Abstract: A work device includes a main body, a connector part, a guide, and a data transmitter. The connector part, the guide, and the data transmitter are provided in the main body. The connector part is configured to be fitted to a connector of the feeder carriage. The guide guides the feeder carriage so that the connector is fitted to the connector part when the feeder carriage is brought close to the main body while making the connector face the connector part. The data transmitter transmits data to the feeder carriage through the connector when the connector is fitted with the connector part.

Abstract: A vehicular slider window assembly includes a frame portion having an upper rail and a lower rail, a fixed window panel, and a movable window panel that is movable along the rails between an opened position and a closed position. A drive system is operable to move the movable window panel between the opened position and the closed position. The drive system includes a single flexible drive element that, when the drive system is actuated to move the window panel in one direction, the flexible drive element pulls the movable window panel along the rails, and when the drive system is actuated to move the window panel in the opposite direction, the flexible drive element pushes the movable window panel along the rails. The lower rail includes guide structure that limits flexing of the flexible drive element when the flexible drive element pushes the movable window panel along the rails.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system is disclosed for use in discharging a continuous reinforcement. The additive manufacturing system may include a support, and a compactor operatively connected to and movable by the support. The compactor may be configured to apply a pressure to the continuous reinforcement during discharge. The additive manufacturing system may also include a feed roller biased toward the compactor to sandwich the continuous reinforcement between the roller and the compactor, and a cutting mechanism at least partially recessed within at least one of the feed roller and the compactor. The cutting mechanism may be configured to selectively move radially outward to engage the continuous reinforcement.

Abstract: A device for welding thermoplastic tubes to a welding method, and to a welding knife. The device is provided for welding thermoplastic tubes, wherein the tubes are placed into tube holders and squeezed with the aid of tube clamps. A welding knife is moved between the first and the second tube holder and severs the tubes in the process. Cut ends and residual ends are thereby produced. The cut ends are aligned with one another by a relative movement of one tube holder with respect to the other tube holder and, by a horizontal movement of the two tube holders, are welded simultaneously to form continuous tubes.

Abstract: Applicators for applying a masking material to a target surface, the applicators include a body, an applicator system attached to the body and configured to apply the masking material to the target surface with a substantially straight edge as the body is translated in an application direction, a dispenser system attached to the body, the dispenser system being configured to support a supply of the masking material and to dispense the masking material to the applicator system, and a guide member attached to the body proximate the applicator system in a trailing position and configured to press the masking material to the target surface after the applicator system applies the masking material to the target surface.

Abstract: A flatbed laminator is described that can be used for flatbed lamination and roller lamination of a workpiece. The flatbed laminator comprises a flatbed. The flatbed laminator also comprises a first roller and a second roller. The second roller is mounted to be movable over the flatbed for flatbed lamination of the workpiece. The second roller is movable to a pre-determined laminating position where the first and second rollers are mounted in parallel for counter rotation and define a gap therebetween through which the workpiece is capable of being fed for roller lamination.

Abstract: A system and method for autonomously creating subsequent physical objects using a 3-dimensional printer. The system includes a build platform which is ejected with a printed object adhered to it, with a replenishing mechanism to place a blank build platform into the expected build area such that printing a subsequent object may occur autonomously. The replenishing mechanism may draw from a plurality of stored blank build platforms which may be reusable in some embodiments and disposable in others.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a deposition head provided with an assemblage comprising a of impregnated fibers arranged against a backing tape. The deposition head includes a slide and a movement actuator connected to the slide to move the slide in translation from a high position to a low position, said slide carrying a peeling roller, said backing tape extending over a circular arc against the peeling roller, said low position being configured so that said peeling roller presses said tape of impregnated fibers against a deposition surface only in the low position of the slide, said circular arc occupying a first angle in the low position of the slide and a second angle in the high position of the slide, said first angle being greater than said second angle.

Abstract: A rubber V-belt yarn blank coating and cutting device is described herein. The rubber V-belt yarn blank coating and cutting device is numerically controlled and includes a frame and a base compound rubber leading-out device, a base compound rubber conveying device, and a base compound rubber coating and cutting mechanism sequentially disposed on the frame. The base compound rubber coating and cutting mechanism includes a driving roller and a driven tensioning roller disposed on the frame and further includes grouped round cutting knives and a squeezing roller. The squeezing roller is positioned between the driving roller and the driven tensioning roller, and the grouped round cutting knives with a sliding mechanism are disposed above the squeezing roller. The coating and cutting device in the present invention is simple in structure, high in cutting precision, labor efficiency and operational safety, and convenient to mount.

Abstract: A device, method and layered product produced from the method are disclosed. The method uses new fabrication steps involving stratified additive manufacturing. Steps include preparing continuous ribbons of solid first material and possibly a second material; rolling continuous ribbon onto a spool held within a feeder cassette configured to dispense continuous ribbon through a slit; loading each feeder cassette onto an engagement dock; dispensing on the bed of the machine a first strip of continuous ribbon; cutting it to a length and having an end profile as directed by digital specification programmed on the machine; and creating a layered object by dispensing, cutting and applying additional strips of continuous ribbon atop the previously dispensed strips in accordance with the digital specification. The apparatus includes a computer numerical control machine feeding strips of ribbon from the feeder cassettes loaded in an engagement dock.

Abstract: The application provides a movable apparatus for forming a thermo-softening part. The apparatus includes a first placement unit, a second placement unit, and a heat source. The first placement unit comprises one or more first rollers, which are movable in a first predetermined path. The second placement unit comprises one or more second rollers, which correspond to the first rollers. The second rollers are movable in a second predetermined path. The heat source is provided for heating an elongated thermo-softening material to a predetermined temperature. The first rollers and the second rollers are provided on opposite sides of the elongated thermo-softening material for compressing the thermo-softening material to form the thermo-softening material.

Abstract: Methods for optimizing fiber placement programming for use in automated manufacture of steered-fiber composite laminates. The optimization methods are implemented in software capable of optimally translating steered-fiber laminate definitions in fiber placement code for manufacturing steered-fiber laminates without overlaps. The optimization is set up to take into account manufacturing constraints, such as minimum cut length, minimum steering radius, and fiber straightening due to steering. This software includes both geometry and optimization and will take the aforementioned issues into account by optimizing the direction of lay down and the location and sequence of cutting and adding individual tows.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade shell part is described. Fiber mats and a root end insert are laid up in a mould part in a layup procedure by use of an automated layup system. The fiber mats are laid up by use of a buffer so that the fiber mats may continuously be laid up on the mould surface, also during a cutting procedure. The root end insert is prepared in advance and mounted on a mounting plate. The root end insert is lowered onto the mould by use of the mounting plate and a lowering mechanism. After the wind turbine blade shell has been moulded, the mounting plate is removed.

Abstract: A sheet conveyance device includes a conveyance roller to convey a sheet, an ejection roller to eject the sheet from the sheet conveyance device, a conveyance relay roller disposed between the conveyance roller and the ejection roller, a driven roller disposed in contact with the conveyance relay roller to form a nip, and an openable portion to open and close relative to a housing of the sheet conveyance device. A pivotable roller holder to pivot relative to openable portion is attached to the openable portion. The pivotable roller holder holds the conveyance relay roller and the driven roller to maintain a nip pressure between the conveyance relay roller and the driven roller when the openable portion is opened.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shielded wire harness, includes: wrapping a conductive sheet around a wire harness in a parallel state to the wire harness, the conductive sheet having a long belt shape along a longitudinal direction of the wire harness, and cutting the conductive sheet in matching with a desired electric wire length; allowing an adhesive surface formed on a back surface side of the protection tape to fix the conductive sheet to the wire harness by spirally winding a long protection tape around an outer circumference of the conductive sheet wrapped around the wire harness; and cutting the protection tape in matching with the desired electric wire length.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite layup on a substrate comprises: moving an automatic fiber placement head over the substrate; using the fiber placement head to lay down multiple, parallel strips of composite tape on the substrate, including staggering the start of at least certain of the tape strips so as to form a contour pattern; and, cutting the ends of all of the tape strips using a single cut.

Abstract: A line of prints has passed through a laminating machine so that a laminating film has been applied to both surfaces of the line. To enable individual prints to be torn off the laminating film is indented or perforated near to an edge of the line of prints. Tearing is then effected from the perforated edge to the other edge. The indentation or perforation of both films occurs downstream of their respective supply rolls.

Abstract: A vacuum powered deposition apparatus including a driving unit, a linear motion unit coupled to the driving unit and configured to move linearly according to operation of the driving unit, and an angle restriction unit coupled to the linear motion unit and configured to move in a direction perpendicular to that of the linear motion unit according to movement of the linear motion unit.

Abstract: A hand held dispenser for dispensing sheet material from a roll. The dispenser includes a handle assembly, an elongated blade, and a support assembly. The handle assembly includes a hub rotatably mounted to a frame. The blade extends from the frame. The support assembly includes a bracket, a brace and a support hub. The bracket is attached to the blade apart from the frame and includes a guide track. The guide track provides first and second segments that combine to define a guide axis. A leading side of the brace is slidably mounted to the guide track along the guide axis. The support hub is rotatably mounted to a trailing side of the brace. In a locked state, the leading side is slidably disposed over the track first segment and cannot rotate. In an unlocked state, the leading side is over the track second segment and is allowed to rotate.

Abstract: A mobile strapping device for strapping packaged goods with wrap-around strap, comprising a tensioner for applying a strap tension to a loop of a wrapping strap, and a connector for producing a connection in two areas of the loop of the wrapping strap disposed one on top of the other, and a chargeable energy storage means for storing energy that can be released as drive energy for motorized drive motions at least for the connector and/or for the tensioner, is intended to have high functional reliability and ease of handling despite the possibility of automated production of wrapped straps, at least to a large extent. In order to accomplish this, it is proposed that the strapping device be provided with a brushless DC motor as a drive for the tensioner and/or the connector.

Abstract: Building the carcass structure of tires for vehicle wheels includes associating, at each end edge of a carcass ply, at least one respective annular reinforcement structure formed by depositing along a circumferential direction a plurality of reinforcement elements having a first length. Such elements are cut to size from a reinforced continuous band-like element fed to a cutting group arranged at a first operative position adapted to allow a barycentric grip of the reinforcement elements. The cutting group can translate along a feeding direction of the band-like element to a second operative position for cutting to size a plurality of second reinforcement elements having a second length different from the first length. The second operative position is defined on the basis of the second length, so as to have a barycentric grip of the second reinforcement elements too.

Abstract: An activatable adhesive that is formulated to readily absorb energy from a given radiation source, an activatable adhesive label that incorporates such an activatable adhesive, a system for activating such labels, and related methods and uses are described. The activatable adhesive includes a plasticizer, a tackifier, and an adhesive base polymer that includes butyl acrylate, styrene, methyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid, and acrylic acid.

Abstract: A method produces a multilayer element with a substrate and at least one conductor structure connected in an areal manner to the substrate, which has first regions of electrically conductive material, which is present in accordance with a prescribed pattern, while electrically non-conductive second regions lie between the first regions.

Abstract: A drum for cutting linerless labels from a continuous strip and transferring the labels to a container movable with a given trajectory and speed on a machine, the drum including a side surface suitable for guiding the strip by contacting a non-adhesive surface of the labels, the side surface defining a vertical slit, a coaxial and concentric sleeve for centering the drum on a corresponding support spindle, a cutting blade parallel to a vertical direction of the drum, the cutting blade being displaceable in a radial direction from a position retracted inside the drum to a position at least partially extended through the vertical slit outside the side surface of the drum, a fixed cam relative to which the drum rotates and that is configured to press against the cutting blade so as to cause the cutting blade to extend out in a predefined angular position, and a seat that extends in the vertical direction (Z-Z) and is connected to the cam and which is suitable for engagement with a corresponding fixed reference p

Abstract: A film adhering apparatus for adhering a protective film on a work piece includes a controller, a conveyor belt, a rotating bracket configured to assemble the protective film, a suction driving member, a sensor, a first suction member, a cutting assembly, and a moving assembly. When the work piece is sensed by the sensor, one end of the protective film is pulled by the moving assembly to pass by the first suction member, and the protective film is sucked by the first suction member. The moving assembly releases the protective film and reset to suck the protective film again, and the protective film is cut off by the cutting assembly. The suction driving member drives the first suction member to move toward the work piece and the protective film is adhered on the work piece.

Abstract: Two film webs (1), (2) (in each case transfer film or laminating film) with a carrier film (11) and decorative layer (14), in particular metal layer and/or color layer (14), are to be joined to each other. Instead of using a conventional adhesive tape with cold-setting adhesive as hitherto, in the present case a hot-melt adhesive or an adhesive which can be cured using (UV) radiation is used. For example, using hot stamping, a carrier (63) with a PET layer (64) and an adhesive (65) can be applied which joins together two film webs (1, 2) which are in abutment.

Abstract: An automatic applicator of a sticky back material to a printing sleeve is disclosed. The applicator includes a controller that is programmable with data relating to the size and desired positioning of the sticky back material to the sleeve. The sticky back material is secured to a transport system and cut to the desired size by a cutter, creating a sheet. The sheet is then transported between a pressure roller and the sleeve. The pressure roller applies pressure to the sticky back sheet, applying the sheet to the sleeve. A mandrel grips and rotates the sleeve to apply the sticky back sheet around an exterior surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: A label supplying device is provided, whereby false bonding at a cylindrical label's end is reliably released, and ill-timed supplying of the label to the label supply position hardly occurs. The supplying device includes: a material delivery unit (10) for continuously delivering an elongated label base material (M) paid out from a material roll by a pay-out unit; a cutting unit (20) for cutting, at a predetermined pitch, the base material (M) delivered by the delivery unit (10); an upstream and a downstream belt transfer units (30, 40) for transferring labels (L), formed by the cutting of the cutting unit (20), to a label supply position (?); and a separation unit (50) for separating overlapping edges of the upper end of the label (L) (upstream end in the transfer direction of the label (L)) during the transferring of the label (L) by the upstream transfer unit (30).

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent article includes: first and second reference-signal outputting sections for outputting first and second reference signals indicating a conveyance amount of a workpiece, a processing device for processing the workpiece based on a drive signal, an adhesive discharging device for discharging adhesive toward the workpiece based on a discharge signal, and a controller. While manufacturing the absorbent article, the controller generates both the drive signal and the discharge signal based on the first reference signal. While inspecting a discharge amount of the adhesive, the controller generates the discharge signal based on the second reference signal, without outputting the drive signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for welding together thermoplastic hoses comprising two clamping units which in part can be rotated and displaced relative to each other. The two clamping units each have two clamping jaws which comprise through-passages between the clamping jaws in which the hoses can be inserted continuously parallel to each other and squeezed transversely to each other. The apparatus further comprises a heatable blade for severing the hoses and melting the cut edges thereof between the clamping units. An intermediate piece is disposed between the clamping jaws of the clamping units, thereby separating the clamped hoses from each other, and at least one of the two clamping units has inner and outer clamping jaws, wherein the inner clamping jaws are held by the outer clamping jaws and can be adjusted together. In a closed position, the inner clamping jaws and the intermediate piece can be rotated with each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a material roll that includes a roll of an optical film having defect information markings printed thereon and is resistant to the formation of a defect by the transfer of a bump/dent deformation at the marking site. The material roll includes a long sheet of an optical film with polarizer wound into roll shape; and marking(s) formed at or in a vicinity of at least one defect site. The marking has an optical density of 1.5 or more, and a thickness of a center part of the marking is 1.5 ?m or less. The marking preferably has an optical density per unit thickness of 2.5 ?m?1 or more.

Abstract: A device for assisting in cutting of a fiber texture layer wound on an impregnation mandrel of a winding machine, the device including two positioning stops each configured to be positioned on a respective side plate of the impregnation mandrel, and a plate forming a cutting jig that is configured to be positioned on the fiber texture layer that is to be cut in register with the protective film, the plate including a slot extending in position between the side plates of the impregnation mandrel and serving to guide a cutting tool.

Abstract: A method of producing a roll of an optical film laminate including a polarizing film having a thickness of 10 ?m or less is described. The method includes providing a roll of a separator film-attached optical film laminate formed by subjecting a laminate comprising a continuous web of a thermoplastic resin substrate and a polyvinyl alcohol type resin layer to a 2-stage stretching consisting of a preliminary in-air stretching and an in-boric-acid-solution stretching, to reduce a thickness of the polyvinyl alcohol type resin layer to 10 ?m or less. The method further includes causing a dichroic material to be absorbed in the polyvinyl alcohol type resin layer. The method further includes detecting a defect existing in the optical film laminate and the adhesive layer and upon detection of a defect, recording a position of the defect. The method further includes winding into a roll a separator film-attached optical film laminate.

Abstract: A method of removing an out-of-tolerance area in a composite structure may comprise determining a location of the out-of-tolerance area within the composite structure, and selecting a volume of the composite structure to be removed based on the location of the out-of-tolerance area. The method may further include programming a machine tool to remove the volume and to pause after removal of each one of a quantity of layers of the volume. The method may additionally include removing one of the layers using the machine tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing strips of labels includes a strip of labels having a plurality of individual labels following one after the other. The apparatus includes a conveying device that conveys the strip of labels along a conveying path, and a position detection device provided along the conveying path that detects a position of the strip of labels. The apparatus includes a processing device that is provided along the conveying path. The processing device includes a cutting unit that is constructed and arranged to cut the strip of labels. The apparatus includes a labelling device that is arranged downstream with respect to the processing device along the conveying path. The labelling device is constructed and arranged to attach processed labels to containers. The position detection device includes an image detection device that is configured to capture two-dimensional images of regions of the strip of labels.

Abstract: A label finishing station receives a web carrying printed images for labels arranged so there are a plurality of images formed in rows or ranks across the width of the web. The images are also arranged in longitudinal columns along the length of the web. A cutting station carries a plurality of cutter heads to cut out the plurality of labels forming each row or rank simultaneously. The web, with the label peripheries cut out, may be slit longitudinally and formed into finished rolls of labels.

Abstract: An optical film laminate that has predefined slit lines for enhancing both product accuracy and manufacturing speed in liquid-crystal display element manufacturing to radically improve manufacturing yield. The optical film laminate formed as a continuous web with the predefined slit lines for use in a continuous manufacturing system by laminating optically functional film sheets to liquid-crystal panels. The optical film laminate having defect-free regions having a predefined length corresponding to the dimension of a liquid-crystal panel and defective regions having a predefined length different from the defect-free region, based on the detected position of defects. The optical film laminate having a carrier film releasably laminated to an adhesive layer, wherein defect-free normal polarizing sheets and a defective polarizing sheets are formed on the carrier film by forming slit lines corresponding to above regions along the transverse direction of the optical film laminate.

Abstract: A labeling machine, comprising a conveyor of containers, each to be labeled with a label taken by cutting from a continuous ribbon wound in a reel, and further comprising feeder elements which are adapted to convey with the appropriate timing the ribbon to a device for the intermittent cutting of each individual label, and elements for locking the label during cutting which are inserted between the cutting device and a drum for transferring the cut label to a container provided on the conveyor.

Abstract: A composite structure containing an out-of-tolerance area is restored using an automated material removal method. The location of an out-of-tolerance area within the structure is determined by non-destructive inspection and a volume of the structure to be removed is selected based on the location of the out-of-tolerance area. An automatic material removal tool is programmed and used to remove the selected volume of material. The volume of removed material may be is replaced by an integrated patch.

Abstract: A method of removing an out-of-tolerance area in a composite structure comprises determining the location of the out-of-tolerance area and selecting a volume of the composite structure to be removed based on the location of the out-of-tolerance area. The method may further include programming a machine tool to remove the volume and to pause after removal of each one of a quantity of layers of the volume. The method may additionally include removing one of the layers using the programmed machine tool. The method may further include restoring the volume removed using the programmed area removal digital definition.

Abstract: In a hydroxyapatite to be joined to another hydroxyapatite or a bone by laser machining (machining of the bone and the hydroxyapatite includes irradiation of laser light on the bone and irradiation of laser light on the hydroxyapatite), to prevent occurrence of a fracture in a junction and in a peripheral portion of the junction during laser machining, the present invention provides an optimum weight ratio of a cordierite or quartz glass component mixed in the hydroxyapatite. As a mixing ratio of the cordierite or quartz glass component, the cordierite or quartz glass component is mixed at least at a weight ratio equal to or higher than 25.7%.

Abstract: An optical film laminate that has predefined slit lines for enhancing both product accuracy and manufacturing speed in liquid-crystal display element manufacturing to radically improve manufacturing yield. The optical film laminate formed as a continuous web with the predefined slit lines for use in a continuous manufacturing system by laminating optically functional film sheets to liquid-crystal panels. The optical film laminate having defect-free regions having a predefined length corresponding to the dimension of a liquid-crystal panel and defective regions having a predefined length different from the defect-free region, based on the detected position of defects. The optical film laminate having a carrier film releasably laminated to an adhesive layer, wherein defect-free normal polarizing sheets and a defective polarizing sheets are formed on the carrier film by forming slit lines corresponding to above regions along the transverse direction of the optical film laminate.

Abstract: Punching structures each include a die, a punch that cooperates with the die to stamp a workpiece, a die supporting member that applies lateral pressure to core pieces stamped out from the workpiece, and a counter pressure applying mechanism that applies counter pressure toward the punch to the core pieces from the side opposite to the punch. The punching structures also include selecting mechanisms, respectively. The punching structures laminate core pieces while applying lateral pressure and counter pressure to the core pieces. The punching structures are arranged along the conveyance direction of the workpiece. The selecting mechanisms select one of the punching structures to be put in a pause state, so that one of the punching structures is put in a pause state during a stamping operation of the punching structures.

Abstract: A roll of a continuous web of an optical film laminate with predefined slit lines for use in a continuous manufacturing system by laminating optically functional film sheets to liquid-crystal panels. The optical film laminate with predefined slit lines comprises an optically functional film having an adhesive layer which is subjected to a preliminary inspection, and a carrier film releasably laminated to the adhesive layer. Defect-free normal sheets and defective or defect-containing sheets having predefined length corresponding to the dimension of the liquid-crystal panel are formed on the carrier film by sequentially forming slit lines along the transverse direction with respect to the lengthwise direction of the optical film laminate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing corrugated material and processing strip material which is removed from the edges of the corrugated material during the formation process. The strip material is cut away from the corrugated material and expelled at a variable line speed to a trim processing machine. The line speed is measured by a sensor which provides a signal representation of the speed to a cutter assembly. The cutter assembly cuts the strip material at a cutting speed which is sequenced to the line speed such that the strip material is cut into a plurality of pieces. The pieces are generally uniform in shape and size across variations in the line speed as the cutting speed is synchronized with the line speed.

Abstract: A print and apply system configured to facilitate the application of a flow of activatable labels with variable length to a flow of items, including a roll of activatable label stock with a facestock and an activatable adhesive layer; a software program configured to create a layout for each of the flow of activatable labels with variable length; a printer configured to print on the facestock; a cutter configured to cut off a specific length from the roll of activatable label stock to form the flow of activatable labels according to the layout; an activation unit to activate the adhesive layer to turn it tacky; and, an applicator unit configured to receive and place the labels with activated adhesive onto a flow of items to be labeled. Related methods and uses are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a material application system for applying material to a wrapper. The material application system comprises a material applicator means and an electronic application control means. Also provided is a rod making machine comprising a rod making section and the material application system. The invention also provides a method of applying material to a wrapper used in the tobacco industry comprising supplying a wrapper and applying a material to the wrapper using a material applicator and an electronic applicator control means therefore, which electronic applicator control means ensures accurate location of material application in an electronically adjustable variable manner.

Abstract: The operation of tow cutters in an automatic fiber placement machine are monitored to determine if inconsistencies in fiber placement are related to cutter operation. A machine vision system detects inconsistencies in tow placement, and timing signals are generated that represent the actuation of the cutters. The timing signals are correlated with recorded images of the placed tows to determine if the inconsistency in tow placement is related to cutter operation.

Abstract: Composite tape is laminated onto a substrate using a gantry to move a tape laminating head along the length of the substrate. The laminating head is mounted for movement along a beam on the gantry that extends across the width of the substrate. The direction of lamination may be altered by changing the angular orientation of the beam.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for use in an in-mold labeling application utilizes a rolled label sheet having a multiplicity of pre-printed non-adhesive labels and a pre-printed registration mark associated with each of the labels, a sensor for detecting each of the registration marks to enable alignment of the label sheet in a predetermined longitudinal position before labels are cut therefrom; a set of driven pinch rolls for moving it forward or backward; a circumferential die cutter for cutting one or more labels from the label sheet; a passive float roll following the die cutter for creating a controlled loop in the label sheet that permits the die cutter to operate independently of a vacuum conveyor that follows the float roll, the vacuum conveyor including a sensor to detect each of the registration marks for enabling alignment of the label sheet in a position of registration thereon; and a plurality of vacuum plenums along the vacuum conveyor for selectively receiving hold down vacuum from an external sourc