Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a plastic film-protected external siding board in a molding press having an upper normally closed heating box open at its lower end, and a support system below the upper box which supports a board core with a plastic film draped over it to project beyond its side and end edges. The upper clamp box and film are brought into engagement to close the heating chamber with the film which is then billowed upwardly in the heating chamber to prevent it from sagging while heat is applied to raise the film to molding temperature. A differential pressure is then applied to the film to mold it to the core.

Abstract: A carton taper machine that folds an end of the tape over on itself to produce a pull tab, cuts a length of tape, applies a first section of the length of tape to a first surface of a carton and a second section of the length of tape to a second surface of the carton which is at right angles to the first surface.

Abstract: A tool for temporarily laying a protective length of masking tape over the edge of a carpet along the base of a wall about to be painted, has a flared tape-laying roller that inserts a lateral portion of the masking tape between the edge of the carpet and the base of the wall down to the floor.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus are provided for making an improved welded joint between overlapping lengths of thermoplastic strap. The welded joint includes a central region and an adjacent peripheral region. The pressure on the strap joint during formation is released first in the peripheral region and subsequently in the central region. An embodiment of the apparatus for making such a joint includes an anvil, a central strap-engaging member, a peripheral strap engaging member, and a mechanism for moving the anvil sequentially to three positions. At a first position the overlapping strap lengths are pressed between the anvil and both the central and peripheral strap-engaging members. In the second position of the anvil the peripheral strap-engaging member does not press against the strap lengths while the central strap-engaging member continues to press the strap lengths against the anvil.

Abstract: An apparatus for utilizing a wheel rim tape around a wheel rim. The apparatus has a table. A first device is used for holding the spoked wheel on the table. A strap is induced manually about the wheel rim, thereby forming a loop. A second device is used for shearing the loop from the strap, with two terminal portions of the loop overlapping with each other. The second device is used for adhering the first and second terminal portions of the loop.

Abstract: A luggage case is provided with a removable protective covering for wrapping a first length of plastic sheeting from a dispenser (80) in one direction and a further length in a direction at 90 degrees to the first direction. The sheeting covering the case handle and wheels is cut away to enable manual use of the case. Apparatus for use in providing the protective covering includes a rotatable pedestal on which the case rests and clamping plate assembly vertically positionable to releasably secure the case to the pedestal during wrapping.

Abstract: A manual feed machine for the application of tabs to sheet stock has a strip feeder for feeding a foil strip into the path of a sheet which is manually insertable beneath the cutter for the file strip to entrain a previously cut segment into the heating jaws. A die cutter downstream of the foil application can cut the tab after the jaw opens and the sheet is transported to the cutter. Only after the perimeter of the sheet has cleared the blade, is the previously advanced foil strip cut to form the next segment.

Abstract: A tape winding device having a rotating plate rotating around the circumference of a bundle of wires for a wiring harness or the like, and a driving device. A notched portion for insertion of a bundle of wires is formed in the rotating plate and the device main body, respectively, so as to extend from the outer edge to the rotating center thereof. A tape holder for holding a roll of adhesive-backed tape, and feeding and cutting devices for the tape are provided on the rotating plate. An arc-like collar is provided on the rotating plate concentrically with the rotating center thereof, and the driving device is constituted by a plurality of driving and guide rollers for sandwiching the collar. At least two pairs of the driving and guide rollers are disposed in the vicinity of each side of the notched portion. The feeding device has guide rollers supported on the rotating plate, and a feeding arm and a driving lever which are both supported on the rotating plate in a swiveling manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for laminating a layer of polymer plastic film--such as non-oriented polyurethane or polyvinyl butyral laminated with oriented polyethylene teraphthalate--to glass, is taught. A saddle is provided having essentially the same contour as the glass that contacts it during the lamination process; and at least the surface of the saddle has an essentially identical coefficient of heat expansion and contraction as the glass, so that there is no significant slippage of the glass with respect to the saddle as the glass and polymer plastic film are heated and cooled. A segmented saddle may be provided having segments with substantially different coefficient of heat expansion and contraction than that of glass, but by being spatially isolated there is no gross expansion or contraction of the saddle face compared with that of the glass. A compression ram presses against the polymer film to be laminated to the glass. Either or both of the saddle and the ram is heated, usually the saddle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for press-bonding a tape onto each of side faces of a workpiece. The apparatus basically comprises a tape press-bonding mechanism and a trimming mechanism both displaceable in the directions indicated by the arrows X, Y and Z. The former mechanism includes a pressure roller for press-bonding the tape onto the side faces of the workpiece with recesses defined therein, an actuator for displacing the pressure roller toward each of the side faces, a block member for supporting the pressure roller thereon, and a device for displacing the block member through a desired angle.

Abstract: A sublimation transfer device for mugs that consists of a cuff lined with multiple layers of material designed to improve the uniformity of the pressure and temperature distributions over the transfer surface. The cuff comprises a metallic support band with two ends that are wrapped around the mug and pushed toward each other to tighten the cuff's grip and increase the pressure exerted on the outside surface of the mug. The tightening of the band is effected by a double-source tensioning force that increases the uniformity of the pressure and temperature distributions. The interior surface of the cuff is first lined with a layer of variable-density foam, having heavier foam at the edges and lighter foam at the center, which under pressure conforms more precisely to the surface of the mug than uniform-density foam. A high-temperature electrical-heater tape is then attached to the inside surface of the foam and is lined with a heat-distributing metallic foil coated with Teflon.RTM. similar nonstick material.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously applying tags to rings or the like includes at least one conveyor having a series of ring carrying posts movable into registry with a tag applicator which receives a tag from a supply source, is insertable into the ring and collapsible about the ring to position the tag about the ring and then movable out of the ring. The tag applicator includes a pair of applicator arms movable between an open, coextensive position to receive the tag and a closed, juxtaposed position to place the tag about the ring. Carousel supply means are disclosed which include ring carrying posts movable to a position wherein rings may be selectively deposited on the ring carrying posts. The method includes operating the conveyor continuously, supplying rings to the ring carrying posts, supplying tags to the applicator arms, inserting the applicator arms into the rings and affixing the tags to the rings and retracting the applicator arms.

Abstract: In an apparatus for automatically wrapping a cover material about a steering wheel of a vehicle, a support arrangement is provided for supporting the steering wheel covered with the cover material, in a first plane extending perpendicularly to an axis of the steering wheel. A clamp arrangement clamps an annular strip body of the cover material to an outer peripheral section of the steering wheel supported by the support arrangement. A wiper arrangement urges one of a pair of side skirts extending respectively from side edges of the annular strip body, against an inner peripheral section of the steering wheel. In a method, the steering wheel is covered with the cover material such that free edges of the side skirts can be abutted against each other at the inner peripheral section of the steering wheel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus which selects a label from a stack thereof, folds it on a predetermined fold line, and then applies the folded label in a predetermined location on a product.

Abstract: A device for applying tape to a box driven past the device in which the initial impact force of the device on the leading surface of the box is attenuated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying an L-clip of pressure sensitive tape to each of a series of objects driven past the apparatus. The apparatus includes a tape applying device including an application member for applying and a cutting member for severing a piece of pressure sensitive adhesive tape.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for coating three-dimensional solids, particularly doors, with plastic is disclosed. A clamping frame is used to clamp a sheet of plastic, which is then coated onto the solid by a pressure cushion. The apparatus and process allow the plastic to conform to the solid without folds, even at the corners.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method of forming means to remove a seal that has been affixed to a collapsible tube in accordance with the method shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,818. A laminate removal tab is cut integral with the seal when the seal is cut, and then bent out of the way along the tube neck when the seal is welded to the tube mouth. The seal is easily lifted and grasped by the fingers to pull the seal off the mouth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a cover (C) to a roller (R) or other device to be covered. A tube (15), cylindrical section, or other shape of cover material is inserted in a fixture (3) and each end of the tube is sealed to the fixture. A wall (21) of the fixture and a wall (23) of the tube form a chamber (19) which is evacuated so the tube expands against the wall of the fixture. A roller or other device to be covered is inserted into the fixture. The vacuum is then removed. The tube wall falls away from the side of the fixture and collapses around the outer surface of the roller.

Abstract: A controlled bladder wrap tool system and method are disclosed for edge wrapping a substrate in a tool with consistent process control. An expandable bladder or bladder diaphragm is mounted in the tool adjacent a cavity where it expands when inflated to fill the cavity and to bend, fold or wrap an overhanging portion of pliable material onto a substrate which are mounted in the tool.

Abstract: A leaf paper bundling apparatus winds a tape around the periphery of a stack of leaf papers. A stacking device stacks and aligns a predetermined number of leaf papers in an upright position in a direction parallel to the short edges of the leaf papers. Left and right holding fingers are employed to hold the stacked leaf papers and transfer the stacked leaf papers to a bundling position, maintaining the upright position of the stacked leaf papers. A tape fed by a tape supply is wound around the stacked leaf papers by a tape winding device. The tape is tightened about the stacked leaf papers, and a pair of clamping members clamp the stacked leaf papers therebetween. The clamping members each have spaced contact edges straddling the tape. The stacked leaf papers can then be tightly held together without interfering with the winding of the tape about the stacked leaf papers.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomer film vacuum bags are provided which readily conform to the surface contour of the workpiece at low pressures without failure. The thermoplastic elastomer film can be made into thin films which are able to withstand higher pressures and temperatures than the prior art nylon films. The films can also withstand the presence of epoxide and phenolic resins during pressure and cure without degradation. Preferred thermoplastic elastomers are block copolymers such as Hytrel. The films are pliable and can be used with minimal or no pleating.

Abstract: The outer surface of the base of a heated C channel is brought to bear against the surface of a laminate to be bent about and adhered to the curved edge of a substrate by pivoting a frame pivotally attached to a substrate supporting platform. A torque tube supports the C channel to inhibit bending and twisting of the C channel. A plurality of pairs of pneumatic cylinders extend from the frame to urge the torque tube and attached C channel toward the curved edge and to maintain the base of the C channel in progressive tangential contact with the point of attachment of the laminate to the curved edge while minimizing sliding movement between the base of the C channel and the laminate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the manufacture of insulating chutes. The apparatus comprises means for winding plies of insulating material on to cores; means for curing the insulating material wound on the cores; means for removing cured insulating material from the cores; and means of or returning empty cores to the winding step. The object is to make the operation of this kind of apparatus more efficient than previously. The object is achieved in such a manner that the cores (12) are arranged in groups on an endless transporter (1), whereby empty spaces corresponding to the number of cores in a group are left between the groups of cores, and the transporter is arranged to move step by step a distance corresponding to the interspace between individual cores in a group when the first core in each group reaches the winding means, and a distance corresponding to the interspace between the groups when the last core in each group leaves the winding step.

Abstract: A 3.5-in. disk case is stored into a rotary holding frame through transfer means having a group of rollers, the intermediate portion of a printed label is stuck to the upper end surface of the disk while the holding frame is brought upright from the horizontal state, and the label is brought into pressure contact with, and automatically attached to, both surfaces of the disk when the holding frame is returned to the horizontal position and the disk is passed through the transfer means in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A sequencing machine and method for retaining the order in which wires are placed. The sequencing machine will preserve the order of inserted wires by capturing each individual wire in a belt of tape. At a later stage the wires can then be taken out in the same exact reverse or forward order. The adhesive bond between the tapes is such that separation can be performed by hand without damage to the tape material.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing trim panels which are made of several trim components or trim materials, such as door trim panels of automobiles, the trim panel is essentially finished in a single work operation in one work station. A vinyl cover film (12) is formed, trim inserts (10, 11) are laminated into the cover film with the aid of a nesting die (8a, 8b), soft-touch inserts (26) are laminated underneath the cover film and the so produced laminate is further laminated onto a rigid substrate (2 or 2'). The substrate may be a prefabricated substrate (2), or may be a rigid foam substrate (2') back-foamed onto the formed vinyl film (12). An apparatus for carrying out the method is essentially a forming station with an upper form or mold (1) and a lower form or mold (15). The lower mold (15) includes nest dies (8a, 8b) for securely holding and then pressure laminating the trim inserts (10, 11), whereby a high placement precision of the inserts (10, 11) is achieved.

Abstract: A roll-like article has a core and a sheet roll wound around the core so that both side portions of the core projects from both side faces of the sheet roll. A leading end of a wrapping sheet material is fixed to the outer surface of the sheet roll and a leading end of a side face sealing material is fixed to the outer surface of each side portion of the core in a position angularly deviated in one direction from the position in which the leading end of the wrapping sheet material is fixed to the outer surface of the sheet roll. The article is rotated around the core in said one direction by a predetermined angle so that the wrapping sheet material is wound around the sheet roll and the side face sealing material is wound around the core. Each of the side edge portions of the wrapping sheet material projecting from the side faces of the sheet roll is folded along the side face of the sheet roll and the outer portion thereof is pressed against the core.

Abstract: An automatic machine for fitting seals, especially window or glazing unit seals, comprises a window frame feed, referencing and measuring mechanism, a support gantry, a system for paying out the seal and a seal fitting and cutting device. The seal fitting and cutting device comprises a frame, a gantry movable in translation on the frame and a carriage movable in translation on the gantry. A vertical shaft on the carriage is rotatable relative to the carriage. A manipulator head carried by this shaft carries a seal guide system, a seal cutting system and a seal fitting systems. A support plate is rotatable about a horizontal axis relative to the shaft and carries two units in turn carrying the seal guide, cutting and fitting systems. These two units are movable up and down in translation relative to the support plate.

Abstract: One method of forming a workpiece made of thermoformable material includes the steps of: (a) supporting a raw workpiece on a suspension tray; (b) moving a pair of relatively hot forming dies into position above the workpiece; (c) closing the hot forming dies against the workpiece to heat the workpiece and to form and shape the workpiece into the desired configuration; (d) opening the hot forming dies and removing the hot forming dies away from the workpiece; (e) moving a pair of relatively cold forming dies into position above and below the workpiece; (f) closing the cold forming dies against the workpiece to cool the workpiece while maintaining the workpiece in the desired configuration; and, (g) opening the cold forming dies and removing the finished workpiece form the suspension tray. Other methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a device for seaming the end of a tube. In the method, the shell of the tube is placed onto the shoulder of the end piece, a sleeve ring is placed where the joint is to be produced, and the seaming is effected by smelting in a seaming element a plastic layer provided on the sleeve ring, tube shell and/or end piece.

Abstract: A press for applying an overlay to a substrate which includes multiple, individually reciprocal and selectively controlled depressers actuatable to force the overlay in a progressively expanding area against the surface of the overlay.

Abstract: Machine and method for applying plastic labels and the like to containers, e.g. metal coffee cans, which have chimes or reinforcement grooves, in which the containers, after application of a plastic label, is caused to pass between a roll down pad and a belt, the roll down pad having a rib for each chime and or groove. The ribs are heated to improve the effectiveness of labeling.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying labels to the peripheral surfaces or to the end faces of bulky cylindrical objects has a carrier which is transportable up and down as well as toward and away from the labelling station. The carrier supports a suction head which is pivotable about a horizontal axis extending transversely of the direction of movement of the carrier toward and away from the labelling station, and a roll which is rotatable about its own axis as well as pivotable about an axis which is parallel to its own axis and to the pivot axis for the suction head.

Abstract: A labeling apparatus for applying adhesive backed labels to containers or the like. A transverse conveyor transports a label to be applied from a feeder to a label presenting position on the conveyor. A label applying head including a pair of pivotally mounted arms and an elastic, label support belt stretched between distal ends of said arms, is rotated to a label applying position at which said support belt is positioned in a confronting relation with said label. A label pickup member forming part of said head is communicated with a source of vacuum to create a suction force at apertures formed in the member and engages the label and holds it to the head. A fluid pressure operated swing actuator rotates the label applying head to a label applying position and a wrap actuator is activated to drive the label support belt into wrapping engagement with an exterior surface of the container being labeled, thereby transferring the label from the support belt to the container.

Abstract: A bonding device for manufacturing a vehicle seat, in which a foam cushion member secured on an upper die is pressed against a top cover member placed on a lower die for bonding those two members together. In the upper die, provided are main and auxiliary pressing mechanisms in such a manner that the cushion member is bodily pressed by the main pressing mechanism against the top cover member and then additionally pressed by the auxiliary pressing mechanism at a local area of the cushion member where a pressure of the main pressing mechanism is not sufficiently applied. In this way, the top cover member is positively bonded to the cushion member.

Abstract: Intermediate films are automatically removed from an intermediate film stack. The removed intermediate film is positioned on a table and cut to a desired size, and then placed on one of two curved glass sheets which has its convex side facing up. Thereafter, the other glass sheet is positioned over said one of the glass sheets, and both the glass sheets are positioned at the same time. Then, the lower glass sheet is moved upwardly against the upper glass sheet so that the glass sheets are superposed with the intermediate film interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A label applier (20) for applying labels to box ends includes a horizontal conveyor (36), a label dispenser (44) that adhesively secures a label (22) to an upper side surface of each box end upon conveyance along the conveyor with a flap (22') of the label extending from the box end, an end presser (50) for pressing the label flap against the end surface of the box, and an inclined support (52) that mounts the end presser (50) for upward movement along the direction of conveyance to permit the end presser to ride over the box after the label pressing operation. The end presser (50) preferably includes a slide (54) and also includes a presser member (56) pivotally mounted on the slide. This presser member (56) preferably has a curved foot (62) that provides the engagement as the end presser rides over the box. An adjustable stop (64) controls positioning of the presser member (56) prior to the pressing of the label flap.

Abstract: A mounting device and method for positioning a printing plate on a press cylinder utilizes a transparent planar surface having a grid thereon. A cylinder can be lowered into the cradle and adhesively retain a flexible printing plate which has been alinged on the grid. The method employed provides an efficient time saving and accurate mounting process.

Abstract: An upholstery wrapping apparatus and method using a mold having a flexible lip around the open top of the mold cavity so that as a substrate and covering therefore are pushed down into the cavity, the lip deflects and then snaps back to force the flexible margin of the upholstery to wrap around to the back side of the substrate.

Abstract: Pull tabs are applied to the two ends of the sealing courses of pressure sensitive tape applied to rectangular shipping cartons. A masking material is applied to the pressure sensitive tape during the taping operation so that the masking material will be adhered to a part of the sealing tape as a pull tab means which is applied to the rear wall of the carton being sealed and a part will be left on the tape stock to provide a pull tab means on the front wall of the carton to be next taped from the tape stock. An apparatus for forming these pull tab means also is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus which adhesively binds a set of sheets by applying a strip having an adhesive on one surface thereof to the spine of the set. The strip is supported on a heated platen which softens the adhesive. The spine of the set of copy sheets is pressed into the adhesive on the strip. The depth of penetration of the spine into the adhesive is controlled so as to form a layer of adhesive between the spine and the strip having a predetermined thickness.

Abstract: The open end of a flexible material container surrouding the sucker stick on a sucker is sealed therewith in a wrap-around action by manual angular rotation of the sucker and its stick when the latter is temporarily maintained in contact with the heated surface of the walls forming a U-shaped recess in a candy wrapper heat sealing head.

Abstract: A rod feeding and placement mechanism for use in apparatus for making hanging file folders comprises a magazine wherein a plurality of flat, elongated, metal rods are vertically stacked, one above another. A pair of laterally spaced-apart, horizontally disposed, slightly convergent, contra-rotating de-stacking screws located below the magazine engage the lowermost rod in the stack and advance or feed it laterally along a rod-path. Another pair of laterally spaced-apart, horizontally disposed contra-rotating top screws above the de-stacking screws then receive the rod from the de-stacking screws and advance or feed it further along the rod-path to an at-rest position located above a flat paperboard blank. Guide rails and magnetic strips support the rod as it advances along the rod-path. The rod is releasably maintained for a moment in the at-rest position by permanent magnets.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for manufacturing a seat such as an automotive seat in which the seat is assembled by bonding a top cover member to the surfaces of a cushion member. In such apparatus, provided are stretching means for stretching the top cover member, the stretching means being disposed on a lower die in such a manner as to surround the hollow portion of the lower die, the hollow portion being adapted for accommodating the cushion member. By virtue of the stretching means, the top cover member is bonded to the cushion member with no wrinkle and no slack portion being formed in the top cover member.

Abstract: A seat for use in an automobile is disclosed which is formed by bonding a seat surface covering to a cushion previously foamed and shaped by a mold to conform to the outside configuration of the seat. The seat surface covering is formed by joining together a large number of pieces of woven fabric such that it can be brought into close contact with the uneven surface of the cushion. The joint portions of the seat surface covering are fixed to a projected portion provided in a shaping die having a shaping surface which is formed to conform to the uneven surface configuration of the cushion before the seat surface covering is bonded to the surface of the cushion. As a result of this, the seat surface covering can be bonded to the cushion without being twisted or distorted.

Abstract: A high speed tape machine for applying tape to carton assemblies is disclosed. The tape machine includes spaced sidewalls and a tape assembly for supporting a roll of tape depending from the sidewalls. A stripper cylinder having a reciprocating stripper roller pulls tape from the roll. A tape head is pivoted to the sidewalls and directs tape from the roll to a carton assembly moving along a predetermined path. A trigger retards rotation of the tape head. A knife cuts the tape after the tape is applied to a carton. A wipe down assembly including pressing rollers engages the tape after its application to the carton assembly and presses the tape against the carton assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating an identification sleeve on a thin, elongate object (35, 67, 113), such as a wire, pipe or ring, is disclosed. A printer (15, 65, 91) prints identification indicia on a strip of ultrasonically weldable heat shrinkable material (13, 63, 93). The strip is cut into flat pieces (13A, 63A, 93A), each of which contain identification indicia in a predetermined location, preferably at the center of the piece. The pieces are wrapped around the elongate object to be identified such that the indicia overlies the object and the longitudinal axis of the indicia lies generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the object. The pieces (13A, 63A, 93A) are wrapped around the object such that the pieces take on a U-shaped configuration. The outwardly extending legs of the U-shaped pieces are ultrasonically welded together adjacent to the object and the excess portion of the legs are cut away. Then the thusly formed sleeve is positioned by sliding it along the object.

Abstract: Two intaglio printing plates having a total length equal to the circumference of the cylindrical barrel (1) of a plate cylinder are prepared. The cylindrical barrel (1) is expanded radially, and on the portion of its surface corresponding to the first plate (4) to be attached an epoxy film is deposited. The first plate (4) is applied on the epoxy film in the exact position. On the remaining part of the cylindrical barrel (1) one or a plurality of metal sheets (5) are deposited for ensuring the continuity of the cylinder surface. The plate (4) to be attached is surrounded by a tightening ribbon (6) covering completely the plate (4). Heat is used for softening the epoxy film and the ribbon (6) is tightened by exerting tractive forces beginning from the center of the two ends of the ribbon and advancing towards the peripheral edges. The epoxy film is allowed to set, the ribbon (6) and the sheet or sheets (5) are removed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a label dispenser to dispense and deposit stick-on labels, whereby in each operational cycle one stick-on label is moved into a dispensing position below a compression roller with a contoured surface and a sleeve by means of which the compression roller is rotatably supported on a fixed shaft. The compression roller comprises individually designed cross-sectionally contoured rings which rest through spring elements mounted to their interiors on the sleeve.