Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a first running spool of elongated material and second and third stand-by spools of elongated material. The first spool has a trailing end portion and a first obstacle element secured to its trailing end portion. The second spool has a leading end portion and a first catching mechanism secured to the leading end portion, as well as a trailing end portion with a second obstacle element secured to its trailing end portion. The third spool has a leading end portion and a second catching mechanism secured to its leading end portion. A support member is configured to at least partially support the leading end portions of both the second and third spools.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for splicing tapes dispensed from a tape dispenser. According to one embodiment, a first, running or unwinding roll of tape is provided with a first splicing element secured to its trailing end portion. A second, stationary or standby roll of tape is provided with a second splicing element secured to its leading end portion. The second splicing element comprises a body made of a self-supporting material and formed with at least one aperture sized to receive the tape from the first roll. While tape is being dispensed from the first roll, the running tape is inserted into the aperture of the second splicing element. When the first roll of tape becomes depleted, the first splicing element engages the second splicing element, thereby splicing the leading end portion of the second tape roll to the trailing end portion of the first tape roll.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a first running spool of elongated material and second and third stand-by spools of elongated material. The first spool has a trailing end portion and a first obstacle element secured to its trailing end portion. The second spool has a leading end portion and a first catching mechanism secured to the leading end portion, as well as a trailing end portion with a second obstacle element secured to its trailing end portion. The third spool has a leading end portion and a second catching mechanism secured to its leading end portion. A support member is configured to at least partially support the leading end portions of both the second and third spools.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for splicing tapes dispensed from a tape dispenser. According to one embodiment, a first, running or unwinding roll of tape is provided with a first splicing element secured to its trailing end portion. A second, stationary or standby roll of tape is provided with a second splicing element secured to its leading end portion. The second splicing element comprises a body made of a self-supporting material and formed with at least one aperture sized to receive the tape from the first roll. While tape is being dispensed from the first roll, the running tape is inserted into the aperture of the second splicing element. When the first roll of tape becomes depleted, the first splicing element engages the second splicing element, thereby splicing the leading end portion of the second tape roll to the trailing end portion of the first tape roll.

Abstract: A device and a method for applying tape to one or more sheets of material in a moving line-up. The device can include a tape applicator, a sensor, a tape cutter, a tape gripper, an engagement-initiation press, and a hold-down portion. During intermittent operation, the tape applicator is moved away from the sheets of material causing an unattached tape portion to extend from the tape applicator to a final connection point on the sheets of material. The tape cutter and the tape gripper are configured to cut and grip the unattached tape portion. As tape application is restarted, the engagement-initiation press is lowered to hold the end of the tape in place. The hold-down portion prevents the sheets of material from shifting out of alignment as tape is applied by the tape applicator. The sensor can be used, for example, to detect gaps between the sheets of material.