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: The apparatus of the invention for discriminating mail in a paper envelope from mail in a plastics envelope makes use of a pneumatic technique. In particular, the apparatus comprises a pneumatic system suitable for deforming the envelope to be inspected by applying suction and for measuring variation in pressure associated with said deformation, whereby the inspected envelope is detected as being a paper envelope or as being a plastics envelope. This pneumatic detector may be associated with a detector operating by means of an optical effect for the purpose of controlling a labelling device in equipment for processing flat articles.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic slide staining system which will process stained slides, such as cytology or histology specimens. The present invention includes two embodiments for the staining system. The first system includes a slide storage device, a slide transport apparatus, a first platen including a plurality of staining stations, a heating station, and a housing. In order to utilize the first embodiment of the system of the present invention, the stained slides are placed in the storage device. The slides are removed from the storage device and are processed on the various stations via the transport apparatus. The first system can be altered slightly so that a cover slip apparatus can be incorporated within the system. In order to do so, the heating station is removed. A cover slip dispensing apparatus replaces the heating station. This will permit for a cover slip to be placed on the stained slide after a complete transverse of the slide staining stations.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a succession of self-adhesive labels carried on a length of release backing material, the apparatus comprising a web feed device for feeding a first web, a cutting device for cutting the first web into a succession of individual sheets, a folding device for folding the sheets to form folded labels, a label feeder for feeding the folded labels in succession onto a second web including a release backing material and a web conveyor for moving the second web past the label feeder. There is also provided a method of producing a succession of self-adhesive labels carried on a length of release backing material, the method comprising the steps of:--(a) feeding a first web to a cutting and folding unit in which the web is formed into a succession of folded labels; (b) feeding, with a label feeder, the folded labels in succession from the cutting and folding unit onto a second web including a length of release backing material; and (c) moving the second web past the label feeder.

Abstract: An automatic label applicator includes means for scanning a group of touching objects to determine their unique coordinates, and means responsive to the coordinates for automatically applying labels to the objects. A robotic arm is controllably movable in horizontal and vertical directions to align the applicator with individual objects disposed in a stack of objects.

Abstract: An improved laid-on labeler is designed for substantially increased operating speeds when compared to prior art systems. The labeler includes an articulating labeling arm with a label peel blade. The labeling arm is attached to a support structure at a pivot point immediately above and below which are a respective pair of deflecting idler rollers through which a continuous label web is fed. With the label web being supported at the pivot point of the labeling arm, torque on the labeling arm from starting and stopping the label web is minimized. The label web passes between a drive roller and respective nip rolls on both a pay-out and a take-up side which relieves differential tension on the label web as it passes over the peel blade, thus minimizing or eliminating tearing and breaking of the web as drive speeds increase. Control is via a PLC, which also controls a variety of optional features.

Abstract: A labelling apparatus is provided wherein labels (21) are transported from a label magazine (9) to a labelling station by means of a conveyor belt (1). Adhesive is applied to the conveyor belt (1) by means of a pasting station (5) at the portions which are to receive a label (21). The pasted portion of the conveyor belt is brought into contact with the label to be received such that the label is taken over and transferred by the sticking effect exerted by the adhesive. The conveyor belt (1) passes around a delivery edge (3) where the label is lifted off from the conveyor belt and applied to the object to be labelled.

Abstract: The invention provides a simply-constructed apparatus for applying a substantially fixed amount of adhesive onto a scarf-cut face of a veneer. The apparatus includes: a plurality of rolls (2,4,48,50) for successively feeding veneers in a predetermined feeding direction along fibers of the veneers; a plurality of detectors (6) for detecting existence of a veneer; an adhesive reservoir (40) having a length, in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction, equal to or greater than the width of the veneers; an adhesive application member (24) having a length, in the direction perpendicular to the feeding direction, equal to or greater than the width of the veneers; and a plurality of pivot mechanisms (26) and lifting members (28) for reciprocating the adhesive application member (24) between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically attaching cover slips (27) to microscope slides (26) having specimens for microscopic examination, including a first magazine (1) receiving a plurality of slides (26), a means (10) for feeding one slide (26) at a time from the magazine (1) to a station (32) for application of adhesive, and a means (34) for placing a cover slip on a slide provided with adhesive.

Abstract: An auto-splice device includes a cutting conveyer on which a sheet is cut to produce a fabric, a vacuum take-out unit for taking the fabric from the cutting conveyer onto a take-out conveyer, and a splice mechanism for splicing the fabric to another fabric on the take-out conveyer. A sheet end position measuring unit controls the location at which the fabric is held by the vacuum take-out unit.

Abstract: An image sheet (12) is coated with a radiation curable adhesive (48) at a coating station and then laminated to a lenticular array sheet (20) at a laminating station (50). A lamination of the image and array sheets is then positioned on an aligning station (56) where the lenticules of the array sheet are aligned with the image lines (16) of the image sheet. The adhesive is set at a curing station (60).

Abstract: An auto-splice device includes a cutting conveyer on which a sheet is cut to produce a fabric, a vacuum take-out unit for taking the fabric from the cutting conveyer onto a take-out conveyer, and a splice mechanism for splicing the fabric to another fabric on the take-out conveyer. A sheet end position measuring unit controls the location at which the fabric is held by the vacuum take-out unit.

Abstract: The present invention sets forth an automatic gluing and conveying system for use with an automated clamp tightener and flattener system in which the conveyor system is capable of moving transversely to the path of conveying in order to accommodate movement of portions of the clamp carrier which interfere the conveying path. An electronic controlling means controls the movement of the conveyor along the conveying path, movement of the conveyor perpendicular to the conveying path, and coordinates movement of the clamp carrier. Also provided is a method for gluing segments of wood to be formed into panels by a gluing process which is controlled by an electronic control system which coordinates movement of the conveyor along a conveying path and movement of the conveying means perpendicular to the conveying path and movement of a clamp carrier apparatus which overlaps the conveying path.

Abstract: A production line for manufacturing wooden I-beams wherein a pair of grooved flanges are conveyed along opposite left and right sides of a train of web members and converged so that the web longitudinal edges are inserted into the flange grooves is disclosed. The flanges are moved along left and right hand chutes of the assembly machine with plural vertical flange drive rolls engaging the wider flange faces for improved traction. These flange drive rolls and the chutes are mounted to the machine base with a lateral adjustment mechanism permitting center justified adjusting movement relative to the machine center line. The lateral adjustment mechanism utilizes a series of lead screws each formed with left and right handed threaded portions engageable with a threaded nut attached to each chute. A pair of web bottom rails are vertically adjustable in elevation with plural vertical column screws connected between the machine base and the support rails.

Abstract: A computer controlled turret type labeling apparatus having a label applying mechanism for applying labels to containers. The labeling apparatus has a turret having a motor for driving the turret and a sensor for providing turret status information to a controlling computer. The turret apparatus contains at least one labeling station. Each labeling station also has a motor and a sensor, the motor drives the labeling station and the sensor provides labeling station status information to the controlling computer. The computer is programmed to process status information in conjunction with prestored information relating to the characteristics of the labeling apparatus, containers, and desired labeling and generate suitable control signals for labeling apparatus operation.

Abstract: An image sheet (12) is coated with a radiation-curable adhesive (48) at a coating station and then laminated to a lenticular array sheet (20) at a laminating station (50). A lamination of the image and array sheets is then positioned on an aligning station (56) where the lenticules of the array sheet are aligned with the image lines (16) of the image sheet. The adhesive is set at a curing station (60).

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: An apparatus has first and second loading means, and first and second rolls each obtained by winding a strip-like material are loaded on the first and second loading means. A detection means detects an end indication tape adhered to a trailing end portion of the strip-like material of the roll. A cutting/unrolling means automatically unrolls the strip-like material from the roll, and cuts the leading and trailing end portions of the strip-like material to form the leading and trailing ends. The unrolled strip-like material is guided along a predetermined path by a guide means. A joining station is arranged midway along the guide path. One strip-like material is fed through the joining station by a feeding means, and the leading end portion of the other strip-like material is stopped and stands by at the joining station.

Abstract: A film pasting apparatus for pasting a color separation film on a base film used for a photomechanical process, comprises a lower table for placing a base film and having optical sensors, an upper table disposed above the lower table and having suction means and pasting means, a film tray for storing a color separation film on which a first registration mark having two line segments defining a predetermined angle and a second registration mark having two line segments parallel to the two line segments of the first registration mark are formed at positions corresponding to the sensors, film picking means for inserting the film tray into the apparatus main body below the upper table to draw the color separation film to the upper table by the suction means, film registering means for withdrawing the film tray from the apparatus to detect the registration marks of the color separation film drawn to the upper table by using the sensors, for registering the color separation film based on a result of detection of th

Abstract: Process and equipment for the production of an expanded honeycomb core from strips (10) coated at uniform intervals with strips of adhesive (6), in which the strips (10) with their adhesive strips (6) parallel and in staggered positions are stacked on top of one another and adhesively bonded together under pressure and if necessary at an elevated temperature, the stack (40) so formed being subsequently expanded, consists in the following: a strip (10) passes over a position detector (24), which from the adhesive strips (6) determines its position relative to a first end (P) of a stack (40), and which controls a positioning drive (25) and a cutting device (26). The positioning drive (25) positions the strip (10) relative to the stack (40) at its end (P), and the strip (10) is held fast.

Abstract: In a machine including structure for printing an indicia on a sheet at a predetermined printing speed, wherein the machine includes structure for feeding the sheet in a path of travel to the printing structure, apparatus for detecting a malfunction of the machine, the apparatus comprising, structure for controlling the machine, the controlling structure including a microprocessor, structure for sensing the sheet in the path of travel, the sensing structure including a first sensor connected to the microprocessor for providing a first sensing signal thereto in response to sensing the sheet, the sensing structure including a second sensor connected to the microprocessor for providing a second sensing signal thereto in response to sensing the sheet, and the microprocessor programmed for causing the sheet feeding structure to feed the sheet to the sensing structure at a first predetermined sheet feeding speed less than the printing speed, causing the printing structure to commence a printing cycle after a first p

Abstract: A device for applying adhesive bands to packets, whereby an annular conveyor feeds the bands along a path having a first portion extending along a portion of the path along which the packets are supplied, a second portion extending between the output of the first portion and a loading station where the bands are loaded on to the conveyor, and a third portion extending between the loading station and the input of the first portion and past a gumming device; the conveyor being a suction conveyor having at least a first suction chamber wherein a selective vacuum is formed and extending along the first and second portions of the path along which the bands are fed, and a second suction chamber wherein a constant vacuum is maintained and extending along the third portion of the path along which the bands are fed.

Abstract: A reinforcing strip is applied to sheets by longitudinally advancing a leading sheet while the strip is adhered to it along a travel path to a downstream stop station and thereby drawing the strip from a supply and extending it longitudinally through an upstream stop station while simultaneously adhering the strip to the full length of the leading sheet. Then the leading sheet is arrested in the downstream stop station while a trailing sheet upstream of the arrested leading sheet is advanced downstream until a leading edge of the trailing sheet engages an upstream stop in the upstream station immediately upstream of a trailing edge of the leading sheet. The trailing sheet is then arrested with its leading edge engaging the upstream stop which it pushes downstream against the upstream edge of the leading sheet. Generally simultaneously the strip is adhered upstream of the upstream stop to the trailing sheet and the strip is severed at the upstream stop between the leading and trailing sheets.

Abstract: A main controller (55) causes a vision controller (36) to determine the exact location of plies (24) for a composite article in response to images from video cameras (35). The main controller then causes a robot controller (40) to direct a robot (42-46) to pick up the plies and move to a neutral position. The main controller causes the vision controller to determine that the plies were in fact picked up. If so, the main controller causes the robot controller to direct the robot to move the plies to the mold while the vision controller looks for the next ply to be picked up, in overlapped fashion. Failure to properly locate the plies and failure to verify that the plies were picked up causes an automatic retry to locate the plies or verify ply pick up.

Abstract: A label applicator and method for applying labels to an article is provided that changes the orientation of a label from a horizontal to a vertical orientation before the label is applied to the article, so that the label is not applied to the article in the same, or parallel, plane that the label is presented to the applicator. The label applicator includes a housing formed from a first faceplate and a second faceplate, each having a plurality of holes passing therethrough which define an interior chamber adapted to be connected to a source of reduced pressure. The second faceplate extends in a plane that, in the preferred embodiment, is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first faceplate. A plurality of conveyor belts carried by the housing carry the labels from the first faceplate to the second faceplate. A corner assembly having openings that are larger than the holes of the faceplates interconnects the first and second faceplates.

Abstract: A manual feed machine for the application of tabs to sheet stock has a strip feeder for feeding a foil strip into the path of a sheet which is manually insertable beneath the cutter for the file strip to entrain a previously cut segment into the heating jaws. A die cutter downstream of the foil application can cut the tab after the jaw opens and the sheet is transported to the cutter. Only after the perimeter of the sheet has cleared the blade, is the previously advanced foil strip cut to form the next segment.

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 device for joining a leading end of a new second strip-like material to a trailing end of a supplied first strip-like material is disclosed. This device includes a joining preparation path. A stamper base is arranged midway along the joining preparation path. The first and second strip-like materials are fed to the joining preparation path by first and second feed mechanisms, respectively. The first strip-like material passes through the stamper base, and is supplied to the next process by a convey mechanism. The leading end of the second strip-like material is aligned with a predetermined position of the stamper base, and is held in position. The device includes a stamper for holding a joining tape piece by suction.

Abstract: A system of assembling devices to substrates is disclosed. A pattern of lines and/or dots of bonding medium is formed on a substrate to provide a uniform support for the device. Apparatus and a method for applying the bonding medium to the substrates is also disclosed. The bonding medium is applied to the substrates with transfer surfaces formed on a movable tool. The transfer surfaces are formed in a configuration that matches a desired pattern of the lines and/or dots of the bonding medium. Also, an assembly method is disclosed in which devices are pressed onto the adhesive lines and/or dots with an assembly tool that is moved with a precisely controlled force. In addition apparatus and a method of curing an adhesive interface between the assembled devices and substrates is disclosed. Use of the curing apparatus and method limits any relative lateral movement between the devices and the substrates during curing.

Abstract: Pressure responsive glue dispensing nozzles are mounted on a pivotable glue distributing manifold. Rocker arms are attached to the glue distributing manifold and are actuated to pivot about a fixed pivot axis by solenoids. Adjustable stop means are used to limit and adjust the pivot stroke of the manifold so that the glue dispensing nozzles can dispense glue to one edge of a document that may have a varying thickness. Return means are provided to return the rocker arm assembly to a base position when the solenoids are de-energized.

Abstract: Label applier of an automatically operated label applying system is selectively controlled by a machine operator to rotate self-adhesive labels to any of a variety of different angular orientations in response to interception of a driving bevel gear at a predetermined position. A driven pinion gear which carries a vacuum wand with a vacuum gripper on an end thereof rotates the wand and label to any one of 90, 180 or 270 degrees, depending on which of three intercepting pins is activated under selective control of an operator. In the event no intercepting pin is activated, the drive gear rotates through the same angle as its supporting shaft and effectively avoids rotation of the driven gear and turning of the label. The label applier is remotely controlled by automatic means, thereby avoiding the necessity to make manual changes to the applier each time a new angular orientation becomes necessary.

Abstract: In a mailing machine base including structure for feeding an envelope, having a body and a flap, in a downstream path of travel, and including structure for deflecting the flap, a process for selectively guiding an envelope into and out of engagement with the flap deflecting structure, the process comprising the steps of, providing a baffle upstream from the flap deflecting structure, providing electromechanical structure for moving the baffle, providing a microprocessor for controlling the baffle moving structure, providing a resettable timer having a predetermined time out time interval, operating the baffle moving structure to move the baffle into the path of travel for guiding an envelope fed therein out of engagement with the flap deflecting structure and operating the baffle moving structure to move the baffle out of the path of travel for the time interval for guiding an envelope fed in the path of travel during the time interval into engagement with the flap deflecting structure.

Abstract: A pressure sealer for sealing pressure sensitive adhesive strips on business forms has only a single set of sealing rollers forming a nip. One roller is gear driven by a D.C. motor, and a spring applies a biasing force to press the rollers into contact with each other. A forward sensor and a reverse sensor are positioned just before the nip of the rollers, in or above a support surface for business forms, and cooperate with a computer chip to control the motor to drive a business form in a first direction between the rollers, until it has almost completely passed through the nip. Then the motor is reversed to drive the business form through the nip again in a second direction opposite the first direction. The business form is manually fed to, and removed from, the nip.

Abstract: An integrated, automated composite material manufacturing system for pre-cure processing of preimpregnated composite materials, and particularly, for one-sided preimpregnated composite materials.

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: Apparatus for printing, folding, and sealing a one-piece form sheet to prepare a self-mailer. The apparatus includes a substantially conventional printer, which may be a laser printer, suitable for use with a personal computer. The printer is mounted above and outputs printed form sheets downwards to a folder sealer for folding and sealing to prepare a self-mailer. The folder sealer includes a folder having a central and peripheral rollers and curved, one-sided, open buckle chutes for folding the form sheet and delivering it to a transport which extends under the printer. The folder sealer also includes moistening apparatus for moistening areas on the form sheet to which a remoistenable glue has been applied.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing admission tickets that feature electromagnetically stored and detectable information and also visual information that contains, at least partly, identification data of the holder of the admission ticket, wherein the electromagnetically detectable information and the visual information is provided on separate carriers and wherein the separate carriers are placed in an, at least, partly transparent completely sealed sleeve. Admission tickets (14") are produced by a central processing unit (1), a video camera (2) linked with the central processing unit, and a dispenser (3) linked with the central processing unit. The dispenser has a printer for printing an image, recorded by the video camera (2), on a suitable carrier (17), which image has been converted by the central processing unit (1) into electric control signals. A magazine (4) holes a number of electromagnetically programmable responders (14), and a programming device is controlled by the processing unit (1).

Abstract: This invention relates to a label box for a label stack in a labelling station. The label box has a front part, which is designed as a slide which can move forward and backward in relation to the other part. If a label is not to be extracted from the stack, this front part is moved back, compressing the label stack, so that the front end surface of the label stack is in an idle position, in which the pickup surface of the extractor element for the labels can no longer make contact against the end surface of the label stack as it rolls past.

Abstract: A current assembly apparatus and associated method for producing laminated cards such as credit cards including providing means for feeding printed card sheets to a laminating station and at the same time feeding top and bottom overlay webs also to the laminating station. The top overlay web is provided with a series of parallel-disposed magnetic stripes. Means are provided for controlling the feeding of the top overlay web and the card sheets so as to feed them concurrently to form a lamination. Means are also provided for controlling the inter-positional relationship or registration between the card sheet and the overlay web to maintain a predetermined positional arrangement between the magnetic stripe and a predetermined position on the card sheet.

Abstract: A system for mounting a hub to an optical disk comprises a turntable arranged on an X-Y stage, a loading rod arranged above the turntable and extending vertically, a chuck provided at a lower end of the loading rod, for holding the hub with the axis of the hub aligned with a reference line as the axis of the loading rod, and a pair of displacement sensors for detecting a deviation of the axis of the turntable from the reference line, whereby the X-Y stage is driven in accordance with the signal from the displacement sensors, to position the turntable such that the axis of the turntable is aligned with the reference line. Thereafter, the optical disk is placed on the turntable with the axis of the optical disk aligned with the axis of the turntable, and the hub is placed on the optical disk through an ultraviolet-curing adhesive, by using the loading rod, with the axis of the hub aligned with the axis of the turntable.

Abstract: Heated seal bars are located on opposite sides of an elongated strip of heat sealable material adapted to be advanced with a step-by-step motion. When the strip dwells, the bars are shifted linearly inwardly into engagement with the strip to form a heat seal and then are retracted linearly a short distance away from the strip to permit the strip to advance through its next step. If an abnormal condition prevents the strip from advancing, the bars are retracted linearly to a parked position in which the bars are spaced a substantial distance away from the strip in order to prevent the heat radiating from the bars from damaging the stopped strip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sheet folding and sealing to produce mailable letter-like objects, each from a single preprinted sheet, comprises a feed mechanism for the feed of sheets in seriatim while continuous beads of adhesive are applied to each sheet along lateral portions thereof. The sheets are fed into a buckle folder which makes one or more transverse folds in each sheet while transversely-spaced spots of adhesive are applied along a transverse line across the sheet. The buckle folder is structured so that it has fold pans on one side; and, both the input and output are on the other side. The folder also includes folding and sealing rolls that seal folded-over sheet portions to close and seal the sheet into a letter-like object. A perforator perforates the object so that tearing along the perforations facilitates opening.

Abstract: A substrate and an article to be assembled with the substrate are conveyed separately to an assembly station in which they are assembled. A conveyor line conveying the substrates to the assembly station is provided with an adhesive coating station where the substrate is coated with an adhesive. A conveyor line conveying the articles is provided with a conveyance velocity detection means for detecting a conveyance velocity at which the article is conveyed. A timing in which the substrate starts being coated with the adhesive by an adhesive coating means is adjusted in accordance with a change in the conveyance velocity. A period of time required from a time for the start of coating the adhesive to a time for the start of assemblying the substrate with the article is made constant by adjusting the timing of the start of coating the adhesive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to temporarily cover an opening of a container to prevent the entry of foreign matters during a process in which a large number of containers are handled. A temporary cover has a sticky surface on one side that is large enough to cover the opening of the container. The temporary cover is positioned near the opening of the container, with the sticky surface directed to face the opening. Then, the temporary cover is lightly pressed against the end of the opening so that the cover adheres in position. After a given operation has been completed, the temporary cover is removed from the opening of the container.

Abstract: A series of labels for the labelling of goods are separated from a strip which consists only of the labels. The labels are rendered actively adhesive on their rear sides before they reach the goods.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing sealed postal mails or other sealed envelope assemblies using a discrete envelope blanks split from an envelope-forming continuous sheet, an intermediate element split from an intermediate element-forming continuous sheet and additional inserting elements, both having sizes adapted to be enclosed within the envelope blank. The apparatus includes a reader for reading an encoded data preliminarily printed on the intermediate elements that produces an output signal corresponding to the number of insert sheet elements to be enclosed together with the intermediate elements. A grouping station is provided for stacking the insert sheets successively supplied to be enclosed together with the intermediate elements. The grouping station is activated in response to the output signal from the reader. A feeder is provided for feeding a selective collection of inserting elements and intermediate elements from the grouping station to an envelope folding.

Abstract: Novel apparatus for assembling box blanks and liners are provided. The apparatus includes supports for stacks of box blanks and liners and a laminating table disposed to receive blanks and liners from the supports. Also included is shuttle apparatus disposed between the supports and the laminating table for gripping and lifting the blanks and liners and taking blanks and liners from the supports to the laminating table and placing them in proper registration. The shuttle apparatus can further include means for dropping the liner onto the blank prior to final registration. The invention is highlighted by a single pushing mechanism for aligning both the blank and liner in a single direction. The invention further includes adhesive applying apparatus which minimizes maintenance due to adhesive overspray and indexing carriers which minimize registration errors.

Abstract: A mailing machine for high-speed processing of mixed mail, capable of high throughput, and of compact size. It includes mail piece processing at four main stations in a straight-through manner, under positive control at all times by separate drive units at each station, with the sequential processing actions timed to optimize mail piece throughput.