Abstract: A system and method for automatic splicing of rolls of sleeve material used in various packaging markets is provided. The system will automatically splice the prepared end of a new roll onto the expiring end of the prior roll. The system performs an automatic cut and splice operation resulting in a butt splice of the two rolls with tape applied to both sides of the splice joint. The splice can be done in-registration to provide a consistent product repeat length between expiring and new rolls.

Abstract: A web handling apparatus includes a base, a housing, a splicing head mounted in the housing, and first and second non-rotatable swing out roll shafts, each shaft having opposite first and second ends. The roll shafts are normally positioned in the housing substantially parallel to the splicing head so that web can travel through the splicing head to on from web rolls on the roll shafts. A web accumulator mounted to the housing conducts web to or from the splicing head and the housing is movably mounted to the base so that the housing can move relative to the base in either direction parallel to the roll shafts. An actuator connected between the housing and the base moves the housing relative to the base in response to signals from a web position sensor so as to minimize the side lay of web extending to or from the apparatus.

Abstract: A web handling apparatus includes a base, a housing, a splicing head mounted in the housing, and first and second non-rotatable swing out roll shafts, each shaft having opposite first and second ends. The roll shafts are normally positioned in the housing substantially parallel to the splicing head so that web can travel through the splicing head to on from web rolls on the roll shafts. A web accumulator mounted to the housing conducts web to or from the splicing head and the housing is movably mounted to the base so that the housing can move relative to the base in either direction parallel to the roll shafts. An actuator connected between the housing and the base moves the housing relative to the base in response to signals from a web position sensor so as to minimize the side lay of web extending to or from the apparatus.

Abstract: A container for growing anaerobic microorganisms having a cone-shaped dish and matching cone-shaped cover that define between them a prescribed volume. An overflow trough surrounds the dish, and the peripheries of the dish and cover seal together by excess agar medium carrying the organisms squeezed from the volume as the cover is applied to the dish. The colonies of organisms can be viewed either through the dish or cover because each is transparent.

Abstract: A pistol-shaped pipetter capable of operation on a full range of pipettes from 0 to 25 ml and which has a pair of vacuum chambers which are activated by trigger-type devices on the pistol grip of the unit. With a small volume pipette the selector valve is placed in one setting wherein only one of the vacuum chambers is directly connected to the pipette. With a larger volume pipette, the selector valve is positioned so as to place both vacuum chambers in communication with it. A rapid discharge of the fluid in the pipette is achieved by trigger actuation while a fine, controlled discharge is achieved by an air bleed valve control.