Abstract: A device (1) for dispensing a cushioning and packaging element from at least one strip of paper includes at least two guides (2) around which at least one strip of paper is wound. The device (1) also includes at least one drive element for driving the at least one strip of paper. The device (1) further includes at least one creasing device (4) for creasing the at least one strip of paper. The guides (2) extend beyond the at least one creasing device (4), downstream of the at least one creasing device (4).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a label on an article is described. The apparatus may include a first and a second channels. Each of the channels may comprise a first surface and a second surface positioned opposite the first surface. The second surface may comprise a curved edge. The curved edge may further comprise an open end curved towards the first surface. The applicator assembly may be used to provide assistance with applying a label held on a label securing assembly to an article. The first surface of each of the first channel and the second channel may be adapted to restrict a curvature of the label. The open end of the second surface of each of the first channel and the second channel may be adapted to contact an adhesive side of the label.

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 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: 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: The invention is related to an RFID applicator that may include a peeler member (140) including a peel end (142), the peeler member being configured to cause an RFID label (102) to peel away from a web (110) when the web passes around the peel end; a label tamp assembly (150) configured to receive the RFID label and to move the RFID label into contact with an item (104) on which the RFID label is to be applied; and a label reject assembly having an extendable path altering mechanism (500) located proximate to said peel end, configured to advance from a retracted position to an extended position to alter a path of the web around said peel end, and wherein said extendable path altering mechanism is positioned and dimensioned to inhibit an RFID label from peeling away from said web.

Abstract: A wire-gathering device to position a plurality of electrical wires without swing to the center of a rotating drum regardless of size of outer diameters of a bundle of the electrical wires by means of a simple configuration. The wire-gathering device includes the rotating drum having a notch for allowing insertion of the wires and an adhesive tape together and a band disposed in the notch for resiliently supporting and gathering the wires with a curved surface thereof. The band is resilient. The wire-gathering device further includes a slider slidably disposed in the notch and fixing the band, wherein the slider is urged toward an opening of the notch with a resilient member.

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: A cushion forming apparatus includes a frame with a pivoted hold down member and a pneumatic bladder below the hold down member. The bladder is alternately connectable with a source of pressure and to atmosphere through control valve. The components of a cushion sub-assembly are loaded onto the deflated bladder, the hold down member is lowered to the locked position, the bladder is inflated to force a cover around foam blocks and adjacent a base, the cover is attached to the side edges of the base, the bladder is deflated, the hold down member released and the assembled structure removed.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles or containers with a liquid beverage which has a labeling device for labeling the bottles or containers. The labeling device has at least two labeling stations, wherein at least one labeling station can be moved from an operating position to a rest position when its supply of labels is exhausted, while at least one other labeling station can be moved from a rest position to an operating position to permit a substantially continuous feed and application of labels to bottles or containers.

Abstract: An edge wrap machine for applying decorative laminate to an aircraft interior panel, particularly a stowbin door, lifts the edge to be wrapped with an actuator, wraps the edge automatically by drawing a vacuum between two silicone blankets sandwiching the panel, and lowers the actuator to achieve bonding pressure on the wrapped edge. The machine automates a hand operation that is relatively slow and potentially dangerous to the workers.

Abstract: An edge wrap machine for applying decorative laminate to an aircraft interior panel, particularly a stowbin door, lifts the edge to be wrapped with an actuator, wraps the edge automatically by drawing a vacuum between two silicone blankets sandwiching the panel, and lowers the actuator to achieve bonding pressure on the wrapped edge. The machine automates a hand operation that is relatively slow and potentially dangerous to the workers.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for sealing leaks in electrical insulators and other equipment without the need for depressurizing that equipment. The system and method may be readily adapted to seal any joint, regardless of its configuration. In addition, while the system and method provide an effective and sure seal, the seal may be readily removed in order to change out the leaking component at a future date. A tubular seal is maneuvered into position to encircle the leaking joint. A reinforcing layer is applied over the seal. The seal is then filled with sealant under pressure. The seal isolates the sealant and its direct hydraulic pressure from the operating components to prevent the sealant from contacting those components, while simultaneously providing sufficient force against the leaking joint to stop the leak.

Abstract: A seat cushion mold with an elastic member and method provide the manufacture of an improved seat cushion for use in upholstered chairs or the like having a smooth, uniform shape without unsightly underlines. A thick, resilient foam block is positioned on a rigid planer base and is urged into the mold whereby a thin foam cover layer is adhered to the outer edges of the planar base to produce a precisely contoured cushion which can be upholstered and fitted to a chair frame.

Abstract: A laminated bench top forming machine including first and second folder bars where the second folder bar includes a resilient portion. The first folder bar folds a laminate, which is on a surface, around a curved edge of the surface. The second folder bar then acts against the folded portion of the laminate and against an area of the curved edge such that as this occurs the resilient portion of the second folder bar contracts and causes the second folder bar to move around the curved edge such that the second folder bar applies a force against at third part of the surface to form a laminated bench top.

Abstract: A label applicator for applying labels to cup-shaped packaging containers including a label storing device means in the form of label rolls, from which labels are removed with the aid of a removal device and labels are applied by a transfer device to the packaging containers. The labels are applied by a contact pressure device to the jacket faces of the packaging containers. Because the application of the labels to packaging containers takes place after the forming of the containers, the design of the label application device is simplified, and accessibility to the containers is 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: A press for transferring images from pictures or substrates to other objects, such as mugs or other cylindrical objects. The press comprises a flexible band or jacket type clamp lined with suitable compressible material and capable of being clamped tightly against a generally cylindrical outer surface of an object, with the image to be transferred against such outer surface. The image is urged into intimate contact with the outer cylindrical surface by the clamping pressure transferred through the compressible material. An adjustable clamp permits ease of placement of the band type press onto the object to which the image is to be transferred.

Abstract: There is disclosed a label applying machine including a label applicator having a mounting plate and a resilient pad with selectively positionable vacuum buttons to hold labels of different sizes (lengths and widths) onto the label applicator by vacuum.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally attaching includes a thermally conductive support body (36; 86) with an edge surface (38; 88), a heater cartridge (42), a pneumatically expandable elastomeric element (44-54; 92-102), pinch plates (64, 66; 112, 114) for holding the elastomeric element in place, and passages (60, 62; 108, 110) for pressurizing the heated elastomeric element into contact with an element (24, 26) to be thermally attached to a mounting surface (85).

Abstract: An applicator for applying a label to the interior surface of a hollow body is provided. The applicator includes an applicator rod, which is connected to a source of negative pressure and is adapted to retain the label by means of the negative pressure. The applicator rod co-operates with an inflatable member. The inflatable member is positioned so as to force a label that is retained on the applicator rod against the inner surface of the hollow body when the applicator rod is inserted into the hollow body via an opening and the inflatable member is inflated. The inner surface of the hollow body and the label co-operate so that the label will adhere to the inner surface as the label is forced against this surface. The applicator is particularly well suited for use in a bicycle registration system. Used in such a system, the applicator functions to apply a label which adheres to the interior tube of a bicycle frame.

Abstract: A fiberglass or other material skin is applied to a composite airfoil structure in a mold assembly having a partially compliant caul plate component which defines the shape of the lower surface of the airfoil. The caul plate component includes a first portion which is essentially rigid and which covers the leading edge of the airfoil. The rigid portion of the caul plate component provides improved conformation of the airfoil skin to the leading edge of the airfoil. The caul plate component also includes a compliant portion which covers and defines the shape of the trailing edge of the lower surface of the airfoil. The stiffness of the caul plate component also has a variable stiffness zone which interconnects the rigid and compliant portions thereof.

Abstract: A flexible heating and vacuum pad sealer. The heating/vacuum pad is used to hold heat sensitive decalcomania between the pad and the substrate for application of a decal to the substrate by heat and pressure. The sealer is normally used in combination with a reverse image type sublimation decal system to facilitate application of decals to solid objects such as urns or monuments. The heating pad includes a manifold portion having passageways for drawing a vacuum, a heating pad body portion having heating elements embedded therein, a porous lower compliant skin portion to contact the decal being applied, and a peripheral sealing lip. The heating elements and vacuum are interconnected with a control box.

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: Leaks can be sealed quickly by methods employing a flexible patch applied by a resilient applicator that can be caused to exert sufficient force against the patch and the leaking surface to stop fluid flow while a leak sealant is curing.

Abstract: Leaks can be sealed quickly by methods employing a flexible patch applied by a resilient applicator that can be caused to exert sufficient force against the patch and the leaking surface to stop fluid flow while a leak sealant is curing. The resilient applicator comprises a resilient deformable member having a wall that defines a cavity for receiving the patch entirely within the cavity together with a leak sealant for application to the leak.

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 main compactor and a tail compactor are independently movable with respect to a tape laying head when compacting composite tape. A piston-driven linkage switches the two compactors alternately to a tape laydown point defined with respect to the tape head.

Abstract: An improved tape laying machine for depositing and compacting composite plastic tape onto a work surface, for producing a plastic article, has a presser shoe member for applying and compacting a strip of composite plastic tape onto a work surface, and a tail compaction member for compacting the tail of the strip of composite plastic tape that are independently actuated, coordinately movable and linked to each other. The tail compaction member has a roller that engages the strip of tape substantially rearward of the point where the centerline of the presser shoe member intersects the compacted tape applied to the work surface as the presser shoe member is in compaction engagement with the tape. The tail compaction member roller then moves along a straight line path on the tape as the presser shoe member progressively retracts from compaction engagement with the composite plastic tape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for automatically binding a silicon wafer to a carrier plate. In the binding method of the present invention, the wafer is positioned underneath the carrier plate and then lifted and bonded to the carrier plate, at or below atmospheric pressure: once this is accomplished the process returns to the previous pressure. In addition, in the apparatus which performs this process, by means of a carrier means which supplies the carrier plate and wafer to the location where binding is to be carried out, the binding surface of the carrier plate and wafer are turned upward, transported and the carrier plate is flipped around in the interval between the carrier plate transportation apparatus and the binding unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for transfer and application of an offset, heat release decal to an article surface. A thin, supported, silicone membrane is indexed through successive work positions where the membrane is heated, picks up a heated decal and brings the decal into contact with the article surface for printing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming and bonding skins to shaped articles includes a first sleeve having an open top end and a lower end closed by a bottom plate, a second sleeve having an open top end and a lower second end which is slidable arranged, and coaxially connected, with the top end of the first sleeve, a top plate, and a forming medium. The forming medium may be an elastic medium, a fluid, or a plurality of low-friction particles, and may be covered by a flexible open pore sponge blanket. The shaped article and the laminate skin to be bonded thereto are placed on the forming medium within a space defined in part by the second sleeve, and the forming medium is pressurized so as to cause the skin to form and bond to the shaped article.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a flexible component onto a curved apparatus for subsequent treatment is provided, for example for supplying a bandage-like reinforcing insert onto a tire buildup drum. A vacuum hose, to which a vacuum can be supplied, is provided for gripping the flexible component. Lifting cylinders are provided for raising and lowering the vacuum hose. Guides are provided for the adjustment of the lifting cylinders relative to the curved apparatus for subsequent treatment.

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: 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: A heat transfer pad molded over elongated projections, such as bolts, to conduct heat to the pad interior, and securely maintain the pad on a support. A heater assembly slideably retains the pad and support, and includes replaceable heating elements, which are insulated from a mounting assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for guiding bottles along the surface of a rotating vacuum drum which holds plastic shrink labels until an individual label is rolled about the circumference of the bottle to form an overlapped seam. The bottles are of the style that have tapering shoulder and rounded heel joined by a cylindrical side wall. The rotational orientation of the bottle and label is maintained during roll-on of the label from the drum by a primary roll-on pad and the bottle with the label thereon is passed to an generally linear, secondary roll-on pad with the sleeve label bearing bottle moved along the secondary pad by a horizontally driven, vertically oriented belt. The secondary pad at locations along its length is provided with resilient vertically extending, contoured pads which also extend outward beyond the surface of the secondary pads so as to contact the formed overlap seam of the label to press the seam against the underlying bottle.

Abstract: A cushioning dunnage producing mechanism and method wherein the mechanism utilizes one or more webs of sheet-like stock material, with the stock material being adapted to be disposed by the mechanism in generally superimposed relation and then fed into a crumpler section of tubular-like construction, to radially compress the sheet-like material into a pad-like dunnage product. The lateral edges of the stock material are caused to be rolled inwardly into generally spiral-like form, prior to passage of the stock material into the crumpler section, by a forming frame of generally triangular-like shape both in plan and in side elevation, with the nose of the forming frame being disposed closely adjacent the entranceway to the crumpler section. Meshed spur gears coacting with the crumpler section, coin or stitch the confronting portions of the rolled edges of stock material together, to hold the produced dunnage product in a pad-like configuration.

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: 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: A label applicator is provided for applying pre-printed adhesive-backed labels from a printer to a corresponding commodity in a single stroke. A vacuum-assisted pick-up head receives the preprinted label and in one stroke delivers it and adheres it to a commodity. A new applicator head includes an integrated sponge-like, conformable portion which evenly applies the label, even across the face of an irregularly contoured commodity. The applicator head further includes a slidable pick-up and applicator tube, initially for retaining and then for spot sticking of the label to the commodity. A vacuum is applied to the applicator tube through a pick-up head having a hollow internal portion communicating, regardless of slide position, with the hollow applicator tube and, also, with the applicator head shaft, also having a hollow section for receiving the vacuum source. A downward stroke of the label applicator first causes the applicator tube to spot the label upon the commodity positioned below.

Abstract: A decorative laminate and method of transferring designs onto articles. The laminate is formed of a transfer substrate affixed to a support member. The transfer substrate is composed of a protective layer, an ink layer, and a nonwax-based adhesive/release layer. The adhesive/release layer is in direct contact with the support member and use of a wax layer intermediate the adhesive/release layer and the support is excluded. Optionally, a barrier layer is provided between the adhesive/release layer and the ink layer. In many applications the protective coating layer may be omitted. The laminate is applied to an article using a heated silicone rubber transfer pad to which the transfer substrate adheres during the transfer process.

Abstract: To cover the concave face of a lens preform with a protective sheet of transparent plastic by an elastic pressing element, the invention proposes inserting an elastic membrane between the pressing element and the protective sheet. Before or during pressing, the membrane is lowered over the preform which has been provided with the protective sheet. As a result of its presence, the entire peripheral area of the protective sheet can be applied homogeneously against the edge of the preform.

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: Apparatus for heat transfer labelling of articles using a resilient pad maintained at elevated temperatures. Decorative laminates affixed to a support member such as a web are fed to a heated platen. A resilient pad consisting of a silicone elastomer is pressed against the laminate at the heated platen, whereby the laminate adheres to the pad when it retracts from the platen. The heated pad is then pressed against an article to be labelled, to which the transfer substrate adheres in preference to the pad surface. The resilient pad is typically heated to a temperature above ambient temperature but lower than that of the heated platen. The pad is heated by repetitive contact with the platen, and additionally by an independent heater. The pad may include one or more interior heating elements, or an exterior radiant heater located adjacent the pad during periods between label transfers. This apparatus is well suited to the labelling of articles of a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and materials.

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: 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: The raised edge part of a deep-drawn plastic cover is printed by pressing a carrier of a resilient deformable material, carrying a coloring composition, against the raised edge part.An apparatus for manufacturing the plastic cover comprises a deformable carrier for carrying a coloring composition. The carrier is integral with a cylindrical part connected with a first cylinder. Two concentric cylinders, positioned around the first cylinder at either side thereof, deform annular parts of resilient material and press these annular parts against the raised edge part when, on the one hand, the first cylinder and, on the other hand, the two concentric cylinders are moved with respect to each other.The coloring composition may also be carried by a layer-shaped carrier material.

Abstract: A decorative laminate and method of transferring designs onto articles. The laminate is formed of a transfer substrate affixed to a support member. The transfer substrate is composed of a protective layer, an ink layer and a resinous coating layer. Optionally, a barrier layer is provided beteen the resinous layer and the ink layer. In many applications the protective coating layer may be omitted. The laminate is applied to an article using a heated silicone rubber transfer pad to which the transfer substrate adheres during the transfer process.

Abstract: Mounted in tandem on an elongated frame, a plurality of applicator head assemblies affords a versatile machine for bonding a decorative coating even to a relatively complicated pre-shaped edge of a workpiece. Means on the head for accurately positioning a rotatable applicator wheel having a circumference of silicone rubber profiled to match the edge permits the wheel to urge the coating with precision and uniformity onto the contoured edge of the substrate. An external radiant heat source raises the temperature of the silicone rubber periphery which, in turn, transfers heat by conduction to a transfer foil, thereby releasing the foil carrier and bonding the decorative film to the substrate edge. Pressure applied by the wheel in the plane of the wheel creates a wheel flat resulting in increased contact area and dwell time, thereby enhancing bonding precision and strength.