Abstract: The pressing tool and the ACF tape cutting device are linked and connected with each other by a link device, and the forcing member is caused to move relatively towards and away from the knife member by lifting up and down the pressing tool so as to form a cut. By allowing the tool lifting device to double as a drive device for causing the forcing member to move relatively towards and away from the knife member, the necessity of the actuator of the ACF tape cutting device which is needed in the related art tape adhering device can be obviated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an application head for applying fiber strips made up of a structural assembly determining a path conveying multiple fiber strips (2) to an application area (3), each fiber strip (2) passing through a drive roller (5) and a tension regulator (6), whereas in the application area (3) the fiber strips (2) are pressed individually by a compactor system (8) comprising a series of independent partial rollers (9), each of which is arranged with a fastening comprising a system for height wise movement and a floating system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described that allows accurately registered, high resolution patterning of thin films on discrete lengths of flexible substrate material that are unwound from a drum and after processing are rewound onto another drum. Discrete lengths of the substrate—are clamped to a chuck and the chuck moved in a direction parallel to the length of the substrate. Accommodating units are provided for accommodating length changes in the substrate both upstream and downstream of the chuck. A processing head is moved across the width of the substrate when clamped to the chuck and pattern formation is by one, or a combination, of laser ablation, laser exposure or ink jet printing using either or both subtractive and additive processes.

Abstract: A label applicator for separating labels from a continuous carrier strip and applying the labels to an object positioned at the applicator includes a baseplate, a supply reel, a rewind reel, a motor and a rotary encoder. The supply reel is operably mounted to the baseplate and configured for supporting the carrier strip having labels thereon. The rewind reel is also operably mounted to the baseplate and rewinds the carrier strip after label disbursement. The motor is operably connected to the rewind reel and configured for moving or advancing the carrier strip through the applicator, while the rotary encoder controls a linear speed of the carrier strip through the applicator.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a workpiece are provided. According to one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of illumination sources positioned proximate to the workpiece and each operable to generate at least one respective illumination beam to illuminate at least a portion of the workpiece, wherein each beam has a different respective color. The system also includes at least one camera positioned proximate to the workpiece and operable to capture at least one image of at least a portion of the workpiece including the illumination beams incident thereon. In addition, the system includes a data system capable of providing simultaneous two-dimensional and three-dimensional information indicative of the workpiece based on the image acquired by the camera.

Abstract: A labelling machine comprising a supply spool support (12) adapted to receive a supply spool (28), a takeup spool support (14) adapted to form a takeup spool (32) of web (30) from which at least some labels (74) have been removed, a motor (40) arranged to turn the takeup spool, and a controller to control operation of the motor. A web path (16) is defined between the supply spool and the take-up spool, and the controller is arranged to control the motor to turn the take-up spool so as to cause controlled predetermined linear movement of a web along the web path and onto the take-up spool, furthermore comprising a sensor (50) operable to sense linear displacement of the web and/or displacement of the web in a direction other than the direction of the web, a printer (34) movable between a first position and a second position, and a separator surface (24) comprising a first portion inclined relative to the web path.

Abstract: A welding device for welding and transmitting belts includes a feeding mechanism, a positioning mechanism, a welding mechanism, and a control unit. The feeding mechanism is used for storing and transmitting the belts to the positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism receives and positions the belts. The welding mechanism includes a cylinder assembly and a welding assembly connected to the cylinder assembly driven by the cylinder assembly in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction, whereby the welding assembly is horizontally and vertically moved to the positioning mechanism. The control unit controls an operation of the feeding mechanism, the positioning mechanism, and the welding mechanism.

Abstract: A tape dispenser includes a torque controller and a take-up cassette.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for laminating a first and a second sheet (1, 2) comprising—a chamber (10) having a first, a second and a third compartment (11, 12, 13 resp.) subsequently arranged along a first axis (Z), each compartment having a port (21, 22, 23 resp.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single facer which comprises: a swingable frame supporting a press roll in such a manner as to allow a gap between one of a pair of corrugating rolls and the press roll to be changed; an adjusting screw contactable with a contact member coupled to the swingable frame; an encoder for detecting vibration of the press roll occurring during formation of a corrugated medium 10 by the pair of corrugating rolls; and a control section for controlling drive of a motor for displacing the adjusting screw. The control section is configured to execute a first control processing of driving the motor until a magnitude of the vibration is reduced to a given value.

Abstract: An absorbent structure manufacturing apparatus has a feeder that includes a measuring roller provided with a filling region to be filled with absorbent discrete material, a material feeding space to reserve and feed the absorbent material to the filling region, a scraper located downstream of the material feeding space to scrape surplus amount of the absorbent material fed to the filling region, a feed chute to receive and retain temporarily the absorbent material from the filling region, and an open-close movable shutter on a peripheral wall of the feed chute. The measuring roller is rotary driven by a rotary drive and the shutter is opened-closed by an actuator. The rotary drive is rotated at a velocity corresponding to a conveyance velocity of a continuous sheet and the actuator controls the shutter in timing corresponding to the conveyance velocity. The absorbent material is fed onto the continuous sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying and gluing the final edge of a log of web material is disclosed. The apparatus of the present invention uses an upper unwinding roller, a lower unwinding roller, an unwinding nozzle, and an unwinding detector for identifying the final edge of the log of web material. The log of web material is transferred by an upper belt and a lower belt to a gluing module for gluing the final edge to the log of web material.

Abstract: A flexible solar module strand manufactured by a method including providing a first conveyor track for applying flexible solar cells; guiding the first conveyor track around two or more deflecting means; providing individual flexible solar cells; applying the individual solar cells to the first conveyor track; deflecting the first conveyor track by guiding the first conveyor track over a first one of the deflecting means; separating the first conveyor track from the at least one deflected solar cell strip in such a manner that the solar cells are released, with their respective first or second sides facing the first conveyor track, from the first conveyor track; and applying the at least one deflected solar cell strip to a first film web in such a manner that the solar cells are oriented, with their respective first or second sides separated from the first conveyor track, away from the first film web.

Abstract: A label supplying device is provided, whereby false bonding at a cylindrical label's end is reliably released, and ill-timed supplying of the label to the label supply position hardly occurs. The supplying device includes: a material delivery unit (10) for continuously delivering an elongated label base material (M) paid out from a material roll by a pay-out unit; a cutting unit (20) for cutting, at a predetermined pitch, the base material (M) delivered by the delivery unit (10); an upstream and a downstream belt transfer units (30, 40) for transferring labels (L), formed by the cutting of the cutting unit (20), to a label supply position (?); and a separation unit (50) for separating overlapping edges of the upper end of the label (L) (upstream end in the transfer direction of the label (L)) during the transferring of the label (L) by the upstream transfer unit (30).

Abstract: The use of a heat idler moveable along a path provides speed and flexibility in the heat labeling of containers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a corresponding method for the jointing of wafers along their corresponding surfaces.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses for offset three-dimensional (3D) printing. These techniques are capable of creating smoother surfaces and more-accurate structures than many current techniques. In some cases, the techniques provide a first stage of filaments separated by offsets and, at a second stage, provide filaments over these offsets. In so doing, filaments of the second stage partially fill-in these offsets, which can remove steps, increase accuracy, or reduce undesired production artifacts.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically marking laboratory test tubes in the stage of drawing biological material to be analyzed, which includes two or more distributors of test tubes of different types that are selectable by a control unit and are suitable for feeding test tubes to a test-tubes positioning device which in turn is suitable for presenting correctly positioned test tubes to a computerized labelling machine containing a printer for printing barcodes on labels. Each distributor includes an automatic drawing and discharging device for drawing and discharging single test tubes from a container of test tubes of a selected distributor to the positioning device.

Abstract: Process for providing a laminate product comprising a substrate and a printed film, the process comprising an embossing step synchronized with a decoration of the printed film and carried out continuously, through the passage of the laminate product between an engraved embossing cylinder, and a pressure counter-cylinder; the registration of the engraved cylinder, for keeping the synchronism between embossing and decoration, comprises suitable displacements of the engraved cylinder and is carried out with a temporary separation of the counter-cylinder from the engraved cylinder, or with a reduction in the embossing pressure existing between the engraved cylinder and the counter-cylinder.

Abstract: Interlaminar features of a composite structure are laid up by placing and steering individual chopped fiber pre-preg segments onto a substrate.

Abstract: A laminating apparatus (200) for laminating a substrate foil (SF) with a laminating foil (LF) comprises a first and a second facility (210, 214) for providing the substrate foil and the laminating foil respectively, a recognition facility (224, 225) for determining a location of at least one feature of at least one (LF) of the laminating foil and the substrate foil and an alignment facility (252, 253) for aligning the at least one (LF) of the foils, a separation facility (240) for separating a portion (SF1; LF1) of the at least one of the foils after it is controlled by the alignment facility, a laminating facility (250, 252) for laminating the separated portion of the at least one of the foil against the other one of the foils.

Abstract: A laminating system and a method of making a laminated product can include a roll of substrate material and a roll of film material to be laminated together to form a laminate. The system includes a sheeter station and, optionally, a breaker bar station and/or a registration station. The sheeter station is configured to cut the laminate at desired locations based on either signals received from the registration station or other system components. The breaker bar station is configured to remove any roll set curl that may reside in the laminate as a result of the substrate and/or film materials being fed to the system directly from rolls. The registration station is arranged, during an automated registration mode, to detect markings on the laminate and instruct the sheeter station to cut the laminate into individual sheets for subsequently processing into cards such as credit cards, gift cards, ID cards, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a reversible thermosensitive recording medium, the method including: conveying an inlet sheet which includes inlets each having a convex-shaped electronic information recording element, retrieving positional information of the inlets, cutting the inlet sheet into individual inlets, retrieving positional information of the convex-shaped electronic information recording element in the individual inlets, conveying a base sheet, which includes concave portions, toward the vacuum suction roller, retrieving positional information of the concave portions, aligning the convex-shaped electronic information recording element with the concave portions so as to be inserted into the concave portion, and laminating the inlets and the base sheet.

Abstract: An inspection system (9) includes an idler wheel (61) that is coupled to a fabrication system (8) and is in contact with a backing layer (65) of an applied material (64), A rotation sensor (63) monitors the idler wheel (61) and generates a rotational signal. A controller (24) is coupled to the rotation sensor (63) and determines a characteristic of one or more flaws and FOD (19) on a composite structure (12) in response to the rotation signal.

Abstract: An device for simultaneous application of elastoplastic spacer tapes to two glass panes with identical outline shape and identical dimensions has two application heads (107) that can be adjusted essentially vertically up and down on linear axles (105). The application heads (107) are moved synchronously, likewise the two glass panes by the holding devices that are assigned to them and that move the glass panes in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the application heads (107). Thus, it is sufficient to measure a single glass pane of a triple insulating glass element, and both application panes of the insulating glass element can be covered at the same time with spacer tapes, so that time is saved, and the two application panes can be assembled with the cover pane in a shorter time interval into an insulating glass element with three panes.

Abstract: Provided is a position controller for a flexible substrate (100) provided in a processing apparatus conveying a band-shaped flexible substrate (1) in a longitudinal position, in the lateral direction and processing the substrate in a processing unit (20) installed on a conveying path of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for positioning an article within a label applicator and securing the article between a first roller, a second roller, and a moveable contact member includes securing the article by moving the moveable contact member from a first position in which the moveable contact member is not in contact with the article to a second position in which the moveable contact member is in contact with the article. A label is received for application to the article by delivering the label between the article and at least one of the first roller, second roller, and the moveable contact member.

Abstract: The three dimensional (3-D) locations of splices in pre-preg tows placed by an automatic fiber placement machine to form a laminated composite structure are mapped to allow visualization of alignment patterns in the splices.

Abstract: A label and label attaching device for attaching a label onto a backing sheet. The label has a protruding apex portion, side surfaces defined when the label is folded at the apex and end portions at the outer base ends of the side surfaces. A label sheet is formed by temporarily attaching labels to a backing sheet. Prior to attachment, an intermediate portion of the label protrudes from its back surface to its front surface in a folded chevron shape. Outer end portions of the side surfaces project out from the side surfaces and the outer end portions are temporarily attached to the backing sheet with the folded portion protruding. The attaching device has two divided bodies to which the outer end portions are temporarily attracted. The divided bodies are movable together and apart to define the folded label. Then the label holding unit moves the folded label to an attaching position on the backing sheet which is moving past.

Abstract: A labeling applicator having a suction plate (21) including a pair of divided bodies (21b, 21c) movable relatively to two positions, i.e., a contact position (S) where the opposing end faces facing each other move toward contact while sucking a first surface side of a label (L) to which an RFID tag is attached and a separated position (V) where the opposing end faces are separated from each other, wherein a portion (2) of the label (L) is folded in a peak by the end faces of the divided bodies (21b, 21c) facing each other as a divided body (21c) moves, thus forming a folded portion (M) having a bend or curved position (7) on the proximal end, before labeling an article (W). A non-abutting portion (20) is provided by cutting the edge of each split body (21b, 21c) corresponding to the bend (7) on the proximal end of the folded portion (M) such that the end faces of the divided bodies (21b, 21c) do not abut when the end faces move toward contact.

Abstract: A device for winding a filament around a structure disposed concentrically around a distal end of a balloon catheter includes a rotatable holder for retaining a distal end of the balloon catheter, a translatable winding carriage for helically winding the tensioned filament around the balloon catheter distal end, a heater for applying a predetermined amount of heat to a section of the balloon catheter having the filament wound therearound, and a controller for controlling at least the rate of rotation of the holder, the tensioning force applied to the filament, the amount of heat applied by the heater, and the rate of travel of the translatable winding carriage along the longitudinal dimension of the balloon catheter. By use of the device, the balloon is heat set and a predetermined checkering pattern of surface indentations are provided in the structure exterior surface in a single pass.

Abstract: Systems and methods for in-process vision inspection for automated machines are disclosed. In one embodiment, a head assembly includes a tool moveable over a workpiece and adapted to perform a manufacturing operation on the workpiece, and an inspection unit operatively positioned proximate the tool and moveable with the tool relative to the workpiece. The inspection unit is adapted to perform a vision inspection of a portion of the workpiece simultaneously with the performance of the manufacturing operation on the workpiece. In a particular embodiment, the inspection unit includes a camera adapted to monitor an area including the portion of the workpiece upon which the tool has performed the manufacturing operation, and a processor operatively coupled to the camera and adapted to receive an image from the camera and to analyze the image to determine a presence of a defect within the portion of the workpiece.

Abstract: A label finishing station receives a web carrying printed images for labels arranged so there are a plurality of images formed in rows or ranks across the width of the web. The images are also arranged in longitudinal columns along the length of the web. A cutting station carries a plurality of cutter heads to cut out the plurality of labels forming each row or rank simultaneously. The web, with the label peripheries cut out, may be slit longitudinally and formed into finished rolls of labels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for transferring a protective layer for a substrate at high temperature and under pressure, said protective layer being mainly intended to protect a flat substrate.

Abstract: To close the tail end (L) of the web material forming the log (R) there is provided mechanical ply-bonding between the tail end and a portion of the last turn of web material, preferably a portion forming a fold (F) projecting from the log.

Abstract: A labeling machine, comprising a conveyor of containers, each to be labeled with a label taken by cutting from a continuous ribbon wound in a reel, and further comprising feeder elements which are adapted to convey with the appropriate timing the ribbon to a device for the intermittent cutting of each individual label, and elements for locking the label during cutting which are inserted between the cutting device and a drum for transferring the cut label to a container provided on the conveyor.

Abstract: To close the tail end (L) of the web material forming the log (R) there is provided mechanical ply-bonding between the tail end and a portion of the last turn of web material, preferably a portion forming a fold (F) projecting from the log.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for manufacturing a perform (42) for a load path aligned fiber composite structure. The process includes cutting off relatively short fiber band pieces (40, 40?, 40?) from a spread fiber band (14), placing the fiber band pieces (40, 40?, 40?) at a predetermined position and fixing them at this position by means of a binder material (38).

Abstract: An inspection system (9) includes an idler wheel (61) that is coupled to a fabrication system (8) and is in contact with a backing layer (65) of an applied material (64), A rotation sensor (63) monitors the idler wheel (61) and generates a rotational signal. A controller (24) is coupled to the rotation sensor (63) and determines a characteristic of one or more flaws and FOD (19) on a composite structure (12) in response to the rotation signal.

Abstract: A system comprises an automated fiber placement (AFP) machine and a layup mandrel tool supported by the AFP machine. The mandrel tool includes a truss core and a plurality of mandrel panels attached to the truss core to form a layup surface.

Abstract: A method of bonding a first substrate and a second substrate includes the steps of rotating first substrate with an adhesive mass thereon, and second substrate contacting the mass and overlying the first substrate, controlling a vertical height of a heated control platen spaced apart from and not contacting the second substrate so as to control a temperature of the adhesive mass, so as to at least one of bond the first and second substrates in alignment with one another, or achieve a sufficiently planar adhesive interface between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: A tape application system for sealing a carton. The tape application system comprises a first tape applicator in the path of travel of a carton to be sealed and a second tape applicator in the path of travel of a carton to be sealed. An actuator is operatively connected to at least one of the first tape applicator and the second tape applicator and is for moving the first tape applicator and the second tape applicator relative to the path of travel of the carton to be sealed. A control device is operatively connected to the actuator to initiate actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to systems, methods, devices, and computer-readable media for forming a fiber panel. A system may include a feed section for unrolling a round bale of material. The system may further include a compression section for receiving material from the unrolled bale of material. The compression section may include a press configured to apply a force to the material and a plurality of pistons to apply another force to the material. Additionally, the system may include an adjustable cutting section including a saw and configured to cut the material to form a panel having a desired length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for the application of a strip material to a substrate. Particularly, the present invention relates to a automatic application of an elongate strip of elastic material to a substrate. The present invention further relates to a device and a method for applying a seal strip such as a weatherstrip seal to a substrate. The elongate strip is advanced by drive means and positioned on a substrate by means of an application unit. The stress of the elongate strip is controlled by a stress control unit which is positioned in the area between the drive means and the application unit.

Abstract: There is described a machine for applying labels on articles transferred by respective labelling units along a given path (P); each unit comprises a receiving member having a lateral wall, which is adapted to receive a relative label and extends along an axis (F) transversal to the path (P); a cam and tappet device axially displaces the receiving members between a lowered position and a raised position and comprises a cam device, which is adjustable between a first and a second configuration; in the first configuration, cam followers of the units move along a first track (R) of the cam device to displace the respective receiving members between the lowered and raised position during transfer of the respective units; in the second configuration, the cam followers move along a second track (Q) of the cam device to maintain the respective receiving members in the lowered position during movement of the units along their path (P).

Abstract: An outsert application system is disclosed that includes a vacuum assembly and a pivot arm. The vacuum assembly is for accommodating passage of a vacuum to an engagement surface at a first end thereof for engaging an outsert. The pivot arm is rotatably coupled at a first end thereof to a second end of the vacuum assembly, and the vacuum assembly is adapted to rotate with respect to the pivot arm about a first axis. A second end of the pivot arm is adapted for rotation about a second axis that is substantially parallel with the first axis. The system further includes a translation device that causes the first axis to move with respect to the second axis as the vacuum assembly rotates about the first axis.

Abstract: The flat bed embossing machine with a foil web guiding device (2) for a plurality of foil webs (6), which are conducted over a tool plate (3), for every foil web ahead of the tool plate comprises an individual, adjustable web guide (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) as foil tensioning devices. The web guides comprise suction openings (14), connected with controllable negative pressure sources (13.1, 13.2, 13.3) for the independent setting of negative pressure (pi) on each individual web guide. To every foil web (6i) a print mark sensor (15i) and settable lateral guiding elements (30) on low-friction deflecting elements (31, 32) are assigned. So that every foil web (6i) can be optimally set for the print marks in drawing direction X and in transverse direction Y.

Abstract: There is disclosed an applicator and method for applying transfers such as heat transfers, decals or labels to transfer-receptive materials. The applicator has a lightweight, T-shaped, sheet metal support or frame having an applicator station. A motorized supply roll unwind and a motorized take-up roll rewind are mounted on the support to hold supply and take-up rolls, to tension the transfer-containing web and to advance the web onto the take-up roll after the transfer has been applied at the applicator station.

Abstract: A conveyance apparatus includes a holding unit configured to hold a roll sheet, a conveyance unit configured to convey the roll sheet in a first direction in which the roll sheet is unrolled and a second direction opposite from the first direction, and a control unit configured to control the drive of the conveyance unit. The amount of drive per unit conveyance distance at the time when the conveyance unit conveys the roll sheet is controlled so as to be larger in the conveyance in the first direction than in the conveyance in the second direction.

Abstract: An apparatus to apply a resin impregnated tape to the surface of a molding tool, the apparatus including: an upper frame mounted to a base frame, the upper frame having mounted thereon a spool holding assembly for holding a spool of resin impregnated tape wound thereon, a tape compaction assembly including a compaction roller configured to conform to the surface of the molding tool for compacting the resin impregnated tape onto the surface of the molding tool, and a tape tensioning system for exerting tension on the resin impregnated tape. The base frame includes a tracking system for tracking the surface of the molding tool, the base frame being reciprocally movable with respect to the surface of the molding tool.