Abstract: A joining device includes a pair of cylindrical rotors 210 and 220, holding surfaces 211 and 221 of which for holding a pair of sheet-like members 30, respectively, have a width smaller than a width of the pair of sheet-like members 30. The joining device has a conveyance unit 200 which superimposes the pair of sheet-like members sequentially while conveying the pair of sheet-like members, by rotating the pair of cylindrical rotors, and joining units (first joining units 300) which join portions of the superimposed pair of sheet-like members to each other sequentially, the portions protruding beyond the holding surfaces of the cylindrical rotors.

Abstract: A plant for manufacturing single-dose capsules for preparing beverages, comprising a conveyor (2) for advancing impermeable shells (101) in succession along a production line, which plant comprises at least: forming means (3) for forming individual beaker-shaped filters (105) of filtering material and for releasing each of the beaker-shaped filters (105) inside an impermeable shell (101), means for adjusting the level of each beaker-shaped filter (105) inside the relative impermeable shell (101), and welding means (5) for welding the upper edge of each beaker-shaped filter (105) to the upper edge of the impermeable shell (101) in which the beaker-shaped filter (105) is inserted.

Abstract: An intravaginal device has a fluid storage element and at least one fluid transport element in fluid communication with the fluid storage element. The at least one fluid transport element has a first plate and a second plate coupled to the first plate. The second plate is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action. The at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element. The invention also includes methods and apparatus useful in the production of an intravaginal device.

Abstract: The device includes a conveyor element for supplying separator strip in a first plane, a device for cutting sections from the separator strip, another conveyor element for preparing the separator strip sections at one folding site and a unit for supplying plates to be jacketed to the folding site in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. Next to the plane in which the separator strip section is prepared at the folding site, there is a negatively pressurized roller as the device for tensioning the separator strip section prepared in the folding site. In the area of the folding site on the side of the plane in which a separator strip section is prepared at the folding site which is opposite the side from which the plate to be jacketed is supplied, there is a pair of folding rollers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for binding together one or more stalks, such as flower stems and branches, with the aid of a binding material (30), with a further object being bound in during the binding operation, the stalks being placed next to a part of the binding material (30) which is essentially stationary during the binding operation, while a further part of the binding material (30) is wrapped around the stalks. The binding device according to the present invention is characterized in that the said further object is placed against the stationary part on the same side as the stalks, preferably before the stalks are placed against the stationary part.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing an adhesive tab ready for placement on the an edge of a substantially flat article, such as a folded mailer or the like. Adhesive tabs are disposed on a roll formed of a reverse-wound backing strip housed in the base of the apparatus. A manually operable feeder assembly advances the backing strip past an L-shaped stripper secured in the base. In addition to guiding the strip, the stripper assists the foremost tab in partially separating from the backing. The combined action of the advancing strip and the stripper serve to remove the tab from the backing and place the tab over a receiving slot. The article is then inserted into the receiving slot, thereby pressing and sealing the tab onto the edge. Adjustment means allow the advancing motion provided by the feeder to be altered based on the size of tab or spacing between the tabs on the strip. The receiving slot is also fitted with an adjustable applicator for assisting in pressing the tab onto the article edges.

Abstract: A tag applicator for cylindrical objects is provided with an applicator station for receiving an adhesive surfaced label or tag over a pair of flexible wrapping fingers; a transport device engages, grips and moves an article to be tagged from a supply station through a tag applying station and then to a discharge station with the movement of the part through the tag applying station being effective in combination with the wrapping fingers to securely apply the adhesive tag to the part.

Abstract: A device for applying sealing labels to containers defined partially by two parallel faces and by a further face connecting the two parallel faces; the device including a conveying device for feeding containers to a labeling station, and a supply device for supplying labels and presenting at least one retaining device for retaining two opposite end portions of the label; the conveying device consisting of a conveyor for successively conveying the containers with the further face downstream in relation to the traveling direction of the conveyor; and an actuating device being provided for moving the retaining device between a position, assumed at least at the labeling station, of interference with the path of each container on the conveyor, and a position of noninterference with the aforementioned path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laminating machine for applying a protective laminate to the edge of any paper or paperboard product such as an index or paperboard card. The machine includes grippers for retaining opposed edges of a cut laminate and an elongate crimping mechanism for engaging the laminate between the grippers and for pressing the laminate against the nip of a pair of pressure rollers. The elongate crimping mechanism is withdrawn and an edge of the paper or paperboard product is fed to the elongate crimp created in the laminate. The paper and laminate are then fed between heated pressure rollers to effect lamination. The above steps can be repeated to apply a laminate to two or more edges of a paper or paperboard product. When two or more adjacent edges are to be laminated, a cutting mechanism cuts the laminate at angles to form miter joints at the corners.

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 modular assembly of components is provided for various aspects of high volume mailing. The modular system of components includes a postage meter, having a base with a driving motor and a head driven by the driving motor and operative to apply selected postage to a piece of mail. The postage meter head can be selectively removed from the postage meter base. The modular systems of components further includes at least one accessory selectively mountable to the postage meter base and capable of being driven thereby. The accessory may include an applicator for applying a closure tab or label to an envelope or sheet of material being driven by the postage meter base. A closure tab applicator may be operative to move a closure tab into a position to be contacted by a sheet of material, such that momentum of the sheet of material causes the closure tab to wrap around and close the folded sheet.

Abstract: A device for the application of labels to packages, such as cigarette packs. Each label is applied to one or more faces or end portions of the pack. The application of the comparatively small labels to the packs can impair the performance of a packaging machine. According, the present mechanism continuously transfers the labels to packs, during the continuous transportation of each pack between two processing station by a label conveyor. The conveyor includes several label holders, each of which has a pocket to retain a package within. As the conveyor rotates between stations, the package is shifted within the pocket, and is forced through a label holder. The label holder, retains a label in a position perpendicular to the direction in which the package is moved. Thus as the package is forced through the label holder the label adheres to the package. In this manner, label application is achieved in a continuous process.

Abstract: A tape binding apparatus for applying decorative tape to a previously stapled booklet is disclosed as having a pair of binding surfaces upon which a piece of tape is placed after being drawn from a tape dispenser attached to one end of the apparatus. A manually operable device drives one of the surfaces toward the other surface when the bound edge of the booklet is applied to the surfaces. A pivotal guide mechanism is arranged to guide the booklet to the surfaces.

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: Apparatus for folding and sealing sheets comprises means for feeding a sheet, means for bulging a portion of the sheet, means for folding the bulged portion, and means for adhering a sheet portion face to face to a portion thereof trailing the fold. Apparatus for enhancing the security of information on a front side of a sheet comprises said apparatus for folding and sealing sheets, where a plurality of folds are provided and the front side of said sheet is concealed from view inside said folds, said folds being sealed along the lateral side edge portions thereof. Address information may be applied adjacent the trailing edge of said sheet, and the trailing edge portion is folded to expose the address information to view.

Abstract: Adhesive coated front edge faces of successive stacks of paper sheets are bonded to downwardly folded marginal portions of flap-over covers at an aligning station which receives stacks from a first source along a first path wherein the stacks are caused to advance at right angles to their adhesive-coated edge faces and which receives covers with adhesive-coated marginal portions from a second source. The covers move along a second path lengthwise of their marginal portions and in parallelism with the front edge faces of the stacks in the first path. Each stack which arrives at the aligning station is disposed behind the downwardly bent marginal portion of the corresponding cover and is thereupon moved with the cover through the nip of two rollers which apply external pressure to bond the marginal portion to the edge face of the corresponding stack.

Abstract: A device for feeding revenue stamps on a cigarette packing machine, whereby each packet coming off a wrapping unit is fed along an unloading route extending through a fork grip; between two arms of which grip there is stretched a revenue stamp withdrawn by the grip from a respective pocket integral with the periphery of a roller having its axis perpendicular to the unloading route and tangent with a conveyor roller having its axis parallel with the unloading route and having projections, each of which projections is designed to retain a revenue stamp and to feed it into a respective pocket along a route tangent with a gumming roller.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying revenue stamps to cigarette packets known as soft packs, includes an oscillating transfer arm 12 and a continuously driven suction drum 6 formed with projections, e.g. pairs of pins 10. The projections engage the rear edges of successive stamps transferred from a stack 2 by the arm, and thereby accurately align the stamps on the drum. The two modified arrangements shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are particularly adapted for applying banderoles to hinged lid cigarette packets.

Abstract: An automatic system that feeds, laminates, unloads, stores and transfers laminated panels to subsequent processing for use in the electronics industry includes an automatic laminator that operates with a single roll of photoresist dry film to effect single wrap around lamination of each of a plurality of panels in succession and removal of the polyethylene protective cover sheet, and further includes a buffer/interface unit that is operative during a post lamination period to provide a holding area for the laminated panels to allow them to chemically stabilize prior to imaging, and in addition, is operative after the panel has stabilized to translate each of the panels, in turn, from a vertical to a horizontal position and deliver it to the infeed portion of an exposure machine that is mated with it.

Abstract: Stamps, labels and the like are affixed to moving packages, for example cigarette packages, by a process which includes the withdrawal of individual stamps or labels from a magazine, the application of an adhesive to spaced points along laterally separated linear regions thereof and the transfer of the stamps or labels with the adhesive applied thereto to a fork-like mechanism which conveys the stamps or labels into registration with the path of movement of the articles to which they are to be affixed, the articles contacting the side of the stamps or labels having the adhesive thereon and passing between the tines of the fork-like mechanism. Adhesive is applied to the stamps or labels by a roller defined by a plurality of spacially separated discs, some of the discs functioning as vacum-assisted holders for the stamps and the other discs having surface depressions for receiving the adhesive which is subsequently transferred to the stamps or labels.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically laminating photoresist dry film onto each of a plurality of panels stacked upright in a panel feed unit with a 10.degree. slant counterclockwise from the vertical, the film being characterized by being easily contaminated, limp and tacky although peelable thereby enabling the use of a polyethylene protective coating, includes a film feed bar for pulling the film from a roll into a laminating station on a 10.degree. upward slant, the polyethylene coating being wound on a take-up roll, and further includes a film hold bar, a film hold cutoff bar and a film cutoff knife for cutting the film precisely to the length required for folding the film over the panel on both sides with no overlap. A panel pick-up unit picks up each of the panels in succession and moves it down into engagement with a transverse center line on the film, through a laminating nip and between heated laminating rolls, delivery belts and cooperating lugs moving the laminated panel to a delivery stack.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the application of elongated labels to front end faces and adjacent lateral surfaces of cigarette packs which are transported at intervals through an elongated folding duct. The duct is mounted in a rotary barrel having openings for label carriers which accept labels during travel past a magazine and thereupon place the labels across the inlet of the duct prior to being moved out of the way so that the front end face of an oncoming pack adheres to the central portion of a label which extends across the inlet and the pack pushes such label against the rear end face of the preceding pack while the duct automatically folds the end portions of the label over the adjacent lateral surfaces of the respective pack. Patches of adhesive are applied to successive labels during travel with the corresponding carriers from the magazine toward the inlet of the folding duct.

Abstract: A mechanism for automatically labelling articles, such as fruit, has a chute for guiding fruit into contact with an upstanding label, the engagement of the fruit with the label being effective to transfer the label to the fruit and to cause the movement of a new label into transfer position.

Abstract: Stocking handling apparatus having carrier plates on which pairs of stockings are indexed transversely from a loading station through label and transfer applying stations to a folding station. A label folding mechanism receives an adhesive coated label at the label applying station and positions it at the end portion of a pair of stockings on the carrier plate and folds the label thereover to adhere it thereto. At the transfer applying station a transfer strip is fed under a holddown frame that positions the strip on the top stocking of the pair while a hot transfer iron moves against the transfer strip to transfer the indicia therefrom to the stocking.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for forming lead-acid storage battery plate envelopes from a continuous roll of heat sealable separator material is described comprising material feed means for supplying material from the roll for use in the envelope, draw means for drawing preselected lengths of separated material into a processing position, cut-off means for severing predetermined lengths of material at the processing position into envelope forming lengths, means for folding said envelope forming lengths around a plate into a folded configuration wherein overlapping edges of separator material protrude beyond at least one side edge of said plate and sealing means for heating edges of said material under pressure to seal said overlapping edges to form said battery plate envelope.

Abstract: A method and machine for assembling sheets of battery plate separator material over the battery plates in envelope fashion and sealing the side edges together is disclosed. The machine feeds battery separator material from a storage roll into a folding station, scores a folding line across the sheet and severs the sheet from the roll, in a length double the height of a battery plate. A battery plate is fed bottom end first against the fold line of the separator sheet, and guides in a folding station cause the sheet to fold over and cover both sides of the plate. The plate and separator envelope are engaged between upper and lower conveyors adjacent to the folding station and carried away. Downstream, a pair of lifting devices positioned on either side of the path of travel of the plate and separator lift the upper edge of the overlapping separator envelope on each side, and a switch is tripped to cause a hot melt adhesive to be applied by nozzles to the lower overlapping separator edges.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing accumulator plate separator pockets, each of which is in the form of two rectangular porous film joined along three edges by a U-shaped edge strip, comprises a rectangular insertion plate, on opposite faces of which the two films are held. The plate is slidable, from a rest position, between two stops which are spaced apart by a distance slightly greater than the width of the plate. An edge strip is positioned across the two stops with the opening of the U facing towards the insertion plate, which is then slid forward to insert one edge into the U of the strip. Further forward movement of the plate causes the edge strip to bend around and engage the two side edges of the plate. The edge strip is then secured to the edges of the films.

Abstract: Apparatus for enveloping battery plates within porous separators and for feeding a separator sheet to form a fold at the approximate midpoint of the separator, simultaneously positioning a battery plate with an edge adjacent to the fold line, passing the plate and separator through rollers to press the separator against both sides of the battery plate, and passing the folded separator and enclosed battery plate through an ultrasonic sealing unit for sealing opposite edges of the separator to form an envelope. The apparatus includes a separator sheet dispenser for dispensing individual separator sheets into an elongated passageway. The end of the passageway is blocked so that a separator reaching the stopping point buckles to form a fold at the approximate midpoint of the separator.

Abstract: Superimposed heat-sealable layers are heat-sealed by applying external suction to draw the layers apart, inserting a nozzle between the parted layers, directing hot gas from the nozzle onto the inside surfaces of the layers, removing the nozzle and pressing the heated surfaces together. Preferably the layers are carried by a conveyor, such as between a pair of endless chains, along a path on which the suction means, nozzle means and pressing means are successively arranged.