Abstract: An automatic continuous flow liquid dispensing device for dispensing liquid onto a receiving surface of an article includes an improved flow control mechanism comprising a threaded elongate shaft retained in threaded engagement by a base member securely attachable to the external housing, so as to be selectively rotatably movable to any one of a plurality of stop positions. The threaded shaft is positioned to be contactable by a valve of the dispensing device, thereby acting as a backstop to preclude the valve from reaching its full flow position, and thus defining a plurality of partial flow positions. An electric motor rotates the threaded shaft in first and second rotational directions, to selected stop positions. Electrical controls are connected in electrically conductive relation to the electric motor for selective control thereof.

Abstract: A packaging tape applicator for automatically applying packaging tape to groups of juxtaposed containers travelling along a conveyor comprises a gate mechanism movable between a holding position and a delivery position, for apportioning a continuous supply of individual containers into consecutive groups. Indexing means move along the conveyor in synchronized relation to the gate mechanism such that the indexing means are disposed in separating relation one between each consecutive pair of groups of juxtaposed containers. First and second packaging tape applicator mechanisms are positioned on opposite sides of the packaging tape applicator to apply first and second lengths of packaging tape to the groups of juxtaposed containers. First and second cutting mechanisms move in synchronized relation to the indexing means to cut the packaging tape, thereby separating the taped groups of juxtaposed containers one from another.

Abstract: An improved flow control mechanism for use in an automatic continuous flow liquid dispensing device for dispensing liquid through a dispensing output onto a receiving surface of an article, is disclosed. The improved flow control mechanism comprises a needle valve on a threaded elongate shaft, which shaft is threadably mounted on the dispensing device housing, for movement of the needle valve between a full flow position where the needle valve is retained in spaced relation with respect to the dispensing output opening so as to permit a full flow of liquid from the main chamber through the dispensing output opening, and a reduced flow position where the needle valve is retained in a reduced spaced relation with respect to the dispensing output opening so as to permit only a reduced flow of liquid from the main chamber through the dispensing output opening.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus is adapted to accurately dispense known volumes of liquid onto the receiving surface a workpiece, and comprises a cartridge having a reservoir for containing an amount of liquid. The cartridge has an outlet of known cross sectional area, and a piston adapted for longitudinal translational movement. There is a driving means for effecting movement of the piston, control means for operating said driving means, and means having a threaded portion for mechanically interconnecting the piston and driving means, so as to drive the piston within the cartridge. One of a first and second retaining means is securely connected to the piston and the other of said first and second retaining means is securely connected to said cartridge; and the interconnection means is longitudinally rigid between the first and said second retaining means so as to preclude unwanted relative movement of the piston with respect to the cartridge.

Abstract: Prior art methods of transporting sheets of paper such as letterhead sheets through tractor-feed printers have included the use of glue, and of vacuum, to hold the sheet onto a carrier. (The carrier has a series of holes along each of its edges characteristic of the tractor-feed system.) Pockets formed by folding the carrier have also been proposed. Disclosed is an improved carrier where the pockets are formed simply and inexpensively by the double thickness band caused by the overlapping of pieces of the carrier. This manner of forming the pockets lends itself to the provision of an endless-loop type of carrier, since the final joint between pieces can be made after the carrier has been fed through the tractor rollers of a tractor-feed printer. The pieces of the carrier may be plastic or paper and may be disposable after use or re-usable depending on the type of adhesive used.