Abstract: A labeling machine includes a label applying unit disposed adjacent to a conveying unit, and a controller coupled electrically to a bar code sensor, a label sensor and a container sensor. The controller compares bar code data of a label from the bar sensor with predetermined bar code data, and generates an inhibit signal when a mismatch occurs. The controller determines length of the label in accordance with first and second signals from the label sensor and distance information from an encoder unit, compares the determined length with predetermined label length data, and generates the inhibit signal when a mismatch occurs. The controller determines container dimension of a container being conveyed by the conveying unit in accordance with container feature information from the container sensor and distance information from another encoder unit, compares the determined container dimension with predetermined container dimension, and generates the inhibit signal when a mismatch occurs.

Abstract: A die bonder, to which semiconductor pellets 4 are supplied in an arranged state, comprises a substrate feeding mechanism for feeding a substrate 1 including a plurality of pellet islands to successively set the pellet island at a bonding position BP, a defective substrate detecting means 3 for detecting defective pellet island, and a pellet transfer mechanism. The pellet transfer mechanism successively picks up and carries a defective pellet to the bonding position BP for mounting when a pellet island of the substrate set at the bonding position is non-defective, and mounts a defective pellet 4a when a pellet island is defective. In this arrangement, when the defective substrate detecting means determines that a pellet island is defective, a defective pellet is mounted.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for covering a roof with seamable sheet material for roofing prepared from a polymeric composition of matter comprising the steps of: applying layers of sheet material prepared from a seamable polymeric composition of matter to the roof being covered, overlapping adjacent edges of said layers, and adhering the overlapped areas to provide an acceptable seam strength; wherein the composition of matter comprises an interpolymer of ethylene, propylene, and at least two nonconjugated dienes, each having one reactive double bond.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling tension of one or more fiber tows preferably including a support frame having a spool holder, a motor for driving the spool holder, a dancer arm having a free end with a redirect roller mounted thereon and a fixed end pivotally mounted to coact with an angular-position sensor, a low-friction pneumatic cylinder mounted to the dancer arm and a support plate to exert a force thereon, a second redirect roller mounted to coact with a second angular-position sensor, and a controller and associated circuitry to control the tension of the fiber by controlling the motor in response to the position of the dancer arm. Preferably, a microcontroller mounted on a single printed circuit board (PCB) having signal buffering circuitry to control a plurality of individual tensioners is provided. The PCB preferably plugs into a backplane which allows communication between several microcontrollers, thereby allowing the control of at least 32 individual tensioners.

Abstract: A device and a method for heated tool welding. The heated tool welding device has a welding held, which is fixed to an infeed drive for displacing the welding head. The infeed drive is an industrial robot. The welding head is positioned by the industrial robot in a coordinate-controlled manner up to a clearly defined changeover position with respect to the welding point on the body and in a force-controlled manner from the changeover point to the welding point.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a disposable worn article (P), comprises: a folding section (40) comprising a contact member (1) that contacts a web (W) for folding the web (W) in two so that opposite side edges (W1, W2) of the web (W) are in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to each other; a correcting section (1, 2) for correcting the positional relationship between the web (W) being carried to the folding section (40) and the contact member (1); a detecting section (41, 42) for detecting a reference portion of the web (W) to be used as a reference in the folding operation so as to output positional information regarding a position of the detected reference portion; and a controller (3) for controlling the correction of the positional relationship by the correcting section (1, 2) based on the positional information.

Abstract: A label applicating system includes a label transport wheel and an air-pressure system connected to an opening in the label transport wheel. The air-pressure system applies a positive pressure at the opening to eject a label from the wheel onto a surface of an article. One aspect includes means for applying an upward force to the bottom surface of the article approximately simultaneously with ejecting the label from the label-holding sector. One aspect provides a controller which receives a signal from a sensor indicating a location of the article and in response to the signal, sends a first signal to a motor which rotates the wheel so that the label-holding sector is facing a top surface of the article.

Abstract: Labeling apparatus and method cuts labels from a web of label material after adhesive is applied to the web of material. Under one embodiment heated knives are carried on a vacuum drum which cooperates with a roller functioning as an anvil to cut the web into labels of the appropriate length. A sensor reads a mark of the indicia side of the web and controls movement of the web to assure proper registration. Under a second embodiment, a rotatable drum having a plurality of vacuum plates cooperates with a die cutting roller to cut labels of the desired shape. The cut labels are retained on the vacuum applicator plates which then are extended radially as they rotate to a position to apply the label to a container.

Abstract: An edge banding apparatus (21) for adhesively securing banding material (28) to an edge of a board (27). The apparatus (21) includes a board support structure (22) formed to support a board (26) in a near vertical orientation with the edge (27) to be banded in a downwardly facing orientation. An adhesive applying assembly (23) is positioned relative to the board support structure (22) and is formed to apply adhesive (54) to the downwardly facing edge (27) during relative motion between the board (26) and the adhesive applying assembly (23). The apparatus (21) includes a banding material applying assembly (24) positioned downstream of the adhesive applying assembly (23) and formed to apply a banding material (28) to the edge after the adhesive (54) is applied and a cutoff assembly (25) which cuts off the banding material (28) as the banded board (26) passes the cutoff device (25).

Abstract: A method and apparatus of manufacturing a composite material which is light weight and highly damped against vibration. The composite material comprises fibers embedded in a resin matrix wherein the fibers are oriented in a waveform that is substantially continuously variable as to period, amplitude and/or shape. A viscoelastic material is combined with the resin matrix to provide vibration dampening characteristics. The variation in the period/amplitude takes place in a region of the composite structure which is selected to provide optimum strength and dampening characteristics as desired for the particular application. Even without the viscoelastic material, the light weight structure is useful as a pre-preg material from which other composite structures may be formed. Methods of manufacturing the composite material include using multiple, identical cells in which each cell is used to fabricate a fiber, resin matrix and viscoelastic adhesive composite.

Abstract: An electrical part mounting apparatus includes a pressure measuring member for measuring the pressure of a pressure head, and a moving speed control member for controlling the moving speed of the pressure head. Accordingly, the electrical part mounting apparatus can freely change the pressure and the moving speed of the pressure head to desired values, and is suitable for connection between electrical parts.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the manufacturing of wavy pre-preg material that moves a first group of rollers in a transverse and a longitudinal direction with respect to a second group of rollers, to place a sinuous waveform in a fiber reinforced matrix for the manufacture of a wavy pre-preg material. The fabrication of wavy fiber pre-preg (fibers pre-impregnated with epoxy resin as an example) can be accomplished with an automated control system that permits the creation of non-periodic or mixed waveforms. The improved apparatus for this process allows for a more accurate placement of fibers, production of a wider variety of usable waveforms, and increased quality of pre-preg produced.

Abstract: A station for checking labels, in particular auto-adhesive labels, in a labeling machine, cooperates with a control unit and has a working group for removing defective labels from a label carrier band. The working group has a knurled roller idling on a rotation axis and disposed inside a related windowed casing freely supported by an axle of the knurled roller. The windowed casing has a vertical plate with upstream and downstream edges. A tightening roller, also idling on a rotation axis, guides the band in cooperation with the adjacent working group, while a collecting group cooperates with the working group for collecting defective labels removed from the band. The windowed casing is operated, on command from the control unit, by an actuator and moves from a rest configuration, with the band completely guided by the knurled roller and tightening roller, to a working configuration, with the band engaged by the downstream edge of the plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a registration system and a method useful for controlling and correcting the phase and position of simultaneously advancing webs having pre-printed objects spaced at a pitch length characterized by small but significant pitch variation to a target web. Also disclosed are consumer products, such as disposable absorbent articles including the preprinted objects which were previously included in the webs phased before combining with a target web by utilizing the instant registration system. The pre-printed objects may include pre-printed, pre-bonded, pre-applied, pre-cut, or pre-glued objects or elements of disposable absorbent articles or registration marks produced on a separate independent process not control-linked to the instant registration method. The registration marks may be visible or normally invisible to the human eye.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for adhering a part and a part support with the intermediary of intermediate members are disclosed. The method and apparatus are capable of assembling the part and part support while easily and accurately maintaining the intermediate members in a positional relation for adhesion relative to the part and part support.

Abstract: A method for laminating a circuit pattern tape over a wafer, involving the steps of preparing a circuit pattern tape formed with an adhesive layer, along with a wafer, detecting at least one reference position of the prepared circuit pattern tape and at least one reference position of the prepared wafer using visual detecting means, outputting results obtained at the detecting step in the form of visual images capable of allowing a comparison of the detection results, carrying out a reference position correction involving movements of the wafer in an X-axis and/or a Y-axis direction and/or by a desired angle, thereby allowing the reference position of the circuit pattern tape and the reference position of the wafer to correspond to each other, and laminating the circuit pattern tape over the wafer when the reference positions correspond to each other.

Abstract: A labeling system employs a multi-processing computer control system for a servo motor which drives a label-carrying web. The system is responsive to the physical position of the labels and the physical position of containers or similar objects to which the labels are applied. The label application motion controller identifies the machine position and performs the mathematical calculations needed to create a piecewise continuous function motion profile required to achieve label contact at a predefined contact point on the surface of each container. Multiple functions may be used to construct a motion profile, which smoothly accelerates the label at a calculated acceleration needed to cause a label to arrive at the defined contact position on a container and to decelerates the carrier web after application. Correction for measured label registration error is provided for.

Abstract: A labeling machine includes a label applying unit operable so as to attach a label to a first one of a plurality of containers being conveyed by a conveying unit when the first one of the containers is aligned with a label applicator plate. A container spacer device includes a spacer wheel driven rotatably by a spacer motor and adapted to contact one of the containers that is behind the label applicator plate in an advancing direction of the conveying unit such that rotation of the spacer wheel can result in retarding or advancing of the contacted one of the containers on the conveying unit, thereby resulting in a spacing between adjacent ones of the containers.

Abstract: An automatic label printing and application system applies a custom label at a dynamically determined location on articles being moved along a conveyer. The system includes a bar code scanning system, preferably a group of bar code scanners each arranged to read at an assigned elevation above the conveyer belt. This configuration allows the system controller to generally determine the vertical height of pre-printed bar code on the article. The system uses photoelectric sensors to detect articles being moved along the conveyer, as well as an encoder and bar code scanning data to determine the horizontal position of the pre-printed bar code on the surface of the article. In this manner, the system dynamically determines both the vertical and horizontal position of the pre-printed bar code on the surface of the article.

Abstract: An automatic embossing device for plastic floor tile comprises a main frame, a pressing wheel module, a tape supply control wheel module, a position mark sensing module, a tape tension-balancing module, and a tape supply module. When the pressing process for plastic floor tile is performed, the rotation speed of the pressing wheel is first set. The rotation speed of the tape supply control wheel is then set. A zero-point position of rotation angle on the pressing wheel is randomly set. A computer is used to partition and determine a plurality of angle positions; The computer is used to compare the signal of the angle position to that of the position mark on the printed tape to obtain a time difference when the pressing process starts. A distance difference is obtained from the time difference. The computer is used to calculate out the speed compensation according to the rotation speed of the tape supply, control wheel and to adjust immediately the rotation speed of the tape supply control wheel.

Abstract: A unit for applying labels at predefined designated locations along the length of a moving web of material. The unit includes one or more label discharge mechanisms which remove labels from a carrier backing for discharge to a defined placement zone. The label discharge mechanisms are actuatable in response to commands from a controller to effect placement of the labels at designated locations along the length of the web. The controller initiates actuation of the label discharge mechanisms according to a variable timing sequence which is a function of the rate of travel of the moving web to which the label is applied such that label application takes place as the designated location to be labeled passes through the placement zone. The unit is adjustable to apply labels to webs traveling at different angles.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the cure of a resin-impregnated material includes a pultrusion die; a plurality of first electrodes mounted in the pultrusion die; a plurality of insulators surrounding the plurality of first electrodes, respectively, in the pultrusion die; a resin-impregnated preform that includes a second electrode therein, the resin-impregnated preform being inserted into the pultrusion die; a constant contact electrode that contacts the second electrode; and a power supply connected to the constant contact electrode wherein electric current flows from the power supply to the constant contact electrode then to the second electrode then through the resin-impregnated preform to the plurality of first electrodes.

Abstract: An improved labeler includes a label base and a label cassette with the footprints of the labeler base housing and the label cassette frame being substantially the same size. An electronically-controlled drive mechanism is contained within the labeler base housing and is operated intermittently to synchronously drive a mechanism for feeding labels to be picked up by a bellows wheel, and the bellows wheel.

Abstract: A variable heat transfer system and a passive, segmented hold-down mechanism for a preheater section and a hotplate section of a machine for manufacturing corrugated board. The preheater assembly having the variable heat transfer system includes a plurality of actuators to urge a continuous web of material toward a preheater drum. A sacrificial material is positioned between the web of material on the preheater drum and the actuators. In response to moisture detection in the material by a plurality of sensors, one or more of the actuators applies variable pressure in the cross-machine direction to the wet portion of the material. Also, the passive, segmented hold-down mechanism includes a plurality of independently weighted feet for varying a variable pressure profile in the cross-machine direction formed upon the web of corrugated board. The hold-down mechanism compensates for variations in the contour of the surface of the hotplate section.

Abstract: A device and method for labeling flat mail items applies labels to the items by compressed air. The thickness and length of each items is determined in the time for initiating blowing of a respective label is determined as a function of the lengthened thickness of the items and the desired position of the label on the item.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for applying labels to mail, including mixed mail. A conveyor conveys individual mail pieces along a predetermined path of travel into a label applying position. The label feed mechanism feeds a web of labels into the label applying position. A label stripper is positioned adjacent the label feed mechanism at the label applying position and adjacent the path of travel to strip labels from the web when an individual mail piece has entered a label applying position. A label roller is positioned adjacent the label stripper. A roller drive mechanism is operatively connected to the label roller for vertically moving the label roller against the label. A connector is operatively connected to the roller drive mechanism for timing the roller drive mechanism to move the label roller against the label as the label is stripped from the web and against an individual mail piece fed under the label stripper.

Abstract: A sheet winding apparatus or a heat transfer recording sheet providing apparatus including the sheet winding apparatus, the sheet winding apparatus formed of a plurality of sheet winding devices arranged in multiple steps in a vertical direction. Each of the sheet winding devices includes (1) a plurality of holding/rotating devices, (2) a sticking apparatus for sticking adhesive around a number of outer peripheral portions of an unused roll shaft held by one of the holding/rotating devices, arranged in the direction of the unused roll shaft, and (3) a press roll that presses a sheet against an outer periphery of a roll shaft held by the holding/rotating device during the entire time that the sheet is wound around the roll shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus comprising a film-cutting means for cutting a lengthy photographic film fed from a film roll into those having a length suitable for a film size included in film information, a conveyer apparatus for changing transport operation for a photographic film strip depending on the film size, a timing-changing means for changing transport timing for the photographic film strip to be fed to a winding section depending on the film size, and a timing-changing means for changing transport timing for a shield paper strip to be fed to the winding section depending on the film size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the resonance frequency for a vibration welder are described. The vibration frequencies at a predetermined vibration level and on both sides of the resonance frequency are derived and are then used to determine and operate the vibration welder at the resonance frequency. In one embodiment the vibration frequency of the vibration welder is swept up from one side of the resonance point and the vibration amplitude is monitored and a first frequency at a particular vibration amplitude is determined. The same sweeping is done from the other side of the resonance point and a second frequency determined for the same vibration amplitude reference level but on the other side of the resonance frequency. The two measured frequencies are then combined to yield the resonance frequency which can then be used to operate the vibration welder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing a strip with self-adhesive labels (12) or other materials with parts (22) placed underneath. According to the invention, the labels are detached from a first carrier strip (11) at a first removal station (13) and placed onto a second carrier strip (14). The other parts (22) are delivered intermittently on a third carrier strip (21). A second removal station (23) detaches said other parts and placed them on a fourth carrier strip (24) in the desired position. Said fourth carrier strip may act as the second carrier strip (14). The original carrier strip (11) may also act as the second or fourth carrier strip. The other parts (22) can be placed in any position under the labels (12) using an appropriate control system.

Abstract: A laminating apparatus 1 is controlled in the following manner: if power supply from a utility power source through a power supply part 85 is started (S1:YES), a cold flag 72B is set to the on state (S2); if opening of a cover 13 causes a cassette sensor 56 to turn on from on (S11:YES, S12:YES), a cassette replacement flag 72A is set to the on state (S13); and if the flag 72B or 72A is in an on state (S14:YES, S15:YES) at power-on of the apparatus 1 by a power switch 17 (S5:YES), a slack removal processing is performed on a first and second sheets 27 and 29 (S7, S16-S19).

Abstract: A two-sided card laminating apparatus simultaneously applies and bonds laminate sheets to opposing faces of a two-sided card substrate. The apparatus includes two opposing laminating assemblies symmetrically mounted in mirror image relation on opposing sides of a substrate supply path. Individual sheets of laminate are cut from webs of lamina and transferred onto the card substrate at a convergence zone disposed on the substrate supply path. Each of the laminating assemblies includes a web of lamina, a cutter, and nip rollers disposed between the web and the cutter. The nip rollers advance the web in an upstream direction through the cutter into engagement with a transfer roller. As the laminate exits the cutter, the leading edge is captured between the outer surface of the transfer roller and a laminate guide where it is grabbed by the outer surface of the transfer roller.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically merging and attaching documents, such as photocopies of remittance checks or the like, to envelopes from which the documents originated is disclosed. The system uses a series of bins and conveyors to automatically retrieve, synchronize, merge and reassociate each document to its respective envelope.

Abstract: The inventive label sensing device includes a label detector within a housing. The label detector includes a bearing assembly serving as a piston, the bearing assembly having a roller bearing for riding over label material. The roller bearing moves the bearing assembly vertically as the roller bearing rides over the label material based on the height differential of the label and the label substrate. The bearing assembly is in contact with the first end of a lever arm at a pivot point located on the bearing assembly. As the bearing assembly moves up and down, the first end of the lever arm moves responsive to movement of the pivot, generating an amplified signal in the second end of the lever arm, proportional to movement of the roller bearing. Provided at a location adjacent to the second end of the lever arm is a proximity sensor for detecting the movement of the second end of the lever arm within a soft switching region.

Abstract: The invention includes of a system and method of ultrasonically perforating adhesive bandage backings. The invention eliminates the gap between the ultrasonic horn and the pin roll, and provides for a wear resistant release coating on the pin roll. Further, the method and system disclose cooling the ultrasonic horn with a forced air stream, and provide for a pre- or post-nip roll to control the tension of the continuous web of backing. The web of backing is kept under tension with a nip roll, and passes between an ultrasonic horn and an immediately adjacent pin roll for perforation by the ultrasonic horn. The resulting material of the web backing is smoother, and has better hole quality than that seen in the prior art.

Abstract: An edge banding device for panels includes an edge band applicator. The edge band applicator includes a motor-driven shaft that defines a vertical main axis and that mounts and drives a roller that contacts the edge of the panel. The contact roller turns freely about the vertical main axis. On opposite sides of the contact roller are located a glue feeder and at least one main pressure roller of the edge band. The glue feeder and pressure roller are adapted for oscillating about the shaft in accordance with the profile of the panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing prestressed piezoelectric actuators which maximizes output, and increases the precision and efficiency with which the multi-layer actuators are made. Individual layers of the piezoelectric actuators are automatically stacked and registered with respect to each other within press members prior to bonding the layers to each other with a thermoplastic adhesive. Compressive force is applied while heat is conductively transferred from a heating element to the actuator in order to raise the temperature of each of the layers above the melting point of the thermoplastic. The temperature of the heating element is then decreased until the temperature of the actuator layers drops to below the melting point of the thermoplastic adhesive, thereby bonding the layers. Compressive force is then released, and the actuators are removed, further cooled and polarized.

Abstract: An apparatus for the processing and segmenting of a cover-forming laminate web or sheeting structure which is adapted to interconnect a plurality of containers, such as the base members of blister packages each of which is designed to contain a hydrophilic contact lens in a sterile aqueous solution. More specifically disclosed is an apparatus for the imprinting, perforating, slitting and cutting the laminated web structure such that the severed laminate segments constitute printed covering label for an array of such containers, and whereby the laminated web or sheeting segment may be severed along weakening or perforation lines so as to provide a separable packaging arrangement for individual of the containers which are subsequently adhered thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for aligning webs, such as photographic film or paper, where the trailing edge of an expiring web is spliced to the lead edge of a fresh web. A supporting means having the fresh web thereon in a fixed position is caused to move by sensor means transmitting a signal corresponding to precise positioning of the expiring relative to the fixed position of the fresh web. According to the invention, a programmable controller is used to analyze the signals received from the sensors and directs the movements of the supporting means where the webs are ultimately moved into abutting or overlapping contact and then spliced.

Abstract: A printing unit in a gravure printing portion prints a plurality of end marks on a web having a base film and a hot melt ink layer. The end marks printed on the web are dried by a drying apparatus. A sheet obtained from the web is wound around a roll shaft in a roll form by a sheet winding apparatus to form a sheet roll. The roll shaft is supplied from a roll shaft supplying apparatus to the sheet winding apparatus, and the sheet roll formed by the sheet winding apparatus is discharged from a discharging apparatus. The discharge apparatus includes a plurality of cradles in the vertical direction, a carry-out conveyor beside the cradles, a guide rail beside the cradles on the opposite side to the conveyor and arranged vertically, and receiving arms horizontally mounted on the rail and corresponding to the cradles. The arms move up and down on the rail and extend or contract horizontally from the cradles.

Abstract: A multi-roll automatic tape splicing device includes a platen which is rotatably mounted on a support frame via a shaft. Two or more tape mandrels are rotatably disposed on the platen at a substantially equal distance from the shaft, and substantially equally spaced from each other, each mandrel being capable of receiving a respective roll of tape. An index drive is operatively coupled to the platen, for selectively rotating the platen so as to successively move each mandrel into a predetermined operating position at which a web of tape can be drawn from a respective roll of tape disposed on the mandrel, and for moving a mandrel out of the operating position when the respective roll of tape is depleted. A first sensor is operatively mounted on the support frame and capable of detecting a depleted condition of a roll of tape mounted on a respective mandrel in the operating position.

Abstract: A heat activation method for activating a thermosensitive adhesive label having a support and a thermosensitive adhesive layer which is provided on the support and is not adhesive at room temperature, so as to make the thermosensitive adhesive layer adhesive with the application of heat thereto, includes the step of heating the thermosensitive adhesive layer so as to make the thermosensitive adhesive layer adhesive by energizing a heater which is in contact with the thermosensitive adhesive layer, the heater having a heat-application portion which is constructed in such a fashion that a resistor and a protective layer are successively overlaid on a ceramic substrate. A heat activation apparatus has the above-mentioned heater, and a label printer for the thermosensitive adhesive label has a label holder, a printing apparatus, a cutter and a heat activator.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for making a plurality of substrates laminated on two sides by applying a plurality of laminate sheets to corresponding plurality of substrates. The apparatus includes a lamina supply member capable of holding a supply of lamina from which successive sheets of lamina can be cut. One or more cutters are disposed in the apparatus such that the cutters are capable of cutting through the lamina to provide successive sheets of laminate. One or more heaters are provided for bonding sheets of laminate to corresponding sides of a substrate whereby the corresponding top and bottom laminated substrate is formed. The supply of lamina is characterized by a current leading edge. The supply of lamina is cut through along a cutting line at a predetermined distance from the current leading edge of the lamina. This provides a first sheet of laminate having a trailing edge at the cutting line. Cutting also provides the lamina supply with a successive leading edge at the cutting line.

Abstract: A label applicator, easily mounted on a desktop in association with a label printer, has a compact configuration with no external power requirements since the components are electrically powered and the power is received from the printer. Preferably the label does not move during application, providing a high degree of accuracy and placement. The applicator may be used with both linered and linerless labels and associated printers, and uses inexpensive components. Positive stops are provided for stopping the movement of a label into the applicator housing, and the manual movement of a mailpiece into the applicator housing. Sensors sense the label and the mailpiece when accurately aligned, and cause actuation of a linear solenoid with tamp pad to move the mailpiece vertically upwardly into contact with the label pressure sensitive adhesive. The label is held in place in the desired position by one or more electric fans exhausting air from the opposite face of an apertured plate from the label.

Abstract: The most important heat-sealing parameters must be able to be adapted to different conditions of use in a simple and accurate manner. This is accomplished by the hot air temperature, on the one hand, and the amount of hot air, the speed of rotation of the pressing rollers (8, 9) and/or the pressing pressure of the pressing rollers (8, 9), on the other hand, being able to be controlled via controllers (41, 37, 24, 29), wherein a basic setting of the set points of these controlled variables is performed as a function of material- and/or application-specific characteristics, and by the position of the hot air nozzle (16) in terms of height (H), distance (A) and/or of the oncoming flow angle (.alpha.) with respect to the roller gap being able to be set by motor operators (18, 19, 21) as a function of the intended use and/or the thickness of the workpiece.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for sealing an edge region of a planar material ply includes a central controller and at least one platform. The automated apparatus and method further employs a mechanism for picking a single planar material ply in addition to a mechanism for moving the single planar material ply to the platform. The automated apparatus and method includes a sealing device which seals the edge region of the planar material ply where the sealing device provides a fluid to a predetermined focused region within the edge region. The fluid substantially shrinks and melts strands in the focused region of the planar material ply.

Abstract: An automatic paper-web splicing system rotates a new paper roll being spliced, causes the peripheral speed thereof to agree with the traveling speed of a traveling web, and splices the start end of the new paper roll to the traveling web. The automatic paper-web splicing system directly detects via a detection mark provided on the outer peripheral surface of a new paper roll being spliced to a traveling web that the outer peripheral surface of the new paper roll is moved by a predetermined length by the rotation of the new paper roll, causes the time required for the new paper roll to move to agree with the time required for the traveling web to travel over the predetermined length, thereby causing the peripheral speed of the new paper roll to agree with the traveling speed of the traveling web, and carries out automatic splicing in this state.

Abstract: An improved labeler includes a housing and a bellows drive gear and cassette drive sprocket spaced apart and each rotatably supported in the housing. A stepper motor is mounted in the housing and has an output shaft. A first drive gear is affixed to the shaft and engages the bellows drive gear. A second drive gear is affixed to the shaft. A drive train is interposed between and engages the second gear and the cassette drive sprocket. The stepper motor is positioned between the bellows drive sprocket and the cassette drive sprocket whereby the footprint of the labeler is minimized. Each individual bellows has a marker. A position sensor detects each of the markers. A first sensor detects a fruit. The stepper motor is responsive to the fruit sensor to advance the bellows wheel in response to detection of a fruit.

Abstract: A closed-loop ultrasonic welding apparatus for sealing or welding thermoplastic material on a continuous basis wherein the material to be welded is fed through a weld station comprising a horn and anvil. The apparatus includes means for providing a first signal commensurate with a desired ultrasonic energy density in the material when welded, a second signal responsive to the feed speed of the material through the weld station, and a third signal commensurate with the power coupled by a power supply via a transducer and the horn to the material at the weld station. Control means receive the first, second and third signals and produce an error signal, which is responsive to the difference between the desired energy density and the actual energy density coupled to the material. After being subjected to further processing the error signal is converted to a control signal for controlling the output from said power supply and/or controlling the engagement force between the horn and material.

Abstract: Polyolefin pipes are welded end-to-end by a self-propelled, self-contained machine which performs all steps necessary to the process without need for any other machines or equipment. Hydraulically driven parallel tracks are independently controlled for maximum maneuverability. An hydraulically driven, computer controlled, reversible jaw assembly reciprocates the new pipe section relative to the exiting pipe line. A facer for trimming and squaring the pipe ends to be joined and a heater for melting the pipe ends for fusing are umbilically connected to the machine for on-board or remote operation. The computer, also on an umbilical, enables the operator to operate the machine in a normal mode in which the operator manually controls the facing, soaking and fusing processes or an automatic mode in which the fusing process is automatically controlled by the computer.