Abstract: An apparatus and method for laying a composite tape on an elongated molding is provided. The apparatus includes a reciprocatable carrier for carrying the molding, a composite tape applicator adapted to apply a pair of parallel strips of composite tape to the back of the molding, and a release-paper-adhering tape applicator adapted to apply release-paper-adhering tape to the release paper on the composite tape. The composite tape applicator includes a composite tape advancing mechanism, a cutter for cutting an expended strip of composite tape from a supply of the composite tape, and a pressing roller for pressing the composite tape securely onto the molding. The release-paper-adhering tape applicator includes a second tape advancing mechanism, a cutter for cutting a section of the release-paper-adhering tape from a supply of the release-paper-adhering tape, and a pressing member and a heater for securely bonding the section of release-paper-adhering tape to the release paper of the composite tape.

Abstract: A continuous tape supply apparatus is provided in accordance with the present invention for supplying tape at a substantially consistent tension to a tape applicator machine having an indexing demand, such as a box sealing and taping machine. In general, the continuous tape supply apparatus includes plural tape sources, such as in roll form, from which tape can be supplied to the tape applicator machine, a splicing station for splicing the tape from at least one of the tape sources to another of the tape sources, a means for causing the splice and thus the changeover of tape from one source to another, and a tension control means for providing the tape from the continuous tape supply apparatus at a substantially consistent tension under an indexing demand. Preferably, the splicing mechanism also splices tape in the reverse order from the other tape source station back to the first tape source stations.

Abstract: A banding machine applies labels to the top of containers and has a frame with a turret plate rotatably mounted thereon and driven by a drive mechanism. Band holders are positioned on the turret plate and receive cut film sleeves having spaced indicia thereon in an unopened, flattened condition. The band holders open the band into a circular sleeve, and then hold and move the band onto the top of a vertically oriented container advancing into a banding position as the turret plate rotates. A registration sensor senses film indicia before label cutting and generates a signal indicative of the sensed registration. A controller stops film advancement upon the sensor's detection of film indicia so as to initiate film cutting and initiate film feeding again to advance film a predetermined amount for a newly cut label. The feed roller is initiated for feeding film upon rotation of the turret plate and movement of a band holder into an indexed position.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for decorating articles having at least a generally conical surface portion with a decoration on a stamping foil, the foil passes around a guide roller as it is fed towards the stamping roller for applying a decoration on the foil to the surface portion of the article. The guide roller is displaced by a drive means along an arcuate guide means into a position adapted to the respective rotary angular position of the article to be decorated. The drive means for driving the stamping roller is inoperable to drive same during the stamping operation so that the stamping roller is only driven by frictional engagement during the stamping operation.

Abstract: A plurality of helically wound tire beads are made by winding them on a forming wheel at two predetermined tension levels. The tension levels are generated by a braking pulley and metallic particle brake in conjunction with a programmable logic controller. The first few turns of wires are made at a relatively low tension level. Subsequent turns are made at a higher tension level. The lower tension level contributes to longer life of the forming wheel assembly.

Abstract: The labeling machine for dispensing labels from a continuous web of material to a plurality of articles is provided which includes a supply roll of labels, a dispenser for removing the labels from the continuous web, a drive drum for imparting a linear velocity to the web so as to move the web through the labeling machine while accumulating the web into a waste roll, and a driving control system, including a label position sensor, for alternately actuating and deactuating the driving device to move and terminate movement of the web, respectively, through the labeling machine. A web velocity compensator device is provided to compensate for variations in the linear velocity caused by, for example, the increase in the diameter of the waste roll on the drive drum so as to insure proper positioning of each of the labels to be dispensed relative to the dispenser upon deactuation of the driving device.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for providing microperforations in a zippered film useful for manufacturing reclosable zippered produce bags including(a) providing a web of thermoplastic film with zipper profile members on at least one side of the web, the zipper profile members spaced apart on the web forming a central web area between the profiles;(b) feeding the web between the nip of a cylinder having a plurality of heated pins and a pressure roller such that a plurality of microholes are formed in the central web area between the zipper profile members; and(c) maintaining the web in feeding alignment between the pin cylinder and the pressure roller such that uniform sized microholes are perforated in the web area between the profile members.

Abstract: Pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed labels are carried adhesive back side down on a backing strip. The present method and apparatus completely removes each label from its backing material and then may relocate, manipulate, or hold the label by its adhesive back side before it is attached to a passing article. The apparatus may be arranged to dispense the labels along an axis parallel to the path of travel of the moving article or along an axis that crosses the path of travel of the moving article.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting rolls of overlay and base tapes, and guiding the tapes to pressure rollers after the base tape passes through a computer printer to produce an endless web of protected labels. The pressure rollers may be rotated either manually or by an electric motor. Between the printer outlet and the pressure rollers, the base tape passes through a bail mechanism which is rotationally moveable by the relative tension and slack in the base tape to operate a microswitch in the motor circuit. Both the label-making apparatus and the printer rest upon a planar base member to which the apparatus is fixedly attached.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a gasket strip to a substrate. An application head guided by a controlled robot applies the gasket strip to the substrate and cuts the strips to the desired length as they are applied. The application head applies as many strips in as many positions as necessary to form the desired gasket pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for impermeably sealing microencapsulated or other scent slurry during the printing process. The method comprises the application of an impermeable overlay sheet over the scent slurry on a continuous web of material, using double-sided tape or other adhesive means along the periphery of the overlay sheet. Preferably an impermeable metallic foil is used for the overlay, but other impermeable sheet material (e.g., plastic sheet) may be used. The apparatus continually feeds and applies the impermeable overlay sheet also disclosed. A second, similar apparatus may be provided to mirror the first apparatus, in order to apply a second impermeable overlay sheet to the opposite surface of the scent slurry coated web, thereby preventing bleed through of the scent and/or other chemicals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying a graphic label that is readable with a light scanning device with such label placed on a rubber article. The graphic bar code label is optically interpreted with a bar code reader.Thus, the cured substrate with the label with the graphic message is produced by using thermal transfer techniques. For this purpose, the ribbon in contact with the substrate passes by a print head and the ink can be selectively heated with this operation being synchronized by computer operation. When the ribbon is stripped away, the ink is left where heating occurred on the substrate material. The printed substrate exits and is cut to produce labels of desired length. The label is placed on a curable article and the label and substrate are subjected to curing conditions to effect transfer of the label to the cured substrate which may now contain the message in solely, alphanumeric, bar codes, human readable characters, and logos or mixtures of them.

Abstract: A label dispenser in the form of a hand held labeler is shown that is selectively operable in a number of dispense modes. The dispense modes include an on-demand mode in which labels are automatically printed and dispensed as previously printed labels are removed from the labeler. In a manual mode, the labeler is responsive to the manual actuation of a trigger switch to print and dispense a label. The labeler is also responsive to an on line trigger command received from a host device to print and dispense a label. Further, a strip mode allows strips of labels to be automatically printed on demand or in response to the actuation of the trigger switch. An on-demand sensor is employed to detect the presence or absence of a label dispensed from the labeler in the on-demand modes. Further, the quantity of labels or strips of labels automatically dispensed in the on-demand modes may be limited to a specified quantity.

Abstract: To enhance printed products, lamination is to be carried out by a controllable pair of laminating rollers, rather than by the conventional method of calender rolling. To do this, the film is applied with relatively low contact-pressure roller pressure in a floating manner. The film can be fed to the laminating rollers without tension by means of a controllable applicator mechanism with a film tension regulating device. The processing rate and sheet length, for example, can be entered by computer so as to control the sequence of the feeder output and also the sequence of a wet cutting device via a suitable incremental-value transmitter from the main drive. Accordingly, processing rates of 60 to 100 meters per minute can easily be set. The quality remains good even at the highest speeds.

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.

Abstract: A coloring apparatus comprises a transfer head C having a heating element elastically protruding from an apparatus body 1, a tape accommodating portion B, and a tape feeding portion A having a winding up shaft 17, etc., which are incorporated within the apparatus body 1. A using method comprises, holding the apparatus body 1, pressing the transfer head C on the copied image of the xerographic copy, and heating by a heating element. Next, the apparatus body 1 is moved as the transfer head C is pressed onto the copied image, whereby the colored donor layer is peeled off from the transfer tape to stick the colored donor layer onto the copied image on the xerographic copy.

Abstract: A molded cushioning article is made by stuffing a bulky, tape-form nonwoven web such as sliver in a mold cavity and thereafter heat-treating the thus-formed molded form to fusion-bond intersecting points of fibers. Stuffing of the tape-form nonwoven web is effected by laying and superposing it in to-and-fro movements on a molding surface of a mold permeable to air with a space on a backside of the molding surface being kept under reduced pressure. The apparatus used has (a) means for feeding the tape-form nonwoven web into the mold, (b) a mold permeable to air, (c) a mold-supporting frame, (d) suction means for keeping the backside space under reduced pressure, (e) leans for successively changing a positional correlation between means (a) and the molding surface, and (f) heat-treating means for fibers to be fusion-bonded.

Abstract: A labeling assembly for applying labels carried on a substrate to a sequential series of moving documents is provided. The assembly transports the document in a generally vertical end on end orientation down a conveying path and peels the label from the substrate to position the peeled label in a generally vertical orientation. The labeling assembly also includes a paddle having a front surface with vacuum ports for attaching and releasably retaining the peeled label on the front surface. An actuating mechanism pivots the paddle to force an end of the retained label into contact with the document. Upon contact, the downstream end of the retained label adheres to the document and the label is pulled off the paddle. As the label is pulled off the paddle the contact between the end of the paddle presses the label against the document.

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.

Abstract: A system of incrementally moving a foil, or other flexible and elastic elongated web, through a work station, by contacting and registering the foil on both sides of the work station. An example of such a work station is a hot stamping press that transfers optical images from the foil to other substrates. A drive mechanism, with an associated foil registration device, is provided at each of the entrance to the work station and the exit from it. Each registration device optically detects registration marks provided on the foil along its length, and is used to stop its associated drive mechanism after a predetermined number of marks have passed. This dual drive system maintains registration of the foil or other web throughout an extended work station. It is particularly advantageous for use with those hot stamping presses that either have a large number of die or whose multiple die are widely separated, since the multiple images carried along the foil are then all properly registered with the die.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of applying adhesive tape to a moving web of material is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tape supply for supplying the adhesive tape and attached tape liner. A tension roller maintains a substantially constant tension in the adhesive tape and the tape liner, while a drive roller drives the adhesive tape and the tape liner. A cutting device cuts the adhesive tape away from the tape liner into a strip of tape, the strip of tape having a predetermined length. A vacuum wheel receives the strip of tape and supplies the strip of tape to the moving web of material which is forced into contact with the vacuum wheel by a jump roller. A liner rewind roller receives the tape liner.

Abstract: A prepreg tape is firstly prepared by bonding prepreg layer to a backing paper and then the prepreg tape is cut to a depth enough to cut the prepreg tape but not the backing paper. A unnecessary portion of the prepreg tape is removed from the backing paper to obtain a cut prepreg tape. A laminating attachment is moved in a predetermined direction while urging the prepreg tape against the surface of an operating table. The cut prepreg tape is peeled off from the backing paper and the peeled off prepreg tape is bonded to the operating table. The cut prepreg tapes are successively oriented in a predetermined direction and juxtaposed to form a laminated sheet. When the sheet is mounted on a mold of a predetermined shape. When the impregnated thermosetting resin is perfectly cured under heat and pressure a product useful for assembling various vehicles can be obtained.

Abstract: A masking film adhering method and apparatus for transporting smoothly and accurately a masking film tape to which a wafer is stuck to the cutting location where the masking film is to be cut. The wafer is stuck onto the masking film tape by passing the masking film tape and the wafer through upper and lower adhesive rollers. The separation of the masking film tape is then increased from a cutting table so that the masking film tape having the wafer stuck thereon may not become adhered to the cutting table, by moving the upper adhesive roller upwardly when the wafer completely passes through the adhesive roller. After the masking film is transported to a cutting location, maintaining a predetermined distance between the masking film and the cutting table, the masking film tape is cut along the shape of the wafer. Sagging of the masking film due to the weight of the wafer is prevented to avoid the masking film tape adhesion to the cutting table.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which cuts sheets of resin impregnated fibers and their backer material into tows of precise width and stores them on cassette reels for placement on a tool or mandrel. The placement assembly can place several tows simultaneously from a plurality of tow cassettes attached to the assembly. The tows are passed through a cutting and scrapping assembly which cuts the tows to a precise shape and length as directed by a microprocessor controller and removes tow scraps. After cutting, the backer is removed from the tow and the tow placed on the tool. The backer is then used to drive the following tows individually as directed by the controller. Finally, the backers are delivered to individual backer cassettes for disposal.

Abstract: A high speed labeling machine for dispensing labels from a continuous web of backing material having labels affixed thereto and applying the labels to a plurality of articles is provided. The labeling machine includes a supply station positioned adjacent a conveyor and a dispensing device and applicator assembly mounted on a support carriage mounted on a support arm and capable of high speed transverse movement across the conveyor for labeling articles positioned in a side by side arrangement. The continuous web of material is fed to the movable support carriage via a follower carriage mounted on the support arm which moves relative to the support carriage so as to maintain tension in the web traveling to and from the support carriage and associated dispensing and applicator devices. As a result, the dispensing device and applicator device can be moved relative to the supply station at high speed without dispensing labels, while at the same time maintaining tension in the web.

Abstract: A post-processing unit connected to a recorded sheet discharge section of an electronic copying machine, in which a sheet rolling unit forms a recorded sheet as a rolled sheet and seals the rolled sheet by a label or the like so as not to be spread out. Thus, the recorded sheet can be received by a discharge tray in the form of a rolled sheet. In addition, a mechanism for directly discharging the recorded sheet without rolling at the sheet rolling unit is arranged so that short recorded sheets and recorded sheets for which rolling is not specified can be well taken care of. Additionally, in the sheet rolling unit, a discharge guide for directly discharging the recorded paper is provided so that the recorded paper can be received a discharge tray in a condition of an arbitrary surface, front or back, of the recorded sheet facing upward.

Abstract: A tape loader has a splicing station including a splicing block whose underside is grooved and provided with perforations constituting vacuum shoes. A slitting head mounts a blade which cooperates with the grooved under surface in slitting tape across its lateral dimension while it is received in its groove retained by vacuum. A splicing arm operates through an orifice in a face plate to splice together two lengths of tape retained in the groove. Operating on the front face of the face plate is a final guide assembly comprising an eccentric plate having a leader tape extraction arm; a bearing block housing a journal into which a cylindrical boss, integral with the plate, is rotatably received; and an internal flange of the boss forming a tooth wheel operably with a belt to apply the output of a motor to drive the plate. The changeover arm is comprised of a cranked changeover arm member mounted to a sleeve secured to a shaft passing through an orifice in the face plate.

Abstract: Prior to the press-contact between a pattern-transferring flat plate and a transfer-receiving flat plate, at least one of these flat plates is moved to a predetermined position to effect the positioning therebetween, while the positional relation between the pattern-transferring flat plate and the transfer-receiving flat plate is optically observed, and thereafter these flat plates are sequentially press-contacted to each other from an end of the flat plates. Therefore, there is no positional difference between the flat plates which have been correctly positioned, and further the adhesion strength between the transfer pattern and the transfer-receiving flat plate is uniform.

Abstract: A tab tape bonder including a bonding device which bonds semiconductor chips, etc. to a tab tape, a first roller driver which feeds the tab tape into the bonding device, a detector which detects holes or perforations formed in the tab tape fed by the first roller driver, and a controller which controls the feeding pitch of the tab tape by the first roller driver in accordance with the detection results obtained by the detector.

Abstract: A system for coordinating the splices in each of the component webs used in making a composite corrugated paperboard web independently measures on a dynamic real time basis the length of each component web between the splicer where it is supplied and a downstream cutoff apparatus where the synchronized splices are cut out in a short length of web in which they are contained. The real time measurement of each component web includes continuous monitoring of web lengths subject to change while running through variable length storage areas, and an initialization procedure whereby an initially unknown length of component web in its respective storage is determined. The system also includes a calibration procedure by which the various devices used to measure running web lengths throughout the system are all calibrated to a master device which controls the total web length for each order.

Abstract: Apparatus for turning a sheet-like workpiece, e.g. a rectangular sheet of glass, and for applying a sealing strip continuously along its edges, includes an air flotation/section support bed (14, 15) covered by an air-permeable mat (16), a sealing strip applicator (32, 59) on a carriage (33), suction cup assemblies (63, 72) mobilely mounted on respective mutually perpendicular slides (24, 25) for gripping the sheet (22) at two adjacent corners thereof, the movement of the assemblies (63, 72) being coordinated such that, while gripping the sheet (22), one assembly (72) is moved towards the initial position of the other assembly (63) and simultaneously the latter (63) is moved towards the corner diagonally opposite the corner at which the first assembly (72) was initially disposed.

Abstract: The tape laying head disclosed mounts the laydown rollers for steerability as a unit independently of the steering of the tape head as a whole. The separate steerability of the laydown roller unit is utilized for adaptive steering control in response to edgewise drift of the tape during normal tape laying, as determined by tape edge sensors. When laying tape along a curved path other than the natural path of the tape in free-rolling movement, the laydown roller unit is steered in counterrotation to the steering of the tape head as a whole, thereby to cause a relative axial shift of increments of the tape across its width, enabling the tape to lie flat along a curved course on the lay surface.

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).

Abstract: A label sensor (45) serves to sense or scan a backing strip (14) that is provided with labels (17) thereon, and serves to control a labeling process in a labeling machine. The label sensor has a spring element (80) coupled to a ferromagnetic core (87) provided with a winding (85) thereon. The spring element (80) also is coupled to a surface following member (94) arranged to contact the side of the backing strip (14) carrying the labels (17). In operation, the winding (85) is excited with radio-frequency signal, and the voltage at the winding (85) is evaluated by an electrical evaluation circuit (103). This voltage is a function of whether the surface follower (94) is located on a label (17) or in a gap (20) between two labels, and it may serve to control a labeling machine.

Abstract: A winding tool (14) is provided on a manipulator (18) of a type used to route the optical fiber. A hook (22) extends from the winding tool to capture optical fiber (10) extending from a device (11), and the hook is retracted to secure the fiber. A routing wheel (17) is positioned between the device (11 ) to which the optical fiber is connected and the reel such that the wheel can press the optical fiber (10) against an adhesive-coated substrate. The winding tool then winds the optical fiber around a reel (16). The optical fiber next feeds from the reel (16) to the routing wheel (17) as the manipulator (18) is moved to route the optical fiber on the coated substrate. Preferably, prior to the winding and wheel positioning step, the optical fiber between the reel and the routing wheel is engaged with an alignment tool (27).

Abstract: Linerless labels in a continuous web, in roll form, are dispensed. The roll is mounted for rotation by a vertical shaft, and periodically a drive roller with conveyor tapes wrapped around it is rotated to pull the web from the roll in an amount sufficient to unwind approximately one length of label from the roll. The adhesive face of the web engages the circumferential periphery of the drive roller and the conveyor tapes past the drive roller, the exit roller effecting separation of the leading label from the conveyor tapes. An idler roller engages and tensions the web between the roll and the drive roller, and a knife blade is mounted at about the point that the web leaves the drive roller. The components are disposed so that the web engages at least about 170 degrees of the circumferential periphery of the drive roller, with the adhesive face contacting the drive roller circumferential periphery and conveyor tapes.

Abstract: A payguide mounting bracket assembly is connected to a support stand, and a spool is connected to the payguide mounting bracket assembly to have a fiber optic coil formed thereon. A pair of payguide assemblies are demountably coupled to the payguide mounting bracket assembly. A robotic manipulator assembly is configured to decouple a selected one of the first and second payguide assemblies from the payguide mounting bracket assembly and move the selected payguide assembly to a location adjacent the spool such that a layer of optical fiber is paid out to the spool from the selected payguide assembly as the spool and payguide mounting bracket assembly rotate relative to the selected payguide assembly. The invention also preferably comprises further comprises an epoxy applicator assembly configured to be demountably coupled to the robotic manipulator assembly for movement to a location adjacent the coil for applying epoxy to the coil.

Abstract: The leader of a fresh flexible web of paper or the like is spliced to the trailing end of an expiring web by a row of uniting bands having coats of adhesive at both sides. Successive uniting bands of the row are peeled off a flexible carrier strip while being attached to one side of the leader. The expiring web is thereupon arrested and its trailing end is pressed against the uniting bands which already adhere to the leader of the fresh web. The peeling of uniting bands off the carrier strip takes place between a supply reel which stores convolutions of the carrier strip with a file of uniting bands on it, and a takeup reel for that portion of the carrier strip has been relieved of uniting bands. The number of uniting bands in a row depends upon the width of the fresh web and/or the expiring web. A carriage is movable back and forth transversely of the leader of the fresh web and carries an idler roller serving to peel a selected number of uniting bands off the carrier strip between the two reels.

Abstract: A system for fabrication of absorbent articles includes a linear array of frame modules each having an open interior. Panels are mounted to one face of the modules. Article fabrication mechanisms are mounted to project from the panels. Operating means are disposed within the modules and are operatively engaged through the panels with the fabrication mechanisms. An operating and control system is provided for a machine in which disposable absorbent articles are fabricated. Continuously operating mechanisms are driven by electric motors for continuously operating on moving webs and other components of the article. A main drive shaft is rotated for transferring power through direction phasing mechanical power transfer devices to mechanisms which intermittently effect unity operations with respect to an associated moving web.

Abstract: Apparatus for labelling file folders and other artifacts which includes one or more work stations, the number of work stations typically matching the number of labels that are to be applied. Work stations may have: (1) fixedly positioned label rolls, or (2) label rolls which can be shifted back and forth so that labels from different rolls can be applied at a given file folder location, or (3) a mixture of these two types of label roll supports. The apparatus can be computer controlled, which makes custom labelling practical. Also disclosed are methods for labelling artifacts which employ labelling apparatus of the character just described.

Abstract: An automatic motorless label applying system includes a supply reel having a continuous carrier strip with a plurality of labels detachably mounted thereon. The strip is directed through an air actuated linear indexing mechanism which includes an upstream solenoid and a downstream solenoid. The upstream solenoid has clamp members which clamp the strip and then move it in a down-stream direction by the upstream solenoid itself moving laterally. The downstream solenoid clamps the strip when the upstream solenoid returns towards its original position. The labels are sequentially detached from the strip and each label is applied to a respective container.

Abstract: A bag making machine for producing thermosplastic resin film bags including rollers for intermittently advancing a flat tubular web of thermoplastic resin film, a sealing assembly positioned downstream from the roller, a heated cutting bar having a sharp edge for providing efficient cutting and concomitantly preventing build-up of carbon by-product, roller elements for reversing the direction of advancement of the resin film, first drive elements for controllably driving the rollers in first and second directions and second drive elements for transversely driving the sealing and heated cutting bar toward and away from the flat web of thermoplastic resin film.

Abstract: In the field of unwinding webs from an unwind stand in which a fresh web is prepared with a paste strip and is lapped spliced to a progressing expiring web, and the expiring web is then cut upstream of the splice to form a tail, the position of the tail is predicted or detected, and the movement thereof to a taping station causes a tape support roll, which supports a strip of one-sided adhesive tape to be applied to the tail in such a manner that part of the adhesive strip covers the tail and part of the strip engages the underlying web so that the tail becomes firmly taped down to the web thereby permitting the web to be run in either direction through processes such as converting processes, coating processes or the like. Embodiments of tape tail detectors are disclosed and embodiments of hold-down tape transfer mechanisms are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved tape laying machine, more particularly an improved tape laying head assembly is provided for laying plastic tape onto a work surface to produce a reinforced plastic structure. The improvement provides means for transferring the vertical movement of at least one segment of a stacked plate segmented shoe presser member, of the head assembly, as it engages the work surface to a non-terminal segment of the stacked plate segmented shoe and a sensor means, e.g. a linear variable differential transformer, sensing the movement of the non-terminal segment to produce a signal related to the movement of the non-terminal segment that can be employed to control and direct the movement of the head assembly and/or presser member. The improvement of the invention produces a smooth shimless transition of the presser member onto the work surface, from a work surface non-engaging position, in a tape laying operation.

Abstract: A modular assembly of components is provided for various aspects of high volume mailing. The modular system of components includes a postage meter, having a base with a driving motor and a head driven by the driving motor and operative to apply selected postage to a piece of mail. The postage meter head can be selectively removed from the postage meter base. The modular systems of components further includes at least one accessory selectively mountable to the postage meter base and capable of being driven thereby. The accessory may include an applicator for applying a closure tab, a label or a stamp to an envelope or sheet of material being driven by the postage meter base.

Abstract: A label printer including a printing section for printing a given image on a label, a label issue opening for issuing the label after the given image is printed thereon by the printing section, a sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element, a first prism having a reflecting surface located on one side of the label issue opening, and a second prism having a reflecting surface located on the other side of the label issue opening. The light emitted from the light emitting element is reflected on the reflecting surface of the first prism, and is then reflected on the reflecting surface of the second prism to reach the light receiving element. When the label is issued from the label issue opening, an optical axis between the reflecting surfaces of the first and second prisms intersects a surface of the label. Thus, the presence of the label projecting from the label issue opening can be surely detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping flexible elongate objects has a wrapping wheel arranged coaxially to a longitudinal axis of the objects and having a tape spool support movable therewith, drive mechanism with a roller drive for advancing the objects and arranged at one side of the wrapping wheel, and an electric program control for controlling a drive length by set point/control point comparison. The drive mechanism also includes a carriage movable parallel to an axis of rotation of the wrapping wheel and to the longitudinal axis of the objects, and includes a holding device on the wrapping wheel side for holding an end of an object for pulling the object through the wrapping wheel. The drive mechanism also includes two vertically displaceable rolls which for a start of the wrapping are positioned relative to one another so far that the holding device is movable between the rolls to the wrapping wheels.

Abstract: Intended typically for slender tear strips, the automatic splicer comprises at least two supply reels wound with respective strips, the one in use and the other a replacement, set in rotation singly or together by a common drive, and feed wheels with peripheral grooves positioned with axes normal to the axes of the reels, by which the two strips are directed into a splicing station where the trailing end of the strip uncoiling from the reel in use is joined to the leading end of the strip uncoiled from the replacement reel; the splice is effected by means of a positioning and restraining component and a reference and reaction component stationed on either side of the strip in use, which can be drawn together until the ends of the strips are fully in contact, with the leading end of the replacement strip positioned and restrained in a longitudinal groove afforded by the relative component. The ends of the strips are trimmed automatically by separate cutters.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting a heat transfer labeller of the type which transports labels on a carrier web to a heat transfer site, to use as a film pressure sensitive labeller. Devices at and around the label transfer site are removed and replaced with a peel plate and label applicator for pressure transfer of labels. Idler rolls are added to the machine to guide the label carrier web from an unwind reel to the pressure transfer site, and from the transfer site to a take-up reel. A take-up drive is provided to pull and collect the web, providing adequate tension for dispensing film pressure sensitive labels. The take-up drive may comprise a controlled speed take-up motor at the take-up reel, or may comprise a label registration drive which supplements the pulling force provided by the take-up reel. Optionally, a substitute take-up reel with high torque drive may entirely replace the take-up mechanism of the heat transfer labelling machine.

Abstract: An improved device and method for applying labels to contoured product panels. More specifically, the present invention incorporates a rotating cam which is cut to profile the product panel to be labeled and guides the peeler plate along and in close proximity with the product's surface without actually contacting it. This allows better control of the label application and subsequent wiping than was previously possible. Additionally, this device can label contoured surfaces not previously possible using conventional methods.