Abstract: A handheld adhesive segment applicator is provided for use with an adhesive segment laden carrier release tape. The handheld applicator includes an adhesive dispensing wheel upon which a roll of adhesive segment carrier release tape is mounted and a take-up core system operatively engaged to the dispensing wheel for automatically advancing and positioning the adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape.

Abstract: An automated system and method for applying thermoplastic adhesives to work pieces from a roll of adhesive segments applied to an adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape. The adhesive segment is applied from the adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape onto a work piece by the use of an automatically actuated applicator head that contacts the surface of the adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape opposite the adhesive segment thereon to push the adhesive segment against the work piece to apply the adhesive segment to the work piece. The applicator head may include one or more sharp projections thereon that pierce through the carrier release tape, but not through the adhesive segment thereon, as the head presses the carrier release tape and adhesive segment against the work piece to facilitate assured release of the adhesive segment from the carrier release tape and application of the adhesive segment to a work piece by the applicator head.

Abstract: An automated system and method for applying thermoplastic adhesives to work pieces from a roll of adhesive segments applied to an adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape. The present invention may be implemented in a system that automatically advances the adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape to position an adhesive segment thereon in the apparatus for application thereof to a work piece. Accurate indexing and advancement of the adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape preferably is provided by optical indexing of the carrier release tape, e.g., by the optical detection of a transverse line or other index marking printed or otherwise provided on the adhesive segment carrier release along with the adhesive segments deposited thereon.

Abstract: An adhesive segment applicator apparatus is provided for use with an adhesive segment laden carrier release tape. The adhesive segment applicator has an adhesive dispensing wheel upon which a roll of adhesive segment carrier release tape is mounted and a take-up core system that prevents the adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape from becoming loose or pulling away from the adhesive segment applicator apparatus when an adhesive segment is dispensed, in order easily to dispense an adhesive segment to a surface.

Abstract: An automated adhesive segment applicator apparatus is provided for use with an adhesive segment laden carrier release tape. The automated adhesive segment applicator has a carrier tape dispensing system including a supply spool upon which a roll of adhesive segment carrier release tape is mounted and a take-up spool configured to provide a carrier tape path whereby the adhesive segment-laden carrier release tape is prevented from becoming loose or pulling away from the adhesive segment applicator apparatus when an adhesive segment is dispensed, in order easily to dispense an adhesive segment to a surface. The automated adhesive segment applicator may be provided with at least one index marking detector for precise advancement of the carrier tape within the applicator.