Abstract: The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the foregoing prior art devices and meets the foregoing 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 tape to web with high throughout and with low cycle times. Generally, the apparatus and method utilizes a zipper tape having airtight splotch seals fused in series along desired lengths of the zipper tape. The zipper tape is dispensed through a feeding mechanism and, when an optical sensor detects one of the splotch seal portions of the zipper tape, a desired length of zipper tape is advanced over an elevator platform. A knife is then signaled to descend and sever the advanced portion of zipper tape, which is thus deposited onto the elevator platform.

Abstract: A butt splicer apparatus is disclosed for butt splicing a tail end of a roll having a first and second label mounted in series thereon with a leading edge of a new roll having a first and second further label mounted in series thereon. The apparatus includes a cutter for cutting through the tail end and a detector for detecting a location disposed along the tail end so that movement of the location past the detector generates a signal. The apparatus also includes a rotatable drive for driving the tail end relative to the cutter, the signal controlling rotation of the drive. The arrangement is such that the second label and the further second label are registered congruently relative to each other with the cutter disposed between the first and second label.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for applying tape to a panel such as a rectangular pane of glass. Tape is dispensed from a tape applicator and applied to a panel proximate the perimeter of the panel by moving the tape applicator along a path corresponding generally to the perimeter of the panel. Successive tape corners are formed by cutting a notch into a portion of the tape which is applied to form the tape corners. The notch is formed so that when a tape corner is formed on the panel the notch reduces an amount of bunched tape material located at the tape corner thereby producing a relatively flat corner. The final tape corner is formed by substantially severing the tape at a select location and continuing to move the tape applicator while preventing feeding of the tape to cause separation of the tape so that the separated tape end abuts the initially applied tape portion of the tape on the panel.

Abstract: Improved label printing and applying apparatus (10) is provided which includes an improved digital printing assembly (12) having a rotatable impression drum (18) presenting an outer surface (20), as well as at least one digital print head (22) adjacent the drum outer surface (20). The overall apparatus (10) also includes a downstream label cutting and application assembly (14) having an adhesive applicator (32), laser cutter (40) and a label applying device (96). In use, a web (16) traverses the drum (18) with essentially no relative movement between the web (16) and drum surface (20), and the print head(s) (22) are actuated to form images on the web (16), which may be identical or varied. Thereafter, the printed web passes into and through the assembly (14) where adhesive is applied, the individual images are laser cut, and the labels are thereupon applied to products (54).

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: A laminating apparatus includes a detector disposed between introduction-side transport rollers and a web supply unit. When the detector detects a front edge of a prior object transported by the introduction-side transport rollers, then the introduction-side transport rollers and a laminate processing unit transport and laminate the prior object until a rear edge of the prior object is positioned in the vicinity of the web supply unit, whereupon transport and lamination of the prior object are stopped for a predetermined duration of time. Then once the detector detects a front edge of the subsequent object after the predetermined duration of time elapses from stopping transport of the prior object, the introduction-side transport rollers transport a subsequent object to the laminate processing unit.

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: In a method and apparatus for automatically applying self-adhesive protective sheeting to surface parts of vehicle bodies, a specific rectangular piece of protective sheeting in the form of stock roll is grasped on its non-adhesive side, using a robot-controlled tentering frame with suction legs, is drawn off and is cut off. Before the sheeting blank is laid on to the body, in the freely stretched-out state tear-off lines are perforated, preferably from the non-adhesive sheeting side, in the region of accessory parts by means of a perforating device guided along definite contour lines. Thereafter the protective sheeting, which is thus prepared and stretched out so as to be free of creases in the tentering frame, is lowered in the correct position onto the associated part by the handling robot and laid onto the surface part so as to be free of bubbles. The sheetings are subsequently pressed down in a brushing manner under an elastic brushing bar extending over the entire vehicle width.

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 roll fed labelling system and associated label are disclosed. The label (12) includes a triggering mark (28) formed of luminophor ink, i.e. containing a fluorescent optical brightening agent, that reflects visible light when irradiated with UV light. A modulated UV light is directed at the label and the modulated reflected visible light is detected and used to trigger a cutting mechanism to separate a single label from the remainder of the roll. The triggering mark need not visibly contrast with the surrounding graphics of the label and may be invisible in visible light. When producing the roll of labels, the amount of brightening agent may be controlled by monitoring the luminescence of the triggering mark relative to a reference level which may be derived with reference to a maximum luminescence of other parts of the label.

Abstract: A laminator for applying pre-printed labels to a single face corrugated web to form double face corrugated sheets utilizes a control system including accurate leading and trailing edge detection of the labels to custom cut the corrugated web to match the label length in a manner which assures complete and uniform coverage of the glued flute tips of the corrugated web by the labels. The labels are fed non-stop as a series of spaced sheets into a laminating nip to join the leading edge of the traveling single face corrugated web. A positioning nip upstream of the laminating nip varies the speed of the incoming sheets to accurately match sheet leading edge to web leading edge. Detection of the sheet trailing edge triggers operation of the web cut-off knife to accurately match the corresponding cut trailing edge.

Abstract: An elongate light-shield film is withdrawn for a length corresponding to the width of a photosensitive film by a light-shield film supply mechanism, cut off into a light-shield film by a first cutting mechanism, and fed to an overlapping position by a feeding and positioning mechanism. In the overlapping position, a transverse end of the light-shield film is caused to overlap a longitudinal end of the photosensitive film, and the overlapping ends are cut off by a second cutting mechanism. Abutting ends of the light-shield film and the photosensitive film are then joined to each other by a tape, and the light-shield film and the photosensitive film which are thus joined are around on a spool. Debris produced when the overlapping ends are cut off is automatically discharged.

Abstract: An apparatus and method utilize a rotatable drum implementing both an attraction mechanism and a cutter mechanism to controllably sever segments of material from a web. The drum is rotated at a rate greater than the rate at which the web of material is advanced so that the attraction mechanism supplies the sole source of tension in the web. Moreover, the cutter mechanism severs segments of material while at least a portion of the web of material engages the outer surface of the drum. In addition, an apparatus and method dynamically control the relative rates of advancement of a web of material and an outer surface of a drum such that a predetermined length of material is advanced forward of a predetermined rotational position of the drum so that the predetermined length of material is severed from the web of material while at least a portion of the web of material engages the outer surface of the drum.

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: An apparatus and method utilize a rotatable drum implementing both an attraction mechanism and a cutter mechanism to controllably sever segments of material from a web. The drum is rotated at a rate greater than the rate at which the web of material is advanced so that the attraction mechanism supplies the sole source of tension in the web. Moreover, the cutter mechanism severs segments of material while at least a portion of the web of material engages the outer surface of the drum. In addition, an apparatus and method dynamically control the relative rates of advancement of a web of material and an outer surface of a drum such that a predetermined length of material is advanced forward of a predetermined rotational position of the drum so that the predetermined length of material is severed from the web of material while at least a portion of the web of material engages the outer surface of the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a plurality of wafers by slicing a cylindrical ingot with a wire saw. The apparatus includes a measuring device for measuring the crystal orientation of the ingot; an adhering device for adhering a support to the surface of the ingot based on the orientation where the support includes an intermediate plate and a support plate, where the support plate is adapted to fit the wire saw, and where the adhering device includes an auxiliary adhering element for adhering the intermediate plate to the surface of the ingot and an adhering element for adhering the support plate to the intermediate plate; a dryer for drying and solidifying an adhesive applied between the ingot and the intermediate plate and an adhesive applied between the intermediate plate and the support plate; and the wire saw for slicing the ingot into the plurality of wafers while the ingot is supported on the support.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing multiple die cut business forms is disclosed. One embodiment of a printing press according to the present invention includes a number of different stations that are connected together by a continuous web. Multiple die cut business forms are produced by a continuous process from stock paper to an output configuration such as continuous roll, fan fold, or cut sheet. One aspect of the present invention is that a silicone treated glassine stock paper substrate can be utilized to allow business forms to be produced with minimized curling.

Abstract: A semi-automatic linerless label dispenser effectively dispenses labels from a support for a supply of continuous form linerless labels, each label having a pressure sensitive adhesive face and an adhesive-release material face. First and second grooved drive rolls engage the labels and first and second sets of stripper and guiding fingers disposed in at least some of the grooves of the drive rolls guide the labels and prevent them from sticking to the drive rolls. At least the first drive roll and the first set of stripper fingers have adhesive-release material portions (e.g. plasma coatings) which engage the adhesive face of labels from the supply. An automatic cutter mounted on the opposite side of the stripper and guiding fingers from the support includes pivotally movable and stationary blades, and a silicone-impregnated felt wiper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a three-dimensional object. There is provided a lamination unit for holding and pressing a block of material, a slicing unit for cutting the block to form a horizontal layer having a first working surface and a cut block having a second working surface; a profiling means for profiling at least one of the working surfaces into at least one planar element; and an electronic means for receiving XYZ information corresponding to the shape of the object, for processing the XYZ information into a plurality of computerized cross-sectional representations of the shape and for controlling the operation of the lamination means, the slicing means, and the profiling means.

Abstract: The present invention enables efficient taping of a short length electric wire that is taped by a taping head. Namely, an electric wire hand is provided for removing an electric wire after taping from an electric wire clamp that clamps the electric wire. The electric wire hand cuts off the end of a tape wound up around the electric wire during the course of removing the electric wire at a fixed timing by interlocking with other parts according to a control unit. Therefore, a separate process for cutting off the end of a wound up tape becomes unnecessary, thereby making it possible to continuously and rapidly remove an electric wire.

Abstract: A gapless order change in a continuous running corrugated web is provided by utilizing a partial web sever extending transversely across the web upstream of a web selector device. The partial web sever allows the output web selector device to be readjusted downstream of the slitter-scorer to redirect the output webs between upper and lower cut-off knives as required. The partial web sever allows the order change to be effected with a continuous unbroken web containing the outs for the cut-off knife level handling the output web portions opposite the partial sever.

Abstract: A method and device for applying a pattern onto a support for a sign utilize a foil comprising a pattern layer and a carrier layer with an adhesive layer uniting them. The pattern is cut out in the pattern layer of the foil by using a controlled cutting device, after which the foil is placed on a laminating table in an application device. A traverse is passed in controlled manner over the foil placed on the laminating table, and a self-adhesive transfer film supplied from a roll over and around a rotatably journalled press roll of a press device, is applied under pressure on the foil. The carrier layer and spill of the pattern layer are removed and the pattern parts remaining are brought into contact with the support, with the adhesive layer of the pattern parts now exposed. The press roll is then again passed over the transfer film, pattern parts and support so that the pattern parts are transferred permanently to the support, after which the transfer film is removed from the support.

Abstract: A gapless order change in a continuous running corrugated paperboard web, created by using a partial transverse web sever upstream of the web selector device, utilizes selector fork orientation and operation that allows a redirected web portion to be diverted from one slider table to the other with no gap at the transverse slit. The improved apparatus is particularly effective in providing web transition at order change from the lower slider table to the upper slider table where the total width of the output web portions going to the upper level is increased and requires an upward diversion of a redirected web portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a graphic product from a layer of sheet material on a carrier sheet uses stored machine readable data describing the periphery of the graphic product to cut and remove the product from the carrier sheet. The apparatus includes a feeding mechanism for feeding the layer of sheet material and a bonding web adjacent a thermal heating head. The thermal heating head has individual heating elements that are selectively energized to heat the bonding web throughout a patterned heat application area which overlies the portion of the sheet material corresponding to the weed or the graphic product designated for removal. The portion of the layer of sheet material secured to the bonding web is then separated from the carrier sheet. The apparatus can also be used to apply an adhesive inhibitor to one portion of the sheet material so that another portion can be removed with a conventional adhesive transfer web.

Abstract: An ultrasonic welding/cutting machine includes an ultrasonic machining unit including a machining roller and a tool horn to which ultrasonic waves are transmitted. The ultrasonic machining unit welds or cuts a sheet material such as unwoven fabric by feeding the sheet material between the machining roller and the tool horn. The machine further includes the construction for moving the ultrasonic machining unit in a direction generally perpendicular to a direction in which the sheet material is fed, the construction for rotating the machining roller on its axis, and the construction for turning the machining roller.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to transport systems for cutting articles from a blank of material, and is well suited for use in, though not limited to, transporting and cutting labels from a web material and applying them to items. Specifically, an article transfer system is disclosed for transporting articles cut from a blank of material traveling in a first direction. The system comprises a support member including first and second surfaces and a plurality of openings extending between the first and second surfaces. The support member is movable along the first direction adjacent to the blank of material. The system also includes in one embodiment, a vacuum for generating a lower pressure adjacent to the second surface of the support member than the pressure adjacent to the first surface thereof such that the blank is urged to maintain contact with the first surface of the support member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for applying swatches to a continuously traveling web, which is usually preprinted, and which is severed into sheets of a predetermined repeat length. When going from one size of repeat length to another size of repeat length, swatch-applying cylinders are profiled to match the cylinder velocity to the web velocity during a swatch application over a first portion of a revolution of the swatch cylinder and then the rotational velocity is changed substantially during a sync recovery portion of the cylinder's revolution. Preferably, the adhesive, which is applied to the web to adhere the swatches, is by an adhesive cylinder which is similarly provided with a matching velocity portion of a revolution and a sync recovery portion at a different velocity. The cutting operation is preferably by a knife cylinder which is also similarly profiled.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method of applying a protecting film to a semiconductor wafer, a semiconductor wafer is placed on top of a table, a protecting film is pressed onto the wafer by a press roller biased toward the table, the table is moved to apply the protecting film to the wafer, a tension roller arranged upstream from the press roller applies a tensile force to the protecting film in a direction opposite the feeding direction of the film, the tensile force of the tension roller is first set at a relatively high value at the beginning of the application of the protecting film to place the protecting film in a stretched state and then at a relatively small value during the application of the protecting film to prevent the portion of the protecting film which has not yet been applied from coming into contact with the wafer, and then, after the protecting film has been applied to the wafer, a cutting blade is used to cut the protecting film to match the shape of the semiconductor wafer by first moving the cutt

Abstract: Label-forming and applying apparatus is provided which dispenses a web of label material presenting individual labels with respective boundaries, and individually cuts such labels using one or more laser beams. The laser unit is equipped with a controller having an electronic memory which stores information about the label boundaries, so that the laser unit can be precisely controlled in order to successively cut labels from the web. An applicator assembly is also provided which picks up the cut labels and transfers the labels to an application station where they are applied to respective articles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting through protective film in the region of covered-over joints and beads of vehicle bodies includes a freely programmable industrial robot having at least five degrees of motional freedom. An operating arm of the robot has a cutting and pressing tool which includes a knife having a blade for cutting through the protective film in the region of covered-over joints and beads, and the pressing tool comprises a rotary brush or air nozzle for pressing down the cut edges. In another embodiment, an air nozzle which emits a diffuse hot-air current is provided for cutting through the protective film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a three-dimensional object. There is provided a lamination unit for holding and pressing a block of material; a slicing unit for cutting the block to form a horizontal layer having a first working surface and a cut block having a second working surface; a profiling means for profiling at least one of the working surfaces into at least one planar element; and an electronic means for receiving XYZ information corresponding to the shape of the object, for processing the XYZ information into a plurality of computerized cross-sectional representations of the shape, and for controlling the operation of the lamination means, the slicing means, and the profiling means.

Abstract: A flanging-trimming machine for differently shaped panels having peripheral edges. The machine covers the edges with an irremovable covering strip applied using an adhesive.

Abstract: A fiber placement head movable with respect to a surface, for placing fiber tows thereon, including a feed assembly for feeding the tows to a front end of the feed assembly where the feed assembly includes first and second sets of feed tow guides, an applicator assembly at the front end to receive the tows and apply such to the surface where the applicator assembly includes first and second sets of applicator tow guides, and a device for rotating the applicator assembly relative to the feed assembly between first and second positions. In the first position, the first set of applicator guides is aligned with the first set of feed guides, and in the second position, the first set of applicator guides is aligned with the second set of feed guides.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing labels and for applying each of the labels to an end wall of a cigarette packet. The method includes separating the labels from a continuous web moving in a horizontal direction with the width of the web parallel to a vertical plane. Only one side of the web is provided with printed areas for a succession of the labels, and severance cuts are provided in the web to form the labels between the areas. Separation of the labels occurs at the cuts. After the labels are separated, they are continuously transported by a suction conveyor belt moving in a vertical plane substantially parallel to the vertical plane of the web. The labels are held separated from each other by negative pressure from the belt which acts on the printed side. Glue is applied to the print-free side of the labels on the belt by a phased and non-contact application of at least on row of successive glue spots extending along the longitudinal dimension of the label. Then the labels are applied to the packets.

Abstract: A tape feeding apparatus capable of feeding a tape laminate made by superposing a first tape having a first chemical material layer on one side and a second tape having a second chemical material layer on one side reacting with the first chemical material with the layers in contact with each other. When the chemical reaction occurs between them, the second chemical material layer exhibits an indication which is visually recognized. Rollers press the first tape drawn out from a first reel and the second tape drawn out from a second reel so that the first and second chemical material layers come in mutual contact, and form the tape laminate.

Abstract: A machine for producing a wooden element made up of parallel rows of bars comprises a tape-applying device intended for such application of a strip of adhesive tape on pairs of adjacent rows in parallel therewith that the strip of adhesive tape joins the rows together, as well as a cutting device intended to cut the material web made up of the thus-joined bar rows into predetermined lengths. The cutting device has a reciprocatingly movable carriage provided with a rear cutting unit and a front stop element, the distance between the latter being adjustable according to the aimed-at cutting length. When fed forwards, the material web impinges upon the stop element, thereby to displace the carriage from an initial position to a turning position. The cutting unit performs a cutting operation during this displacement of the carriage.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for producing preselected lengths of rope from a supply of thermoplastic rope, and includes a rope feed system for advancing rope longitudinally along a rope path and a guillotine assembly coupled to the feed system. The guillotine assembly has a thermally conductive blade support mounted for reciprocal movement orthogonally with respect to the rope path, and a thermally conductive blade removably attached to the blade support. The blade is in good thermal contact with the blade support and movable with the blade support between a first position clear of the rope path and a second position in which the blade crosses the rope path. An electrical heating element is attached to the blade support to heat the support and thereby heat the blade to a temperature sufficient to fuse the rope locally.

Abstract: An expandable and contractible cellular panel 10 comprises a plurality of parallel, aligned, elongated tubular sections 12 secured together at the median region of their adjacent longitudinal margins to form the panel 10. The adjacent tubular sections 12 of the panel 10 are made of a pair of substantially identical separate strips of sheet material from those forming the other adjacent tubular sections 12. The various adjacent pairs of strips are laminated together along their confronting longitudinal margins. Each strip is made of at least two separate flexible substrate sheets 18,20 having completely different appearances, and are secured together by welding together their longitudinal margins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for registration of a seal to a perforation on a plastic bag include a drum for forming a seal on a continuous plastic film and a downstream perforator/cutting station for forming a perforation on the film with respect to the location of the seal. The perforation is properly registered to the seal by sensing the seal location directly, with a seal sensor located near the perforator/cutting station.

Abstract: A slide marker that automatically makes a mark onto a predetermined location of a slide using a dry marking medium. A puncher during a full cycle of movement tamps a punched through portion of the marking medium onto the predetermined location of the slide with near zero contact velocity. The marking medium has a contact surface having a pressure sensitive adhesive such that the mark will remain securely on the predetermined location of the slide. A section of unused marking medium is spooled into a throat of a puncher guide that carries the puncher over the predetermined location on the slide. A controller and sensor automate the process of making a mark at a predetermined location of the puncher by limiting the movement of the puncher to one full cycle of movement when the puncher is over any predetermined location of the slide for marking.

Abstract: A laminate molding method of fabricating a desired shape consisting of laminate layers having a first type layer in a completely solidified state, the method includes a first step of forming a second type layer on the first type layer, the first type layer having a viscosity larger than the second type layer, a second step of forming a slot groove in the second layer, the second type layer having first and second regions, a third step of printing a releaser on a predetermined region of the second type layer, a fourth step of forming a third type layer on the second type layer or on the first type layer, the second type having a viscosity larger than the third type layer, a fifth step of solidifying the third type layer to form the first type layer, and a sixth step of repeating the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth steps as desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying adhesive and a protective release paper to successive elongate wooden flooring strips having a top decorative side, and a bottom adhesive side for being adhered to a supporting subfloor. The apparatus includes an infeed conveyor for receiving successive wooden flooring strips top side-up from an upstream processing station in parallel lengthwise alignment to each other and moving the flooring strips in a direction of movement perpendicular to the length of the flooring strips. An accumulator equally spaces the flooring strips apart on the infeed conveyor. An inverter receives successive flooring strips from the infeed conveyor and inverts the flooring strips from top decorative side-up to bottom adhesive side-up. An applicator conveyor receives the inverted flooring strips from the inverter and moves the flooring strips end-to-end in a direction of movement parallel to the length of the flooring strips.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving a first carrier tape in a first direction along a path, and a second tape toward the first tape, both in an incremental manner. After each increment of movement of the first tape, the second tape is advanced a proportional increment into overlying contact with the first tape. A press squeezes the first and second tape layers together, and a cutting mechanism is actuated to sever the overlying segment of second tape. The incremental movements of the first and second tapes are regulated so that the length of each second tape segment laid on the first tape is equal to the distance of travel of the first tape in the first direction. The direction of movement of the first tape is reversed so that at least one layer of second tape can be applied to the first tape.

Abstract: A method and system for separating component which have two opposed sides and an edge between the opposed sides and are initially connected together by a foil which contacts one of the sides of each component, by: disposing the components and the foil so that portions of the foil which are disposed between components are disposed at an elevation different from the other one of the sides of each component; disposing a scanner to monitor the elevations of the foil and the other one of the sides of each component and monitoring the elevations with the scanner; and converting the monitoring result into data for controlling cutting of the foil along the edge of each component.

Abstract: A laminator is provided for registering and laminating one or more web or sheet laminae on a web substrate, wherein each lamina has defined, successive areas and indicia provided in predetermined positions relative to the defined areas. The laminator includes feed rollers for feeding a web substrate through the laminator along a path of travel, and an additional feed mechanism for feeding a web or sheets to a drum forming a part of the laminator. The drum is shiftable toward and away from the web substrate between an engaged position in which the drum engages the substrate, and a disengaged position in which the drum is removed from contact with the substrate. A registration system successively registers the web or each sheet on the drum with the substrate, with the defined area of the web or sheet in a desired predetermined relationship to one of the defined areas of the substrate as successive defined areas are brought into a laminating position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing process (600) and method (500) for efficiently providing a multi-holographic optical element substrate unit. Upon preparation of an original continuous/non-continuous holographic optical element with uniform diffraction efficiency and marking the original continuous/non-continuous holographic optical element with predetermined alignment marks, the original continuous/non-continuous holographic optical element is cut into a predetermined number of individual holographic optical elements in accordance with the predetermined alignment marks. Then a substrate is prepared with alignment marks in accordance with the predetermined alignment marks of the individual holographic optical elements, and the individual holographic optical elements are attached to a substrate in accordance with the alignment marks.

Abstract: An automatic assembly and inspection system for optical connectors is provided, which is highly reliable and which can produce economical and highly-effective optical cords or cables with optical connectors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the archival storage of tissue sections which have been cut from a sample block by a microtome blade includes a tape bearing serially-spaced areas of adhesive material, generally the same size as the surface of the tissue sample block. The tape may be delivered from a feed reel by a feed roller mechanism. Between each cut, the tape is advanced to align the adhesive area on the tape with the tissue sample. An application roller presses the adhesive against the sample, the section is cut, and a takeup roller lifts the tape and section away from the blade. The tape may then be wound onto a takeup reel for archival storage. The entire process may be automated, including the operation of a transport mechanism to move the apparatus away from the tissue sample during microscopic imaging.

Abstract: A linerless label product, method of making, apparatus and method for dispensing the product wherein a convolutely wound web roll has one face coated with pressure sensitive adhesive while the other face is coated with a release material, the adhesive is interrupted in longitudinally spaced areas to provide transversely extending bands free of pressure sensitive adhesive with the web areas between bands being labels embodying alpha shapes, numeric shapes, graphics, thermally activated material and/or self-contained material; the preparation method including providing signal-stimulating means for each band and the apparatus and method of dispensing employs sensing of the signal-stimulating means to transversely sever the web in the bands.

Abstract: An apparatus for making expandable honeycomb structures suitable for use as window coverings. In one embodiment, folded tubular strips with adhesive lines are fed continuously through a cutter which cuts them into predetermined lengths. The cut strips are then accelerated to a stacker for further processing before the next cut strip arrives. In another embodiment, webs of material are fed continuously in a downstream direction, adhesive lines are applied, a middle web is slitted into strips, and the strips bonded along opposite edges to the outer webs. By choosing for the outer webs transparent or porous material, and for the middle web opaque material, a light or air controlling honeycomb structure results.