Abstract: A method for dispensing a ribbon of tape from a roll by using guide and feed rolls to apply a significantly higher tension to the ribbon along the longitudinal central portion of the ribbon than along the longitudinal side edge portions of the ribbon so that forces tending to tear the tape adjacent to the side edges of the tape are significantly less than those normally applied in drawing a ribbon of tape from a roll whereby breakage of the tape is minimized.

Abstract: A case sealing system utilizes a parallel link mechanism with a built-in locking positioning system to support a case sealer such as a taper, gluer or stapler or the like at a selected height above a support table whereby the height of the sealer above the table may be readily adjusted to accommodate different height packages. Preferably, the system will also include a pair of easily adjusted side guides that are moveable to positions to center different width packages relative to the centre line of the sealer so that the equipment may be quickly and accurately be positioned to accommodate different sized packages.

Abstract: A tape applicator having a displaceable front contact roller movable from an extended position to a retracted position and a detector positioned on the tape applicator so that movement of the tape with the front roller relatively positions the detector and tape in sensing position wherein the detector may detect the presence or absence of a tape along a tape path leading to the front roller. The detector is only activated when the tape and detector are in the sensing positions permitting detection of the tape. This is preferably accomplished in a conventional tape applicator with a cutoff knife by mounting the detector on the cutoff mechanism so that both the detector and the tape are moved toward each other to assume the required relative positions wherein the detector can detect the tape and activate a warning system in the event no tape is detected. Also disclosed is a tape applicator having a detector to sense when the tape cutter has failed to cut the tape.

Abstract: A case sealing system utilizes a parallel link mechanism with a built-in locking positioning system to support a case sealer such as a taper, gluer or stapler or the like at a selected height above a support table whereby the height of the sealer above the table may be readily adjusted to accommodate different height packages. Preferably, the system will also include a pair of easily adjusted side guides that are moveable to positions to center different width packages relative to the center line of the sealer so that the equipment may be quickly and accurately be positioned to accommodate different sized packages.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing tape, particularly a ribbon of tape, from a roll uses guide and feed rollers to define the path of the ribbon, at least sufficient of these rollers are shaped to apply a significantly higher unit tension to the ribbon along a central longitudinal portion of the ribbon than is applied along the longitudinal side edge portions of the ribbon on opposite sides of the longitudinal central portion so that forces tending to tear the tape adjacent to the side edges of the tape are significantly less than the forces in the center whereby breakage of the tape is minimized.