Abstract: A labeling apparatus is configured for applying a label onto a moving object. The apparatus includes a label delivery mechanism having a fixed reference point and configured to hold the label in a fixed position relative to the fixed reference point. The label delivery mechanism is operable to deliver the label onto the object. A first adhesive applicator includes a first adhesive discharge and is positioned and arranged to dispense adhesive onto a first portion of the label. A second adhesive applicator includes a second adhesive discharge and is positioned and arranged to dispense adhesive onto a second portion of the label during contact with the label. The first adhesive discharge and the second adhesive discharge are maintained at respective fixed positions relative to the fixed reference point.

Abstract: An adhesive liquid dispensing apparatus includes a gun manifold, a dispensing module, and a dispensing orifice. The inlet port of the gun manifold is directly coupled with a reservoir of adhesive hot melt liquid that is fixedly attached to the manifold. The contents of the reservoir are under pressure so that the adhesive hot melt liquid is dispensed from the adhesive liquid dispensing apparatus without the need for heated supply hoses to connect the inlet port of the manifold to a remote source of adhesive hot melt liquid. Preferably, the adhesive liquid dispensing system is coupled with a robot that controls the positioning of the system during an adhesive liquid dispensing operation.

Abstract: A labeling apparatus and method for applying individual labels onto individual objects moving along a conveyor includes a label delivery mechanism configured to hold a plurality of the labels and operable to deliver individual ones of the labels adjacent to the conveyor. A non-contact adhesive spray applicator including at least one nozzle having a plurality of individual adhesive discharge orifices may be positioned and arranged to discharge adhesive from the orifices onto either the labels or the objects such that the labels may be respectively adhered to the objects.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing liquid includes a cartridge assembly having a housing with an opening at one end and a first passage at an opposite end. The opening and the first passage communicate with an interior space of the housing. A cartridge of the liquid is insertable through the opening into the interior space and openable thereafter at the end of the housing opposite to the open end such that the liquid can flow into the first passage. A metered dispensing assembly is coupled with the cartridge assembly and includes a positive displacement pump in fluid communication with the first passage of the cartridge assembly and a valve module disposed downstream of the positive displacement pump and in fluid communication with the pump for selectively dispensing the liquid.

Abstract: An adhesive liquid dispensing apparatus includes a gun manifold, a dispensing module, and a dispensing orifice. The inlet port of the gun manifold is directly coupled with a reservoir of adhesive hot melt liquid that is fixedly attached to the manifold. The contents of the reservoir are under pressure so that the adhesive hot melt liquid is dispensed from the adhesive liquid dispensing apparatus without the need for heated supply hoses to connect the inlet port of the manifold to a remote source of adhesive hot melt liquid. Preferably, the adhesive liquid dispensing system is coupled with a robot that controls the positioning of the system during an adhesive liquid dispensing operation.

Abstract: A gasket assembly is formed from foam-in-place gasket material disposed on a substrate. A layer of thermoplastic material is disposed on a surface of the foam gasket material such that areas of the surface remain exposed. The layer of thermoplastic material does not completely encapsulate the foam gasket material and is selected to have a friction coefficient that is less than that of the foam material. In one embodiment, the gasket assembly further includes a second layer of thermoplastic material disposed between the substrate and the foam material to help bond the foam material to the substrate. The second layer of thermoplastic material may be applied to the substrate in the form of a continuous web, or in fiberized form.

Abstract: A method for dispensing an adhesive to a substrate without contact between the adhesive dispenser and the substrate. The method includes spacing the liquid discharge outlets of a dispensing nozzle above a substrate, moving the substrate beneath the outlets, opening a valve to dispense a series of spaced apart adhesive beads from the outlets, coalescing the beads to form a film layer, and closing the valve to stop the flow of adhesive from the nozzle.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a weather strip includes forming a compressible bulb member having a hollow interior. A curable liquid material, such as a thermoplastic hot melt material, is injected into the hollow interior. The curable liquid cures into a resilient plug to provide reinforcement to one or more locations along the length of the weather strip.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing high quality closed cell foams for use in applications such as coatings, sealant beads, seam filling and gaskets is provided. A two-stage mixing unit, having a static mixing stage comprising a static mixer having a plurality of mixing elements followed immediately by a second dynamic stage such as a dynamic gear pump or disc mixer is used to homogeneously disperse a gas throughout a highly viscous liquid polymeric material such as a plastisol, silicone, butyl or urethane based materials.