Abstract: A system for converting and attaching material strips to a substrate includes a dispenser configured to advance an elongated tape having length l1 and width w1 with l1>w1 relative to a surface of a substrate. A cutting tool cuts the elongated tape transversely along the width w1 of the tape to produce a strip having length l2 and width w2. During the cutting, a portion of the cutting Stool pushes a first surface of the strip against a gripper while cutting the tape. The gripper holds the first surface of the strip against the gripper while moving to position an opposing, second surface of the strip over the surface of the substrate. The gripper releases the strip after positioning the strip.

Abstract: Described herein is a warming blanket having a structure comprising a first layer of material forming a bottom layer with openings to allow a profusion of air through the bottom layer, a second layer of material forming an upper layer wherein the upper layer is coupled to the bottom layer to form an initial shape of the warming blanket and to form a plurality of interconnected air passageways between the first and second layers of material, wherein at least a portion of the structure is deformable in at least one dimension to reshape the periphery of the warming blanket while maintaining the integrity of the interconnecting air passageways throughout the structure; and wherein the deformable portion of the blanket is deformable by at least a 50% elongation. Examples of materials comprising the deformable portions of the warming blanket include low density polyethylene, metallocene polyethylene, polypropylene, parafilm, and polyurethane.

Abstract: A system for converting and attaching material strips to a substrate includes a dispenser configured to advance an en elongated tape having length l1 and width w1 with l1>w1 relative to a surface of a substrate. A cutting tool cuts the elongated tape transversely along the width w1 of the tape to produce a strip having length l2 and width w2. During the cutting, a portion of the cutting Stool pushes a first surface of the strip against a gripper while cutting the tape. The gripper holds the first surface of the strip against the gripper while moving to position an opposing, second surface of the strip over the surface of the substrate. The gripper releases the strip after positioning the strip.

Abstract: An improved contact nip roll, a method for assembling an improved contact nip roll, a system for nipping a web, and a method for nipping a web are provided. The improved contact nip roll integrates an inner softer core that can provide compliancy to web caliper variations, while rigid annular rings and a harder outer skin can maintain a uniform contact area.

Abstract: Vacuum effectors comprising: (a) a wall defining an enclosed opening and having a rim defining a lip plane; (b) a negative pressure source; (c) a shroud covering the rim; and (d) optionally a permeable support member spanning the enclosed opening, the support member being substantially planar and recessed a selected depth from the lip plane. Also, methods of manipulating work pieces using such vacuum effectors.

Abstract: An improved contact nip roll, a method for assembling an improved contact nip roll, a system for nipping a web, and a method for nipping a web are provided. The improved contact nip roll integrates an inner softer core that can provide compliancy to web caliper variations, while rigid annular rings and a harder outer skin can maintain a uniform contact area.