Abstract: An input device includes an operation shaft extending in a first direction, linearly movable in the first direction, and having a tip portion; a force sensation generator configured to apply a force to the operation shaft; a sensor configured to detect an amount of movement of the operation shaft; a range-of-motion adjuster configured to change a maximum push-in position of the operation shaft; and a range-of-motion adjustment motor configured to operate the range-of-motion adjuster. The range-of-motion adjuster has a contact portion with which the tip portion of the operation shaft comes into contact. The range-of-motion adjuster changes the maximum push-in position of the operation shaft by being operated to change a contact position of the tip portion with respect to the contact portion in the first direction.

Abstract: A sublimation device includes a first heater and a second heater. The first heater includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface. The distal end is disposed opposite the proximal end. The inner surface extends between the proximal end and the distal end and at least partially forms a cavity. The second heater is disposed proximate the distal end of the first heater.

Abstract: A wire guide assembly is provided for the accurate labeling of different diameter elongated objects, wires, or cables within a wrapping mechanism of an elongated object label applicator. The label applicator guide permits elongated objects of different diameters to be placed within substantially the center of the wrapping mechanism to continuously facilitate proper application of a label to different sized elongated objects.

Abstract: A machine for making insulation may include two or more rotatory members configured to pull a precut insulation product at a first rate, wherein the precut insulation product comprises a first paper layer, a second paper layer, and a continuous paper core sheet, a first restraint and a second restraint spaced apart a predetermined distance to create a first space therebetween, and two or more second rotary members configured to feed a continuous paper sheet at a second rate into the first space such that the continuous paper sheet forms a plurality of flexible loops defining a plurality of air channels that extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular with a machine direction. The first rate may be slower than the second rate.

Abstract: A sublimation device includes a first heater and a second heater. The first heater includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface. The distal end is disposed opposite the proximal end. The inner surface extends between the proximal end and the distal end and at least partially forms a cavity. The second heater is disposed proximate the distal end of the first heater.

Abstract: After the inside of a sealed accommodating chamber of a tape attaching apparatus is decompressed, a dicing tape covering a back surface of a wafer is attached to an upper surface of an annular projection of the wafer. Thereafter, the inside of the accommodating chamber is pressurized, to press the dicing tape toward the recess in the back surface of the wafer. As a result, the dicing tape can be attached, substantially without a gap, to substantially the whole area of the back surface of the wafer inclusive of a corner part which is the boundary between the recess and the annular projection. By adjusting the air pressure inside the accommodating chamber, the dicing tape can be easily attached to substantially the whole area of the back surface of the wafer in a short time.

Abstract: A slide block-based positioning mechanism and an automatic tie tool having the same. The slide block-based positioning mechanism includes a slide block and a guide rail. The slide block fits the guide rail. The guide rail limits five degrees of freedom of the slide block. The slide block slides in a length direction of the guide rail. A head portion of a tie is arranged at a predetermined position at the slide block. The slide block pushes the tie from the predetermined position to a tie installation position.

Abstract: A sublimation printing production line for a workpiece having a cylindrical outer surface includes a sublimation paper loading station, workpiece wrapping station, a baking station, and a sublimation paper dismantling stations. The sublimation paper loading station has a workpiece conveyor belt and a sublimation paper conveyor belt that operate synchronously and in parallel. The sublimation paper is positioned on to an elastic fastening jacket, which is then tightly wrapped around the workpiece with the ends buckled together to secure the sublimation paper to the workpiece and making the sublimation image clearer, more colorful, and ensuring the quality of the sublimation.

Abstract: An assembly for realizing in continuous covering jackets of book elements of different dimensions starting from a film wrapped up in a coil. The assembly includes a mechanism for cutting the film unrolling from the coil for realizing pieces of the film; a first folding device of a first end of the pieces; a second folding device of a second end of the pieces; a control and command unit and a longitudinal welder suitable for both superiorly and inferiorly closing folded pockets and for regulating the height of the cover itself by trimming the parts in excess.

Abstract: An anti-vibrating tape dispenser of a carton sealing machine includes a stand erected on the carton sealing machine, a fixed shaft extended transversally from the stand, a sleeve provided for loading a tape and coaxially sheathed on the periphery of the fixed shaft, a slide mechanism installed on the stand and below the sleeve and including a slide rail slidably installed on a fixed rail, an abutting rod fixed onto the slide rail and extended in the same direction of the fixed shaft, an abutting roller sheathed on the abutting rod and abutted against the external periphery of the tape roller. As the external diameter of the tape roller varies, the abutting roller slides along the slide rail to abut against the external periphery of tape roller normally, and the abutting roller includes one-way bearings for limiting the abutting roller to rotate round the abutting rod in a direction only.

Abstract: The present application describes an arrangement for applying a label to the periphery of a moving object. The arrangement may include an initial label dispensing an application station, a label tacking station, and a label wrapping station. Associated methods are also described.

Abstract: A commercial tape applicator capable of folding at least one side edge of a tape as it is fed to the applicator to provide an easily a gripped edge on the tape after it has been applied to the case. The invention provides a folding station on a dancer platform mounted on a dancer arm that has a nip roll at its free end and the arm is biased so that the nip roll is in contact with the periphery of a tape roll forming the source of tape and is usable to align the tape path through the folding station with the tape leaving the tape roll and accommodate deformation of the roll. A latch and cooperating cog wheel may be used to control the off feeding of the tape for the supply roll.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for manufacturing a curved part of composite material, during which the layers of fibers of composite materials (110) that will compose the said part are held taut at least during the bending step, and furthermore, displacement of the said layers with relation to each other is controlled. The invention also concerns a device capable of implementing this type of process.

Abstract: The invention describes a device and method for making corrugated products. The device can be used with any substrate and includes, at least, first and second drive rollers for driving a middle substrate and a single wall corrugated product. In other embodiments the invention includes upper drive rollers, lower drive rollers and middle drive rollers for driving an upper substrate, a lower substrate and a middle substrate. The middle substrate is driven between the upper and lower substrates at a higher velocity to form flutes that are anchored between the upper an lower substrates thereby forming a corrugated product. The invention also provides for customized corrugated products having multiple fluted substrates in various desirable arrangements. Examples of such products include mattress, partition panels, other furniture and construction products.

Abstract: A labeling apparatus has a source of printed labels that have adhesive backing, a vacuum pickup with two opposable arms, a blower bar to support a label on air. Each opposable arm has its own vacuum head and each head is removably attachable to a respective end portion of the label. The apparatus also has a label position sensor, and the vacuum pickup is movable from a pickup position to a wrap position. Each pickup arm has a plurality of spring loaded pins. A two layer label has a backing strip, an inner layer, and an outer layer, and at least one removable portion of the outer layer. The label has a neck portion and two end portions, such that the label set may be wrapped a container with the two end portions adhered back to back to each other. The neck portion is relatively narrower than either of the two end portions and is relatively offset so that it is closer to a front edge of the label.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for affixing a functional film on a panel surface having a curvature in three dimensional directions with at least one pushing roller. A pressing roller which is elastic has a shaft inside the roller. The shaft has a varied diameter of concave curvature with the largest portions at the ends of the shaft. The inner portion of the elastic roller is separated from the shaft by a clearance which is greater in the middle of the shaft. When the roller is pressed upon a three dimensional panel, the elastic roller is deformed into the clearance area and against the shaft. This permits even pressure to be applied across the panel. In a second embodiment, a main pushing roller unit may travel along the direction while pushing the functional film against the panel surface, followed by the two follow-up displacement pushing roller units which are displayed in response to the travel of the main pushing roller unit while pushing the functional film against the panel surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for conforming laminate to a radius edge. The apparatus includes a heat bar assembly including a heat plate extending longitudinally along the radius edge. A mechanism is attached to the assembly for applying uniform pressure to the laminate longitudinally along the radius edge for uniform heating of the laminate. The mechanism may include a plurality of selectively controllable cylinders spaced longitudinally within the heat bar assembly for pre-stressing at least a portion of the heat plate relative to the heat bar assembly. Additionally, the heat bar assembly may further include a cooling plate, where the heat bar assembly is rotatable along its longitudinal axis between a cooling and a heating position.

Abstract: A lampshade is manufactured from heat deformable sheet material by forming a blank of the sheet material, in the shape of a sector of an annulus, into a hollow truncated cone having upper and lower peripheral edges. The overlapping edges of the blank are welded or bonded together and the blank supported by an apparatus which engages the interior of the conical blank, which apparatus includes an upper former for engagement with the interior surface of the blank adjacent the upper edge thereof and a lower support, releasably supporting a stiffening ring around its periphery, for example magnetically, so that upper marginal edge portion of the blank projects beyond the upper former and so that the lower marginal edge portion of the blank projects beyond the stiffening ring supported by the lower support.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method and apparatus for making clear plastic canisters, in which the canisters retain the full clarity of the clear plastic canister sidewall stock and base stock while they are being processed into canisters, the plastic sidewall stock and the base stock may be pre-labeled before being processed into canisters without any subsequent distortion of the label during such processing, and the apparatus and method can be modified to accept differently-sized canister component stock with minimal equipment modification and downtime.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying decalcomania to a curved surface of a container is provided. The apparatus includes a base, first and second curved rigid support members pivotally connected with respect to each other, a band mounted to the end portion of each support member, a heater assembly supported within the band, and a handle linkage adapted to open and close the support members with respect to each other. Movement of the handle linkage causes one support member to close with respect to the other support member, thereby tightening the band and heater assembly about a container for application of the decalcomania. A turn-buckle type adjustment is provided for adjusting pressure applied by the handle linkage.

Abstract: A bonding device and bonding process for a surface skin member of a vehicle interior component which can reliably fold back and secure a peripheral part of a surface skin member onto the reverse surface of a core member without involving any positional deviation between the core member and the surface skin member even when the width of the peripheral part is small. A block of elastic material is used for a lower die for mounting a surface skin member in a bonding station, and slide bars are arranged around the lower die in a peripheral part folding back station disposed adjacent to the bonding station for provisionally shaping the peripheral part of the surface skin member. Further, vertically moveable bars are arranged around an upper die for mounting the core member thereon for pressing the peripheral part of the surface skin member which has been provisionally shaped against the reverse surface of the core member.

Abstract: An improvement in a device for applying heat-transferrable decalcomania to a generally curved container surface such as a mug comprising a multiple segment tightening band surrounding a cushioned blanket surrounding a heating element, the segments being hingedly connected so that the band firmly applies the cushioned blanket heating element against the decalcomania and the contiguous curved container surface to effect transfer of the decalcomania design to the container surface.

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: 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 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: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing an ornament for gift wrapping purposes and the like. The ornament has a basic member with a plurality of radially disposed conical elements, and these basic members may be combined to produce spheroidal or hemispheroidal ornaments having a plurality of radial cones or spikes. In the method, a flat circular blank is formed with a plurality of radially disposed leaves. The leaves are wrapped around a conical form and adhesively secured to form one of the basic members. The apparatus includes a winder for wrapping the leaves around the conical form and positioning means for holding the blank and locating each leaf on the form to be wrapped into a conical element by the winder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing an ornament for gift wrapping purposes and the like. The ornament has a basic member with a plurality of radially disposed conical elements, and these basic members may be combined to produce spheroidal or hemispheroidal ornaments having a plurality of radial cones or spikes. In the method, a flat circular blank is formed with a plurality of radially disposed leaves. The leaves are wrapped around a conical form and adhesively secured to form one of the basic members. The apparatus includes a winder for wrapping the leaves around the conical form and positioning means for holding the blank and locating each leaf on the form to be wrapped into a conical element by the winder.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of applying wrap-around labels to bottles or containers where the label is formed into a complete sleeve with a heat-sealed seam on the container as the containers are moved in a linear path on a conveyor. The bottles and conveyor pass between a continuously moving set of rectractable, electrical heat-seal bars and vacuum label handling heads. The vacuum heads receive individual labels which carry the labels into position opposite a bottle on the conveyor. Vacuum fingers that grip the ends of the label are moved outward on arcuate arms that are pivoted to the head to move the labels about the containers in overlapping relationship. The opposed heat-seal bar is advanced into contact with the overlapped edges of the label and held there for a time sufficient to complete the full height heat seal of the label. The heat bar is contoured to the same shape as the external profile of the container over the label height.

Abstract: A device is shown for transferring sublimation decals to curved substrates such as the surfaces of ceramic mugs. The device employs a flexible transfer head which comprises a supported, flexible electrical heating pad which is made to envelop and press against the surface of the article onto which the decal design is to be transferred. The pad is then electrically heated, causing the sublimation dyes on the decal interposed between the pad and the surface of the article to be transferred from the backing sheet of the decal to the article's surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for wrapping a bundle of spliced wires to create a waterproof insulating cover for the splice, in which a segment of autogenous tape is fed over a cradle fixture prior to positioning the wire bundle thereover. Oppositely positioned hinged portions of wrapping members are each sequentially advanced to successively engage and fold each end of the tape segment over the wire bundle, each member cammed as it is advanced plunging down to press the tape end over the wire bundle. A pressure platen is advanced down onto the wrapped bundle to band the lapped tape portions together, with a relief cavity preventing undue thinning of the tape in the region of the uninsulated wire splice.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming corrugated plywood composites is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fixed mold component having a corrugated surface and a series of movable mold components having complemental corrugated surfaces movable toward and away from the fixed surface. Movable mold components are hingedly in connected and each such component is associated with a linear motor. By sequentially activating the linear motors each movable mold section is pivotally advanced in a first direction toward the fixed mold component the opposite side of the movable mold component being pivoted toward the fixed mold component when the next adjacent section is advanced into clamping position. High tensile strength low coefficient of friction fabric webs are interposed between the surfaces of the mold and the composite material to be corrugated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adhering an adhesive-backed tape or sheet to a surface of a semiconductor wafer. The apparatus comprises a housing forming a vacuum working chamber containing a supporting table for the semiconductor wafer and a plurality of rollers for exerting pressure on an adhesive-backed tape or sheet and pressing it against the wafer surface. The rollers comprise rubber rollers having different axial lengths so that, even if the wafer is warped, the tape or sheet can be uniformly adhered to the whole surface of the wafer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing an ornament for gift wrapping purposes and the like. The ornament has a basic member with a plurality of radially disposed conical elements, and these basic members may be combined to produce spheroidal or hemispheroidal ornaments having a plurality of radial cones or spikes. In the method, a flat circular blank is formed with a plurality of radially disposed leaves. The leaves are wrapped around a conical form and adhesively secured to form one of the basic members. The apparatus includes a winder for wrapping the leaves around the conical form and positioning means for holding the blank and locating each leaf on the form to be wrapped into a conical element by the winder.

Abstract: The open cut edge of a cardboard blank is covered by a cover strip folded around the cut edge. The cover strip is cut from a band having a width corresponding to the length of the cut edge to be covered. The strip is held flatly on a folding device and is subsequently folded around the cut edge of the cardboard blank. On the folding device a folding slit is provided which may be slid, together with the cover strip, over the cut edge of the cardboard blank in a direction transversely of such edge.

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 machine for automatically banding particularly linear objects in groups with strap-type banding elements having interlockable male and female members at one and the other ends thereof respectively, which comprises a pistol-shaped machine body and an operation lever provided to a grip handle thereof and with which, when the operation lever is triggered, each banding element loaded on the machine body is fed forwardly in the machine body, applied about a group of objects to be banded and received on a front end portion of the machine body and then fastened with its male and female members interlocked to accomplish banding, the machine being characterized by comprising a pusher member driven through triggering of the operation lever to move in a guide path in the machine body from a rear end portion to a front end portion of the machine body while pushing a banding element, a stopper for fixing an end portion of the banding element at a front end portion in the guide groove during a banding operat

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for tucking in and glueing over the edge zones of a supporting material to be provided on one side with a surface covering. The supporting material comprises mouldings which are usually of a fairly complicated spatial design, and the apparatus is so designed as to imitate as true to nature as possible the manual method of tucking in and glueing over the covering overlap around the edge of the moulding by the thumb and other parts of the human hand, which has hitherto given the best results. Members to be moved for this purpose are moved in the form of a turn-over membrane into and out of the tucking-in zone, and transversely moved fold-over members are merely hinged around the moulding edge, corresponding substantially to the movement of the front joint of the thumb when tucking in a covering.

Abstract: A manually operated guide forms a sheet of heated pliable laminate about an adhesively coated 180.degree. rounded edge of a substrate, such as may be found on the front edge of a countertop. The guide is pivotally attached to a support member at an initial angle to guide the laminate along the major portion of the rounded edge and at a different angle to guide the laminate along the remaining portion to assure continuing progressive contact between the laminate and the rounded edge.

Abstract: A split table with portions to either side of a contoured mold and movable away from each other while hugging the contour of the mold so as to transfer a laminate from the split table onto the mold with application rollers from each portion forcing the laminate against the mold as it leaves each portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for manufacturing rounded containers having inner and outer mating wall parts of plastics with a printed paper segment between said parts. The method comprises locating an outer wall part at a paper insert station in alignment with the smaller open end of a tubular tapered guide, feeding a printed paper segment through the tapered guide, where it is progressively shaped to correspond with the container but is given slightly smaller dimensions, and into said outer wall part, whereupon the resilience of the segment due to bending causes it to expand into contact with the interior of said outer wall part. An inner wall part is pressed into the outer wall at a subsequent operating station.The apparatus is arranged specifically to effect the above method.

Abstract: An apparatus for labeling skeins of yarn or the like comprising a processing way that includes a label supply station, a labeling station, and an apparatus for feeding individual labels from the supply station to the labeling station. The labeling station includes a plurality of pairs of oppositely acting swing arms, with which the label as supported at the labeling station is centered, with the arms of each pair of arms including a first swing arm on the label infeed side of the labeling station and a second swing arm on the opposite side of the labeling station. The swing arms of each pair project from rock shafts extending transversely of the way, and the swing arms at their projecting ends are of semi or open loop shape for cooperatively encompassing the skein to be labeled.

Abstract: A bundling mechanism collects tubes from a tube processing machine, holds a selected quantity of the tubes in a bundle-like shape and wraps the bundles with lengths of adhesive backed tape. The bundles are indexed between first and second wrapping stations with one-half of the wrap being accomplished at each station. The end of a roll of tape extends tangentially between the bundles at the two stations. A special cutter-wrapper moves between the wrapping stations to cut the tape and wrap the cut tape ends around adjacent portions of the bundles.