Abstract: The high frequency welding machine utilizes the computer or central processing unit, various means for sensing various parameters of the welding machine, and various means for activating various components of the machine. In particular, the computer maintains information on the parameters of the welding machine and automatically selects the necessary commands for the various components of the machine.

Abstract: Business forms may be manually inserted into cooperation with a conveyor between a folder and a sealer by providing an outer movable cover for the conveyor, and an inner normally stationary cover underneath the outer cover. An interlock, formed by a magnet and a reed switch, is provided between the inner cover and the conveyor. A slot is formed in the inner cover, with first and second guide elements extending upwardly and downwardly, respectively, from the slot. Each of the guide elements has a plate, the first guide element having one upstanding guide edge, and the second guide element having adjustably spaced first and second S-shaped guide edges. A planar transition portion of the first guide element overlaps and is connected to the second guide element, and a planar transition portion of the second guide element is connected to the bottom of the inner cover. The second guide element plate makes an angle of between about 30.degree.-60.degree.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus that is continuously automatically operative in an in-line system is described for applying under heat, vacuum and mechanical pressure a photoresist-forming layer to printed circuit boards that already have been prelaminated by the loose application thereto of dry film as discrete cut sheets within the confines of the surface of the boards whereby a laminate without entrapped air bubbles and closely conforming to the surface contours such as circuit traces of the printed circuit board is obtained. Featured is a two-part conveyorized vacuum applicator comprising as one part two input conveyors in end-to-end relation and as the other part a belt conveyor and vacuum laminator.

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 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: Apparatus for welding sheets (3a,3b) of thermoplastic material together along proximate edges including a supporting frame (25), a pair of joining rollers (11,13) mounted on the frame and forming a nip (12) with an axis parallel to the axes of the rollers, a motor (23) to drive at least one of the rollers, a horn (15) having a tip (17), and an ultrasonic transducer (39) to reciprocate the horn (15) and tip (17) in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the horn (15), the horn being so positioned in the nip (12) that the tip reciprocates in a direction transverse to the axis of the nip (12), so that proximate edges of the sheets (3a,3b) may move through the nip (12) with one edge on each side of the tip (17), be uniformly melted on their surfaces by frictional energy created by the reciprocal motion of the tip (17), and then be pressed and welded together in the nip (12). Fault detection circuitry stops the operation if the sheet material is not properly overlapping or if it runs out.

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: 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 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: A printing machine for printing labels, for example, comprises an indexing mechanism for use in indexing predetermined lengths of label stock or web through a printing mechanism. The indexing mechanism comprises an indexing roller, a motor for driving the roller, a transmission operatively connecting the motor and the indexing roller and including a driven shaft coupled to the indexing roller and mounting a fast clutch, a slow clutch and a brake.

Abstract: An improved electrically operated labelling machine is disclosed. The improved labelling machine comprises a frame for receiving and supporting a labelling gun adjacent its forward position. The mounting means is detachably connected to the frame for positioning the labelling gun. A solenoid is secured to the frame adjacent its rear portion. An arm mounted for horizontal reciprocal movement is connected to the solenoid and detachably linked to the gun trigger. Means are provided for energizing the solenoid for operation through a complete cycle including an advance stroke and a return stroke thereby actuating the labelling gun for accomplishing printing and cutting of labels.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and machine for applying a decal to a generally cylindrical article, particularly an article having a handle on one side thereof. A series of decals are attached to an elongated web and are spaced a generally constant distance apart in the direction of the length of the web. The machine includes supply and takeup spindles for rotatably supporting reels for the web, and a web drive for moving the web from the supply reel to the take-up reel. A mandrel rotatably supports the article and a movable head presses the web and the decal against an article on the mandrel. The web passes from the supply reel, between the mandrel and the head, and to the take-up reel. The machine further includes a brake which, when engaged, holds the web against movement, and a decal sensor assembly. After the machine is actuated to cause the movable head to press the decal against an article, the brake is actuated to release the web, and the web is then pulled across the article.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved apparatus and method for manufacturing completed foam plastic containers. An endless mandrel chain continuously carries cup forming mandrels along a manufacturing path. Cylindrical blanks are formed and transferred to the mandrels along the endless mandrel carrier chain. As the endless mandrel carrier chain passes the cylindrical blanks and associated bottom blanks through a heat shrink oven, it is important for the endless mandrel carrier chain to continuously travel in order to prevent the heat damage which would be present if the cup blanks were halted in the oven.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading a length of film from a cartridge, trimming the ends from the film, splicing the leading edge of the film to the trailing edge of the previously unloaded film, placing an identifying mark on the film and on an envelope and winding the film on a magazine. The unloading device allows the film to be removed from the cartridge by manually pulling the sheet of backing paper from the film in the daylight while shielding the film from light. The cartridge is locked to the loading device until all of the film in the cartridge has been loaded through a film guide into a storage box. The leading edge of the film is then trimmed by upward movement of a cutting blade allowing the film to advance through an aperture in the cutting blade until the trailing edge is trimmed by downward movement of the cutting blade.

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 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: This disclosure relates to a method and machine for applying a decal to a generally cylindrical article, particularly an article having a handle on one side thereof. A series of decals are attached to an elongated web and are spaced a generally constant distance apart in the direction of the length of the web. The machine includes supply and takeup spindles for rotatably supporting reels for the web, and a web drive for moving the web from the supply reel to the take-up reel. A mandrel rotatably supports the article and a movable head presses the web and the decal against an article on the mandrel. The web passes from the supply reel, between the mandrel and the head, and to the take-up reel. The machine further includes a brake which, when engaged, holds the web against movement, and a decal sensor assembly. After the machine is actuated to cause the movable head to press the decal against an article, the brake is actuated to release the web, and the web is then pulled across the article.

Abstract: A machine for automatically sealing the end of various sized lengths of plastic tubing and for filling same has a clamshell clamp for straightening and firmly positioning the tubing, a carriage with an alignment ring which is lowered over the end of the tubing, a heat probe with a separate drive for insertion into the tube end to heat it, and a plurality of plows having depending guide legs which are simultaneously advanced radially inward against the heated tube end to collapse it and hold it as it cools, thereby creating a weld seal. An abrading arm assembly is mounted to the carriage and has an abrading brush or roller which may be rotated upon insertion into the tube end to roughen the inner surface of the tube end to enhance the weld seal. The tube straightener and the alignment ring positively align the pipe and the heat probe. A filler arm assembly is mounted to the carriage and may be extended to align with the tubing.

Abstract: A press apparatus comprising a pair of parallel rollers sequentially joins a plurality of pre-imaged adhesive layers in precise registration to form a composite color proof. Detent and coupling means maintain the respective rollers and mounted image sheets in predetermined registration until the rollers are brought together and rotated by separate drive means to effect lamination of the complementary imaged layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring device for automatic gluing machines, particularly for gluing metal parts. When no glue has been fed the automatic changing of a turntable, for example, supporting workpieces to be glued, is interrupted. This is accomplished by means of a probe disposed in the vicinity of the discharge opening of a glue dispensing apparatus and connected in an electric sensing and control or monitoring circuit.

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: Apparatus and method to prevent the slippage of a knot in the tied synthetic yarn so that the tied yarns will not separate in the textile operation. The knotted yarns to be locked together actuate the switch to apply heat to the yarns to lock the knot in the yarns and sever the tails of the tied yarns.

Abstract: A tape trip mechanism is featured that is easily retro-fittable to postage tape dispensing machines in the field. The tape trip device is automatically operative in response to electrical control signals generated by a digital scale, a computer, or other electrical-type mail equipment. The tape trip mechanism is mounted within the postage tape dispensing machine by fastening the mechanism into existing holes in the inside frame. A flexible cable of the mechanism actuates the machine dispensing system by rotating a shaft supporting a manual trip lever. When the manual lever is exercised, the flexible cable is caused to collapse, and therefore, the cable does not interfere with the manual operation. Thus the automatic electrical control is independent from the manual control, allowing the user a greater flexibility in machine operation.

Abstract: A pair of thermoplastic workpieces are spin welded by placing one element in a non-rotatable, reciprocable clamp. Another workpiece is press-fit onto the first workpiece and the clamp is shifted toward a continuously rotatable collet having radially inwardly closable jaws. A mandrel extends from the collet and projects beyond the jaws to guide the workpieces between the jaws. The mandrel is axially inwardly displaceable by the workpieces, with inward movement thereof being yieldably resisted by a spring to insure that radial shoulders on the workpieces are in abutment. When the other workpiece is positioned between the jaws, the jaws are closed radially into driving contact with such workpiece to substantially instantly rotate the latter at the speed of the collet relative to the one workpiece. Frictional heat thus generated melts the interface between the workpieces. When the other workpiece is released from the jaws, it adheres to the one workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for mounting a filter to a valve member which is suitable for use in an aerosol container or the like. The apparatus includes a valve member holder adapted for moving the valve member between a loading position, a securing position and an unloading position. The valve member is loaded on the valve member holder at the loading position. A securing element is mounted relative to the securing position with the filter being interposed between the valve member and the securing element. The securing element secures the filter to the valve member by sonic or ultrasonic welding. The valve member and the secured filter is unloaded from the valve member holder at the unloading position. The invention may include a sensor for sensing the presence of the filter secured to the valve member for testing each of the filtered valve members.

Abstract: As a scanning element of an electrophotographic copying machine begins to move, a feed roller moves a sheet of copy paper into the bite of register rollers which are held stationary. This movement of the copy paper is accomplished in a period of time which is less than that required for the scanning element to reach a predetermined scan synchronizing point. The feed roller is then stopped so that the copy paper is slightly buckled and thereby resiliently urged into the bite of the register rollers. When the scanning element reaches the scan synchronizing point, a sensor causes the register rollers to rotate thereby feeding the copy sheet through the machine in synchronization with the movement of the scanning element. The copy machine may employ a seamless photoconductive drum or belt moving at constant speed in which case an electrostatic image is formed on the drum or belt by the scanning element. The image is developed by toner particles and transferred to the copy sheet.

Abstract: Automatic label applying apparatus comprises a conveyor for moving packages to a weigh scale and from thence to a label application station where a reciprocably movable vacuum type heated label applicator receives an appropriately printed label from a label issuing means and applies it to the appropriate package. A vacuum system connected to the label applicator holds the label thereon and also operates a pneumatic cylinder for a lock-out arm to prevent the heated label applicator from making contact with and burning a package when the vacuum system senses that no label is present. An electronic control system, including a photocell for sensing if a package is at the station and also including a limit switch actuated by the lock-out arm (and therefore indicative of the presence or absence of a label), operates to stop the conveyor after a predetermined interval of time in the event that a package is present at the station but no label is available to the label applicator.

Abstract: Pressure-sensitive tape attached to and extending beyond the front edge of a stiff card is removed by grasping the extending end in jaws in a wind-up roller. Rotating the roller winds the tape thereon, facing outward. Upon completion of winding, the roller is stopped, the clamp jaws released, and the wrap of tape is thrust off the end of the cantilevered roller.