Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for welding vinyl window and door frames. The apparatus includes a counting circuit or the like for measuring the time taken for burning off a selected length of a thermoplastic frame member. This time can be used to calculate a sufficient or optimal period for performing a heating or plastification step. Once the ends of the frame members are properly heated (plastified), they are fused by urging them towards each other. The fused members are then cooled for a period of time which also corresponds to the time required for burn-off. The apparatus further includes a heating plate which is pivotable between an operating position and a retracted position. The heating plate is also movable so that different surface portions can be used during burn-off and heating phases.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sequentially applying adhesive to windshields, conveying each windshield to an inverting apparatus, inverting the windshield, removing the windshield with a transfer device and installing the windshield in automobile bodies. The actual curing time of the adhesive on the windshield is measured and compared to a reference curing time and if the actual curing time exceeds the reference curing time, the apparatus is operated to prevent the windshield from being installed on an automobile body. Instead of being installed by the transfer device, when the actual curing time exceeds the reference curing time, the windshield is either transported by the windshield conveyor to an auxiliary transfer device which transfers the windshield to a removing conveyor or the transfer device delivers the windshield directly to the removing conveyor. A computer and sensors are provided for automating operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for handling a web of material fed from a roll. When the roll is larger than a selected amount, a roll contacting belt contacts the outer surface of the roll to aid in rotating the roll. The roll contacting belt is speed-responsive to a tension sensing means. Once the roll decreases to the selected amount, the roll contacting belt is disengaged from the roll and a core brake controls the speed of the roll. This arrangement reduces web upsets caused by out of round new large rolls and eliminates telescoping due to the action of the belt against small diameter rolls. In the illustrative form of the invention, the apparatus provides a continuous supply of web material by handling a first roll from which web material is being fed through an infeed roller and a nip roller, and a second roll from which web material is fed after the web material of the first roll has expired.

Abstract: A method for regulating the supply of energy to a sealing device for the sealing of thermoplastic material includes supplying electric energy to a sealing device pressed against the combined thermoplastic material with whose help the said electric energy is converted to thermal energy. The amount of energy supplied to the sealing device is variable to compensate for heat losses brought about by heat leakage during the sealing opertion. An arrangement for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The device disclosed serves to splice the trailing end of packaging strip wound off a used-up roll to the leading end of a new roll, and comprises heated pressure rollers that bond the two ends of the strips, plates that guide the leading end of the new strip about to be bonded, and a sensing wheel that detects proximity of the leading edge of a new strip when fed into the guide plates. The trailing end of the used-up strip is cut by a blade located upstream of the guide plates, and a timer is used to set the operating time lapse of the pressure rollers according to the length of the splice as established by the stroke of the blade.

Abstract: A plastic film seaming apparatus in the form of a gas fired rotary plastic film welding device for joining the edges of plastic film by applying heat and pressure to overlapped edges of plastic films with the heat and pressure being applied to the plastic film by a rotatably driven pressure roller system and heat being applied to the plastic film by a gas burner assembly so that the apparatus can be quickly and easily set up for use by connection with a suitable source of electrical energy and a suitable source of combustible gas.

Abstract: A device for connecting two layers of heat meltable material together comprises a toothed member which can be heated and pressed against a ribbed member with the layers of material therebetween. The toothed member includes three rows of teeth with gaps between adjacent teeth. Each row is separated by a gap thickness and the teeth have preferred widths. Thicknesses and lengths. The ribbed member has a pair of ribs that defines three grooves for receiving the three rows of teeth. Clearance is provided between the teeth and ribs while the teeth are bevelled to produce perforations in the heat meltable layers while firmly sealing the layers together around a periphery of each perforation.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying plastic film material to a glass sheet has a first roller mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis and having a rubber-like surface and a diameter of at least about 30 inches (75 cm). A second roller is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis adjacent to the first roller to form a nip between the first and second rollers. A length of plastic film material having adhesive on one surface is supplied under controlled tension to the first roller at a position remote from the second roller, with the opposite surface of the film material in contact with the first roller, to cause the film material to pass around a substantial portion of the circumference of the first roller to a position adjacent the second roller. The glass sheet is fed through the nip to cause the second roller to press the glass sheet towards the first roller and cause the film material to be adhered to the glass sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in fushion welding joints in a plastic pipe system comprising a heating device including a housing providing a rearwardly disposed pistol grip handle, a heating member secured in heat insulating relation to the housing in a forwardly extending position with respect to the pistol grip handle, a secondary handle structure detachably fixedly secured to a side of the housing at one end thereof and extending outwardly therefrom having an adjustable depth gauge on the outer end thereof for receiving the end of a plastic pipe and determining the depth to which the pipe end should be heated to fushion weld the same into a mating socket of a plastic fitting, a clamping device operable to be clamped in rounding engagement with the exterior periphery of the plastic pipe at a position inwardly of the depth thereof determined by the depth gauge, heatable socket and plug members detachably fixedly secured to the heating member for receiving in heat conducting relation a plastic pipe end and a mating socke

Abstract: A process for laminating discrete sections of a supported photosensitive layer onto a continuing series of sheet substrates. Each substrate is advanced to and through the nip of heated application rolls, and a continuous length of the supported photosensitive layer is also supplied to the nip. When the substrate reaches a first location positioned between the application rolls, all movement ceases except that the rolls move from an inactive disengaged position toward the substrate to an active position to cause pressure contact between the photosensitive layer and the substrate to thereby laminate the photosensitive layer to the substrate. There is a pause for a predetermined period of time with the rolls in the active positions before the substrate is again advanced with the rolls still in the active positions and the photosensitive layer again supplied to the nip.

Abstract: The ultrasonic energy applied to a workpiece to be welded in an ultrasonic welding operation, over a predetermined welding time, is measured by processing the output of a load cell beneath the workpiece to produce a signal voltage for comparison with a predetermined reference voltage corresponding to the accumulated ultrasonic energy that should have been applied to the workpiece during said predetermined time to satisfactorily weld the workpiece. A one-shot timer is started at the commencement of the welding operation. If the comparison reveals that signal voltage has reached the reference voltage before the timer has run out, a success signal is generated to indicate the completion of the welding operation.

Abstract: Thermoplastic pipes held by a pair of clamp mechanisms are fusibly interconnected. A torque wrench moves one clamp mechanism toward the other clamp mechanism and provides a signal when the force applied is a given value. A locking mechanism is operated in response to this signal to lock the torque wrench in position. The apparatus is programmed to release the locking mechanism at the end of a predetermined time period. Changes in the programmed conditions are effected in response to changes in the size of one of the clamp mechanisms.

Abstract: A hand-held labeler, particularly a labeler employing a thermographic print head, utilizes improved control circuitry for accurately sensing the position of the web and controlling the operation of the print head in order accurately to control the position of the imprints on the web. When a motor is used to advance the web, the control system is operative to control the operation and speed of the web advancing motor.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying pressure sensitive labels to products on a product line peels the labels from a web of release paper and applies them to the products, when the latter are detected to be in a predetermined position, by action of a pneumatic applicator head. The head favorably includes an exhaust blower which vents to the atmosphere thereby keeping slitting dust out of the machinery cabinet, and is arranged to rock to an open, service position to expose compressed air hoses therewithin. These hoses are coupled to apertures in a base plate of the applicator head by venturi nozzles which serve to increase the pressure of compressed air pulses carried by the hoses for applying the labels to products. The web can be advanced over a peeling arrangement by a drive system including a drive roller powered by a two stage chain drive, with a clutch disposed between the two stages and a brake disposed directly with the drive roller.

Abstract: A block or pad comprising a folder with two covers (1,2) joined to each other by a spine (3), on the inside of which a thermosetting binder in the form of a strip (6) has been attached and also comprising a sheaf of papers (8), one side edge of which is joined to the inside of the spine via the strip. At least some of the sheets joined to the inside of the spine (3) are provided with weakening lines (7) parallel to, and at a small distance from portions of the sheet which remain joined to the strip. The invention also relates to a method of producing the block or pad.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching tax stamps to the ends of packages of cigarettes in open cartons. The stamps are fed one at a time from a roll of stamps. The end stamp is cut from the strip and is immediately applied by a heater to the end of a package. The heater remains in contact with the stamp for a preset time. The cartons containing the packages are fed manually. The cutter means and the heater are actuated simultaneously by a switch means which may be operated either manually, or by a cam means which is moved by the carton as it advances past the stamp applying apparatus.

Abstract: A novel apparatus is provided for feeding a packaging film with registered marks to a working machine, such as a packaging machine which packs products in wraps. According to the apparatus, rapid and continuous feeding of the film is realized. Further, one operator can watch and control a plurality of machines.

Abstract: A heating wire embedded in any one of several types of shaped elements is fed current by an electrical control apparatus for a time interval which is a function of the ohmic resistance of the wire and the type of shaped element. The type and resistance are automatically determined in advance by measurement of the wire impedance which indicates type and of the ohmic resistance. Welding time is selected from a predetermined directrix depending on resistance, and the directrix itself is chosen on the basis of type by the impedance measurement. A count representative of the time is stored in a counter and pulsed down to zero while current is delivered.

Abstract: An automatic adhesive double coated tape applying device generally comprises a base assembly constituting essential structure of the device, an assembly for supporting the base assembly to be movable in a direction toward or apart from a material to which the tape is applied, and an assembly for shifting the base assembly along the surface of the material. A composite tape consisting of a pressure sensitive adhesive double coated tape and a tape to be separated therefrom is fed from a reel member mounted on the base assembly at a cutting position at which only the adhesive double coated tape is cut. The composite tape is then fed below a flexible pressing brush by which the adhesive double coated tape is bonded on the material by a predetermined length in accordance with the movement of the base assembly along the surface of the material and the tape separated from the adhesive double coated tape is then wound around another reel member.

Abstract: A machine design is taught for automatically applying adhesive coated labels to folded cartons at a precisely adjusted location on a carton. Both labels and cartons are supplied singularly from bottom feed magazines. A cam oscillated vacuum picker curls one end of a label out of the magazine to be vacuum gripped to the peripheral surface of a rotating transfer drum. Continued rotation of the drum withdraws the remainder of the label from the magazine stack bottom and lays it to the drum periphery surface. A singular carton is slidably removed from the bottom of a respective magazine stack by a lugged conveyor belt and pushed into a timed nip proximity with the label carrying transfer drum. Between the label receiving and delivery positions, the label is carried past a fountain roll for surface coating of water or adhesive.

Abstract: This invention deals with a machine or method for transferring decalcomania (decals) from a rolled carrier web or strip to a series of articles. The machine supports a supply reel containing the web and transports the web from the supply reel through a photo sensitive indexing assembly, past a decal applying pressure roller assembly, to a take-up tensioning roller powered by a motor for driving the web. The photoelectric or other appropriate device actuates the release of a brake or other holding means from a web clamping position so that a decal on the web is placed in position for transfer to an article. The web tensioning mechanism is provided to hold the web under tension during application of a decal. A photo cell assembly may be operated to adjust the position of the web so that successive decals are precisely at the transfer position.

Abstract: The web leading edge of a paper roll for a rotary press or the like is held and prevented from raveling by three or more pieces of strong adhesive tape during handling and loading onto a paper feed machine of the printing press. On the paper feed machine, perforated tear lines are formed across the tape pieces by a device comprising a rotary perforating wheel, a mechanism for moving the wheel from one end to the other of the roll and also moving it against and away from all of the tape pieces, and a tape detecting device and a controller for automatically operating the mechanism. The tape pieces can then be easily torn to release the web leading edge immediately prior to web splicing.

Abstract: A hand-held labeler, particularly a labeler employing a thermographic print head, utilizes improved control circuitry for accurately sensing the position of the web and controlling the operation of the print head in order accurately to control the position of the imprints on the web. When a motor is used to advance the web, the control system is operative to control the operation and speed of the web advancing motor.

Abstract: A web positioning system, particularly usable for use in a hand-held labeler employing a thermographic print head, utilizes a circular indexing member having a plurality of position defining indices for providing indications representative of the position of the web. The circular, and relative rotation between the circular member and the shaft is prevented by a plurality of key slots or the like disposed on said circular member and engaging a key, and slot or the like on the shaft. The angular spacing between the key slots is unequal and is substantially greater than the spacing between the position-defining indices; but the position of the position defining indices relative to the shaft may be adjusted by a distance less than the distance between the position defining indices by bringing a different one of the key slots into engagement with the shaft.

Abstract: Friction welding apparatus for joining a rotatable element to a fixed element by means of a continuous drive system including apparatus for precisely orienting the rotational position of the rotatable element relative to the fixed element. Control apparatus is provided terminating the applied rotational force after a predetermined number of rotations and allowing the rotatable element to enter a coast down welding stage for a predetermined period of time, after which time the coast down rotation is stopped and a final forge pressure is applied whereby the rotational position of the rotatable element is precisely located relative to the fixed element when weldment is complete.

Abstract: This relates to a machine for assembling end units with container bodies. The container bodies have cylindrical open upper ends over which a cylindrical lower portion of an end unit or dome is telescoped with the overlapping portions being adhesively bonded together. The machine receives the end units serially and by way of a Ferris wheel type conveyor moves the end units first to an adhesive applicator where a band of adhesive is applied to the interior of each end unit, after which each end unit is then telescoped over and pressed into position relative to an associated body. The operation of the machine is continuous.

Abstract: A device for splicing light waveguides, such as optical fibers, having an internal sheath and an outer sheath, characterized by an arrangement for clamping each of the waveguides by engaging their sheaths and lowering the unsheathed end portion into a centering groove where the ends are heated and fused together by an alternating current discharge path. The required convergence and alignment of the light waveguide ends during the welding step are automatically controlled by an advanced arrangement which is sequentially controlled with the welding step. Subsequent to the gearing of the ends, the clamping element releases the waveguides adjacent to the fused joint and are moved by a restoring arrangement to stretch the joint into a straight line position.

Abstract: In an apparatus for laminating sheets of paper, card or board with plastic film which, for example, is clear and transparent, an intermittently running sheet feeder (2) is disposed upstream of a continuously running laminating device (4) and an intermittently running cross cutter (43) is disposed downstream of the laminating device. The sheet feeder (2) and cross cutter (43) have conveying drives, which can be switched on and off, and photoelectric barriers (27, 28, 50) which traverse the conveying track and, via timing elements and control devices, control the conveying drives in the sheet feeder and in the cross cutter in accordance with the mode of operation of the laminating device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of splicing polymeric webs using an ultrasonic welder and a web support means. There is a means to secure the trailing end of at least one first web and the leading end of at least one second web between the ultrasonic welder and the web support means. The trailing end of the first web and the leading end of the second web overlap between the ultrasonic welder and the web support means and are welded together.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for preforming automobile rooftop coverings made of flexible sheets of vinyl and the like. The flexible material is treated with a thermosetting composition and then applied to an automobile rooftop form. Pneumatic tensioning means are attached to the edges of the material at a plurality of spaced-apart points to tension it over the form to a predetermined orientation and shape while maintaining the forces on the material substantially in equilibrium. The material is heated to set the thermosetting composition. Clamping means lightly engage the material to hold it in the predetermined shape until the setting temperature is reached and then firmly engage it to form maginal flanges thereon. The shaped material is then removed from the form by a vacuum carrier and then cooled and trimmed in the carrier.A pressure-sensitive adhesive and release liner may also be applied to the material so that after it is shaped it can be directly adhesively secured to an automobile rooftop.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for determining the quality of a spinweld bond produced on a single or multiple spindle production spinwelder and to a method and apparatus for alarming and/or ejecting products containing defective welds.The method and apparatus of the present invention utilizes a detector means to determine the condition of a tool or spindle (i.e., if it is still "live" rotating at a point when it should be at rest) and a timing means to actuate an indicator when a live tool is detected. The present invention also involves a means to detect a spinwelder with an actuated indicator and to eject the product thereon. The present invention also relates to a method and apparatus for automatically shutting down a spinwelder producing an excess of defective products.

Abstract: A packet-type laminating machine for laminating a flat object between two sheets of protective plastic film, involving two pairs of motor driven inlet and outlet rollers under compression with heating platens between and cooling shelf with guide after, wherein a gentle compression with minimum drag is applied at the heating and cooling stages and all components are adapted to be readily dropped into recesses in the top edges of support sidewalls during assembly of the laminator. Such a laminator is extremely efficient to operate and is readily assembled and repaired, leading to reduced operating, maintenance and capital investment costs.

Abstract: In a system (10) for prefabricating strings of pocket facing strips and welts on a continuous basis, the assembly proceeds in parallel along opposite sides of a table (12). Along the facing strip fabrication portion (18) of the system (10), adhesive backed tape (28) from a supply reel is directed to a bonding station (84) where facing strips (108) are positioned and adhesively attached to the tape, after which the tape and attached facing strips are wound onto a takeup reel. In the welt fabrication portion (20) of the system (10), adhesive backed tape (48) from a supply reel is indexed along a feedpath to a bonding station (84') where sections of fabric (154) are positioned and adhesively secured to the tape. From there the tape (48) is indexed to an adhesive application station (172) where adhesive (174) is applied to the top surface of the tape, after which each fabric section (154) is folded over and adhesively secured to the tape at a folding/bonding station (230) prior to collection on a takeup reel.

Abstract: A pneumatic-electromagnetic latch is disclosed as applied to bring the sealing jaws of an L-sealer into pressure engagement without impact. An electromagnet mounted on a piston rod of a pneumatic actuator attracts and retains an armature attached to the sealing jaws when the jaws are brought close to the sealing bed. The cylinder of the actuator is attached to the frame and when actuated it draws the sealing jaws into smooth pressure contact with the sealing bed. Upon deenergization of the electromagnet the jaws are released to open for the next sealing cycle and the release of fluid pressure in the actuator extends the piston rod to position for the next operation.

Abstract: A thermoplastic member such as a length of tubing for forming a catheter balloon is sealed by radiant heat to a thermoplastic shaft of a medical device such as a Foley catheter. Radiant heat is supplied as a narrow annular band by an apparatus which also automatically locates portions of the shaft at the narrow annular band. A length of shrink tubing is placed over the balloon tubing and adjoining portions of the shaft, is then preshrunk while at that location, and is further shrunk therearound and is subjected to radiant heat by the apparatus in order to seal the balloon tubing onto the shaft and complete assembly of a balloon catheter. It is especially preferred that the shrink tubing be tinted so as to enhance the seal formed beneath the shrink tubing.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for handling gasket-forming material. This material is usually supplied in tubular cartridge form and is dispensed to a screen with a porous pattern which shapes the material to the desired gasket-configuration. The material is spread on the screen and forced through to the other side where the gasket pattern is applied to an adjacent transfer surface of a transfer pad. This pad with the pattern on the transfer surface is moved to a mateable surface of a workpiece located on a support spaced from the screen. The gasket-forming material is then transferred to the mateable surface. The gasket-forming material is dispensed from the cartridge with the aid of a cartridge holder having an opening at one end to receive a spout of the cartridge and having a plunger at the other end with a plunger rod extending outwardly therefrom. A fluid-operated cylinder is aligned with the plunger rod and has a piston connected with the rod.

Abstract: A fastener bonding machine for bonding a fastener to a leaf of a file folder, the fastener consisting of an overlay member having hot melt adhesive on one side thereof and having a pronged member mounted thereon, the bonding machine including a base, a heated platen on the base, a first gauge for locating the fastener relative to the heated platen, a pivotal plate mounted on the base, a second gauge for locating the leaf of a file folder relative to the fastener, a proximity switch actuatable by movement of the pivotable plate, a motor, a toggle linkage actuatable by the motor, a presser member movable by the toggle linkage to press the leaf and the fastener together, and a control circuit for causing the presser member to dwell for a period of time during the pressing action and to thereafter return the toggle linkage to a position wherein the presser member has moved away from the platen.

Abstract: A label magazine for supplying labels to a labeller has a label stack tray, a label picker for withdrawing individual labels from the stack and a device for advancing the stack of labels towards the label picker. The device for advancing the labels exerts a repetitive varying pressure on the label stack to advance it by alternately increasing pressure on the stack of labels for compressing same and subsequently reducing the pressure on the stack of labels.

Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus includes a dome type enclosure member with a heating element internally mounted within a dome formed within the member. The diaphragm cooperatively forms a variable volume chamber with the enclosure member and is movable toward the heating element under the impetus of atmospheric air as air is evacuated from chamber.

Abstract: A device for sealing plastic material bags having opposed jaw members movable between open and closed positions with one of the jaw members provided with a heat source and the opposed jaw member provided with a resilient jaw surface. One of the jaw members is stationary, the other jaw member is movable and is attached adjacent one end of a lever member pivoted intermediate its ends, the other end being associated with an electro-magnet with switch means for actuating the electro-magnet, the switch being actuated by manual movement of the movable jaw towards the stationary jaw. Activation of the switch controls electronic circuitry including timing means to actuate the electro-magnet to forcibly close the jaws and maintain them in a closed condition until interruption of power to the electro-magnet by a timing circuit. The movable jaw is normally biased away from the stationary jaw.

Abstract: A binding apparatus, for attaching loose sheets to a folder or file provided with a binding agent, comprises a hotplate (2) against which the folder is inserted through an opening (4) defined between supporting means (5, 6). The hotplate is kept constantly heated, while a time circuit controlled by means of a push button unit (10) activates an alarm means (12) when a set time is at an end. The regulatable time circuit is always zeroed when the folder is taken out of the opening, since the folder affects a light beam across this opening to a photocell which is connected to the time circuit (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a sheet binding apparatus wherein sheets such as bank notes are wound by tape and bound into a bundle of sheets by fusing and cutting the tape. The apparatus is provided with a pair of holding plates, each formed with a notch groove through which the tape is passed. The holding plates which hold the sheets therebetween are horizontally moved to a binding section while a tape is passed through one of the notch groove of one holding plate. At the binding section, a tape push-down member pushes down the tape through the other notch groove of the other holding plate to wind the sheets. The tape push-down member is formed at the lower end thereof with a forked portion for providing a recess. A heating member having a convex surface for engaging with the tape is disposed below the recess of the tape push-down member. The tape is heated and cut off while it is sandwiched between the tape push-down member and the heating member.

Abstract: Pipe components, i.e., pipes, adapting members and fittings made of weldable plastic, are interconnected by electrically weldable joints. The welding process is made possible by a welding sleeve 3 being connected to the output 4 of the device. A switch-on monitor 11 permits the switching on of a switch stage 7 of the welding current circuit. The thermal energy is determined by square-law simulation of the welding or mains voltage in a pulse generator 9, which produces a pulse frequency which is dependent on this value and whose pulses are summed in a counter 10. Once a count value that corresponds to the thermal energy has been reached, the switch stage 7 is switched off. If the count value is not reached a function monitor 5 gives a warning signal.

Abstract: A garment bag bottom sealing machine used in a dry cleaning operation or garment manufacturing industry includes a V-link belt which receives hangers fed thereto one at a time by a feeder. A sealer on the machine effects a double seal of a garment bag, and the bagged garment is discharged from the machine for further processing. The sealing machine is separate from any other equipment used in a garment dry cleaning operation or garment manufacturing industry.

Abstract: A predetermined length of rope is fed between drive and idler pulleys, through guides and into a heat die block. Heat is applied to the rope for a predetermined period after which the rope is cut by a solenoid actuated knife. The rope feeding and heating processes are controlled by counter actuated and time delay relay actuated switches, respectively. After the knife has cut the rope, it actuates a switch which resets the counter and the time delay relays at which time the next length of rope is fed through the machine, automatically.

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: An ultrasonic seaming method and apparatus for continuously bonding thermoplastic material are disclosed. A movable anvil is disposed opposite the output end of a horn for providing a gap through which the thermoplastic material is conveyed. The anvil cyclically is moved away from the face of the horn and immediately thereafter is urged under slight adjustable pressure against the underside of the material and then is clamped in position for a predetermined period of time or an amount of material feed.

Abstract: An improved laminator with a novel heating control system is disclosed for particular employment with laminating packets formed of an article to be laminated positioned between top and bottom leaves. When the packet is aligned in a ready position within the laminating machine, heating elements in a heating zone of the laminating machine are activated while the packet is stationary. When the heating zone attains a first temperature, movement of the packet is initiated in the heating zone. During passage through the heating zone, when the heating zone attains a second temperature, power to the heating elements is cycled so as to maintain the second temperature substantially constant. Also, to further minimize temperature overshoot, power to the heating elements is temporarily removed when the first temperature is attained. With the system of the invention, the dual problems of temperature overshoot and insufficient lamination of lead ends of the packet is avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining plywood core strips comprises a feeding conveyor floor for the wood strips to be jointed, a crowding conveyor floor therefore and pressure elements, effective to press the wood strips against the feeding and crowding conveyor floors. Each pressure element includes a rod having its front end bent upwardly and supported by the machine frame through a kinematic train including a pneumatic cylinder urging the rod against the underlying conveyor floor. Alignment means including stop pawls and sensors controlling the actuation of the stop pawls are provided to align the strips perpendicular to the feeding direction, as well as jointing material applying means.

Abstract: An automatic laminating machine is provided for use with pre-fabricated laminating packets having a tear-off tab with a plurality of notches thereon. The machine is substantially automatic in its operation and can be easily operated by an inexperienced operator. The machine requires no warm-up time and heats up in only 10 seconds each time a packet is inserted. The machine will not operate unless it is used with a laminating packet with a pull tab of proper configuration which not only energizes the machine but also aligns the packet within the machine.