Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for dimensionally sorting a group of received articles, like fruits and vegetables, and using the determined different sizes for differentiation during the subsequent processing and handling of the articles. Generally, the size and shape of each article is determined by the degree of deflection of one or more sensor heads located along a path the article is traversing. The determined size and shape is then used to direct the article during the subsequent processing and/or handling of the article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a labelling apparatus (1) for applying a label (2) to an object (3), including a sensing apparatus capable of identifying the position of an object relative to the labelling apparatus, and an applicator (19) to facilitate the application of the label onto an object at the preferred time, and a means (18) for advancing at least one label strip to which at least one label is removably adhered, and a detaching station (13) which is capable of partially detaching the adhesive label from the backing tape of the label strip, and the labeling apparatus characterised in that it includes a first pressurised air flow (18) capable of blowing air at the label to prevent the label from reattaching itself to the backing tape of the label strip, and a second sensing apparatus, capable of detecting the end of the label, and trigger means to activate a secondary air flow (19) for a time period to enable an blown from the secondary air flow to direct the label onto the object.

Abstract: A substrate laminating apparatus has an upper stage for holding an upper glass substrate and a lower stage for holding a lower glass substrate, and which laminates together the upper glass substrate and the lower glass substrate in a condition that both of the substrates are positioned relative to each other. An image pickup device photographs position detecting marks on the upper and lower glass substrates, and a moving device changes a relative distance between the image pickup device and the upper/lower glass substrates. A data acquiring device acquires data about the relative distance between the upper/lower glass substrates and the image pickup device, and a control device controls the moving device based on data about the relative distance.

Abstract: There are provided a multilayer disc manufacturing apparatus and method, capable of computing a rotational eccentricity of a disc with no contact with the disc and a high accuracy, and producing the disc with less costs without having to rotate the disc or any complicated operations. The multilayer disc manufacturing apparatus (100) is a one for manufacturing a multilayer disc by bonding one disc (220) to another disc (210).

Abstract: An optical-disk bonding apparatus for bonding two or more disk substrates with an adhesive, has a turning table for clamping the disk substrates; a thickness gauge for measuring a thickness of bonding layers; and a rotation control unit for controlling the turning of a turning table; wherein the thickness of the bonding layers is measured with the thickness gauge on the turning table; and a rotation of the turning table or the pressure acting on the disk substrates is controlled based on the measured thickness data.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying tax stamps to individual cigarette packages of different cigarette cartons, manufactured by different cigarette manufacturers and therefore having different height dimensions, comprises a cigarette carton height determination station, a cigarette carton opening station, a cigarette package tax stamp application station, a cigarette carton closing station, and a cigarette carton exit station. Each particular cigarette carton has its height dimension determined at the first cigarette carton height determination station, and such height dimension data is transmitted to a programmable logic controller (PLC). Cigarette carton opening mechanisms are located at the cigarette carton opening station, a tax stamp applicator is located at the tax stamp application stamper, and cigarette carton closing mechanisms are located at the cigarette carton closing station.

Abstract: A process for performing a plurality of operations on an elongate element, in particular an envelope (60) in a folder-inserter machine, which operations, such as flapping (44, 47), inserting, moistening and sealing, are carried out at spaced-apart locations. The process enables various different lengths of envelope to be employed, without the need to adjust any of the mechanisms. This is achieved by feeding an envelope into the inserter unflapped and with its crease line trailing. A datum position for the crease line is determined following sensing (96), and all the distances the envelope needs to be moved for the various operations, which may in practice be closely associated with that crease line, measured from that datum position. Irrespective of the lengths of the envelopes processed, the drive means (43) moving them from one particular operation location to the next then needs to be operated for the same time.

Abstract: A labeling machine includes a container conveying unit adapted to convey a container from a feed-in end to a take-out end. A container sensor is disposed adjacent to the conveying unit, and generates first and second signals upon detection of leading and trailing edges of the container, respectively. An encoder unit is associated with the conveying unit, and is operable so as to generate distance information to indicate distance advanced by the container. A label applying unit includes a label applicator plate disposed adjacent to the conveying unit. A controller activates the encoder unit upon receipt of the first signal from the container sensor, and determines the diameter of the container by inspecting the distance information from the encoder unit upon receipt of the second signal from the container sensor. The controller activates the label applying unit so as to be adapted to attach a label to the container when the label applicator plate is aligned with a central plane of the container.

Abstract: Actuators for handling furniture parts to be coated are provided. For this purpose, a feeder device is provided which has a plurality of lifting bolts arranged in a grid-like manner and which can travel vertically in a simplified manner thereby that all lifting bolts of a row can be locked by common locking means and that all lifting bolts of a line can be acted upon by common actuating means.

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

Abstract: A method of manufacturing plates, such as chipboards, fibre boards and the like boards, where the raw material in form of biomass particles, such as wood chips, wood fibres and the like applied with a thermosetting binder is spread onto a preforming band into an endless mat, and where this mat (B) is pre-compressed in a continuously operating prepress (C ) and then completely pressed in a continuously operating hot press, whereby the mat (B) is compressed into the desired thickness of the finished plate and the thermosetting binder is hardened. According to the invention, the mat (B) is pretreated by means of steam immediately before the introduction into the hot press (E) by means of a device (F) so as to obtain predetermined gradients of moisture content and temperature across the thickness of the mat. As a result the capacity of the apparatus can be increased at the same time as the energy consumption can be reduced.

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: Methods of changing from manufacture of pant-type refastenable personal care articles of a first size to manufacture of such pant-type refastenable personal care articles of a second different size. A method of the invention comprises defining in the workpiece, at at least one side edge of the respective workpiece, a length of material defined in the machine direction, wherein activity, or inactivity, of such length of material, in combination with other elements of the workpiece, determines the size of the pant-type refastenable personal care article being so produced, whereby the length of material so defined can be activated and thereby incorporated into the personal care article to correspondingly produce a relatively larger size such personal care article, or inactivated and thereby excluded from the personal care article to correspondingly produce a relatively smaller size personal care article.

Abstract: A labeling machine includes a container conveying unit adapted to convey a container from a feed-in end to a take-out end. A container sensor is disposed adjacent to the conveying unit, and generates first and second signals upon detection of leading and trailing edges of the container, respectively. An encoder unit is associated with the conveying unit, and is operable so as to generate distance information to indicate distance advanced by the container. A label applying unit includes a label applicator plate disposed adjacent to the conveying unit. A controller activates the encoder unit upon receipt of the first signal from the container sensor, and determines the diameter of the container by inspecting the distance information from the encoder unit upon receipt of the second signal from the container sensor. The controller activates the label applying unit so as to be adapted to attach a label to the container when the label applicator plate is aligned with a central plane of the container.

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

Abstract: A method for bonding substrates to tightly bond two overlaid substrates comprises the steps of: aligning the substrates, freely falling a second substrate onto a first substrate to overlay the first and second substrates; interposing an air layer between the joining surfaces of the first and second substrates, aligning the first and second substrates and holding the aligned first and second substrates; and pressing one point of the aligned two substrates. Thus, the bonded substrates which can be aligned accurately and free from occurrence of voids or the like can be obtained.

Abstract: The system (14, 18) for evaluating the geometry of articles transported by a conveyor (12) includes a frame (20) adapted to be mounted facing the conveyor (12), feelers (22) carried by the frame and moved relative to the frame (20) by articles transported by the conveyor (12), each feeler (22) having an end (28) for tracking the exposed surface of an article, which tracking end (28) is adapted to rest on the article and to move the feeler (22) by an amount representative of the position of the point on the article to which the tracking end (28) of the feeler (22) is applied, means (32) for measuring the position of each feeler (22) relative to the frame (20), and means (18) for calculating the geometry of the articles according to the measured position of each feeler (22).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method capable of certainly correcting a phase shift between a plurality of core paper layers. In the method according to this invention, the next phase shift quantity &dgr;′3 is estimated on the basis of a previous measured phase shift value &dgr;1 and the present measured phase shift value &dgr;2 and a single-faced corrugated fiberboard sheet tension changing quantity &Dgr;T1 for correction of the next phase shift quantity &dgr;′3 estimated is calculated to adjust the tension to the single-faced corrugated fiberboard sheet on the basis of the calculated tension changing quantity &Dgr;T1. This invention is effectively applicable when, for example, manufacturing a two-layer core single-faced corrugated fiberboard sheet or the like.

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

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

Abstract: A labelling machine is operable for applying carrier-supported labels for delivery to produce articles arranged in rows in a tray. The labelling machine includes at least one label transfer mechanism operative to apply labels from a carrier onto produce articles. The labelling machine also includes memory operative to store print information. A printer of the labelling machine is positioned upstream of the label transfer mechanism and is operative to print user-configurable print information. Control circuitry of the labelling machine is electrically coupled to the printer and the memory, and is operative to configure the printer to print user-configurable print information. A user interface of the labelling machine is signal-coupled to the control circuitry and memory, and is operable by a user to select the user-configurable print information to be printed by the printer. A method is also provided.

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

Abstract: A coating press for multi-face foil coating of work pieces, includes a work table for receiving work pieces that are to be coated. The work table has a table plate with grid-shaped through holes formed therein and the table plate has a top surface. A bottom press plate is provided for supporting the work table. There is a tray carriage which receives the work table and introduces the work table into the coating press. There are carrier elements having footing faces movably disposed in the through holes. The carrier elements receive and support the work pieces. Each of the carrier elements are reversibly variable in length between an extended position and a non-extended position. The carrier elements fully covered by the work pieces are in the extended position standing on the footing faces on the bottom press plate and extend above the top surface of the table plate for raising the work pieces above a level of the table plate.

Abstract: A dispensing system and method for dispensing material onto a substrate. In one embodiment, a dispensing system includes a housing, a dispensing apparatus, coupled to the housing, that dispenses a quantity of material onto the substrate, and a measuring probe, coupled to the housing, and positionable over the substrate to measure a distance from a reference point to a location on the top surface of the substrate. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for dispensing material onto a top surface of a substrate using a dispensing system having a dispensing apparatus that dispenses the material at a dispensing distance from the top surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A device for preparing and applying labels and a method of operating said device is provided. The device includes three parts: a roller transport track, a label dispenser and a label manipulator. The latter can pick up a label deposited by the label dispenser on the roller transport track and stick it at a predetermined point onto an object arranged in any desired way in a three-dimensional space.

Abstract: An apparatus for bonding a label of a label continuum to an object where the continuum includes an adhesive layer, a base layer on the adhesive layer, a heat sensitive layer on the base layer, a plurality of spaced label layers on the heat-sensitive layer, and a separation layer on the label layers. The apparatus includes a first feeding means for feeding the continuum, a cutting means for cutting the labels from the continuum within the spaces between the label layers, a printing means for printing on each of the cut labels where the printing means includes a heat-sensitive means for heat sensitizing the heat-sensitive layer labels, a second feeding means for feeding the printed labels, an object feeding means for the objects, a processing means for collecting data on the object and feeding the data to the printing means, and a label bonding means for applying the labels to the objects.

Abstract: A hand assisted lamination apparatus (1) for use in making a laminated composite article, the apparatus (1) including:(a) a lay-up tool (31) for receiving plies of a composite laminating material;(b) a support table (34) for supporting the lay-up tool (31);(c) a vacuum/compressed air system for drawing a vacuum through the support table (34) and for feeding compressed air through the support table (34);(d) a laser projection system (72) for outlining the location of a ply of the composite laminating material to guide the human operator of the hand assisted lamination apparatus, the laser projection system being capable of projecting a laser beam (30) onto the lay-up tool (31) whereby the laser beam (30) traces the ply outline defined by a data set;(e) a forming/compaction bag system (35) for forming and compacting a ply of composite laminating material laid on the lay-up tool (31); and(f) an electronic control system (47) for controlling the vacuum/compressed air system, for controlling the laser projection s

Abstract: A method for connecting a cylindrical ingot to a support plate includes measuring a crystal orientation of the ingot based on a diffraction of x-rays, rotating the ingot about a center axis based on the crystal orientation so that a center axis of the ingot is held parallel to a first plane and an orientation axis based on the crystal orientation is placed in a plane parallel to the first plane, adhering an intermediate plate to the ingot, adjusting a position of one of the support plate and the ingot in a plane parallel to the first plane based on the crystal orientation so that a mounting axis of the support plate is in a specific relationship with the orientation axis, and attaching the support plate to the intermediate plate.

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 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 chip compression-bonding apparatus includes a vertically-movable block which is vertically moved by a descending device, and has a load measurement device and a load applying device mounted thereon. A compression-bonding tool for holding a chip is provided beneath the vertically-movable block. The weight of the compression-bonding tool is supported by the load measurement device, and the compression-bonding tool is pressed against the load measurement device by the load applying device. A control portion detects a compression-bonding force of the compression-bonding tool by an amount of reduction of the value of the load measured by the load measurement device, and controls the descending device in accordance with the detected compression-bonding force.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for treating a workpiece such as a shoe component. The workpiece treating apparatus preferably includes a transporter for transporting a workpiece along a predetermined path of travel and a storage device for storing a plurality of predetermined parameters of each of a plurality of workpieces. A workpiece identifier is positioned responsive to the storage device for identifying the workpiece during travel along the predetermined path. A workpiece treatment applicator is positioned adjacent the transporter and responsive to the workpiece identifier for applying a treatment a workpiece being transported along the predetermined path of travel. A workpiece treatment position determiner preferably is positioned responsive to the workpiece identifier for continuously determining the position of the workpiece treatment applicator along a predetermined trajectory during treatment of the workpiece.

Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to the top surface of an object moving along a path adjacent to the applicator. The applicator is comprised of a label printer mounted for vertical adjustment on support structure attached to a fixed frame. The printer has a label feed position and is adjusted vertically on the support to set the label feed position to an expected median article height. A label transport assembly, attached to the frame, receives and retains the label and then moves vertically and laterally from a home position, above the label feed position, to an article intercept position, where it applies the label to the moving article. The controller learns the home position and positions the label transport assembly at the home position to pick up labels. The label printer, the label transport assembly, and the moveable frame are located alongside the object path such that when the label transport assembly is in the home position, the object path is vertically unobstructed.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method for a coating device utilize a measurement system to determine whether a body supplied to the coating device is acceptable for coating and/or to establish template data in preparation for a coating operation. The measurement system also obtains measurements of a body while the body is being coated, and these measurements are used to control the coating operation.

Abstract: A moveable label printer-applicator/conveyor loader assembly for loading articles onto a conveyor comprises a frame mounted for movement along a conveyor path and a controller. The controller receives data from a host computer which specifies an article to be selected and actuates a drive motor to move the assembly to the selected bin location. The quantity of articles to be picked is displayed to an operator via a CRT display. Sensors detect the profile of articles loaded onto the conveyor and transmit this data to the controller. After the controller verifies that the correct article has been selected, a labeler prints and applies a label to each article.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for applying sealant, for example to insulated glass, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a computer control and a support structure on which is movably disposed a sealant applicator. The sealant applicator is selectively positionable along at least one axis via the computer control one or more sensors operate to provide the computer control with data regarding sealant application as the sealant is applied. The computer control is further operative to both determine the depth of sealant to be applied, and to effect positioning of the sealant applicator in response to data from the one or more sensors such that sealant applied does not exceed the determined depth.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an electronic security tag to a freshly printed label, each label having an adhesive side and a printable side. The apparatus comprises a supply roll including a backing and a plurality of security tags attached thereto for supplying the electronic security tags. The apparatus further comprises means for printing indicia on the printable side and delivering the label to a label support. The apparatus includes a stripper element for separating the security tags from the backing at a label application station. The separated security tag is then attached to the label.

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 direct extrusion process for manufacturing conductive polymer articles of manufacture employs a twin screw compounding extruder that compounds a polymeric mixture from materials received, in predetermined proportions, from gravimetric feeders, then extrudes a compounded conductive polymeric material in the melt phase. The extrudate is then fed into a gear pump that allows the extruder to discharge the compounded material, while it is still in the melt stage, at a relatively low pressure. The gear pump produces a substantially constant volumetric output of the compounded "melt phase" material at sufficiently high pressure for delivery into a sheet die. The sheet die forms the compounded material, while still in the melt phase, into a continuous web.

Abstract: A sealing machine and method are described as used for sealing the edges of documents so that envelopes are not needed. In known such machines, particularly when used for sealing the documents by pressure, problems arise if documents overlap either partially or fully (i.e. a double document) because the pressure rollers in the machine easily jam. The documents being sealed may be very valuable (e.g. pay slips) and any loss or damage is a serious problem. The invention therefore provides means for sensing the presence of double or overlapping documents in a feed path of the machine and means for diverting such double or overlapping documents upstream of the sealing means. Both the thickness and the length of the documents are measured and compared to preset values, such as may be stored in a microprocessor either from ideal figures or from measurements taken during a controlled start-up procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for treating a workpiece such as a shoe component. The workpiece treating apparatus preferably includes a transporter for transporting a workpiece along a predetermined path of travel and a storage device for storing a plurality of predetermined parameters of each of a plurality of workpieces. A workpiece identifier is positioned responsive to the storage device for identifying the workpiece during travel along the predetermined path. A workpiece treatment applicator is positioned adjacent the transporter and responsive to the workpiece identifier for applying a treatment a workpiece being transported along the predetermined path of travel. A workpiece treatment position determiner preferably is positioned responsive to the workpiece identifier for continuously determining the position of the workpiece treatment applicator along a predetermined trajectory during treatment of the workpiece.

Abstract: The hand-held apparatus of the present invention includes an integral printer and measuring device so that measurement information obtained from the measuring device may be automatically printed, used to determine additional information to be printed such as price information, or merely displayed. A measuring wheel having detectable marks disposed about the periphery thereof is rotatably mounted on the housing of the apparatus in proximity to a sensor that detects the marks. This sensor is positioned on the housing to not only detect the marks on the measuring wheel but to also detect the presence or absence of a label dispensed from the housing so as to provide an on-demand printing mode of operation. A controller is responsive to the sensor in the on-demand mode of operation for controlling a printhead to print on a supply when the previously printed supply has been removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to the top surface of an object moving along a path adjacent to the applicator. The applicator is comprised of a label printer mounted for vertical adjustment on support structure attached to a moveable frame. The printer has a label feed position and is adjusted vertically on the support to set the label feed position to an expected median article height. A label transport assembly, attached to the frame, receives and retains the label and then moves vertically and laterally from a home position, above the label feed position, to an article intercept position, where it applies the label to the moving article. The controller learns the home position and positions the label transport assembly at the home position to pick up labels. The label printer, the label transport assembly, and the moveable frame are located along side the object path such that when the label transport assembly is in the home position, the object path is vertically unobstructed.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling innerspring constructions from rows or strings of pocketed coil springs comprises a generally planar support surface with a pressure plate mounted parallel to and above the support surface. The apparatus includes a bonding material applicator for applying bonding material to a first row of pocketed coil springs retained by the pressure plate. A pusher bar assembly is provided for pushing a second row of coil springs into intimate contact with the first row whereupon the two rows become bonded. The pusher bar assembly includes a pusher fixture having two opposed sides, each with differently spaced dividers for receiving rows of springs having differing diameters. The pusher fixture is manually rotatable to employ a desired set of dividers depending on the size of the coils being assembled.

Abstract: A label applicator for applying a label to the top surface of an object moving along a path adjacent to the applicator. The applicator is comprised of a label printer mounted for vertical adjustment on support structure attached to a fixed frame. The printer has a label feed position and is adjusted vertically on the support to set the label feed position to an expected median article height. A label transport assembly, attached to the frame, receives and retains the label and then moves vertically and laterally from a home position, above the label feed position, to an article intercept position, where it applies the label to the moving article. The controller learns the home position and positions the label transport assembly at the home position to pick up labels. The label printer, the label transport assembly, and the moveable frame are located alongside the object path such that when the label transport assembly is in the home position, the object path is vertically unobstructed.

Abstract: A sheet sticking apparatus for sticking a sheet S held on a continuous separator T and fed to the surface of a work W carried on a conveyor, which comprises a sorting section 7 adapted to position a work W fed from the preceding step and lower a detection plate 84 to sort the height of the work W, a sheet sticking section 8 arranged downstream of the sorting section 7 and adapted to lower the separator T to just above the work W, and sticking the sheet S to the surface of the work W while gradually peeling the sheet S from the separator T in synchronism with the carriage of the work W, and a press section 9 adapted to lower a press member 270, 271 to a position at which the press member contacts the surface of the work W, so that the press member presses the sheet S over its substantially entire surface against the work W, and to deliver the work W with the sheet stuck to the ensuing step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for fusing tabs of a hook or loop fastener material to opposing ends of an elongated band of cooperating hook or loop fastener material. The tabs are fed from two sources of a first material on opposing sides of a bonding station. The band is formed from a supply of a second material which is first fed to a transfer device having first and second grippers. The grippers transfer the band of material to the bonding station in a direction transverse to the transfer of the tabs to the bonding station, and the ends of the band are placed in overlapping relationship with the tabs. Subsequently, a pair of ultrasonic welding horns are moved into contact with the overlapping material to fuse the band of material to the tabs. The apparatus operates under the control of a programmable controller and the length of the band may be varied by altering a length of the second material fed between the grippers of the transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A plastic bag making machine includes a cylindrical drum with a variable diameter. A plurality of seal bars define the circumference of the drum, and are substantially parallel to the drum's rotational axis. The bags are made from a plastic film with registration marks that are detected by a detector disposed near the film. A detector also detects each revolution of the drum and an encoder provides signals indicative of the position of the film. A controller determines the distance phase of the registration marks and the rum size error. The drum diameter is adjusted in response to an output of the controller in such a way as to correct for both the initial drum size error, the initial phase error, and the phase error accumulated while the drum diameter is being corrected.

Abstract: A weighing scale which includes a label printer for printing labels having a detachable portion. A label cassette is easily inserted or removed from the weighing scale. The label cassette is changed depending on the type of label to be printed. Standard labels can be printed, or labels having detachable portions along one side can be printed. The detachable portion can have merchandising information printed thereon including coupon information, advertising information, discounts, specials, and product information. The information on the label and detachable portions is easily edited by an operator at a control panel of the weighing scale. A conversational display is provided which allows easy editing and also allows specials, recipes, etc., to be displayed. A molded cover is provided to prevent moisture from entering the weighing scale without interfering with the operation of the weighing scale.

Abstract: A moveable label printer-applicator/conveyor loader assembly for loading articles onto a conveyor comprises a frame mounted for movement along a conveyor path and a controller. The controller receives data from a host computer which specifies an article to be selected and actuates a drive motor to move the assembly to the selected bin location. The quantity of articles to be picked is displayed to an operator via a CRT display. Sensors detect the profile of articles loaded onto the conveyor and transmit this data to the controller. After the controller verifies that the correct article has been selected, a labeler prints and applies a label to each article.