Abstract: A conveyance arrangement for conveying planar circuit boards is characterized by a roller drive in which the individual rollers have an angled driving surface formed thereon. The angularity of the driving surface is selected such that when the surface engages the edge thickness of a circuit board the board, if otherwise unrestrained, is displaced at a predetermined rectilinear velocity. However, if the board is restrained, the driving surface slips with respect to the edge of the board.

Abstract: In the cleaning and keeping ready for use the labeling station of a labeling machine comprising a label box, a glue roll and a gripper cylinder as well as label pickup members rolling along the glue roll, wherein the glue is removed from the surface of the glue roll after the supply of glue to the glue roll has been shut off and with the machine idling, the improvement which comprises moisturizing the glue roll after the supply of glue has been shut off.An apparatus thereof is provided comprising a spray head associated with the glue roll or a pickup member. It may be used in conjunction with a bottle filling machine provided with sensors to actuate the spray head in response to the absence or backup of bottles to be filled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for aligning a pair of bent glass sheets of matching configuration for assembly with a position occupied by a flexible sheet of interlayer material to form a sandwich to be laminated.

Abstract: Labeling machine comprising a turret carrying plural pallets for periodically picking up glue, picking up a label on the glue, and transferring the glued label to a bottle or other workpiece by rotating the turret and oscillating the pallets radially inward and outward. Each pallet has a double-acting dog clutch for engaging or disengaging the drive which oscillates it; the clutch can be shifted only when the turret is at a particular angular position at which the pallet is sufficiently radially retracted to be clear of the sources of glue and labels and the mechanism for transferring labels. When a bottle is presented for receiving a label from a particular pallet the clutch is shifted to or maintained at its position for engaging the oscillating drive so the pallet transfers a glued label for application to the bottle.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for and method of making laminate articles is described. The invention is particularly useful in making bookcases of the type including relatively stiff front and back cover backing sheet members and a flexible spine backing sheet member. One edge of each of the stiff and flexible backing sheet members is substantially aligned with one another, with the flexible backing sheet member precisely centered between two stiff backing sheet members. The substantially aligned edges are registered with respect to an edge of a sheet of material and the outer opposing edges of the stiff backing sheet members are precisely spaced from one another and registered with respect to a second adjacent edge of the sheet of material. The members are then brought into contact with and laminated to the sheet of material. The improvements include feeding, cutting and supporting mechanisms for the flexible spine sheet member.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus and method automatically secures three substantially planar sheet members in registration with respective portions of a sheet of material such that (1) one of the sheet members is centered between the other two, (2) the outer oppositely disposed edges of the other two are mutually spaced from one another by a predetermined distance as well as precisely positioned with respect to a first edge of the sheet of material, and (3) another edge of each of the other two sheet members is substantially aligned with the other and with an edge of the center sheet member, all of the aligned edges of the members being precisely positioned with respect to a second edge of the sheet.

Abstract: There is disclosed, in combination with a conveyor for moving packages or other objects of different sizes and shapes from an input station via a customer charge-calculating and labeling station, an improved printed label transport system carrying the labels to the applicator. The label transport and applying system is of a swinging "elbow" type and is of such geometry as to obviate previous problems concerning labeling of articles of varying sizes and shapes as they are being transported on a continuously delivering high speed product line conveyor. The label print system applies all pertinent data on a single label, and the mechanism provides an improved "final touch" pressure against each label incidental to the applying operation. The label transport system includes a sidewise label scanning device which monitors for correctness the indicia printed thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically classifying and reorganizing a processed long length of film connected together with a series of separate rolls of exposed film having different frame sizes, into lengths of film each having the same frame size, comprising an optical detector for detecting the frame sizes and the spliced portion of the films, a cutter for cutting the spliced portion of films having different frame sizes in sequence, a reorganizing means for forming the classified and cut films into lengths of film each having the same frame size, a classification guide mechanism, spindles for winding said lengths of film separately, and an electronic controller for controlling automatically the operations of said apparatus in relevant sequence.

Abstract: A veneer sheet and an adhesive coated sheet are placed on a piling table. Two vertically arranged conveyors each independently conveys one veneer sheet and stops at predetermined position, pressing member presses two sheets simultaneously vertically downwards onto the piling table where the sheets are placed.

Abstract: A method of applying multiple labels to a label receiving surface of an article comprising conveying articles to be labeled to a label applying station, dispensing first and second labels onto a vacuum belt transport, transporting the first and second labels to the label applying station utilizing the vacuum belt transport and wrapping the first and second labels onto different locations on the label-receiving surface of a first of the articles.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying labels to successive cigarette packs has a feeding unit which delivers a series of labels downwardly past an adhesive-applying device which coats one side of each label with a hotmelt and through a stationary mouthpiece which directs the oncoming label into one of two pockets on a turntable which is indexible through 180 degrees. The pockets are shorter than the labels so that the outer end portion of the label extends beyond the respective pocket and is placed against one side of a reciprocable back support after the turntable is indexed. A pusher then delivers a cigarette pack against the adhesive-coated side of the outer end portion of the label which abuts against the back support so that the outer end portion is caused to adhere to one side face of the pack. The label is thereupon folded over additional sides of the pack while the latter moves past and beyond the turntable and pushes the back support in the same direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and apparatus for manufacturing flat plastic net. Tubular plastic net is made by extruding plastic material through coaxial circular counter-rotating die members to form a net structure having a plurality of crossing strands. The angular displacement of successive longitudinally-aligned junctions of the crossing strands is controlled, preferably by controlling the relative counter-rotation of the extrusion die members, and successive longitudinally aligned junctions are cut longitudinally within each junction. The tubular net so cut is opened out to form flat net.The flat net so produced, the edges of which are characterized by successive longitudinal edge junctions, in which each edge junction is cut longitudinally within the junction, is particularly useful for fencing material, for example.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying labels, coupons or the like to articles transported serially along a predetermined path of movement comprising storage means for the labels, delivery means for removing individual labels from the storage means and bringing the labels into contact with the articles, and applicator means for positively engaging the labels to hold them on the articles after delivery.

Abstract: A case labeler for moving a label from a holding magazine in a path to sweep over a glue applying applicator and continue into a position where the glue side of the label is presented to a case moving on a conveyor and acting to trip control switches which cause the glue applicator to move into the sweep path of the label and cause a label carrier head to pick a label off the magazine by negative pressure and begin a sweeping motion in a well defined path. The motion of the carrier head in its sweep path is to rotate the label from a first position at the magazine through a partial amount of rotation to pass the label surface over the applicator and through the remainder of the rotation to present the glue side of the label to the path of case movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a laminate has a rack having upper and lower vertically displaceable platforms adapted to support respective stacks of upper and lower foils and set up so that the uppermost foils of the respective stacks are always positioned at respective upper and lower levels. A central conveyor has an upstream stretch extending horizontally between the upper and lower platforms from a position upstream of these platforms to a position spaced downstream therefrom, so that it can displace a board in a transport direction between these platforms to an assembly location downstream of the platforms.

Abstract: A label applicator comprising a supporting structure and a label receiver mounted on the supporting structure for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. A label dispenser supplies a label to the label receiver when the label receiver is in the retracted position. The label is releasably retained on the label receiver. The label receiver is then moved to the extended position where the label is transferred by an air blast from the label receiver to an article.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically bonding or laminating a transparent protective cover sheet to the image-bearing surface of a photograph, preferably of the type prepared by a diffusion transfer process. The cover sheet includes a layer of fluid activatable bonding agent on one side thereof. The apparatus is configured to advance a photograph past a fluid treating station where its image-bearing surface is washed and wetted with activating fluid and simultaneously advance a cover sheet from one end of a stack to feed the photograph and cover sheet between a pair of pressure rollers which bring the photograph and cover sheet into superposition to effect the bond therebetween.

Abstract: A printing system for a boarding pass and/or a baggage tag comprises an operating unit; a housing; a control unit in the housing receiving instructions from the operating unit; and two printing units in the housing controlled with the control unit. One printing unit includes: a roll of printing paper strip; a feeding mechanism for drawing out the paper strip; guide members for the strip; a dotting printer for printing characters on the strip; a cutting unit for cutting the strip after being printed; and an ejecting mechanism for ejecting the printed and cut printing paper strip as a boarding pass or a baggage tag from the housing. The other printing unit includes: a roll of a second printing paper strip, and a similar feeding mechanism, guide members, dotting printer, cutting unit, and an ejecting mechanism for ejecting the printed and cut second printing paper strip as a baggage tag from the housing.

Abstract: A labelling machine which includes a plurality of label suction drums rotatably mounted on a bed plate and a plurality of label holders for supplying labels one-by-one to a corresponding label suction drum. A label applicator drum is positioned adjacent to the label suction drums for receiving labels carried by the label suction drums, and thereafter applying the labels to an object which may have either an arcuate or a planar surface. Each label suction drum is provided with a plurality of arcuately spaced projections and vacuum suction outlets between the projections. The labels are retained on a peripheral surface of each label suction drum between the projections by a vacuum applied through the vacuum suction outlets. An upper stop element is positioned adjacent the periphery of each label suction drum and the label applicator drum.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for prefabricating pockets continuously, pocket material is directed lengthwise along a predetermined path. The pocket material is nipped between a feed roller and an idler roller for advancement first to an adhesive application station. In one embodiment, predetermined adhesive strips formed from ribbons comprising a layer of fusible adhesive on a backing are attached along the edges of the pocket material. If desired, a transverse strip of adhesive can also be applied. In the alternative, adhesive can be extruded directly onto the pocket material along the edges and transversely if desired. The pocket material is then advanced past a cutter and sheared to provide an individual pocket blank. The pocket blank is next aligned, after which the aligned pocket blank is transferred into position for transverse folding. In the preferred embodiment, the edges of the pocket blank having adhesive there along are folded inwardly simultaneously upon transfer.

Abstract: A steam seal machine and process is disclosed to seal together the two contiguous edges of an inner heat sealable ply in a multi-ply tubular bag form. The bag forms are conveyed transversely to their length by a first continuous conveyor and then by an intermittently operating conveyor into an openable steam chest. The second conveyor stops, and the steam chest closes so that it envelops the open mouth of the bag form. Steam is admitted to the steam chest through a valve and this steam penetrates the open end of the multi-ply bag form to seal together the contiguous edges of the heat sealable ply. In this way the steam need not penetrate through several layers of kraft paper or other reinforcing plies. The steam valve is closed, the steam chest opens and the second conveyor restarts to convey the bag form beyond the steam chest so that a part of a successive bag form may enter the steam chest. This part may be the top, bottom or side of the bag form whereat the heat sealable ply is being sealed.

Abstract: A label applicator which grips the article to be labeled on the opposite sides of the article to hold the article in a predetermined orientation. One or more labels are applied to the article while it is held in the predetermined orientation. The article is gripped between a movable resilient member and a guide which holds the article against the movable resilient member.

Abstract: A mechanism for automatically labelling articles, such as fruit, has a chute for guiding fruit into contact with an upstanding label, the engagement of the fruit with the label being effective to transfer the label to the fruit and to cause the movement of a new label into transfer position.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying at predetermined positions within a predetermined location on a carrier surface predetermined discrete pieces of indicia which in combination provide a predetermined indicia presentation particular to the carrier surface location as part of a scheme of marking like surface locations with indicia presentations which may vary from location to location; the apparatus comprising a plurality of indicia applying sources consisting of a source for each discrete piece of indicia to be called for by the scheme, means for feeding the carrier surface past each of the indicia applying sources so that each predetermined point within the predetermined location is presented for the application thereto of indicia from each source, and a control unit for controlling the indicia applying sources in response to input thereto of input control data for the predetermined surface location defining the discrete pieces of indicia and position thereof required therefor, the control unit operating to activate any

Abstract: An apparatus for applying labels across the pages of a magazine as it is being conveyed with the binding of the magazine first, includes a label dispenser for applying a label to the trailing edge of the magazine with only a portion of the label being secured to the cover of the magazine. A high speed brush is then actuated to brush the rearwardly extending portion of the label down across the open pages of the magazine. A jet of air then swings the label forward over the other cover of the magazine, and the final operation utilizes an additional brush to secure the end of the label in place over the edge of the other cover of the magazine, so that the label extends from one cover across the open pages and onto the other cover of the magazine.

Abstract: In a bottle labeller of the type having a rotating discharge roller with an extending finger that withdraws a label from a magazine, the discharge roller contains a piston in which the finger is carried by a complimentary shape of a slot in the piston with the base of the finger. The piston moves in a cylindrical bore both axially and rotatably to retract the finger from extended position into the roller when a bottle detecting system discovers an interruption in the flow of bottles to the labeller. The detecting system directs pressurized air to the roller, forcing the piston to move in the bore and retract the finger when an interruption is discovered.

Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic labelling of objects of differing shapes, which comprises a first guide means, a second guide means in spaced, opposed relationship to the first guide means, means, for example, a conveyor belt, for advancing objects between the said first and second guide means, pressure contact means provided on at least one of the said first and second guide means operative to urge an object passing between the said first and second guide means against the other said second or first guide means, respectively, and means for transferring an image, by a pressure-transfer operation, to an object passing between the said first and second guide means. The apparatus is especially applicable to the labelling of pieces of fruit, preferably using self-adhesive pressure-transferable labels which are pressed onto the fruit, or other object, by the pressure-contact means as it passes between the first and second guide means.

Abstract: A label applicator including a wrap around label applicator, a transport for transporting labels to the wrap around label applicator, and a label dispenser for sequentially supplying labels to the transport.

Abstract: Disclosed is a label or patch overlay dispensing apparatus having a storage reel for carrying a supply tape of adhesive overlays, a feed throat for receiving a document to which an overlay is to be attached and a contact for sensing a document in the feed throat and for causing the advancement of the document to a label attaching position. The device is responsive to the receipt of the document in the overlay attaching position for releasing an overlay or patch for attachment to the document and a pressure bonder for attaching the label is activated when the overlay is removed from the supply roll. As the overlay is attached the document is concurrently ejected from the device.

Abstract: The splicer includes an edge guide assembly and a splicing assembly -- both being adjustable to guide and splice film of different widths. Film strips of selectable width are cut, spliced end-to-end, identified, and wound into a roll.

Abstract: A compact labeling machine for applying pressure sensitive labels to mailing pieces such as magazines and envelopes is provided with a variable speed drive and is adapted to accommodate various size labels and mailing pieces at a high output rate. Positive control of an article feed roller associated with a supply hopper is afforded by a microswitch which is actuated by flights or lugs on conveyor chains which carry the article to be labeled from the feed roller to the labeling station. The article feed cycle is stoppd by a microswitch which has a feeler engaged by articles carried by the conveyor flights. The label feed mechanism includes a brake and clutch connected to a draw roller which draws the label web over a peel plate for positive control of the label feed. The label feed cycle is commenced by engagement of the article to be labeled with the feeler of a switch in the conveying path.

Abstract: A high speed system is provided for bringing a plurality of articles, each moving independently in a separate path and at its own speed into registration with each other at a processing station. In applying the invention to a case making machine, successive boards are brought into registration with successive sheet areas defined on a continuous web which moves at a predetermined constant speed. Each board moves at a speed greater than the web speed until registration with the desired sheet area is obtained. A counter measures the registration differential between predetermined detection indicia on each article by keeping track of the distance travelled by each indicium beyond a reference position in the path of the corresponding article. When registration is obtained, the articles are transported at a common speed to the processing station where the separate paths converge.

Abstract: A movable conveyor belt having first and second belt surfaces and an opening extending between the belt surfaces, a mechanism for depositing a label on the first belt surface at a first station, and a pressure source for blowing air under pressure through the opening to transfer the label from the belt at a second station to at least one object.

Abstract: A system for automatically fixing information bearing labels to randomly delivered articles includes: a transport for the articles; a sensor for detecting the articles as they are moved by the transport; a label source for providing labels when articles are detected; and a label transfer wheel driven at a uniform rate for fixing labels from the source to the articles. The label transfer wheel has a cylindrical surface, a stationary chamber communicating with a vacuum source, and a plurality of holes on the surface which periodically communicate with the chamber to pneumatically hold labels as they are transferred from the label source to the articles.

Abstract: Envelope machine of the window-applicator type and means for avoiding application of gum to window when envelope blank is missing and to dispose of the window under similar circumstances.

Abstract: The following specification describes apparatus for successively applying magnetic patches on a tape to successive passbooks. Each passbook is moved in sequence to engage a switch and is then stopped. The switch operates a solenoid, which engages a roller with the passbook and disengages the stop. Thereafter, a metered pulse is applied to the motor of a rotary drive to move the passbook and tape through the same distance and one patch is separated from the tape and applied to the passbook by the solenoid engaged roller. As the tape moves under control of the metered pulse, a succeeding patch on the tape is sensed by a photocell to maintain the motor and rotary drive operated. The drive continues to advance the tape and when the succeeding patch is no longer sensed by the photocell, it provides a signal to deenergize the motor and stop the tape. The succeeding patch is thus accurately positioned for application to the next passbook operating the switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a label to the bottom of a product, the label having a universal product code thereon. The apparatus includes a first labeling assembly, a first scanning assembly, a second labeling assembly, a second scanning Assembly and means for feeding a product past these assemblies along a feeding path. The first scanning assembly detects whether or not the first labeling assembly has applied a label to the bottom of the product and if none was applied then activates the second labeling assembly to apply a label and if the second scanning assembly determines that no label has yet been applied to the product, that product is diverted from the feeding path. Additionally, a character recognition assembly is provided to determine if the correct label has been applied to the product and to divert a mislabeled product from the feeding path.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for laminating a liner to a box blank in which a shuttle arrangement is provided to alternately pick up and place liners and blanks in proper registration for lamination. Such apparatus and method includes a shuttle arrangement with a unique vacuum cup suspension system for picking up such liners and blanks and a glue spray station which applies the glue to the liner.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for making books and other sheet material articles includes a main conveyor for transporting groups of signatures to a covering station. A cover conveyor transports covers to the covering station where they are sequentially applied to the groups of signatures in a known manner. A first cover feed assembly sequentially feeds covers to the cover conveyor. In the event of a malfunctioning of a first cover feed assembly, a second cover feed assembly is activated to feed a cover to the cover conveyor. A detector for detecting a malfunctioning of the first cover feed assembly is capable of detecting either a failure to feed a cover or the feeding of double covers. In the event that double covers are fed, the double covers are rejected and the second cover feed assembly is activated.