuous hermetically sealed tubular structures and individual bags from rolls of continuous webs of polymer material, the first web including TYVEK.RTM., as breather bags adapted for gas and steam sterilization. The breather bags are customized to any length depending on the settings of the apparatus. A feeding station holding the rolls of continuous webs longitudinally feeds the continuous webs to a first operating station having a slitter for providing a continuous longitudinal strip of apertures in the second continuous web for cutting material from the slitted second continuous web, and for continuously heat sealing a first set of seams to join the first and second webs. A second operating station continuously heat seals a second set of seams to join the second and third continuous webs for forming a continuous tubular structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for tag and thread assembly for tagged infusion packets. Spaced tags from a strip of tags and a length of thread are laid over each other on the periphery of a first assembly wheel and the thread is drawn out in loops between successive tags. The spaced tags and looped thread are transferred to a second assembly wheel where they are connected to a web of sheet material that is to form the infusion packets. The web is subsequently formed into a series of compartments in which infusion material is contained. The compartments are severed from the web for forming the individual packets and the thread is simultaneously severed between the packets.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a tensioned garter. A garter is any continuous loop of elastic material or a laminate of elastic bands and one or more flexible backing sheets. In one embodiment mandrels having a perimeter of the desired garter shape are mounted to a rotating drum. Tensioned elastic ribbons are progressively clamped, sealed, and cut around the mandrels to form individual tensioned garters which cling to the side walls of the mandrels. Once the garters are formed the mandrels may be rotated on their radial axes for alignment with downstream operations. Sealing through elastic members is avoided by interrupting the bonding of elastic members to an elasticized laminate at locations where ribbons are to be clamped. High compression of elastics where they are not sealed to the laminate causes elastic members to burst and contract. Elastic contraction leaves an area in which ribbons may then be bonded together without sealing through elastic members.

Abstract: Multiple thin-film photoelectric conversion elements formed on a flexible insulating substrate are organized as a single photoelectric conversion module via a manufacturing process that substantially eliminates the probability of damaging the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion elements during the manufacturing process. Each photoelectric conversion element includes a rear electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a transparent electrode layer laminated on one side of a substrate, and an auxiliary connecting electrode layer formed on the other side of the substrate. The manufacturing process for the conversion module involves utilizing an apparatus which includes two perpendicularly overlapping belt systems and a cutting/heating unit. The first belt system applies a thermally adhesive resin film to the light-receiving surface of the conversion elements mounted on a substrate. The cutting/heating unit identifies and cuts out non-defective conversion elements.

Abstract: A device for the pre-sealing of a document to a plastic band comprises at least one first cylinder on which the document is wound from a first given point of space tangential to the cylinder and a mechanism for heating the plastic band at a second point tangential to the cylinder where the plastic band is in contact with the document, this tangential point forming a constant angle (.alpha.) with the given point of space, the document being pre-sealed by the affixing of the plastic band to this second tangential point. Application to the pre-sealing, to a plastic band, of documents that are to be plastified on an industrial scale.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the continual application of cut pieces of a strip to a continuous material web. The apparatus includes a station drum provided with a plurality of sealing devices. The strip pieces are transported to the sealing devices by transport rollers, which cut the strip into pieces. The continuous material web passes the sealing devices and the strip pieces are sealed to the material web. The material web is kept in register by means of a register maintenance device.

Abstract: Containers are transported on rotatable support plates which are arranged in a circle on a rotating turntable. The leading edge of a label is adhered to a container as it orbits past a vacuum-type label transfer drum. A curved guide which is tangential to the cylindrical body of the container as the orbiting and rotating container passes it causes the label to wrap completely around the container. One of a circular array of heat sealing elements which are rotating with the turntable adjacent each support plate is cammed radially outwardly of the turntable into contact with the region on the container where the trailing end overlaps the leading end of the cable. This fuses the ends of the labels together. The cam profile is adjustable in length to keep the time during which the heat sealing member is in contact with the label ends overlap constant independently of the rotational speed of the turntable.

Abstract: Tabbed or indexed sheets typically for use in ring binders or other stationery applications are produced from a web of sheet material by means of forming an aperture in the sheet material and inserting through the aperture a length of reinforcing material. The length of reinforcing material is secured to the opposed faces of the sheet material and the individual sheet separated from the remainder of the web of sheet material by cutting to form a trailing edge and a leading edge for the sheet. In cutting the sheet material to form the leading edge of the sheet, a tab or indexed portion of the reinforcing material is obtained at the leading edge.

Abstract: A method of winding a continuous web on a succession of cores comprises the steps of sequentially rotating a core to which the web is attached to longitudinally advance the web and wind it on the core while applying a strip of adhesive to a transfer roller and then stopping rotation of the core. Subsequently a crosswise row of perforations is formed in the web offset from the core and then the web is longitudinally advanced while pressing the roller against the web to transfer the adhesive strip to the web at and immediately upstream and downstream from the perforation row. The web is subsequently differentially. longitudinally advanced web upstream and downstream of the perforation row to tear the web longitudinally apart at the perforation row, thereby forming a trailing web end attached to the web wound on the core and a leading web end each carrying some of the adhesive strip.

Abstract: A web of cardstock divided by transverse score lines includes card segments having apertures oriented with respect to an optical center point of each card segment. The web is continuously fed from a supply of cardstock by engagement of a tractor feed device with tracks of holes extending along the longitudinal edges of the web. A selected one of the holes serves to locate the optical center point of each card segment as the web is fed to a film mounting station. Film negatives cut from a strip of developed film are sequentially positioned in registry with the optical centers in the apertures of the card segments as the web advances through the film mounting station. An adhesive releasably secures the negatives in overlying relation with the apertures on one side of the cards to expose through the apertures a selected composition of the negatives.

Abstract: Electronic parts that have axially extending leads are separated from a first strip on which they are supplied for being rearranged and retaped to provide a second strip for supply to an automatic assembly machine. The parts are separated from the first strip by cutting the strip transverse to the strip at locations between adjacent parts. The tape chips remaining on the separated parts are removed by engaging them with movable jigs, located on opposite sides of a body portion of the part, and by moving the jigs along the leads away from the body portion. The jigs are mounted on a rotating rotor and engage grooves in a stationary cam. The jigs move toward and away from each other by the engagement with the grooves as the jigs are moved around the stationary cam. After the parts are separated and the tape chips removed, the parts are transferred to a retaping machine to be attached to the second strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of adhesive coated slips to a moving web or to workpieces being conveyed, and preferably to the drawn up and still open bottoms of bags, consists of pairs of feed rolls for a web of material and means for perforating and tearing off, or means for detaching, the slips from the web of material and of a transfer folding gripper cylinder for receiving and subsequent transfer of the slips or pieces of tube.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for cyclically accelerating the leading end of a slower moving first material web to match the faster speed of a continuous second material web. The apparatus is comprised of a set of upstream metering rolls which feed the first material web at a constant slow speed, a set of downstream applicator rolls having a constant and relatively faster rotational velocity, and an acceleration mechanism which variably and alternately reverses and allows forward movement of a leading end segment of the first material web while allowing for the constant rotational velocities of the upstream and downstream rolls. The first material web is wrapped partially around the set of upstream rolls and the leading end segment thereof is wrapped partially around one of the downstream rolls. The acceleration mechanism is juxtapositioned between the upstream rolls and the downstream rolls in the feed path of the first material web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stretching an elastic member in cross machine direction and combining the elastic member, while held in tension, with a moving substrate web. A web of unstretched material, having elasticity across the direction of metering, is fed onto a first rotating drum at a speed slower than the surface speed of the drum. A cutter roll severs a portion of the unstretched material from its leading edge. Vacuum grippers in a drum slot beneath the elastic member support the ends of the member when it is cut from the web. Sealing dies are mounted to the surface of the vacuum grippers below the ends of the elastic member. As the first drum rotates further, the vacuum grippers are cammed axially outward within the slot to stretch the elastic member. Meanwhile, a substrate web is metered onto a second drum which rotates at the same surface speed as the first drum. The second drum rotates against the first drum but in the opposite direction.

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.

Abstract: A production line for manufacturing wooden I-beams wherein a pair of grooved flanges are conveyed along opposite sides of a train of web members and converged so that the web longitudinal edges are inserted into the chord grooves is disclosed. The flanges are each sequentially fed into left and right hand sides of the assembly line through a cam type flange feeder and a resiliently mounted hold-down member automatically orienting the flanges with the flange grooves facing inwardly. A lugged web feeder engages a longitudinal edge of each web to laterally convey same, or random web lengths, into the upstream end of the assembly machine. A web bottom drive engages the web undersides to convey same into contact with the flanges while eliminating overhead clutter to enable easy access to the web and flange members for manual intervention.

Abstract: A dry film photoresist laminator includes a punch and die assembly 24 which punches a rolled sheet dry film photoresist material 14, that is comprised of a dry film photoresist material 18 sandwiched between a Mylar top layer 16 and a polyolefin bottom layer 20, into photoresist decals. The photoresist decals are bonded to a tacky transport tape 40 which carries the decals to a polyolefin peeler assembly 54 that rolls a high tack tape 57 along the polyolefin layer 20 of the decal, thereby peeling it from the decal. The decal is advanced by a laminating assembly 44 which rolls the decal onto a heated wafer 72, thereby bonding the exposed photoresist material 18 to the wafer 72. Bonded wafer 72 and decal 14 are removed from the transport tape 40. A tape transport assembly 44 carrying the transport tape and decal is advanced through the various process steps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an insulation assembly is disclosed. A plurality of mineral fibers are moved along a conveyor system after having been cut to desired sizes. A section having a major surface is moved in a direction generally normal to that of following sections, while maintaining the major surface in a plane parallel to the plane of the major surfaces of the following sections. A plurality of the individual sections move through an encapsulation module where they are assembled and covered to form the insulation assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method of fabricating tank wrap of desired thickness having fibers oriented generally in the thickness direction from lengths of insulation material having fibers oriented generally in the length direction. The method comprises several sequential steps. The first step is positioning the lengths of insulation material lengthwise along a first movable track conveyor, such that the fibers are oriented generally parallel to the direction of conveyance as the lengths progress downstream in a longitudinal direction along the conveyor. Second step is severing the insulation material completely across the length, at intervals equal to the desired thickness of the tank wrap to be fabricated. Next the cut lengths of insulation material are positioned lengthwise across a second movable track conveyor such that the fibers are now oriented generally perpendicular to the direction of conveyance, and in an abutting relationship.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying an elastic waistband to disposable diapers utilizing canted pin-equipped wheels where an elastic patch is applied to the wheels when the wheel peripheries are close together and then stripping the patches from the pins and applying them to a diaper component web when the wheels are further apart.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of and an apparatus for sticking a paper web to a paper web threading member superposed on the paper web through the intermediary of an adhesive material.

Abstract: A web of cardstock divided by transverse score lines includes card segments having apertures oriented with respect to an optical center point of each card segment. The web is continuously fed from a supply of cardstock by engagement of a tractor feed device with tracks of holes extending along the longitudinal edges of the web. A selected one of the holes serves to locate the optical center point of each card segment as the web is fed to a film mounting station. Film negatives cut from a strip of developed film are sequentially positioned in registry with the optical centers in the apertures of the card segments as the web advances through the film mounting station. The negatives are adhesively, releasably secured in overlying relation with the apertures on one side of the cards to expose through the apertures a selected composition of the negatives.

Abstract: An applicator wheel and guide system are provided in order to accurately align and position web material, either as discrete lengths or as a continuous strip, to articles or a continuous web. Specifically, the guide system includes a lateral edge guide disc rotatable with the applicator wheel which exhibits an edge guide surface at a first point along the periphery of the wheel applicator to precisely laterally align the web material and which moves radially inward from the surface of the applicator wheel at an application point so as not to obstruct the application of the web material to the articles or continuous web moved at a constant rate thereby. Moreover, the guide system includes the provision of an air bar for forming a loop in the supplied strip of web material prior to handling by the wheel applicator. The air bar eliminates roller inertia and guarantees consistent lengths of discrete lengths of web material to be applied to articles or a web when used on a wobbler arm.

Abstract: Apparatus for winding web material (14) comprises a reciprocating carriage assembly (22) which delivers the leading end of the web to a winding spindle (30) and then moves away from the spindle as winding proceeds. A builder roll (138) mounted on the carriage assembly applies pressure during winding. A tape tab (178) is automatically applied to the trailing end of the web and pressed onto the completed roll (140) by the builder roll, while a stepping motor (176) for the builder roll resists the winding motor to maintain tension in the final convolution of the web. A corresponding method is taught.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for laminating patches to a base web accurately, and as efficiently as possible, are provided. Two webs are fed at speeds which are related as the ratio of the width of each patch to the separation distance between patches, the patch web moving more slowly. Patches are cut from the patch web and transferred to the other web while being accelerated to the higher speed.

Abstract: A device for joining a leading end of a new second strip-like material to a trailing end of a supplied first strip-like material is disclosed. This device includes a joining preparation path. A stamper base is arranged midway along the joining preparation path. The first and second strip-like materials are fed to the joining preparation path by first and second feed mechanisms, respectively. The first strip-like material passes through the stamper base, and is supplied to the next process by a convey mechanism. The leading end of the second strip-like material is aligned with a predetermined position of the stamper base, and is held in position. The device includes a stamper for holding a joining tape piece by suction.

Abstract: A substrate coated with a film of liquid crystal material having a uniform thickness is produced efficiently by applying the liquid crystal material to the electrode side of a substrate using an impregnating matter impregnated with the liquid crystal material, and such a method ensures uniform thickness even for a film of liquid crystal material having a large area. A liquid crystal optical device having a uniform optical quality and a large area is produced efficiently by coating a flexible substrate with a film of liquid crystal material using the method described above, laminating the coated flexible substrate with another flexible substrate, with the film of the liquid crystal material disposed between the electrode sides of the flexible substrates, and orienting the liquid crystal material in thus obtained laminate by subjecting the laminate to bending treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for receiving and rotating a strip of material toward a continuously moving surface, and then orienting the strip of material so that it is surfacely placed generally flat with the continuously moving surface.

Abstract: A support beam supports a box type beam on which there is located, essentially tangentially to the shell surface of a guide roll coordinated with it, a contact surface for the adhesive tape. Perpendicular to the contact surface, a holding slot for the adhesive tape is provided on the box-shaped beam. The adhesive tape protrudes out of this holding slot with a considerable part, of which the cover foil is removed. A blowing device or blowing channels with blowing orifices bend the part of the adhesive tape protruding out of the slot upward so that, with the support beam approaching the guide roll, this part of the adhesive tape practically is in contact with the contact surface. In this way, adhesive tape can be fastened on the web end wrapping around the guide roll.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for laminating patches to a base web accurately, and as efficiently as possible, are provided. Two webs are fed at speeds which are related as the ratio of the width of each patch to the separation distance between patches, the patch web moving more slowly. Patches are cut from the patch web and transferred to the other web while being accelerated to the higher speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to apparatus for the defined dispensing and application to a substrate surface of sections having equal and/or unequal lengths of a tape, particularly of a pressure-sensitive or thermally activatable adhesive tape, to a substrate surface. To this end, the tape is continuously adhesively affixed to the surface. Starting at an initial placement position; before the leading edge (in the direction of application) of the tape section is secured, it is severed partly, leaving at least one web of material, at a predetermined distance from the trailing edge thereof by a specially configured cutting mechanism. After the subsequent adhesive placement of the entire tape section on said surface, the tape is separated at said at least one web of material by utilizing a braking effect as the tape or the tape dispensing and applying apparatus continues to move relative to the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding thin film supplied from a continuous roll to at least one bonding surface along the entire length of a discrete printed surface base plate and efficiently cutting the film to a proper length which covers an entire planar surface of the board. Each board is conveyed to a film bonding position and the leading end of the continuous film is transported to the film bonding position that is held by suction. A compression bonding roller moves across the surface of the board and automatically feeds film and bonds the film to the board while leaving a portion of the film loose over the trailing end of the board. A cutter comprising a rotary blade and a fixed blade disposed across the direction of movement of the film and the board is mounted on a slide bed which is moveable towards and away from the film. The rotary blade is obliquely oriented in order to permit the cutting of the film when the blade is rotated in opposition to the fixed blade.

Abstract: Non-continuous fiber reinforcements for resinous material having a layer of chopped strands, evenly distributed in random orientations and a confinement layer extending over and in intimate contact with layer of chopped strands. Rows of stitching are provided. individual stitches in the rows attach the confinement layer and the chopped strands.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the automated production of a cross-plied material, preferably for structural or anti-ballistics end use. The apparatus comprises means for advancing a first, continuous ply of material into a cross-plying zone; means for sequentially laying a plurality of discontinuous second plies of material coplanarly on the first ply in the cross-plying zone with the longitudinal axis of each of the second plies rotated relative to the longitudinal axis of the first ply; means for preconsolidating the first and the second plies; and means for withdrawing the cross-piled material from the cross-plying zone.

Abstract: A filament of thermoplastic material is formed into a continuous strand of connected beads having a longitudinal slit that penetrates about half way into each bead. This is done by passing the filament between a pair of rotating mold wheels having matching, hemispherical cavities in their outer edges with a central, circumferential flange in the edge of one wheel-the flange forming the slit. An end bead of the filament is loaded into a first clamp that feeds it to second clamp that grasps the bead while a knife severs it from the strand. The second clamp is then moved to force its held bead onto a short span of floss being held by a third clamp, so that the floss is press-fitted into the slit in the bead. The bead and floss are then released by their respective clamps, and a fourth clamp grasps the floss and moves it forward for the required distance between beads so that the next bead can be pressed thereon.

Abstract: A device for applying spaced layers generally transversely across an elongate web which defines a through path for the web including parallel inlet and outlet path portions spaced sideways from each other and a transverse path portion between adjacent terminal and beginning ends of the inlet and outlet path portions. The web is moved lengthwise at a predetermined speed in a first direction along the inlet and outlet path portions, the device periodically moves the portion of the web along the transverse path portion generally edgewise in a direction parallel to the first direction and at about the predetermined speed to essentially stop longitudinal movement of the portion of the web along the transverse path portion; and the device applies a layer of material such as tape generally transversely across the portion of the web along the transverse path portion as it moves tangentially by the periphery of a rotating applicator drum.

Abstract: A dry film photoresist laminator includes a punch and die assembly 24 which punches a rolled sheet dry film photoresist material 14, that is comprised of a dry film photoresist material 18 sandwiched between a Mylar top layer 16 and a polyolefin bottom layer 20, into photresist decals. The photoresist decals are bonded to a tacky transport tape 40 which carries the decals to a polyolefin peeler assembly 54 that rolls a high tack tape 57 along the polyolefin layer 20 of the decal, thereby peeling it from the decal. The decal is advanced to a laminating assembly 71 which rolls the decal onto a heated wafer 72, thereby bonding the exposed photoresist material 18 to the wafer 72. The bonded wafer 72 and decal are advanced to a Mylar peeler assembly 82 which strips the transport tape 40 and the Mylar layer 16 away from the wafer 72, thereby leaving a wafer 72 which laminated with dry film photoresist material 18.

Abstract: A method for applying loops formed from a supply length of elongate strip material in spaced relationship along a substrate. Lengths are cut from the supply length, and have their ends supported on peripheral surfaces of two circular disks mounted with their axes oriented to position portions of the peripheral surfaces of the disks on which the lengths are positioned at a wide spacing at a first location and to position portions of the peripheral surfaces of the disks at a close spacing significantly closer than the wide spacing at a second location generally diametrically across the disks from the first location and along a path for the substrate. Spaced portions of the lengths are held along the peripheral surfaces of the disks during rotation of the disks to move the predetermined lengths from the first location to the second location thereby forming the lengths into generally U-shaped loops, and those U-shaped loops are transferred and attached to the substrate at the second location.

Abstract: The present invention generally resides in method and apparatus for intermittently applying pieces of elastic band severed into a predetermined length onto a moving continuous web at predetermined positions.

Abstract: An automatic paper feed device provided in a turnbar unit of a rotary press includes a slitter for slitting a web of paper in half. A paper feed rope having a leader connected thereto is located near the slitter. When the leading end of the web has passed through the slitter, the paper feed rope begins to move so that the leader will be moved in juxtaposition with the leading end of one of the two slitted webs. When the leading end of one of the webs reaches a predetermined position, a tape applicator will be activated to apply tapes both to the leader and the leading end of one of the webs so as to straddle them. The web thus connected to the paper feed rope through the leader is guided by the rope through a predetermined paper feed path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to apparatus for the defined dispensing and application to a substrate surface of sections having equal and/or unequal lengths of a tape, particularly of a pressure-sensitive or thermally activatable adhesive tape, to a substrate surface. To this end, the tape is continuously adhesively affixed to the surface. Starting at an initial placement position; before the leading edge (in the direction of application) of the tape section is secured, it is severed partly, leaving at least one web of material, at a predetermined distance from the trailing edge thereof by a specially configured cutting mechanism. After the subsequent adhesive placement of the entire tape section on said surface, the tape is separated at said at least one web of material by utilizing a braking effect as the tape or the tape dispensing and applying apparatus continues to move relative to the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for splicing webs (14,18) such as photographic film in which the lead end of a new web and the tail end of an old web are trimmed at the parallel edges (82,84) of their input platens (36,38) and then shifted into abutment for application of a strip of tape. An automatic tape dispenser (128) cuts tape into predetermined lengths, transfers the lengths to a vacuum applicator wheel (130) and then rolls the lengths across the abutted lead and tail ends.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for splicing webs (14,18) such as photographic film in which the lead end of a new web and the tail end of an old web are trimmed at the parallel edges (82,84) of their input platens (36,38) and then shifted into abutment for application of a strip of tape. An automatic tape dispenser (128) cuts tape into predetermined lengths, transfers the lengths to a vacuum applicator wheel (130) and then rolls the lengths across the abutted lead and tail ends.

Abstract: A paper feed preparatory is provided for connecting the end of a web of paper drawn out from a paper roll mounted in a paper supply unit to a plate-shaped leader adapted to be moved from the paper supply unit along one side of a paper feed path. It includes a suction conveyor for attracting and feeding the web of paper in one direction, and a paper cutter adapted to move transversely of the web of paper while the paper is being fed longitudinally to cut it obliquely. A tape applicator is provided over the belt conveyor so as to be movable toward and away from the top of the suction conveyor. It has a tape reel carrying a roll of adhesive tape and a presser member for sticking the end of the adhesive tape to the end of the paper along one side thereof with the leader sandwiched therebetween to connect them together.