Abstract: A die bonding device for installing electronic components S on a metal stem, comprising a bonding nozzle for suctioning an electronic component S and positioning the electronic component S on a component mounting face of the stem, a stem carrying head for carrying the stem, a heater section for heating the electronic component S while it is positioned on the component mounting face of the stem, and an imaging camera having a light axis L extending through the component mounting face of the stem when positioned inside the heater section, which performs reciprocating motion in the direction of the light axis L.

Abstract: A multi-layered substrate is manufactured utilizing a sheet material. The sheet material is a dielectric material with a dielectric adhesive coated on one side. A catalyst layer is at a boundary between the dielectric material and the adhesive. The catalyst layer is thin in comparison to the dielectric material and the dielectric adhesive. In the manufacture of the multi-layered substrate, the material is processed using patterning and metallizing steps. During this manufacture the processed sheet material may be supported with a releasable layer. Laminating additional sheet materials onto previously processed sheets produces multiple layers. These additional sheets are then processed. Multiple lamination steps may be performed in order to obtain an end product of a desired number of layers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for coating the surface of an object, especially the surface of a car bumper (1) with a plastic film (2). During and/or after application of the plastic film to the surface, the coating is irradiated with infra-red radiation in order to heat at least parts of the coating and/or optionally residual moisture between the surface and the plastic film (2). This enables slight inequalities of the plastic film to be compensated, the adhesive coating is distributed in a homogeneous manner and the optionally residual moisture is collected in the form of bubbles following infrared radiation. Defects or irregularities in the coating can thus be identified during or shortly afterwards.

Abstract: Sealant 11 is supplied in advance to one or both of the electrical bonding areas 5,6 of the component 3 and the mounting surface 4, and as the component 3 is brought in contact with the mounting surface 4, the sealant 11 is compressed and filled therebetween in a required area. At the same time ultrasonic vibration is applied to the component 3 for generating friction between the electrical bonding areas 5, 6 of the component 3 and the mounting surface 4 in tight contact with each other, so that both electrical bonding areas 5, 6 are melted and ultrasonically bonded together, and thereby the component 3 is mounted on the mounting surface 4.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for adhering a part and a part support with the intermediary of intermediate members are disclosed. The method and apparatus are capable of assembling the part and part support while easily and accurately maintaining the intermediate members in a positional relation for adhesion relative to the part and part support.

Abstract: Linerless label stock 102 is fed to a printer that prints on the front face 104 of the label stock 102 and then to a media cutter 224. The cutter 224 cuts the strip into discrete labels, which are fed to a tag application station 226. A strip of electronic tags is fed through an encoder that detects defective tags and then to a tag cutter 246 that cuts the strip into discrete tags. Defective tags exiting the cutter 246 are diverted away from the tag application station. Non-defective tags are conveyed to the tag application station 226 where they are secured to the back face of labels.

Abstract: A cylindrical container labeler includes a horizontal conveyor, a pair of separately controllable vertical coveyors at the front end of the conveyor to rotate the container into the correct oreintation, bail lifter following the vertical conveyors for moving the bail to the rearward side of the pail as it travels along the horizontal conveyor, a label magazine adjacent to the conveyor, a label transfer mechanism to move a label from the magazine into position at the conveyor, apply a thin coating a adhesive to the label and adhere it the side of the container. The container is oriented by operating the two vertical conveyors at different speeds.

Abstract: A system includes a method and apparatus for printing labels and applying electronic tags, e.g. RF tags, to the labels, and also includes the resulting labels. The apparatus comprises a label media supply station that receives a strip of label media. The back face of the media may have adhesive thereon, which may be protected by a liner. The media is conveyed to a print station for printing on the front face of the media. A strip of RF tags is conveyed from a tag supply station to a tag application station downstream of the print station. At the tag application station, an electronic tag is applied to the back face of a label that has been printed at the print station. Preferably, a tag strip bar defines the location at which a tag is brought into contact with the back face. The bar is configured to provide a sharp turn in a pathway for a liner portion of the strip of tags. This separates the liner from the tag as the tag is applied to the label.

Abstract: An apparatus for the processing and segmenting of a cover-forming laminate web or sheeting structure which is adapted to interconnect a plurality of containers, such as the base members of blister packages each of which is designed to contain a hydrophilic contact lens in a sterile aqueous solution. More specifically disclosed is an apparatus for the imprinting, perforating, slitting and cutting the laminated web structure such that the severed laminate segments constitute printed covering label for an array of such containers, and whereby the laminated web or sheeting segment may be severed along weakening or perforation lines so as to provide a separable packaging arrangement for individual of the containers which are subsequently adhered thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a device having a first elastomeric portion and a second elastomeric portion, the second elastomeric portion being formed into a non-planar shape, i.e., a vaginal discharge collection device that is formed of an elastomeric rim and a flexible film reservoir. The apparatus includes a loading station for loading a rim into a carrier plate, a heat seal station for laying and forming a film over the rim, a preheating station for preheating the rim and film, a forming station for drawing the film into a chamber by creating a vacuum to form the collector, and an unloading station for removing the collector from the carrier plate.

Abstract: Die-bonding equipment and a method for detecting adhesive dotting on a substrate are disclosed. A dotted adhesive pattern illustrating an actually dotted state of the adhesive on a substrate is overlap-photographed with a standard pattern illustrating proper dotting pattern. The overlap-photographed pattern is compared with a standard overlap pattern. According to the compared result, whether the adhesive is properly dotted on the substrate is decided. When the adhesive is not properly dotted, an alarm signal is generated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for labelling digital discs. In the method, a disc is provided that has an alignment mark. An image is printed onto the disc in registration with the alignment mark.

Abstract: Fluorescent dichroic fibers randomly incorporated within a media provide an improved method for authentication and counterfeiting protection. The dichroism is provided by an alignment of fluorescent molecules along the length of the fibers. The fluorescent fibers provide an authentication mechanism of varying levels of capability. The authentication signature depends on four parameters; the x,y position, the dichroism and the local environment. The availability of so many non-deterministic variables makes production of counterfeit articles (e.g., currency, credit cards, etc.) essentially impossible. Counterfeit-resistant articles, an apparatus for authenticating articles, and a process for forming counterfeit-resistant media are also provided.

Abstract: A closed-loop ultrasonic welding apparatus for sealing or welding thermoplastic material on a continuous basis wherein the material to be welded is fed through a weld station comprising a horn and anvil. The apparatus includes means for providing a first signal commensurate with a desired ultrasonic energy density in the material when welded, a second signal responsive to the feed speed of the material through the weld station, and a third signal commensurate with the power coupled by a power supply via a transducer and the horn to the material at the weld station. Control means receive the first, second and third signals and produce an error signal, which is responsive to the difference between the desired energy density and the actual energy density coupled to the material. After being subjected to further processing the error signal is converted to a control signal for controlling the output from said power supply and/or controlling the engagement force between the horn and material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting imperfections in adhesive coatings formed on fingers of beams are disclosed. The present invention relates, in one aspect, to a method for preparing a first work piece for joining with a second work piece. The method involves forming a finger in the first work piece, then applying an adhesive coating on the finger. A determination is made to determine whether the adhesive coating is defective through the used of a sensing mechanism which is arranged to scan across a portion of the finger. In one embodiment, a defect in the adhesive coating on the finger is defined as a void.

Abstract: In a method for coating the recording surface of an information card by selectively using one of protective films of various types, the selected protective film loaded in a coating device is thermally transferred to the card at the optimal thermal-transfer temperature and optimal feeding speed determined according to the film type of the loaded protective film which is automatically identified. The film type of the protective film is recognized by detecting at least one discrimination mark on a film ribbon for the protective film by use of one or more mark sensors. The discrimination mark also serves as positioning means for the protective film in coating. By thermally transferring the protective film to the card at the optimal thermal-transfer temperature and optimal feeding speed, a high-quality information card coated with flat layers including printing ink layers and protective films and having excellent peel strength can be produced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for first reliably and accurately aligning the shafts of golf clubs in consistent orientation relative to corresponding club heads during assembly thereof, and second for performing inductive curing on the aligned golf club. A golf club is supported in an address position in a combination alignment/inductive cure station. The club shaft is supported by an inclined V-shaped channel, and the club head is supported in a club head support which includes a gel-filled trough for conforming to the sole of the club head. The leading edge of the club head is aligned against two substantially vertical alignment posts extending from the club head support, and reference graphics on the shaft are used in combination with an alignment panel to visually obtain the desired relative orientation of the shaft and club head. The club is then clamped in place, and an inductive heating element heats the joint of the shaft and club head to activate a bonding agent.

Abstract: A position detector senses an undulating pile tuft edge position of a carpet as it is processed in a carpet making machine by detecting attenuated light passing through the carpet's primary backing material to determine the exact position of the carpet's undulating pile tuft edge at any given time. Sensor signals from the detector are digitally filtered through one pole cascaded filters to produce an average pile edge position signal which, in turn, controls actuators for secondary and primary backing material guide rolls to not only center the carpet for aligned entry into the carpet machine's tenter, but also apply the secondary backing material to the primary backing material at a precise position.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically making a laminated electrical or electronic device has a series of processing stations including an inspection station for inspecting the quality of printing at a series of indexed segments on a ceramic coated, continuous tape, a stack and tack station at which sequential segments of the tape are cut and stacked on top of each other to form a stack having a selected number of layers, a lamination station in which the stacked layers are laminated together, and a cutting station at which the stack is cut into a plurality of individual chips, a tape feed mechanism for indexing the tape segments sequentially through the inspection station and stack and tack station, and a drive mechanism for moving a stack from the stack and tack station through the lamination station and cutting station.

Abstract: In a wire bonding apparatus in which images of workpieces placed on a heating block so as to be bonded are taken by a camera through an optical path housing in which an optical path from the workpiece to the camera is established, heaters are installed on the optical path housing so as to heat the optical path housing at a constant temperature which is higher than the temperature that is affected by the heating block.

Abstract: A pellicle pasting system and method pastes a pellicle on a mask. The system includes a washing apparatus to wash the mask; a first mask transport apparatus to transport the mask washed by the washing apparatus; a first inspection apparatus to inspect whether foreign objects are attached to the mask received from the first mask transport apparatus; a second mask transport apparatus to transport the mask when the first inspection apparatus determines that the foreign objects are substantially absent from the mask; and a pellicle pasting apparatus to paste the pellicle on the mask received from the second mask transport apparatus.

Abstract: In releasing a film from stacked films and transporting it to a predetermined position, film suction devices hold the film at two opposite peripheral portions. The suction devices are then lifted together with the film so that the lifted portions approach a center of the film. Ends of the lifted portions is grasped by finger portions while the other films are pressured by a pressing mechanism. The film is further lifted to be released from the other films. The film is then transported and accurately put on a predetermined portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for the processing and segmenting of a cover-forming laminate web or sheeting structure which is adapted to interconnect a plurality of containers, such as the base members of blister packages each of which is designed to contain a hydrophilic contact lens in a sterile aqueous solution. More specifically disclosed is an apparatus for the imprinting, perforating, slitting and cutting the laminated web structure such that the severed laminate segments constitute printed covering label for an array of such containers, and whereby the laminated web or sheeting segment may be severed along weakening or perforation lines so as to provide a separable packaging arrangement for individual of the containers which are subsequently adhered thereto.

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

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus implements a method of joining two sheets of heat transfer paper into a single sheet almost twice as wide for use in heat transfer printing of extra wide cloth. The paper is withdrawn from source rolls and passed along first and second respective web paths with a very slight overlap between the papers. A glue station applies a speed controlled amount of glue to the overlap region of one paper and the edges of the paper are brought together in the desired overlapping relationship. The thus joined paper is passed through compression rollers and wound onto a resilient rewind roll. Edge sensors in each of the web paths maintain the overlap alignment of the paper paths and tension sensors in each of the paths maintain a desired level of tension. A video camera imaging system provides the operator with periodic video images of a magnified region of the overlap so that proper registration between the patterns on the respective papers can be maintained.

Abstract: Process for preparing film strips for subsequent orders, the film strips belonging to a customer order. Each film strip includes a number of numbered masters which are fed into a preparation station. There, they are glued to a carrier belt and coiled into a film roll, which can be used at subsequent processing stations. Customer-specific order data regarding the desired number of copies of specific masters and, where applicable, the desired copy format, are entered via an input unit in the preparation station and stored onto a carrier medium which is compatible with the subsequent processing stations. In the process, the customer-specific order data are entered before the film strips are fed in.

Abstract: A light source device emits light for positional alignment and light for adhesion toward the optical devices. A position detecting device receives the light for positional alignment from the optical devices and optically detects a positional displacement of the optical devices. A positional alignment mechanism moves the optical devices with respect to each other in accordance with a detecting result of the position detecting device, thereby positionally aligning the optical devices. After the optical devices are positionally aligned, the light for adhesion is radiated to a photo-curing adhesive resin interposed between the optical devices, thereby adhering the optical devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying a graphic label that is readable with a light scanning device with such label placed on a rubber article. The graphic bar code label is optically interpreted with a bar code reader.Thus, the cured substrate with the label with the graphic message is produced by using thermal transfer techniques. For this purpose, the ribbon in contact with the substrate passes by a print head and the ink can be selectively heated with this operation being synchronized by computer operation. When the ribbon is stripped away, the ink is left where heating occurred on the substrate material. The printed substrate exits and is cut to produce labels of desired length. The label is placed on a curable article and the label and substrate are subjected to curing conditions to effect transfer of the label to the cured substrate which may now contain the message in solely, alphanumeric, bar codes, human readable characters, and logos or mixtures of them.

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: Prior to the press-contact between a pattern-transferring flat plate and a transfer-receiving flat plate, at least one of these flat plates is moved to a predetermined position to effect the positioning therebetween, while the positional relation between the pattern-transferring flat plate and the transfer-receiving flat plate is optically observed, and thereafter these flat plates are sequentially press-contacted to each other from an end of the flat plates. Therefore, there is no positional difference between the flat plates which have been correctly positioned, and further the adhesion strength between the transfer pattern and the transfer-receiving flat plate is uniform.

Abstract: 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: In-line application of liquid adhesive to an optical fiber (10) while it is being wound onto a drum (14) is accomplished by a tube (58) interconnected with a pressurized adhesive source of supply (70). An end (60) of the tube provides adhesive in a beadlike strip which wets the drum or underlying winding layer just under the fiber lower surface before it is laid down onto the drum.

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

Abstract: The machine includes a frame (11) and a film (12) for one of two substrates (1, 2) to be pressed onto the other under a plate (4). It is then possible to polymerize by points a glue joint (3) so as to assemble the two substrates. Accurate displacement means (7, 8, 9, 10) and observation means (13, 14, 15) are also provided. Application for the embodiment of liquid crystal cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a bar code to a reticle case has an elevating base which is movable up and down and is rotatable with the reticle case placed thereon. The reticle case contains therein a reticle so as to be taken in and taken out through an outlet on a side thereof. An opening device for opening the outlet of the reticle case is positioned in a predetermined position. Take-in/takeout device lifts the reticle while the outlet is open and then transfer the reticle between an inside of the reticle case and a transfer device outside the reticle case. A carrying base receives the reticle held by the transfer device and then moves it to and from a position in front of a reading device for reading a mark which is marked on the reticle. A label attaching device prints, on a label, a bar code according to a signal from the reading device and then attaches the label, on which the bar code has been printed, to the reticle case.

Abstract: There is provided a flexible bag with a removable coupon and the method and apparatus for the manufacture thereof. A labeling machine sequentially provides a coupon assembly comprising an adhesive portion and a coupon portion to bag stock which is inputted into the bag making machine. The bag stock is then cut to form individual bags having removable coupons thereon.

Abstract: A lighted bonding iron having a heating unit which defines a plane. A handle is mounted to the heating unit. First and second light sources are incorporated in the handle. The light sources project nonintersecting beams obliquely toward the plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that uses heat to bond a polyethylene sleeve (having pockets that contain negative strips) to the back non-light sensitive surface of a photographic paper coated with polyethylene. A positive image or index print of the information stored on the negative appears on the front light sensitive, image bearing surface of the photographic paper.

Abstract: The device forms part of a bottle labeling machine, and is designed to restrain bottles (23), champagne bottles especially, by descending onto the corks, at the same time positioning an optical recognition device capable of reading a reference mark molded into or otherwise applied to the bottle to assist in bringing about its proper alignment in readiness for the subsequent labeling operation; each bottle is restrained, and the reader then positioned to detect its alignment mark, by a pair of pneumatic cam-operated mechanisms of which the ascending and descending movement coincides with the vertical axis of a single fixed head (1) by which both are slidably accommodated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated resistance welding of materials is provided. The material may be thermoplastic material. The material has a layer of a second material adjacent thereto. The second material is a dissimilar material which may be applied as a film or a coating on the first material, or the second material may be a separate layer placed adjacent the first material. A heating element is placed in the interface between overlapping portions of the two pieces of material to be welded together. The layers are directly adjacent to the heating element. The layers can be consolidated onto the heating element if desired. The heating element can be composed of carbon fibers in a polymer matrix. The heating element is supplied with current to generate resistive heating. The heating causes melting of the layers adjacent to and contacting the material. Pressure is applied to the area being welded to fuse the materials together.

Abstract: In a plastic pipe joining system a plastic sleeve is provided to extend on both sides beyond the region of contact or closest approach to one another of pipes to be joined with the sleeve being fused to both pipes, the sleeve heated to Curie temperature of high mu material excited by an externally generated high frequency magnetic field. The heater may be embedded in the sleeve and the sleeve may also be employed with end caps that extended over the sleeve, the end caps and sleeve being fused to one another and the pipes by heaters carried by the end caps or the sleeve. An external heater may also be employed which in conjuction with shaped end members provides the sleeve with beveled or tapered edges to enhance the ability of the sleeve to withstand cracking.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for fabricating an object by selective curing of successive films of curable resin formed separately from the object being formed. In a first preferred embodiment, a thin film is formed and selectively cured and stripped to form a layer of an object of predetermined pattern. In a second preferred embodiment, a carousel of funnels carries out parallel film formation and curing. A third preferred embodiment is disclosed having rotating carriers to achieve parallel film formation and curing. A fourth preferred embodiment is disclosed for forming very small objects of successive thin films.

Abstract: A removal and applicator hand tool for adhesive labels having a movable label retainer-wiper plate affixed between spaced lower and upper elements of a foot member in which the plate moves between a first position to grip a label between it and the lower element for retaining a label removed from an assembly with the tool and transporting it to an object and a second position separated from the lower element for removal of a label from an assembly and for release of the label upon application to the object.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for fabricating expandable honeycomb materials disclosed. The continuous length of material is folded along opposite side portions thereof into a generally flat tubular form having upper lower layers. Adhesive is then applied along the length of the continuous material by first heating the material, applying the adhesive in a liquid state to the heated material, and then cooling the material to solidify the adhesive. The folded tubular material with solidified adhesive lines thereon is then wound about a rack in such a manner that the tubular material is deposited in a plurality of continuous layers one on another with the lines of adhesive being disposed between adjacent layers. The wound layers are then radially cut and placed in a vertically aligned stack while they are removed the rack. The vertically stacked layers are then heated to a temperature sufficient to activate the lines of adhesive and bond the layers together.

Abstract: The system includes a veneer lathe, a conveyor or apron (50) onto which the veneer from the lathe is initially directed, followed by a combination of an anvil roller (54) and a rotating clipper knife (62), which in turn is followed by a trash gate (72). The speed and rotation of the knife (62) is controlled such that the veneer material produced by operation of the lathe is first cut upon recognition of the start of random veneer and then again upon the recognition of the start of ribbon veneer. The trash gate (72) is controlled synchronously with the operation of the knife (62) such that the trash gate (72) is open up to the point in time where the veneer trash is cut from the remainder of the veneer material, at which point the trash gate (72) is closed.

Abstract: Layered electronic assemblies are fabricated from a plurality of integrated circuit chips that have respective thicknesses which vary from chip to chip, and have I/O leads which are offset from one edge of the chip on which they lie by respective distancess which vary from chip to chip.

Abstract: The present invention represents a further extension of the automation of the various steps of the wood gluing process. This invention automatically selects and transmits to further work stations appropriately sized pieces of stock which, when glued together (utilizing various of the apparatus shown in the art for gluing such strips together), saves time in the formation of the end products.

Abstract: A sensor senses the presence of a pallet at a label applying station on the conveyor line and a label printer/dispenser produces labels for applying to the pallet. A robot arm moves a label receiver/applier between a first position, adjacent the label printer/dispenser for receiving a label, a second position adjacent the label applying station for applying a label to the pallet, and a third position whereat a label reader, also mounted on the robot arm, reads the label. A processor controls the robot arm, the label reader and the label printer and dispenser and compares the text of the read label to determine if it is correct, and it also determines whether the label is correctly positioned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of a diaphragm from a fabric-containing sheet (material). The fabric-containing sheet produced by an extrusion molding machine in a width which is a multiple of the diameter of diaphragms to be manufactured is continuously fed in fixed pitches to a press vulcanizing device and an punching device, to permit automation of the manufacture of diaphragms and an appreciable reduction in the number of steps. This method, thus, improves the yield of materials used, permits down sizing of the production equipment, and reduces the motive power consumption.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of optical transmission elements comprising a bundle of at least one light waveguide lead having a coating of filling material and receiving an outer envelope, characterized by the method, including applying a first coating of filling material to the bundle, stripping a portion of the material from the coated bundle, applying a second coating and then, subsequently applying the envelope. By stripping a portion of the first coating of filling compound or material, air or gas bubbles in the filling compound will be stripped from the coated bundle and reduce the chance of damage to the light waveguide leads.