Abstract: A corrugated paperboard manufacturing apparatus includes one or more preheaters upstream from the double-facer for preheating the component sheets for the corrugated paperboard. A preheater preferably includes an electrically powered heater positioned adjacent a second surface portion of a preheater body for heating the preheater body so that heat is transferred to the component sheet contacting a first surface portion of the body. The first surface portion of the preheater body contacts the component sheet as the component sheet is advanced along the path of travel. The electrically powered heater is positioned adjacent the second surface portion of the preheater body for radiantly heating the preheater body. The temperature of the component sheet delivered to the double-facer from the preheater can be readily controlled to ensure high quality corrugated paperboard. In one embodiment, the preheater body may be provided by a rotating roll.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a loading section for guiding wiring boards into the apparatus, a printing section equipped with a mask for printing a conductive material onto each of the wiring boards, a position detecting device for detecting a position of the wiring board held by the holding device, an alignment section for positionally correcting the mask or wiring board held by the holding device on the basis of an output signal from the position detecting device, and a transfer device having holding device for holding the wiring boards and turning to transfer the holding device and stop the holding device at the loading, printing, and alignment sections at the same time so that loading, printing, and alignment operations are simultaneously performed.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for applying dispensing parts to a support web has a transfer device running synchronously with the web for applying the dispensing parts, a positioning device for the correct position separation and transfer of the dispensing parts to the transfer device and a feed device for supplying a dispensing web to the positioning device. The three devices are independently controllable with respect to their working speeds, so that by speed superimposing any random number of dispensing parts of random size and in random positions can be transferred to the support web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting labels disposed on a moving web and stripping and retaining the stripped labels apart from the web, and removing the unstripped labels with the web. The invention includes moving the unstripped labels on the web over an edge substantially parallel to the trailing edge of the label, and subsequently moving and/or rotating the trailing edge with respect to the edge at a rate relatively faster than the web to effect a reliable separation of the label from the web.

Abstract: A device for controlling the production quality of a press, which manufactures package blanks from a sheet of material by transferring the sheet of materials, such as paperboard or corrugated board, chronologically through an infeed station, a die-cutting station, a waste-stripping station and a delivery station, has an arrangement for controlling the printing and blanking quality which includes a camera scanning the color register marks and a register mark for the positioning of the blanking of the sheet. The camera is located at the outlet of the die-cutting station so that it can scan the marks applied on the lower side of the sheet. The device includes a marking device, which is driven by the arrangement for controlling the printing and blanking quality, to mark a defective sheet and is positioned in the delivery station of the press.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for cutting cardboard boxes into panels of uniform widths and removing irregularities from the panels, for sorting the panels and for assembling several series of panels end to end and assembling the series of panels face to face to make a multiple thickness corrugated web. The apparatus can ensure that seams between panels in one layer are laterally displaced from seams in adjacent layers and can provide for wrapping paper or cardboard around the corrugated web.

Abstract: An automatic vessel supplying and labeling apparatus takes out a desired vessel from racks, supplies it to a predetermined position, supplies a desired label, corresponding to the vessel, to the position, and applies the label to the vessel in the predetermined position. A judging unit checks the label information on the vessel, and judges whether the label is correctly applied to the vessel, and the vessel is sorted into one of two places, one place for collecting vessels with correctly applied labels and the other for collecting vessels with not correctly applied labels in accordance with the result of judgment. The label is applied to the vessel after a sensor detects the label supplied to the predetermined position.

Abstract: A machine for cutting and moistening plastic tubes, and presenting: a reel about which the tube is wound; a feed device for feeding the tube in a given direction; a cutting device for cutting the tube to define a portion; and a dispensing device for dispensing adhesive on to an end of the portion. The machine also presents a gripping device for gripping the portion during cutting, and for conveying the portion to the dispensing device; and a detecting device which, following dispensing of the adhesive, detects the presence of the operator's hand gripping the portion, and de-activates the gripping device to release the portion into the operator's hand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for registration of a seal and perforation on a plastic bag include a drum for forming a seal on a continuous plastic film with respect to a registration mark on the film and a perforator/cutting station for forming a perforation on the film with respect to the location of the seal. This method and apparatus is used in a plastic bag making machine to produce bags of different lengths. A detector locates the registration mark printed on the film and the drum diameter may be adjusted to form the seal at a desired location on the film with respect to the registration mark. A seal detecting station locates the seal and a controller adjusts the speed of the perforator/cutting station to properly locate the perforation with respect to the seal and to maintain a desired skirt length.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laminating apparatus including a sheet conveyor for conveying a sheet to be laminated, a film conveyor for conveying an elongated laminate film, a pressurizer for overlapping the sheet and the laminate film and for pressurizing the sheet and the laminate film, a film cutter for cutting the laminate film overlapped with the sheet, a sheet detector for detecting the sheet conveyed by the sheet conveyor, and a controller for controlling the film cutter. The controller is so controlled that the laminate film is cut in registration with the leading and trailing ends of the sheet on the basis of detection by the sheet detector.

Abstract: Label applying apparatus (e.g. a stamper) includes a system for advancing articles (18B) with labels applied to them to a stabilising region (32) following a signal to interrupt operation of the apparatus. This, together with means for inhibiting further feed of labels to the adhesive applicator (16), prevents unnecessary waste of labels and/or articles. The apparatus includes a pinch roller (42) carried by a knife drum (12) arranged to sever successive leading ends of a web (2) of label material to form individual labels, the roller cooperating with a suction drum (14) to ensure reliable separation and transfer of successive labels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a label applicator for removing pressure-sensitive, very thin, sub-surface printed labels from a web and applying the labels to PCMCIA memory cards carried on a shuttle such that the labels are more reliably and exactly placed than conventional labelers. The label applicator includes a peel plate for removing the adhesive-backed labels from a web and a vacuum applicator drum for transferring the labels from the peel plate to an unlabeled article carried on the shuttle. The shuttle is provided with micrometers to separately adjust the position of the memory cards about three independent axes to allow greater precision in label placement. Placement of labels on the memory cards is also enhanced through the use of a number of sensors which determine relative positions of the labels on the transfer drum and the linearly moving shuttle so that rotation of the drum can be synchronized to match movement of the shuttle.

Abstract: A method for assembling windshield assemblies for vehicles includes a conveyor for delivering at least two plys of glass to an assembly station, a first robot for lifting one of the two plys from the conveyor, a second robot for gripping and removing at least one adhesive sheet from a stack of adhesive sheets and placing the removed adhesive sheet adjacent the other one of the two plys, whereby the first robot places the one of the two plys adjacent the removed adhesive sheet to assemble the windshield assembly. The step of removing a top adhesive sheet from the stack of adhesive sheets includes moving a knife along an edge of the top adhesive sheet to separate the edge of the top sheet from the next lower sheet in the stack. Alternatively, a blade is moved along a longitudinal length of the top sheet to separate it from the next lower sheet in the stack.

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: An aligning and positioning system for a bonder including a bond sensor for sensing the X, Y and .theta. coordinates of a substrate at the bonding location and a die sensor for sensing the X, Y and .theta. coordinates of the die on a die transport. A controller correlates the sensed coordinates from the sensors and adjusts the X, Y and .theta. of the die and the substrate relative to each other to place the die at a preselected bond site on the substrate. The Z coordinate of the surface of the substrate, as well as its planarity, may be sensed by a Z optical sensor. The X and Y coordinates of the substrate are adjusted and the .theta. coordinate of the die on the die transport is adjusted.A pattern recognition system is used with the die and bond sensors to determine the coordinates as well as quality control of the substrate prior to bonding, the quality of paste pattern on the die or the substrate prior to bonding and the quality of the bond and the coordinates of the die after bonding.

Abstract: A book binding process and apparatus are shown wherein polyurethane adhesive (PUR) attaches a crepe portion of a book binding to a book block and hot glue attaches the crepe portion to the book cover. The PUR delivery system includes an inclined trough positioned adjacent a polyurethane adhesive delivery roll. A polyurethane adhesive source delivers polyurethane adhesive upon the inclined surface of the trough and the polyurethane adhesive is metered onto the roller as a function of the separation of the leading edge of the trough and the roller.

Abstract: A linerless label in web form is fed by a pair of nip rollers to a cutting device for forming discrete linerless labels subsequently applied to a product by an applicator head. The nip rollers have circumferentially extending, axially spaced ribs in registry with one another. The roller in opposition to the adhesive on one side of the web is a pressure roller having the rib surfaces plasma-coated to preclude the adhesive from sticking to the roller. Fingers with plasma coating extend through grooves between the ribs of the bottom rollers and underlie the web as it is driven by the rollers to the cutting device. Vacuum pressure is applied to an applicator head downstream of the cutting device to retain the discrete label on the head until applied to a product moving below the head. Throughout the operation, the plasma-coated surfaces prevent the adhesive from sticking to the machine components and the accumulation of adhesive residue on the machine.

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: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for automatically fabricating a three-dimensional object from individual layers of fabrication material having a predetermined configuration. Successive layers are stacked in a predetermined sequence and affixed together to form the object. The fabrication material is carried on a substrate to a stacker station. At this station the individual layers are stacked together, with successive layers being affixed to each other, with the substrate removed after affixation.

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: An apparatus for automatically creating a simulated mosaic controllably discharges tile pieces onto plate material and secures the tile pieces in place such that the plates with the tile pieces are freestanding permitting the plates themselves to be an ordered arrangement of sections of the mosaic once cemented to the substrate. Many different forms may be had for the plate material, including ones that are pressure or heat activatable to bond with the tile pieces or ones that are mechanically connectable.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously disposing tubular labels on a plurality of bottles or other containers includes an assembly for advancing the bottles or other containers along an endless travel path. The apparatus also includes a plurality of tubular label applying stations each operable to individually apply a tubular label onto a bottle or other container as the bottle or other container is advanced along the travel path. The advancing assembly is preferably in the form of a rotating plate supporting the bottles or other containers thereon at uniform angular spacings from one another and the tubular label applying stations are preferably also supported on the rotating plate. A cam and cam follower arrangement is utilized for controlling each tubular label applying station to perform its label applying operation in coordination with the advancing movement of its associate bottle or other container.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting synchronous, in-line placement of pads of material, such as a highly absorbent compressed composite laminate, includes a supply reel for supplying a continuous web of material. The web of material is guided to a pair of pull rolls which effect movement of the web at a first velocity V.sub.1. A cutting mechanism, preferably comprising cooperating knife and anvil rolls, cuts individual discrete pads of the material for presentation to an associated vacuum transfer drum. The vacuum transfer drum includes a peripheral surface operated at a second velocity V.sub.2 equal to or greater than the first velocity V.sub.1, with the velocity V.sub.2 equal to the linear speed of movement of an associated continuous substrate, such as comprising air laid comminuted wood pulp. The discrete pads of material are thereby transferred onto the substrate at a relative spacing S between adjacent ones of the discrete pads, which spacing equals L(V.sub.2 -V.sub.1)-L.

Abstract: A labeling machine in which pressure sensitive adhesively backed labels are releasably adhered to a backing strip moving along a path from a dispensing roll to a take-up roll. The labels are removed from the backing strip onto a rotating applicator drum at a first station along said path, and the thus removed labels are transferred from the applicator drum to articles being successively presented at a second station. The improvement comprises a scanning unit, a comparator unit, and a removal unit. The scanning unit is positioned in advance of the first station for reading indicia appearing on the labels adhered to said backing strip. The comparator unit is associated with the scanning unit for comparing the indicia on the labels with a preselected standard and for generating a control signal in the event of a mismatch between the standard and the indicia appearing on an incorrect label.

Abstract: A multi-tool bonder having a plurality of die heads flexibly mounted on a conveyor which spaces and moves the heads along a path which includes a plurality of die processing stations. An alignment mechanism is provided at each stationary processing station for aligning the head at a fixed position along the path at the station. A controller controls the conveyor to position the plurality of heads at the stations and controls operation of the heads at the stations.

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: A base plate conveyor includes conveyance rollers for conveying a base plate to a prescribed position, and a base plate centering mechanism having right and left centerers for centering said base plate on said base plate conveyor. The conveyor further includes a device for moving the right and left centerer at a prescribed speed in a direction transverse to the direction of conveyance of the base plate. The moving device moves the centerers at the prescribed speed to such a position that the distance between the right and left centerers is slightly larger than a width of the base plate. The moving device thereafter moves the right and left centerers toward the base plate at a speed lower than the prescribed speed, such that the base plate is centered.

Abstract: A laminating apparatus includes a sheet transporter for transporting a sheet, a laminating film transporter for transporting at least one laminating film in such a manner that the film is superposed with at least one surface of the sheet transported by the sheet transporter, a pressing mechanism for pressing the sheet and the laminating film in a mutually superposed state, a sheet stacker for supporting the sheets in a stacked state, a sheet entrance for introducing the sheet, and a guide for selectively guiding the sheet, introduced from the sheet entrance, either to the laminating film transporter or to the sheet stacker.

Abstract: The principal object of the invention is to provide a novel system for assembling green tires according to the two-stage process, together with a programmable control which allows the system to perform most of its functions automatically. The system assembles a first stage tire carcass essentially automatically, then removes and transfers completed carcasses automatically to a unique tire assembly drum, onto which the carcasses are automatically loaded. The assembly drum then acts to form each carcass into the desired toroidal shape. Second stage belt-tread stock assemblies are, in the meantime, completed and then automatically transferred into position surrounding the shaped carcasses, joined thereto, and the joined first and second stage assemblies are stitched together forming a green tire. The completed green tires are then taken automatically from the tire assembly drum and launched onto a unique discharge chute device.

Abstract: An outer lead bonding apparatus which includes a device supply section on which devices are arranged at predetermined positions, a transfer head assembly for picking up the devices from the device supply section, means for driving the transfer head assembly in a predetermined direction, a first monitoring camera for checking the devices picked up by the transfer head assembly for its positional exactness, a substrate driving means for moving the substrate in a predetermined direction, and a second monitoring camera for checking the electrodes of the substrate for their positional exactness.

Abstract: A TAB method is known to manufacture an electrical component by bonding a semiconductor on a film carrier made of synthetic resin, then punching the lead of the film carrier, and bonding a device obtained by punching to a circuit board. A bonding of a semiconductor to a film carrier as described above is called "an inner lead bonding". Bonding a punched device to a circuit board is called "an outer lead bonding". In the invention, the film carrier fed from the supply reel is punched by a punching unit, and the device obtained by punching is picked up by a bonding head. Then, the positional deviation of the lead of the device picked up with respect to the electrode of the circuit board is detected by the optical means. Subsequently, the positional deviation of the lead is corrected, the device is placed on the circuit board, and the lead is fusion-bonded to the electrode of the circuit board.

Abstract: Apparatus for mass producing one or more individual stacks of expandable, secured together tubular strips which includes a stacking station having an inlet and a conveyor system for sequentially delivering tubular strips having a flat face sequentially to a point opposite said inlet. The stacking station includes pushing apparatus opposite said inlet for pushing the strip delivered opposite said inlet into said chamber. The pushing apparatus has a strip-holding face lying in a given plane and having suction apertures for holding said flat face of each strip delivered thereto in said plane. The pushing member is moved back and forth into and out of said stacking chamber at said inlet with said strip-holding face presented parallel to the flat face of the previous strip delivered to said stacking chamber to push the opposite side of the strip against the flat face of the adjacent strip in said chamber to secure the strips together and form a substantially unwrinkled stack of aligned strips.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laminating apparatus comprising a sheet feeder for feeding a sheet on which an image is formed, a laminate film feeder for feeding laminate films, a heater for heating the laminate films being fed, a device for pressurizing the sheet and the laminate films being fed by the sheet feeder and the laminate film feeder, by overlapping the sheet and the laminate films, a temperature for detecting a temperature of the heater, and a controller means for prohibiting a laminate mode when the temperature detected by the temperature detector is lower than a predetermined set temperature.

Abstract: An item applicator machine having an item support which reciprocates in reference to an applicator arm. The item support is reciprocated within an item supply strip loop. The supply strip is advanced as the item support moves under the applicator arm. The supply strip is locked as the item support moves away from the applicator arm causing an item support dispensing edge to peel an item from the supply strip. A vacuum head on the applicator arm engages the item just prior to the item support's movement away from the applicator arm and picks up the dispensed item and applies it to an object. Curved faces are provided on alternative vacuum heads which are easily interchangeable with the flat faced vacuum head.

Abstract: An improved device and method for welding battery jar covers onto battery jars with the battery elements and terminal posts in position in the jar wherein said improvement includes means for pressing the molten bead, created between the battery jar and the battery cover during welding, flat against the cover and the jar until said molten bead solidifies.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for applying seals, such as valves, over a pressure relief passage of a container. Displaceable retention members, positioned next to a platen having an applicator surface, releasably secure one or more seals adjacent the applicator surface prior to attachment to the container. A seal attachment element moves the applicator surface toward and into a seal attachment position adjacent the container. As the applicator surface moves, the displaceable retention members release to, in turn, effectuate attachment of the seals over the pressure relief passage. A retraction element operatively attached to the platen causes return movement of the applicator surface and, in turn, return of the displaceable retention members back into a seal retaining position.

Abstract: A tire labeling apparatus feeds labels that are releasably adhered to a carrier web from a supply reel to a label dispensing station where the labels are transferred one at a time from the web to an application roller. At the dispensing station, the carrier web is tightly reversely bent to assist in sequentially "peeling" labels therefrom; spent web material is withdrawn from the dispensing station and collected on a collection reel; and, each newly "peeled" label is subjected to a jet of pressurized air that forces the indicia-carrying face of the label into engagement with a curved, label-receiving portion of the circumference of the application roller. Holes open through the label-receiving portion of the application roller, and ambient air is drawn through these holes to generate air pressure differential forces that releasably retain each newly dispensed label in place on the application roller.

Abstract: A continuously moving web pressure-sensitive labeler applies pressure-sensitive labels to articles moving in a given direction past a label applying station. The labels are initially carried by the moving web and the labeler includes a label applying mechanism such as a peel plate and a vacuum drum for stripping labels from the moving web and delivering the stripped labels in the given direction onto articles as they pass the label applying station in the given direction. The labeler also has mechanism which generates a timing signal for timing the placing of labels in register on the label applying mechanism. In a first embodiment, the timing signal generating mechanism includes an encoder driven by the drum and also includes a rotary vacuum valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for applying flat punched elements in the desired position to the surface of a carrier material, the elements being present in multiple copies on a sheet. The multiple copies are fed to an applying device and positioned therein. At the same time as individual elements are separated out or punched, these elements are fixed in position with respect to the carrier material.

Abstract: A top ply labeler includes a presser foot and applicator pad which are arranged for relative movement to one another travel along a rectilinear path as the ram of an applicator cylinder is extended and retracted toward and away from the top surface of a lay-up of sheet material whereby a label carrying identification information are applied at predetermined positions. The applicator cylinder is mounted to the applicator backplate for relative vertical movement toward and away from the top ply surface to maintain the labeller at a desired elevation above the top ply. A vane carried by the pressure foot is detected by a sensor carried on the applicator pad when the pressure foot contacts the surface of a top ply. As the applicator pad continues its downward movement, the pressure foot and vane move relative to the applicator pad until such time as the vane is detected by the applicator pad sensor to apply to the label and stop the downward movement.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a chip device bonding machine in which bubbles can be effectively prevented from remaining with the adhesive. A flexible board is moved on a base at every unit by the rotation of reels. In accordance with the movement of the flexible board, a new portion of a tape made of a film, a paper or the like is moved above the base. The tape is located between the flexible board and the base. A thermosetting adhesive is deposited on the flexible board on the base by an adhesive nozzle. An IC chip is placed on the flexible board on the base by an IC chip supply arm. A pressing arm including a heater presses and heats the IC chip toward the base side to interconnect the IC chip to the flexible hoard. When the IC chip is heated and pressed by the pressing arm, the tape is concaved at its portions corresponding to bumps and consequently the flexible board is deformed, whereby bubbles produced within the adhesive are pushed out to the outside.

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: In the apparatus of this invention a plurality of cylindrical matrices 2 are used to form tubular sleeves of elastomeric material to be later cured and cut into short segments to be used as belts, usually toothed belts. A coiling station 8 places a reinforcing fiber helically around the entire length of the sleeve. The matrix having the coils is then turned to a vertical position by a transfer member 28 and transferred, by means of an adjacent rotating platform 6 to a winding station 9 for application of a sheet of elastomeric material over the thread. The matrix having the completed but uncured sleeve is then placed back on the rotating platform. The coiling station and the winding station each have a tilting member 34 or 43 with two pairs of arms 39 or 52 so that while a completed matrix is swung out of the working position, a fresh matrix is swung into position.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing items in selected configurations and a system, and method for controlling the same. More particularly, an apparatus for producing mail pieces and a system and method for controlling it to produce mail pieces in a variety of configurations are disclosed. The apparatus includes a laser printer and folding sealing apparatus controlled by a data processor. The folder sealer apparatus combines sheets printed by the laser printer with pre-printed sheets and envelope forms, which also may be printed by the laser printer or may be windowed envelopes, folds the sheets as necessary and folds and seals the envelope form about the folded sheets to produce a mail piece. A user inputs a configuration for the mail piece which is translated by the data processor into a data structure and transmitted to the controller of the folder sealer apparatus.

Abstract: A labeling method and assembly for automatically applying a price-printed label onto an article having an outer surface. The assembly comprises an alignment mechanism for disposition of an article in a predetermined position within a label-receiving work station. A first sensing element is located to recognize the presence of the article disposed adjacent the alignment mechanism. A label transport arrangement carries a price-printed label from a home position at the label printer to a label-applying position adjacent the outer surface of the article. The first sensing element activates an initiating mechanism for activating the label transport arrangement. A second sensing element recognizes when the label transport arrangement has applied the price-printed label to the outer surface of the article. A retracting mechanism responsive to the second sensing element returns the label transport arrangement to the home position.

Abstract: In a sheet material cutting system a labelling apparatus applies labels to the top surface of work material to identify the parts cut therefrom. The labelling apparatus is a unitary self-driven and self-controlled unit using pre-printed labels each providing a visual display for identifying the associated cut part, and associated with each label is a machine sensible code identifying the position on the work material at which the label is to be applied. Control cabling for the labelling apparatus is thereby avoided and the apparatus may be designed for easy transport from one point of use to another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for mounting a decorative article on a receptor sheet. Each article has an adhesive layer on one surface for bonding it to a sheet to which the article is to be applied. Initially, the article is to be mounted on a tape which is supplied to an article transfer station. Then, the tape is moved to the article transfer station, at which the articles are sequentially transferred to a substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting and sealing the cut edges of semipermeable and at least partially thermoplastic fabric material is disclosed as having a support to position the material for cutting and sealing, a vacuum system to secure the material to the support to immobilize the material while the latter is being cut and sealed, an ultrasonic cutter to cut the material and to seal cut edges to prevent raveling thereof, and a guide to direct the cutter to cut the material in a desired configuration. The apparatus may be particularly adapted to cut and seal cut edges of automotive safety air bag material.