Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a lubricant to an object is disclosed. The lubrication apparatus includes a rotatable and cylindrically shaped brush for applying the lubricant to the object, a housing for holding the brush, and a pump for applying the lubricant to the brush located in a chamber positioned below the brush. A vertical slide cylinder moves the brush in a generally vertical direction along the central axis in and out of the chamber, and a horizontal slide cylinder moves the brush in a generally horizontal direction transverse to the central axis to contact the object. The chamber has a sloped chamber cap connected to the top portion of the chamber for collecting lubricant that drips from the brush. The brush is preferably rotated by a motor.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a fixing member, the surface of which composed of a fluororesin layer, a pressure member which is brought into contact with the surface of the fixing member; a heating member for fusing a toner image on a recording medium, which passes between the fixing member and pressure member, through the fixing member. The device further includes a hollow oil roller for coating toner repellent oil, which is accommodated inside a hollow of the roller, onto the surface of the fixing member. The outer layer of the oil roller is made of a porous layer into which a fluorine-containing surface active agent is impregnated.

Abstract: The paint or decorating roller, which is intended to produce contrast effects with substantially unevenly-distributed impressions, such as those produced with pads, without showing an undesirable tendency to slip, is constituted by an array of flexible tuft-like decorating elements (2, 9, 19) which are fixed permanently or removably to the outer surface of the roller body (1, 15, 2 1) which is coupled for rotation on the straight front portion of a respective support arm (4, 17, 25), each tuft being formed by the pleating along at least two intersecting lines of an inner, central region of a flat piece of fabric, hide or other material having a regular or preferably even an indented outline; the roller is for use in the painting and decorating field in general.

Abstract: A paint roller edge guard apparatus facilitating the painting of a wall surface adjacent a non-painted surface from the application of paint to the non-painted surface from the roller sock. The apparatus comprises a handle and an edge guard having four edges and front and back faces. The edge guard is pivotally and rotatable supported on the handle. The roller is rotatably supported on the handle such that the roller may be rotated between a painting position, wherein the roller sock longitudinal axis is perpendicular to and adjacent the edge guard front face, and a filling position wherein the roller sock longitudinal axis is parallel to the edge guard front face. The roller sock may be placed in contact with the painted wall by application of pressure to the handle deflecting the edge guard rearward allowing the roller sock to contact the painted wall surface.

Abstract: A paint roller assembly having an integral paint roller sleeve washing apparatus for washing a paint roller sleeve without having to remove the sleeve from the paint roller assembly. The paint roller assembly comprises a shield, a manifold connected to the shield and a plurality of tubes. The paint roller shield has a plurality of apertures therethrough. One end of each tube is connected in fluid flow communication to a corresponding one of the apertures and the other end of each tube is connected in fluid flow communication to the manifold. The manifold is connected in fluid flow communication to a fluid source whereby a fluid is sprayed on the sleeve rotating the sleeve and flushing the paint therefrom.

Abstract: An multicolor stamp pad comprising a plurality of ink pads arranged in a line and suitable for use with a multitude of different aqueous dye-based inks, and methods of using the same. The plurality of ink pads are retained on an extension member that permits adjacent ink pads to contact one another when the extension member is retracted, (e.g., in use) while maintaining the plurality of ink pads in separation when the extension member is extended (e.g., in storage). The multicolor stamp pad suitable may also have disposed between the ink pads a flexible, thin, aqueous-impermeable film, such as a thin plastic film.

Abstract: A fingerprinting device including a hollow housing having a finger receiving entryway, a paper exit, and a charcoal-laden pad coupled thereto for receiving fingers of a user's hand thereupon; a press area coupled to the housing at a location offset below the finger receiving entryway for receiving charcoal-laden fingers of the user's hand thereupon; an axially-rotatable tubular roll of adhesive tape coupled to the housing and extended over the press area and through the paper exit and with charcoal from the user's fingers adhering to the tape to thereby create a negative print on the tape; an axially rotatable tubular roll of paper coupled to the housing and extended through the paper exit; and a pressurized roller mechanism for temporarily adhering the charcoal-laden tape with the paper and fixedly adhering the charcoal with the paper as the tape and paper travel toward the paper exit to thereby create a positive print on the paper and with the tape removable from contact with the paper to allow the positive

Abstract: A fast spot gluing machine for screws is disclosed, having a vibrating body, a horizontal conveyor, a support board, a rubber wheel, a spot gluing plate, a speed-adjustable motor, a control circuit and a glue compressor. A spiral slope is disposed on an inner wall of the vibrating body, extending to a top of the vibrating body to connect with the horizontal conveyor. The support board is disposed at a rear portion of the horizontal conveyor and includes a base board and first and second upright boards. The control circuit is used to control rotational speed of the motor. The motor has a rotary shaft on which the rubber wheel is fitted. The first upright board is formed with an arcuate notch for partially receiving the rubber wheel and the second upright board is formed with an elongated adjusting slot. An adjusting screw formed with a through hole is disposed through elongated slot to engage the spot gluing plate.

Abstract: A support for a paint coating pad and handle. The support has a base plate for attaching to the paint coating pad. The base plate has a plurality of snap-lock support arms for receiving a shaft of the handle. A latch block having a plurality of locking grooves receives an offset section of the handle permitting the support to be attached to the handle at different working angles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the combination of a tape dispensing machine which includes an exit chute and a pressure plate assembly, and a pressure plate positioner which has at least one support member positioned between the chute and the pressure plate assembly for providing an upward force on the pressure plate assembly to reduce the frictional force on any tape which passes therebetween to prevent jamming of the tape during dispensing. In addition, the invention relates to a method for facilitating the dispensing of relatively thin tapes which comprises providing an upward force on the pressure plate assembly to reduce the frictional force on any tape which passes therebetween to prevent jamming of the tape during dispensing. This upward force is preferably provided by installing the pressure plate positioner described above between the chute and pressure plate assembly of the tape dispenser.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for employing a surfactant which is provided in order to assist in the release from each other of mold components of a multi-part mold employed in the molding of polymeric articles; for instance, such as a hydrophilic contact lens, upon completion of the molding process for the polymeric articles. The surfactant is applied in the form of a film or coating on surface portions of one of the mold components in order to facilitate the disengagement between the mold components during demolding, and the removal of excess polymeric molding material adhesively deposited on surfaces thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of surely removing a toner or similar image forming substance stably cohered to a sheet, and an apparatus for processing a sheet are disclosed. A liquid supply unit uniformly supplies a liquid to a toner carried on the sheet. The sheet infiltrated with the liquid is heated by a toner removing unit to have to the toner thereof softened. As a result, the toner adheres to the surface of an offset member implemented as a belt or a drum. The sheet containing the liquid therein is conveyed to the toner removing unit without creasing, breaking or folding.

Abstract: A fan-shaped stamp pad that provides from one to a multitude of differently colored inks to a single stamp, at the option of a user. Additionally, the fan-shaped stamp pad permits the application of a great number of colors of ink to a stamp while requiring only one application of the stamp to the stamp pad, thereby reducing the chance of smearing, or otherwise contaminating, the ink from one section of the pad to another.

Abstract: A device for moistening the adhesive of a sheet material such as the flap of an envelope or a postage stamp, is disclosed having a container with hinged lid. A moistened sponge is stored in the container having raised a step adjacent to the latch closure of the lid with the front wall of the container and is provided with a deep recess adjacent to the hinge connection of the lid with the container. A slider is movably carried on the lid and includes a pressure plate adapted to press against the top surface of the inserted sheet material forcibly urging the adhesive surface onto the moistened sponge step. The slider has two positions, one position with the pressure plate projecting into the recess when the lid is closed and the other position when advanced to be adjacent the step. A limit stop is carried on the container beneath the sponge step for limiting pivotal movement of the lid to prevent latching of the lid when the slider is in its advanced position.

Abstract: An oil applicator for applying a film of oil to a strip of metal has a hollow tubular shaft having a porous, oil absorbent sleeve, with oil sprays spraying oil onto the surface of the sleeve and a vacuum drawn through the hollow of the shaft to draw excess oil through apertures in the shaft wall for collection in a housing. A casing is provided that contains the applicator roll and a slot in the wall of the casing communicates with a duct through which a second vacuum is drawn which removes excess oil that may be applied to the strip of metal and collects the same in a second housing.

Abstract: A liquid metering and coating device made of a liquid permeation control material including porous polytetrafluoroethylene, adhered to a porous support material of open-celled foam. The porous support and permeation control material contain mixtures of silicone oil and silicone rubber which bond to the porous support material and form an interconnected network of silicone rubber throughout the device. The device is suitable for use as a part of a toner fixation mechanism in a plain paper copying machine.

Abstract: An improved method for making a release agent delivery device for delivery of release agent to a roller is disclosed for use in laser printers, plain paper copiers, facsimile machines, and similar printing apparatus. The delivery apparatus comprises an absorbent textile core filled with release agent, a permeable membrane surrounding the textile core to form a sheathed wick member, and a mounting sleeve adapted to attach the sheathed wick member in operative contact with the printer. The apparatus has numerous operational advantages over existing oil delivery apparatus, including providing multiple contact surfaces for longer operational life before replacement, ease in cleaning and regeneration, improved durability and reduced wear, and more compact and versatile operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a protective layer on a card by use of a resin solution, includes a coating head having a fiber member, wherein the coating head is relatively positioned on the card so as to be brought in contact with a portion of a surface of the card so that the resin solution is transferred onto the contact portion of the card through the fiber member. The apparatus includes a moving device to selectively move at least one of the coating head and the card so as to move the contact portion along the surface of the card so that the surface of the card is coated with the resin solution.

Abstract: An ink pad device with ink reservoir for coating a stamping device with ink comprising ink reservoir, cap, housing, high-absorbency ink pad, low-absorbency ink pad and ink pad cover. The present invention incorporates an ink reservoir to an ink pad so that the ink pad device may be used indefinitely by refilling the ink reservoir with ink, thereby avoiding the predominant situation wherein the ink pad device is discarded when the ink in the ink pad is depleted and the ink pad subsequently dries up. The ink in the ink reservoir is absorbed by the high-absorbency ink pad located in the bottom of the housing and in turn the low-absorbency ink pad placed on top of the high-absorbency ink pad absorbs the ink in the high-absorbency ink pad, thereby preventing a given stamping device from acquiring excessive amount of ink from the ink pad device.

Abstract: An applicator for coating sheet material has a relatively thick compressible, saturable layer for engaging the sheet which is effective to apply an optically clear coating when saturated with a flood of liquid coating composition. The coated article has virtually no visible defects and has high optical transmission and low haze.

Abstract: A primer applicator which is movable along a surface of a workpiece such as an automobile window glass panel has a rotatable primer coating roller having an outer circumferential layer of soft resin. A robot arm which supports the primer applicator is actuated to move the primer applicator along the surface of the workpiece in rolling contact therewith to apply a primer to the surface of the workpiece. The primer is supplied to the outer circumferential layer of the primer coating roller when the primer coating roller rolls on the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A machine for applying grout mortar to a tiled surface includes a rotatable, frustroconical shroud having a plurality of generally radially extending blades therein. Resilient foot pads positioned at the bottom edges of the shroud and the blades contact the tiled surface. Each of the blades preferably is curved so that its outer end precedes its inner end in the direction of rotation of the shroud. Each blade also is tilted so that the upper edge is ahead of the its lower edge in the direction of rotation of the shroud.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying labels onto small cylindrical articles such as dry cell batteries is disclosed. A label transport drum has a substantially smooth surface. Cut labels are applied to the surface and an adhesive applicator applies a preferred cold adhesive onto an area adjacent the leading edge of the label. A solvent applicator applies a predetermined amount of solvent on the area adjacent the trailing edge of the label. The solvent applicator includes a solvent transfer roll and a rotatably support rotary pad print head. The rotary pad print head includes at least one narrowly tapering, flexible wiper tip. In one embodiment the wiper tip has a V-notch on its end. The flexible tip engages the solvent transfer roll, transferring solvent from the solvent transfer roll into the V-notch. the rotary pad print head is timed to rotate so that the flexible tip is deflected against the area adjacent the trailing edge of the label.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sizing a piston to a defined size outer diameter surface, which is the contact surface with the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus method involves first measuring each piston, then calculating the amount of coating required to achieve the desired diameter for each individual piston or range of pistons and then applying a precise coating in either one or more coats preferably by using a rotary pad printing technique to produce the precise film thickness, thus narrowing the diameter range of the group of pistons.

Abstract: A new and improved moistening apparatus is used with a squeezable bottle and includes a moisture dispensing assembly connected by a friction fit to the mouth portion of the bottle. The moisture dispensing assembly includes a stopper assembly, a moisture dispensing element (such as a sponge) supported by the stopper assembly, and a conduit tube assembly connected to and in fluid communication with the moisture dispensing element. The conduit tube assembly extends from the moisture dispensing element to an interior portion of the bottle for conveying water from the bottle to the moisture dispensing element. By squeezing the bottle, water is forced by positive pressure from the body portion through the conduit tube assembly to the moisture dispensing element.

Abstract: Air bubbles which are entrapped within the cells of an engraved applicator roller are displaced from the cells by wiping the surface of the engraved applicator roller with the bristles of a brush. An elongated brush mounted on a doctor blade head projects into a doctor blade reservoir. The bristles of the brush are disposed for wiping engagement against the engraved surface of an applicator roller which is wetted by liquid coating material. As the engraved applicator roller rotates in contact with the liquid material in the doctor blade reservoir, the bristles of the brush puncture the entrapped air bubbles and sweep the entrapped air away from the cells. The sweeping action of the bristles induces a relatively low pressure condition within the cells, which promotes the flow of liquid material into the cells.

Abstract: A powder dispensing device for dispensing powder in controlled quantities used in connection with playing billiards is disclosed. The device of the present invention includes a box-type enclosure made of wood or plastic or other suitable material, into which a loose weave cloth container containing powder such as talcum powder is attached to the bottom surface of a substantially semi-circular mounting platform inside the enclosure, closely adjacent to and above an opening in the front of the enclosure. Mounting flanges formed by extending the back of the enclosure beyond the length of the sides of the enclosure allow the entire device to be mounted to a wall or other substantially vertical surface. When the cloth container is agitated, the powder is dispensed directly onto the fingers of a player.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing grips on golf club shafts includes a grip lubricating device and a golf club shaft lubricating device. The grip lubricating device utilizes a wick which wipes against an inner surface of a grip. The wick is wettable by a lubricant that is held in a container. The golf club shaft lubricating device utilizes an absorbent, sponge-like liner that wipes against an outer surface of one end of a golf club shaft. Control valves regulate flow of lubricant from the container so that a controlled amount of lubricant is applied to the inner surface of the grip and to the outer surface of the one end of the golf club shaft.

Abstract: An electronic mail tracking system having automatic zip code break marking capability. A series of optical sensors along the mail piece transport path of the tracking system track the progress of the mail pieces. A felt tip marker removably mounted to a solenoid is selectively extended and retracted to mark zip code breaks and the mail pieces are then transported to a stacker. The system provides high speed, reliable and low cost zip break marking and tracking of mail piece.

Abstract: A fabric covering adapted to be placed over the suction head of a conventional electric broom to prevent the scratching and/or marring of a non-carpeted floor surface. The fabric covering includes first and second opposed openings formed therethrough. The first opening includes an elastic band positioned in a peripheral hem to gather the covering about the suction head. The second opening is substantially, identically shaped as the suction opening formed in the bottom surface of the suction head. Therefore, once the covering is placed over the suction head, no portion of the suction head can contact either the floor surface or any inanimate objects which may be contacted when the electric broom is moved about the floor.

Abstract: A fingerprint ink dispensing apparatus includes a ceramic disk positioned over an ink reservoir in the form, for example, of a felt pad. The ceramic disk has an average porosity of about 40% and an average pore size of about 5 microns. A colored pigment such as carbon black dispensed in a hydrocarbon oil is disposed in the reservoir with the concentration of the carbon black being about 22% by weight and the diameter of the carbon black particles falling within the range of 0.15 to 0.60 microns and the average size being about 0.35 microns.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming coreless paper roll products are disclosed. Coreless paper roll products are formed by slitting a paper web to form web segments having side edges. The web segments are then wound about an elongated winder shaft. During winding of the paper web, liquid is applied to the web segments only at the side edges thereof while maintaining the web segments free of liquid between the side edges. When the rolls are formed and stripped from the winder shaft, the openings located at the ends of the roll at the roll central aperture will be well defined and allow ready insertion of a dispenser spindle. All the material of the roll can then be dispensed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for pretreating plastic sheets having poor adhesive properties, with a primer treatment. The primer treatment includes a sheet conveyor for conveying plastic sheets in one direction at a constant speed. A flexible, porous friction member is arranged so as to come into contact with adhesive areas of the plastic sheets. A press confronts the friction member and presses the plastic sheet against the friction member. A primer solution is supplied to the friction member where it is transmitted to the plastic sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for applying a protective coating to a film strip. The apparatus includes a coating unit for applying a coating of a curable liquid material to at least one surface of the film strip, a curing device for curing the coating of liquid material on the film strip into a protective coating, and a transport system for moving the film strip along a path extending from the coating unit to the curing device. The coating unit includes a substantially rigid, porous matrix having therein a plurality of interconnected pores, and is positioned such that the porous matrix contacts the surface of the film strip to be coated. The porous matrix stores the liquid material within the pores thereof and, upon contact with a surface of the film strip, transfers a coating of the liquid material thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying labels onto small cylindrical articles such as dry cell batteries is disclosed. A label transport drum has a substantially smooth surface. Cut labels are applied to the surface and an adhesive applicator applies a preferred cold adhesive onto an area adjacent the leading edge of the label. A solvent applicator applies a predetermined amount of solvent on the area adjacent the trailing edge of the label. The solvent applicator includes a solvent transfer roll and a rotatably supported rotary pad print head. The rotary pad print head includes at least one narrowly tapering, flexible wiper tip. In one embodiment the wiper tip has a V-notch on its end. The flexible tip engages the solvent transfer roll, transferring solvent from the solvent transfer roll into the V-notch. The rotary pad print head is timed to rotate so that the flexible tip is deflected against the area adjacent the trailing edge of the label.

Abstract: This invention relates to the treatment of substrates with fluidized material in repetitive patterns during application cycles. The treatment patterns made with this invention can be altered by changing machine operating parameters. The patterns of fluidized material are applied to substrates using an applicator drum. Machined in the outer surface of the applicator drum are a plurality of slots filled with deformable material. The deformable material extends to a position in each slot just short of the outside diameter of the applicator drum, leaving a cavity in each slot. These cavities are filled with slurry in a slurry applicator unit. A compression drum mounted within the hollow interior of the applicator drum uses compression tips to displace the deformable material in each slot in succession beyond the periphery of applicator drum at a position adjacent to the substrate, causing the slurry in the cavity to be applied to the substrate.

Abstract: A liquid applicator with reservoir within a housing with a slot through which the material, or in this embodiment, the envelope flap, is drawn to activate the previously applied adhesive thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for marking recyclable books permits the user to retain the recyclable value of the books while effectively deterring third-parties from reselling books which are intended to be recycled. The method includes transporting recyclable books past a designated marking location and marking at least a portion of the covers of the books with a distinguishing mark, and then transferring the marked books away from the marking location. The apparatus includes a marking device for marking the covers of the books, a transport device having a first and a second end for transporting the books past the marking device so that the covers of the books become marked thereby, and a removal device for moving the books away from the marking device after the covers of the books have been marked thereby.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid dispensing apparatus suitable for use in the fuser of an electrostatographic recording machine such as, for example, a xerographic copier or a printer. The apparatus includes a trough (41), a wick (100) extending along its length and a roller (47) in contact with the wick (100). A metering blade (49) is located adjacent the roller (47) in such a manner as to scrape off excess liquid from the surface of the roller (47), the metering blade (49) being disposed relative to the wick (100) such that the excess liquid falls on the wick (100) thereby ensuring saturation of the wick (100). Return paths for the excess liquid are provided between the wick (100) and the wall of the trough (41) so as to prevent build up of the excess liquid above the wick (100).

Abstract: A rotating wick for a fuser includes an outside surface having a roughness less than 0.1 mm. peak-to-valley. The outside surface is preferably a porous fibrous cloth which can cover a NOMEX needled felt surrounding a rotatable porous ceramic material. If enough turns of the cloth are used, the felt can be eliminated and single convolutions of the cloth can be severed and thrown away when soiled.

Abstract: An ink pad device for a high speed mailing machine is disclosed. The ink pad device includes an ink pad and an ink chamber in which the ink pad is at least partially disposed to sorb ink therefrom. The ink pad device may also comprise an ink reservoir and/or a pump for pumping ink from the reservoir to the ink chamber. The ink pad device is attachable to a drive for moving the ink pad horizontally and vertically from a horizontal home position to a horizontal inking position in which the ink pad is tamped against a printing device which imprints postage indicia. The ink pump comprises a deformable chamber which is compressed to pump ink from the reservoir to the ink chamber. In one embodiment, the ink pad and the ink chamber are provided as a disposable, non-replenishable, non-refillable unit containing a limited amount of ink for limited use. In another embodiment, the ink chamber, the ink pad, the reservoir and the pump form a unit in which ink is replenished from the reservoir to the ink chamber.

Abstract: A liquid metering and coating device made of a liquid permeation control layer adhered to a porous support in which the support is an open-celled foam internally reinforced to obtain the strength, resilience, and heat resistance needed for high durability in use as a part of a hot toner image fixation mechanism in a plain paper copying machine.

Abstract: An envelope sealing and feeding device has upper and lower interfitting parts defining a reservoir for a liquid to be used in the sealing operation and a substantially horizontal slot through which an envelope to be sealed can be fed. These parts co-operate with a wetter assembly which includes a wetter blade extending across the slot and a tubular structure containing wicking material and extending substantially vertically downwardly through the upper part and into the liquid reservoir.With this arrangement, replacement of the wetter assembly is made easier. Assembly and dis-assembly of the relevant parts of the machine in order to obtain access to the interior of the liquid reservoir can be done without difficulty.

Abstract: A paint applicator comprises a frame with a flat side which carries an absorbent pad; the other side of the frame supports a handle. The axles for a pair of rollers depend from a hinged mount supported on the handled face of said frame; the axles are parallel and are inclined toward one margin of the frame. The angle of the hinged mount with respect to the frame is adjustable. The rolling face of the rollers may have a circumferential groove such that, in use, the applicator may edge the paint on a surface adjacent a narrow moulding with a circumferential groove of the rolling surface of the rollers abutting the bevelled corner of the moulding. In another embodiment, the rollers have a knife-edged rolling face which abuts in the inside corner between the surface to be painted and the moulding. In a further embodiment, the rollers are replaced with a stationary knifed-edged abutment which is also intended to abut the inside corner between the surface to be painted and the moulding.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying a coating, such as a lubricant, on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of a can body wherein a turret having a plurality of pockets formed in its outer peripheral surface is mounted for rotation about a relatively fixed axis and during the rotation thereof a can body is fed into each pocket. The can body in each pocket is held against the outer peripheral surfaces of a pair of rotating rolls having a space therebetween by a vacuum acting through the space so that the can body is rotated thereby and while rotating is moved against a heated arcuate wick located in a heated arcuate support and having a supply of lubricant therein so as to form a coating of lubricant on the at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface.

Abstract: A hand held coating apparatus is comprised of first and second applicators in one apparatus. The handle is located in between the first and second applicators. The first applicator head, located on one end of the handle, is rotatable and the second applicator head, located on the opposite end of the handle, is non-rotatable, which is stationary head. Rotatable applicator is comprised of a sleeve and a sponge cover, which are secured on a rod end. The rotatable applicator is for rapid and evenly spreading coating material. Non-rotatable applicator is for mixing, dabbing, and applying coating material in hard to reach areas. The apparatus is small enough to be flipped over with a single hand motion, which allows the user to implement each applicator individually. The apparatus can be used for coating, such as paint, art work, make-up applications, body massasge or cooking practices.

Abstract: The improved tape advancing system includes a conveyor having a moving surface, a motor having an output shaft, means coupled to said motor for driving said moving surface. A frame is locate opposite said moving surface and includes a plurality of wheel assemblies rotatively supported by said frame for assuring positive communication between the tape shaft carrying a first and second wheel fixably mounted to respective ends of the shaft and are spaced apart, a distance such that said wheels will contact an edge portion of the tape which has not been printed upon by an associated postage meter.

Abstract: An inking device for postage meter in a high speed mailing machine is disclosed, the inking device functioning to apply ink to a printing die in the postage meter between each printing operation performed by the postage meter. The inking device includes an ink pad disposed in a reservoir and held therein by a cover member having an aperture through which an upper portion of the ink pad projects so as to contact the lower printing surface of the printing die. The configuration of the ink pad is such that there is a small channel or space between the outer edges of the ink pad and the inner edges of the aperture of the cover member so that ink which is squeeze out of the ink pad during compression thereof with the printing die will not ooze onto the upper surface of the cover member and eventually spread onto other parts of the mailing machine.

Abstract: A dispensing package for gel and semi-solid cleaning and skin care compositions. The package comprises a container for the product and a dispensing sheet that rests on and adheres to the surface of the product. Optionally, a lid for the container is provided. The dispensing sheet is provided with apertures through which the product flows when pressure is applied to the dispensing sheet. The dispensing sheet preferably has apertures along its edge which define petals. The dispensing sheet controls the quantity of product dispensed onto the fingers or a sponge, thereby providing decreased mess and product waste, along with improved aesthetics. The package is particularly useful for gel dishwashing products.

Abstract: An inking device for a postage meter in a high speed mailing machine is disclosed in which the inking device has an ink reservoir containing an ink pad, and a cover member to secure the ink pad in the reservoir. The reservoir is formed as a generally rectangular tray having a flat bottom wall and upstanding front, rear and side walls, and includes a plurality of elongate upstanding ribs covering most of the area of the bottom wall for supporting an ink pad and for defining ink flow channels between the ribs. There are also relatively short upstanding ribs disposed around the other sides of the tray, and all of the ribs have upwardly inclined portions adjacent the front, rear and side walls against which a cover member presses to compress that portion of the ink pad which overlies the inclined portions of the ribs.