Delivering Cut Part In Sequence To Serially Conveyed Articles Patents (Class 156/521)
  • Patent number: 6006807
    Abstract: Apparatus for feeding strips coated with a fusion adhesive on one of their surfaces to a sheet-stack binding apparatus, in particular, for the binding of loose sheets to form brochures or books, such apparatus enabling, in parallel with a binding operation, a strip cut to the required length to be made available for a subsequent binding operation. The apparatus (14) arranged in the strip path downstream of a cutting unit (12) includes a transport carriage (15) which is stationary with respect to the strip path (13) and movable vertically to the strip path and on which a horizontally movable element (16) as well as a plurality of stationary mechanical elements (11, 17) are arranged for holding the strip free from torsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Helmut Domes, Olaf Kosanke
  • Patent number: 6003580
    Abstract: An automated placement of flat valves on a balloon strip. Included is a vacuum platen which receives the free end of a row of valve films. A cutting blade severs a single valve from the film, which is held in place by the vacuum platen. The vacuum platen is then moved through a series of motions for positioning above a heating element which is raised to bond the valve to the balloon strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Stabon International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael John Frazier
  • Patent number: 5992492
    Abstract: A horizontal type thermo-shrinking film labeling machine includes a tubular thermo-shrinking film dispensing wheel controlled to let off a thermo-shrinking film, a film delivery uni controlled to deliver the thermo-shrinking film forwards, a central guide shaft which guides the thermo-shrinking film in an opened status, a cutter unit controlled to cut the thermo-shrinking film being delivered from the central guide shaft, a packing wheel rotated to pick up the cut pieces of the thermo-shrinking film, permitting the cut pieces of the thermo-shrinking film to be sleeved onto products carried thereon individually, a feed unit controlled to feed products to respective receiving troughs on the packing wheel, a conveyer controlled to carry thermo-shrinking film packed products to a heating unit for heating, enabling each cut piece of the thermo-shrinking film to shrink and to be firmly secured to the periphery of the corresponding piece of product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventors: Fu-Chuan Huang, Chien-Tsai Huang, Chin-Tsai Wu
  • 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: 5972153
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing labels and for applying each of the labels to an end wall of a cigarette packet. The method includes separating the labels from a continuous web moving in a horizontal direction with the width of the web parallel to a vertical plane. Only one side of the web is provided with printed areas for a succession of the labels, and severance cuts are provided in the web to form the labels between the areas. Separation of the labels occurs at the cuts. After the labels are separated, they are continuously transported by a suction conveyor belt moving in a vertical plane substantially parallel to the vertical plane of the web. The labels are held separated from each other by negative pressure from the belt which acts on the printed side. Glue is applied to the print-free side of the labels on the belt by a phased and non-contact application of at least on row of successive glue spots extending along the longitudinal dimension of the label. Then the labels are applied to the packets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Hans-Jurgen Bretthauer, Jurgen Rose
  • Patent number: 5922169
    Abstract: A system for applying linerless labels to mailing items includes a label feeder for feeding a continuous length web of linerless label material from a supply roll through a loop path to a label applying station juxtaposed to the path traversed by mailing items conveyed on edge in sequential fashion by a belt conveyor. The label material passes through a web guide and advance assembly to a cutter station operative to sever the label material transversely and create labels of desired height. A paddle member is operative to engage and hold each successive label as it is being severed from the label material web generally simultaneously to adhere the adhesive side of the label against a mailing items passing through the label applying station. The various operating functions of the linerless label applying system may be coordinated by conventional control logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Postal Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Chodacki, Jose Pioquinto, Gary VanderSyde, David Haas, K. George Rabindran
  • Patent number: 5911849
    Abstract: A linerless label system which utilizes a substrate provided in roll form and which is printed on one side with an image overcoated with an adhesive. The opposite surface of the substrate has release characteristics. The web is fed across the surface of an anvil plate. A die engages the anvil plate, cuts the label from the web which label is then transferred to the surface of an item to be labeled, such as a plastic container. Intermittently, a wiper blade sweeps across the surface of the die to prevent the labels from sticking to the die edge. Preferably, the wiper blade carries a lubricant such as a silicon-based grease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Boss Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin C. Bradshaw, Michael W. Paque, Anthony S. Moran
  • Patent number: 5897741
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an electronic security tag to a freshly printed label, each label having an adhesive side and a printable side. The apparatus comprises a supply roll including a backing and a plurality of security tags attached thereto for supplying the electronic security tags. The apparatus further comprises means for printing indicia on the printable side and delivering the label to a label support. The apparatus includes a stripper element for separating the security tags from the backing at a label application station. The separated security tag is then attached to the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Nigel Graham Mills, Terry Lynn Rich
  • Patent number: 5897737
    Abstract: A method for making a core plate (42) having multiple friction material segments (54) on the surface where the method includes the use of a die (24). Friction material (34) is first trimmed to conform to die (24) and is then fed into die (24). Die (24) then cuts friction material (34) to form a leading edge (57) where fibers in friction material (34) at leading edge (57) are positioned in a direction toward core plate (42). Friction material (34) is then fed through die (24) which cuts a trailing edge (55) in friction material (34) where fibers in friction material (34) at trailing edge (55) are positioned in a direction toward core plate (42). Cutting of trailing edge (55) is a common cut along trailing edge (55) of a leading segment (54) and leading edge (57) of an immediately following segment (54) such that formation of segments (54) is substantially scrapless with respect to friction material (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Quigley
  • 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: 5846358
    Abstract: A heat activation method for activating a thermosensitive adhesive label having a support and a thermosensitive adhesive layer which is formed on the support and is not adhesive at room temperature, so as to make the thermosensitive adhesive layer adhesive with the application of heat thereto, includes the step of bringing the thermosensitive adhesive layer into contact with a surface portion of a heating medium, at least the surface portion of the heating medium being made of a silicone resin and having a peel strength of 2 g/mm or less with respect to the thermosensitive adhesive layer. There is also disclosed a heat-activating apparatus for heat-activating the above-mentioned thermosensitive adhesive label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanaka Nagamoto, Morio Yamada, Toshinobu Iwata
  • Patent number: 5837079
    Abstract: An automated film slide orienting and mounting system includes at least one detector for detecting the orientation of film, a knife assembly for successively cutting the film to generate film segments, a rotatable table for orienting the film segments into a proper orientation, a set of driver assemblies for progressively moving each film segment for insertion into a slide mount, and a magnetic writing device for writing the orientation of the film segment magnetically onto the slide mount in a region of magnetic material disposed upon each slide mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David L. Patton, Daniel M. Pagano, Dale F McIntyre, Edward Weissberger
  • Patent number: 5807457
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying correction strips with encodable indicia to bank checks and similar documents and for removing previously applied correction strips from checks and reapplying a new correction strip to such a check. The apparatus includes feed mechanism for feeding checks without previously applied correction strips and with previously applied correction strips along parallel feed paths which merge to a common feed path provided by plural endless flexible belts. A rotatable drum is interposed in the common feedpath and is disposed in proximity to a heater element engageable with a heat activatable adhesive band portion of the correction strip for applying the adhesive band to the front lower face of bank checks and similar documents. A rotary cutter is disposed in one of the parallel feed paths for cutting a previously applied correction strip from the lower edge of a check.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: BancTec, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Norman, Jr., Rex W. Shores, Chanh C. Vo
  • Patent number: 5804023
    Abstract: A label cutting and applying apparatus is arranged to produce printed labels from a continuing strip of label material. By operation of a standard roller, the apparatus advances a strip of the material along a path from a roll of the material over a print head where a portion of the strip is printed. The printed portion is advanced past a cutting blade which is integrally formed with a vertically movable label applicator and is severed from the remainder of the strip by operation of the blade as the applicator moves downwardly. The label applicator can include a vacuum head which then blows the severed label onto a package to apply the label thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Grand Rapids Label Company
    Inventors: George F. Carpenter, Jeffrey A. Engelsman, Karl J. Burdick, John T. Doornbos, Daniel B. Jones
  • Patent number: 5804029
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching leaves of a film of a plastic material to laid flat workpieces made of a film of plastic material, consists of a frame with a plate or a table over which the workpieces are continuously conveyed by means of a conveyor device. In a gap of the table plate, there is arranged a pair of conveyor rollers mounted in the frame, and having a roller gap substantially aligned with the table surface; the bottom roller of the pair is a counterpressure roller and the top roller is a suction cylinder. A conveyor cylinder cooperating with the suction cylinder successively delivers the leaves to the suction cylinder. A fishtail nozzle directed towards the roller gap blows heated air into the roller gap in a controlled manner so as to weld the leaf to the workpiece. The suction roller prevents the conveyor cylinder from being heated by the hot air in an inadmissible manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: lscher Ho
    Inventors: Fritz Achelpohl, Richard Feldkamper, Andreas Kampschulte, Uwe hn
  • Patent number: 5788795
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for laminating a sheet of printed matter to a plastics sheet by removing a small portion of an adhesive protecting cover sheet from the plastics sheet, adhering a portion of the sheet of printed matter to the exposed plastics sheets, removing the remainder of the cover sheet from the plastic sheet, and then adhering the plastics sheet and the printed matter sheet together using apparatus comprising two rollers and a guard for separating the sheets prior to combining the sheets between the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Plastisign Limited of Unit 6
    Inventor: David Alexander McGrouther
  • Patent number: 5785798
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying adhesive labels, that are initially coupled together end-to-end in a label strip that has a non-adhesive backing material, onto a product. The apparatus has a frame with a supply container mounted thereto for containing a supply of the labels. A plurality of guide rollers is provided for guiding the strip of labels through the apparatus. A label sensor is mounted to the frame for detecting when an individual label has been moved past the label sensor. The frame further has mounted thereto an applicator head equipped with a stripper plate for removing the backing material from the label strip, which is thereafter wound onto a take-up container. The label strip and the removed backing material are moved with a supply motor that is mounted to the frame. The applicator head further has an applicator motor for rotating a break-away roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Multivac, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis P. Horsman, Christian J. Uebele, Georg Austermeier
  • Patent number: 5783032
    Abstract: A linerless label applicator for forming and applying a discrete, pressure sensitive adhesive linerless label to a document is adapted to receive and advance a plurality of documents, one at a time, along a document path through the applicator. The applicator includes a label storage and feed section, a label cutting section and a label application section. The storage and feed section stores the label material in roll form thereon and feeds the material through a feed assembly into the cutting section. The label cutting section includes a label drive assembly, a label guide assembly and a cutting assembly. The drive assembly includes a feed roller and a plasma coated idler roller which contacts the label adhesive and prevents adhesion thereto. The guide assembly includes a fan/vacuum manifold which retains the non-adhesive side of the label material in contact with the cutting assembly surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Postal Systems Inc.
    Inventors: John S. O'Callaghan, Tomasz Bednarek, Metin M. Durum, Narasimha Swamy
  • 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: 5776285
    Abstract: Adhesive, preferably pressure sensitive adhesive, is applied to an article f manufacture, such as the closure flap of an envelope or paper bag in such a way that the adhesive is protected against activation prior to closing the article. For this purpose, the adhesive is first applied to a continuous web or tape of a carrier material that either has an inherent anti-stick characteristic or is provided with an anti-stick surface coating relative to the adhesive to be applied. Preferably, the adhesive does not cover the entire surface of the carrier strip, but rather covers only areas in the form of stripes extending at least partly across the width of the carrier web. The adhesive stripes are spaced from one another and preferably also from at least one edge of the carrier web or tape. The carrier web is then severed into strips, each provided with one adhesive stripe and these strips with the adhesive stripes thereon are then secured between two rollers to the surface area to be provided with the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Winkler & Duennebier Maschinenfabrik und Eisengiesserei KG.
    Inventor: Martin Blumle
  • Patent number: 5772839
    Abstract: A film applying apparatus includes a presser roll reciprocally movable toward and away from the leading end portion of a tacking member to force an adhesive tape against a cover film of the laminated film while the laminated film is held by suction on a surface at the leading end portion of the tacking member. The surface of the tacking member includes a first and a second beveled surface. When the presser roll is advanced by a presser roll actuating device, it rolls on from the first beveled surface to a leading end of the second beveled surface during which time the adhesive tape is firmly adhered to the cover film. Then the presser roll is retracted and, at the same time, the adhesive tape is pulled by an adhesive-tape pullback device in a direction away from the tacking member whereupon the cover film adhered to the adhesive tape is separated from the laminated film. After the tacking is completed, a film tensioning device is driven to pull the laminated film backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignees: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., Somar Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nagate, Yoji Washizaki
  • Patent number: 5766406
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying dispensing parts to a support web has a transfer device running synchronously with the web for applying the dispensing parts, a positioning device for the correct position separation and transfer of the dispensing parts to the transfer device and a feed device for supplying a dispensing web to the positioning device. The three devices are independently controllable with respect to their working speeds, so that by speed superimposing any random number of dispensing parts of random size and in random positions can be transferred to the support web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Bielomatik Leuze GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Martin Bohn, Wolfgang Scheller, Klaus Hoerz
  • 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: 5725719
    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: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Wallace Computer Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Janusz Szczepaniec, Ronald W. Rumple, Peter A Walter, Drew A. Yaeger
  • Patent number: 5705021
    Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to the top surface of an object moving along a path adjacent to the applicator. The applicator is comprised of a label printer mounted for vertical adjustment on support structure attached to a fixed frame. The printer has a label feed position and is adjusted vertically on the support to set the label feed position to an expected median article height. A label transport assembly, attached to the frame, receives and retains the label and then moves vertically and laterally from a home position, above the label feed position, to an article intercept position, where it applies the label to the moving article. The controller learns the home position and positions the label transport assembly at the home position to pick up labels. The label printer, the label transport assembly, and the moveable frame are located alongside the object path such that when the label transport assembly is in the home position, the object path is vertically unobstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Wurz, Edward P. Yeh, Thomas J. Brobst
  • Patent number: 5685943
    Abstract: A film applying apparatus for applying a film including a photosensitive layer to a printed circuit board and the like, a film holding member for wrapping the leading edge of a film and stationary-knife support members are supported on the same fore-and-aft guide rails for synchronous reciprocating movement relative to a film passage plane; the film holding member is floatingly supported by floating mechanisms for movement in a direction perpendicular to a base-plate conveyance plane I--I; and the film holding member is driven by the tacking member via pressure mechanisms to move between a position in which it is spaced from the stationary-knife support members, and a position in which it comes in contact with the stationary-knife support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Somar Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Taguchi, Yoji Washizaki
  • Patent number: 5679199
    Abstract: A labelling system (10) dispenses a web (36) of label material having a coating (43) of non-tacky activatable adhesive, subsequently activates the adhesive, cuts the web (36) preferrably using a pair of laser beams (52a, 52b) to produce labels (80) therefrom, and then applies the labels to respective packages (18). In another embodiment (90), a carrier sheet (104) is separated from an adhered web (102) whereupon the web (102) is then cut using a laser beam (52) to form labels (112) and a waste matrix (114). The labels (112) are then rejoined to the carrier sheet (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Greydon W. Nedblake, Jr.
    Inventors: Graydon Wesley Nedblake, John Garber
  • Patent number: 5674345
    Abstract: Linerless labels are produced by feeding a tape having a release coated face and an adhesive face to a hardened anvil vacuum cylinder, utilizing a non-stick circumferential surface feed roll. A knife blade on a cutting cylinder is rotated into contact with the tape at the anvil cylinder to cut the tape into linerless labels, and release liquid is applied to the blade after each cut. From the anvil cylinder the labels are deposited on a plurality of spaced conveyor tapes of circular cross section with the adhesive faces contacting the conveyor tapes. A vacuum chamber assists in holding the labels on the conveyor tapes. The release coat faces of the labels conveyed by the conveyor tapes may be heated and then printed with hot melt ink from an ink jet printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Nash
  • Patent number: 5672237
    Abstract: A postage stamp applicator includes a stamp applicator drum rotatably carried on a housing for oscillating motion. A free end of a coiled supply of stamps extends to the stamp applicator drum. A metering head on the stamp applicator drum advances and severs a predetermined number of stamps as the stamp applicator drum oscillates through one complete cycle of oscillation corresponding to the movement of each envelope that passes beneath the applicator. The outer surface of the stamp applicator drum includes a plurality of decurling rollers that press down on the front side of the predetermined number of stamps to help affix such stamps to the face of the envelope. The stamp applicator drum is oscillated by a crank arm and crankshaft combination that connects the drive shaft on which the stamp applicator drum is mounted to a rotary driven input that rotates one full turn for each envelope passing beneath the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventors: Bruce W. Whiteford, Larry R. Whiteford
  • Patent number: 5635004
    Abstract: A tape applying apparatus (10) includes a plurality of pairs of vacuum heads (120, 122) extending axially at circumferentially spaced intervals on a disc (24) rotated about an axis by the extension of a cylinder (48) which is operatively connected by a cam follower (60) to a cam (40) rotatably fixed to the disc (24). The vacuum head (120) adjacent the free end of the tape includes a trough (126) including vacuum bleed holes (128) for drawing the tape segment extending over the trough (126) into the trough (126) to form a tab when desired. A slide (66) is reciprocated between retracted and extended positions by a further cylinder (72). A knife (98) is movably connected to the slide (66) for cutting the tape when the knife (98) reaches a cutting position, with the knife (98) stopping at the cutting position before the slide (66) reaches the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Douglas Machine Limited Liability Company
    Inventors: Irvan L. Pazdernik, Leon J. Krause
  • Patent number: 5635017
    Abstract: The present invention applies the leading edge of a closure tab to the top surface of an article traveling through the apparatus at a constant speed and positioned at precise intervals by lugs on a conveyor belt, bends the closure tab around the trailing surface using a blast of air, engages and accelerates the closure tab forwardly with respect to the article to press the closure tab on the bottom surface of the article with an inclined bottom belt located underneath the article and traveling at a greater rate of speed then the article itself, squeezes the article with two nonparallel belts located laterally at the position of contact with the closure tab to press the closure tab to the top and bottom surfaces of the article for closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas A. Morrow
  • Patent number: 5622594
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing sample parts arranged in an array on a base sheet. The apparatus includes a roller about which webbing of the sample material is drawn, the webbing being severed to form the sample parts and to transport the sample parts to a transfer station. Needle take-down apparatus at the transfer station engages the sample part with a plurality of retractable needles to moving the sample parts to a base sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Color Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Lerner, Steven B. Winter
  • Patent number: 5607526
    Abstract: Label applying apparatus (e.g. a stamper) includes a system for advancing articles (18B) with labels applied to them to a stabilising region (32) following a signal to interrupt operation of the apparatus. This, together with means for inhibiting further feed of labels to the adhesive applicator (16), prevents unnecessary waste of labels and/or articles. The apparatus includes a pinch roller (42) carried by a knife drum (12) arranged to sever successive leading ends of a web (2) of label material to form individual labels, the roller cooperating with a suction drum (14) to ensure reliable separation and transfer of successive labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Molins PLC
    Inventor: William M. Buckley
  • Patent number: 5591297
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for assembling a first member and a second member is provided. The first member comprises a fluid distribution part and the second member comprises an absorbent core member having a window portion therein. The assembling apparatus comprises a conveyer mechanism for forming a transport path, a first deposition mechanism for placing a series of one of the first and second members in spaced apart relation on the conveyer mechanism, and a drum mechanism rotatably mounted adjacent the conveyer mechanism for carrying the other of the first and second members and for depositing the same onto one of the first or second members already placed on the conveyer mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Ahr
  • Patent number: 5573621
    Abstract: A label assembly includes a string of a plurality of non-quadrate (e.g., circular) linerless labels disposed in-line with at least one tie about 0.018-0.030 inches in width connecting consecutive labels in the string together. Each label has a first face with adhesive release material and a second face with pressure sensitive adhesive. The string may be in roll form and taken off the roll and run through a burster for bursting the ties between the labels. The labels may initially also be tied to a matrix from which the string labels is continuously separated. The burster may include high and low speed rolls with a non-stick surface between them and a bursting blade above the non-stick surface. Downstream of the high speed rolls is a sensor, and a mechanism for applying the separated linerless labels to a surface, such as a reciprocating plunger, air blast nozzles, a vacuum cylinder, or a conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Boreali
  • Patent number: 5571372
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a friction plate for a clutch, said friction plate comprised of an annular core having a bonding surface, and a large number of friction material segments adhered to the bonding surface in a circumferential direction of the core with an oil groove provided between every adjacent segments. The process includes the steps of positioning the core with the bonding surface with an adhesive facing upwards; unwinding a friction material tape to a position above the core in an amount corresponding to one friction material segment; subjecting the friction material tape to a cutting to provide the friction material segment, and pressing and adhering the friction material segment to the bonding surface; and unwinding the friction material tape in an amount corresponding to a next friction material segment, and rotating the core for adhering the next friction material segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Kazuomi Miyaishi, Akihiro Agata, Hiroji Shimoi
  • Patent number: 5531853
    Abstract: A linerless label in web form is fed by a pair of nip rollers to a cutting device for forming discrete linerless labels subsequently applied to a product by an applicator head. The nip rollers have circumferentially extending, axially spaced ribs in registry with one another. The roller in opposition to the adhesive on one side of the web is a pressure roller having the rib surfaces plasma-coated to preclude the adhesive from sticking to the roller. Fingers with plasma coating extend through grooves between the ribs of the bottom rollers and underlie the web as it is driven by the rollers to the cutting device. Vacuum pressure is applied to an applicator head downstream of the cutting device to retain the discrete label on the head until applied to a product moving below the head. Throughout the operation, the plasma-coated surfaces prevent the adhesive from sticking to the machine components and the accumulation of adhesive residue on the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Booth Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Joseph Cubow, Charles Tritt
  • Patent number: 5531858
    Abstract: A shrinkable label inserting machine with a modified central holder, a driving system, a cutting system, and a loading system is provided. The machine features a central holder having an upper post and a lower post bolted together with a screw and having an annular groove formed where the posts are bolted together. A passage is provided at the base of the lower post through which the top of a bottle is detected by an electric eye. Each of the driving and loading systems include two rollers between which the spacing is adjustable. A cutting system has a circumferential arrangement of a plurality of pulleys, each having a blade affixed thereto, and each pulley is coupled for synchronous movement with a timing belt. The arcs of the blades overlap to ensure a complete ring is cut around the circumference of the shrinkable label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Chin-Tan Hong
  • Patent number: 5482593
    Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of applying adhesive tape to a moving web of material is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tape supply for supplying the adhesive tape and attached tape liner. A tension roller maintains a substantially constant tension in the adhesive tape and the tape liner, while a drive roller drives the adhesive tape and the tape liner. A cutting device cuts the adhesive tape away from the tape liner into a strip of tape, the strip of tape having a predetermined length. A vacuum wheel receives the strip of tape and supplies the strip of tape to the moving web of material which is forced into contact with the vacuum wheel by a jump roller. A liner rewind roller receives the tape liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gary K. Kuhn, Herbert A. McLees
  • Patent number: 5464495
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Krones AG Hermann Kronseder Maschinenfabrik
    Inventor: Erich Eder
  • Patent number: 5460591
    Abstract: A machine for securing a thermoplastic coated paper handle to a paper cup, the machine including a mandrel turret mounted for rotary motion on a frame, the turret including a plurality of mandrels and a pair of clamp assemblies for clamping the cups onto the mandrels, a die assembly mounted on the frame for stamping paper handles from a strip of thermoplastic coated paper and a transfer turret for transferring the paper handles from the die assembly to the mandrel turret for attachment to the cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Paper Machinery Corporation
    Inventor: Dale L. Sand
  • Patent number: 5458729
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a label onto a small, cylindrical article, such as a dry cell battery, is disclosed. A rotatable label transport drum has a central, horizontal axis. A label is fed to the drum surface, retained thereto as the drum rotates, and moved with the rotating drum into an article wrapping position defined at the upper area of the drum. An article delivery system, such as a star transfer wheel, delivers the articles sequentially onto the drum surface. The delivery system is spaced outward from the drum surface to clear the trailing edge of the label which is outwardly positioned from the drum surface. An attractive force is imparted on the article in a direction so as to aid smooth delivery of the article onto the drum surface and the label moving therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventors: John M. Galchefski, Ian Westbury
  • 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: 5431763
    Abstract: A linerless labeling system which utilizes a transparent or opaque paper or plastic film substrate. The substrate is provided in web roll form and is printed on one side with an image overcoated with an adhesive. The opposite surface has release characteristics. When applied, the web is fed across an anvil plate. A die engages the anvil plate, cuts the label from the web which label is then transferred to the surface of an item such as a plastic container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Boss Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Franklin C. Bradshaw
  • Patent number: 5429576
    Abstract: A reusable adhesive envelope and a method and apparatus for making same. The envelope includes a pouch adapted to receive the contents and having an open edge. A flap is mounted adjacent this open edge and may be folded about a flap fold to close the pouch opening. The exterior of the pouch mounts a protective strip. The interior face of the flap mounts a pressure sensitive adhesive, which is initially covered by a release liner. Upon removing the release liner the adhesive on the flap may be secure to the protective strip to close the flap. The flap may be opened and reclosed numerous times. The protective strip and the adhesive/release liner combination are each applied to the envelope as tape strips. With the envelopes in the open configuration these tape strips are alternately applied from a single transfer mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Winkler & Dunnebier
    Inventor: Alfred Doderer-Winkler
  • 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: 5409565
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Windmoller & Holscher
    Inventors: Fritz Achelpohl, Helmut Simon
  • Patent number: 5398395
    Abstract: Apparatus for applying a sleeve of heat-shrink material (a "band") to a container comprises a rotary drum having a plurality of upstanding heads. A web of banding material is intermittently advanced and lengths cut off, each cut length being held by fingers in the path of a gripper head mounted on the rotary drum. Each head has forward-facing vacuum port through which air is drawn on a timed basis, so that a band 30 will be picked-up and held by one side face as the gripper head passes the fingers. The resilience of the banding material allows the band partially to open out as it is transferred by the gripper head. The rotation of the drum is synchronized to advancement of the containers, so that a held band is rolled on to the top of a container, the container serving to assist in the opening-out of the band, whereat the band is released by the gripper head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Graham Labelling Systems Limited
    Inventor: Peter J. Woolls
  • Patent number: 5393292
    Abstract: A machine for securing a thermoplastic coated paper handle to a paper cup having a seam on one side of the cup, the machine including a die assembly for forming paper handles having a backing strip and a wing on each side of the strip, a mandrel turret having a number of mandrels spaced about the perimeter of the turret, each of said mandrels having a blade assembly projecting outwardly from the surface of the mandrel to engage the seam in the cup, and a wheel assembly for rotating the cups on the mandrel to move the seam in the cup into engagement with the blade assembly, and a transfer turret for transferring the paper handles from the die assembly to the mandrel turret for attachment to the cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Paper Machinery Corporation
    Inventor: Dale L. Sand
  • Patent number: 5389190
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a twist-tie to a multiple serving, recloseable, flexible packaging container including a payout mechanism for holding a supply of twist-tie material. An extracting and cutting mechanism is configured to extract a continuous length of twist-tie material from the supply of twist-tie material and cut a twist-tie of a desired length. A magnetic application mechanism produces a magnetic force sufficient to remove the twist-tie (at least a portion of which is metallic) from the extracting and cutting mechanism. A dispensing mechanism dispenses a hot melt adhesive material on the twist-tie held by the magnetic application mechanism. The magnetic application mechanism then applies the twist-tie to a surface of a container. The adhesive material acts to secure the twist-tie to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Bedford Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Larsen, James A. Beckman, Stan W. Drietz, Scott L. Nelson, Mike P. Feltman, Gary L. Lowe