Abstract: A tagging material for the production of electronic identification tags. Shown generally at (10) is a continuous tape of thermoplastic plastics material. The tape (10) comprises a film (12) having on an upper surface a coating (14) of release agent, and on a lower surface a coating (16) of adhesive. Below the adhesive coating 16 is a further film (18) having on its upper surface an antenna (20) and, electrically connected thereto an integrated circuit (22). On a lower surface of film (18) is a coating of pressure sensitive adhesive (24). The integrated circuit (22) is completely encapsulated in a flexible protective layer (26) of non-conductive waterproof material, which is preferably UV-curable, such as polyurethane.

Abstract: To apply a plurality of courses on a layup form to fabricate a composite item, a first course of the plurality of courses is applied on the layup form along a first path. A second path is determined that overlaps an edge of the first course by a predetermined minimum overlap distance. The edge is sensed. A profile is cut along a second course of the plurality of courses to correspond to the sensed edge. The second course is applied on the layup form along the second path.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for adhering a tape (3) on a wafer (20) are disclosed. The wafer is supported on a table (31), and the tape is supplied, between a tape adhering surface (20?) and a tape adhering unit (46), from a tape supply unit (42). The table is moved toward the tape adhering unit, whereby the tape adhering surface of the wafer on the table is pressed against the tape adhering unit through the tape with a force (F). Further, the tape adhering unit is moved from one end (28) to the other end (29) of the wafer in parallel to the tape adhering surface. The pressure (P) under which the tape adhering surface is in contact with the tape adhering unit through the tape is kept substantially uniform while the tape adhering unit moves from one end to the other end of the wafer. As a result, the pressure on the wafer is accurately equalized in spite of the movement of the tape adhering unit.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and system for applying decorative tape to a glass sheet. The disclosed system and method allow tape segments that are shorter than a distance between a cutter and a glass engagement position to be applied by an application head to the glass sheet. The system includes the application head, a tape supply, a drive roller, a cutter, and a controller. The application head applies tape segments cut from the tape supply to the glass pane. The drive roller advances the tape dispensed by the application head. The cutter cuts end portions of each tape segment. The controller is programmed to sort moves of the application head, tape supply, drive roller, and cutter to allow tape segments that are shorter than a distance between the cutter and the glass engagement position to be applied to the glass sheet.

Abstract: Methods and systems for applying material onto a work piece. In one described method, path storing path data for a predetermined path for applying a material to a work piece is stored in an electronic database. Length data length data for the length of the material to applied to the work piece is stored in an electronic database. A controller determines when to cut the material. Using a material applicator apparatus, the material is applied to the work piece along the predetermined path. Using a cutting component in the material applicator apparatus, the material is cut.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of moving a cutter blade along a circumferential edge of a semiconductor wafer, thereby cutting a protective tape joined to a surface of the semiconductor wafer with a pattern formed thereon for protecting the pattern before the semiconductor is processed. The cutter blade moves in the state where a side face thereof is brought into contact with the circumferential edge of the semiconductor wafer, thereby cutting the protective tape joined to the surface of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: In a state that a reference plane of a cutter holder, to which a cutter blade is attached, is brought into contact with a surface of a base of a supporting adhesive tape, the cutter blade cuts the supporting adhesive tape while the reference plane of the cutter holder follows the surface of the base. Herein, a cutting edge of the cutter blade passes by a joining interface between the supporting adhesive tape and a ring frame without penetrating through an adhesive layer of the supporting adhesive tape.

Abstract: A fully automated method and apparatus is disclosed to laminate various structural articles with multiple layers of a resin impregnated fiber tape. The fiber tape is deposited with a tape laying member moving alternately in different travel directions. The tape laying member removes all backing layers from the tape being employed, then deposits the unbacked tape on the surface of the structural article and finally severs the end of the tape being deposited. An automated cut and restart procedure is employed in the present apparatus to increase throughput.

Abstract: An adhesive sheet attaching device is provided with: a stage (6); a feeder (10) for feeding adhesive sheet (8) onto the stage (6); a cutter (16); a pressurizer (7) for attaching the adhesive sheet (8) to a target object mounted on the stage (6); a detector (11) for detecting a connecting portion (18); and a controller. When the detector (11) detects the connecting portion (18), the controller stops the operation of the feeder (10) after adhesive sheet (8) of an attachable length up to the connecting portion (18) has been attached. This makes it possible to reliably prevent adhesive sheet (8) containing a connecting portion (18) from being attached to a target object, and to effectively use the adhesive sheet up to the connecting portion (18), thus making it possible to suppress resource loss.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a surface treating article, and in one embodment for making a plurality of surface treating articles. The apparatus includes an attaching means for attaching a fastener to a surface treating web and a cutting means for cutting the web around the fastener to provide a surface treating article. In one embodiment, a sensor, such as a machine vision system, senses a position of the fastener on the web, with this sensed position being used to direct operation of the cutting means.

Abstract: A method for incorporating graphics into absorbent articles. The method involving: providing a moving substrate to a print cylinder; sensing a line speed reference signal from a line speed target machinery component; rotating the print cylinder at a predetermined speed, based on the line speed reference signal, to thereby print a series of graphics on the moving substrate at a predetermined distance frequency; sensing a phase difference signal from a phase target machinery component; and setting an actual print cylinder phase angle, based on the phase difference signal, to approximate a predetermined phase angle to thereby position the series of graphics on the moving substrate at a series of desired graphics locations. A system for executing the method and garments produced from the method and system are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for masking a planar surface and providing information at the point of use of an assembly including the planar surface are disclosed. In one advantageous method in accordance with the present invention, a masking material comprising a substrate and an adhesive disposed over a first face of the substrate is provided. One or more strips of masking material are applied to a planar surface, and an information bearing sheet is applied over the one or more strips of masking material.

Abstract: A re-treading method and an apparatus therefor can detect a deviation amount of the position distant by a required tread length from the leading edge of the tread material from a predetermined pattern position near that position planned to be cut, cut the tread material at the at the predetermined position, wind the cut-out tread material on the outer circumference of the base tire while adjusting the length of the tread material by applying thereto a substantially uniform tensile or compressive force, and unite the leading and trailing edges of the tread material wound on the base tire.

Abstract: An in-line system for fabricating a liquid crystal display-includes a sealer coating unit for coating a sealer onto a first substrate with a plurality of liquid crystal display cell regions, a liquid crystal injection unit for dropping a liquid crystal onto the first substrate coated with the sealer, and an assembly unit for assembling the first substrate with the second substrate. A sealer hardening unit hardens the sealer interposed between the first and the second substrate to thereby assemble the first and the second substrate with each other. A substrate cutting unit cuts the first and the second substrates along cutting lines through illuminating a laser beam along the cutting lines such that the first and the second substrates are severed into the liquid crystal display cell regions.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding and cutting lengths of tape and advancing the lengths to a vacuum wheel applicator, the feed section of the apparatus comprising a feed roll, an anvil vacuum roll, and a rotary knife adjacent to the anvil vacuum roll, and means for adjusting the speed of the feed roll and the speed of the anvil vacuum roll to vary the length of the tape advanced to the applicator, and a tape roll splicing assembly to provide a continuous supply of tape to the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for laminating and cutting a laminate (8) comprising a sheet having the shape of a web (1) and separate sheets (2). Said laminate (8) is fed towards a cutting station (9) and a computer controls cutting process as a function of the feed rate and a signal from the rear edge (28) detector. The cutting function of the blade is also controlled by computer as a function of the feed rate. The present invention also provides enhanced cutting precision and enables the combined use of a rear edge detector (28) and a front edge detector (17).

Abstract: A method of fastening a first curved part to a second curved part comprises placing the second part into a specified orientation in relation to a robotically controlled tape applicator, applying two-sided adhesive tape along a non-linear path over the surface of the second part, and placing the first part into registry with the second part to adhere to the adhesive tape. A robotic tape applicator comprises a computer adapted to control a robotic arm, guide means, tensioning means and cutting means.

Abstract: A method for issuing a label, including feeding a first label sheet including a support and a thermosensitive adhesive layer located overlying one side of the support, wherein the first label sheet has a timing mark on the thermosensitive adhesive layer; detecting the timing mark; and cutting or semi-cutting the first label sheet to produce a second label sheet, wherein the timing mark is present at a position other than corners of the second label sheet, and wherein a ratio of an area of the timing mark to an area of the second label sheet is from 0.5 to 35%.

Abstract: The protective tape applied to the front surface of a semiconductor wafer to protect the wafer during backgrinding must be trimmed so that excess tape, known as tape bur, does not extend beyond the perimeter of the wafer. Tape bur may interfere with backgrinding by causing improper grinding, which may lead to wafer breakage. The tape cutter that trims the protective tape to eliminate tape bur is provided with a sensor which detects whether tape bur has been trimmed from the wafer. If tape bur has not been removed from the wafer, corrective action is taken to prevent the wafer from being backgrinded.

Abstract: A system and method for producing flexible magnets includes apparatus for automatically feeding a plurality of individual, pre-printed sheets into continuous webs of a magnet material and a laminate to laminate the individual sheets to the web of magnet material in a continuous process. The laminated magnet material is then advanced to a cutting mechanism that cuts the magnet material into a plurality of individual flexible magnets. A registration sensor indexes each of the individual pre-printed sheets on the magnet material to the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A printing apparatus comprises a printer, a laminator device and feeding means for feeding to said laminator device, in an integrated operation, media that is outputted from said printer, said laminator device comprising lamination means which cause at least one lamination film to be applied on the media, wherein the apparatus comprises means for causing the advance of a portion of media through the laminator device while maintaining inactive said lamination means, in order to perform lamination only on selected portions of the print media. The apparatus is versatile and may work most of the time in unattended operation.

Abstract: This device comprises a support for a spool (9) of adhesive tape (10) and two spaced drive means (A and B), of the belt or chain type, describing an endless trajectory whilst passing over a drive wheel (14 or 15) and at least one idler wheel (16 or 17), this trajectory being such that during it the adhesive face (10a) of the tape (10) is pressed against the portions (12a or 13a) of these means, and a common electric motor (20) imparts the same motion to the two portions (12a, 13a). According to the invention, these two drive means (A and B) are disposed in such a way that the active portion (12a, 13a) has an edge (12b, 13b) disposed substantially in the same plane as that of the juxtaposed portion, this plane being parallel and merged with that of the tape, these two active portions (12a, 13a) being spaced from each other by a distance less than the width of the adhesive tape (10) such that their edges (12b, 13b) cooperate with the longitudinal borders of said tape.

Abstract: A system is provided for synchronizing the end of order cutoff for a plunge slit order change on a corrugator that minimizes scrap and cuts the end order sheets to a length and width such that jam-ups at order change are eliminated. The system detects a transverse edge discontinuity immediately prior to end of order cutoff and, in conjunction with a prior calculation comparing sheet lengths and order end positions between upper and lower webs, positions an upstream transverse partial web slit at an optimum order end position such that the entire web is ultimately cut on the partial sever at an optimum position for scrap minimization and scrap sheet size and shape.

Abstract: An apparatus and method determine a size of a bonding film for bonding a bonding target having a size which varies due to temperature variation, at an environmental temperature which is different from a temperature during use. The method includes measuring an actual size of the bonding portion of the circuit electrode at the first temperature, comparing the actual size of the bonding portion with a designed size of the bonding portion at the first temperature, and determining a cutting size of the bonding material based on a comparison result and mounting the bonding material over the bonding portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing the amount of wallboard wasted during the manufacturing process is disclosed. Wallboard sections that contain a cover paper splice, which sections must go to waste, are reduced in size during the manufacturing process. This is accomplished by determining the optimum location for a cover paper splice to be made and making the splice at or near this location, such that a rotary knife can readily isolate the splice onto a section of wallboard having a reduce length. This function is accomplished using any suitable computer equipment capable of monitoring desired manufacturing conditions and using this data to calculate the optimum location for a splice.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the afore-mentioned prior art devices and meets the afore-mentioned needs by providing an apparatus and method for accurately sealing a multi-purpose reclosable zipper strip to a web of flexible film in an airtight manner. Moreover, the inventive apparatus and method is capable of repeatedly performing the steps necessary to seal the multi-purpose reclosable zipper strip to the web of flexible film with high manufacturing throughout and low cycle times. Generally, the apparatus and method utilize the multi-purpose reclosable zipper strip having airtight splotch seals fused in a series along desired lengths of the zipper tape. The multi-purpose reclosable zipper strip is dispensed through a feeding mechanism and, when an optical sensor detects one of the splotch seal portions of the multi-purpose reclosable zipper strip, a desired length of multi-purpose reclosable zipper strip is advanced over an elevator platform.

Abstract: The protective tape applied to the front surface of a semiconductor wafer to protect the wafer during backgrinding must be trimmed so that excess tape, known as tape bur, does not extend beyond the perimeter of the wafer. Tape bur may interfere with backgrinding by causing improper grinding, which may lead to wafer breakage. The tape cutter that trims the protective tape to eliminate tape bur is provided with a sensor which detects whether tape bur has been trimmed from the wafer. If tape bur has not been removed from the wafer, corrective action is taken to prevent the wafer from being backgrinded.

Abstract: A lamination system comprises; a film transfer means for transferring along a film transfer path a laminate film in which small windows are provided, a film detection sensor for detecting the laminate film, a cutting means for cutting the laminate film into a predetermined length. The film transfer means further transfers the cut laminate film along the film transfer path, the lamination system further comprises a card transfer means for transferring a card on the surface of which a terminal of an IC tip is provided along a card transfer path, a positioning mean for making the terminal and the small window into a predetermined positional relation, a thermocompression bonding means for laminating laminate film with the card.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for laminating and cutting a laminate (8) comprising a sheet having the shape of a web (1) and separate sheets (2). Said laminate (8) is fed towards a cutting station (9) and a computer controls cutting process as a function of the feed rate and a signal from the rear edge (28) detector. The cutting function of the blade is also controlled by computer as a function of the feed rate. The present invention also provides enhanced cutting precision and enables the combined use of a rear edge detector (28) and a front edge detector (17).

Abstract: A tape made up of a base tape having a front printing surface and a rear adhesive surface, and a release tape covering the adhesive surface is mounted on a printing apparatus. A plurality of print images are printed on the printing surface in a manner arrayed in a longitudinal direction of the printing tape, and the printing tape is cut in the widthwise direction thereof. Connection cutting is performed such that at least a widthwise part of the release tape remains connected as a connection portion in a space between respective adjoining print images.

Abstract: An article laminating apparatus is provided for use with a cartridge having a detectable element indicative of a characteristic of laminating materials. The apparatus includes a frame enabling the cartridge to be removably mounted thereto and an article processing assembly carried on the frame. A control system controls the article processing assembly to perform an article processing operation. The apparatus also includes a detector operable to detect the detectable element on the cartridge. The detector is operable to transmit a signal to the control system based on the detectable element on the cartridge. The control system is operable to adjust at least one parameter of the operation based on the signal.

Abstract: An automatic splicing apparatus for use in combination with a selected automatic labeling apparatus which uses a sensor and a splicing station through which a first web of stick-on labels passes; a second web of material from a standby roll is held in a ready position for splicing end-to-end with the first web. The first web is stopped and severed at an approximate reference line location, the second web is joined using a splice piece; wherein web feeder continues continuously with uninterrupted operation due to a loose loop located downstream of the splicer permitting splicing the first web to said second web, “on the fly”, that is without reducing the speed of the automatic labeling process during splicing.

Abstract: A method of affixing backing (20) to plates (30) involves the use of apparatus (10) forming part of a continuous production line (40) for the manufacture of vehicle registration number plates (50). An elongate of web the backing (20) is advanced through the apparatus (10). The web of backing (20) is comprised of a series of web lengths marked out thereon by transverse lines (65) of perforations. The method includes halting advancement of the web of backing (20) when a perforated line (65) is adjacent an advanceable and retractable blade (135), such that a leading edge of the plate (30) is aligned with the line perforated (65) of the web of backing (20). The blade (135) is then retracted and the plate (30) and the web of backing (20) are advanced together so as to present a web length in face-to-face contact with, and so as to be bonded to, the plate (30).

Abstract: A method for making a laminate adapted for decorating a substrate including providing (1) a sheet of pre-mask material including a cover layer and a layer of removable adhesive on one surface of the cover layer having an exposed surface defining a first major surface for the sheet of pre-mask material; (2) a supply length of decorative film tape comprising a length of decorative film having opposite first and second major surfaces, and a layer of adhesive along its second major surface; (3) a sheet of release liner having a first major surface adapted to be releasably adhered to by the removable adhesive on the cover layer and by the adhesive on the decorative film; and (4) a tape applicator.

Abstract: A method for sequentially and precisely registering cut sheets for application onto advertising signatures at high speeds employs an initial roll of sheeting material. The sheeting material is unwound to track a process path, where eyemarks on the sheeting material are detected for use in registering the sheeting material to be cut into discrete sheets and to be aligned with a moving advertising signature for affixation thereto. The sheeting material has a repositionable pressure sensitive adhesive along one side edge thereof for use in adhering the cut sheet to the advertising signature. In one embodiment, the sheeting material is generally opaque adjacent one side edge and is sufficiently transparent adjacent its other side edge so that when a sheet cut from the sheeting material is adhered to an advertising signature, images on the advertising signature are visible through at least a portion of the sheet.

Abstract: A laminating apparatus for laminating a film on a record medium includes a fixing unit for fixing a film onto a front side of a record medium, a feed unit for feeding the record medium to the fixing unit, a film introducing unit for directing the film to the fixing unit, and a conveying unit for conveying toward a discharge port the record medium and the film which are fixed together by the fixing unit. A cutter is disposed between the conveying unit and the discharge port and adapted to cut the film, and a control unit having a repeat mode is provided in which the conveying unit is stopped in a condition that a preceding record medium leaves the fixing unit and the feed unit is driven to feed a succeeding record medium toward the fixing unit.

Abstract: A control section controls an operation of a vertical drive section for vertically moving a cutter unit, and thereby, a blade edge position (height) of the cutter unit can be set and changed with micro intervals. Namely, when cutting a protective tape applied onto a surface of wafer, a contact portion of the protective tape and the blade edge is properly changed, and thereby, the protective tape can be always cut by a sharp blade edge along an outline of the wafer.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding and cutting lengths of tape and advancing the lengths to a vacuum wheel applicator, the feed section of the apparatus comprising a feed roll, an anvil vacuum roll, and a rotary knife adjacent to the anvil vacuum roll, and means for adjusting the speed of the feed roll and the speed of the anvil vacuum roll to vary the length of the tape advanced to the applicator, and a tape roll splicing assembly to provide a continuous supply of tape to the apparatus.

Abstract: A lamination system comprises a first transfer means, a cutting means provided at the downstream of the first transfer means for cutting a laminate film, a second transfer means for transferring the cut laminate film, a card transfer means for transferring a card along a card transfer path that converges with the film transfer path at a point of convergence, and a thermocompression bonding means for laminating the cut laminate film with the card at the downstream of the point of convergence, in which a means for detecting a failure in cutting the laminate film is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods of dispensing adhesive in a bookbinding system are described. Sheets may be bound into bound text bodies having respective spines exposed for adhesive application and characterized by multiple length dimensions and multiple thickness dimensions. In one aspect, a sheet binding system comprises an adhesive dispenser that is configured to dispense across the thickness dimension of a text body spine solid sheet adhesive having one of multiple effective widths that is sized to correspond substantially to the length dimension of the text body spine. In accordance with this approach, books of different lengths (or heights) may be readily bound with solid sheet adhesive that may be contained within a single, replaceable cartridge housing.

Abstract: A device for laminating labels disposed upon a continuous strip of liner. The device includes a plurality of spindle structures for supplying a continuous strip of protective film and the continuous strip of liner to a laminating structure, which adheres the continuous strip of protective film to the continuous strip of liner over the labels disposed thereon to form a single continuous strip of laminated liner. The laminating structure has a drive wheel with a plurality of teeth arranged upon the surface of the drive wheel so as to engage a plurality of tractor feed holes formed into the continuous strip of the laminated liner. The drive wheel rotates to bring the continuous strip of laminated liner into contact with a plurality of laminate cutting blades that rotate in registration with the drive wheel so as to cut the protective film in registration with the labels disposed upon the strip of liner.

Abstract: A rapid prototyping process and apparatus that provides an intermittent material feed type variable-lamination rapid prototyping using a linear thermal cutting system, wherein intermittently fed materials are cut to have variable lengths, widths, and lateral gradients with the 4-axis control-type linear thermal cutting system controlled by a computer, and based on cutting operation data generated in the computer.

Abstract: A dicing tape applying apparatus, comprising a pre-cut dicing tape edge position detector detecting the edge of a pre-cut dicing tape and a cutter cutting a non-cut dicing tape into a desired shape when it is applied, and able to use both the non-cut dicing tape and the pre-cut dicing tape, has been disclosed.

Abstract: To produce a capacitor with a target static capacitance, an apparatus for producing a laminated ceramic capacitor is adapted to measure the thickness of a green sheet and the area of an internal electrode by an in-line system and with high accuracy, and to laminate a calculated number of the green sheets based on the measured values. The apparatus includes a sheet-supplying unit, a sheet-thickness measuring unit, a laminating unit, and a discharging unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating foam board to permit it to be accordion folded comprises mechanism for moving an elongate foam board along a longitudinal pathway into a slitting machine, mechanism for stopping the travel of the board and clamping it in stationary position, and powered actuators for laterally moving pairs of longitudinally spaced upper and lower slitters, which produce alternate slits less than through the thickness of the board to leave a foldable thickness, across the board. The board is then released to be accordion folded.

Abstract: A modeling apparatus for producing a model by lamination of sheet material including a support platform which can be raised and lowered, a sheet feed mechanism for feeding sheet material over the platform, a superstructure mounted over the platform, a cutting mechanism for cutting the sheet material to form shaped portions, an adhesive applicator for applying adhesive to the shaped portions, and a control mechanism.

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: A dispenser for dispensing double-sided adhesive tape, from a reel, comprising a press for pressing the tape onto a product, a cutter which guides the tape and makes an incision in the tape and a controller for controlling the application of the tape to the product.

Abstract: A reference-side longitudinal cutting unit and an other side longitudinal cutting unit are disposed to move separately to the left and right sides of a laminate to be cut. A cutter 62a of the reference-side longitudinal cutting unit and a rotary knob 80 for turning on, for example, a power switch 82 are connected to a link mechanism 84 for linking pivotal movement of the rotary knob 80. According to the mode selection position of the rotary knob 80, the cutters 62a , 62b are moved into a retracted position when the rotary knob 80 is in the power OFF or no-mode selection positions and move to a longitudinal cutting position when the rotary knob 80 is in the margin or NO-MARGIN mode selection position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus of thin film article by cutting a thin film sheet conveyed as being mounted on a conveying medium of thin film shape into a special size to obtain a thin film sheet piece, and conveying and laminating said thin film sheet piece at a laminating position by a ball-screw mechanism, wherein the cutting position of said thin film sheet is determined on the basis of an image taken by imaging means moving in synchronism with conveyance of said thin film sheet piece.