Means Responsive To Weight Or Dimension Patents (Class 156/360)
  • Patent number: 5529658
    Abstract: The invention is an improved membrane press, and method of elevating a workpiece above the supporting surface of a work base. The membrane press includes a work base having a supporting surface for carrying the workpiece, and a foil-pressing frame positioned above the workpiece for heating and applying the laminating foil to the workpiece. The improvement in the membrane press includes a plurality of workpiece-lifting pedestals residing substantially beneath the supporting surface of the work base. A piston is located beneath each pedestal, and responds to the placement of the workpiece onto the supporting surface of the work base. The piston imparts an upward force on certain ones of the pedestals residing adjacent to and beneath the workpiece to raise the pedestals and workpiece upwardly above the supporting surface of the work base. The raised pedestals permit the top surface, corners, and peripheral borders of the elevated workpiece to be laminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Hartmut Diekwisch
  • Patent number: 5518559
    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. A controller determines the distance between registration marks on the film using the output of an encoder as a position signal, and adjusts the diameter of the drum in response to the determined distance. The controller also determines the position of the seal bars relative to the registration marks and adjusts the diameter of the drum in response to the relative position. A downstream device includes a perforation to seal registration controller with a registration control input. The controller provides a control signal to the registration control input in response to changes in the diameter of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen A. Saindon, Peter Gietman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5487807
    Abstract: A labelling system dispenses a web of label material having a coating of non-tacky adhesive, subsequently activates the adhesive, cuts the web using a laser beam to produce labels therefrom, and then applies the labels to respective packages. In another embodiment, a carrier sheet is separated from an adhered web whereupon the web is then cut using a laser beam to form labels and a waste matrix. The labels are then rejoined to the carrier sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Greydon W. Nedblake
    Inventors: Graydon W. Nedblake, John Garber
  • Patent number: 5427636
    Abstract: A process for recapping tires with a pre-molded, pre-vulcanized tread (2) uses a device for measurement of the travelling length of the tread (2). This device includes a stop (5) which moves on a guide track (6) connected to an endless notched belt (7) held in place by two pulleys (8) and (9), a motor (10), and an optical coder (11). During the entire installation phase of the tread (2) on the casing (21), the stop (5) generates a slight force on the free end of the tread placed on a preparation table (3) incorporating rollers (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Pneu Laurent
    Inventors: Veronique Chabin, Armand Baccaud
  • Patent number: 5425834
    Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a long adhesive sheet material protected with parting films on both side into a forming machine by a specified portion each without any manual labor. An adhesive sheet material (10) let off through pinch rolls (102, 102) in a sheet cutter (100) is measured of its length by an encoder, and is cut in a preset length. A cut segment (15) of the adhesive sheet material is conveyed by a sheet cutter conveyor (200) to a specified position, where it is stacked up on a stacking truck (400) waiting above a weighing scale (500) by a suction and transfer device (300). When stacking of segments (15) is over, the weight is measured by the weighing scale (500). When this measurement agrees with the necessary weight, the specified number of segments (15) are carried up to the waiting position of a charger (600) by the stacking truck (400), and are charged into the specified position of a forming machine (20) by the charging machine (600).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignees: Tsukishima Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha, Sekisui Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaru Shinohara, Masashi Kojima, Koichi Kawamori, Toru Narimatsu
  • Patent number: 5425823
    Abstract: A combined label printer and application device is provided for labeling a plurality of individual product units with customized labels. The individual product units are conveyed through a data determining mechanism, such as a checkweigher or electric eye in order to identify data to be imprinted on the label. The information is conveyed to a microprocessor which converts the data into commands for a label printer. The printer in turn prints either alpha-numeric indicia, bar codes or other desired visual indicia on the label. The movement of the individual product units is coordinated with a corresponding label, and the label is applied to the product unit by means of a combined vacuum and air jet head. The individual labels, in a preferred embodiment, are coated with pressure sensitive adhesive, and are fixed on rolls to releasible backing strip. The individual labels are stripped from the backing strip and held temporarily on a vacuum head until the desired product unit is located below the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: B.C.E. Technologies
    Inventor: James Woodside, III
  • Patent number: 5415720
    Abstract: A gluing apparatus for a corrugated board installation is provided with a fluted roller and a gluing station. The actual size of the glue spreading gap formed between the fluted roller and the glue spreading roller of the gluing station is adjustable to a desired size via a control unit and an adjustment drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: BHS Corrugated Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Reiner Schonhammer, Andreas Ziegler
  • Patent number: 5395466
    Abstract: A back pasting apparatus which uses a back pasting adhesive tape and is intended to make the apparatus compact and to improve back pasting quality. A guide rail (16) movable back and forth with respect to a frame (14) is provided. A paper table (15) arranged opposite to the guide rail (16) is biased by a spring or the like in the direction of the guide rail (16). The guide rail (16) and a clamp (22) are driven by a drive mechanism. First, a back pasting adhesive tape (30) is fed by a tape feeder into the guide groove (19) of the guide rail (16). As the clamp (22) lowers, the cover of papers (17) is pressed against the adhesive tape (30). The guide rail (16) is moved down along the grooves (20, 20) before being moved forward. As a result, only the paper table (15) is pressed down and moved back so that the adhesive tape (30) is pressed against the back and back cover of the papers (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Max Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouichi Tukagoshi, Takuya Kitamura, Kiyoto Fujii, Kazuo Higuchi, Shinji Imai, Kazuhiko Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 5384000
    Abstract: The three-dimensional shape of the surface of a board (12) is measured, and the parallel degree between the board (12) and a semiconductor chip (10) is adjusted on the basis of the measurement result. A board mounting means (13) and a semiconductor chip holding means (11) are moved close to each other, and the semiconductor chip (10) is mounted on the board (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Nishiguchi
  • Patent number: 5342461
    Abstract: A label printer and applicator system which determines the height and position of moving objects on a conveyor while printing labels and positioning the labels for application on the moving objects. The printer/applicator includes a controllable label buffer, applicator actuator and label ejector to receive and apply the printed label, or eject the label when it has been determined that the application to the object cannot be made. Further embodiments include multiple applicators deployed along the conveyor to permit higher conveyor velocities and avoidance of unlabeled objects due to height/proximity relationships with adjacent packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Imtec, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5324381
    Abstract: The three-dimensional shape of the surface of a board (12) is measured, and the parallel degree between the board (12) and a semiconductor chip (10) is adjusted on the basis of the measurement result. A board mounting means (13) and a semiconductor chip holding means (11) are moved close to each other, and the semiconductor chip (10) is mounted on the board (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Nishiguchi
  • Patent number: 5314566
    Abstract: In a machine including structure for printing an indicia on a sheet at a predetermined printing speed, wherein the machine includes structure for feeding the sheet in a path of travel to the printing structure, apparatus for detecting a malfunction of the machine, the apparatus comprising, structure for controlling the machine, the controlling structure including a microprocessor, structure for sensing the sheet in the path of travel, the sensing structure including a first sensor connected to the microprocessor for providing a first sensing signal thereto in response to sensing the sheet, the sensing structure including a second sensor connected to the microprocessor for providing a second sensing signal thereto in response to sensing the sheet, and the microprocessor programmed for causing the sheet feeding structure to feed the sheet to the sensing structure at a first predetermined sheet feeding speed less than the printing speed, causing the printing structure to commence a printing cycle after a first p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Gallagher, Thomas M. Pfeifer, Richard P. Schoonmaker
  • Patent number: 5292398
    Abstract: An apparatus joins opposite ends of a tread on a rotary drum in a tire making machine. Besides the rotary drum, the apparatus includes a conveyor having two lateral endless loops and a guide in the form of rollers interposed between the loops. The conveyor is disposed upstream of the rotary drum. Clamping mechanisms are provided to clamp the respective sides of the tread at a rear end thereof to the endless loops of the conveyor, respectively. A tread placed on the endless loops of the conveyor is maintained in relative position by the guide. The actual length of the tread on the conveyor is measured. The front end of the tread is adhered to the rotary drum and the opposite sides of the tread at the rear end thereof are clamped to the conveyor. The conveyor and drum are then driven at appropriate speeds based on the length of the tread to cause the ends thereof to be joined on the drum. Movable grippers can be provided to stretch the rear end of the tread at the sides thereof into abutment with the front end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Miyamoto, Jiro Agawa, Hidemasa Sato
  • Patent number: 5256232
    Abstract: Apparatus for winding web material (14) comprises a reciprocating carriage assembly (22) which delivers the leading end of the web to a winding spindle (30) and then moves away from the spindle as winding proceeds. A builder roll (138) mounted on the carriage assembly applies pressure during winding. A tape tab (178) is automatically applied to the trailing end of the web and pressed onto the completed roll (140) by the builder roll, while a stepping motor (176) for the builder roll resists the winding motor to maintain tension in the final convolution of the web. A corresponding method is taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Fred M. Fuss, David E. Wenschhof
  • Patent number: 5254189
    Abstract: In a weighing and labelling system for a product, a suction unit (35) having its lower surface carrying a label (Z) is lowered by a drive motor (25) and, immediately before the suction unit (35) is brought into contact with a product (Y) to be wrapped, the supply of an electric power to the drive motor (25) is interrupted to allow the label (Z) to be applied to the product (Y) by the effect of an inertia operation and, thereafter, the suction unit (35) is immediately elevated. Alternatively, by the utilization of a servo mechanism, the label (Z) is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Ishida Scales Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Hirobe, Maplo Takama
  • Patent number: 5240545
    Abstract: A base plate conveyor for conveying a base plate in a film adhering and peeling apparatus. The conveyor include a plurality of rollers which are capable of conveying the base plate between processing members disposed on opposite sides of the base plate. The base plate is capable of being positioned such that the center of the base plate coincides with the center point between the processing units, regardless of the thickness of the base plate. The conveyor further includes a mechanism for adjusting the transverse position of the base plate with respect to the direction of conveyance thereof. Also provided is a mechanism for applying an air bubble preventive agent to the base place such that air bubbles do not form between the base plate and the film adhered thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Somar Corporation
    Inventors: Yoji Washizaki, Shigeo Sumi
  • Patent number: 5232539
    Abstract: A machine for applying labels to products of various sizes employs a movable printer/applicator head. Control circuitry responsive to sensors located along a conveyor by which the products are moved toward the machine generates output signals to an electrical motor which drives the printer/applicator head at a speed defined by the processor output signals. Labels to be printed are supplied to the head from a label supply strip wound on a label supply reel mounted on the stationary part of the machine. The portion of the strip extending between the reel and the head is provided with a loop to assure sufficient length of the strip for free movement by the head. The strip is lengthened by an amount less than the length of a label each time a label is removed and is lengthened by an additional amount each time a short-loop condition is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Grand Rapids Label Company
    Inventors: George F. Carpenter, Jeffrey A. Engelsman, Christopher Harris, Mark D. Salley
  • Patent number: 5173140
    Abstract: A device and method for applying a length of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape to an object that is moved along a path past the device is described. The device includes a frame and a mechanism for applying the length of tape to the periphery of the object that is attached to the frame. The mechanism for applying the length of tape is movable between a first tape dispensing position and a second tape dispensing position and wherein the mechanism dispenses the tape along a forward and a rearward portion of the object while in the first position and dispenses tape at the second position between the forward and rearward portions of the object. A retaining mechanism restricts movement of the means for applying toward the object while in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Lloyd S. Vasilakes
  • Patent number: 5161697
    Abstract: The present invention represents a further extension of the automation of the various steps of the wood gluing process. This invention automatically selects and transmits to further work stations appropriately sized pieces of stock which, when glued together (utilizing various of the apparatus shown in the art for gluing such strips together), saves time in the formation of the end products. Information concerning the operation of the invention is recorded by customer number or other code to provide a permanent record of the results of the invention's operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: James L. Taylor Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Bradley S. Quick
  • Patent number: 5133827
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for printing and applying labels to packages which can vary in height over a large range, for example from a minimum height of 0.5 inches to and including a maximum height of 5.5 inches. A label applier is pivotally mounted and gravity biased toward a lowermost position adjacent a package conveyor with the label applier being upwardly pivoted by packages passing thereunder to accommodate the wide range of package heights. Packages are sensed on the conveyor as they move toward the label applier which prints and holds labels with the adhesive coated sides of the labels unexposed until the expiration of periods of time based upon package sensing. By timing label application to occur upon the expiration of such time periods, the labels are applied to preferred areas of the upper surfaces of the packages adjacent either the leading side edges or the trailing side edges of the packages as defined by direction of package conveyance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Hobart Corporation
    Inventor: Philip A. Ratermann
  • Patent number: 5078816
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for printing and applying labels to packages which can vary in height over a large range, for example from a minimum height of 0.5 inches to and including a maximum height of 5.5 inches. A label applier is pivotally mounted and gravity biased toward a lowermost position adjacent a package conveyor with the label applier being upwardly pivoted by packages passing thereunder to accommodate the wide range of package heights. Packages are sensed on the conveyor as they move toward the label applier which prints and holds labels with the adhesive coated sides of the labels unexposed until the expiration of periods of time based upon package sensing. By timing label application to occur upon the expiration of such time periods, the labels are applied to preferred areas of the upper surfaces of the packages adjacent either the leading side edges or the trailing side edges of the packages as defined by direction of package conveyance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Premark FEG Corporation
    Inventor: Philip A. Ratermann
  • Patent number: 5035759
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of protecting the hulls of marine vessels from fouling. The inventive method involves the application of thin metallic films to the hull of a boat. The inventive method includes the use of various techniques for application of the film, techniques for preventing the touching of dissimilar metals, techniques for insuring that dissimilar metals are insulated and isolated from one another, insuring that active or passive cathodic protection systems are not on the same surface plane as the attached films and other techniques. The specific materials which are applied to the vessel hull as well as their various parameters in the environment of the present invention are disclosed. Specific treatments to the thin metallic film to improve the adherence of these thin film hulls and adjacent films are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Andoe, Inc.
    Inventor: Graham C. Andoe
  • Patent number: 5032206
    Abstract: A press for applying an overlay to a substrate which includes multiple, individually reciprocal and selectively controlled depressers actuatable to force the overlay in a progressively expanding area against the surface of the overlay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: VTI Veneer Technology
    Inventor: Helmut Sigerist
  • Patent number: 5007977
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a strip to the planar contour-prepared edge of a lens. The beginning of an endless strip is connected to the edge of a lens. A transverse perforation is introduced into the strip at a distance from the strip beginning that corresponds to the circumference of the lens. The lens is then rotated, and the strip is restrained, at a location thereof behind the perforation when viewed in the direction of movement of the strip, in such a way that the strip tears at the perforation to form a new strip beginning for the next lens. This new strip beginning is pressed against, and connected to, the edge of the next lens. A register is provided for determining the circumference of a lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: Wernicke & Co. GmbH
    Inventor: Lutz Gottschald
  • Patent number: 4971639
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for welding vinyl window and door frames. The apparatus includes a counting circuit or the like for measuring the time taken for burning off a selected length of a thermoplastic frame member. This time can be used to calculate a sufficient or optimal period for performing a heating or plastification step. Once the ends of the frame members are properly heated (plastified), they are fused by urging them towards each other. The fused members are then cooled for a period of time which also corresponds to the time required for burn-off. The apparatus further includes a heating plate which is pivotable between an operating position and a retracted position. The heating plate is also movable so that different surface portions can be used during burn-off and heating phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Sampson Machine Company
    Inventors: Robert Quinn, John Grandy
  • Patent number: 4964941
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a magnetic read/write head with precision orientation on a suspension assembly arm. The arm contains a plurality of mounting indicia. Computer controlled apparatus, including an optics system, scans the mounting indicia and the head and mounts the head on a predetermined desired location on the arm and with the desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kim Von Brandt, Bruce L. Blakeslee, John Keil, Jr., Robert D. Stroud
  • Patent number: 4943328
    Abstract: The present invention represents a further extension of the automation of the various steps of the wood gluing process. This invention automatically selects and transmits to further work stations appropriately sized pieces of stock which, when glued together (utilizing various of the apparatus shown in the art for gluing such strips together), saves time in the formation of the end products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: James L. Taylor Manufacturing Company Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley S. Quick
  • Patent number: 4935078
    Abstract: A mailing machine for high-speed processing of mixed mail, capable of high throughput, and of compact size. It includes mail piece processing at four main stations in a straight-through manner, under positive control at all times by separate drive units at each station, with the sequential processing actions timed to optimize mail piece throughput.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Norman J. Bergman, Donald T. Dolan, Peter C. DiLiulio, Morton Silverberg
  • Patent number: 4865677
    Abstract: A device for sticking adhesive tape to thin articles, such as semiconductor wafers, and trimming excess portions of said tape from the thin articles. A plurality of sticking rollers apply adhesive tape from a roll to each thin article, the tape having an adhesive side oriented towards an upper surface of the article and a width greater than a width of the article. A suction stage receives and holds each of the thin articles with the adhesive tape stuck thereto by said sticking rollers while a tape cutter trims the excess portion of the tape from along peripheral edge portions of the article. A tape peeling device then peels off the trimmed excess portions of the tape from the thin article, whereupon the thin article is conveyed back to a cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Nitto Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Matsushita, Akihiko Kira, Minoru Ametani
  • Patent number: 4855003
    Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a protective molding to a vehicle body comprises a pressure device for pressing the protective molding attached temporarily to a side portion of the vehicle body against the vehicle body, a backward driving device for causing the pressure device to make a backward movement in relation to the vehicle body, a forward driving means for causing the pressure device to contact and press the protective molding, a body detecting device for coming into contact with the vehicle body before the pressure device contacts the vehicle body, and a control device for actuating the backward driving device to move the pressure device backward when the body detecting device contacts the vehicle device and then actuating the forward driving device to cause the pressure device which has been moved backward to contact the vehicle body and press the protective molding against the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Matsushima
  • Patent number: 4832780
    Abstract: In a rubber-covered cord units joining machine, parallelogram-shaped rubber-covered cord units are joined to one another by overlapping the edges which are in parallel with the cords thereof, thereby to form a belt-shaped rubber-covered cord product. A moving stand is movable in the lengthwise direction (Y-axis direction) and in the widthwise direction (X-axis direction). The stand is provided above a joining table on which the rear end portion of a joined rubber-covered cord unit and a not-joined rubber-covered cord unit are placed in such a manner that the not-joined rubber-covered cord unit is slightly spaced from the rear end portion of the joined rubber-covered cord unit. An end edge chuck for detachably holding the front end edge of said not-joined rubber-covered cord unit is coupled to the moving stand in such a manner that said end edge chuck is movable vertically and rotatable around the vertical axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Ishijo, Shoji Asama, Tsutomu Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 4784714
    Abstract: A thermal printer and label applicator includes a transport system for moving linerless thermosensitive paper from a stack or roll thereof to a printing station and a cutting station. Thermal print head at the printing station is provided to imprint a preselected heating pattern in the linerless thermosensitive paper in order to form desired visible images thereon. A cutter is provided to separate the linerless thermosensitive paper into individual labels, and a vacuum system transports the separated individual labels from the cutting station to an adhesive activation station and thereafter to a label ejection station. At the adhesive activation station, the adhesive is activated and thereafter a vacuum/blower system at the label ejection station causes airborne transport of the individual separated labels onto goods which have been placed in receiving position by a conveyor system. Operation of the thermal printer and label applicator is coordinated by a control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Ricoh Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Tomoo Shibata
  • Patent number: 4778545
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a fillet to fill a void between two L-shaped structural members which reinforce a composite material skin. A leg of one of the structural members is placed against a leg of the other member, with the second legs of the two members extending outwardly from the adjacent legs. The void is formed between the adjacent rounded outer edges between the legs of each of the members. The apparatus measures the radii of curvature of each of the rounded edges along the length of the member, stores the radii data in an electronic memory, and calculates the area of the void as a function of length along the member. The apparatus then controls a knife to trim an edge from a composite tape so that the trimmed tape has a cross-sectional area equal to the area of the void. The apparatus then forms the fillet from the trimmed tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Frederic C. Von Derau, Michael G. Cavin
  • Patent number: 4772344
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method of protecting the hulls of marine vessels from fouling. The inventive method involves the application of thin metallic films to the hull of a boat. The inventive method includes the use of various techniques for application of the film, techniques for preventing the touching of dissimilar metals, techniques for insuring that dissimilar metals are insulated and isolated from one another, insuring that active or passive cathodic protection systems are not on the same surface plane as the attached films and other techniques. The specific materials which are applied to the vessel hull as well as their various parameters in the environment of the present invention are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Jimi R. Andoe
    Inventor: Graham C. Andoe
  • Patent number: 4769110
    Abstract: An address label preparation processing system for printed matter dispatching, having counter/stackers for preparing printed matter bundles upon receipt of the data on the number of copies per bundle from an address label processing devices, having an address label printing function, for printing on-line address labels for the bundles prepared, and attaching the printed address labels on the bundles as the bundles prepared by the counter/stacker and transported by a conveyor arrive at the system, and characterized in that each of the address label processing devices incorporates therein type fonts and a character enlarging function and has such a construction that address labels can be printed on the basis of the address printing data transmitted from a host computer; the host computer performing control so that the address printing data and the data on the number of copies are allocated sequentially among each of the address label processing devices; the counter/stacker receiving the number of copies per bun
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kinichiro Ohno, Katsuyoshi Morita, Kazuo Aihara, Yukio Kanzaki, Hirobumi Watanabe, Hiroshi Ikeda, Kouichi Okamoto
  • Patent number: 4744853
    Abstract: The invention relates to a core or shell bundling machine for the fully automatic assembly of bundles of cores or shells in foundry work, and consists of a removal apparatus for the cores/shells, a pivot apparatus, an adhesive application system, a bundling apparatus and an immersion device.By means of the machine described in the invention, the cores/shells coming from a core and shell shooting machine are immediately combined or bundled in accordance with the cycle time of a machine of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Adolf Hottinger Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Landua, Jurgen Muller
  • Patent number: 4731151
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically mounting ready-made headliners into automotive bodies, comprising a jig selectively connectible to an assembly line conveyor to move synchronously therewith while performing the headliner mounting operation by moving a platform with a preferably adhesive coated headliner placed thereon through a window cut-out of a body, elevating the headliner into contact with the ceiling of the body while simultaneously moving a counter-pressure fixture against the roof of the body, and thereafter disconnecting from the conveyor to move in a direction opposite the movement of the conveyor, into a position for loading another headliner and reconnecting to the conveyor for another mounting cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Audi AG.
    Inventors: Adolf Kaller, Wilfried Michel, Josef Motzet
  • Patent number: 4728378
    Abstract: In a footwear side-lasting machine, the setting movement of pressure members is automated which are operative to upturn and press onto a margin of a footwear blank insole coated with an adhesive a flap of its respective upper, while monitoring the curvature of the footwear blank insole and driving, based on such monitoring, motive members for the setting movement of the pressure members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Officine Meccaniche Molina & Bianchi, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Bianchi
  • Patent number: 4724302
    Abstract: Feed process control is accomplished using an optical profiler to determine the height, width, and cross sectional area of a bead produced by a bead producing tool. Feedback control of the height, width, and/or area is obtained by modifying various parameters of the bead producing tool. If the bead producing tool is a welding torch, the parameters may include the weld torch voltage, weld torch current, wire feed rate, and the speed of travel of the torch across the workpiece or workpieces. If the bead producing tool is a sealant or glue gun, the parameters may include the pressure of the sealant or the glue supplied to the sealant or the glue gun, the size of an adjustable nozzle orifice of the sealant or the glue gun, and the speed of travel of the sealant or the glue gun along the surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Carl M. Penney, Michael H. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 4708759
    Abstract: An edge locating device is particularly useful in a system having an articulating frame for supporting and aligning a first sheet of material relative to a second sheet of material supported on a belt below. The device is attachable to the articulating frame and has an edge contact element for locating the edge of the first sheet and a radiation source and detector for locating the edge of the second sheet. The edge contact element, source and detector are fixed with respect to one another and movable between a first position wherein the element is spaced from the edge of the first sheet and a second position wherein the element contacts the edge of the first sheet. When moved to the second position the source and detector can be used to move the articulating frame until the edge of the second sheet is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Crathern Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Porat
  • Patent number: 4707211
    Abstract: A thermal printer and label applicator includes a transport system for moving linerless thermosensitive paper from a stack or roll thereof to a printing station and a cutting station. Thermal print head at the printing station is provided to imprint a preselected heating pattern in the linerless thermosensitive paper in order to form desired visible images thereon. A cutter is provided to separate the linerless thermosensitive paper into individual labels, and a vacuum system transports the separated individual labels from the cutting station to an adhesive activation station and thereafter to a label ejection station. At the adhesive activation station, a heater is provided to activate a delayed action adhesive on the label and thereafter a vacuum/blower system at the label ejection station causes airborne transport of the individual separated labels onto goods which have been placed in receiving position by a conveyor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Ricoh Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Tomoo Shibata
  • Patent number: 4705588
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for package labeling is incorporated into a packaging machine wherein packages to be wrapped and labeled are conveyed from a package input station to a package wrapping and labeling station whereat an elevator raises packages into sections of wrapping material which are then wrapped about the packages. A label supply delivers labels for the packages to a label delivery station, and a label applicator is positioned over the elevator for receiving the labels from the label delivery station and applying them to sections of wrapping material prior to packages being wrapped therein. The labeling arrangement is best adapted for use in a packaging machine wherein the wrapping material is stretch film, and the sections of wrapping material are prestretched prior to application of labels thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Hobart Corporation
    Inventor: Fritz F. Treiber
  • Patent number: 4678386
    Abstract: A sheet binding apparatus, for attaching loose sheets to one or more folders, has a completely automatic binding process after insertion of the folder(s). This is carried out by a heating assembly, the current supply to which is controlled by a micro-processor having inputs received from a starter device of light detector type, a temperature detector device of thermistor type and a timer device. The timer device is activated by the micro-processor when the temperature detector device indicates working temperature at the heating assembly. In one aspect of the binding process it is also related to the thickness of the folder(s) to be bound. This is carried out by a current control device acting on the supply circuit for the heating assembly in such a way that the thicker the folders inserted, the more current is allowed to the heating assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Bind-O-Matic AB
    Inventor: Sture H. Wiholm
  • Patent number: 4617160
    Abstract: A method and related fixtures are disclosed which permit formation of stacks of thin circuitry-carrying layers. The layers terminate in an access plane having a two dimensional array of closely-spaced electrical leads. The method includes the steps of measuring the thickness of separate chips, selecting groups of chips having appropriate thicknesses, applying appropriate amounts of epoxy between adjacent chips, aligning the chips (and their electrical leads) in the direction parallel to their planes (i.e., the X-axis), and closing the cavity with an end wall which (a) exerts pressure on the stacked chips and epoxy in a direction perpendicular to the chip planes, and (b) establishes a fixed height of the stack in order to align the leads in the Y-axis. The final fixture provides a fixed-size cavity for confining the layers during curing of thermo-setting adhesive which has been applied between each adjacent pair of layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Irvine Sensors Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Belanger, Alan G. Bisignano
  • Patent number: 4615758
    Abstract: The invention relates to a continuously operating press for pressing an advancing web of material, comprising a rigid press frame, an upper and a lower endless press belt, each guided over a pair of deflection rollers mounted for rotation on the press frame, comprising a heating device to heat at least one deflection roller of each pair, comprising a reaction zone located between the upper and lower press belt strands facing each other for pressing the advancing web of material with the simultaneous application of heat, and comprising pressure plates with a heating device at the rear sides of the press belt strands remote from the reaction zone for exerting a pressure on these rear sides and, consequently, on the web of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Inventor: Kurt Held
  • Patent number: 4615757
    Abstract: Labels are positioned within selected labeling regions on packages processed by a packaging system or carried by a package conveyor by means of horizontally shifting a package labeler relative to packages to be labeled in response to package dimensions which define the edges of the packages. Label positioning is illustrated in an integrated packaging machine wherein packages are weighed, wrapped and labeled. Packages are weighed at an input tray of the machine and at least one horizontal package dimension is measured and represented by package signals as a package is transported to an elevator, which raises the package into a section of wrapping material which is then wrapped about the package as one or more labels are applied. A price labeler positioned over the elevator generates price labels for the packages in response to weight signals. A label applicator also positioned over the elevator receives and applies labels to the packages as they are being wrapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Assignee: Hobart Corporation
    Inventor: Fritz F. Treiber
  • Patent number: 4600465
    Abstract: An apparatus which successively and incontinuous action ensures the winding of bands from skeins, the retraction of the unwound bands, the drying of the retracted bands, and the winding by predetermined lengths, with checking of the quality of the possible variations of the lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Assignee: Molinier S. A.
    Inventor: Robert G. Delannoy
  • Patent number: 4585504
    Abstract: The machine comprises a support and advancement base for the cartons, a pair of mutually approachable conveying units and a vertically movable upper taping head. The movements of the taping head and of the conveying units are controlled by sensing members inserted in said support base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Inventor: Augusto Marchetti
  • Patent number: 4581083
    Abstract: A system for securing the unaffixed tail of a roll product to a convolution thereof underlying the tail with a flexible sealing element wherein a predetermined physical characteristic of the roll product is sensed and an appropriate sealing element such as a label is delivered to the roll product and applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: Crown Zellerbach Corporation
    Inventors: Rudolph W. Schutz, Rudolf R. Weis
  • Patent number: 4554042
    Abstract: The machine is provided with a carton support and advancement base and a sealing head superimposed to said support base and vertically displaceable with respect to the same. In order to adjust automatically the height of the sealing head to the variable height of the cartons there are provided sensing means mounted on said support base in such a position as to be engaged by the carton bottom to cause the consequent rising of the sealing head from a minimum-height position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Inventor: Augusto Marchetti