Abstract: Apparatus and method for manipulating lightweight strips in parallel, laterally edge-adjacent array into spaced apart array for processing includes a platen having channels for receiving the strips, and a comb device for translating the strips of alternating channels to form two groups of laterally spaced strips. A pick-and-place conveyor has suction cups to remove each group in unison from the platen and place it on a belt conveyor. Suction holes in the channels selectively retain the groups on the platen. The comb, pick-and-place conveyor, and belt conveyor operate in synchrony and reiteratively to create a continuous stream of spaced apart strips.

Abstract: Diagnostic strips of the kind which are exposed to biological fluids such as blood or urine to detect or monitor medical conditions are cut sequentially from elongated cards by a reciprocating shear blade. The cards may be ones which exhibit defective areas that should not be included in the finished strips. Blade motion seats each newly cut strip on a movable strip carrier which abuts the blade during the cutting operation. The carrier then travels a nondefective strip to a pickup location where it is precisely positioned and picked off of the carrier for emplacement in a housing. A strip with a defective area is carried further to a discharge location where it is released into a waste receptacle. This enables more economical manufacture of diagnostic strips by efficiently making use of nondefective areas of cards that have defective areas.

Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus for packing items in selectively variable numerical quantities includes a track assembly adapted to support a plurality of strip items in parallel array. In a first section of the track assembly, a lateral slot receives consecutive batches of strips in parallel array. A plurality of pusher elements extend through a track slot, pushing the strips to impinge on each other in edge-adjacent fashion, and to translate distally from the first stage. A second stage of the track assembly includes a sufficient length of the track to accumulate a large number of strips. At the distal end of the track, a strip collection cylinder receives the strips. One end of the cylinder is configured to receive the open end of a bottle package, and the other receives a plunger to push the accumulated strips from to the bottle.

Abstract: In an apparatus for feeding and delivering a thin web in a longitudinal direction, a web guide for precisely controlling the lateral position of the web includes an assembly formed of a platen and mating cover. The platen is provided with an upper surface having a shallow channel formed therein, the channel being sufficiently deep to receive the thickness of the web. The channel includes opposed parallel edges, either one of which may be designated a reference edge. The channel is dimensioned to be wider than the thin web or film. The platen includes a plurality of shallow grooves extending laterally across the upper surface of the platen and the bottom surface of the channel and spaced longitudinally therealong. The cover includes a generally planar bottom surface that mates with the platen to seal the top of the channel. Air is introduced into the shallow grooves at like ends thereof that are opposite the designated reference edge of the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembly of laminated components to a card base includes a main platen secured to a pair of precision linear bearings to support the card base. Rows of vacuum holes in the platen secure the card by suction effect. A removable track location key at one edge of the main platen includes detent positions engaged by a track location lock, so that the main platen may be locked at any of those positions. A transfer platen extending parallel to the main platen is pivotally secured to the machine base. The transfer platen also includes rows of vacuum holes to hold component strips by suction effect. The transfer platen is rotatable from a loading position to the main platen to deliver a component strip to a precise position on a card secured on the main platen. The method of the invention includes placing a card substrate on the main platen and securing it thereto with vacuum suction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and packaging a plurality of strips of a web material operates in conjunction with a rotary cutter assembly which forms a plurality of strips in parallel, longitudinally spaced array. A platen includes an intake portion with a plurality of inclined surfaces extending longitudinally in parallel array away from the cutter assembly, the inclined surfaces being stepped to capture the strips. A fixed top plate extends above the intake portion of the platen, and is provided with steps formed in complementary fashion to the platen steps to retain the cut strips therebetween. The strips are moved longitudinally along their respective steps to a collection portion of the platen. A movable top plate disposed above the collection portion translates longitudinally to expose the strips on the collection portion.