Means Joining Flexible Indefinite Length Or Endless Bodies End-to-end (e.g., Film, Tape, Belt Splicers) Patents (Class 156/502)
  • Patent number: 5437749
    Abstract: A system for coordinating the splices in each of the component webs used in making a composite corrugated paperboard web independently measures on a dynamic real time basis the length of each component web between the splicer where it is supplied and a downstream cutoff apparatus where the synchronized splices are cut out in a short length of web in which they are contained. The real time measurement of each component web includes continuous monitoring of web lengths subject to change while running through variable length storage areas, and an initialization procedure whereby an initially unknown length of component web in its respective storage is determined. The system also includes a calibration procedure by which the various devices used to measure running web lengths throughout the system are all calibrated to a master device which controls the total web length for each order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Marquip, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Pipkorn, David G. Flessert, Rose M. Cibulka
  • Patent number: 5419800
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and hardware for bonding together nds of a sealing strip. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of cutting a slot in both a first end and a second end of a sealing strip, inserting an attachment strip having a plurality of engaging members into the slot cut into the first end, applying adhesive to the second end of the sealing strip, and placing the two ends of the sealing strip into an abutting relationship by inserting the attachment strip into the slot in the second end and sliding the ends together. The hardware used to effect the method includes an alignment guide having a substantially C-shaped channel for receiving the ends of the sealing strip to be joined together. The alignment guide has an end cap associated therewith having one or more slots for receiving a cutting tool for cutting slots in the ends of the sealing strip. The hardware further includes an attachment strip which is used to join the ends of the sealing strip together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Paul E. Moody
  • Patent number: 5417795
    Abstract: An apparatus for pressure-adhering a joint portion of a tire building component material comprising: a vertically movable table for placing thereon a first cover with its axis oriented vertically and in a state where a joint portion of the component material is provisionally secured; and a vertically movable roller assembly having a device for fixing the first cover, rollers for compressing the first cover from the inside and outside of the first cover, and an impeller device for causing the rollers to move vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Iseki, Youichi Endo, Masakazu Taguchi
  • Patent number: 5415485
    Abstract: A ribbon cartridge reloader apparatus which removes spent ribbon from a cartridge and inserts replacement ribbon into the cartridge. The ribbon cartridge reloader includes a discharge motor to pull spent ribbon from a cartridge, at least one infeed motor, interchangeable bits driven by the infeed motor, at least one clamp capable of releasably fastening a ribbon cartridge into the apparatus and urging an external ribbon advance knob of the ribbon cartridge against the interchangeable drive bits, a footage counter, a ribbon tensioner, and a sensor capable of disabling the apparatus when a pre-selected amount of replacement ribbon has been fed into the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: Michael L. Marenger
  • Patent number: 5403413
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing surface fastener bands having opposite end portions provided with mating multiple fastener elements including a pair of grippers for moving the opposite end portions into a joining station for joining together to form a single band, and an endless belt conveyor having a continuous surface fastener tape applied on an upper surface thereof, and a pressing roller for pressing one of the end portions of the surface fastener band to the conveyor for transporting the band downstream to a packing station or further station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Yuichi Masuda
  • Patent number: 5403429
    Abstract: An apparatus for joining the ends of belt-shaped members. The apparatus includes first and second transporting devices, a positioning device, and an end affixing device. The first and second transporting devices extend and retract in the longitudinal direction of the belt-shaped member, and transport the belt-shaped members in the longitudinal direction thereof. The positioning device stops the transport of the belt-shaped members and positions the belt-shaped members as opposing ends of the belt-shaped members on the first and second transporting devices being driven abut against the positioning device. The end affixing device joins the aligned ends of the belt-shaped members. Accordingly, the apparatus for joining the ends of belt-shaped members properly positions and joins the opposing ends of the belt-shaped members on the first and second transporting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Masataka Minakawa, Toshio Azuma
  • Patent number: 5397424
    Abstract: An apparatus has first and second loading means, and first and second rolls each obtained by winding a strip-like material are loaded on the first and second loading means. A detection means detects an end indication tape adhered to a trailing end portion of the strip-like material of the roll. A cutting/unrolling means automatically unrolls the strip-like material from the roll, and cuts the leading and trailing end portions of the strip-like material to form the leading and trailing ends. The unrolled strip-like material is guided along a predetermined path by a guide means. A joining station is arranged midway along the guide path. One strip-like material is fed through the joining station by a feeding means, and the leading end portion of the other strip-like material is stopped and stands by at the joining station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Makoto Sakano, Toshihide Kohata
  • Patent number: 5393363
    Abstract: A sliding box for placing a film of insulating or draining material within a trench has a front section for receiving a roll of film and a rear section for delivery of the film into the trench. Between the front section (2) and the rear section (13), the box has a connecting chamber (4) provided at each end with a pair of rollers (5-6, 7-8) mounted within said chamber by means for varying the lateral spacing of the rollers of one and the same pair between an active position in which the two rollers grip the film (3) and a position of relative withdrawal in which the film passes freely between the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Fournier S.A.
    Inventor: Christian Fournier
  • Patent number: 5388387
    Abstract: An assembly and method provide a continuous supply of packaging film to a form, fill and seal packaging machine with two spindles alternately operating as the active spindle to feed the film from one roll at a time. Opposed pneumatic manifolds are operative to splice the tail-end of the film from the active roll to the head-end of the film from the standby roll. The opposed manifolds pivot in opposite directions away from the machine to provide easy access for loading. A programmable controller controls the splicing operation. Valves operated by the controller connect a vacuum source to one of the manifolds to hold the head-end at a splicing station and to the other to maintain tension on the active film after the tail-end leaves the spindle. An end-of-roll detector near the spindle triggers the tensioning function. The width of the manifold is adjustable to accommodate different width film. A photocell detector and encoder in the circuit allow tracking of the tail-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Kliklok Corporation
    Inventor: Howell T. McElvy
  • Patent number: 5385316
    Abstract: A splicing apparatus has a drum rotatable about a drum axis adjacent a web roll and having a generally cylindrical outer surface centered on the drum axis. A pair of suction bars on the drum defining thereon an axially extending and radially outwardly open slot each have an outer surface and are each pivotal about an axis generally parallel to the drum axis between a rest position with the bar surface forming a respective part or continuation of the outer surface of the drum and a holding position with its surface pressed angularly against the other bar so that in the holding position a web end can be clamped between the bars. Air is aspirated through the surfaces of the bars to adhere the web to the drum. The drum can be rotated about the drum axis and can be moved to displace the drum into engagement with the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Jagenberg Aktiengesellshaft
    Inventor: Manfred Weis
  • Patent number: 5380393
    Abstract: A hand strapping tool for applying a strap to an article is provided wherein the hand strapping tool comprises a tensioning feedwheel assembly, a vibrating welding assembly, and a pneumatic circuit pneumatically connectable to a source of pressurized fluid for energizing the circuit. The circuit comprises a portion for automatically tensioning the strap around an article and a circuit portion for automatically welding the strap. The circuit also includes a portion for automatically determining tensioning of the strap around the article operatively associated with the circuit portion for automatically tensioning the strap. A circuit portion for automatically delaying welding of the strap is operatively connected to the circuit portion for automatically welding the strap. A circuit portion for automatically determining duration of welding of the strap is operatively associated with the circuit portion for automatically welding the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Signode Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Drabarek, Janusz Figiel
  • Patent number: 5356498
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for forming diagonal splices in flexible, fusible material and the material spliced accordingly. The splice is formed by overlapping the material, tensioning the material at the area to be spliced, and heating a strip of the material under tension to its fusion temperature, thereby fusing and separating the material at the strip. The splice is nearly undetectable to the untrained eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Kyle E. Morrison, Kenneth R. Wilmoth, Richard D. Neal, Jimmie L. Cox
  • Patent number: 5356092
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a tape loading module for loading use tape into cassettes which includes a chassis having a front face plate upon which a miniature vacuum chamber and counter wheel combination, a leader extractor pin, two movable tape support blocks and a leader positioning assembly are mounted. The juxtaposition of these particular components, their particular configurations and their modes of operation permit the construction of a tape loading module which is significantly reduced in size from previous loading modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Tapematic U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Luciano Perego
  • Patent number: 5350472
    Abstract: A novel method and apparatus are provided for making an improved welded joint between overlapping lengths of thermoplastic strap. The welded joint includes a central region and an adjacent peripheral region. The pressure on the strap joint during formation is released first in the peripheral region and subsequently in the central region. An embodiment of the apparatus for making such a joint includes an anvil, a central strap-engaging member, a peripheral strap engaging member, and a mechanism for moving the anvil sequentially to three positions. At a first position the overlapping strap lengths are pressed between the anvil and both the central and peripheral strap-engaging members. In the second position of the anvil the peripheral strap-engaging member does not press against the strap lengths while the central strap-engaging member continues to press the strap lengths against the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Signode Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Koblella
  • Patent number: 5348600
    Abstract: A method of forming a cylindrical member includes the steps of: attaching an auxiliary bar having a shape of a substantially triangular prism to a forming drum; supplying a belt-shaped member cut to a predetermined length toward the forming drum and causing a leading end of the belt-shaped member to be attached to one of side surfaces of the auxiliary bar; supplying the belt-shaped member onto the forming drum while the forming drum is being rotated so as to wind the belt-shaped member around the forming drum, and attaching a trailing end of the belt-shaped member to another side surface of the auxiliary bar; separating the leading end and the trailing end of the belt-shaped member from the auxiliary bar; removing the auxiliary bar off the forming drum; and causing the leading and the trailing end of the belt-shaped member to butt against each other on the forming drum. Also provided is an apparatus for forming a cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Ryutaro Ishii
  • Patent number: 5340048
    Abstract: A cutting and splicing unit has first, second and third blocks arranged to hold a leading portion and a trailing portion of a leader extracted from an access opening of a cassette being processed. The second and third blocks, which are integral with each other, can be individually disposed close to the first block through a movement parallel to a front panel in a direction perpendicular to the cassette access opening. A gripper member passes over the blocks to pick up a piece of adhesive tape supplied from a supply unit located in front of the front panel while a blade fastened to the gripper member severs the leader or the magnetic tape laid on the blocks. The simultaneous lifting of the blocks applies the adhesive tape to a junction area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Tapematic U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Luciano Perego
  • Patent number: 5323981
    Abstract: A splicer tape is provided for holding down the leading end portion of the outer layer of a new roll of web and for enabling the leading end portion of the new roll to be spliced to the trailing end portion of an active web. The tape contains an elongated strip of carrier material having inner and outer sides with the inner side of the strip having a first and second longitudinally extending section and preferably having an intermediate longitudinally extending section located between the first and second sections, said intermediate section being free of adhesive. A first adhesive is applied onto the first section and comprises a non-releasable adhesive which is to be applied against the leading end portion of the new roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Sequa Corporation
    Inventor: Donald Dionne
  • Patent number: 5306383
    Abstract: A novel method and apparatus are provided for making an improved welded joint between overlapping lengths of thermoplastic strap. The welded joint includes a central region and an adjacent peripheral region. The pressure on the strap joint during formation is released first in the peripheral region and subsequently in the central region. An embodiment of the apparatus for making such a joint includes an anvil, a central strap-engaging member, a peripheral strap engaging member, and a mechanism for moving the anvil sequentially to three positions. At a first position the overlapping strap lengths are pressed between the anvil and both the central and peripheral strap-engaging members. In the second position of the anvil the peripheral strap-engaging member does not press against the strap lengths while the central strap-engaging member continues to press the strap lengths against the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Signode Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Kobiella
  • Patent number: 5296076
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for applying a tape on a belt-like member which is being fed continuously are disclosed in which a new tape loaded as a spare is delivered when the tape is depleted so as to continue the operation of applying the tape, so that the tape can be continuously stuck on the belt-like member by using several tapes while eliminating the necessity of stopping the operation of applying the tape onto the belt-like member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Morita
  • Patent number: 5292397
    Abstract: The trailing end of a web of photosensitive material which is being unwound from a core in a cassette is connected to the core by an elongated strip. A monitoring device is placed adjacent the path of movement of the web from the core to the nip of two advancing rolls, and the monitoring device is activated as soon as it detects the strip. The motor for the advancing rolls is driven for an interval of time and at a speed such that, when the monitoring device detects the trailing end of the strip, the web is advanced through a predetermined distance to locate its trailing end at a splicing station where the trailing end of the web is to be spliced with the leader of a next-following web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernhard Lorenz, Christian Richter, Rainer Tuercke
  • Patent number: 5279696
    Abstract: Uniting bands in the form of heat-sealable labels which bear encoded information are applied to exposed photographic films to join the films end-to-end. The encoded information is decoded by a reader before the labels are applied to the films to thus ensure that the hot sealing member which is used to apply labels cannot destroy or distort encoded information prior to decoding. Decoded information is used for the application of corresponding information to envelopes for exposed and developed films and for the prints of images of the respective film frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helmut Zangenfeind, Gunther Scholch, Reinhart Wurfel, Rainer Turcke
  • Patent number: 5275673
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of and an apparatus for sticking a paper web to a paper web threading member superposed on the paper web through the intermediary of an adhesive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kunio Suzuki, Kazuaki Shibuya
  • Patent number: 5273228
    Abstract: An apparatus for continuously unwinding a plurality of rolled-up tapes made of fusible material wherein the tapes are successively unwound, one at a time, from at least two rewinders for supporting the tape thereon, with the tail end of the preceding tape joined to the leading end of the following tape. The apparatus comprises a guide roller assembly for transporting the preceding tape via a joining station, a tape end sensor for detecting the tail end of the preceding tape, and a joining device for holding the following tape at its leading end as folded over and opposed to the preceding tape, thermally bonding the tail end of the preceding tape to the folded-over leading end of the following tape in response to a detection signal from the tape end sensor, and cutting off a portion of the resulting joint with only a required length thereof left uncut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Shikoku Kakoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyomi Yoshida, Fumiyuki Iwano, Kojiro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5267508
    Abstract: An automatic package strapping machine having a sliding plate movable in a table between a forward position and a rearward position, a first clamp under the forward position of the sliding plate and movable up and down to press a leading end of a strap inserted under the sliding plate from one side of the sliding plate against the under side thereof, a second clamp under the forward position of the sliding plate and movable up and down to fix a part of the strap extending thereover and the leading end of the strap against the under side of the sliding plate, a pressing device under the forward position of the sliding plate and movable up and down for cutting the strap as the pressing device is moving up relative to the first clamp and for pressing the part of the strap and the leading end thereof against the under side of the sliding plate, a heater for, in a forward position, being held between the part of the strap and the leading end thereof and fusing surfaces of the part of the strap and the leading end
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Shoko Kiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Suefumi Yoshino
  • Patent number: 5254193
    Abstract: Assembly fixtures for assembling and stuffing a ribbon into a ribbon cartridge for use with a typewriter, or a printer, comprises a base plate, stops on the base plate forming a space for receiving a ribbon cartridge, and an instruction card mounted on the base plate for instructing the operator how to assemble and stuff a ribbon cartridge. The instruction card may include three-dimensional drawings of the ribbon cartridge and its parts. A method of assembling and stuffing a ribbon cartridge includes the steps of providing an assembly fixture having a base plate and a ribbon cartridge space providing instruction cards mounted on the base plate for instructing an operator, guiding the ribbon cartridge into the cartridge space on the base plate, and following the instructions mounted on the base plate to assemble and stuff the ribbon cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Pelikan, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick D. Carter, Bruce S. Jones, Allen W. Putnam
  • Patent number: 5248358
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating superconducting tape splices is disclosed. In particular, a TIG welding torch is automatically traversed in front of two superconducting foils which are held in an overlapping relationship so that a weldment is created between the two foils and a splice is eventually created. The torch is automatically traversed by use of a stepper motor and a motor control which controls the direction of traverse and the traverse speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Ranze, Donald B. Sorensen, James T. Kundlack
  • Patent number: 5240534
    Abstract: Joining elastomeric sheets includes providing a support surface with a cavity therein. End portions of the elastomeric sheets are overlapped so each end portion spans the cavity. A tool is located on a side of the elastomeric sheets opposite the cavity. A portion of the tool is moved into the cavity to deform the end portions of the elastomeric sheets and to form a joint having less than the combined thickness of the end portions of the elastomeric sheets prior to deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Company
    Inventors: Noboru Tokita, John R. Lindquist
  • Patent number: 5238522
    Abstract: A device for joining a leading end of a new second strip-like material to a trailing end of a supplied first strip-like material is disclosed. This device includes a joining preparation path. A stamper base is arranged midway along the joining preparation path. The first and second strip-like materials are fed to the joining preparation path by first and second feed mechanisms, respectively. The first strip-like material passes through the stamper base, and is supplied to the next process by a convey mechanism. The leading end of the second strip-like material is aligned with a predetermined position of the stamper base, and is held in position. The device includes a stamper for holding a joining tape piece by suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Makoto Sakano, Yoshihisa Sato
  • Patent number: 5238521
    Abstract: A movable strap-engaging member is provided for being connected at a first pivot axis to a vibrator arm for accommodating pivot movement of the vibrator arm about the pivot axis while the movable strap-engaging member is pressing a first length of flexible thermoplastic strap against a second length such strap in an elongate strap-receiving path. The movable strap-engaging member is reciprocated generally transversely of the path to effect a friction-fusion weld of the strap lengths. The movable strap-engaging member has a configuration in which first and second centers of mass are spaced apart on a line that passes through the pivot axis and that is oriented generally perpendicular to the path. The product of the square of the distance along the line between the pivot axis and the mass of the first center of mass is substantially equal to the product of the square of the distance along the line between the pivot axis and the mass of the second center of mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Signode Corporation
    Inventors: Nelson Cheung, Janusz Figiel
  • Patent number: 5225025
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated resistance welding of materials is provided. The material may be thermoplastic material. The material has a layer of a second material adjacent thereto. The second material is a dissimilar material which may be applied as a film or a coating on the first material, or the second material may be a separate layer placed adjacent the first material. A heating element is placed in the interface between overlapping portions of the two pieces of material to be welded together. The layers are directly adjacent to the heating element. The layers can be consolidated onto the heating element if desired. The heating element can be composed of carbon fibers in a polymer matrix. The heating element is supplied with current to generate resistive heating. The heating causes melting of the layers adjacent to and contacting the material. Pressure is applied to the area being welded to fuse the materials together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Cynthia L. T. Lambing, Stephen M. Andersen, Scott Holmes, Roderic Don, Scott Leach, John Gillespie
  • Patent number: 5223070
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an endless ribbon comprises a pair of clamping devices situated spaced apart from each other along a ribbon path for overlapping two ends of a ribbon one above the other, an ultrasonic welding device for welding the overlapped portion of the ribbon along a weld line, a guide member to be inserted between the main ribbon body and superfluous ribbon end joined by way of the weld line, the thickness of the guide member on the side of the ribbon end being gradually reduced toward the weld line, and a cutter having an arcuate blade each for cutting off the superfluous ribbon end in the vicinity of the weld line in cooperation with the guide member. The endless ribbon is manufactured by a method of clamping the two ends of a ribbon overlapped one above the other, welding a central part of the overlap along a weld line, inserting the guide member between the main ribbon body and the ribbon end and cutting off the ribbon end at a position in the vicinity of the weld line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Seidensha Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigemasa Tsubone
  • Patent number: 5221404
    Abstract: An automatic tape cassette vending machine capable of automatically selecting a desired kind of a magnetic tape and a cassette casing and automatically determining a desired length of the magnetic tape, to thereby meet desired requirements of user's, when they input desired conditions such as a type of a magnetic tape, the length of a magnetic tape, a type of a cassette casing and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Kinichiro Oya, Sadao Iwaya
  • Patent number: 5221409
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for splicing ply stock comprises structure (40) for splicing two strips of ply stock (24) in end to end relation whereby the edges (26,30) along opposed ends (36,38) of the strips are abutted against each other and the top and bottom surfaces (42,44 & 46,48) of the strips are stitched to each other across the junction (45) between the abutted edges. The structure includes first and second powered splicing units (50,52) disposed above the top surfaces (42,44) and below the bottom surfaces (46,48), respectively, of the stock strips for simultaneous movement across the edges extending the width of the top and bottom surfaces, respectively, whereby the opposed ends of the strips of stock are pressed into the splicing gears (54,56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Mary Beth Hart, Richard B. Nash
  • Patent number: 5211799
    Abstract: A support beam supports a box type beam on which there is located, essentially tangentially to the shell surface of a guide roll coordinated with it, a contact surface for the adhesive tape. Perpendicular to the contact surface, a holding slot for the adhesive tape is provided on the box-shaped beam. The adhesive tape protrudes out of this holding slot with a considerable part, of which the cover foil is removed. A blowing device or blowing channels with blowing orifices bend the part of the adhesive tape protruding out of the slot upward so that, with the support beam approaching the guide roll, this part of the adhesive tape practically is in contact with the contact surface. In this way, adhesive tape can be fastened on the web end wrapping around the guide roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: J. M. Voith GmbH
    Inventor: Zygmunt Madrzak
  • Patent number: 5207854
    Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for adjoining two ends of a length of impact printer ribbon to form a continuous loop of ribbon. A welding fixture, including a welding anvil, ironing anvil and ultrasonic horn are provided to join the ribbon ends. Tensioning slides are provided to grip the ribbon ends and tension the ribbon during welding operations. A microprocessor controls a series of pistons, switches and solenoids to control the welding sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventor: Paul E. Becking
  • Patent number: 5207859
    Abstract: A device is provided for connecting the trailing end of a web of material to the leading end of the following web of material. The web of material undergoes a processing operation downstream from the device. The device includes a frame having guide rollers for determining the travel path for the web of material. Pressure elements are provided in the device which are movable towards and away from each other at right angles to the travel path of the web of material. In addition, cutting elements for cutting through the web of material are also provided. The device can be made wide for interconnecting wide webs of material but it is also compact in structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Stork Contiweb B.V.
    Inventor: Thomas G. M. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 5203950
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cutting, according to a saw tooth pattern, the extremities of veneer tapes between two pairs of upper and under knives and for gluing those extremities under pressure by using i.a. a pression beam on which the necessary pressure is applied by a hammer of an oscillable press and which, for that purpose, is beared in a vertically displacable bridge, characterized in that the device comprises the following elements:(a) means for locking the hammer (13) of said press with respect to said bridge (2):(b) under and upper knives which cut the veneer tapes at different heights;(c) means for bringing said hammer (13) in its rest position when it is delocked with respect to said bridge (2);(d) a pneumatic cylinder (28) for pulling down said bridge (2);(e) means for neutralizing the pression exerted by springs on the under knives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: Ludy Spoelders
  • Patent number: 5198056
    Abstract: Known methods and devices for overlap-welding of printing by means of ultrasonics have been developed further to enable problem-free use, particularly with wire printers also having thin wires, and to enable welding of multi-color ribbons. The invention also permits more durable components. In the method according to the invention, the printing ribbon to be joined is retained in a non-overlapping fashion on movable plates, preferably by means of a vacuum, and is severed by a cutter, preferably by means of an ultrasonic sonotrode and cutting anvil, and is then moved so that the ribbon ends are in overlapping position, and then welded, preferably with a structured part of a sonotrode on a wielding anvil which is likewise structured. A device according to the invention has two plates with ribbon-retaining means, a cutter, and a joiner, such as a welder, for joining the two ribbons ends. The plates are movable to at least two positions suitable respectively for the cutting and joining functions of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: SM Engineering AG
    Inventors: Xaver Stockli, Jurg Messerli
  • Patent number: 5190234
    Abstract: In a web handling apparatus for continuously supplying a running web to a web-consuming machine using a main accumulator to provide uninterrupted feed of the web during splicing of the trailing end of an expiring roll to the leading end of a ready roll, an improved ready-roll acceleration technique uses a supplemental accumulator disposed between the ready roll and the splicing head to enable the ready roll to be accelerated prior to completion of the splice. This technique permits the use of a smaller main accumulator and/or increased running speeds. In fact, the total storage capacity of the main and supplemental accumulators can be less than that of the single accumulator of conventional apparatus of this type. Furthermore, the running roll can be slowed without adverse consequence so as to reduce web tension upsets. The invention is also useful in web winder/splicer applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Butler Automatic, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick D. Ezekiel
  • Patent number: 5185050
    Abstract: An apparatus for cutting opposed irregularly shaped ends of veneers to produce opposed inclined end faces and for bonding the veneers together at the inclined end faces thereof, has a cutter which cuts an irregularly shaped end of a veneer to produce an end face inclining from an upper edge to a lower edge a little ahead of the upper edge. The apparatus also has an adhesive-material supplying device with outlets from which an adhesive material is projected. The outlets are located substantially directly above, and in immediate proximity to, an inclined front end face of a following veneer on a first support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Meinan Machinery Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Shinichi Sakamoto, Kenichi Hiraiwa, Masaru Koike, Yoshioki Nozawa
  • Patent number: 5181669
    Abstract: A cassette loader for loading a length of magnetic tape into cassette having a relatively short length of leader tape pre-loaded into the cassette and attached by opposite ends to respective first and second cassette hubs. The cassette loader includes a leader equalization position for holding a cassette; a leader equalizer for winding the leader tape substantially completely onto one or the other of the first and second cassette hubs while the cassette is in the leader equalization position and a cassette loading position spaced-apart from the leader equalization position for loading a length of magnetic tape into a cassette which has previously been processed in the leader equalization position. A cassette loading position is provided for loading a length of magnetic tape into the cassette at the cassette loading position simultaneously with the operation of the leader equalizer on the cassette in the leader equalization position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Concept Design
    Inventors: Drey Johnson, Robert Gaude, Robert I. Farrow, Paul DeMint, Ray O. McNeill
  • Patent number: 5171396
    Abstract: A device for splicing paper webs for the manufacture of corrugated board. At least one pressing and redirecting roller is provided to receive the terminating web to be spliced from a web roll. Two clamping rollers, which function in an alternating manner, grasp the terminating web from the web roll. The clasping rollers are moveable from their initial positions to operating positions. A clamping beam, which functions in an alternating manner with one or the other clasping rollers, includes pressing faces disposed oppositely facing each other, there being one beam for each of the clasping rollers. Each clamping beam has a pressing face for pressing the web which runs across it. Two breaking beams alternatingly cooperate with the upper side of the clamping beam for one or the other clasping roller to bring the terminating web to rest. Two alternatingly functioning knives act to cut off the web which is played out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: BHS-Bayerische Berg-, Hutten- und Salzwerke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Armin Rank, Alfons Gnan
  • Patent number: 5169466
    Abstract: A length of tape is drawn off a reel, passed over the cutting/connecting section of a splicer, passed through a temporary storage vessel and looped back so as to pass over the cutting/connecting section again. Tape clamps hold the two layers of tape on the cutting/connecting section which are then cut. One of the tape clamps is withdrawn while an applicator applies a piece of adhesive tape in a manner which splices a continuous loop of tape. To remove a superfluous portion of the tape from the continuous loop, the loop is moved to a position wherein one end of the superfluous length is located over the cutting/connecting section. The tape is clamped and cut. One of the two tape clamps then lifts the now open end of the loop clear and the superfluous portion is spliced to the tape on a supply reel. The reel is rotated in manner which winds the superfluous length thereonto until the other end of the superfluous length is drawn to the cutting/connecting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Sony Magnescale, Inc.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Matsuyama, Yoshihiko Miyasaka, Yoshiki Takao
  • Patent number: 5169480
    Abstract: A timing control circuit for a pneumatically-operable device, which is manually actuable so as to provide fluid flow to a revervoir through means of a variable flow control valve and a line-pressure-operable, normally-open valve disposed within the primary fluid flow, is disclosed. The pressure operable valve is closed at a sensed line pressure so as to interrupt fluid flow to the tool so as to terminate an operating cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Signode Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Toppel, David E. Crittenden
  • Patent number: 5167751
    Abstract: An apparatus for end correction of an automotive tire strip member comprises a conveyor belt for conveyance of a tire strip member consisting of rubberized steel cords to a tire building drum, which conveyor belt is narrower than the strip member, a supporting plate disposed under the conveyor belt and adapted to support the belt, a guide plate extending in parallel with the lengthwise axis of the conveyor belt and disposed above the supporting plate and on one side thereof in such a manner that it is driven to advance and retreat with respect to the conveyor belt, and a magnet disposed below the supporting plate and toward one side thereof in such a manner that it is driven to advance and retreat with respect to the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kentaro Shimizu, Osamu Fujiki, Mitsuru Hitotsuyanagi
  • Patent number: 5164031
    Abstract: A cutting/connection device of a tape splicer includes a fixed base member and a vertically displaceable member. The end portions of tapes to be spliced are overlaid one on top of the other on the device. A cutter severes the tapes so that the movable member can be vertically displaced in a manner which brings the free ends of the two tapes to the same level. Under these conditions a strip of adhesive tape is applied to splice the tapes together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Sony Magnescale, Inc.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Matsuyama, Yoichi Kawaharasaki
  • Patent number: 5160571
    Abstract: A cassette tape loading device comprised of a cassette holding means for holding a cassette case, a tape supplying means for supplying a magnetic tape, a first splicing block means for releasably holding a leading end of the magnetic tape, a leader tape drawing means for drawing out leader tape from the cassette case, a second splicing block means for releaseably holding the leader tape, a third splicing block means for releaseably holding a cut end of said leader tape or a cut end of said magnetic tape, a first cutting means for cutting the leader tape held by the second and third splicing block means between the second and third splicing block means when the third splicing block means combines with the second splicing block means, a second cutting means for cutting a magnetic tape held by the first and third splicing block means between the first and third splicing block means when the third splicing block means combines with the first splicing block means, splice means for splicing both the cut end of said
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Otari, Inc.
    Inventors: Haruo Nakano, Koichi Sota
  • Patent number: 5156663
    Abstract: An apparatus for fushion splicing optical fiber with three pairs at clamps; the outermost pair of clamps has one rotatable clamp mechanism that is manually operated and a second rotatable clamp mechanism that is operated by a motor. A rapid fine adjustment of the alignment of the polarization maintaining optical fibers can be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignees: Fujikura Ltd., Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Keinichiro Itoh, Takeshi Yamada, Tsutomu Onodera, Mikio Yoshinuma, Yasuyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 5154786
    Abstract: A length of tape is drawn off a reel, passed over the cutting/connecting section of a splicer, passed through a temporary storage vessel and looped back so as to pass over the cutting/connecting section again. The free end is connected to a take up reel. Tape clamps bring the overlapping layers of tape down onto the cutting/connecting section and are then cut. One of the tape clamps is withdrawn while an applicator applies a piece of adheseive tape in a manner which splices a continuous loop of tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Sony Magnescale Inc.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Matsuyama, Yoshihiko Miyasaka
  • Patent number: 5152470
    Abstract: A splicing block assembly for splicing a length of leader tape connected to a hub of a cassette to a length of magnetic tape while the cassette is in a cassette load which includes a splice block mounted for reciprocating lateral movement between a first position in tape alignment with a first cassette position and a second position in tape alignment with a second cassette position. The splice block has a planar splicing surface segment having at least one tape receiving elongate track therein. A shift block is mounted on the splice block. The shift block has a planar splicing surface segment flush with the planar splicing surface of the splice block with first and second tape receiving tracks therein. The shift block is mounted on the splice block for reciprocating lateral movement between a first position where the first track is in tape alignment with the track of the splice block and a second position where the second track is in tape alignment with the track of the splice block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Concept Design
    Inventors: Robert I. Farrow, Gregory D. Allen