Abstract: A forming module for forming a composite laminate part over a tool is provided. The forming module comprises a base, a ply carrier control assembly adapted for controlling the position of a flexible ply carrier on which composite resin plies are mounted, and a head section mounted on the base and adapted for automatically forming the composite resin plies from the ply carrier onto the tool.

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: 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: An improved tape supply system particularly suited for use in a multifunction tape applicator for applying a front and/or back L-clips to a case wherein a dancer roll is operable to provide slack in the tape and a break is applied to facilitate cutting of the tape.

Abstract: A system for mounting the front or rear sealing tape application roller of a carton or case sealing apparatus wherein the front or rear tape application roller is able to be quickly and easily replaced upon its roller shaft without the need for special tools. A spring-biased detent pin which is spring-biased between a radially outwardly position at which the detent pin so as to be engaged with and block removal of the roller from its roller shaft but which may be depressed radially inwardly so as to be disengaged from the roller and thereby permit the roller to be removed from its roller shaft.

Abstract: A knife blade guard locking mechanism, for use in conjunction with the sealing tape application rollers of a tape cartridge assembly of a case sealing machine, is adapted to be operatively connected to a spring biasing mechanism of the sealing tape application rollers such that when the sealing tape application rollers are disposed at their inoperative positions, the knife blade guard locking mechanism is disposed at its locked position so as to effectively cover the knife blade in order to protect personnel from being accidentally cut. Conversely, when the sealing tape application rollers are disposed at their operative positions, the knife blade guard locking mechanism is automatically unlocked so as to permit the knife blade to be uncovered in order to perform its sealing tape cutting operation.

Abstract: Taping heads having an applying arm connected to a buffing arm are described. The taping heads include at least one buffing cam and buffing cam guide are described. Taping heads having two buffing cams and two buffing cam guides are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved taping apparatus which comprises a cam mechanism and a belt member disposed around the circumferential surface of the cam mechanism, whereby the belt member rotating along the periphery of the cam mechanism can continuously apply a tape around a peripheral surface of the object, in particular in the shape of a closed-loop, while the object is disposed within the central space of the cam mechanism, so that the tape can be automatically applied around the object and the productivity can be improved.

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: The present invention relates to an improved taping apparatus which comprises a cam mechanism and a belt member disposed around the circumferential surface of the cam mechanism, whereby the belt member rotating along the periphery of the cam mechanism can continuously apply a tape around a peripheral surface of the object, in particular in the shape of a closed-loop, while the object is disposed within the central space of the cam mechanism, so that the tape can be automatically applied around the object and the productivity can be improved.

Abstract: A labeling machine can rapidly change the size of labels cut from a web of labels to match different diameter containers which are then fed onto containers moving along a conveyor. A labeling drum is positioned adjacent to the conveyor for receiving cut labels and applying them onto containers fed along the conveyor. A cutter assembly is positioned adjacent to the labeling drum for receiving a web of labels, cutting the web, and transferring a cut label onto the labeling drum. The cutter assembly includes a stationary mounting plate and a drive pinion mounted on the plate. A cutter roll frame is received on the mounting plate, and includes a vertically oriented cutter roll with upper and lower ends, a central axis, and a gear at the lower end for meshing with the drive pinion and rotating the cutter roll. The cutter roll gear size is directly proportional to the size of the cutter roll.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying thin film polymer labels to small cylindrical articles such as dry cell batteries without label mismatching is disclosed. A label transport drum is rotatably mounted on a frame. Cut labels are supplied to the surface of the label transport drum as the drum is rotated. An adhesive is applied onto the area adjacent the leading edge of the label while the label is moving with the drum, and a solvent is applied onto an area adjacent the trailing edge of the label. Cylindrical articles are conveyed in tangential spinning engagement with the label transport drum and into rotative engagement with the adhesive on the leading edge of the label so as to transfer the label onto the article as the label is moved into engagement with the rotating article. A pressure plate imparts pressure against selected sides and ends of the article during wrapping to prevent mismatching of the label as the label wraps around the article.

Abstract: An improved plastic tape laying machine is provided having a spring driven spool rotationally mounted on a stationary shaft and being coupled to a flexible skid member interposed between a presser member of a tape laying head of the machine and the plastic tape being applied to a work surface. The spool applies a movement restraining force to the skid member that restricts or prevents undesired movements of the skid that lead to misalignment, delamination and other defects in a produced plastic composite article while at the same time biasing the skid against the tape detruding portion of the presser member without significantly inhibiting the working motions of the presser member.

Abstract: An applicator system and method for automatically applying and securing an adhesive backed (or gummed) label onto a corner surface of a typically three-dimensional, right-angle polygonal object such that the body of the label is applied and adhered to one surface (usually one major surface) of the object and one flap (or usually two) continuous with the body of the label is applied and adhered to a side of the object adjacent the one surface. The applicator system includes an applicator head to receive the adhesive backed label, mechanically secured to an applicator arm which serves to move the applicator head relative to the object.

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 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: 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: An application roller (212) for a labelling device for applying self-adhesive labels comprises a cylindrical inner sleeve (211). It further comprises a cylindrical outer sleeve (212) whose internal diameter is greater than the external diameter of the inner sleeve (211). An intermediate sleeve (213) disposed between the inner sleeve (211) and the outer sleeve (212) with radial spacing between said two sleeves is connected with one end to the inner sleeve (211) and with the other end to the outer sleeve (212).

Abstract: A method of and device for applying foil to a container that has a closure over its upper surface, and especially to a bottle with a head that along with its cap is to be wrapped all the way around with a blank, especially of foil, by applying the blank around the head while leaving part of the blank to project beyond it, wrapping the sleeve-shaped extension to one side against the upper surface of the cap to create an outer cap cover, and pressing it down, especially with a resilient pad.

Abstract: A device for smoothing and pressing down in labeling machines, intended for the point of a blank of foil wrapped around the neck and head of a bottle with the point projecting at the head, and having a pot-like housing that can be moved axially against the head of the bottle and accommodates an elastic sponge structure. To allow the device to handle the blank of foil gently, apply it uniform and smooth to the head of bottle even in the vicinity of depressed zones of the head, and to prolong its life, the face of the sponge structure toward the head of the bottle has a recess that in the pressing-down position embraces at least the head of the bottle on all sides subject to slight tension.

Abstract: A dispenser of banding material and an applicator of such material are mounted side by side for location alongside a packaging line during the dispensing and application of an adhesive band to the cover and neck of a container or across the flap and sides of a box-shaped package. A set of pulleys and belts is arranged in two parallel rows along the underside of the applicator for contacting the covers and upper portions of containers and other packages. The heights of the belts is adjusted to accommodate undulations in the exterior surface of the package so as to provide for adhesive securing of a band along these undulations. Such securing of the band insures a destruction of the band upon any opening or attempted opening of the container.

Abstract: The tape laying head of a composite tape laying machine is rotatable around the tape laydown surface on circular guideways. The presser shoe assembly is likewise rotatable around the common radius point by means of circular cam faces journalled on cam followers supported by the tape head presser assembly. A feedback transducer signals rotation of the tape presser member while adapting to contour changes, and the signal is employed to effect rotation and realignment of the entire tape head with the presser shoe. The mechanism additionally embodies a brake assembly which is selectively energized to prevent presser shoe rotation at predetermined times.

Abstract: A labeling device in the nature of an attachment for application to a labeling machine of the type disclosed in Wesley U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: In equipment that is intended for applying a blank of foil to bottles and that includes a turntable, at least one labeling station, a rotating transport star that has accommodations for the bottles and is positioned downstream of the turntable, and a rotating transfer-and-application device consisting of several similar units distributed around its circumference with elements that fold and press down the ends of the blank extending beyond the head of each bottle, the pressure-application elements and if necessary the folding elements are, as they revolve, kept outside the circumference of the elements on the turntable that accommodate the bottle. This avoids collisions at this point. The axis of rotation of the pressure-application elements and the axis of rotation of the output star are accordingly mutually eccentric in such a way that the orbits of the accommodations and of the pressure-application elements coincide along one segment.

Abstract: The interior structure of a tape laydown shoe or roller has an axle supporting solid rings, shoe members, and the like on ball joints. Thus, the solid members adapt to surface contour changes to back up an elastomeric facing element. The ball joints provide for force division of the principal tape head force into plural components directed at the contour surfaces.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus and a method for the foil-capping of bottles with a patch of metal foil having a point and an adhesive back, comprising(a) adhering each patch to the neck of a bottle by its central area with the upper area of the foil projecting above the bottle neck,(b) applying the laterally projecting patch ends so that they overlap one another,(c) folding down the area of each patch projecting above the bottle neck to the bottle side away from the patch point, and(d) simultaneously pressing down and smoothing the folded down patch area onto the top side and all about the circumferential margin adjacent thereto.A neater tear-free arrangement of the foil about the top and sides of the neck of the bottle results.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus and a method for the foil-capping of bottles with a patch of metal foil having a point and an adhesive back, comprising(a) adhering each patch to the neck of a bottle by its central area with the upper area of the foil projecting above the bottle neck,(b) applying the laterally projecting patch ends so that they overlap one another,(c) folding down the area of each patch projecting above the bottle neck to the bottle side away from the patch point, and(d) simultaneously pressing down and smoothing the folded down patch area onto the top side and all about the circumferential margin adjacent thereto.A neater tear-free arrangement of the foil about the top and sides of the neck of the bottle results.

Abstract: A stitcher for a tire building machine having multiple discs disposed in concentric laminated relationship for relative movement in the radial and circumferential directions. The discs have a central opening in which a central supporting member is rotatably supported on a stitcher shaft. A plurality of circumferentially spaced cylindrical cushioning members are positioned between the central supporting member and the discs for resiliently accommodating relative radial movement of the discs when stitching tire surfaces of different radii. The central supporting member may have radially extending curved arms to separate and support the cylindrical cushioning members. The outer shell of the cushioning members may be of wear-resistant material in sliding engagement with the discs so that during relative rotational movement of said discs there will be a minimum amount of wear of the cushioning members and discs.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for labelling containers such as bottles and for placing groups of the containers in a crate. A labelling station includes an arm having at least two label-engaging portions separated by resilient neck portions which permit flexing as labels are placed on the container by the label-engaging portions. Also a bottle delivery system is provided having guide elements for grouping in fours. Each group guides a bottle into a pocket of a crate.

Abstract: There is disclosed label printing and applying apparatus comprising a platen and cooperable printing means for printing successive pressure sensitive labels, a delaminator for delaminating the printed labels successively from the associated web of supporting material, and an applicator for applying the printed delaminated labels to merchandise. The positional relationship of the delaminator relative to the platen and to the applicator can be quickly and easily varied by means of a resilient locking arrangement. Also disclosed are various embodiments of the applicator in the form of roll structure which is capable of yielding to conform to irregularities in the surface to which the label is applied.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying decorative metallic foils to the necks and over the closure elements of bottles. The bottles are orbited past a foid depositing element on a revolving table on which each bottle is supported on a turntable and stabilized by a retractable plunger. The adhesive coated foils are square or rectangular and are deposited so a pair of foil corners project up and down and a pair project laterally. A roller assembly bends in the lateral corners or points as the revolving table revolves. At a transfer area between the revolving table and a bottle removal star wheel a deflector bends down the upwardly projecting foil point. Variously oriented rotating brushes act on the foils when the bottles are on the star wheel and are rotating to finish the foil forming operations.

Abstract: Apparatus for labeling objects including fruits supplied to a labeling station by an endless conveyor. Labels on a carrier tape are moved from a supply reel by a knurled roller which impresses a surface weakening pattern on each label so it will readily conform to a non-planar surface of the object. The tape is formed into a feed storage loop by an oscillatable tension regulating arm which controls actuation and deactuation of the knurled roller. An indexing tape segment passes through an indexing block in a transfer station, where each entering label is sensed by a detector. Indexing movement of the tape is initiated by an object detector on the conveyor. Indexing moves the tape around a sharp bend to strip the detected label from the tape and position it in a label holding frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying labels to box ends, to achieve both securement and labeling of both box ends, in which the apparatus defines a processing way having entrance and exit ends along which is disposed an endless conveyor formed to define equally spaced seats for receiving and sequentially conveying along the way the boxes to be labeled, with the boxes disposed transversely of the way. The apparatus includes a labeling station through which the boxes are initially moved, and at which each box has applied to the underside of each end of same one end of a label having glue applied thereto and oriented to parallel the box and project endwise and outwardly of same a sufficient amount for bending around the box end (to which it is attached) for engagement with and securement to the top side of the box.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming a top assembly for desks, tables, credenzas and similar items having a core and an outer layer of a thin hard laminated plastic sheet adhered to the core. The thin hard laminated plastic sheet covers the top surface of the core and is wrapped around the side and end walls and undersurface edges thereof. The laminated plastic sheet is unbroken by seams or rims along the side and end edges of the top assembly. In forming the top assembly, a one-piece thin hard laminated plastic sheet is adhered by cement to the top surface of the core and is positioned so that side and end portions of the laminated plastic sheet extend beyond the side and end edges of the top surface. A selected extending side or end portion of the laminated plastic sheet is heated to soften it and make it pliable.