Abstract: A method of handling a web-like labelling material in an automated labelling process is disclosed. The method comprises feeding a succession of labels at an input station; and conveying the labels along a circular label path from the input station to an application station located at a first angular distance from the input station as measured about an axis, at the application station means being provided for applying the labels onto respective articles fed, in succession, to the application station. The method further comprises selectively conveying the labels along the circular label path past the application station and to a discarding station located at a second angular distance from the input station as measured about an axis, the second angular distance being greater than the first angular distance.

Abstract: To close the tail end (L) of the web material forming the log (R) there is provided mechanical ply-bonding between the tail end and a portion of the last turn of web material, preferably a portion forming a fold (F) projecting from the log.

Abstract: A preforming device and method of use thereof, the device including a rack, a pinion, belt, belt tensioning feature, and mechanism for supporting a variably appliable enhanced pressure, such as may be applied using a bladder or bladders having one or more valves, the device capable of engaging a mandrel to form at least one ply and a binder against the exterior of the mandrel.

Abstract: To close the tail end (L) of the web material forming the log (R) there is provided mechanical ply-bonding between the tail end and a portion of the last turn of web material, preferably a portion forming a fold (F) projecting from the log.

Abstract: A preforming device and method of use thereof, the device including a rack, a pinion, belt, belt tensioning feature, and mechanism for supporting a variably appliable enhanced pressure, such as may be applied using a bladder or bladders having one or more valves, the device capable of engaging a mandrel to form at least one ply and a binder against the exterior of the mandrel.

Abstract: A kicker wheel for folding and sealing the trailing edge of a folded article with sealing tabs. The kicker wheel can include a thin product support rail to support the article during activation of an air nozzle. The kicker wheel can also include a profiled tab swipe to fold and seal one or more tabs on the trailing edge of the article. The kicker wheel can be substantially cylindrical or can have an arcuate portion and a counterweight portion. One or more kicker wheels can be used in conjunction with an improved tabbing machine. The tabbing machine can include one or more air jets that along with the kicker wheel enable tabs to be applied to multiple sides of the article without turning or flipping the article.

Abstract: Provided is a seal structure for sealing an air gap between a framing member and a wallboard. The seal structure is formed from a curable, flowable material. The seal structure has a body having first and second opposing surfaces and a plurality of flexible seal members integral with and extending generally transversely with respect to a second surface of the body. The seal members are disposed in spaced relation to define a double seal between the framing member and the wallboard when the wallboard engages distal ends of the seal members. Also provided is a preformed seal structure. The invention further provides a method of sealing air gaps in an attic using an elastomeric paint to fill gaps of ? inch.

Abstract: A method of affixing a gasket to a transparent substrate utilizing a fixture having a channel formed therein, into which the gasket is inserted and held in place by, for example, a vacuum. Alternatively, a removable form may be inserted into the channel, and the elastomeric member/gasket is inserted into the removable form. A suitable substrate is precisely positioned on the fixture in a predetermined position relative to the elastomeric member. An adhesion promoting primer may be applied to the substrate, and an adhesive may be applied to the gasket, or to the substrate. The elastomeric member is then bonded to the transparent substrate. Finally, the completed assembly is removed from the fixture.

Abstract: New processes and apparatus for forming lap seams and making prefastened disposable absorbent articles are disclosed. The apparatus can include an interior folding mechanism adapted to position a first panel in an interior position and an exterior folding mechanism adapted to position a second panel in an exterior position relative to the interior position. The interior folding mechanism can include a mandrel defining a curved peripheral surface and an interior forming shoulder in proximity to the mandrel. A fluid pressure device can establish an air flow between the mandrel and the interior forming shoulder. The forming shoulder can modify the direction of the air flow as the first panel travels in a machine direction to increasingly fold the panel over the curved peripheral surface.

Abstract: A method of affixing a specialized dual durometer gasket to a substrate is disclosed. The method utilizes a fixture having a channel formed therein, into which the dual durometer gasket is inserted and held in place by, for example, a vacuum. Alternatively, a removable form may be inserted into the channel, and the elastomeric member/gasket is inserted into the removable form. A suitable substrate is precisely positioned on the fixture above the channel containing the gasket. An adhesion promoting primer may be applied to the substrate, and an adhesive is applied to the gasket, or to the substrate, so that upon application of a lifting force, the gasket is raised from the channel into bonding contact with the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a perforated panel for reticulation to a film adhesive. The method includes supporting the perforated panel. The method also includes adhering the film adhesive to the perforated panel without initiating a cure of the film adhesive. The method applies a vacuum to the film adhesive. Next the method will move the perforated panel at a predetermined speed through a reticulation unit. Next the method will soften the film adhesive and finally remove the film adhesive from the perforations by an airflow. The method is generally used for creating acoustic sheet panels for use in many industries.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a wafer ring tape, on which defective chips remain, from a wafer ring after normal chips are detached from the wafer ring tape, is provided. The apparatus comprises a ring table for supporting a tape-adhered wafer ring in which the wafer ring tape is attached to the wafer ring; a detaching head positionable above the ring table and movable for detaching the wafer ring tape from the wafer ring; a blocking pin disposed under the ring table to support the wafer ring tape detached from the wafer ring; and a pair of compressing plates disposed under the ring table to compress the wafer ring tape supported by the blocking pin.

Abstract: The device comprises: a feed path for a roll to be glued; along said path a station for unwinding and positioning the tail edge of the roll; in said unwinding and positioning station, a first movable member (7) and a second movable member (9) make contact with said roll (R). A glue dispenser comprising a glue reservoir (53) and a dispensing element (55) movable along a dispensing path is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a labelling apparatus (1) for applying a label (2) to an object (3), including a sensing apparatus capable of identifying the position of an object relative to the labelling apparatus, and an applicator (19) to facilitate the application of the label onto an object at the preferred time, and a means (18) for advancing at least one label strip to which at least one label is removably adhered, and a detaching station (13) which is capable of partially detaching the adhesive label from the backing tape of the label strip, and the labeling apparatus characterised in that it includes a first pressurised air flow (18) capable of blowing air at the label to prevent the label from reattaching itself to the backing tape of the label strip, and a second sensing apparatus, capable of detecting the end of the label, and trigger means to activate a secondary air flow (19) for a time period to enable an blown from the secondary air flow to direct the label onto the object.

Abstract: New processes and apparatus for forming lap seams and making prefastened disposable absorbent articles are disclosed. The apparatus can include an interior folding mechanism adapted to position a first panel in an interior position and an exterior folding mechanism adapted to position a second panel in an exterior position relative to the interior position. The interior folding mechanism can include a mandrel defining a curved peripheral surface and an interior forming shoulder in proximity to the mandrel. A fluid pressure device can establish an air flow between the mandrel and the interior forming shoulder. The forming shoulder can modify the direction of the air flow as the first panel travels in a machine direction to increasingly fold the panel over the curved peripheral surface.

Abstract: A panel of a material is transported in operative proximity to an air knife having a nozzle and a curved Coanda surface, such that the panel is folded over the curved Coanda surface as the material is transported in a machine direction. The panel can be folded to a variety of angles and can comprise a refastenable fastening component. Air knives are employed in various methods for folding garment side panels and forming prefastened garments, such as refastenable pants.

Abstract: New processes and apparatus for forming lap seams and making prefastened disposable absorbent articles are disclosed. The apparatus can include an interior folding mechanism adapted to position a first panel in an interior position and an exterior folding mechanism adapted to position a second panel in an exterior position relative to the interior position. The interior folding mechanism can include a mandrel defining a curved peripheral surface and an interior forming shoulder in proximity to the mandrel. A fluid pressure device can establish an air flow between the mandrel and the interior forming shoulder. The forming shoulder can modify the direction of the air flow as the first panel travels in a machine direction to increasingly fold the panel over the curved peripheral surface.

Abstract: New processes and apparatus for forming lap seams and making prefastened disposable absorbent articles are disclosed. The apparatus can include an interior folding mechanism adapted to position a first panel in an interior position and an exterior folding mechanism adapted to position a second panel in an exterior position relative to the interior position. The interior folding mechanism can include a mandrel defining a curved peripheral surface and an interior forming shoulder in proximity to the mandrel. A fluid pressure device can establish an air flow between the mandrel and the interior forming shoulder. The forming shoulder can modify the direction of the air flow as the first panel travels in a machine direction to increasingly fold the panel over the curved peripheral surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of labeling cylindrical articles feeds labels onto a label drum. The labels have a formed curl such that the leading edge tends to curl away from the surface of the label drum. The article is fed onto the label drum and wrapped by engaging the article with the leading edge of the label and then wrapping the article. An uncut label web can be fed over an edge to impart the desired curl to the label web. The label web is then cut into labels, which are fed onto the label drum. Also, the tension of the label over the edge can be varied so as to vary the amount of curl imparted to the label.

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

Abstract: A web coating apparatus includes a supply roll of web and a wind-up spindle for receiving a discrete length of the web. Fluid is discharged from a coating die in a direction toward the wind-up spindle to coat the web as the web is wound about the wind-up spindle. A variable speed pump directs fluid through the coating die at flow rate that is proportional to the speed of advancement of the web. The apparatus is particularly useful for coating discrete lengths of orthopedic splinting and casting tape that is packaged for single patient use.

Abstract: A web coating apparatus includes a supply roll of web and a wind-up spindle for receiving a discrete length of the web. Fluid is discharged from a coating die in a direction toward the wind-up spindle to coat the web as the web is wound about the wind-up spindle. A variable speed pump directs fluid through the coating die at flow rate that is proportional to the speed of advancement of the web. The apparatus is particularly useful for coating discrete lengths of orthopedic splinting and casting tape that is packaged for single patient use.

Abstract: The present invention applies the leading edge of a closure tab to the top surface of an article traveling through the apparatus at a constant speed and positioned at precise intervals by lugs on a conveyor belt, bends the closure tab around the trailing surface using a blast of air, engages and accelerates the closure tab forwardly with respect to the article to press the closure tab on the bottom surface of the article with an inclined bottom belt located underneath the article and traveling at a greater rate of speed then the article itself, squeezes the article with two nonparallel belts located laterally at the position of contact with the closure tab to press the closure tab to the top and bottom surfaces of the article for closure.

Abstract: A fold plate for use with in line folder/gluer machines and particularly folding machines that fold a blank having a multiplicity of layers of material, which machine includes a vertically adjustable stop and one roller on its bottom which contacts the layers of folded material as they are advanced thereunder by a conveyor belt and drive wheels from the folding machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a heat shrinkable film to a container having a right-circular, cylindrical sidewall section and at least one inwardly directed end section. A film segment is transported by a rotary vacuum drum past an adhesive station, where adhesive is applied to leading and trailing ends of the film. Then, the film is wrapped completely around the container by the co-operative action of a vacuum drum and an arcuate roll-on pad, leaving a free-standing portion of the label extending past the sidewall section. In the overlapping ends of the film, a first seam is formed by compressive forces between the vacuum drum and the container sidewall. A second seam is simultaneously formed by the compressive force of an active label deflector on the vacuum drum, adapted to press the free-standing portion of the label ends against the end section of the container. Heat is then applied to the label, shrinking the free-standing portion upon the container's end section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing surface fastener bands having opposite end portions provided with mating multiple fastener elements including a pair of grippers for moving the opposite end portions into a joining station for joining together to form a single band, and an endless belt conveyor having a continuous surface fastener tape applied on an upper surface thereof, and a pressing roller for pressing one of the end portions of the surface fastener band to the conveyor for transporting the band downstream to a packing station or further station.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying thin film polymer labels onto small cylindrical articles includes a label transport drum that is constructed for aiding the transfer of a label onto a cylindrical article. The apparatus includes a label transport drum having a cylindrically configured hub and cylindrical drum mounted on the hub for rotation thereabout. The drum has an outer surface on which labels are fed while the drum is rotated about the hub. A first radially extending, slotted vacuum manifold defines a label retention area and extends circumferentially around a substantial portion of the circumference of the hub. A first radially extending slotted pressure manifold is aligned circumferentially after the slotted vacuum manifold at an article wrapping position. A valve port, circumferentially aligned with the vacuum and pressure manifolds is positioned on the inner surface of the drum and communicates with the area on the drum surface where the leading edge of the label lies.

Abstract: Device for applying a protective film to a board consisting of two flat cover panels (2 and 3), coupled by partitions (4) integral with the panels, forming longitudinal cavities (5) comprising means for depositing a film of flexible material (7) on a first surface according to the longest dimensions of the board, so as to form a fold (71) at least over one of the ends onto which the cavities (5) open so as to cover the cavities with the fold.

Abstract: In the forming of an article by blow molding a parison into conformity with a cavity defined by a partible a method and apparatus which comprises positioning a label of flexible material on each section of the mold, each label having a width in a circumferential direction such that a portion of one axial edge of each label extends beyond the side edge of the cavity forming portions of the section of the mold and the other axial edge, moving the mold sections toward one another so that they close and define the mold cavity, deflecting the edge of each label radially inwardly before the molds close such that as the molds close the deflected edge will overlap with an adjacent edge of the adjacent label, and blowing the parison into conformity with the cavity such that the edges of the two labels overlap and register to define a continuous label about the article.

Abstract: A system for securing the unaffixed tail of a roll product to a convolution thereof underlying the tail with a flexible sealing element wherein a predetermined physical characteristic of the roll product is sensed and an appropriate sealing element such as a label is delivered to the roll product and applied thereto.

Abstract: A label applicator for labeling articles moving along a path which includes a label retaining device for retaining labels at a label retaining station, a label dispenser for dispensing labels onto the label retaining device, a rotatable wheel for use in orienting articles at the label retaining station, a label transfer device for blowing a leading portion of the label on the label retaining means onto an article at the label retaining station while allowing a trailing portion of the label to remain on the label retaining device so that movement of the article past the label retaining station pulls the trailing portion of the label from the label retaining device, and a label wrap device downstream of the label retaining station for applying the trailing portion of the label to the article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container for storing product and a process and apparatus for making the container. The container comprises a paperboard outer container and a plastic inner container which has been drawn and blow formed into the outer container. The container is characterized by plastic screw threads which extend from the plastic inner container around the upper portion of the outside of the paperboard outer container. The screw threads permit a cap to be screwed onto the container after product, e.g. food, is placed in the container. The screw threads are vacuum formed, preferably simultaneously with the blow forming of the plastic inner container.

Abstract: A device and method for bonding closure tapes to opposite sides of a container end with one tape having a heat activatabel adhesive. The heat activatable adhesive is applied by a heated substantially planar bonding surface and the second tape having a pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied by compressed air acting against the tape to press the tape to the container end and into the preformed opening against the first tape.

Abstract: The method of bonding a pocket blank to a garment portion of the present invention comprises the steps of providing a pocket blank at a first station. The pocket blank is conveyed to a second station. The bottom and side margin tabs of the pocket blank are folded over the pocket body. Heat and pressure are utilized to apply a strip of heat fusing adhesive to a top margin tab of the pocket blank. Heat and pressure are also applied to the folded over side and bottom margin tabs to crease the same. Next, the top margin tab bearing the adhesive is folded over and heat and pressure are applied to bond the same to the pocket body. Heat and pressure are applied to fuse strips of the heat fusing adhesive to the side and bottom margin tabs of the pocket blank. The prepared pocket blank is then conveyed along the path of travel to a third station where an overlaid garment portion is heat and pressure bonded to the prepared pocket blank.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool for use on a robotic arm for applying adhesive tape around bundles of wire, cables and the like. Three hollow tubes are disposed in line abreast and extend from a body which includes a chamber with an inlet port to which pneumatic pressure or suction can be applied and two oppositely acting ball valves of which one is in communication with the central tube and the other is in communication with the interior of the outer tubes, which are hollow but which have a respective lateral aperture on the side facing the central tube. On the application of suction, the central tube can hold a length of adhesive tape and the tool can be advanced into contact with the bundle of wires around which the tape is to be applied. On the application of pneumatic pressure, the central tube releases the tape and the pressure applied to the interior of the outer tubes advances them forwardly, against the force of a return spring.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing continuous strand mat which provides for more uniform density of the mat across the width of the surface on which it was prepared by using gaseous fluid directed mat edges to fold loose strands at the edges under the mat and to align the edges of the mat in a substantially straight line. The gaseous fluid, preferably air, is directed at the conveyor surface on which the mat is formed against the flow of the mat on the conveyor and in a downward direction so that portions of the mat at the sides are lifted by the air as the stray strands are folded under to form the straight edge. A further embodiment includes the formation of an edge on a continuous strand mat having an already formed substantially straight edge, during a needle operation to minimize edge waste during needling.

Abstract: The method of bonding a pocket blank to a garment portion of the present invention comprises the steps of providing a pocket blank at a first station. The pocket blank is conveyed to a second station. The bottom and side margin tabs of the pocket blank are folded over the pocket body. Heat and pressure are utilized to apply a strip of heat fusing adhesive to a top margin tab of the pocket blank. Heat and pressure are also applied to the folded over side and bottom margin tabs to crease the same. Next, the top margin tab bearing the adhesive is folded over and heat and pressure are applied to bond the same to the pocket body. Heat and pressure are applied to fuse strips of the heat fusing adhesive to the side and bottom margin tabs of the pocket blank. The prepared pocket blank is then conveyed along the path of travel to a third station where an overlaid garment portion is heat and pressure bonded to the prepared pocket blank.

Abstract: A device for the pressing of gummed labels or foils against objects which are moved along a straight or curved path, comprises one or more pressing elements disposed one behind the other and movably advanced in synchronism with the objects along a path that is convexly curved with respect to the first path. Each pressing element has a pliable pressure pad disposed at the level of the area which is to be provided with the foil and situated at varying distances from the pressing element. The pressure pad comprises a plurality of elements disposed side by side, which independently of one another exert a point or line pressure during the pressing action.

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: A labeling machine wherein there is a picker mechanism for tangentially attaching labels to the necks of bottles traveling along a predetermined path in predetermined spaced relation such that the planes of the tangentially attached labels are substantially parallel to the direction of travel, and longitudinally spaced means arranged along said path comprising jets which displace the ends of the labels transversely of the path and wipers which apply wiping forces to the ends to wrap the transversely displaced ends about the necks.

Abstract: Apparatus for building a raw edge V-belt carcass comprising, a drum about which differing plies of material are wrapped and about which a cord is helically wound. A servicer adapted to supply rubberized fabric is located adjacent the drum. A squeegee adapted to apply a gummy film mounted on a fabric liner is located adjacent the drum and has an applicator roll engageable with a partially formed carcass on the drum. A cord winder mechanism has a head mounted adjacent the drum and has a motor-driven screw for causing the head to move along the length of the drum. The screw motor is tied to the drum motor at a ratio which is infinitely adjustable within limits to vary the pitch of the cord as it is wound on the drum. The cord winder has a mechanism for detecting changes in the tension on the cord and for using that information to cause variations in the speed of a cord let-off roll so that the speed of the cord let-off roll matches the demand caused by the speed of the drum.

Abstract: An automatic machine which utilizes sealing tape to seal the edges of a folded article passing therethrough. The machine is so designed that articles which do not require sealing pass through unimpeded. Other articles are sealed by one or more cylindrically-shaped tape applying heads, to each of which there is fed a supply of sealing tape, in combination with folded apparatus. At the appropriate time each of the taping heads is caused to advance against the article to be sealed, causing a portion of the tape to stick to the article. The taping head revolves slightly under the influence of the moving article and then comes to an abrupt halt, breaking the tape. The folding apparatus holds the non-adhered portion of the detached tape around the edge to be sealed and into engagement with the opposite side of the article.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to method and apparatus for producing a base article, such as a container, with a shrunken, surface covering of plastic thereon. While conveyed in axial registry with each other, a sleeve form of shrinkable plastic is telescopically assembled onto the article by a cam-operated push-up element and held in place until the article and sleeve enter a heating device for applying heat to a relatively narrow, band-like region of the sleeve about the article causing the plastic of that region to shrink into gripping engagement with the article to hold the sleeve in place until the next step of the process, e.g. the total heat shrinking of the sleeve on the article. The heating device structure is comprised of opposed elongated nozzles through which hot air of 200.degree.-900.degree.F is applied in a narrow horizontal pattern. The article is conveyed between the opposed nozzles, and during travel therethrough the article is rotated.